LOCAL

Character First Attempt to Raise Awareness of All
Social Security Benefits Will Increase Next Year
Bedlam Battle Blood Drive Set for Wal Mart on Friday
Ponca City 4-H Elects Junior, Senior Officers
County Health Department Receives Some Flu Vaccine
DAV Needs Van Donations
Rugrats in Paris Opens Sunday at Poncan Theatre
Main Street Fund Raiser Tickets Still Available
Nearly News

Character First Attempt to Raise Awareness of All

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

“Character makes all the difference,” say members of the Leadership of Ponca City class of 2000, sponsored by the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.

In fact, alumni of the 10-month leadership class, in an effort to bring back what they call the “good old days,” days when character traits like respect and self-control were more than words in a dictionary, have adopted the Character First program, developed by the International Association of Character Cities (IACC), as their class project.

The character-development program, according to advocates, is designed to touch all aspects of the community — city government, law enforcement, the workplace, media, the faith community and schools — by highlighting and defining one of 49 character traits per month.

Advocates believe the program will work if “community leaders model those character traits” first for other citizens to follow.

Because of this, members of the leadership class went before city commissioners earlier this year and challenged members to adopt a resolution declaring Ponca City as a Character City — the first step in the program’s implementation process. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the proposal at a meeting on June 26.

“I think it has really given me an understanding of the multitude of the character traits it takes to make a person a person of character,” indicated fire chief Gary Denny, an alumnus of the leadership class and program sponsor at the fire department. “I think the building blocks of integrity are what Character First is all about.

“If the traits are practiced on a high level, I think they would improve the integrity of that person.”

Lowell LeFebvre, also an alumnus of the class and an employee of Mertz, Inc., suggested he had also benefited from the program. “Character First has taught me the application of character qualities at work and at home.”

Denny stressed that even though Character First included the faith sector, it was not based on a religious philosophy but on “building good character into our lives.”

“You don’t have to be religious to be truthful, compassionate, gentle or sincere — four of the character traits recognized by the program.”

The Leadership Ponca City class first heard of the Character First program during a tour of Mertz Inc., one of many local businesses the class toured in 1999 as part of its curriculum. Mertz officials had elected to implement Character First as part of their leadership program.

“Steve Ballanger, executive vice president and general manager of Mertz, talked quite a bit about Character First during the group’s tour in December,” explained LeFebvre.

“Our class didn’t talk about it again until the first of 2000. We were discussing group projects when the idea of Character First as a long-term project came up,” he recalled.

“It think there was quite a bit of excitement among the group’s members because it could not only benefit them, but the entire community as well — personal benefits, family benefits and what the class was looking for anyway, community benefits,” he said.

How does Character First work?

“Character training starts at an identified point and flows down to each individual family member,” said Denny.

Denny suggested if a person is going to go on one of the program’s main premises, “character is caught as much as it is taught,” good character traits would have to be demonstrated by elected officials and community leaders first.

In support of this philosophy, Denny said city commissioners had agreed to help implement the character-building program by having a short discussion about the character trait of the month at one meeting per month. This month the board discussed truthfulness, presented by commissioner Pam Johnson.

He indicated if leaders in each aspect of the community effects their individual areas by demonstrating good character, following the city commission’s example, then it will “eventually reach each individual family on some level” and make Ponca City a better place to live.

For more information about Character First contact Denny at 767-0360 or LeFebvre at 767-8428.

Social Security Benefits Will Increase Next Year

By Richard Black

District Manager

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase 3.5 percent in 2001, according to Social Security. Today’s news tells us that inflation continues to be low which is certainly good news for everyone living on a fixed income. Inflation is one of the worst enemies of the elderly. The past eight years, which have seen low inflation rates and a strong economy, have been particularly good for the elderly.

The 3.5 percent increase will begin with benefits that Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2001. Increased payments to SSI recipients will begin Dec. 29, 2000.

For Social Security beneficiaries the average monthly benefit amount for all retired workers will rise from $816 to $845. The maximum federal SSI monthly payments will rise from $769 to $796.

Social Security and SSI benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the one year through the corresponding period of the next. This year’s increase in the CPI-W was 3.5 percent.

American workers continue to benefit from our unprecedented economic growth. Wages continue to grow faster than inflation. This is good news for American workers.

Bedlam Battle Blood Drive Set for Wal Mart on Friday

Wal-Mart and their employees are hosting an “OSU/OU Bedlam Battle” blood drive on Friday.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will park the donor coach between the front doors of the store from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Area football fans are encouraged to support their favorite team and also to help local patients by donating blood at this drive.

All donors will receive their choice of a special OSU or OU team T-shirt, as well as having their name placed into a drawing for an autographed, team football.

“Wal-Mart needs to be congratulated for their efforts in making sure that Ponca City medical facilities have an adequate blood supply for local patients,” said Pixie Rowland, manager of the OBI Ponca City Center. “The store and their employees are very dedicated to helping their community, and this is one of the many projects that they do to help make a difference. This blood drive is critical in preparation for the upcoming holidays. At this time of the year many more people are traveling on the roads which results in more accidents. The blood supply is always critical, but there is an even greater concern about having a sufficient blood supply during the busy holiday season.”

“We are committed to helping our community and this is one of the most important projects that we are involved in,” said Gary Gregg, Wal-Mart blood drive coordinator. “Donating blood is such and easy way to help a patient in need and we appreciate our employees and the many community residents who support our blood drives. Wal-Mart is honored to play such an important role with the Oklahoma Blood Institute in saving lives. Not only will the donors be helping patients, but they will be showing support for their favorite team.”

In order to be a blood donor, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh 105 pounds and be in relatively good health. In addition to helping local patients, all donors will receive a mini physical that includes checks on temperature, pulse, blood pressure, iron and cholesterol levels. OBI also offers prostate-specific antigen blood testing for men at a fee of $15 for donors and $20 for those unable to donate.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute is the exclusive supplier of all blood products for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Cancer Center and the Outpatient Surgery Center. Anyone wishing more information about the blood drive or blood donation, may call the OBI Ponca City Center at 580-762-9488. The Oklahoma Blood Institute is an independent, regional, not-for-profit blood collection center with locations in Oklahoma City, Ada, Ardmore, Enid, Tulsa and Ponca City.

Ponca City 4-H Elects Junior, Senior Officers

Ponca City 4-H recently held officer elections for junior and senior positions.

The 4-H club, which meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Ponca City Vo-ag building, north of Ponca City on Pleasantview, held training for these officers on Monday.

Those elected to junior officer positions were Megann Longmore, president; Jessica Brown, vice-president; Bailey Bowers, secretary; Caitlin Knott, treasurer; Megan McMillen, song leader; Niki McMillen, game leader; and Phillip Major, reporter.

Members elected to senior officer positions were Heather Brown, president and secretary; Amanda Brown, vice-president and song leader; Laura Knight, treasurer; Tyler Klumpp, game leader; and Barry Fagg, reporter.

Anyone interested in learning more about Ponca City 4-H may call Sherry Bowers at 765-4864, Joann Holman at 363-3252 or Sandy Major at 765-8529.

County Health Department Receives Some Flu Vaccine

The Kay County Health Department announced today that it has received a partial shipment of flu vaccine for this flu season. “We received close to 500 doses, which means that we will provide it first to persons at high risk of complications from flu,” said Mike O’Connor, administrator.

Persons at high risk for flu complications include people over 65, persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma, pregnant women, and health care workers who provide care to at-risk patients.

O’Connor said a flu clinic is scheduled at the home extension building at the fairgrounds in Blackwell on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Flu vaccine will also be offered during the regular immunization clinic at the Tonkawa Public Library Monday, Nov., 20, 1-4 p.m. Other clinics will be scheduled as more vaccine arrives.

“Thus far this flu season, influenza activity is not yet circulating in the state,” said O’Connor. “We expect to receive additional shipments of the vaccine in early December, so healthy adults should still have time to get a flu shot before flu season arrives.”

O’Connor added that health officials also recommend that persons 65 years of age and older and those with chronic health conditions get a pneumococcal vaccination to reduce the risk of pneumonia resulting from influenza or other respiratory illnesses. This vaccine is available at physicians’ offices and the Kay County Health Department. for more information call the health department, 580-762-1641 or 580-363-5520.

DAV Needs Van Donations

Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 47, is applying for grants to purchase a van to transport veterans to the Oklahoma City Veterans Hospital for medical treatment.

Milton Friesenhahn, fund chairman, said the local chapter is applying to the 2001 DAV National Transportation Network and the Colorado Trust for a 2001 Ford Windstar LX, seven-passenger, four-door wagon.

Friesenhahn said, “To obtain this van we need a one-time matching fund of $10,000. Then at 70,000 miles we will turn the van back to DAV National Transportation Network for a new van.

The local DAV is seeking donations for their share of the $10,000 grant.

Friesenhahn said, “We have limited time for donations in order to receive the Colorado Trust Funds.

Cost of fuel and maintenance will be provided by the DAV National Transportation Network.

Donations can be sent to Friesenhahn at 3636 South Ranch Drive, Ponca City 74601.

Rugrats in Paris Opens Sunday at Poncan Theatre

The Poncan Theatre becomes home to Chuckie, Angelica and the rest of the Rugrats gang starting Sunday at 2 p.m. “Rugrats in Paris” opens Sunday at the Poncan and runs through the end of the month.

“We are excited about the Rugrats movie,” said Michael Varnum, Poncan Theatre director. “It is wonderful to be able to present a movie that has appeal to all ages and helps teach lessons in courage and trust.” “Rugrats in Paris” looks to be a blockbuster movie event, and the Poncan is thrilled to be a part of the excitement.

Show times for the movie are Sunday 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Weekday showings will be at 6:30 p.m. and at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. both Thanksgiving day and Friday, Nov. 24. More information on show times can be found on the Poncan Theatre web site at poncantheatre.org or by calling the Poncan at 765-0943.

The films begins when Chuckie’s dad Chas starts dating again, and it’s Chuckie’s wish to find a new mom. When Stu Pickles is summoned to Reptarland, an amazing new amusement park in Paris, to work on his Reptar invention, Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Lil, Phil, Baby Dil, Didi and the whole gang tag along to the city of romance.

The adventure turns out to be more than glamour, fashion and smelly cheese. Chuckie learns that when it comes to princesses and potential mommies, things are not always what they seem, and for Chas, finding the right woman can be difficult in any language. The world’s favorite babies learn new lessons about courage, loyalty, trust and, above all, true love.

The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 E. Grand in Ponca City and hosts live theatre, concerts and feature films.

Main Street Fund Raiser Tickets Still Available

A few tickets remain for the Penne Party slated Saturday at the old Ponca City Sports building, 205 East Grand. In addition to being a welcome event for new Main Street Executive Director Tim Wilkins, the Penne Party is a fund raiser. Cost of the event is $10 a person and will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a pre-dinner social time followed at 7:30 p.m., by dinner.

The funds received from ticket sales and donations will go toward developing a revolving interest-free loan fund for sign improvement for downtown businesses.

For more information or to purchase a ticket call the Main Street office at 763-8082 or come by the office at 307 1/2 East Grand.

Nearly News

Cathy Keating may play golf from time to time, but “The Tin Cup” (remember that movie with Kevin Costner) was not where Newkirk residents honored the First Lady with a reception during her visit Monday. Actually, it was Newkirk’s famous “Muffin Tin,” located on South Main Street. Drop by for a homemade muffin, but don’t expect to see Kevin Costner there.

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Due to some unforeseen difficulties, the Community Pool at the YMCA will be closed indefinitely. New heaters are being installed but the process will take longer than expected, according to Y officials.

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The Municipal Court Clerk’s office will be closed Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to allow employees to attend funeral services honoring Judge John Northcutt.

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OOPS! The dancer on yesterday’s front page for Native American Heritage Week was identified wrong. The fancy dancer’s correct name is Tanner Rush. The News apologizes for any confusion.

DEATHS

D.H. Drymon
Audrey Darling
Patrick S. Frohreisch
John E. Northcutt
C. Owen Cavett
William Marion White
Helen Davis
Obituary Policy

D.H. Drymon

RALSTON — D.H. Drymon, resident of Ralston, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, in Ralston. He was 86.

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, in the First Baptist Church in Ralston with the Rev. Virgle Calvert officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee.

D.H. Drymon was born Feb. 8, 1914, in Ralston, the son of John Calhoun Drymon and Sarah Catherine Edwards Drymon. He lived all his life in the Fairfax and Ralston area. He was a nurseryman by occupation, employed by Henderson’s Nursery in Ralston for many years. He was also employed in carpentry, plumbing and as an electrician. He married Jean Agnes Warrior; she preceded him in death Oct. 15, 1941. He then married Madelyn Mildred Vehiller on Oct. 20, 1945, in Fairfax; she preceded him in death Aug. 23, 1998.

He enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by five sons, Arthur Drymon of Owasso, Harry Drymon of Tulsa, Louis Drymon of Prattville, and Curtis Drymon and David Drymon, both of Fairfax; two daughters, Doris Gardner and Linda LeForce, both of Pawnee; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters; and a number of other relatives. He was preceded in death by both wives, his parents, two brothers, one sister, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Caring Hands, P.O. Box 467, Pawnee, Okla. 74058 or OMRF, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104.

Audrey Darling

LAMONT — Audrey Darling, longtime Lamont resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at Mustang Manor in Mustang. She was 85.

The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at the First Christian Church in Lamont with the Rev. Joe Howard officiating. Burial will follow in the Lamont cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Audrey Darling was born April 6, 1915, in Arcadia, Kan., the daughter of Lee and Grace Davidson. She graduated from Arcadia High School. She married Frank Eugene Darling in Wichita, Kan. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Lamont.

Survivors include one stepson, Tom Darling of Tahlequah; one stepdaughter, Pat Sparks of Mustang; two brothers, Marvin Davidson of Fort Scott, Kan., and Max Davidson of Arcadia, Kan.; two sisters, Margaret Ayers of Wichita, Kan., and Helen Saladino of Birmingham, Ala.; and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and five brothers and sisters.

Patrick S. Frohreisch

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Patrick S. Frohreisch, resident of Greeley, Colo., and former resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyo. He was 50.

Cremation has taken place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens under the direction of Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Patrick S. Frohreisch was born Aug. 3, 1950, in Logansport, Ind., the son of Richard and Bettie Frohreisch. He had served in the United States Navy. He was a general contractor.

Survivors include two daughters, Abella Frohreisch and Alissa Frohreisch, both of Vail, Colo.; his parents; three sisters, Bonnie Jennings of Amory, Miss., Julia Dallas of Caledonia, Miss., and Debbie Haynes of Panama City, Fla.

Obituaries

John E. Northcutt

John E. Northcutt, 2723 Homestead, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 51.

The funeral will be Friday, 2 p.m. in the worship center of the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

John was born April 6, 1949, in Ponca City to C.D. and Ruth Eleanor Storms Northcutt. He attended Ponca City schools, graduating from Po-Hi in 1967. He earned a bachelor of science degree in political science from the University of Oklahoma in 1971 and his juris doctorate from OU School of Law in 1974. While at OU, he earned the nickname “Spanky” for his part in the Sooner Scandals and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

On Aug. 15, 1970, he and the former Jen Ellen Spray were married in the First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City.

In 1974, following admission to the Oklahoma Bar, John joined his father’s legal practice in the Security Bank Building. In the spring of 1992, he established the John E. Northcutt Law Office, where he continued to practice until his death.

In earlier years, John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he had served as an elder and taught the adult Sunday school class. In 1988, the couple joined the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and trustee, taught the 12th grade Sunday school class, and served on the church youth activity committee. John could always be relied on to bring his grill and serve as “burger king” for church youth functions and looked forward to cooking on Tuesday mornings for the youth prayer breakfasts.

He was also a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Kay County Bar Association where he had served on the board, and had served as a panelist on the televised “Ask A Lawyer” program.

Locally, John had served as president of the YMCA and the Quarterback Club, as vice president of the Po-Hi Instrumental Music Parents Association, and as chief of the Cherokee Strip Golf Tournament. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Ponca City associate municipal judge and juvenile judge. Recently he had volunteered his time as a judge for Drugstore 2000.

Spanky was an avid OU sports fan. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing, and had an uncanny ability to remember the insignificant. He was the Millennium Baby at the Ponca City New Years celebration. Most of all, John enjoyed coming home, putting on his grubbies and being a husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Jen, of the home; a son, Jeff of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Julie of Norman; his parents, C.D. and Ruth Eleanor Northcutt of Ponca City; a sister and her husband, Gayle and John Young of Ponca City; and his 104-year-old grandmother, Essie Northcutt of Lexington, Okla.

Casket bearers will be Mark Palmer, Tom Carter, Phil Knight, Bill Kirkpatrick, Kenneth Holmes and Bobby Jack. Honorary casket bearers will be John Raley and Rusty Benson.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, for youth activities, 218 S. Sixth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The casket will not be opened following the service; however, friends may call at the funeral home until noon Friday.

The family will be at the home, 2723 Homestead.

paid obituary

C. Owen Cavett

C. Owen Cavett, 1601 Academy Road, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, 5:40 p.m. at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 78.

The funeral will be Friday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. J.D. Ward, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Jan. 9, 1922, at Loyal, Okla., he was the son of Ernest R. and Edith Whitson Cavett. He attended Loyal schools, graduating as valedictorian from high school there in 1939. He then earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Central State College and later a master’s degree from Phillips University. Owen was in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific Theater during World War II.

On Aug. 4, 1946, he married the former Mary Evelyn Garwood in her parents home in Blackwell.

Owen began his teaching career in Orlando before moving to Lamont, where he served as both teacher and principal. Ten years later, he moved to Blackwell where he taught and worked for the school board. In 1966, he moved to Ponca City, where he served as clerk of the school board. He retired in 1982.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Owen was an avid reader, often reading a book a day.

Surviving are his wife, Mary of the home; two sons, Dick Cavett of Houston, and Dr. Stan Cavett of Brownwood, Texas; grandchildren, Jessica Elaine, Jayne Erin, Kimberly Dawn, and Mark Richard; and a sister, Rachael Louthan of Garland, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Sixth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the home, 1601 Academy Road.

paid obituary

William Marion White

TONKAWA — William Marion “Bill” White, longtime resident of Tonkawa, went home to his Heavenly Father on Nov. 13, 2000.

Bill was born Dec. 7, 1929, on a farm near Okeene to William and Bessie (Carver) White. His family moved to Vinita and Wichita, Kan., before moving to Tonkawa in 1946. He graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1947 and was a graduate of Northern Oklahoma College.

Bill served two years in the United States Marines Corps during the Korean War, stationed at Cherry Point, N.C., where he trained as a radio technician and attained the rank of corporal. After discharge, he returned to Tonkawa where he worked for Southwestern Electronics before opening his own TV repair shop, Bill’s TV until 1984. Bill served as a substitute rural mail carrier for the Nardin area in 1978 and then in Tonkawa for a few years. In 1984, he became a full-time rural carrier in Jennings and transferred to Billings. In 1986, he became postmaster for Lamont. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in October 1992.

After retirement, Bill enjoyed working in the auction business with Eddie Douglas Real Estate and Auction, Tonkawa. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Bill was an active member of the First Christian Church in Tonkawa, serving many years as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. While raising four sons, he was actively involved with the Boy Scouts, and often conducted Bible study on Scout campouts. He was a volunteer firefighter in Tonkawa for 20 years.

Bill White and Diane Rosalea Frazier were married in Tonkawa on July 1, 1950. She preceded him in death on Nov. 18, 1984. On Sept. 7, 1985, Bill married Dorothea Ross of Tonkawa.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothea of the home and four sons, Randy and Charlet White of Topeka, Kan., Ron and Kathy White of Ponca City, Rex and Rhonda White of Ponca City, and Robert and Mikki White of Denver, Colo. Also three stepsons, Michael and Tammy Ross of Caney, Kan., Russell and Terri Ross of Tonkawa, and Terry and Patricia Ross of Tonkawa; thirteen grandchildren; and two sisters, Betty Cook of Chanute, Kan., and Bonnie Schoelen of Palmdale, Calif. His parents and an infant brother preceded Bill in death.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at the First Christian Church in Tonkawa, with the Rev. Dr. John Bartlett officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Helen Davis

BLACKWELL — Helen Davis, resident of Blackwell, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 78. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Obituary Policy

The News is now accepting paid obituaries. The policy of giving free death notices will continue, but sometimes more information is requested by families than is included in the standard death story. The use of a paid obituary will supplant the free death notice that would normally be published. Those wishing to submit paid obituaries may do so through the funeral home handling funeral arrangements. Paid obituaries will be carried adjacent to the death notices, but under a different heading.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Indian Taco Lunch — Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church, Third Street and Brookfield, will hold its Indian Taco Lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. The $5 cost of the luncheon includes dessert and drink. For additional information, call 762-2367.

Floorcraft Will be closed Saturday November 23rd through

Sunday November 26th for Thanksgiving. adv.

Accident — An accident in the 400 block of South Seventh Street was reported to Ponca City police at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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.

Theft — A man came to the front lobby of the Ponca City Police Department to report a lost or stolen cell phone at 10:14 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Accident — An accident in the 200 block of South Sixth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 10:19 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Fraud — An employee at a business in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue reported a man and a women left without paying for their meal to Ponca City police at 7:50 p.m. Wednesday. A description was given of the customers and their vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Police were later called back to the business on two other occasions. One of the calls was to the Communications Center for a carbon monoxide alarm check at 10:06 p.m. and engine four from the Ponca City Fire Department handled. Later in the evening, at 10:38 p.m., police were called back for a narcotics violation. Two cooks were reportedly suspected of having drugs at the business. A report was again taken by police.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of Brookfield Avenue and North Seventh Street was reported to Ponca City police at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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 man in the 1000 block of North Ash Street reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 2:41 p.m. Wednesday. The man said a street sign was laying on its side in front of his house and he believed there had been an accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Traffic Engineering was advised.

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.

Fraud — An employee of a business in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue reported a forged check to Ponca City police at 3:56 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Shrimp Peel, all you can eat, $11.95. Friday, 17th. For

reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported two juvenile girls were being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl were taken into police custody for petit larceny and minor in possession of tobacco.

Disturbance — A caller in the 3000 block of Larchmont Avenue reported a domestic disturbance to Ponca City police at 4:51 a.m. Thursday. The caller advised a 33-year-old man had knocked out a bedroom window at a residence, provoking an argument, before leaving eastbound in a vehicle. Four officers responded to the scene. The man was stopped a short time later by police and taken into custody for driving under intoxication, reckless driving and on a Kay County warrant for contempt of court. A report was taken and the man’s vehicle was towed from the scene.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a 22-year-old man was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 5:18 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The man was taken into police custody for grand larceny and public intoxication.

Holiday Fried turkeys. Order now for Thanksgiving at Snyder’s Grocery. 762-4686. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 800 block of West Central Avenue reported a 21-year-old woman was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for domestic assault and battery at 5:55 p.m. Wednesday.

Subject Held — A booking officer at the Ponca City Police Department reported a 36-year-old man was taken into custody on a probation violation charge out of Missouri after he came to the department for clearance to stay at the Salvation Army at 6:21 p.m. Wednesday.

Theft — A woman in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a man had just stolen her cell phone to Ponca City police at 10:37 a.m. Wednesday. A description of the man and the vehicle he drove away in was given to police. An officer was assigned. The vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Meadow Lane and Queens Avenue and a 38-year-old man was taken into police custody on two counts of grand larceny. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Vandalism — A man at an apartment complex in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported a juvenile had vandalized the apartment complex’ laundry room to Ponca City police at 6:38 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A juvenile citation was also issued for the vandalism.

Theft — An employee of a business in the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 7:33 p.m. Wednesday some items were taken out of a vehicle parked in the business’ parking lot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 7:46 p.m. Wednesday two very young looking juveniles boys took two 30 packs of beer and fled the store, running north down an alley. A description was given of the suspects. An officer was assigned, but was unable to locate the boys. A report was taken.

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GARDENING

Diggin In The Dirt

Diggin In The Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Time To Add Soil Amendments

Brrrrrr! How about that wonderful moisture from the snow! Did you get your lawn mowed before the snow? If not, it may make you feel better to know you are in good company. A lot of experienced long-time gardeners were caught with their mowers down!”

A Few Chores Yet To Do

We always get some bonus “nice” fall days during November, which will give us an opportunity to do a few important chores including pruning shrubs and trees (but not spring blooming shrubs). Pruning and trimming improves the appearance and function of most trees.

November is also a good time to apply dormant oil/soap spray to trees and shrubs (but never to evergreens). Apply on a non-windy day with temperature above 40 degrees.

Mulch may be applied around the drip lines of trees and bushes now to prevent erosion and protect the small roots near the surface from hard freezes. Keep mulch at least six inches away from trunks. Pines and magnolias will thrive on a two-inch layer of well-rotted manure applied under the drip line.

Keep pansies, ornamental cabbage, dusty miller, and kale moist and mulched through the winter for maximum beauty. Shredded leaves make an excellent no-cost mulch. Many area gardeners believe that applying pre-emergence weed killers to broadleaf weeds now, wields better control than the spring applications. Some do both.

Taking Care of Soil

Applying needed soil amendments in late fall, allows the minerals to do their work and correct soil problems by next spring. It’s a good time to apply lime, sulfur, potassium or phosphorus — but only if needed. Applying amendments indiscriminately without a soil test may do more damage than good.

Some soil testing kits are available in garden centers or samples may be taken to the OSU Extension office in the basement of the Kay County Court House. They will be numbered, recorded, and taken to the OSU Horticulture Labs for testing. Cost per sample is about $10.

To test the soil of a garden or special flowerbed, take about four extractions from various parts of the same area you want tested. Mix those extractions together in a clean container and place at least one pint of the mix in a zip-bag for testing. If several samples are sent for various parts of the yard, identify the soil taken from each bed or area. For example, “vegetable garden,” “front flower bed” or “north yard lawn” etc. Call 1-580-362-3194 for soil-testing questions.

Planting Trees

November is a good month to select new trees based on their fall colors. Balled trees planted in fall survive better than bare root selections planted now, but some experienced gardeners have excellent results with both.

Soil preparation and proper placement are essential for successful tree growth and prevention of problems. Place selections in sandy or loamy soil at the same level they have been growing. If the soil is clayey, plant them one to two inches above grade. Dig the hole two to three times wider than the rootball, but only as deep as needed to set the tree at the right level.

After the ball has been set in the hole, shred or cut away any bindings that might constrict the growth of roots. Always fill the hole with original soil taken from the hole. Water thoroughly but do not fertilize.

Stake and tie loosely with wide nylon webbing , nylon stockings or soft rubber hose Do not use wire or ropes. Add two to three inches of mulch but leave a mulch-free zone three to five inches next to the trunk. Wrap young, thin-barked trees with tree wrap if needed.

Keep the Poinsettia Warm

It will soon be time to select poinsettias for Christmas decorating and gifts. Before discussing selection and plant care, let’s talk about the common mistake that destroys the beauty of this tropical plant more quickly than any other factor.

Never let the plant get cold! Even a few minutes of cold air can ruin the most beautiful poinsettia, which cannot stand temperatures below 50 degrees! Most of us think it won’t hurt the plant if we just take a minute to carry unprotected plants through the cold air to our cars. But the damage will show up in a few days when the red bracts begin to fall.

When transporting the beauties to and from the store or home in temperatures below 50 degrees, cover the delicate plants with tissue or a loose paper or plastic bag to hold in the warm air. Insist that they be covered when purchasing from local stores. We often see the poor things sitting in cold automobiles while owners are happily shopping elsewhere for gifts.

Next week we will talk about selecting a healthy, beautiful, traditional Christmas Poinsettia and some best care tips for that plant.

SPORTS

Mavs Pay Back Pratt for Loss
Tonkawa Faces Dewar Saturday
Sooner Seniors Reaping Rewards of Staying Put
Hacker Nets LSC Honor
Last Chance Scramble Set For Nov. 24

Mavs Pay Back Pratt for Loss

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

The Northern Oklahoma College Maverick basketball team only led by four points midway through the first half, but by halftime they widened the margin to 45-23 in the home opener in Tonkawa Wednesday night against Pratt Community College. The Mavericks fell to Pratt 71-66 last week and were on the lookout for payback.

Payback came in the form of head coach Mick Weiberg’s double post offense. The offense isn’t flashy and it isn’t complicated. Just cut and move: everybody moves. Cut and move. Rotate. Cut and move. Wear the defense down and go for the bucket when the opportunity comes. With a 90-68 final score in favor of the Mavs, the results were clear.

“This game is all about making shots,” Weiberg said. “Tonight we hit some shots. I thought we ran our offense better than we have all season.

Post players Richie Myers and Scott Prater, Edmond sophomores, led the Mavericks with 19 points each. Prater was a double threat, when he wasn’t in the paint scoring, he drilled three 3-pointers on the night. Myers muscled his way under the boards and bagged 18 rebounds as well.

“Myers and Prater are the experience on the team,” Weiberg said. “It’s up to them to lead us out there and they stepped up and did that for us.”

Guards Merrill Andrews, Ardmore freshman, and Greg Wilson, Tulsa sophomore, stepped up and brought in double figure scoring as well. Andrews downed 11 of his 15 points at the free throw line. Wilson garnered 8 of his points off the line as well. Tulsa freshman C.J. Johnson rounded out the top scoring with 10 points off the bench.

Freshman Ryan Newby downed a trey and sacrificed himself in the lane to draw an offensive charge against Pratt at a pivotol time in the game.

“We had several freshmen come in and give us some good play that isn’t sometimes as noticeable,” Weiberg said. “Newby, Keith Duncan and Phillip Knowlton all came in and gave us some good minutes. Duncan helped our post men rest and he showed he can help us out and keep that intensity inside when we need to do that.”

Starting freshman Gurad J.R. Regneir of Red Rock dropped in a three on the night. Knowlton added 4, Duncan 2 and sophomore Akil Gay had 2.

“The home crowd was with us tonight, which is great. They really are the key to the home court advantage in games like this,” Weiberg said. “Hopefully they will come in for us Saturday when we face Cowley County.”

The Mavericks now stand at 3-4 on the season and will take the home court in Tonkawa at Foster-Piper Fieldhouse on Saturday at 7:30 pm.

Tonkawa Faces Dewar Saturday

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

TONKAWA — In the north, Buccaneers have sailed, for the past three years, up and down the field plundering poorly defended end zones as they went. The Bucs foundered twice this year. The first incident was minor. It occurred during a fierce double overtime battle in Fairview. The second incident was major and was the first successful challenge to the Bucs’ undisputed rule of the Class A sea. Hominy not only beat the Buccaneers, but humiliated the small band from Tonkawa.

After feeling the sting of defeat twice in their four year high school careers, the senior Buccaneers mended their sails and after settling back on course, unfortunate teams were again left floundering in their wake.

In the east, there are black and orange clad Dragons that once, from 1975 to 1985, stalked the fields with such ferocity that none of the other teams within the Dragons’ district domain dared to stand up against them.

The Dragons of Dewar fell silent after 1985. Their flame grew cold. The longer the Dragons slept, the more mythical the stories of the glory years became.

But, the Dragons have began to stir. Though no one fears them, their flame is growing hotter. The Dewar team has been to the playoffs as a third or fourth place team in the past three years.

Last year, the Dragons were beat in the third round of the playoffs by Luther. This year, again a fourth place team, they were not supposed to advance beyond Panama in the first round.

Dewar offensive line and special teams coach Joe Fowler said six Dewar coaches and 29 Dewar players had a game plan that was perfectly executed against Panama. He said they were looking forward to playing Tonkawa.

“It should be a dandy,” he said. “It will be a full house. Both teams have good traditions.

“We’re not a big team,” Fowler said. “We play technique. We try to create our own breaks and make points off of them.”

Tonkawa head coach Steve Love said they are bigger than the Bucs. He said he believes the Dragons will try to play ball control offense by running three to four yards at a time.

“They’ll try to keep our offense off the field,” Love said. “I believe that if we do get the ball, we have some weapons to score with.”

Fowler said running back Kolby Simpson, quarterback Brady Fath, recievers Tyler Reese and Shane Marlin, “scare us to death. They have a swarming defense. They are a well balanced team.

“But,” he said. “We have a defense of our own and we have some tools.”

Senior Kelby Bohannon plays running back and linebacker. As the punter on special teams, he averages 40 yards per-punt. Shawn Thornbrue, senior, is the kicker. He has made 8 of 11 field goals this season with the longest being 52 yards.

Love said he believes his team can stop Dewar but is wary of going there to play.

“No doubt it’s a tough place to play,” he said. “And since they upset Panama, I’m sure they’re fired up.

“But, when we get the ball, we’re just going to have to make sure we do something with it.”

He said he didn’t believe Dewar would throw the ball much and sees them trying to slow down the game.

The winner between Tonkawa-Dewar will play the winner between Luther and Talihina.

Sooner Seniors Reaping Rewards of Staying Put

NORMAN. (AP) — Seth Littrell figures he’ll have some mixed feelings Saturday when he takes the field to play Texas Tech.

Littrell, a fullback, is among the seniors who will be playing their final home game. He’s one of those who was part of the bleakest years in the program’s history and now is getting to enjoy one of the best years.

“I think it’s going to be a very special moment, just going out there for the last time, standing on that field, the field I always wanted to play on,” Littrell said. “It’s going to be a good feeling and a bad feeling — the good feeling being I’ve got to fulfill my dream and play at the University of Oklahoma, but I don’t want to leave yet.”

Littrell came to OU in 1997 from Muskogee, and along with J.T. Thatcher was the only true freshman to start on offense that year. The Sooners finished 4-8, including a 69-7 loss to Nebraska and a 51-7 loss to Texas A&M.

Things got only a little better the following season. Oklahoma finished 5-6 and John Blake was let go as coach.

Fortunes have changed since then, under coach Bob Stoops. The Sooners won seven games last year and went to a bowl game, and now they’re 9-0, ranked No. 1 in the country and have a shot at the national title.

“You could probably do a movie over these four seasons,” Littrell said. “Even though the first two years weren’t very good experiences, they were experiences that I feel like I needed to have.

“If someone came to me two years ago and said you’re going to be in the hunt for the national championship in two years, it’d be hard to believe. I’m not going to lie,” he said. “But I think coach Stoops did a great job of coming in here and getting the team together and getting all the players to where they need to be. It’s been real nice.”

Center Bubba Burcham, another senior, said he has learned a lot as a result of the highs and lows he has experienced with the Sooners. He said it’s difficult to grasp the magnitude of the turnaround that has occurred.

“Maybe about 10 years down the road I’ll look back and say ’Wow, look what happened, look what we did,’ ” he said. “Sometimes you just can’t put words to things.”

The opponent Saturday is Texas Tech, which beat the Sooners a year ago in Lubbock. A victory would give Oklahoma the Big 12 South title and ensure a trip to the conference championship game Dec. 2 in Kansas City.

“It’s important for all of us to go out on a win,” said senior quarterback Josh Heupel. “We want to play well. You’re going to remember your last game at home.”

Stoops said he will certainly remember this class of seniors for their leadership and dedication.

“This program and being back in this position means a great deal to them,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of pride in what they’re doing and want to see it through, want to see it finished.”

The other seniors on the roster are Matt Anderson, Al Baysinger, Rocky Bright, Corey Callens, Ryan Fisher, Patrick Fletcher, Chris Hammons, Brent Jackson, Ontei Jones, Scott Kempenich, Buster Kuhn, Torrance Marshall, Ramon Richardson, Marvin Shoulders, Roger Steffen, Reese Travis, Jeremy Wilson-Guest and Jason Bronson.

Hacker Nets LSC Honor

EDMOND -- Formner Ponca City High School football standout Chad Hacker, now a senior star at the University of Central Oklahoma, was named a second-team pick on the All-Lone Star Conference North Division Team, it was announced Tuesday morning.

Hacker, a 5-9, 167-pound split end, was one of the top receivers in the league this season as the Bronchos went 5-5 and finished as runners-up in both the overall league and North Division standings.

Hacker averaged an LSC-best 22.4 yards a catch with 28 receptions for 627 yards and five touchdowns. He had TD catches of 21, 24, 35, 64 and 67 yards and his 627 yards ranks IOth on UCO's single-season receiving yardage list.

Hacker also handled the punting chores for the Bronchos this season, averaging 36.9 yards a punt with a long of 56.

A four-year lettennan for the Bronchos, Hacker had 53 catches for 997 yards for his career.

",Chad had an outstanding season and was obviously one of the top receivers in the conference," UCO coach Gary Howard said. "He's a great athlete who really made our passing game go and he also did a good job punting the ball for us. Chad will be very difficult to replace next year."

Last Chance Scramble Set For Nov. 24

Lew Wenz Golf Course will host the Last Chance Scramble Fri., Nov. 24. The shotgun start for the four-man scramble will be at 10 a.m.

Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Tue., Nov. 21. Entry fee is $20 per person plus any applicable green and cart fees.

Total team handicap cannot be below 40.

Gift certificates will be awarded to the winning teams in each flight. The will be an optional skins game. Also, awards for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole in one contests.

Coffee and donuts will be served during registration. Lunch will be served immediately following the tournament.

For more information, please contact the Lew Wentz Memorial Golf Course at (580) 767-0433.