LOCAL

Clean Up Begins From Conoco Fire
Nearly News
Conoco Administrator Performs With Les Gilliam at the Poncan
Interview With Vampire At Poncan on Halloween
Hepatitis A Infection Can Spread
Pharmacists Emphasize Goal To Understanding Medications
Deadline Nov. 5 for Listing On Festival of Angels Map
NOYS Extending Outreach For Additional Services
Plea Ends Jury Trial

Clean Up Begins From Conoco Fire

The fire in the Ponca City tank farm is out. It began shortly before 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and the emergency situation was under control by 4 p.m., and resulted in the injuries to two Conoco employees.

Estimated damage from the fire at Tank No. 118 has been preliminary set at $1.5 million.

Mike Rowe and Eric Lowe, the injured Conoco employees, are in the Baptist Hospital Burn Unit in Oklahoma City. Both were stable through the night and early Friday morning. Dr. Edd Scovill, Conoco Medical Clinic director, said early Friday, “We are encouraged by their progress report from the medical staff at the burn center.”

Conoco Employee Assistance personnel continue to be in contact with the families and the hospital in Oklahoma City.

Conoco Emergency Response Teams, the Ponca City, Blackwell, and Tonkawa Fire Departments, and response teams from Sun Oil in Tulsa and Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville participated in bringing the fire under control.

“We should all take comfort in the capability and professionalism of these people. They did a remarkable job,” Richard Severance, Conoco Mid-Continent General Manager said.

Conoco employees began clean up efforts of the area neighborhoods Friday morning. Crews focused on parks, school yards, and public areas early in the day. It is anticipated much of the debris will be removed Friday or Saturday. Home owners or business owners may pick up and discard the debris from their property. The material is ash covered foam insulation, charred but not hazardous.

“We are making every effort to clean up the debris in all public areas today,” said Tom Myers, Conoco environmental director. “There will be places in individual yards we may not be able to get to right away. If assistance is needed, with some time and patience, we will get the job done.” Those who need assistance with clean up of the debris can call 767-6731. Please leave your name, number and address if a message is requested.

“Businesses and relief agencies in this community responded almost without being asked. We appreciate the support of the community during this difficult time,” stated refinery manager, Nick Spencer.

The incident investigation is under way; OSHA is on site. The EPA had incident response personnel in Ponca City to assess Conoco’s response. EPA left the site indicating they were very impressed with the emergency response and incident command system in place.

Claims phone numbers have been established for those who were impacted by the fire. Please call and leave a voice message at 1-800-260-8265 or 767-5545. Calls will be returned as soon as possible.

Nearly News

It will be Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys playing for dancing at the Senior Citizens Dance tonight at the Senior Citizens Building in Arkansas City. We inadvertently advertised the Pete Coli County Band. The dance is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. and all senior citizens are invited to attend and have a great time. It might be nice to bring a favorite snack to share.

Conoco Administrator Performs With Les Gilliam at the Poncan

Dan Gilliam is Manager of Finance at Conoco. He’s also the son of Les Gilliam, and that means he knows his way around a guitar. Tomorrow, Dan will perform with his famous father and the Silverlake Band at the Poncan Theatre on Grand. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Since his boyhood in Ponca City, Dan watched and listened to his Dad. He heard the great music of fine cowboy and country artists. Of course, in the Gilliam household there was a double opportunity. Dan heard many great recordings of classic artists performing some of the most enduring songs of the century. He also met many of those folks and watched his Dad many times.

“I didn’t have any formal training,” Dan says. But he started playing guitar at age eight. He worked his way through a Mel Bay guitar chord book. And best of all, he played guitar along with the recordings, performing “back-up” in his living room to the music of Marty Robbins, Ray Price, Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, and many others.

As a young man at OSU, Dan performed frequently. He was a member of the OSU Student Entertainers, and he often played with the OSU Student Association banquets for high school students. “I played for fun,” he says.

Dan is no stranger to the Poncan Theatre. In 1990, Les and the band helped raise funds to restore the Poncan, and Dan was there. Dan says “I really enjoy playing with my Dad.” He particularly enjoys the great songs that bring up memories of another time, songs that he grew up with. “This great music reminds us of our roots as a country,” he says. “It was certainly a time when things were simpler and not as fast paced.”

Dan and his wife Nancy have recently returned to Ponca City after a stay in Houston. “It’s great to be back,” he says. Does he miss the big city? “Well, I’ll tell you I don’t miss the Houston traffic or the humidity.” Their real attraction to Ponca City is family, since Dan and Nancy are both native Ponca Citians. “I really enjoy playing music with Dad,” he says. Of course, the whole family has been publicly successful. Dan’s Mom, Martha Gilliam, is a respected food writer with two fine cookbooks to her name.

Les Gilliam and the Silverlake Band will divide the concert in two. Part of the concert will feature cowboy music and part of it will feature country music. “It’s the music of hard-working folks with rural roots,” Dan says. “It’s great entertainment, because it makes you feel good and it’s the music of our heritage.” Dan is especially proud that his Dad’s art remembers the music of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and other singing cowboys. “There’s a world-wide fascination with the cowboy,” he says. “I’m proud that Dad celebrates that.”

Tickets will be available at the Poncan Theatre box office before the performance. All seats are general admission, $10 at the door, plus tax. The Poncan Theatre is at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City, and the phone is 580-765-0943

Interview With Vampire At Poncan on Halloween

“Interview With a Vampire,” starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, shows at the Poncan Theatre this Halloween week. The 1994 film was based on a megahit novel by Anne Rice, who also wrote the screenplay. “Vampire” also features hunks Antonio Banderas and Christian Slater. “Interview With a Vampire” begins on Friday night at the Poncan Theatre and continues next week.

The vampire named Lestat (Cruise) is “a remorseless, insatiable, unforgettable fiend of the night,” writes The San Francisco Chronicle. That makes him perfect for Halloween. Cruise brings “tremendous exhuberance” to the performance, delivering “a rousing star turn,” says the Chronicle. He gives “vivid expression to the vampire’s wild, unquenchable thirst.” Time Magazine calls Lestat a “gaunt, suave, European vampire.”

The beautiful, ambitious film is “classic horror,” says reviewer James Berardinelli. Lestat and Louis (Pitt) are “displaced aristocrats” and “glorious anachronisms,” according to Time. Louis said “goodbye to the sun” in the late 1700’s, when Lestat chose Louis as a companion for his eternal bloodlust. The two enjoy voluptuous, fatal sensuality, a kiss that bleeds. Every night a little death. But the problem of vampires is the problem of eternity. After a couple of centuries, a touch of boredom creeps into the search.

“A wicked wit” prevails in Cruise’s performance, says The Washington Post. And as in many vampire stories, “Interview With a Vampire” has an erotic undercurrent which is expressed by innuendo rather than explicit content.

The film is unabashedly sumptuous partly because of the magnificent visuals. Costumes create a sense of timelessness, and the film was shot in glorious locations, including New Orleans, Paris and San Francisco. The fabulous cinematography comes from the lens of Philippe Rousselot, who rose to fame with such extraordinary films as “A River Runs Through It,” “Somersby,” and “Dangerous Liaisons.” He was also cinematographer of the recent “Random Hearts.”

“Vampire” is a visually beautiful film version of Anne Rice’s enormously successful novel, in a script that has been adapted for the screen by the writer herself. Critic Edward Guthmann calls it “an astonishingly beautiful movie that hints at the strange attraction of evil.”

“Interview With a Vampire,” a delicious Halloween party, shows at the Poncan Theatre on Friday, Sunday, and weeknights. On Saturday, Les Gilliam and the Silverlake Band will perform in the Poncan beginning at 7:30.

For more information or show times, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre office at 580-765-0943. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Hepatitis A Infection Can Spread

Hepatitis A is a highly communicable disease. The virus is usually spread through person-to-person contact or through contaminated food and water. For example, you can get hepatitis A from an infected child if you don’t wash your hands after changing a diaper or from an infected person if they don’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom.

The disease can also be spread by drinking water that is contaminated with the virus or by food washed in contaminated water, such as raw or undercooked shellfish, salads, or unpeeled fruits.

In Oklahoma, the prevalence is consistently higher than the nation as a whole. The Hepatitis A vaccine is required for school-age children. Now through a new Oklahoma Statue restaurants can receive a tax credit for immunizing their employees.

The University Occupational Health Sciences Clinic at OUHSC and SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals are coming together to offer the vaccine to restaurants and their employees.

If you have questions about the vaccine or would like to know more about the immunization program, please call Cate Stow at (405) 271-6177.

Pharmacists Emphasize Goal To Understanding Medications

Pharmacists all across the nation and in Oklahoma are celebrating their profession this week. The theme of this year’s observance is “Educate Before You Medicate — Talk With Your Pharmacist.” The campaign’s goal is to raise customer awareness about the importance of understanding their medications and their proper use.

An increase in reports of medication errors and adverse reactions has peaked customer concerns about the medication therapy they receive. Medications are becoming more complex and powerful, and there are increased chances for drug interactions. Also, with the growing interest in herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic medicine, there is increased need for input from healthcare professionals for instruction on proper medication use.

The Oklahoma Pharmacists Association (OPhA) and the Oklahoma Society of Health System Pharmacists (OSHP) has compiled a list of recommendations for patients to follow to help ensure medications are used safely and effectively.

• Keep a personal list of all drug therapy, including prescribed drugs, non-prescription drugs, home remedies, and medical foods that you take and show it to the health professional(s) managing your care.

• Maintain a list of medications that you cannot take (for reasons like allergic reactions). Give the reasons why, and show it to the health professional(s) managing your care.

• Communicate your actual self-medication practices to direct healthcare providers, especially if how you take your medication has become different from the originally prescribed directions.

• Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the treatments or medications you receive.

• Learn the names of the drug products that are prescribed and administered to you, as well as their dosage strength and schedules.

• Ask if you should avoid certain foods, beverages, other medicines or activities while you are taking the drug.

• Request any written information available on the drug product.

• Question anything you don’t understand or that doesn’t seem right. Be especially alert to unexpected changes, such as receiving a prescription refill that seems to have a different strength or appearance from your original prescription.

• Verify your understanding of proper medication use and effects by repeating medication information to health professionals.

• If you’re too ill to follow these suggestions, ask a friend or relative to help.

OSHP and OPhA want patients to know that both pharmacists and patients play a crucial role in insuring proper use of their medications. Consumers should be advocates for their own safety to help prevent medication errors or adverse effects from the medications. Ask questions of the pharmacist or other healthcare professional. Make sure you understand what medicine you are taking, what condition you are taking it for, the dose of the medication, and any special instructions that may be relevant to the medication (such as timing of the drug in relation to meals or other medications).

Deadline Nov. 5 for Listing On Festival of Angels Map

Friday, Nov. 5, is the deadline for registering neighborhoods to be included on the maps as a lighted exhibit for the 1999 Festival of Angels tours.

“The maps will soon be going to press, and we need the names and locations of all neighborhoods, churches and schools who plan to participate in the Festival of Angels lighted display tour,” says Kathy Adams, festival chairman. Individuals should call the Ponca City Tourism office at 763-8067 by Nov. 5 in order to be listed on the festival map.

The special Angel Tour Map is designed to guide visitors and Ponca Citians to each lighted and decorated neighborhood throughout Ponca City. The map also includes the twinkling lights and heavenly Festival of Angels animated displays at Lake Ponca Park, Cann Memorial Gardens, Ponca City Cultural Center, Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, and Centennial Plaza.

“In 1998, we had over 30 neighborhoods listed on the festival map. We are hoping to get some new neighborhood attractions added to the map this year,” said Adams.

The Festival of Angels Tour Map will be available at Angel Central, the festival information center and gift shop located in the former location of the Bank of Oklahoma on Fourteenth and Hartford. Maps will also be placed at the Ponca City Tourism office at Tenth Street and East Grand Avenue and at the Marland Mansion.

The Festival of Angels is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and will continue through Friday, Dec. 31.

NOYS Extending Outreach For Additional Services

The Northern Oklahoma Youth Services is extending its Outreach Program for the Sooner Care Health Program until Feb. 21. The program provides free health care for families, individuals and pregnant teens who qualify.

The state of Oklahoma has been engaged in a statewide effort to increase awareness of the newly available health care services for children and pregnant women whose incomes are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

Kay County is one of only two counties in Oklahoma which received a grant for the Outreach Program. SoonerCare is beneficial in providing complete checkups, hearing and eye tests, lab tests, medicines, dental care, shots, dieting and food education, referrals to specialists, and medical reports of school, day care, camps, jobs, and sports.

Sooner Health care can also be used as a secondary insurance and may be used to cover expenses not covered under the primary provider if the applicant is within the specified income levels.

NOYS offers a variety of programs in three basic service areas — prevention, family enrichment services and crisis intervention. Services are provided to youth and their families at no cost to the client.

For more information on Sooner Care or other services, please call Northern Oklahoma Youth Services at 762-8341 or Outreach Specialists Stacy Hall or Lisa Phelan at 765-3372.

Plea Ends Jury Trial

NEWKIRK — A marathon jury deliberation in the first-degree murder trial against James Clinton Parker of Ponca City ended abruptly early this morning in District Court with a plea arrangement between the defendant and prosecutors.

Parker, 21, pleaded no contest early today to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter in the asphyxiation death of 13-month-old Adam Allie in exchange for a four-year sentence in the state penitentiary plus a 17-year suspended sentence.

Parker was accused of killing Adam, who was the son of Parker’s then-fiancee Linda Allie, by force-feeding him bread while in Parker’s care at their north Ponca City apartment on July 27, 1998. The boy died three days later at an Oklahoma City hospital.

Parker’s plea at approximately 2:30 a.m. today halted the seven-man, five-woman jury that had already spent 14 hours in deliberation and that appeared deadlocked by midnight. Associate Dist. Judge Leslie D. Page had sent the murder case to the jury at 12:30 p.m. Thursday following attorneys’ closing arguments.

During closing arguments, prosecutors had urged jurors to heed the evidence presented by medical personnel who, according to testimony, were alarmed by a quantity of bread lodged in the trachea of Adam Allie after he was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center. Doctors contacted police about suspicion of child abuse.

Before the jurors were sent Thursday, First Assistant Dist. Atty. Phil Ross told them they should consider Parker’s statements to police investigators, such as “I fed him (Adam) bread to shut him up,” and evidence such as lacerations high on Parker’s fingers as indications the defendant used violence to force the bread into the child’s mouth and throat.

To deliberate the first-degree murder charge against Parker, the jury was faced with a decision of guilty or not guilty, and its only sentencing options were life imprisonment or life imprisonment without parole.

Shortly after midnight this morning, Page received a report from the jurors that they had taken a vote at 9 p.m. that tallied 7 to 5, but it did not specify which way. The report also said the jurors took another vote at midnight that now tallied 6 to 6.

Page called the jurors back to the courtroom at 1 a.m. and read them instructions on how to conduct themselves in a case that appears deadlocked and he sent them back for further deliberations.

Meanwhile attorneys and the defendant began discussing the plea agreement to the reduced charge of manslaughter and Parker took the witness stand this morning, pleading no contest to the charge. Page scheduled the formal sentencing for 10 a.m., Jan. 6.

The trial had required more than three days to select a jury panel along with two alternates, and the state and defense cases required another five days of testimony in Page’s courtroom.

Testimony indicated that Parker had been left to babysit Adam Allie at 10:30 a.m. when Adam’s mother left to run an errand, and that the child was later rushed to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after Parker called emergency 911 assistance in a resuscitation attempt.

The trial this week included testimony by doctors who differed in their expert opinions concerning the manner of the boy’s death, with Dr. John Stuemky of Childrens Hospital in Oklahoma City testifying that such a “huge wad” of bread that asphyxiated the child would have been impossible for the child himself to lodge into his own windpipe.

Stuemky’s testimony supported medical examiner Dr. Larry Balding’s earlier testimony that he determined the manner of death to be homicide, based partially on statements Parker allegedly had made to Ponca City police investigators that he fed the bread to the child to quiet him.

Defense attorney Billy Bock on Wednesday called to the witness stand a medical examiner from Texas whose testimony refuted the state’s medical experts who testified previously that evidence from the dead child and from the apartment indicated child abuse. Dr. Robert Bux of Bexar County, Texas, determined the death to be accidental.

The state’s case against Parker was presented by Assistant Dist. Atty. Elizabeth Hocker and First Assistant Phil Ross.

DEATHS

Olive Lee Shirley

Services Pending

Olive Lee Shirley

Olive Lee Shirley, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday evening, Oct. 28, 1999, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 99. Survivors include daughters Odell Watson and Mary Lou Campbell, both of Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena, Ark. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Crafts Fair — The 18th annual McCord Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Saturday. More than 70 exhibitors will feature herbal crafts, ceramics, needlework, woodcraft, holiday items and more. Admission is free. The festival is sponsored by the Parents and Teachers of McCord. The school is located three miles east of Ponca City on U.S. 60 and one mile south on McCord Road.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a report at 8:43 a.m. Thursday that a grass fire was burning on the east side of Fourteenth Street and Edwards Avenue. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded, and reported a city worker had seen another grass fire set across the street and had information on a suspect. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Three-Vehicle Wreck — A three-vehicle accident at the railroad crossing on East Prospect Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department. Three officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Kids/Her Review now accepting children’s, women’s fall consignments. 309 E. Grand. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A person was at the Ponca City Police Department at 9:56 a.m. Thursday to report that an assault and battery had occurred earlier in the day in the 800 block of North Union street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner, $13.95. Friday, October 29th. For reservations. 765-5460. adv.

Checking on Fight — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:02 a.m. Friday from the 300 block of East Park Avenue that subjects in four vehicles were fighting and racial slurs were being thrown around. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 16-year-old girl was held for DUI, having no driver’s license and curfew violation.

Shoplifter — An employee of Miller Market, 900 South Fourth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:13 a.m. Thursday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 45-year-old woman was held for petit larceny.

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. 765-9689. adv.

Subject Held — A tip from an employee at a business in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:23 a.m. Thursday was that a man was beating a woman at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue. Three officers were assigned and a 39-year-old man was held for assault and battery.

Hobby Lobby Store hours Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday. adv.

Vehicle Damaged — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:15 a.m. Thursday to report that someone had hit her vehicle while parked at Wal-Mart. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Gate Damaged — An employee with the Sanitation Department reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:19 a.m. Thursday that while one of the trucks was at Westminster Village, a gate blew into the truck and the gate was broken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Furr’s Dining Now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday, 11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv.

Requests Assistance — An employee at a business in the 200 block of South Pine Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Fire Department to check an odor at 2:28 p.m. Thursday. One unit responded and handled the situation.

Assault — A motorist contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:35 p.m. Thursday that a female was yelling for help between Ash Street and Lake Street on West Oklahoma Avenue. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Harassment — A woman from the 800 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:56 p.m. Thursday that she had been receiving harassing phone calls. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Clearance Sale Cribs, portacribs, bedding, strollers, car seats, new clothes. Bearly New. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and Hubbard Road at 4:12 p.m. Thursday that a 20-year-old man was being held for having no driver’s license, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Deer Hit — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:37 p.m. Thursday that a deer had been hit at the intersection of East Hartford Avenue and Hathaway. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken. Information was logged that the deer was removed from the scene.

Book Your holiday, wedding, bachelor, etc. parties with the Hide out 580-362-9905 or 762-0835. adv.

Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:39 p.m. Thursday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 34-year-old woman was held for petit larceny, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and trespassing.

Shoplifter — An employee of Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:39 a.m. Thursday that a juvenile was being held as a shoplifter. An officer was assigned and the girl was taken into custody and released to a parent on a promise to appear.

Requests Assistance — A woman from the 800 block of North Oak Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 9:52 p.m. Thursday concerning a neighbor having a problem with a subject. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Threats — A woman from the 400 block of Martha reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:28 p.m. Thursday that she had been threatened. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Vandalism — A woman from the area of Donner and Pecan Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:56 p.m. Thursday that some subjects in a dark colored pickup were smashing pumpkins. An officer was assigned, unable to locate the subjects, but reported pumpkins were in the road at Donner and El Camino.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 from Conoco Convenience, 1613 West South Avenue, from a clerk that a male had taken a 12-pack of beer and headed towards Cherry Avenue at 11:23 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and took a juvenile boy in custody for petit larceny.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue at 12:03 a.m. Friday that a 27-year-old man was being held for DWI, driving under suspension and running a red light. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:22 a.m. Friday from the intersection of North Osage Street and Overbrook Avenue that a 25-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and operating a motor vehicle not reasonable and proper.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a report at 2:26 a.m. Friday that Otoe-Missouria police were following a vehicle and needing assistance. The vehicle was stopped at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Fifth Street by a Ponca City Police Department officer and a 22-year-old man was held for DUI.

LIFESTYLES

Miss Ponca City Participating In Arkalalah
Wedding Plans Announced for Williams and Greer
Xi Beta Tau Chapter Discusses Plans
Little News
Laureate Phi Holds Breakfast Meeting

Miss Ponca City Participating In Arkalalah

Miss Ponca City, Halli Kay Huffman, will represent Ponca City this weekend in the 68th anniversary of Arkalalah, Arkansas City’s annual Fall Festival.

Her participation in the event begins today as a “Visiting Queen,” as she helps make up the Queens Court for Queen Alalah. Miss Huffman will participate in a full day of activities, including coronation practice, a luncheon at the Arkansas City Country Club at noon. She will be honored at a banquet at the Brown Center, located on the Cowley College campus, this evening prior to the coronation ceremonies and party. She will be escorted for the evening by Michael Murray

On Saturday Miss Ponca City will be honored at an early morning breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis. At noon she will be treated to a light luncheon hosted by the Queen’s Committee prior to her participation in the Arkalalah Parade, which begins at 2 p.m.

Halli Kay Huffman is the daughter of Darlene and Bill Flegler and Gary and Carmen Huffman, all of Ponca City. Anyone wishing to have Miss Ponca City as a guest speaker, or to participate in an event, may contact Vicki Graves, 765-4736 or 765-8679.

Wedding Plans Announced for Williams and Greer

Announcement is being made of the engagement and approaching marriage of Shelly Williams and Roy Greer, both of Ponca City. The couple plans a 6 p.m. wedding Nov. 27 at the First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, Kan. A reception and dance at the American Legion will follow the ceremony. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the events.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Steve and Tracey Williams of Arkansas City, Kan., and the prospective bridegroom is the son of Wanda and Paul Emerson of Diamond, Mo. and Owen and Judy Greer of Ponca City.

The bride-to-be is employed at Knight Adjustment of Ponca City and Greer is employed by Greer Service of Ponca City.

Xi Beta Tau Chapter Discusses Plans

Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Sammie Coats, president, on Oct. 25 with four members and one guest, Terri Buesing, in attendance.

Cindy Wardlow gave the treasurer’s report, and Sammie Coats discussed the ways and means projects suggested by International.

Members discussed the Halloween Hobo party, held in the home of Alan and Sammie Coats, with everyone “making the stew” and playing games. Guests for the occasion were JoAnn and Dean Ferguson of Fairfax and Gerald and Terri Buesing of Arkansas City, Kan.

Business included the scheduling of June Miller’s Girl of the Year dinner, to be held at Eskimo Joe’s. A reminder was made that the Preferential Tea will be held on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2-4 p.m. at Angel Central. New members will be introduced at that time. Jan Ellison and Terri Buesing volunteered to represent the chapter at the Valentine dance organizational meeting slated Nov. 15. Terri Buesing is a new member of Xi Beta Tau chapter.

Lois Coats shared gift bags and wrapping paper with each member. The traveling basket was passed from Jan Ellison to Cindy Wardlow, and Terri Buesing won the mystery gift.

The evening’s cultural program was given by Sammie Coats on “Safety Tips for Women.” The tips were ways to reduce the risk of being a victim and the most common mistakes women make that could result in them getting kidnapped, attacked, and/or raped.

The next meeting will be Nov. 8 in the home of June Miller. Members exchanged Halloween gifts and enjoyed caramel apples.

Little News

Faith Elaine Belmear is the name selected by Steve and Alicia Belmear of Collinsville, for their daughter born at 7:59 p.m. Oct. 13, 1999, in Tulsa. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 1/2 ounce and measured 21 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Jack and Rachel Bess of Tulsa, and paternal grandparents are Clint and Caroll Belmear of Ponca City. Great-grandmother is Edna Belmear of Broken Arrow.

Jesse and Chrissy Mercer of Groton, Conn. announce the birth of a daughter at 4:11 p.m. Oct. 3, 1999, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in New London, Conn. Ashlynn Marion Mercer weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Gary and Jackie Taylor of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Don and Susan Mercer of Tonkawa.

Laureate Phi Holds Breakfast Meeting

Seven members and five guests attended the October breakfast meeting of Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority at the River Bridge Cafe.

Pat Hill, social chairman, said the next meeting will be the city council Preferential Tea to be held at Angel Central at the Bank of Oklahoma building on Fourteenth and Hartford. The event is planned 2-4 p.m. Nov. 7. Laureate Phi is the chair chapter for the tea.

Meire Harris, program chairman, stated that the Christmas auction will be held in the Community Room at Pioneer Bank Drive-in facility at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22.

Guests at the breakfast were John Williams, Ed Hill, Dave Smith, Jim Rosenbaum and Allan Streeter.

EDUCATION

States Take Efforts To Improve Reading Skills
New Mechanics Instructor Believes in Simple Things
Coalition Supports Effort To Deliver Funds To Schools
OK Regents Enhance Two-Year Technical, Occupational Degree
Parents Invited To Attend PC Title IX Community Meeting
Scholarship Awarded
Po-Hi Leo Club
Convention Attended
Students Enrolled
Po-Hi Meeting
Area Students Included In National Dean List
Program Offers Variety, Opportunity for Student

States Take Efforts To Improve Reading Skills

Reading remains one of the hottest topics regionwide and nationwide. As concern over poor reading has grown and new research has emerged on ways to prevent reading failure, most Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have undertaken efforts to improve reading instruction, especially in the early grades.

The media too often characterize the reading debate as a question of phonics vs. whole language. This oversimplified either/or characterization misses the real point. In fact, all students must master the word-recognition skills embodied in phonics to become good readers. All students also need the broad exposure to and practice in reading a variety of quality materials that are central to the whole-language philosophy. But different students need different degrees of emphasis on these and other aspects of reading instruction.

The term “balanced” often is used to describe reading instruction that incorporates the strengths of both phonics and whole language. There is no single combination of instructional techniques that works best for every child in every classroom. Instead, balance requires teachers to choose from numerous instructional strategies to provide a balance that is appropriate for each child.

To provide reading instruction that is appropriately balanced for all children, teachers must be able to assess children’s strengths and weaknesses accurately. Unfortunately, many teachers lack the knowledge and ability either to assess children’s reading abilities or to design instructional programs that respond effectively to their needs. As a result, too many children reach middle school — and even high school — with poor reading ability.

Ensuring that all children become successful readers will require a long-term commitment and sustained resources. State reading initiatives face three key challenges: 1) developing meaningful, early assessments for reading; 2) ensuring that teachers have the instructional tools they need to teach a variety of children; and 3) providing effective remediation for children who get past early elementary school without adequate reading skills. This report focuses primarily on assessment of reading in early elementary school. Subsequent reports will address the other challenges.

Early Intervention

Research consistently shows the importance of early intervention in helping children become successful readers. The longer serious reading difficulties persist, the most difficult they are to correct.

If children’s reading problems are not corrected early, they fall farther and farther behind because, as two prominent reading researchers have said, “they are not exposed to the vocabulary, the background information and the complex ideas found in books. Because children who can’t read aren’t able to access all the information taught during the school day, they may miss out on importance content. So a reading problem, allowed to go untreated, has a cumulative debilitating effect.”

In addition, research on brain development indicates that there are “windows of opportunity” for the development of certain brain functions, such as reading. Both the brain research and the research on preventing reading failure suggest that it becomes more difficult to learn to read after about age 10.

Early Reading Assessment

Assessment of children to identify reading problems is essential to early, effective intervention. But simply knowing which children have problems is not enough. The assessment used also must provide information that can help teachers design instructional programs that address the individual child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Few topics provoke stronger feelings, both pro and con, then early assessment of young children. Many early childhood educators and specialists in child development oppose any testing of young children. They are worried, often with good reason, that test results will be misused in ways that are detrimental to children. To reduce the risk of misuse, children should be tested as the appropriate age and educators should use only assessments that have been proven valid both for identifying reading problems and for guiding instructional decisions. In addition, as the National Research Council noted in a recent report, a single test should not be the sole basis for high-stakes decisions about individual children, such as those relating to promotion or the need for special services. Other factors, such as teacher observation, also should be considered.

While earlier assessments may be accurate for some children, research clearly shows that the last half of the kindergarten year and the first half of first grade are the best times to identify reading problems.

Oklahoma

Under Oklahoma’s Reading Sufficiency Act of 1997, schools are required to assess all students in grades one through three with “multiple ongoing assessments.” The state has not designated one specific assessment. The state Department of Education refers schools to the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory’s (SEDL) Reading Assessment Instruments Toolkit, which includes information on more than 100 reading assessments, as a resource for first and second grades. Beginning in third grade, students must take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

The state Department of Education has developed a list of Priority Academic Skills in language arts that teachers can use in developing curricula and in evaluating students’ progress in grades one through 12. The department also developed the Phonics Tool Kit, which provides additional guidance on assessment and instruction in that area.

New Mechanics Instructor Believes in Simple Things

As a new instructor at Pioneer Technology Center, Preston Jenkins believes in keeping it simple when it comes to teaching Auto Mechanics.

"When I was first hired last August, I told my students we were going to start out with just the basics," said Jenkins. "I strongly believe that when you start with the basics and keep it simple, it will truly give the students a better understanding and a solid foundation in auto mechanics."

Jenkins is from Stillwater and has over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, where he has specialized in auto repair and service. Jenkins is a graduate from Oklahoma State University and is currently working on a master's degree in trade and industrial education.

For the past few weeks, Jenkins has been covering the engine operating systems and engine theory. Through short courses of study, the automotive students have been introduced to the basics of auto technology in the areas of fuel injection, cooling system, and exhaust system.

"We start by learning the theory of each area and then moving to the onboard computer controls and actual troubleshooting under the hood," said Jenkins.

The fuel injection short course gave students an overview of electronic fuel injection (EFI) and how new car manufacturers were forced to adopt the EFI in order to meet the increasing demands for better emissions, improved fuel economy, and drivability. The course also outlined the advances made in computer technology and how new car companies adopted the microprocessor capabilities that now aid in the decision-making, controls, and diagnostics of the engine's performance.

The automotive students also got to see and experience how the electronics of an EFI system work when receiving the engine-operating information from all of the different sensors and then making decisions based on what the sensors report the engine is doing.

Pioneer Technology Center's Transportation Technology program offers students hands-on training, individualized instruction, audio-visual demonstrations, and lecture to help prepare them for a career in the automotive industry. The training labs include an automotive shop divided into lab stations and work bays. Both computerized diagnostic equipment and computerized alignment equipment are used to train students in automotive technologies. Students also receive training on live vehicles both new and older models that have been donated to the program from area dealerships.

According to Jenkins, the Transportation Technology program provides students with the training that qualifies them to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification test.

"My ultimate goal is for my students to be able to get the required skills they need so they can get a job," said Jenkins. "But I also want them to be competent and qualified in what they are doing. That is why I feel strongly about preparing them to be proficient in all eight areas of the automobile technician area. Being ASE certified will provide more opportunities for my students. Not only will it give them more confidence knowing they have the knowledge and skills of a good technician, but it will also show their commitment to quality and performing quality work."

The Transportation Technology program is a two year program that prepares students for careers in automotive dealerships, general mechanic shops, tools and equipment sales, service stations, muffler and brake shops, and tire and alignment shops.

The two-year program is open-entry/open-exit and enrolls both high school and adult students. This program also offers college credit towards an Associates of Applied Science at Cowley County Community College in Ark City, Ks. For more information on the Transportation Technology program, call 762-8336.

Coalition Supports Effort To Deliver Funds To Schools

A plan that would require Southwestern Bell to invest additional funding in public school technology is getting the support of the Oklahoma Education Coalition.

A proposal by State Senator Cal Hobson would require the telephone company to earmark a substantial share of future rate savings for classroom technology such as computers and Internet connections. The State Corporation Commission is considering a change in the regulation of Southwestern Bell that would net the telephone company millions of dollars in savings.

“Education should be a top priority in this case, and schools would be a logical choice,” said Carolyn Crowder, chairman of the Oklahoma Education Coalition and president of the Oklahoma Education Association. “Our schools are in need of the technology that it takes to operate a modern classroom. We can’t expect to produce the best students if we don’t give our schools and teachers the tools needed to compete in today’s market.”

OK Regents Enhance Two-Year Technical, Occupational Degree

Enhancing student skills and making it easier for graduates of higher education’s two-year technical-occupational programs to pursue a bachelor’s degree are the goals of policy changes made recently by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Noting an increased interest among graduates of technical-occupational (Associate in Applied Science) programs to transfer to newly developed bachelor degree programs in technical fields, the Regents approved policy revisions that require institutions to incorporate transferable courses into the two-year degree programs.

Historically, technical-occupational programs have been terminal programs designed specifically for training students to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Additionally, in response to business and industry demands for employees that have technical skills as well as the ability to communicate and understand high order math and science, Regents strengthened the programs’ technical and general education requirements.

Specifically, Regents reconfigured the minimum 60-hour degree requirement, adding three more hours in communications coursework, such as technical writing, English grammar and composition, and oral communications.

Regents also made the policy regarding electives more flexible, making it easier for two-year colleges to design programs that fit with four-year technical programs and meet business and industry needs.

The policy revisions go into effect for students entering Associate in Applied Science program in or before fall 2001.

“Projections show that jobs in fields such as computer science, computer engineering and computer support are among the fastest growing in Oklahoma,” said Chancellor Hans Brisch. “These policy revisions will help Oklahoma meet the growing demand for graduates in these high-tech areas, as well as better enable Oklahoma colleges and universities to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.”

In a related action, Regents also reviewed a policy that would enable colleges and universities to award students, including those in technical-occupational programs, competency-based college credit based on a demonstration of the student’s knowledge, skills and abilities in a specific area. The Regents are scheduled to vote on the policy revision at their December meeting.

“Today’s fast-paced marketplace demands that higher education look beyond ‘seat time’ when determining the successful completion of a degree,” said State Regents Chairman Bill W. Burgess Jr. “Higher education must become more flexible and begin looking at measuring and certifying student competency in their field of study, and we believe this policy change will do that.”

Parents Invited To Attend PC Title IX Community Meeting

A Title IX Indian Education Community-wide meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4 at the Conoco Club House from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All parents of Native American students, administrators, teachers and counselors are invited to attend.

Business to be conducted will include the election of Parent Committee members. Guest speakers will be Chris LittleCook, Ponca City Board of Education member and JOM Director for the Ponca Tribe; Dr. Patty Ladd, director of elementary curriculum; and Jeana Rush, Roosevelt Elementary School Title IX Coordinator.

A pot luck supper will be held during the meeting.

For further information contact Sylvia Willey, chairperson, at 765-2687, or Jo A. Keating, Title IX Project Coordinator, 767-9500, ext. 128.

School News

Scholarship Awarded

Tomas Engle, Ponca City, has been awarded the Moundbuilder Scholarship at Southwestern College in Winfield. Recipients of this $1,500 scholarship typically have at least a B average in high school work and a score of at least 20 on the ACT test.

Po-Hi Leo Club

The Po-Hi Leo Club will be showing their Halloween spirit (with costumes) by going door-to-door Saturday, Oct. 30 to collect canned goods for the Salvation Army. Show your Halloween spirit and donate!

Convention Attended

Robb Taylor, son of Dr. Gary and Nancy Taylor, attended the FFA National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky this week with students from the vo-ag class he teaches in Morris, Okla. He is a graduate of Po-Hi and Oklahoma State University.

Students Enrolled

Several Kay County students are enrolled this fall at Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee. Students attending are Daniel Alley and William Merchant, Blackwell, Kyle McCulloch and Dawn Cook, both of Braman, and Jason Johnston, Eric Kahle and David Shores, Newkirk. Ponca City students are John Doggett, Ryan Kersey, Travis Behara, Jacob Beck, Matthew Brewer, James Butler, Josh Fields, Travis Hager, David Harris, Kevin James, Brian Jernigan, Raymond Pollard, Cheryl Sanford and Tamitha Short.

Po-Hi Meeting

There will be a general meeting of the Po-Hi PTSA on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Howell Auditorium. Jerry Winkle, principal, will discuss graduation requirements and new curriculum guidelines. Also, a representative from the University of Oklahoma will be there to discuss scholarships and financial aid. All parents and students are encouraged to attend.

Area Students Included In National Dean List

Several area students are among the approximately 120,000 students included in the 22nd Annual Edition of “The National Dean’s List, 1998-99.” “The National Dean’s List,” published by Educational Communications, Inc., is the largest recognition program and publication in the nation honoring high achieving college students.

Students are selected for this honor by their college deans, registrars or honor society advisors and must be in the upper 10 percent of their class, on their school’s “Dean’s List,” or have earned a comparable honor. Listed students are eligible to compete for $50,000 in scholarship awards funded by the publisher, and may also use a referral service for future employment opportunities. More than 2,500 colleges and universities nationwide use the publication to recognize their academically qualified students. To learn more about “The National Dean’s List” visit www.honoring.com.

Ponca City students featured in the edition along with the college they attend are: Linda Allie, Northern Oklahoma College; Marcia Berry, Ozark Christian College; Robbi Coffelt, NOC; Kimberly Ghylin, OSU; Lacey Gray, Saint Gregory’s University; Susan Haines, OSU; Tammy Hopkins, NOC; Thomas Jenkins, NOC; Martha Margliotti, NOC; Tessa Mitchell, NOC; Eriberto Mora and Amo Otto, Saint Gregory’s University; Warren Rivers, NOC; Chadwick Ross and Jeffrey Shelton, OSU; and Shelly Sullivan and Jason Winters, NOC.

More Ponca City students are: Nasiba Adilova, Christopher Barnes and Michael Beyer, NOC; Risa Freeman, OSU; Rachel Gardner, NOC; Mandy Grover, Hendrix College; Lisa Heck, OSU; Michelle Helms and Ashley Hollingsworth; NOC; Jon Hoover, Cowley County Community College; Lance Johnson, University of Southern California; Jerimiah Kelly, OSU; Cynthia Lanham, NOC; Leslie Murphy and Connie Noel, OSU; Cynthia Thompson, Oklahoma City University; Kyle Vincent, Oklahoma Baptist University; and Andrea Vining, OSU.

Students from Blackwell are: Bonnie McClarnon and Tiffany Richmond, NOC; and Tim Schweitzer, University of Oklahoma Health and Science Center. Also, Kay Christian of Burbank, Northwestern Oklahoma State University; and Lecia Heskett of Fairfax, OSU.

Newkirk students are: Gordon Gray, Cowley County Community College; Jerrilyn Kahle and Jill Martin, NOC; Joseph Nellis and Joseph Stoddard, Cowley County Community College; and Jenny Williamson, OSU. Those from Tonkawa are Tatyana Golubeva, NOC; and Luke Walcher, Sterling College.

Program Offers Variety, Opportunity for Student

Producing beautiful plants and flowers are a hobby for some people, but for Deborah Johnstone of Newkirk, it's becoming a career. Johnstone's longtime love for plants and flowers has taken her to Pioneer Technology Center's Horticulture program were she is busy learning what it will take to own her own greenhouse business.

“I don't really know what it is, but I have always loved working outdoors," said Johnstone.” “I decided that since I loved gardening so much, I would start preparing myself so that I could one day open my own business.”

Johnstone began preparing herself by enrolling in the Horticulture program last August. The program offers a variety of options for students interested in studying landscaping design, gardening, plants, floral arranging, and greenhouse maintenance. Students also learn about the care and maintenance of trees as well as learning how to manage a horticulture business. Experience is also given in the campus greenhouse were students learn how to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

“I thought I knew a lot about horticulture,” said Johnstone. “I am learning that there is so much more that I didn't know especially when it came to chemical safety. We are learning what chemicals are safe to use and the proper way to handle and dispose of them. I can really appreciate learning about this from a personal experience I previously had when I re-used a chemical bottle and didn't rinse it thoroughly. Most people just aren't aware of the danger in using or mixing certain chemicals or pesticides.”

The Horticulture program is in its fourth year at Pioneer Technology Center and is now under the direction of James Raines. Raines has more than ten years experience in horticulture. Before coming to Pioneer Technology Center, he spent three and a half years working at the capitol where he was in charge of landscaping maintenance for the state capitol and the governor's mansion. Raines is beginning his first year by focusing more on chemical safety as well as mechanical safety.

“I have started out the year by first concentrating on safety,” said Raines. “Chemical safety is definitely important when it comes to horticulture and handling herbicides and pesticides. I am also teaching my students how to properly use a weed eater, mower, edger, and wood shredder. Often times the proper use of these tools are overlooked when it comes to lawn care and gardening.”

According to Johnstone, “Mr. Raines has all of the students involved in numerous projects throughout the year. Right now, we are taking care of a few campus projects where we are learning how to move trees and replant them to a better area. We are also taking care of some of the plants that are on campus including the design and landscaping of the new cafeteria extension. We will begin this project after submitting our landscape designs to Mr. Raines.”

The Horticulture program has just finished planting poinsettias for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. The students will be caring for approximately 300 plants that should be ready by late November. The poinsettias are growing in the campus greenhouse along with a variety of annuals planted by the students.

Other things Raines plans to cover in his program is plant identification, proper planting locations, proper pruning, use of annuals and perennials in landscape design, and how to manage a greenhouse.

“I am really learning a lot,” said Johnstone. “Mr. Raines really wants you to understand horticulture. He is teaching us how to trim inside plants and help them maintain their size. We are also learning how to organize and operate the greenhouse like a small floral business. This will be really helpful for me since my goal is to own my own greenhouse business.”

The horticulture program is for high school and adult students. High school students can attend classes part-time in either the morning or afternoon. Adults have the option of attending classes full-time and completing the program in one year.

Openings are still available in the Horticulture program and enrollment information is available by calling the Career Counseling Center, at 580-762-8336.

RELIGION

1st Lutherans To Observe Special Reformation Day
First Assembly Sets Clothing Giveaway
First Methodists Plan All Church Holiday Banquet
Presby Youth ‘Trick or Treat’ for Food Sunday
Albright UMC Plans All-Church Costume Party
Woodlands Christian Plans Commitment Sunday
New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church Announces Plans
Family Fall Festival Set at Sunset Baptist
‘Come Let Us Reason Together’
Acappella Concert Sells Out
PCC Youth Plan Celebration For This Saturday
Eastern Heights Sets Halloween Eve Alternative
Pastor’s Notes
Simultaneous Prayer Aims To Prevent School Violence

1st Lutherans To Observe Special Reformation Day

On Oct. 31, 1517, Dr. Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. This call for reforms within the church was the beginning of what is called the Protestant Reformation. On Sunday, Oct. 31 the congregation at First Lutheran Church will celebrate the Festival of the Reformation. Most of the hymns sung will have either tunes, texts, or both written by Martin Luther. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon, “O.J.T. (On the Job Training)” will bring out many of the teachings of Dr. Luther. Since Luther felt that music was such an important element in the worship service, the Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Worship God with Music” with Jessica Hurd, trumpet, and Jean Hoffmeyer, piano. The major portions of the liturgy will be sung to a hymn by Luther. Even the Lord’s Prayer will be sung. Both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will include the festival celebration liturgies. After 482 years, the basic doctrines of the church are alive and well.

The 6:30 p.m. service will continue with the discussion of the Ten Commandments. Praise hymns, prayer requests, and good fellowship are all vital components of this service. Members of First Lutheran eagerly invite anyone who is looking for an exciting opportunity to worship God to join them in one of the worship services provided.

Church Briefs

First Assembly Sets Clothing Giveaway

Free clothing to anyone with a need will be available on Monday, Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 1308 East Bradley. Persons desiring clothing should use the furthest northwest door of the church, it was advised.

New winter hours have been set, as follows: open only on the first Monday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning Nov. 1.

First Methodists Plan All Church Holiday Banquet

The Third Annual All Church Holiday Banquet, sponsored by United Methodist Men, for honoring junior and senior high students at First United Methodist Church, will be held Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.

Speaker for the evening will be Kevin Harlan, Executive Vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Kevin is a native Ponca Citian.

A barbecue meal with all the trimmings is planned. A $6 ticket is required and sales began Oct. 17. Men, women, students, all are welcome. For tickets, contact Dale Pontious or the church office.

Presby Youth ‘Trick or Treat’ for Food Sunday

The young people of First Presbyterian Church will be “Trick or Treating” for food on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 31 with a door to door venture asking Ponca Citians to provide cans of food that in turn will be given to Peachtree Landing and The Mission.

The youth will only be asking for food supplies (cans, boxes, etc.) and will be able to provide proper identification from the church. Buy For Less is the corporate sponsor for this project and have given the youth a large amount of canned goods to start off their mission adventure.

Listen for the knock on your door Sunday afternoon, and be ready with a donation.

Albright UMC Plans All-Church Costume Party

The folks at Albright United Methodist Church are planning a fun Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be hot dogs, cookies, popcorn and punch for those attending, and the Sunday School classes will be setting up some great booths — ring toss, pie and cake walks, lollipop pegboard, diving for fun, and pumpkin decorating. There will be prizes for the best costumes and decorated pumpkins in several age groups.

This is for all ages and no costumes are necessary, it was announced.

Woodlands Christian Plans Commitment Sunday

Commitment Sunday at Woodlands Christian is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 31 during morning worship. It is a special day at Woodlands. For this special stewardship Sunday, Dr. Perry Hassell will bring the morning message. The text will be II Corinthians 5:18-21 and the sermon title is “The Price”.

According to the Rev. Paul M. Krueger, senior minister, during the service, Lynda Fox will lead the congregation, as everyone is given the opportunity to make a financial pledge for the year 2000.

New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church Announces Plans

New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church, 114 North Oak, announces their Fourth Annual Jesus Fest, scheduled to be held Saturday, Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

There will be big door prizes every 15 minutes - pizza, movie passes, CDs — and there will be a Beanie Baby Walk, Cake Walk, Duck Pond and a snack bar with homemade burritoes, nachos, candy — something for everyone - all age groups.

Everyone is invited to come out and join the fun at New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church — more information or questions — please call Pastor Joe Muniz at 765-6280 or 765-7027.

Family Fall Festival Set at Sunset Baptist

Sunset Baptist Church invites the public to its annual Family Fall Festival on Saturday evening, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be lots of food and fun for the whole family.

Each child will receive a bag of candy and tickets to use at the numerous booths located around the church. Children can have fun at the Lollipop Pull, Fishing booth, Bean Bag Toss games, Basketball throw, Duck pond, Sponge Throw, Tic tac toe game, Tattoo booth, or Cake walk. There will also be a bounce provided by the Kid’s Jump Club.

While you’re enjoying the different activities, bring the family by the Fellowship Hall for a “good value” meal deal. The meal includes a slice of pizza, chips, dessert and a drink for $1 per person.

Sunset Baptist Church is located on the corner of Greenwood and Ash streets.

‘Come Let Us Reason Together’

The Hartford Avenue Church of Christ invites the public 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. Watch the Search program Sunday 8 a.m. on TV Channel 5 or 8.

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Psalm 24:1. God created thousands of shades and hues, shapes and sounds. Take tropical fish, for example. Their fantastic colors and shapes demonstrate the creativity of their Maker. The insect world tells the same story. Perhaps human differences fall into the same category. Our different skin colors, body types, even talents may be expressions of God’s love for variety. If so, they should be valued.

Acappella Concert Sells Out

Acappella, Christian music’s premier vocal group, is a sell-out in Stillwater, it was announced this week. “Acappella delivers a great show for all ages, and I am excited our listeners had such a huge response,” stated KLVV concert coordinator Terri Busch. The 900 tickets for Acappella were on sale for less than two weeks before the sell out.

Acappella will be performing at the Stillwater Church of Christ on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. The concert is sponsored by Christian radio KLVV broadcasting on 88.7 FM Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas, 106.7 FM Stillwater. 98.3 FM Enid, and 97.3 FM Guthrie & Northern Edmond; find information on their website at www.lovestation.org.

PCC Youth Plan Celebration For This Saturday

The “Salvation Celebration” at Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road, will take place this Saturday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. This celebration is a safe and fun alternative to Halloween for all area youth and their families.

Theme for the evening is “Noah’s Ark” with a scheduled appearance by Noah himself. There will be a variety of games, candy and prizes.

All are invited to experience the enthusiasm for the Lord that the kids at Pioneer Christian have, from the “Salvation Celebration” to other youth programs. For example, the Wednesday night All Youth Fellowship recently visited a local nursing home. The children sang songs and distributed scripture cards to the residents. These same children will be making a craft this coming Wednesday, Nov. 3. The crafts will be distributed to residents of the various nursing homes in Ponca City. The Wednesday night All Youth Fellowship is for kids from preschool through sixth grade and meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Another example of the enthusiasm in the youth programs at Pioneer Christian is Sunday Night Youth Group. Kids from preschool through high school meet in their various age groups to learn about the Lord and ways to be stronger Christians. They participate in devotions, prayer times, and Bible activities. The groups also have snacks and game times.

Pioneer Christian Church encourages all area youth and their families to join them in serving the Lord! For a ride to youth group, church services, Bible study, or if you have questions, please call the church at 762-8858.

Eastern Heights Sets Halloween Eve Alternative

Eastern Heights Christian Church will celebrate two occasions in one evening, Sunday, Oct. 31. As usual, the “Hotdog Hoedown” alternative to trick or treating, will take place, with a hotdog supper and fun and games, carnival atmosphere and lots of treats to fill bags to take home. This evening also happens to fall on a Fifth Sunday, so the regular Fifth Sunday Fellowship will also be observed with families bringing a covered dish to go along with the hotdogs roasted on a bonfire.

The Hotdog Hoedown has been held on Oct. 31 for many years, and any family wishing a fun and safe alternative to trick or treating on the streets is welcome and encouraged to attend, along with the Eastern Heights families. Just bring the children in non-scary costumes and stay with them for the evening, enjoying the fellowship and fun for all ages. Visitors do not need to bring food — just come on out around 5:30 p.m. You will feel welcome.

Eastern Heights Christian Church is located three miles east of Pioneer Woman Statue, on Lake Road. Drive through the upper parking lot and down the hill, where you will find ample parking near the outdoor spread. Use the downstairs door on the south side of the church. Games and fun will be inside.

Pastor’s Notes

This is a list of the ills of our society used in a recent sermon at Community Christian Church.

An unknown author has described our world like this: “We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.

We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice. We have higher incomes, but lower morals. We’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of tall men and short character; steep-profits and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom.”

I would hasten to remind us all that the point of the sermon was not to bemoan the condition of our world, nor to start a game of “ain’t it awful,” but to call us to action to make a difference. We are each one called to set a personal example of Christian living that will draw others to the way of Christ. While all of the anonymous comments above may speak a truth that grabs our attention, our Lord speaks a Truth that grabs our souls and demands we take seriously our call to follow His teaching and example. The cure for the ills mentioned above is found in the lives of Christians ... when we decide to take up our share of the work of Christ’s church with our stewardship and our participation, and when we commit our lives to serving the One we have claimed as Our Lord and Savior. Our active participation in worship each Sunday is a first step in that direction. The world is watching.

The Rev. Wayne Majors, Pastor

The Community Christian Church

Simultaneous Prayer Aims To Prevent School Violence

By RACHEL ZOLL

Associated Press Writer

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) — One is a discount store cashier, others work in health care or in business, many are students — but all stop what they are doing between 9:30 and 9:39 each morning and pray for the safety of children in schools.

Lucille Durm, the cashier, who is a Pentecostal, is like many Franklin County residents who read news of the Columbine High School massacre in Colorado and concluded it can happen here.

To try to ensure it doesn’t, they’ve agreed to stop working at 9:30 a.m. and 9:39 a.m. each weekday and pray.

‘‘I ask the Lord to watch over this county,’’ said Durm, 71, her gray hair pinned in a bun. ‘‘I think that’s what it’s going to take.’’

Ken Jones, a University of the South football coach, and his pastor, the Rev. Alan Roggli, started the prayer movement, called Shield of Faith.

‘‘I think maybe this is the only chance we’ve got left,’’ Jones said.

The goal is to have as many as possible worshipping simultaneously. The time was chosen to coincide with a nine-minute unscheduled period in the schools so students could pray, too. (Some participants said they pray earlier or later than 9:30, for convenience.)

‘‘If we didn’t have God to talk to and to work with and to pray to, I think you’d lose hope,’’ said Kathy Syler, 44, a therapy services coordinator at a Winchester home health care organization.

She prays daily between phone calls, while in the bathroom or at her desk. A grandmother of triplets, she said she’s afraid for when the babies are old enough to go to school.

‘‘When I was in high school we didn’t have these problems,’’ she said. ‘‘As adults I don’t know where we went wrong with our children.’’

Jones doesn’t know how many people participate each day, but said nearly 4,000 attended a rally last month to kick off the campaign. Some of the banners urging daily prayer still hang from storefronts in this town of 6,300, located 45 miles west of Chattanooga.

Jones said a ‘‘still, small voice’’ during a moment of reflection led him and Roggli to start the movement. A visit to Littleton, Colo., in June also was an influence.

‘‘It broke my heart. As my players can tell you, I’m not real sensitive,’’ Jones said. ‘‘But when I walked over the hill and saw Columbine High School and the flag was at half-staff I could not stop crying.’’

Last April, teen-age gunmen Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 Columbine schoolmates and a teacher before taking their own lives.

To advertise Shield of Faith, Jones made up business cards with the group’s name and a short explanation of its goals, and distributed them at department stores, restaurants and churches. Jones said he gave away about 17,000 cards.

To comply with federal law, school administrators and teachers do not encourage participation but allow students to organize prayer groups on their own. Jones anticipates no challenge to promoting prayer in this Bible Belt community.

John Weaver, a Franklin County High School senior and football player, said Shield of Faith is making a difference.

‘‘It makes you feel better and more secure,’’ he said, ‘‘that that many people are supporting you and backing you up.’’

Although Franklin County schools have had no recent incidents of violence, Superintendent Danny Brown said the district this year began requiring clear backpacks and installed a surveillance system in the junior high school. He declined to comment on Shield of Faith.

James Carr, a Franklin County math teacher and football coach, said between 50 and 100 of the 3,500 high school students pray daily at 9:30 a.m.

‘‘The ones that you would expect to be there are there and also some of their friends who may have been on the fence,’’ he said.

Ron Bailey, 53, a Winchester marketing and advertising professional, prays at his paper-strewn desk or in the car. His son is in high school, his granddaughter in elementary school and his daughter is a teacher.

‘‘I believe that violence and evil can happen anywhere,’’ he said.

He said he prays for the community to have the ‘‘courage, strength and guts to know what needs to be done’’ to keep children safe.

‘‘Prayer helps,’’ he said.

SPORTS

Cat Seniors in Final Home Game Tonight
Pokes, Aggies Both Angry
Colorado Fears Sooners’ Boom
Big Men Taking Over Big 12
Rodeo Watch

Cat Seniors in Final Home Game Tonight

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Seventeen Wildcat seniors will play their final high school game at Sullins Stadium tonight as the Poncans take on Sapulpa, starting at 7:30 p.m.

For most it will be an emotional night and coach Rusty Benson is hoping that emotion spills over to the underclassmen.

“When the seniors were out having their pictures taken, I told the others that Friday would be a special night for the seniors,” Benson said Thursday. “They will want to go out on a win just like they will want to go out with a win when they are seniors. They need to help the seniors Friday night to reach that goal.”

It’s been a tough three years for these seniors who are headed for another stay-at-home playoff season.

But Benson said the players aren’t discouraged and have had one of their better practices this week.

“There’s a lot to learn from football,” Benson said. “More than winning and losing. You learn a lot about yourself and you learn a lot about your teammates.

“We would like to have had more victories for these kids, but it didn’t work out. One of our main goals was to improve each week and I think we’ve done that.”

Tonight the Cats will face a team that is fighting for a playoff berth.

Sapulpa is 2-3 in District 6A-3 (3-5 overall) tied with Edmond Memorial for fifth place in the league standings and one game behind Sand Springs.

But Sand Springs is playing 8-0 Tulsa Union tonight while Edmond faces 7-1 Owasso.

So next week’s battle between Sapulpa and Sand Springs could be a shootout for that fourth and final berth in the playoffs from this district.

Sapulpa will come into Sullins Stadium determined not to lose and to use their bigger size to full advantage.

However, Benson says the Wildcats will do some things differently this week in an effort to offset that size advantage.

The Poncans plan to use a shotgun formation and no-huddle during tonight’s game.

“Kyle (Henderson, quarterback) has been throwing the ball okay and the receivers have been catching it,” Benson said. “Our main problem has been protecting him. We’re hoping the shotgun will give him a little more time.”

Although blessed with large-sized linemen, Sapulpa coach Ron Marvel has elected to go with speed on defense.

“Their defense has given us trouble ever since Marvel has been there,” Benson said. “They like to put their backs in their front four. They have their fullback at tackle, their tailback at one defensive end and a reserve tailback at the other defensive end.

“They come off the ball real well and are real aggressive. But that aggressiveness will give us a chance to use some miss-direction.

“There will be some creases. We just have to hope we can find the right crease.”

Offensively, the Chieftains relay on the running of tailback Adam Brown.

“He’s 230 pounds and a load,” Benson says after watching film. “In addition, their fullback is an excellent lead blocker. Their tackles are 275 and 260 pounds.”

But the Cats’ can’t rely on Sapulpa running the ball all the time.

“I’m sure they know people have had some success throwing the ball against us and Sapulpa does some different things, like the doubles pass. We have to prepare for anything.”

Pokes, Aggies Both Angry

By MICHAEL A. LUTZ

AP Sports Writer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — It’s hard to tell which will be the angrier team on Kyle Field Saturday.

Last week, Oklahoma State (3-3, 1-2 in Big 12) jumped ahead of No. 6 Kansas State 21-0 in the second quarter and couldn’t hold on, losing 44-21. No. 22 Texas A&M fell behind Oklahoma 27-0 in the second quarter and never had a chance, losing 51-6.

‘‘A&M is mad and so are we,’’ Cowboys coach Bob Simmons said. ‘‘We have to take the attitude going into College Station that they’re at home. We realize that but I have to be concerned about how we play.

‘‘If we can continue to play at the level that we played at a couple of weeks ago, I think we can win. That’s the bottom line.’’

The Aggies (5-2, 2-2 in Big 12) started the season talking about a national championship. Now they’re struggling to keep alive in the Big 12 South Division.

‘‘Coaches don’t say ‘must win’ because a lot of the time, you may not win,’’ A&M coach R.C. Slocum said. ‘‘We’re playing Oklahoma State and I think they are a pretty competitive team. It will definitely be a challenge for us this week.’’

The Cowboys not only have to face the Aggies, they must defeat a stadium too. Boisterous Kyle Field has a new section at the north end of the stadium called The Zone, which boosted seating capacity by 22,000 to 80,000.

The Aggies have won 17 straight home games dating to a 13-10 loss to Texas Tech in 1996. During the 1990s, the Aggies have a 53-4-1 record at Kyle Field.

Oklahoma State hasn’t won at Kyle Field since a 34-15 victory in 1983, although the Cowboys lead the series 10-4.

The Aggies are also trying to give Slocum his 100th coaching victory and get the 600th team victory in the school’s history, which would Texas A&M the 17th NCAA Division 1-A school to reach that milestone.

‘‘We have five more games left in our season,’’ Cowboy linebacker Kenyatta Wright said. ‘‘For us to do what we want to do and meet our goals, we just have to win out. I think we can do that. We just have to put everything that’s happened to this point behind us.’’

The Cowboys have had difficulty with their running game and they’ve had to play much of their season without quarterback Tony Lindsay, who returned last week to engineer the early 21-0 lead against Kansas State.

‘‘In all honesty, what he brought to the offense was more confidence in terms of what was going to happen out there, a lot more confidence in terms of having a more experienced guy who was going to make the right checks,’’ Simmons said.

The Aggies may go without starting quarterback Randy McCown, who suffered a separated left shoulder and did not play the final 25 minutes against Oklahoma.

‘‘I think he’ll be able to play, it’s a question of how long he’ll be able to play against a physical defensive team,’’ Slocum said. ‘‘It probably wouldn’t take a huge blow to injure him again. This team is one that makes a point of going after the quarterbacks.’’

Former pro baseball player Mark Farris would get the start if McCown can’t play.

Colorado Fears Sooners’ Boom

By JOHN MOSSMAN

AP Sports Writer

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — It’s probably premature to start talking about a resurgence at once-mighty Oklahoma, six times a national champion but unable to finish above .500 since 1993.

But at least one opponent, Colorado coach Gary Barnett, sees a boom in Sooner fortunes after OU’s 4-2 start this season.

‘‘All that program needed was some confidence,’’ Barnett said. ‘‘They’ve always had great athletes, great tradition, great resources. It’s in a part of the country where football is king. It’s been sitting there and just needs some wins under its belt, some confidence before it becomes a monster for the rest of us, a major player again.’’

The Sooners, under first-year head coach Bob Stoops, have vaulted to No. 24 in the Associated Press poll on the strength of an explosive offense utilizing the ‘‘spread’’ formation that offensive coordinator Mike Leach brought with him from Kentucky in the off-season.

OU ranks third in the nation in both passing (344.8 yards per game) and scoring (40.8 points). Behind Josh Heupel, the seventh-leading passer in the country, the Sooners have topped 500 total yards in four games this season and are averaging 454.5.

‘‘Oklahoma scores on you so fast,’’ Barnett said. ‘‘They get up on everybody pretty quick. Two (opponents) have bounced back. The rest have just been suffocated by them.’’

Oklahoma’s most impressive garroting came last week against then-No. 13 Texas A&M. The Sooners jumped out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead and never let up in a 51-6 romp, handing the Aggies their worst loss since 1901. Heupel accounted for six touchdowns in about three quarters of work, completing 31-of-50 passes for 372 yards and three scores and running for three more.

‘‘Their quarterback has been outstanding,’’ Barnett said, ‘‘and they have a couple of wide receivers who are catching the ball well. They’re throwing it all over the lot and creating all sorts of problems for opposing defenses.’’

Barnett was exaggerating when he said, ‘‘They’ve got more guys listed as having caught passes than we’ve got on our team.’’ But not by much. Nineteen Sooners have at least one reception this season.

‘‘You can’t cover everything, which is why Oklahoma is doing what they’re doing,’’ Colorado secondary coach Tom McMahon said. ‘‘It’s as unusual an offense as any I’ve seen, and I’ve coached a lot of places.’’

Similar to the offenses used by Purdue and Kentucky, the Sooners (2-1 in the Big 12) deploy four or five wide receivers. Heupel gets most of his passes away in 2.3 seconds, which helps explain why he has been sacked only nine times.

Opposing teams have used eight players in coverage and rushed three defenders, while others have dropped nine and rushed two.

‘‘You have to pick your spots,’’ Barnett said.

Colorado (4-3, 3-1) eked out a 16-12 win over Iowa State last week behind backup quarterback Zac Colvin, who made his first start in place of the injured Mike Moschetti (concussion). Second-half interceptions by Damen Wheeler and Ben Kelly helped preserve the victory.

Moschetti is expected back this week, but the Buffaloes likely will be missing starting strong safety Michael Lewis (ankle) — not a promising situation given the pressure that the Oklahoma offense puts on an opposing secondary.

Sophomore Robbie Robinson will start in place of Lewis, and sophomore Nate Wright will replace Donald Strickland (shoulder) as the No. 1 nickel back.

‘‘Colorado has good balance on offense, and they get some big plays throwing the ball,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘Defensively, they mix up their pressure and their coverages. They’ve got big-play potential in their special teams. They’re near the bottom of the league in punt returns, but I’ve seen three of them (by Kelly) go for touchdowns that were called back by penalties.’’

Colorado is 7-0-1 in the last eight meetings, including four straight wins. The teams haven’t played in Boulder since 1994, when the Buffs won 45-7.

Big Men Taking Over Big 12

By MIKE FINGER

Associated Press Writer

DALLAS (AP) — As Texas A&M coach Melvin Watkins made his rounds at the Thursday’s Big 12 Media Day, he couldn’t help but notice how a conference once known for its stellar guards has changed.

In one corner, Watkins saw 7-foot-1 Kansas center Eric Chenowith. In the next room, he walked past Texas’ formidable front line of Chris Mihm and Gabe Muoneke. Iowa State’s Marcus Fizer and Oklahoma’s Eduardo Najera, another pair of dominant interior players, waited to be interviewed nearby.

‘‘I see some of these big guys walking around here and I’m thinking about kidnapping some of them,’’ Watkins said. ‘‘You can and will get beat up in this league.’’

Indeed, it appears as though the Big 12 is poised to finally live up to its name. Three preseason favorites — Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma — rely heavily on dominant inside games, and most other teams in the conference have made concerted efforts to bolster their frontcourts.

The league-wide transition from the perimeter to the paint is even more significant, considering that many teams often lived and died by the outside shot in the league’s first three years. Of the 10 best individual scoring seasons in the conference’s brief history, eight have come from former guards such as Corey Brewer, Tyronn Lue, Cory Carr and Reggie Freeman.

This year, all five members of the coaches’ preseason all-conference team are forwards or centers.

One of those honorees, Oklahoma State forward Desmond Mason, said more power players have improved the quality of basketball.

‘‘Guards can get hot shooting the ball, but I’ve never seen players with the ability to dominate a game so easily like some of the big men in this conference,’’ Mxason said. ‘‘And we’ve got a lot of them.’’

Most coaches agree Chenowith and Mihm lead that group. The 7-footers face increased expectations and responsibilities entering their junior seasons.

Both centers had breakout years as sophomores, each averaging over 13 points and 2 blocked shots per game. Mihm had the slight edge on the glass, with 11.0 rebounds per game compared to Chenowith’s 9.1.

But Mihm, who also has the luxury of playing alongside returning all-conference forward Muoneke, said playing center in college basketball these days means more than just posting big numbers.

‘‘Big guys are having to become more multidimensional and more athletic,’’ Mihm said. ‘‘Just having someone that sits down low and waits for the ball doesn’t work anymore.’’

That sort of versatility clearly shows in forwards like Fizer, Mason, Muoneke and Najera, who all averaged over 15 points per game last year while showing the ability to create their own shots from the perimeter and score in the paint.

‘‘It makes you pay a lot more attention to detail,’’ Chenowith said. ‘‘But overall, I think it gives our conference a better image and a better reputation for having great big guys.’’

Teams without a dominant inside player insist they still have a shot in the conference race this season, although they likely will have to come up with creative ways to avoid mismatches on defense.

Rodeo Watch

CALF ROPING

1, Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas, $121,736. 2, Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., $119,047. 3, Cody Ohl, Orchard, Texas, $101,116. 4, Jerome Schneeberger, Ponca City, Okla., $74,334. 5, Ricky Hyde, Conway, Ark., $71,366. 6, Ty Hays, Weatherford, Okla., $70,994. 7, Stran Smith, Tell, Texas, $69,527. 8, Justin Maass, Giddings, Texas, $68,014. 9, Herbert Theriot, Poplarville, Miss., $65,656. 10, Brent Lewis, Pinon, N.M., $65,129. 11, Clay Cerny, Eagle Lake, Texas, $62,459. 12, Tony Reina, Brazoria, Texas, $61,407. 13, Jim Bob Mayes, Elgin, Texas, $58,671. 14, Jeff Coelho, Long Creek, Ore., $58,671. 15, Jeff Chapman, Athens, Texas, $57,542. 16, Roy Cooper, Childress, Texas, $54,861. 17, Trevor Brazile, Childress, Texas, $54,748. 18, Marty Becker, Manyberries, Alberta, $53,943. 19, Brad Goodrich, Hermiston, Ore., $53,857. 20, Neal Felton, Mountain Home, Texas, $51,932.

STEER ROPING

1, Guy Allen, Lovington, N.M., $66,638. 2, Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., $39,610. 3, Trevor Brazile, Childress, Texas, $37,223. 4, Jim Davis, Abilene, Texas, $34,972. 5, Buster Record Jr, Buffalo, Okla., $32,191. 6, De Lynn Jones, Hobbs, N.M., $29,648. 7, Marty Jones, Hobbs, N.M., $29,143. 8, Colby Goodwin, Channing, Texas, $27,821. 9, J,B, Whatley, Gardendale, Texas, $27,676. 10, J Paul Williams, Ponca City, Okla., $26,101. 11, Arnold Felts, Sonora, Texas, $24,989. 12, Roy Cooper, Childress, Texas, $23,039. 13, Cody Ohl, Orchard, Texas, $22,400. 14, Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas, $22,011. 15, Bucky Hefner, Chelsea, Okla., $20,389. 16, David Felton, Weatherford, Texas, $18,208. 17, Rod Hartness, Pawhuska, Okla., $16,011. 18, Jason Evans, Huntsville, Texas, $15,457. 19, Leo Campbell, Amarillo, Texas, $15,204. 20, Dan Fisher, Andrews, Texas, $14,111.