LOCAL

Halfway House Inmates and Worker Face Drug Laboratory Charges
PTC To Seek Millage Increase
Nearly News
National Symphony Orchestra Coming to Ponca City in March
States First Lady Lauds Newkirk Youth
St. John’s Baptist Church Health Fair Planned Saturday
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Into the Woods Production At NOC Portrays Fantasies

Halfway House Inmates and Worker Face Drug Laboratory Charges

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Investigators arrested two Department of Corrections inmates and an employee in connection with the manufacture of methamphetamines at a local drug rehabilitation center Tuesday morning.

Police say they discovered the makings of a drug lab, found in a maintenance shed at Bridgeway Inc., 612 West Grand Avenue, while acting on information provided by a local business where many of the illegal drug’s ingredients were purchased.

Bridgeway is a non-profit, privately owned drug and alcohol treatment center that is currently housing 55 inmates for rehabilitation in the facility’s halfway house. Many of these inmates were committed to the center for rehabilitation through a contract with the Department of Corrections.

Not only were two DOC inmates of the facility arrested, Darrell Lee Pace, 36, and Darin Dawayne Tate, 22, but an employee, Colbert Woods, 28, as well. All three were charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamines and for manufacturing methamphetamines.

District Judge Leslie D. Page set the bond for Woods at $100,000 Tuesday. The judge denied bonds for the two DOC inmates. If convicted, these men could face up to life in prison and be fined a minimum of $50,000.

“I’m glad we got it early before anything was manufactured,” indicated Stan Paynter, executive director of Bridgeway.

Paynter said in addition to the termination of Woods, who was a part-time night attendant at the facility, Bridgeway was assisting “law enforcement 100 percent” and that they appreciated their efforts. “We are doing everything we can to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” he said.

“We’ve been here for 30 years, and this is the first time we’ve had an incident like this happen,” he explained. “Around the state we are looked at as the No. 1 halfway house facility in the state.”

“We also have a good reputation in the community,” he continued. “Unfortunately, these are the types of people we have to deal with — people with substance abuse problems.”

Keith Hickerson, assistant district supervisor for the Enid Community Correction Center, the host facility for Bridgeway, said, “We are concerned with the situation (at Bridgeway).”

“We are going to be looking at whether our inmates there are being adequately and properly supervised,” Hickerson explained. He said if his department finds inmates are not being properly supervised, they would “take measures to correct the problem with whatever we have at our disposal in the contract to correct it.”

“I think this is further evidence of the stance we are taking to eradicate the methamphetamines problem in Kay County,” suggested Ponca City police officer Dale Henshaw, a member of the District Attorney’s Multi-Jurisdiction Drug Task Force, funded through the Department of Justice.

“It all stemmed from security personnel of a local business calling us about suspicious activities with persons purchasing drug related items,” noted Freddie Garza, also with the DA’s task force. “We were able to take that information and begin an investigation, which led us to the meth lab at Bridgeway.”

He said the investigation also led to the arrest of two women, whose names have not yet been released, at a residence in the 500 block of Lansbrook Road. The women were charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines.

Henshaw noted when the lab was discovered the suspects had already begun the first stages of the manufacturing process.

Henshaw also noted this was the 43rd meth lab seized in Kay and Noble Counties this year, compared to seven labs last year. “It’s a huge jump from last year,” he said.

Assisting the DA’s task force with the arrests were members of the Extra-eyes program, made up of community volunteers, the Ponca City Police Department, the Kay County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

This case is still under investigation.

PTC To Seek Millage Increase

By Kristi Hayes

News Education Editor

Area residents will be asked to approve a one mill increase for Pioneer Technology Center during the annual school elections on Feb. 13, 2001.

The mill will generate about $200,000 and will be used to expand and offer more technology-based programs.

The resolution was approved Tuesday night by board members at Pioneer Technology Center’s monthly meeting.

PTC Superintendent Doug Major said board members directed him to look at current programs.

“When I took over, the board wanted me to look at our programs and decide what areas we needed to expand. One major program I believe we need to offer is information technology. That is a growing field in society,” Major said.

Major said the additional mill, bringing the total building mill levies to five, will allow PTC to build the additional facilities.

“We will retain our sinking fund bond this year and ask for a one mill increase,” he said. Major also said when residents vote on the issue, they will have two separate items to vote on for the levies.

“The first one will ask for approval of the five mills and the second will be a measure to make the five mills permanent,” he said.

Because of the recent passage of State Question 690, voters can decide whether they want to make the annual mill levies permanent and not vote on them each year.

Future program plans for PTC includes adding the information technology program and adding a manufacturing technology program. Major said the manufacturing program would offer students an associate’s degree in engineering technology from Northern Oklahoma College. “They would attend school at PTC and then attend NOC,” he said.

Also on the ballot for PTC in February will be the election of two board members in Zone 2 and Zone 4.

In April, the two board members who filled the positions — Bill Carmichael and Larry Cannon — resigned after Superintendent Sally Downey announced her retirement.

The board held interviews and appointed Orva Rothgeb to Zone 4 and J.D. Soulek to Zone 2. Both members have expressed interest in filing for the positions.

Zone 4 deals primarily with the Tonkawa area and Zone 2 is the Blackwell area.

The filing period for board candidates will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 4 and close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. All filings must be made in Newkirk.

Other Business

Other business at Tuesday’s meeting included changing several policies.

Most of the policies needed the word “vo-tech” taken out and replaced by “career technology.” A few of the other policies which were added after PTC went through many administrative changes were never added to the book.

Nearly News

In the “Nobody is Perfect” Department, the Drugstore 2000 folks would like to express thanks to a special friend who was left off the “thank you” list in last Sunday’s News. Air System Components, a valuable contributor to the drug prevention program, was inadvertently omitted from the list. Drugstore 2000 says “Thanks, ASC.”

National Symphony Orchestra Coming to Ponca City in March

The National Symphony Orchestra has chosen the state of Oklahoma as its site for a 2001 American Residency. The orchestra will perform in Ponca City on Saturday, March 17, 2001 at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.

Other Oklahoma venues include Lawton, McAlester, Bartlesville, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

This performance will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many music lovers in the Ponca City area. Tickets for the orchestral concert will be $5 and will go on sale Feb. 15, 2001.

The Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council is the local sponsor for this event. “The council is extremely proud and excited to be one of the six Oklahoma cities to be chosen, and we want to share that excitement!” said Kathy Adams, coordinator.

The Residency will take place between March 14 and March 24, 2001. There will be a total of nine full orchestral concerts: five evening performances led by Music Director Leonard Slatkin, two evening performances with Assistant Conductor Takao Kanayama, and two performances for school groups led by Slatkin.

“Oklahoma is very fortunate to have the renowned National Symphony Orchestra touring our state,” said Gov. Frank Keating. “We look forward to a great week in March as Oklahomans around the state attend splendid concerts that will benefit our own five symphony orchestras.”

“The Residency is one of the cornerstones of the Kennedy Center’s national education program,” stated Kennedy Center President Lawrence J. Walker, “and we are delighted to be invited by the state of Oklahoma. This will be our first visit west of the Mississippi since the 1997 Arizona Residency.”

“This is a huge honor for the state of Oklahoma,” said Betty Price, executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council. “This is an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often. It really is an extraordinary musical event that we hope many will take advantage of.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for the residents of our state,” said Joe Ragan, general manager of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. “It particularly represents an exceptional musical opportunity for many Oklahoma students.”

“The nationwide interest in this project — which is unique to the National Symphony Orchestra — is a tribute to the musicians who, in addition to performing full orchestral concerts, bring their love of music and their expertise to one-on-one sessions with students, teachers and audience members,” added Robert C. Jones, president of the National Symphony Orchestra and vice-president of Music for the Kennedy Center. “Without their commitment, the Residencies would not be the extraordinary experiences they have become. Each Residency is distinctive, and we look forward to working with our colleagues in Oklahoma to create the 2001 American Residency program.”

States First Lady Lauds Newkirk Youth

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — The community of Newkirk was officially recognized and honored Monday by First Lady Cathy Keating, as first place national winner of The Great American Main Street award. A group of approximately 10 “Junior Main Streeters” and more that 50 Newkirk Elementary students were also praised and inspired by Mrs. Keating as she proclaimed Nov. 13, Great American Main Street Day in Newkirk.

Newkirk Mayor Carol Purdy, District II Commissioner Wayne Leven and Main Street Authority President Tom Smith welcomed the First Lady. Leven gave a brief description of the courthouse, concluding “We have the prettiest courthouse in the state - and it was the only one paid for before it was built.”

Smith presented the First Lady with a Great American Main Street Award pin, and as she placed it next to her Oklahoma pin, said “I will keep it there in honor of the best Main Street Community in the Nation.”

Newkirk teacher Krista Perkins introduced Newkirk Elementary students to Mrs. Keating, explaining that each class had been encouraged and challenged to find ways to clean up the town. The students in third grade won the award by having the greatest number of students joining city organizations for various projects.

Perkins also introduced an older group of Junior Main Streeters, who will be opening a kid’s store for the Christmas season in downtown Newkirk. The youth, under the leadership of Jana Shafer, are working with local merchants to make special merchandise available for kids shopping. All merchandise is priced under $10. Proceeds will go to Newkirk Main Street Authority.

Mrs. Keating talked about the adult Main Street group which recently received the Nation’s highest honor for preserving and restoring its historic buildings and history. She reminded the youth that the people of Newkirk accomplished the preservation of heritage, history and beautiful buildings — “not only for beautification and preservation of history, but for the future of their youth.” She continued, “because of this work now, you will have stores to shop in and a good place to work and live when you become adults. I applaud you all for your efforts to preserve and have pride in your community. You live in one of the top communities in all America — and that’s what it’s all about!”

She also told the youth that Newkirk students in the Junior Main Street Program were the first group to organize in the nation. Mrs. Keating said she considered the Junior Main Street Program the top organization for youth in the United States today and “you are one of the first.”

Third grade student Maxx Goad also welcomed the First Lady and introduced a brief program to be performed by students and teachers. The poem “Understanding” and singing of “This Land Is My Land” was performed by students. Teachers Susan Smith and Perkins offered a humorous duet sung to the tune of “Yesterday” titled “Make It Look Like Yesterday.” The spoof was a “hit “with the First Lady and the audience.

After the formal ceremonies, students enjoyed talking with the First Lady for several minutes. Questions asked by students included one by Bailey Ringer “Will Governor Keating leave Oklahoma and go to work at the White House?” Mrs. Keating answered “He hasn’t been invited, but if he was, the decision would depend on several things, so I can’t give you an answer.” She added, “but no matter what job he does, his favorite job in the whole world is to be the Governor of Oklahoma.”

The Main Street Authority and other Newkirk dignitaries also entertained Mrs. Keating at a noon luncheon, and a reception was held for her at The Tin Cup, following the ceremony.

St. John’s Baptist Church Health Fair Planned Saturday

St. John’s Baptist Church will hold a Health Fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in the church sanctuary, 1009 South Eleventh Street.

The fair will include blood pressure checks, lab work for blood sugar, cholesterol, Sickle Cell Anemia and prostate cancer, flu shots if vaccine is available, and other health activities.

Refreshments and door prizes will be provided.

In Kay County, the heart disease death rate, the number one cause of death in the state, is 12 percent higher than the state rate, cancer-related deaths are seven percent higher, and all injuries death rate is two percent higher. The death rate from strokes is 10 percent lower than the state rate and the average annual HIV rate for Kay County is six percent higher.

The Health Fair is sponsored by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, NODA Area Agency on Aging and Pfizer Corporation.

Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday

The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.

The test is scheduled throughout the year.

Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.

Into the Woods Production At NOC Portrays Fantasies

TONKAWA — Favorite characters from Grimm’s Fairy Tales come together in the James Lapine-Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods” produced by the Northern Oklahoma College Fine Arts Division.

When the curtain opens on the first scene, the audience is immediately transported to a fantasy world made believable by the portrayals of the characters as persons with dreams, ambitions and human failings.

Narrator Bert Kaup of Broken Arrow sets the scenes as the various characters encounter each other on their way into the woods despite their fears to get their wishes — until the company decides to bring him into the story with the ulterior motive of appeasing a vengeful giant.

Following the “happily ever after” ending of the first act, the second act finds the company coping with tragic consequences of their former actions. Their adventures in the woods have changed their lives, and, despite the loss of the narrator, they see that their story will continue.

Shannon Lee of Norman portrays a precocious, saucy Little Red Riding Hood, skipping through the woods, repulsing the wolf, befriending Jack of Beanstalk fame and looking after the baker’s baby. Playing the feckless but engaging Jack, Ryan King of Oologah shows a broad range of emotions and has some particularly funny moments with his pet cow, Milky-White.

Tye Palmer of Perkins, in a dual role, portrays the wolf and Cinderella’s prince, who has been raised to be charming but not sincere.

Karen Holt of Norman is the lovely Cinderella, every little girl’s picture of the ideal princess. Donnie Mayden, Blackwell, plays Cinderella’s father as an arrogant but weak man under the thumb of his second wife.

Skye Howery and Erin Sylvester of Ponca City and Lindsay Vik of Bartlesville, cast respectively as Cinderella’s stepmother and two vain, selfish stepsisters, show their comedic talents particularly in the scene where the girls try to fit their feet into the glass slipper. Chris Thatcher of Midwest City plays a foppish steward straight out of a Regency romance.

The role of the baker allows veteran performer Tim Muniz of Ponca City to show his dramatic and vocal talents as he searches the woods for items to break the spell that leaves him and his wife childless. Megan Kubik of Enid turns in a feisty performance as the baker’s wife.

Sarah Richardson’s voice brings a special beauty to the Guymon freshman’s portrayal of Rapunzel. Her prince, played by Adam Lake of Ponca City, is convincing as the suitor who stays constant despite blindness and exile. Lara Lawson of Grove makes an effortless transition from ancient, powerful stick-wielding crone to glamorous but powerless catalyst determining the outcome of events. Her rap number detailing the reasons for her curse is well done.

Toma Foster, Ponca City, is Jack’s exasperated yet protective mother, and Joshua Shawnee, Grove, brings a touch of the eerie to his role as mysterious man, a part shared on alternate nights by Stephen Springer of Enid. Jessica Rhoades of Ponca City is effective in her three-fold characterization of Cinderella’s mother, granny and the giant.

The fairy-tale stage sets, special effects such as Cinderella’s twittering birds and a splendid horse and carriage, creative lighting and the pit orchestra conducted by Dineo Heilmann add to the ambience of the performance, which repeats at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16, 17 and 18 in the Northern Performing Arts Center on the Tonkawa campus.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students and children.

DEATHS

John Glen Fields
Mildred L. Hatten
Laura M. Tucker
Kenneth R. Day
Audrey Darling
Joyce Marie Fortner
Charles Owen Cavett
John E. Northcutt

John Glen Fields

BLACKWELL — John Glen Fields, former resident of Blackwell, died Monday evening, Nov. 13, 2000, at the Fairchild Center in Billings. He was 84.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in the chapel of Roberts Funeral Home with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff of the First Presbyterian Church of Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

John Glen Fields was born on Oct. 13, 1916, in Blackwell, the son of Francis W. and Frieda M. Giese Fields. He grew up in Blackwell where he lived until 1982 at which time he moved to the Fairchild Center in Billings. While at the Fairchild Center, he enjoyed country music, animals and art class. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Blackwell.

Survivors include a brother, George F. Fields of Blackwell; two sisters, Jean Skelton of Blackwell and Margaret Croft of Ponca City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew.

Casket bearers include Pat Lessert, Chad Lessert, Bob Burk, George Wayne Fields and Danny Brownfield.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Fairchild Center, P.O. Box 367, Billings, Okla. 74630.

Obituaries

Mildred L. Hatten

Mildred L. Hatten, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 14, 2000, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 89.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. David L. Bigger presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Mildred L. Hatten was born Dec. 17, 1910, in Ponca City, the daughter of Bert Reams and Ida (Mowder) Reams. She received her education in the Ponca City schools, graduating from Ponca High School. She was married to Francis David Hatten on May 17, 1933, in Ponca City.

Mrs. Hatten was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, dolls and especially her many grandchildren. She was a member of the Elks Club Auxiliary.

She is survived by 12 grandchildren, David Newlin and wife, Donna of Ponca City, Debbie White and husband, Tom of Ponca City, Harold Baughman, Frances Newberry, Glen Baughman, Roger Baughman, Sarah Clay, Melanie Haywood, Lori Watson, Chandra (Charlie) Hatten, Bill Dewayne Wiggs and Charlie Wiggs; 21 great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren, Katlin Newlin, Dillon Newlin, Trenton Newlin, Alyssa Newlin, Grace Newlin, Layne Newlin, Corbin Crowder, Destiny Crowder, Kierstin Crowder and A.J. Watson; one niece and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis Hatten; three daughters, Norma Jeffries, Barbara Newlin and Patricia Baughman; one son, Delbert Hatten; one brother, Joe Asy Reams; three grandchildren, Della Lourene Newlin and twins, Jana and Christopher Hatten.

Honorary casket bearers will be great-grandchildren, Jason Newlin, Kevin Newlin, Devin Newlin, Kurt Crowder, Kyle Crowder, Clint White, Cassie Crowder, Stephen Clay and Ruth Ann White.

paid obituary

Laura M. Tucker

OKLAHOMA CITY — Laura M. Tucker, longtime Oklahoma City resident, died early Monday morning, Nov. 13, 2000, in the St. Anthony’s Hospital. She had lived to see 57 years, 9 months and 8 days.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000. at 2 p.m. in the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery with Dick Robinson, deacon of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Ponca City, officiating. Burial is under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. The body will lie in state at Grace Memorial Chapel until 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

Born Laura Marie Moore on February 5, 1943, in Pawnee, she was the daughter of Walter Moore and Aileen Mae (Jones) Moore. She grew up in the Otoe-Missouria village and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School. After graduation, Laura went to Vo-tech and received her certification to be a nurse technician. She moved to Oklahoma City and married Rueben Tucker in 1962 in Oklahoma City, and they made their home in Oklahoma City. Laura was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City and a proud member of the Otoe-Missouria tribe. She enjoyed being in the presence of her friends and family when she came home to visit.

Laura leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Prudence Davis and one brother, Charles Whitehorn of Oklahoma City; two aunts, Vena DeRoin and Cecelia Moore both of Red Rock; two nephews, Rueben Whitehorn of Pomona, Calif., and Jerry Jerome Castro of Oklahoma City; one great nephew, J. Castro and one great niece, Gina Marie Castro.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and husband.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Kenneth R. Day

BLACKWELL — Kenneth R. Day, longtime resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, at the Veterans Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 64. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Audrey Darling

LAMONT — Audrey Darling, longtime Lamont resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at Mustang Manor of Mustang. She was 85. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Funerals

Thursday

Joyce Marie Fortner

Joyce Marie Fortner — Funeral at 10:30 a.m. in the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan., with burial in the Parker Cemetery.

Friday

Charles Owen Cavett

Charles Owen Cavett — Funeral at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church.

John E. Northcutt

John E. Northcutt — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Thanksgiving Dinner — Newkirk High School junior class members will have a Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria. Turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, green beans, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce, pie and drink will be served. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Po-Hi Wildcat Afghans — The Dugout Club is selling the Po-Hi Wildcat Afghans for $40. To get one for personal use or as a gift, call 762-8523 or 765-2727 or send name and phone number to The Dugout Club, P.O. Box 2577, Ponca City, Okla. 74602. Proceeds benefit Po-Hi Wildcat baseball.

Bake Sale; Homemade bread, cakes, pies, etc., and some garage

sale items. Trinity Nazarene Church. 401 South Perry. Sat. 8-?.

adv.

Chili, Stew and Frito Pie — The First Christian Church of Kaw City will hold a Chili, Stew and Frito Pie fund raiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Drinks and dessert are included in the cost of $5 for adults and $3 for children 3 to 10 years. A craft and bake sale will also be conducted at that time.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $14.48 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 7:43 a.m. Tuesday. A description was given of the suspects and vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv.

Burglary — A man in the 900 block of South Fifth Street reported his unoccupied rental property had been broken into to Ponca City police at 7:56 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call

765-2720. adv.

Fire Run — A woman in the 1200 block of South Rock Cliff Road reported seeing smoke in an upstairs bedroom of her residence to the Communications Center at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday. Engine four and unit one from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years,

no mess. 762-8883. adv.

Theft — An employee of a business in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue reported some stolen money and stamps to Ponca City police at 1:33 p.m. Tuesday. The employee noted they believed they knew who took them. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Narcotics Violation — A woman in the 600 block o South Eleventh Street reported to Ponca City police at 1:53 p.m. Tuesday she had evicted some tenants from her basement and found what could have been the makings of a methamphetamine lab. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Holiday Fried turkeys. Order now for Thanksgiving at Snyder’s

Grocery. 762-4686. adv.

Subject Held — A booking officer at the Ponca City Police Department reported a 23-year-old man was court committed into police custody for failure to appear at 3:16 p.m. Tuesday.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and

insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-

6522. adv.

Accident — A minor two-vehicle accident at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Third Street was reported to Ponca City police at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. The patient refused transport.

Floorcraft Will be closed Saturday November 23rd through

Sunday November 26th for Thanksgiving. adv.

Theft — An employee of a business in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported an 18-year-old man was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The man was taken into police custody for petit larceny.

Theft — A resident in the 1600 block of Holbrook Avenue reported a stolen book bag to Ponca City police at 11:11 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man in the 600 block of North Palm Street reported to Ponca City police at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday his apartment had been burglarized and several items taken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The man also requested an extra patrol for the next several days.

V.F.W. Post #1201 and Auxiliary will hold their Thanksgiving

Dinner November 19 at 1:00 pm. At Post Home on east Prospect.

Turkey, dressing, gravy, hot rolls, and tea and coffee will be furnished. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to

compliment the meal. Also you are asked to bring items for V.A.

centers. See you there. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 7:36 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A man in the 100 block of Elmwood Avenue reported a stolen cell phone to Ponca City police at 6:27 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 44-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under revocation, transporting an open container, transporting an open bottle and no insurance at 4:39 a.m. Wednesday.

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LIFESTYLES

Holiday Home Tour Slated for Newkirk
Reception To Honor Couple
Card Shower
Little News

Holiday Home Tour Slated for Newkirk

NEWKIRK — Newkirk’s Holiday Home Tour sponsored by Newkirk Community Historical Society and Newkirk Main street will be Sunday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. The homes range in age from 1894 to 1962.

Anna and Jeff Randol live in a two-story frame farmhouse built by John and Jane Sheets on their dairy farm in 1894. This Queen Anne style with fish scale shingles has a wrap-around porch on two sides on the front, and a smaller porch on the east side of the house. Anna and Jeff have restored the original oak kitchen floors and all of the downstairs woodwork.

Kahle Home

Carolyn Kahle’s two-story frame home with dormer windows on the front was built in 1938 by Al Todd for the Elmer Brown family. One of the most striking features when you step through the front door is the staircase. All of the light fixtures are original and there are many wall sconces throughout the house. The upstairs of this home has benefitted from Carolyn’s gift for whimsical decorating.

Dye Home

Ken and Karen Dye’s home, a craftsman style home featuring a low pitched hipped roof, intersecting gables, wide boxed eaves, a hipped porch, and battered limestone columns on the front was built in 1914 by Roy S. Johnson, then president of Albright Title & Trust. In the 1940s the home was converted to apartments. When the Dyes purchased the property in 1980, it once again became a single family dwelling. Walnut beams grace the ceiling in the dining room. The sunroom has French windows on three sides which makes it a light and airy room.

Sherrod Square

Although not a “historic” home, passersby have watched with interest as Sandra and Doug Cline added to her mother’s house and landscaped the yard. Jeanette (Adams) Sherrod had the red brick home built in 1962. She chose the lots (1501X1501 affectionately called the (“Sherrod Square”) because of the beautiful old elm trees lining the front of the property. Ms. Sherrod and her two daughters started cleaning over 25,000 used bricks for the house. The bricks came from various sources, including a wall that had been torn out at Dale’s Foodland, and bricks from the Newkirk depot.

Sandra altered the floor plan and added approximately 1,200 square feet to the house and garage. Sandra’s true passion (next to the Newkirk Public Library) is gardening, and her yard reflects this, said a spokesperson for the tour.

Cory Building

The upper floor of the historic Cory building has been home to many Newkirk couples since 1903. It is one of only three apartments in downtown Newkirk. At the turn-of-the-century all the upper floors in downtown Newkirk were filled with either living quarters or professional offices for doctors and attorneys. Often the building owner had his business on the first floor of the building and his family lived on the second floor.

This two-story limestone building has a stone plaque bearing the name of “Cory” and the date of completion — 1903. According to the 1910 Hoffhine’s Directory, Florence Cory had a millinery shop on the first floor of the building, and she and her husband, William, resided on the second floor. Florence was a woman ahead of her time as she purchased the lot for this building in her own name in 1897, and it is quite possible that she assisted with the design of the building including the flowers on the name plaque and the date stone, said a spokesperson.

Currently, Tanna and Bill Lamarr reside in the historic building. Almost everything is within walking distance for the Lamarrs, including her workplace, the pharmacy, library, post office, banks and restaurants.

All proceeds go toward the home fund of the Newkirk Community Historical society and the design grants of Newkirk Main Street. Tickets may be purchased at R&G Style Shoppe, Eastman National Bank, Albright Abstract, and Newkirk Main Street. The day of the tour they may be purchased at R&G Style Shoppe and at the Cline home, 205 North Magnolia. For more information, call Newkirk Main Street 580-362-2377.

Reception To Honor Couple

An invitation is extended to family and friends to attend a reception for Mr. and Mrs. L.D. (Bing) Shelton on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. The event will be 2-4 p.m., Nov. 18, at Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road. The couple requests no gifts.

Shelton and Elsie Bradley were united in marriage Nov. 17, 1960, at the home of the Rev. Wayne and Gayle Glazener in Ponca City.

Mr. Shelton retired from the Ponca City fire Department in 1974, and is currently employed in food service for the Ponca City School system. Mrs. Shelton is a former employee at Wanda’s, and is presently self-employed with B&E Upholstery. They are members of Northeast Baptist church and have resided at 3614 South Ranch Drive for 28 years.

They have five children, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Their children are Marcie Mattison of Haven, Kan., Donna Merz of Ponca City, Dwayne Shelton of El Reno, Gary Shelton of Yukon, and John Shelton of Mesquite, Texas.

Card Shower

Friends are invited to join the family of Gerald Sherrill Sr. in celebrating his 80th birthday Nov. 21 by sending him a card and/or a brief humorous story or memory about him.

No gifts are requested, and correspondence may be addressed to Gerald Sherrill Sr., 308 North Olympia, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Little News

Kim and Trent Fryar of Dallas, Texas, announce the birth of their first child, Cheyenne Braxton Fryar, at 1:13 p.m. Nov. 13, 2000, in the Baylor-Richardson Hospital. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and measured 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Ron and Gini Carey, and paternal grandparents are Garvin and Guarry Fryar, all of Ponca City.

SPORTS

OU-Texas Tech Matchup Not About the Coaches
Swimmers Travel For Home Meet
Mustangs Mystique Too Much
Heupel Pushing Food Drive
Lady Mustangs Dominate M O
Northern Oklahoma Outdoors

OU-Texas Tech Matchup Not About the Coaches

NORMAN (AP) — The natural inclination this week is to refer to Saturday’s game between No. 1 Oklahoma and Texas Tech as a matchup between head coaches Bob Stoops and Mike Leach, who worked together a year ago.

Bad idea, Stoops says.

“Oklahoma’s going to face Texas Tech. There isn’t anything personal about this,” he said Tuesday. “This is about Oklahoma football playing Texas Tech football. This isn’t about me or any other individual.”

When Stoops became Oklahoma’s coach in December 1998, he hired Leach away from Kentucky to become his offensive coordinator. Leach subsequently recruited Josh Heupel, who threw for 3,460 yards last year and now is a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

The spread offense that Leach brought with him from Kentucky allowed Oklahoma to average 37 points per game last season. The Sooners won seven games, ending a string of five straight non-winning seasons, and they went to a bowl game for the first time since 1994.

A short time later, Texas Tech named Leach to replace Spike Dykes, who had retired after the season.

This year, Tech (7-4, 3-4 Big 12) has secured a bowl bid and Oklahoma (9-0, 6-0) is in the running for a national championship.

“I feel proud of the way the offense that I was part of putting in, I’m proud of the way it’s flourished,” Leach said. “I’m proud of the way those players are playing. I think it’s a credit to their program and their coaches. It was great for me to be a part of it last year.”

Stoops said there are still many similarities between what the Sooners are doing on offense now as compared to last year. Oklahoma has made a clear effort to run more often this year with Mark Mangino as coordinator. With two games remaining, the Sooners are just 40 yards short of their 1999 rushing total, and they have 11 more rushing touchdowns than a year ago.

“We’ve developed and used a much bigger run package than a year ago and our pass protections have been manipulated and changed,” Stoops said.

The ability to run the ball effectively in the second half helped Oklahoma rally to beat the Aggies, 35-31, on Saturday. After gaining just 6 yards on eight carries in the first half, Oklahoma had 110 yards and two touchdowns on 20 second-half carries.

Stoops again praised his team for making plays in the clutch against A&M. The Sooners overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

“I feel very fortunate to have been able to win the game, because I really didn’t feel that we played our best by any means,” Stoops said. “A lot had to do with the way A&M played. They’re a good team. But also, I still feel there’s some areas we could have played better.”

He said if the Sooners must play better this week as it seeks to clinch the Big 12 South Division title.

“Really good teams and championship teams get better as the season goes and from week to week, and I’m not so sure we did a week ago,” he said.

Swimmers Travel For Home Meet

BARTLESVILLE — The Ponca City High School swim team traveled to Bartlesville Tuesday for a dual meet that was supposed to be the first home meet of the season. Due to the installation of heaters in the YMCA/community pool, the Wildcats were forced to travel to Bartlesville.

“It would have been nice to be at home,” Dave Strah said. “But, the Phillips 66 pool is one of the best around.

“The pool was recently upgraded and renovated with about $1.5 million.”

The girls lost by close margin of 95-80, while the boys lost by 105-52.

“It’s tough for these kids to lose. We have some very good swimmers on both the girls’ and boys’ teams, but we just don’t have the numbers.

The girls’ relay won two out of three.

Individual winners for the ‘cats were Marie Brown in the 500 with a season best time, and Sunita Chabar in the 100 meter breaststroke.

The boys had Eric Whitebay winning the 200 meter with his season best time of 1:59.74. Matt Dickey won the 50 meter freestyle in a very close race.

Kayla Mills had a very close race with a career best time in the 50 meter freestyle. Lindsey Mersman also had a close race in the 100 freestyle of 1:03. She returned later to swim ever faster in the 400 freestyle with a 1:01.90.

Elizabeth Tucker had a second place in the 100 - meter backstroke with a season best time of 1:13.46 and is getting closer to that all important state time. Our only diver, Catherine Sonnichsen was second last night and is impoving each week. The Wildcats’ next meet will be December 1 - 2.

Mustangs Mystique Too Much

By NORM PETERSEN

News Sports Writer

RED ROCK — Frontier had just salted away its first victory of the season, scoring 82 points in the process, and all coach Bob Weckstein wanted to talk about was defense.

“We feel like defense wins games,” the Mustangs’ veteran mentor explained.

It certainly helped win Tuesday night’s contest with Mulhall-Orlando.

The Mustangs forced 15 first-half turnovers in bolting to a 49-26 halftime lead, then cruised in the second half to a final margin of 82-58.

The win leveled their record at 1-1, and came on the heels of a bitter 98-97 double overtime loss to Coyle in last week’s season opener.

It also sets the stage for a Saturday rematch between the two clubs. Coyle is ranked No. 3 in the state in Class A, while the Mustangs are second behind Fort Cobb, the team that nipped them in overtime last March for the state championship.

“There ought to be a full house here for that game,” Weckstein deadpanned. The game is the back end of a doubleheader with the girls opening the show at 6:30 p.m.

Brothers Albert and Chris Plumley and freshman guard Reggie Weckstein were the key figures in Tuesday’s rout.

The trio combined for 39 of Frontier’s 49 first-half points.

Weckstein, who finished with 14, scored all of his in the opening two periods, nailing four long-distance treys and a pair of free throws.

Albert Plumley ended with a game-high 22, and didn’t even touch the floor in the final quarter. Chris Plumley contributed 14 and dished eight assists.

The Panthers (1-2) stayed close through the game’s first four minutes, trailing just 10-8. But Frontier closed the first period with a 15-0 run, and the outcome was never in doubt after that.

The Plumleys and Matt Clouse were the point men on defense, helping force M-O into a disastrous 4-of-12 shooting in the opening period.

“I thought our guard trio — the two Plumleys and Matt Clouse — really hooked it up,” suggested Weckstein. “We rely on them.”

Turning technical, he said, “I felt like our help-side defense was better (than in the loss to Coyle),” the coach explained.

“We also took several charges. You’re doing something right when that happens. I think we were more aware of the ball on defense.”

Panther coach Marcus Klingsick pointed to the Frontier “mystique.”

“We come in here and we see Frontier on their chests, and we never overcome that,” he said. “[Frontier] means quality basketball.

“We play other good teams and always give them a good game, but that doesn’t happen when we play Frontier. But don’t take anything away from them. They were on tonight. They looked sharp.”

While Weckstein pointed to his team’s defense, sparkling shooting — especially in the first half — didn’t hurt.

While M-O struggled to find the basket (10-of-26), the Mustangs were a sizzling 17-of-26 in the opening two periods. Included in their 17 baskets were seven from three-point range.

FRONTIER 82, MULHALL 58

M-O 8 18 14 18 -- 58

Frontier 25 24 20 13 -- 82

M-O (1-2) — Justin Golay 0, Wes Yost 9, Leon Riggs 10, Mike Hafner 10, Chad Yost 15, Ricky Burgess 8, Trey Gallaway 0, John Haven 2, Ronnie Beier 4.

Frontier (1-1) — Albert Plumley 22, Matt Clouse 6, Miles Bender 8, Tom Butler 3, Chris Plumley 14, Jeff Ingmire 2, Reggie Weckstein 14, Wahs-Kon Camp 6, Brandon Smith 5, Ryan Pratt 2, Brian Gooden 0.

Heupel Pushing Food Drive

Sooners Collect Food For Needy

NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel would like to see Sooner fans score some big points this week — with Norman’s needy.

Heupel on Tuesday asked the media who have reported on his exploits all season to publicize a food drive being held Saturday in conjunction with Oklahoma’s game against Texas Tech.

Last year, he said, he and his teammates were able to put together about 15 baskets for distribution at Thanksgiving.

“We were able to get some Thanksgiving baskets for some kids who aren’t as blessed as a lot of us here in the city of Norman and more importantly here inside the program,” he said. “We want to share that blessing with them and give them happy holidays.”

The football program, Norman Public Schools and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are working together on this year’s drive. The goal is to help at least 200 local families who will be designated by principals at Norman elementary schools.

There will be dropoff locations near gates 1, 7, 19 and 44 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Canned food items will be accepted at those spots until kickoff. Canned goods also will be accepted at the three Norman Wright’s IGA grocery stores until Nov. 21.

“If everybody participates, we feel that we can reach a lot of people not only at Thanksgiving, but at the Christmas season as well,” Heupel said.

Lady Mustangs Dominate M O

RED ROCK — Robin Pratt scored 24 points as the Frontier girls bolted to a huge early lead in coasting to a 74-20 victory Tuesday night over Mulhall-Orlando.

Pratt, a senior post, was dominant underneath for the Lady Mustangs, controlling both backboards and keeping the smaller, slower Lady Panthers outside.

The victory was the second of the year in two starts for Frontier, while M-O fell to 0-2.

Lady Mustang coach Greg Jackson quickly pointed to Pratt as the game’s decisive factor.

“[Robin] did a very good job,” he stated. “She did a good job of moving, getting into position and going to the bucket.

Pratt and Alicia Petty, who scored 11, were the only players in double figures. Pratt could have easily passed the 30-point barrier, but she saw limited action after halftime.

Frontier broke to a 23-2 lead in the first quarter, then widened it to 47-8 by halftime. Jackson was already emptying his bench before the second quarter ended.

“We had good ball movement out there and we played good defense at times,” Jackson noted of his team’s play.

“It’s kind of hard to tell what you did good when you play [a weaker team]. But this was a good win and it was good fun for the home crowd.”

The Lady Mustangs are back in action Friday night, visiting Drummond. Coyle, the team they beat in last week’s season opener, visits Saturday. Tip off is set for 6:30 p.m.

FRONTIER 74, MULHALL 20

M-O 2 6 4 8 -- 20

Frontier 23 24 16 11 -- 74

M-O (0-2) — Sammy Green 2, Amanda Hayes 2, Reann Rogers 3, Brandi Bulling 2, Shawna Golay 1, Katy Bode 6, Courtney Bulling 2, Jennifer Wimsey 2.

Frontier (2-0) — Robin Pratt 24, Amy Beck 2, Julie Case 4, Bethany Dunham 7, Lacey Kelly 6, Courtney Burgess 7, Alicia Petty 11, Tiffany Burgess 3, Jessica Case 2, Megan Williams 4, Trina Burk 4.

Northern Oklahoma Outdoors

Youth Deer Hunt Set For Dec. 2

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting a youth controlled deer hunt opportunity the weekend after the regular nine-day gun season. Ten antlerless permits will be drawn Monday, Nov. 27, for youngsters between the ages of 12 and 14.

The one-and-a-half day hunt will begin on Saturday, Dec. 2, with a pre-hunt briefing at 1:00 p.m. The youth along with their non-hunting adult partner will then hunt Saturday afternoon and then all day Sunday, Dec. 3. According to Tom Smeltzer, Wildlife Division sr. biologist for the southwest region, participants should have very good opportunities to harvest an antlerless deer.

“The hunt is taking place on a private ranch in Ellis County near Arnett,” said Smeltzer. “The property has an abundant deer population, especially does. With the wide-open terrain, all the youth hunters should certainly see good numbers of deer, and will have a good harvest opportunity.”

The landowner is enrolled as a DMAP (Deer Management Assistance Program) cooperator and needs to harvest antlerless deer to accomplish his herd management goals. The fact that he is allowing young hunters, many of whom may be hunting for the first time, is truly commendable."

To apply for this hunt, applicants must send a 4x6 index card titled, “Ellis County Youth Deer Hunt.” The card should include the hunter's name and date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and hunter education certification number. Also, include the name of the non-hunting partner. Applications must be received at Department of Wildlife headquarters no later than: 1:00 p.m., Nov. 27. Successful applicants will be notified by phone on Nov. 27.

If selected for the hunt, youth must possess a $14.75 Resident Youth Deer Gun permit unless they possess a Resident Lifetime Hunting or Resident Lifetime Combination License. The youth's non-hunting adult partner, however, will not be required to possess an Oklahoma hunting license or deer permit. Participants must also pay a $7 controlled hunt fee at the pre-hunt briefing. The youth's proof of age and hunter safety certification are also required at check-in.

Any antlerless deer harvested during the controlled hunt will be considered "bonus" deer and will not count against the youth's yearly aggregate limit.

Applications for the Ellis County youth deer hunt should be sent to Attn. Wildlife Division/Ellis Co. Hunt, OK Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. For additional information concerning drawing details, contact Tom Smeltzer at 405/823-8619.

Quail Hunting Looks Good

Quail season has opened across the state with a bang. Bird populations are up in most of the state, and hunters enjoyed some good weather and quality dog work opening weekend.

“While involvement in deer black powder season and rainfall has limited quail hunting participation thus far, reports from those participating have ranged from fair to very good,” said Mike Sams, upland game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The general consensus is that bird populations are better than they have been in a couple of years and most hunters are seeing good numbers of coveys.”

It does not appear that the late-summer drought is going to hurt the hunting this fall. The habitat looks in reasonably good shape and recent weather systems have improved the chances of finding birds.

“Although we've experience a number of rainy days so far, the weather is definitely better than it was for the opening of last years season. Subsequently, hunters have reported good dog work and for the most part birds are holding well," Sams said.

Regional hunting appears as follows:

NORTHWEST — Hunting has been good. "Moderate winds and good moisture during the opening weekend resulted in good dog work," said Dave Kirk, District 8 chief of law enforcement for the Department. "Most hunters are reporting good numbers of coveys and good numbers of bird in each coveys. I am expecting a pretty good season"

SOUTHWEST — Hunting success is fair to good. Dog work and bird response varies with weather conditions. "Numbers of birds appear better than we've seen in several years and the season looks encouraging," said Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor. Hot, dry weather during the summer and different land management practices have resulted in a variety of ground cover conditions throughout the region.

SOUTHCENTRAL — Summer weather negatively affected habitat conditions over much of the southern portions of the region. "Ideal hunting conditions have been hampered by rainfall during the first week of the season," said John Herd, central region wildlife supervisor. "Yet bird numbers still appear higher than what we've seen the previous two seasons."

NORTHCENTRAL — Bird populations are up from last year in this part of the state, said John Herd. Despite a summer drought, habitat conditions remain in fair to good shape from our above average spring precipitation.

SOUTHEAST — Bird numbers seem to be about the same as last year, said Dave Robertson, lands biologist. Good quail hunting in the region is spotty due to substantial losses of quail habitat. Hunter participation has been low and hunters are reporting success as poor to fair.

NORTHEAST — Bird numbers appear higher than they have been in a couple of years, said Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor. Hunting during the first week of the season has been hampered by the wet conditions.

Deer Hunters Beat Weather

Despite less than optimum weather conditions during the nine-day primitive firearms season, officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation report state deer hunters are on pace to set another record harvest.

Upon contacting a sample group of 30 hunter check stations, Department officials were surprised to learn that this fall's harvest totals were significantly higher than the harvest results at the same point in last year's deer season.

For the past 13 years Department biologists have conducted a telephone survey of the same 30 hunter check stations following the primitive firearms season. The survey, conducted on November 6, showed that this year's primitive firearms deer hunters experienced a remarkable increase of 31 percent over the 1999 primitive season total. Additionally, archery deer hunters have, so far, harvested 43 percent more deer than this time last year in the archery season.

“In light of the warm weather, and especially the rainy weather during the nine-day primitive season, we were pretty surprised at the amount of increase,” said Mike Shaw, Wildlife Division research supervisor for the Department. “The archery season opened October 1 and was followed by several weeks of balmy weather which normally equates to poor deer movement and decreased hunter success. By the time primitive season began on October 28, it was not only still very warm, but many parts of the state experienced rainy weather on both the opening and closing weekends. Normally, this kind of weather means decreased hunter activity and decreased harvest, but not this year.”

At the 30 check stations surveyed by the Department, primitive firearms hunters checked in 4,531 deer. That represents a 31 percent increase over the 1999 total of 3,464, and is 15 percent higher than the previous record of 1997. Another very surprising and significant aspect of the 2000 primitive season was the increase in antlerless deer harvest.

“What is really incredible about this year's primitive season is the increase in antlerless harvest. In 1999 our sample check stations reported 561 does harvested. This year the number jumped to 1,586. That represents a 182 percent increase in the antlerless harvest, “ said Shaw.

“Obviously, our primitive firearms hunters took great advantage of the antlerless days that were added in most areas of the state. As more and more deer hunters are learning, we have to bring the state's exploding deer herd under control, and the best way to accomplish that is by increasing antlerless harvest. Obviously, many hunters took that to heart during this year's primitive season and we are pleased that so many are adopting the idea of harvesting more does.”

From a regional perspective, the southeast part of the state experienced the greatest jump in primitive firearms antlerless harvest with a 276 percent increase over 1999. The number of antlerless primitive firearms days in the southeast were increased from two in 1999 to six this year. Despite increasing antlerless hunting days from two in 1999 to all nine days in the northwest, this part of the state had the lowest increase over 1999, but did log a 131 percent increase in does checked in.

In contrast to the dramatic increase in the antlerless harvest, the number of bucks taken in the primitive season was virtually unchanged from 1999 with only a slight 1-percent increase.

Waterfowl Outlook Promising

The Oklahoma waterfowl season is under way, and hunters are busy making last minute preparations as birds begin migrating into the state. Recent rains across the state have provided excellent habitat, setting the stage for some great waterfowl hunting this fall.

“The key to a good waterfowl season is having quality habitat here and harsh weather to the north,” said Mike O'Meilia, migratory game bird biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Waterfowl had another good year in the prairie pothole region, so there should be a lot of birds to come down. We definitely have the habitat to hold them, now all we need is the weather.

“We had a lot of shoreline exposed on lakes and ponds during the drought this summer, and the smartweed, nut sedge and other natural vegetation waterfowl consume did really well in those areas. A lot of that vegetation is now surrounded or covered by water from all the rain we have had. We also have a lot of sheet water in wheat fields and pastures right now. These areas all provide great food and habitat for waterfowl,” O'Meilia said.

Waterfowl numbers have been low to this point across the state, mainly due to warm temperatures and southerly winds. But, recent reports have indicated that some waterfowl are starting to move in ahead of weak cold fronts headed toward the state.

“We have seen some white-fronts, snow geese and sandhill cranes begin to come through. We also had a pretty good push of teal, widgeon, gadwall, wood ducks, and even a few mallards. But, we still need some strong fronts to push the bulk of the birds down," O'Meilia added. "Our hunting will get better when it gets a lot colder up north. But, there is some good hunting right now, you just have to be willing to get out and find it.”

Perhaps no where in the state is this more true than at Hachberry Flat Wildlife Management Area in southeast Oklahoma.

“With more than seven thousand acres of some of the most ideal waterfowl habitat in the nation, Hackberry could become the Midwest's Mecca for serious duck hunters,” said Alan Peoples, chief of the Department's Wildlife Division. “We've anticipated the culmination of this tremendous wetland restoration project since we began in the early 1990's. And we're proud to announce that Hackberry Flat has finally 'arrived',” said Peoples.

Oklahoma's 2000-2001 duck season runs from Oct. 7 to Jan. 10 in the panhandle counties, Oct. 28 to Dec. 3, and Dec. 9 to Jan. 14 in Zone 1, and Nov. 4 to Dec. 3, and Dec. 9 to Jan. 21 in Zone 2. The daily bag limit is six ducks.

The White-fronted goose season will run from Nov. 4 to Dec. 3, and Dec. 9 to Feb. 2. The daily bag limit is two. The Canada Goose and light goose seasons will run from Nov. 4 to Dec. 3, and Dec. 9 to Feb. 11. The daily bag limit is three Canada Geese and 20 light geese..