LOCAL

Ponca City Post Office Has New Officer in Charge
PTC Took Special Time To Recognize Veterans

Ponca City Post Office Has New Officer in Charge

New officer in charge at the Ponca City Post Office is Jeff Carroll, who comes here from Perry, where he has been postmaster for the past 18 months.

Arriving here just in time for the Christmas mailing rush, Carroll temporarily replaces Postmaster Leonard (Robbie) Robinson, who is moving to Stillwater as postmaster there.

About the heavy holiday mailing, Carroll said, “We are staffed up for it. We knew Christmas was coming and we’re fully staffed.”

Giving hints for mailing packages, Carroll said, “Customers only need one address on a package. The address should be complete with zip code and apartment number if needed.”

He noted if the mail gets to the Post Office in good shape delivery should not be slowed and the mail will be delivered by Christmas.

No new Christmas stamps are to be issued this year. According to Carroll this is because the Postal Service had stamps left from last year and rather than gear up and print new ones, when the rate is anticipated to go to 34 cents early in January, the decision was made to save money by not going through the printing process.

Carroll and his wife, Teresa, and children Tyler, 8, and Ashlyn, 6, reside in Enid. He has commuted from Enid to Perry for the past year and a half and plans to commute to Ponca City during his tenure as officer in charge.

His Postal experience includes serving as a supervisors in Enid and prior to that was supervisor in Iowa. Carroll expects to be in charge of the Ponca City Post Office for about 60 days.

PTC Took Special Time To Recognize Veterans

To increase Veteran’s Day awareness, Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) staff and students scheduled special daily events to recognize those who have served to insure freedom in America.

Arlene Stauffer, PTC counselor, started off the week by reading a brief history of Veteran’s Day to the entire PTC student body. Following Stauffer was welding student Abel Ochoa, Tonkawa, and Richard DeHaven Sr., Air Force Airman 1st Class and industrial electronics student, both reading comments written by Jose Jesus Balleza and SSgt. Jonathon D. Mix about what freedom meant to them.

Amanda Rogers, Ponca City, headed up Wednesday’s events by sharing her thoughts about achieving high school graduation and explained “Operation Recognition” which recognized and awards diplomas to veterans who were unable to complete high school due to the call to active military service. Rogers suggested to her fellow students, “Although graduating from high school seems really tough and sometimes even impossible, what if we didn’t have the privilege of earning it?”

In the afternoon, practical nursing student, Tammy Kick, Ponca City, read excerpts from an article about registered nurse Lillian Keil, who went from being a stewardess on a commercial airline to being an Army Air Corps flight nurse serving in both World War II and Korea.

Pioneer Tech’s CTSO (CareerTech Student Organization) read from the Marine Corps Charter of Values, which is the bedrock that Marines are expected to live by while in uniform or out. These remarks apply equally to all branches of the military and outline the characteristics of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

Chuck Bayha, campus director, suggested to the student body that “Perhaps if all Pioneer Technology Center students, Kay Countians, Oklahomans, and Americans lived by the charter of values we expect of our military personnel, we would all experience the American dream they work so diligently to preserve.”

Students involved in this presentation included: Angela Looper, Blackwell, health science technology; Debra Johnstone, Ponca City, horticulture; Chad Eckert, Blackwell, machine tool technology; Keisha Carver, Blackwell, business and computer technology; Wanda Dewell, Ponca City, business and computer technology; Casey Slavin, Ponca City, automotive technology; and Mark Pensoneau, Ponca City, construction technology.

The Veteran’s Day activities concluded Friday with all PTC classes meeting at the flagpole at 8:30 a.m. Students, staff, and staff family members associated with the United States military—past and present, were acknowledged at this time.

Members of the Oklahoma State University ROTC presented the colors. As the flag unfurled, Mel Arner, Blackwell Instrumental Music Director, played “Reveille.” The roll call of PTC military personnel was read again just prior to the flag lowering ceremony at 3 p.m. again conducted by the OSU ROTC cadets and cadre. Oklahoma State University ROTC personnel involved in the flag raising detail included cadets CSM Lyle Robertson, SFC William Loder, CPL Brice Chaffin, and cadre member SFC Keith Arnold. The flag lowering detail included cadets CSM Lyle Robertson, LTC Brian Pugh, MAJ John Brittain, MAJ Patrick Kelly, 1LT Carol Stauffer, and cadre member SFC Keith Arnold.

BUSINESS

Native American Leaders Give Views at NOC Event
Chamber of Commerce Board Nominees Revealed
Chimney Sweep Turns Brush to Grandkids
Rex Store Grand Opening One of Several Nationwide
Two Young PC Entrepreneurs Form Pen Making Firm
Southwest Airlines Official Reveals Expansion Plans
Two Peas in a Pod New Business For Expectant Mothers, Newborns

Native American Leaders Give Views at NOC Event

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

TONKAWA — A prestigious panel of Native American leaders gave their views on economic development on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College during Native American week.

A highlight of the meeting was the speech of Jeff Jaynes, deputy campaign manager for Cherokee Nation member Brad Carson, of Tahlequah, who won the Second District Congressional seat on the Democratic ticket.

“It is a misconception that Native Americans do not vote,” Jaynes said. Numerous Native Americans turned out to vote for Carson, who has vowed to be a proponent of sovereignty and increased funding for Native American health care. Carson is the only enrolled member of a Native American Nation in Congress.

Jaynes told how important the Native Americans are to Oklahoma and to business. He mentioned that the Cherokee Nation is the largest employer in Tahlequah. Jaynes told about other economic development projects in the state taken on by Native Americans, not just to benefit themselves, but their communities as well.

Wanda Stone, chairman of the Kaw Tribe, told about the economic growth of the nation, including the newly renovated Kanza Plaza on I-35 near Braman. Stone, who was in the insurance field, before becoming active in tribal affairs, said she had experienced both views of the business world. Stone mentioned the working relationship the Kaws have with Newkirk.

George Tallchief, former chief of the Osage Nation, was master of ceremonies and told that he spends a lot of time in Washington, D.C., protecting the rights of Indians. Tallchief teaches three hours a week at the college in the Native American Leadership Tribal Governance program.

Tallchief said he had encouraged the Indians to refer to themselves as Ambassadors rather than lobbyists, as they represent nations, because of sovereignty status.

Jeff Standing Bear, former assistant chief of the Osage tribe, an attorney associated with many tribes, encouraged the students in attendance. He said, “You have embarked on a a course that is difficult — but rewarding and frustrating that is working with business peoples to try to maintain, reestablish their territories and their culture. As Chairman Stone said, “It is a state, it is separate but we have to interact with the world around us.”

Donna Hair, executive director of the Pawnee tribe, told about programs being developed in the Pawnee area between the nation and the municipality.

Speakers paid tribute to NOC for having the only program of its kind in the nation for Native Americans. Courses include Native American Culture, Tribal Government, Tribal Management, Tribal Planning, Tribal Leadership, Internship (on-site placement with tribal programs or other organizations) and also there are special leadership seminars offered during the year.

Tallchief commended the number of young women in the class and encouraged them to bring more women into the programs.

Dr. Joe Conner and Dr. Carol Conner head up the program, which offers an associates of arts degree in Native American Leadership.

Chamber of Commerce Board Nominees Revealed

Five Chamber of Commerce members have been nominated for three-year terms on the Board of Directors according to 2001 Nominating Committee Chairman, Dan Gilliam. If elected, the candidates will take their board positions effective Jan 1, 2001.

Those nominated are: Diane Anderson, Conoco; Linda Brown, Evans & Associates; Tom Hawkins, J.B. Smith Real Estate & Auction; Lana Jones; Larry Murphy, Larry Murphy Insurance.

As dictated by the Chambers By-Laws, the membership is hereby notified of the names of persons nominated for directors and the right of petition as herein after provided.

Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the signatures of at least 15 members in good standing of the Chamber, together with the signature of the person so nominated, indicating his or her acceptance to serve if elected.

The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petition(s) shall be final. Deadline for nominations by petition, is 5 p.m., Dec. 1, 2000.

If no petition is filed, the nominations shall be closed and the above-nominated slate of candidates shall be declared elected.

Nominating Committee members include Chamber Chairman of the Board Barry Bickle and Chamber Chairman-Elect Dan Gilliam, as dictated by the organizations By-Laws, as well as current board members Dr. Joe Kinzer and Cory Bowker and three members of the Chamber who are not directors — Diane Anderson, Dennis Kinkaid and Dr. Ahmad Agha.

For more information please contact the Chamber office 765-4400.

Chimney Sweep Turns Brush to Grandkids

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

After 26 years in the chimney sweep business Don Sawyer is turning over his brush to his grandchildren. Sawyer and his wife Louise started the business during the energy crunch of the late 1970s.

After Louise’s death in 1988, Don continued to pursue the business. The scope of the chimney sweep is about a 50-mile radius in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

The business includes cleaning chimneys, dryer vents and miner repair work. Over the years Sawyer has prided himself on being prompt, cleanliness and being on time. “The fall is a good time to clean the chimney,” Sawyer said.

The business will be taken over by his grandchildren, Debbie Hengen, Mick Hengen and Nate Hengen of Ponca City. Sawyer’s daughter LaDonna Reed, of Ponca City, has also worked with Sawyer.

Also, Sawyer has a daughter and a grandson who have been doing chimney sweeping for the last six years, operating out of Fredonia, Kan. They are Deborah and Shelby Conner.

Rex Store Grand Opening One of Several Nationwide

Grand opening of the Rex Stores of Ponca City is slated for Friday. Rex is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics products and appliances.

Other Rex stores opening on that date are located in Bartlesville, Montana, North Carolina, Michigan, Vermont, Washington and Pennsylvania. This brings the total store base to 262 stores in 37 states.

According to the firm’s news release, “The company believes there are numerous secondary and tertiary markets nationwide which posses favorable characteristics and intends to continue developing Rex’s franchise in these markets as personnel and financial resources permit.

“Rex focus remains unchanged and strives to deliver the highest level of customer services, low prices, and deep product selection provide customers with superior value and guarantees the lowest price on all products through a policy of refunding 125 percent of the difference between Rex’s price and a competitor’s price on the same item.”

Rex sells about 1,000 products produced by about 50 manufacturers. Product categories include, televisions, video, audio and appliances. Other items include furniture, telephones, fax machines, CB radios and cellular phones.

The Ponca City store is located at 700 East Prospect. Store hours are Sunday noon to 6 p.m., and daily from 10 a.m., to 9 p. m.

Two Young PC Entrepreneurs Form Pen Making Firm

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Two young Ponca City entrepreneurs, Ben Davis, 15, and Madison Kennedy, 13, have been pals for a long time. Now they are pen pals - the two have formed the Davis and Kennedy Pen Making firm.

The two enterprising young men spend their spare time in the afternoons and weekends turning out twist top ballpoint pens, using various woods. Ben tells how he got interested in making the pens on a wooden lathe, using various kinds of wood.

“My father (Ben Davis of Wilburton) introduced me to the lathe a couple of summers ago. We were in Oklahoma City visiting a lathe store and one of the employees there introduced me and my dad to the technique process and I picked it up the next summer.”

It would only be natural that Ben’s friend Madison get involved. “Ben told me and I was interested in it.” Ben’s dad helped get the firm started and more or less staked the boys by financing the metal parts.

Like any good businessmen the boys formed a partnership. Madison said, “Once we get rolling we’ll be splitting the profits. We signed a contract forming Davis and Kennedy Pen Making.”

They bought some different types of wood from Cocobolo, purpleheart, boco, ebony, and cardinal wood, which is sort of domestic. From Ben’s father’s farm they got some walnut, oak, oak burl, cedar, sassafras,

Ben, head of production, tells about the process. “First you take a pen set and decide on what kind of wood you are going to make it out of. Then you cut a blank of wood to a dimension that will be turnable on the lathe. Then you cut it in two pieces — one for the bottom and another for the top of the pen. They are both the same length.

“You then drill a hole through the center of each piece and glue a tube inside the pieces. Then you mount them on the lathe and turn them down to the desired size and put a finish on them.” Next they are taken off the lathe and assembled. Then they put on a French polish or a wax depending on the wood. The wood retains its natural color and smell. The cedar is quite fragrant.

The duo don’t have a dot.com yet, but Madison, who heads up the marketing department, says “We’ve got a web site under development. We plan to sell to local stores in the area. They make a great Christmas gift.” The firm also makes key rings featuring wooden fobs.

Responding as to what is unique about having a pen made out of wood, Kennedy said, “A handcrafted pen is an excellent writing tool that will last you throughout your life or a long time. It serves as a quality writing instrument that won’t quit. It is a refillable pen.”

Davis and Kennedy got started, like many businesses, in a garage. In Ben’s grandmother Marlow’s garage as a matter of fact. Madison, who also has a wood lathe in his garage, noted that the first location is Site A and the second will be Site B. The wood was sawed at yet another garage, at Madison’s grandfather Worth’s.

Going to the bank opening a student account was a part of the process and getting checks printed a big thrill. Becky Hadden of customers service at Pioneer Bank said the youngsters remind her of when she was young and sold necklaces she made at her grandmother’s store.

Ben, son of George and Jennifer Schwarz, 603 South Fourth, attends Ponca City High School. Madison, an eighth grader, attends East Middle School, and is the son of Shelly and Michael Kennedy, 220 South Peachtree.

Southwest Airlines Official Reveals Expansion Plans

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rollin King, founder of Southwest Airlines, said the plans to expand Southwest in the future will be in “the north, south, east and west.”

King, first chairman, president and chief executive officer of Southwest, was speaking to a capacity crowd at the Oklahoma City Marriott. The event was the first executive presentation of the year by Oklahoma State University College of Business Administration.

In a press conference following the speech, King told of expansion plans for the airline. We have 235 airplanes on order and we plan to expand somewhere around 12 to 15 percent a year. We are going to do a lot of connecting. We have a lot of cities that we serve but we haven’t connected (flights).”

Responding to if there was anything he would have done differently if he could start the company over, King said, “Very little.” He noted that luck played a large part in developing the company and in securing the needed financing. King said, “In real estate the saying is there are three important things, ‘location, location , location,’ and ‘timing, timing, timing’ is also critical.”

Timing was important for the company because other airlines were in recession and there were pilots, mechanics and other needed personnel available. “All those things just fell in place and if we had been a month later we probably would never of had our public offering,” the founder said.

“We probably have more service training than any other airline for our employees,” King commented. “Not only do they have to train for their skill training, but they have to learn how we expect them to interact with the customers and what we are trying to deliver to the customer and how we expect them to deliver it, which in large part is just being able to smile and use their own initiative.”

King revealed that there is also extensive training for emergencies including hi-jacking situations.

King’s presentation focused on the early years of the airlines in Texas. Entitled “Southwest Airlines - The Early Days When Survival Was in Doubt.” The program included early day slides and video.

“Today, Southwest is the fifth largest major airline in America,” King, who retired in 1996, said. Less than three decades ago King and Herb Kelleher got together and decided to start a different kind of airline.

Southwest began, according to King, with a simple notion, “If you get your passengers to their destination when they want to get there, on time, at the lowest possible fares, and make sure they have a good time doing it, people will fly your airline.” This was a part of the “customer-focused” approach the company took in establishing the airline, which began and operated only in Texas for a number of years.

Currently Southwest flies more than 52 million passengers a year to 55 cities all over the southwest and beyond with 2,450 flights a day.

King’s message to the business community was that they need to find a way for their business to deliver to various target customer segments a sustainable superior combination of end-result benefits and price at a profitable cost.

Two Peas in a Pod New Business For Expectant Mothers, Newborns

A new business opening Friday at 717 East Hartford is Two Peas in a Pod, for expectant mothers, preemies and newborns.

The owner Porsche Keese, who has lived in Ponca City 22 years, graduated from Ponca City High School, has an associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College and currently pursuing bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva. She is married and has 17-month old twins, Careena and Jamesson.

Keese says, “I am starting this business to provide products and a service that is currently lacking in our community. When I was pregnant, I had a tough time finding items such as maternity belts, underwear, cute clothes and others. My twins were preemies and I had a difficult time finding clothes and other items specifically for them.

“As it is now, individuals must travel out of town to get a number of products I will be carrying. I hope to be a local provider of specialty wear as well as products to comfort and support a new mother or mother-to-be.”

The store carries a full line of new maternity apparel, including nursing bras and panties; breast pumps and nursing accessories; preemie clothes and other products and Christening items. Also a large selection of shower gifts, parenting guides, as well as, books on pregnancy and breastfeeding, pageant and special occasion wear from three months to size four toddler.

DEATHS

Mavelle Wood
William Kenneth Bechtold Jr.
Vinola K. Rosborough
Stella Irene Hodges
Helen R. Athon
Warren Baker
Julie Hutson
Alonzo Brown
Funerals

Mavelle Wood

BLACKWELL — Mavelle Wood, longtime Blackwell resident, died Monday morning, Nov. 20, 2000, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. She was 85.

A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. David Sanders officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home.

Mavelle Wood was born July 27, 1915, in Tonkawa, the daughter of A.E. and Lillian Miles Wood. She graduated from Three Sands and continued her education at Northern Oklahoma College and the University of Central Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in education. She taught for more than 40 years in the Kay County School District, retiring from Blackwell schools.

Survivors include a number of relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Harold Wood and Kenneth Wood Sr.; and one sister, Mabel Wood.

William Kenneth Bechtold Jr.

NEWKIRK — William Kenneth Bechtold Jr., Newkirk resident and Ponca City businessman, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2000, in Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. He was 49.

He was to be cremated. On Wednesday, friends may call at Miller-Stahl Funeral Home to pay their respects at 9 a.m. and, afterward, at the family home at 415 South Magnolia in Newkirk. Burial of the cremains will take place in Newkirk Cemetery.

William Kenneth Bechtold Jr. was born Nov. 16, 1951, in Bartlesville, the son of William Kenneth and Eva Joan Flood Bechtold. He grew up and received his education in Midland, Texas, where he graduated from high school.

After graduation, he attended Northwest Texas State University, transferring later to Oklahoma State University. He graduated from OSU with a degree in merchandising. After graduating, he began working in food service. He managed the Steak and Ale Restaurant in Wichita, Kan., for a time and later managed TGI Friday’s in Miami, Fla.

On Feb. 26, 1983, he married Loree Brillant in Danvers, Mass. They established their first home in Ponca City and purchased the Carriage House Cleaners. A year later, they moved to Newkirk, where they have since resided. At the time of his death, he still owned and operated The Carriage House.

He enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, bowling, pool, sports and his family. He was involved in coaching summer ball, basketball and football when his sons were in school.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Trey Bechtold of Stillwater and Sean Bechtold of Wichita; and his mother of Ponca City.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Newkirk sports program, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.

Obituaries

Vinola K. Rosborough

Vinola K. Rosborough, lifelong Ponca City resident, died early Sunday, Nov. 19, 2000, at the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. She was 63.

An evening prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ponca Indian Church of the Nazarene. The traditional funeral feast will take place at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000, at the Ponca Indian Cultural Center followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Louis V. Headman, pastor of Ponca Indian Church of the Nazarene, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Vinola Kaye Cerre on Feb. 22, 1937, in Pawnee, she was the daughter of the late Mitchell and Dora (Fireshaker) Cerre. She grew up in White Eagle and attended and graduated from Chilocco Indian School. She married Walter M. Rosborough on Oct. 15, 1955, in Kansas City, Kan., and then again on March 11, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nev., as per one of her dreams to get married in Las Vegas. Vinola was content in being a homemaker where she raised her three children. She was a member of the Ponca Indian Church of the Nazarene, the Ladies of the Moose and a proud member of the Ponca tribe. She enjoyed going to church, traveling extensively to Las Vegas, camping, playing bingo and especially her grandkids.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 45 years, Walter M. Rosborough of the home; her daughter, Jeri Lynn Rosborough of Ponca City; two sons, Cheyenne Rosborough of Oklahoma City and Robert Rosborough of Ponca City; three grandchildren, Toni Rosborough, Emily Rosborough and Thomas Rosborough; one great-grandchild, Ashlynn Rosborough, all of Ponca City; one sister, Julia No Ear of Ponca City; four brothers, Ben Cerre, Tony Cerre, Millard Cerre and Paschal Cerre, all of Ponca City; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Vinola was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and one sister, Harriett Hannah.

Casket bearers will be Arthur Cerre, Raymond Cerre, Jeremy McCormick, Bear No Ear, Robert Rosborough and Joseph Scrofani. Honorary casket bearer will be Thomas Rosborough.

paid obituary

Stella Irene Hodges

Stella Irene Hodges, longtime area resident, died Sunday evening, Nov. 19, 2000, at Sterling House. She was 92.

The funeral will be graveside 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Doyle Lowry, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating, assisted by Ty Hodges. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born July 14, 1908 at Booneville, Ark., she was the daughter of Enoch and Emma Lee Smith Davis. She spent much of her early life in Blackwell where she attended schools.

Irene and Vern A. Hodges were married July 16, 1916, in Wichita, Kan. They moved to Ponca City in 1927, where Irene worked for Sanders Drug, Midwest Creamery, and Woolworths before opening a beauty shop in her home. Over the years, she developed into a “Jill of all trades” with her ability to drive tractors, run combines, do carpentry work, and excel as a seamstress. She enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, and cooking.

Irene was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Gary Hodges of Fort Collins, Colo.. and Grant Hodges of Ponca City; a daughter, Patricia Wallace of Ponca City; eight grandchildren, Jeff Elmer, Todd Hodges, Tim Hodges, Ty Hodges, Amanda Fairbanks, Colette Beytien, Valerie Hodges, and Brett Hodges; 14 great grandchildren, Elle Irene Hodges, Nathan Hodges, Hallie Hodges, Madison Hodges, Parker Hodges, Scott Fairbanks, Dan Fairbanks, Jason Elmer, Lucas Elmer, Seth Beytien, Katie Beytien, Kelsey Beytien, Annisa Irene Hodges and Keisha Hodges; and a sister, Nellie M. Wolf of Wichita.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on July 14, 1996, eight brothers, a sister, and a son, Jerry D. Hodges.

Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, for Arthritis research, 825 N.E. 13th, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104.

The family will be at the Hodges home, 8826 S. Ranch Drive, or the Wallace home, 13 Todd Road.

Friends may call at the funeral home until noon Wednesday.

paid obituary

Helen R. Athon

SHAWNEE, Kan. — Helen R. Athon, former resident of Ponca City, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2000, at Royal Terrace Care Center in Olathe, Kan. She was 98.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Amos Family Chapel in Shawnee, Kan. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Helen R. Athon was born July 25, 1902, in Lyndon, Kan.

Survivors include her son, Bruce L. Athon of Grand Prairie, Texas; her daughter, Ardis A. Burley of Westwood Hills, Kan.; a brother, Ralph Bell of Lyndon Kan.; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Fred L. Athon; a daughter, Adetha Wilson; three sisters, Hallie White, Della Sheppard and Ruth Townsend; and a brother, Henry Bell.

Memorial contributions may be made to City Union Mission, 1108 E. Tenth, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 or Salvation Army, 101 W. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64111.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Warren Baker

Warren Baker, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 82. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Julie Hutson

Julie Hutson, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 83. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Alonzo Brown

Alonzo “Lonnie” Brown, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, at his home. He was 73. Local survivors include his wife, Anna. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Wednesday

Elda Valentine Crites — Funeral at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Theft — An employee at Jim Crossland Lincoln-Mercury, 3101 North Fourteenth Street, reported two lost or stolen tags to Ponca City police at 11:41 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

The Vintage Cottage antiques, 1401 North Union invites you to our opening of (Jan’s Korner) on November the 24th. We have lots of Christmas and gift items to choose from with 20% off selected antiques and collectables. Opened daily 10 am - 5:30 pm. Monday- Saturday. adv.

Subject Held — A booking officer at the Ponca City Police Department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, reported a 20-year-old man was transferred in from the Kay County Sheriff’s Department on six city warrants for failure to pay on charges of assault, driving under suspension, attempting to elude police, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia at 3:13 p.m. Monday.

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

Subject Held — An officer in the 400 block of West Cleveland Avenue reported an 18-year-old man was taken into custody for possession of stolen property at 3:49 p.m. Monday.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of U.S. 60 and the South Avenue Extension was reported to Ponca City police at 4:17 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. One of the victims of the accident, a 23-year-old man, was taken into custody on a Kay County felony warrant.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Fire Run — A small fire near the intersection of Oklahoma 156 and Salt Fork River was reported to the Communications Center at 4:50 p.m. Monday. The caller reported some round hay bales were on fire and smoke was blowing across the highway. Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department was advised.

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.

Intoxicated Subject — A clerk at Triple T No. 4, 201 West Hartford Avenue, reported to Ponca City police at 1:26 a.m. Tuesday a man had passed out in his vehicle in the parking lot and left his vehicle running. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The man was taken into custody for having actual physical control of the vehicle while intoxicated.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported an 18-year-old man was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 6 p.m. Monday. The man was taken into police custody for grand larceny. A report was taken.

Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported his vehicle had been stolen to Ponca City police at 9:36 p.m. Monday. The vehicle’s tag number and a description were given to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The information was given to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Po-Hi Class of 1976 reunion meeting Friday, November 24th at 7 p.m. Elks Lodge, 3612 East Lake Road. For more information call Bill, 762-3946. adv.

LIFESTYLES

The neighborhood Chef
Karen Overman Receives Kildare HCE Nomination
International Club Holds Meetings

The neighborhood Chef

by Sherry Muchmore

My favorite meal is breakfast or even better, being a night person, brunch. So I’m always on the lookout with senses keenly surveying any and all breakfast-type foods. Last week was a treasure trove of discovery. While attending a morning meeting, our hostesses served up several exceptional recipes for brunch fare.

Lynda served up a baked Cranberry dish that had just enough tartness to compliment the creamy smooth cheese souffle prepared by Carol Bouldin. This Cranberry casserole is not only great as a side dish but can be versatile as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect finish. In many ways, this fruity number is similar to the old-fashioned Crisps. I really love the blend of flavors and textures.

Baked Cranberry Casserole

Lynda Clark, PC, OK

2 cups raw cranberries

3 cups baking apples, peeled, cored and sliced

1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple

1/4 cup uncooked oatmeal

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup butter, melted

Spray a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with vegetable spray. Sprinkle cranberries in the bottom of your casserole dish. Top with chopped apples and crushed pineapple. In a bowl, toss to mix oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and pecans. Sprinkle over fruit. Pour melted butter over all and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve warm.

Note: Cranberries come in various shades of red to black and this is an indication of varieties, not ripeness. Cranberries can be substituted for red currents.

Carol said she originally got this recipe from Norma Burch and has been a favorite of hers for a long time for several reasons. It is easy to make, can be made ahead and best of all tastes good. I promise you this is one of the best breakfast casseroles I’ve tried and the texture is wonderful. With the holidays about upon us, try this with your overnight guests, sit back and listen to the raves.

Easy Cheese Souffle

Carol Bouldin, PC, OK

from Norma Burch

6 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 tablespoon baking

powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed

12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cubed

1 pint small curd cottage cheese (2 cups)

3/4 stick butter, melted (6 tablespoons)

Beat together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, baking powder and flour. Fold in the cubed cheese and melted butter. Pour into a well greased souffle dish. Refrigerate overnight for breakfast the next day. Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes.

There are many varieties of egg and cheese casseroles. The following recipe is a pretty basic one using green chilies. We’ve substituted fried bacon in place of the popular sausage.

Chili Egg Puff

10 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted

1 pint small curd cottage cheese (2 cups)

1 pound mixed Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, grated

2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies

1 pound bacon, fried, drained, crumbled

Beat eggs until light and lemon colored. Beat in flour, salt and butter. Fold in cheeses, green chilies and bacon. Pour into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until the center is firm. Cut into squares, serves 12. Will make about 40 1-1/2-inch squares if using as an appetizer.

This week’s featured recipe from the Healthy Eating Section of the Lions Club Cookbook, Lion’s Roar, is a variation of the ever popular Chicken Tetrazzini. This is a perfect dish for recycling that left-over turkey in place of the chicken.

Chicken Tetrazzini (Easy Type)

Len and Kay Gawel, PC, OK

1-2 pounds chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

2 tablespoons vegetable oil or spray

1/2 cup mushrooms

1/2 cup celery

1/2 cup bell pepper

1 onion

1/4 cup parsley, minced

1 clove garlic

1 bay leaf

1 can Swanson Chicken Broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

Parmesan Cheese

Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and brown; set aside. Saute celery, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, garlic, parsley and bay leaf until soft in either vegetable oil or spray. Add the chicken broth and chicken pieces, season as needed.

In the meantime, prepare pasta according to package directions. Spread the prepared pasta in the bottom of a prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken mixture over the pasta and sprinkle all with Parmesan. Bake 20 minutes at 325 degrees.

Note: May be prepared ahead and refrigerated until needed.

For those who missed the correction in Sunday’s paper for the Baked Scrambled Egg recipe from 11-7-00 Neighborhood Chef column, I’ll print again. Under ingredients where it says 2 tablespoons flour, I omitted how much milk. It is 1 and 1/2 cups. I’m sorry if this caused any inconvenience. From all of us at Ponca City News Lifestyles, we wish you and yours a very happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving, blessed with family, friends and good food.

Karen Overman Receives Kildare HCE Nomination

Karen Overman was hostess for the Kildare HCE meeting Nov. 15, in her home. Karen Overman, president, called the meeting to order and the salute to the flag and “The Lord’s Prayer” were said.

Helen Janda led the singing of “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” Karen Overman read “My most embarrassing moment.” Brenda Schneeberger, Melba Irwin and Karen Overman attended the October Kay County Association Meeting in Blackwell, and Karen Overman was elected and installed as the county secretary for 2000.

It was announced that eight pairs of hats and mittens were donated to underprivileged children by Kildare HCE. A report was given on the Kildare Fire Department Bean and Cornbread supper. Kildare HCE baked and donated 14 pies. Kildare Group will furnish fruit bread and cookies to Flu Immunization Clinics to be held at HCE building in Blackwell. Karen Overman was nominated as Kildare “Heart of HCE.” She will compete in Kay County and state “Heart of HCE” competitions.

At a previous meeting, members met at Newkirk Museum and had a guided tour. The group donated $25 to the museum.

On Dec. 13, 12:30 p.m,. the group will meet in the home of Melba Irwin for their Christmas dinner. A menu was planned. Each member is to bring an exchange gift and cookies and candy for Christmas boxes to give away to people in the community. Karen Overman gave the leader’s lesson on “Holiday Foods and Gift Ideas.”

International Club Holds Meetings

The October meeting of the International Club was held in the home of Nora Slaughter with co-hostesses Martha Burdett, Liliana Liegerot and Mona Sage. Mia Sweetman from London, England; Jenny Zhang, Felicia Zhang and Jenny Wang from China were guests.

Deanne Johnston, PAC, spoke to the group about women’s health issues and treating the whole person. She explained that because women have more challenges today, it is important that they take care of their bones, watch depression, have mammograms and especially to take time for themselves.

After the program, members were asked to bring donations for the Child Development Center to the November meeting.

The November meeting was held in the home of Gale McKinley with Reba Keller and Bella Horinek co-hostesses. Baishali Roy from India was a guest.

Maureen Danielson, a member of the Pioneer Area Quilters Guild, gave a program “Quilts in the Making.” She described the different types of quilting - by hand — and machine. Quilts from the turn of the century to the present were displayed and described. Quilts can be made from scratch, or pre-printed panels and used not only to cover beds, but as throws, wall hangings, pillow covers, place mats, etc. “Garden Twist”, the Guild’s handmade quilt to be auctioned was also displayed.

Members were reminded to bring something for the silent auction to be held at the Dec. 13 meeting at Maxine Manering’s home.

An invitation is extended to anyone interested in International Club to contact Teresa Panza-Mohedas, 718-9892, for more information about membership.

SPORTS

Lady Mavs Mavericks Win District Opener
Cat Cagers Open Play
Tulsa Edges Rhode Island
Pokes Motivated Against Sooners
Stoops Won’t Hold Assistants
Richardson Lifts TU Running Game
Junior High Basketball

Lady Mavs Mavericks Win District Opener

HARRISON, Ark. — The Northern Oklahoma College Lady Mavericks won their first conference game of the season by trampling Northark 81-53.

In the earlier game the Mavericks defeated Northark 84-75. Both Northern Oklahoma teams are 1-0 in the district. The women are 6-0, overall.

Lady Mavs’ coach Greg Krause said the team played well together and it was another good win for the ladies.

Krause said Northark depends heavily on the 3-point shot. The game plan was to force them off their spots and make them go inside.

That’s exactly the way the Lady Mavs played the game.

“Tia Andrews had a great game defensively,” Krause said. “I don’t have the statistics yet, but I know she had fourteen blocks and I’ll bet she had closer to twenty.

He said Northark couldn’t go inside because Andrews, a 6 feet-2 inch sophomore was so dominating. Northark still managed to sink six 3-pointers, but they were farther back from the arc and under pressure.

“Dickerson scored 20 points. She had a normal good game,” Krause said of sophomore LaQueisha Dickerson. “[Erin] Goss played well with her rebounding on both ends.”

The Lady Mavs led 41-22 at the half. Dickerson led the team in scoring with 20. Goss put in 16 points from the inside while B. J. Homer made four 3-pointers.

Andrew put up 9 points in between blocked shots. Sara Richard contributed 7, including a 3-pointer. Mary Dent scored 5 points, including a 3-pointer.

Angela King made 4 points, Ashley Hewitt sank a 3-pointer and a free throw. Denise Jake and Deidra Dick each contributed 2 points.

Elisha Cartwright was the high scorer for Northark with 20 points.

The Lady Mavs travel to Great Bend, Kan. for the Barton County Classic on Friday. The Lady Mavs will play Brown-Mackie at 2 p.m.. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, the girls will play the host school, Barton County.

The Mavericks pretty much controlled the game and led by 13 points at the half. The lead was stretched to 20 late in the ball game before the Mavericks began mass substitutions.

Northark hit a couple of 3-pointers late, but the game was not as close as the score indicated.

Mavericks assistant coach Greg Shamburg said the team is beginning to play better, but with only two sophomores, improvement will be slow.

But, Shamburg said the freshman are becoming more comfortable with the style of play found at the junior college level.

Richie Myers led the team in scoring with 26 points and hauled in 13 rebounds.

Cat Cagers Open Play

Ponca City’s Wildcat and Lady Wildcat basketball teams open their season tonight n Robson Field House, playing host to Jenks.

New coach Jamie Burton will make her debut as the Lady Cats’ head coach. The former Jamie Graves played her high school ball at Po-Hi. She coached at Blackwell before taking the reigns of the Ponca City girls’ team.

The Cats jump right in the middle of Frontier Conference play against the Trojans, The Jenks boys are rated No. 9 in Class 6A in the state but in a strange twist of polls, are only picked to finish fourth in the conference, behind Stillwater, Broken Arrow and Union.

The Lady Trojans are the No. 1 girls’ team in Class 6A and picked to win the conference title. Jenks was 26-3 last year and won the 6A state title/

The Lady Trojans return just one starter from that team — guard Lindsay Forsburg — but have a wealth of lettermen ready to step in.

The Lady Cats are picked to finish seventh in the nine-team conference after going 7-16 last year. But Ponca City returns four starters. Courtney and Jena Birdsong, Tara Cries For Ribs and Jena Wedd.

Other returnees are Cara Cusick. Lindsi Frederick, Katie Homp, Mallory Hodge, Monica Sawyer and Amanda Summers.

The girls’ varsity game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. with the boy’s game to follow, about 8. The JV games are slated for 4 and 5:15.

Season tickets. as well as a basketball pass (good for both high school and junior high game) will be on sale at the door.

Tulsa Edges Rhode Island

TULSA (AP) — Marcus Hill scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Tulsa to a 89-80 victory over Rhode Island Monday night.

Five Tulsa players, including Hill, scored in double digits.

David Shelton and Greg Harrington each had 16 points. Dante Swanson had 15, while Kevin Johnson added 13 points and eight rebounds for Tulsa (3-1).

Rhode Island (1-1) had four players in double digits, including Dinno Daniels with 21 points and Tavorris Bell who had 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

Free throws proved to be the difference in the game.

Tulsa made 12-of-15 free throws in the final 3:50 to stave off a Rhode Island comeback. Rhode Island shot 46 percent from the field, but just 56.3 percent from the free throw line.

The Golden Hurricane made just two field goals in the second half, but scored 47 points on 28 free throws and five 3-pointers.

“We’re going to have to make some adjustments to the way we play defense,” said Tulsa coach Buzz Peterson.

“We’re going to have to use more zone just to stay out of foul trouble. I think you’ll see teams doing that all across the country.”

Tulsa 89, Rhode Island 80

Rhode Island (1-1)

Daniels 6-15 6-7 21, Bell 7-13 6-9 20, Marbury 6-12 2-5 16, Smith 5-7 2-4 13, Rogers 1-1 0-0 3, Woodward 1-3 0-0 3, Evans 0-0 2-7 2, Scott 1-6 0-0 2, Wafula 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 27-58 18-32 80.

Tulsa(3-1)

Hill 5-14 4-5 17, Harrington 3-8 10-11 16, Shelton 3-8 8-10 16, Swanson 5-10 1-2 15, Johnson 4-9 5-7 13, Parker 2-4 0-0 5, Davis 2-3 0-0 4, Reed 1-4 0-0 3, Ingram 0-2 0-0 0, LeDoux 0-0 0-0 0, McDaniel 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 25-62 28-35 89.

Halftime—Tulsa 42, Rhode Island 37. 3-point goals—Rhode Island 8-20 (Daniels 3-9, Marbury 2-6, Rogers 1-1, Smith 1-3, Woodward 1-1). Tulsa 11-28 (Swanson 4-8, Hill 3-9, Shelton 2-3, Parker 1-2, Reed 1-4, Harrington 0-2). Fouled out—Rhode Island, Bell, Evans, Marbury. Tulsa, Johnson. Rebounds—Rhode Island 33 (Evans 8), Tulsa 46 (Hill 8, Johnson 8). Assists—Rhode Island 10 (Smith 4), Tulsa 18 (Harrington 7). Total fouls—Rhode Island 26, Tulsa 25. A—7,902.

Pokes Motivated Against Sooners

STILLWATER (AP) — The Oklahoma State Cowboys have no shortage of motivation for their season-ending game Saturday against Oklahoma.

The opponent is Oklahoma State’s biggest rival, a team that has dominated the series. That in itself makes it a red-letter game.

Oklahoma also is unbeaten and ranked No. 1. A victory by the Cowboys would spoil the Sooners’ national championship hopes.

Then there’s the fact this is the last game for OSU coach Bob Simmons, who is being forced out after six seasons. Simmons, for his part, said that should be a non-issue this week.

“It’s not about me, never has been,” he said Monday. “Although I’m the head coach, it’s always been about them, this university and this program. If they want to win one, let’s win one as a team for each other, and let’s all celebrate if in fact that happens. That’s how you want to coach it.”

The Cowboys (3-7, 1-6 Big 12) are winding up their third straight losing season, but enter this game with a bit of confidence after beating Baylor 50-22 on Saturday.

Baylor is one of the worst teams in the country, so Simmons and his players aren’t getting overly excited about the victory. But a win is always better than a loss, and the outcome Saturday ended a seven-game losing streak for OSU.

“Baylor wasn’t a great team, but we beat them good enough to get our pride up and our confidence up,” said offensive tackle Josh Lind. “Now we’re going into this OU game ready to have some fun.”

Lind said the victory helped revitalize the players, although he said attitudes had stayed pretty good even during the losing streak.

“The team wants to finish strong, as strong as we can in the position we’re in,” he said. “We’re really, really excited to play this OU team. We’ve been looking forward to this all year.”

Oklahoma State came up with seven turnovers against Baylor, which left the offense with a short field much of the day. Aso Pogi threw for a touchdown and ran for four others and was named the Big 12’s offensive player of the week. The defense held Baylor to 66 yards rushing.

Simmons said the game was an example of carrying practice habits over to game day.

“I think this football team has wanted to win, but again, it’s got to be a complete team effort,” he said. “You can’t have one guy break down, this guy break down, that guy break down. That’s been part of the inconsistency we’ve had on game day.”

COWBOY NOTES: Saturday is the final game for 15 Oklahoma State seniors ... A victory by the Cowboys would be their fourth in six years against Oklahoma. ... Oklahoma State has played the No. 1 team in the country five times, most recently 1991 at Miami. The Cowboys are 0-5 in those games. ... Saturday’s game begins at 2:30 and will be televised by Fox Sports Net. It is just the second TV appearance of the season for the Cowboys.

Stoops Won’t Hold Assistants

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — As college football coaching vacancies pop up across the country, the names of some Oklahoma assistant coaches are sure to get mentioned as possible replacements.

Should any of them choose to leave, head coach Bob Stoops won’t be blocking the exit.

“My coaches can go wherever they want to go, when they want to go. I’ll be happy for them,” he said Monday. “Your program is bigger than any one player or coach, and I include myself in that. We’ll continue to operate the way we have and continue to work.”

Stoops said assistant coaches have to make a decision that they feel is best for themselves and their families — period. The notion that other schools could “raid” his staff, he said, is ridiculous.

“I’d be all for it. Time doesn’t wait,” he said. “I’d thank ’em for the great job they’ve done for us and wish ’em the best. You can’t worry about time. You’ve got to do what’s best for your life when you’ve got to do it, and that’s just the way it goes.”

Offensive coordinator Mark Mangino and co-defensive coordinators Mike Stoops and Brent Venables are coaches who are most likely to be mentioned as possible candidates for head coaching jobs.

Bob Stoops says much of the credit for Oklahoma’s success should go to his assistants. The Sooners (10-0) are ranked No. 1 and in the running for a national championship in just Stoops’ second year on the job.

“We have a great chemistry,” he said. “They know that everything that happens around here, we share in it all together. Isn’t just me, it isn’t just one of them. We’re all very respectful and close to one another as well as our families, and we do have an excellent working environment.

“I like to think we’ve made it as good an assistant coaching position as there is anywhere and that they appreciate that.”

He said he did not know of any of his assistants being contacted officially about the job at Missouri, where Larry Smith was fired Sunday after seven seasons.

If schools do come courting OU assistants, they will get quality coaches, Stoops said.

“All of them are very detailed, they’re organized, they’re motivators and they’ve been in solid programs that know how to win,” he said. “So, they all have those kinds of habits and integrity that you’d want.”

Richardson Lifts TU Running Game

TULSA. (AP) — Tulsa coach Keith Burns trusts gut instinct. When his gut screamed “run” against San Jose State, he put his confidence in freshman Eric Richardson.

Richardson rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns Saturday to lead the Golden Hurricane to a 28-17 victory, proving right every gut instinct his coach had about him.

“Eric Richardson hit into a line and came out the back door for 24 yards. He didn’t make that cut 6 or 7 yards deep. He made it right about the line of scrimmage which shows he’s got great vision and special feet,” Burns said Monday at his weekly news conference.

“I’ve said all along he’s going to be a runner. He’s my kind of runner.”

Richardson entered the game with just 17 yards on 11 carries. Three games saw him filling in for injured wide receiver Corey Brown, a job Richardson didn’t necessarily shine in, Burns said.

But Burns said he knew the Texan from Duncanville had speed and was a lot tougher than his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame might give away.

So when the Tulsa coach saw after the first drive that his team’s passing game was going nowhere against San Jose State, he gave the orders to take out checks and let Richardson run.

“Speed is special,” Burns said. “You don’t have to block them as long. The other day we got some 15-, 16-, 19-, 24-yard plays because we had a guy who could do it.”

Quarterback Josh Blankenship executed the switch nearly to perfection, he said. It didn’t hurt either that San Jose State’s defense ranks 114th in the nation and at the bottom of the Western Athletic Conference.

But Burns found himself thinking wistfully of other games where Richardson could have made a difference had be been given the chance.

“He’s going to carry the ball a lot,” Burns said. “I think when he does good things have happened. He’s the type of guy if he gets the ball 27 times, he may have 27 yards and on the 28th he may go the distance.”

Tulsa (4-7, 3-4 WAC) is looking to expand its win record to five, the most since the 1991 Freedom Bowl season. The Golden Hurricane plays host to Nevada (2-9, 1-6) in the season finale for both teams.

“I think if we can get to 4-4 in the conference, that’s huge to me. It’s not a winning record but it’s not a losing record,” said Burns, who is in his first season. “I think we show we belong in this conference and we can certainly compete in this conference.”

After the firing of longtime head coach Dave Rader last year, University of Tulsa President Robert Lawless indicated a drop to a lower class of football or no football might be a possibility if the new coach saw no more success.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Burns said when asked if he thought five wins would be enough. “I think Dr. Lawless has been very supportive of me and our staff and what we’ve tried to get done. He’s a huge football fan and I know he certainly wants to see us compete at a very high level in our conference.”

GOLDEN HURRICANE NOTES: The Golden Hurricane hasn’t played Nevada since the 1948 season, a game the Wolf Pack won 65-14 in Tulsa. ... Eighteen Tulsa seniors will suit up for their final game Saturday. Ten of them have spent the past five years on campus. ... Kickoff is scheduled Saturday for 2:07 p.m. CDT.

Junior High Basketball

Ponca City Junior High Blue and Red junior varsity basketball teams played over the weekend. Blue advanced to the final game at the Perry Invitational before losing to Blackwell.

Red lost its second game at the Cushing Invitational Tournament to Pawnee.

Blue beat Ponca City Lutheran 25-17 on Thursday night to advance to the final game against Blackwell.

The PC Lutheran girls led 4-3 at the end of the first quarter and 11-8 at half-time. Blue emerged in the third and fourth periods with big efforts on both ends of the court and took a 17-13 lead into the final period. Blue scored 8 more points in the fourth quarter and held PC Lutheran to only 4 points.

Crystal Foy dropped in two 3-pointers to lead the Red team in scoring. She was followed by Charlcy Hermanson, Kati Behara Hollie Davis and Leta Grantham, who each scored 4 points. Jessica Brown sank one 3-point shot.

The Red team was not as fortunate in the Cushing tournament where the junior varsity girls were defeated 37-20 by Okmulgee’s junior high school varsity team in the first round. On Saturday, Red was eliminated from the tournament by Pawnee in a much closer game that ended in the score of 28-24.

Red led 8-5 at the end of the first quarter, but the Ponca City girls found themselves down 18-14 at the half. In the third quarter, Pawnee increased its lead to 24-16. Red came out in the fourth quarter and pumped in 8 points while holding Pawnee to only 4, but the deficit created in the third quarter was just too much too overcome.

Crystal Beattie scored 5 points for Red. Nicole Overman and Shea Schutte put in 4 apiece. Natalie Yazzo had 3. Morgan Hudsontiller, Kristin Ward and Cari Lehman each contributed 2 points.

On Saturday, Blue junior varsity lost the Perry Invitational championship game to Blackwell by a score of 10-7.

Brown, Hermanson, Behara each scored 2 points while Davis contributed with a free-throw.

Both Blue and Red travel to Enid on Nov. 28.