LOCAL

Eleventh Street To Be Repaired
County Officer Pay Hikes Draw Excise Board Review

Eleventh Street To Be Repaired

Beginning Monday, Eleventh Street from Edwards Avenue to Miller Avenue will be closed to all traffic.

The city expects the street to be closed for the next month, barring any weather related delays, to allow for pavement and drainage improvements.

For more information, contact Jim Fairbanks in the city’s Engineering Department, 763-8046.

County Officer Pay Hikes Draw Excise Board Review

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — Raises for officers and a discussion of financing options for the new Kay County Health Center were key issues confronted by the Board of Kay County Commissioners Monday during a regular session at the Courthouse.

Floyd Harden, Von Long and J.C. Estes, Kay County Excise Board members were present to discuss the unexpected move by Kay County Commissioners to raise officer’s annual salaries by $3,300, effective Jan. 2, 2001. Harden asked the board why it had failed to contact the excise board about the move and why the increases were not included in the recently approved budget for next year.

County Clerk Pam Goodno told Harden and others present that the raises were included in the totals of the new budget but were not specifically set out. She also said, “our jobs have increased tremendously and we expect quite a bit more responsibility and work on county projects in the next few years.” She also explained that Kay County was about seventh in the state in tax revenue and several other comparable counties paid their officers up to $20,000 more per year. With the new raises officers will receive $45,000.

They later talked about benefits and Commissioner Rex Purdy reminded that elected officials were not covered for unemployment benefits.

Harden and Estes said they felt like a top priority for raises should be considered for the sheriff’s department “to keep our deputies from moving elsewhere.” Three have left to better paying jobs in the last few months.

Goodno explained that some new state funding for law enforcement officers had been discussed recently, and also that, salaries for law enforcement were decided through different channels than the commissioner’s board.

Undersheriff Buddy Thomas introduced new deputy Ryan Sievers as the new part-time Trash Cop, and said Sievers was fully certified. He also reported on the health condition of Sheriff Craig Countryman, saying he was progressing well, but must have four to six weeks of physical therapy before returning to Kay County. Countryman was injured in an automobile accident several months ago and is recuperating in Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma.

Attorney David Cummings and Kay County Health Director Mike O’Connor discussed several legal and financial technicalities on the proposed new Kay County Health Department building to be built on North Fairview in Ponca City. They discussed Kay County banks to handle the financial transactions, state Health Department commitments for $100,000 per year for 15 years, tax free loans, interest rates and bid procedures for the construction. Cummings said he hoped to have the contract signed for construction to begin in January or February.

Other business included discussion of purchase of rural water meters, which range from $900 to $2,500, depending on the rural water district. District III Commissioner Purdy submitted lease agreements for two International Trucks financed through Eastman National Bank.

Kay County Emergency Management Agent Dennis Bonnewell reported that a few minor changes had been made in safety regulations for open pits. He also said two bids were due for work on the radio booster station. Commissioners also voted to change Bonnewell’s status with the county to a full time officer, effective December 1.

Goodno submitted a signed petition from county offices and employees to close the courthouse for a two-day Christmas vacation. After much discussion commissioners agreed to the two day holiday for county employees on Dec. 25-26.

DEATHS

Martha Case Sheldon
Warren Willis Baker
Judy Eagle
Flossie May Collins
Carole Ann Purdy
Charles W. Richardson
Wanda Butler
Alonzo Brown
Ottis Erwin
Alice Jeanette Bontz

Martha Case Sheldon

NORMAN — Martha Case Sheldon of Oklahoma City died Nov. 21, 2000. She was cremated by the Cremation Society of Oklahoma. A graveside service under the direction of Demuth Funeral Home of Oklahoma City will be held in Ponca City on Nov. 25, at 1 p.m. at the IOOF Cemetery.

She is survived by two sons, Lon W. Sheldon of Norman and Myron L. Sheldon of Stillwater; two brothers, Dalmer and William Case of Guthrie; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Obituaries

Warren Willis Baker

Warren Willis Baker went home to be with his Lord early on Nov. 21, 2000. He passed away at St. Joseph’s Medical Center after a 20-year bout with Parkinson’s disease.

The funeral will be held graveside at Resthaven Memorial Park on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at 2 p.m. with Mr. Larry Keirn of Grand Avenue Church of Christ conducting the service.

Warren was born July 24, 1918, at Mulberry, Ark. He was the son of Ernest and Leona (Brewer) Baker. The family came to Oklahoma in 1929 when Warren was 11 years of age and he got to see the dedication of the Pioneer Woman Statue. Warren attended the old Union No. 98 school and was unable to finish his education because he had to stay home to take care of his younger siblings so his mother could work. On Aug. 26, 1942, Warren enlisted in the U. S. Navy in Oklahoma City where he was stationed on the USS Sargent Bay in San Francisco, Calif. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 12, 1945. Warren worked at various positions with the Union here in Ponca City. He was employed by the City of Ponca City first with the park department, where he helped build the marina on the east side of Lake Ponca. He later transferred to the traffic engineering department where he made street signs, drove the paint machine, which is used to paint the lane lines and parking stalls downtown and on Friday, he picked up the money out of the parking meters when they were downtown. He drove and worked on school buses when they owned Baker Bus Service. He drove and worked on church buses for Grand Avenue Church of Christ. He initially helped start the bus program at the Church. He established the first group home for the Opportunity Center. Warren supervised lawn mowing for both the opportunity center and downtown. For his own enjoyment, he played various stringed instruments such as the mandolin, guitar and violin. He had a great love for fostering children and loved watching the discovery channel. Truly he was a channel hopper. He enjoyed working on cars and would actually work on engines in his living room while watching television. He helped restore an old 1879 church pump organ. He loved his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren whom liked to ride on his wheel chair with him.

He is survived by his wife, Lonna Marie (Lackey) of the home; two daughters, Deborah Baker of Bellaire, Texas and Francis (Baker) Ailey and her husband, Terry Ailey of Ponca City; two sons, Eddie Buchanan of LaGrange, Texas and Donald Shufflebean of Oklahoma City; six granddaughters, Marie Golay and husband Chuck, Amy Heints and her husband Nathan, Alicia Rene, Pattiann Lopez and her husband Jesus, Lucy Terry and her husband, Larry, Patti McComb and Terry Gene, Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren.

His parents, two brothers, his son Larry Baker, his aunts, uncles and his mother-in-law, Willie Lackey, preceded him in death..

paid obituary

Judy Eagle

Judy Eagle, lifelong Ponca City resident, left this world of sick and woe to go home to be with her Creator, Jesus Christ late on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 57.

An evening prayer service will be held Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. The celebration of her homegoin’ will then be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000. The Traditional Funeral feast will precede the funeral service at noon. The Rev. Ted Freeman, Pastor of Ponca Indian Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Julia Marie LeClair on Aug. 30,1943 in the old Ponca City Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Antoine and Marie (Buffalohead) LeClair. Judy grew up in White Eagle and attended Marland Schools as well as Chilocco Indian School. On March 16, 1960, Judy and Wilkie D. Eagle were united in marriage by the justice of the peace in Newkirk and she was engaged and content with being a homemaker, never had to worry about working for her husband took good care of her. She was a Giveswater descendent and enjoyed bingo, shopping, cooking (especially frybread and cornsoup). Judy was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church as well as a proud member of the Ponca Tribe.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband of 40 years, Wilkie D. Eagle Sr.; four daughters, Irma Lee Pratt of White Eagle, Toni M. Eagle of the home, Margie L. Rodriquez of Ponca City and Rosemarye E. Eagle of the home; one son, Wilkie D. Eagle Jr. of the home; three sisters, Antoinette LeClair, Irene LeClair and Tina Youker, all of Ponca City; two brothers, Lionel LeClair and Mike LeClair, both of Ponca City; 12 grandchildren as well as many other relatives and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and one infant daughter: Carol King Eagle.

Casket bearers will be Rudy Salinas, E.T. LeClair, Houston Primeaux, Charles Broam, Paschal Cerre and Jesse LeClair Jr.

Honorary casket bearers will be: Lionel LeClair, Mike LeClair, Doug Eagle, Lester Eagle and Donny Lynn Jordy II.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103 Ponca City, OK 74601

paid obituary

Flossie May Collins

TONKAWA — Flossie May Collins, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, at Willow Haven Nursing Home. She was 91.

Service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, at the First Baptist Church in Tonkawa with the Rev. Richard Thomasson officiating. Burial will follow in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Ron Hodges, Jack Klinger, Wayne Selvey, Tom Shenold, Bill Selvey and Jack Cales.

Flossie was born July 14, 1909, in Pawnee, the daughter of Ode and Laura Bell (Passmore) Elarton. She graduated from Blackwell High School. Flossie married Clifford Max Collins on Nov. 21, 1926, in Wellington, Kan. She was a member of the First Baptist church in Tonkawa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and one grandson.

Survivors include her daughter, Willadean Willerton of Tonkawa; one brother, Bob Elarton of Denver, Colo.; one granddaughter, Robbie Shenold, and her husband, Tom of Stillwater; and one sister-in-law, Emma Elarton of Blackwell.

paid obituary

Carole Ann Purdy

TONKAWA — Carole Ann (Ridgeway) Purdy, 51, former resident of Tonkawa and Ponca City, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2000, at Oak Hill Living Center in Jones.

A wake service will be held Friday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. in the Anderson-Ridgeway Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2000, at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Joe Burger as celebrant. Burial will follow in the IOOF cemetery under the direction of Anderson-Ridgeway Funeral Home.

Casket bearers will be Joe Brining, Don Caughlin, Jim Corbin, Steve Greer, John Purdy, and Duane Roady. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Fitch, James Fitch, Mike Hess, Warren Niemeyer, and Brad Reisch.

Memorials may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society in care of Anderson-Ridgeway Funeral Home, P.O. Box 336, Tonkawa, OK 74653.

Carole was born April 25, 1949, in Ponca City, the daughter of Alvin and Eva Ridgeway. She attended schools in Tonkawa and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Ponca City, and also attended Northern Oklahoma College.

Her greatest joys were her daughter and granddaughter, and she enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as painting and craftwork. Her family says she was “always making a way for us to laugh.”

She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Stacy Hess of Oklahoma City; a granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Hess of Oklahoma City; four sisters, Beth Reisch of Hermiston, Ore., Kathy Wright of Waco, Texas, Edie Fitch of Sherwood, Ore., and Lisa Ridgeway of Oklahoma City; one brother, John A. Ridgeway of Tonkawa; a sister-in-law, LaGina Ridgeway of Tonkawa; and a brother-in-law, Kerry Fitch of Sherwood, Ore.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Charles W. Richardson

Charles W. Richardson, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 58. Local survivors include his wife, Margo. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Wanda Butler

Wanda Butler, Ponca City resident, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2000, at Westminster Village. She was 92. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Saturday

Alonzo Brown

Alonzo Brown — Services will be at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel.

Ottis Erwin

Ottis Erwin — Services will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Blackwell. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, South Haven, Kan. under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home.

Alice Jeanette Bontz

Alice Jeanette Bontz — Services will held at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell. Burial will follow at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Accident — A man in the 1300 block of Coronado Street reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 8:29 a.m. Thursday. The man noted his grandson’s vehicle was hit sometime during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Substitute Teacher Training: Earn $50 per day. Attend a mandatory training on Wednesday November 29, 9 a.m. at 111 West Grand. adv.

Fire Run — A woman in the 300 block of North Ash Street reported a detached garage was on fire to the Communications Center at 11:36 a.m. Thursday. All stations with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Antiques At After The Gold Rush. Open 10 to 5, Monday - Saturday, One block North of Osage Pioneer Bank. adv.

Fire Run — A caller in the 2100 block of Turner Street reported to the Communications Center at 4:32 p.m. Thursday hearing a noise on the north side of a residence and the caller also reported smelling smoke. Station No. 4 with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Firefighters advised there was no fire.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Fire Run — Someone reported an out of control controlled burn in the 4300 block of North Pleasantview to the Communications Center at 4:33 p.m. Thursday. All stations with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Subject Held — An officer at the Ponca City Police Department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, reported a 22-year-old man was being transferred in from Newkirk for driving under intoxication, driving under suspension and transporting an open container.

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

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Shirlee Avenue reported at 6:08 p.m. Thursday a 28-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under suspension, no insurance and speeding more than 11 mph over the speed limit with more than three prior speeding tickets issued.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Jack Griffith Gas-Up, 2501 North Fourteenth Street, reported a $10 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 10:49 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Sick/Injured Person — A police officer in the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, 1900 North Fourteenth Street, reported being at the hospital with a male stabbing victim who lived in the 200 block of North Oak Street at 12:06 a.m. Friday. The stabbing occurred after a fight with a woman on the residences’ front porch. The woman walked into the emergency room at 1:35 a.m. and was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of marijuana and public intoxication. Her vehicle was towed from the parking lot.

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

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

Fish, Noodles Make Hearty Winter Meal

Fish, Noodles Make Hearty Winter Meal

When winter winds blow and nothing sounds good for lunch or dinner try this fish soup for a warming and tasty meal.

Asian-Alaska

Salmon Noodle Soup

1 large can (14 3/4 ounces) or 2 small cans (7 1/2 ounces) Alaska salmon

5 cups water

1 package (16 ounces) frozen stir-fry vegetable mix including sugar snap peas, carrots, mushrooms and onions)

1 package (3 ounces) ramen noodles, Oriental or chicken flavor

4 green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Drain and flake the salmon, removing skin and bones. In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add frozen vegetables and cook 3 minutes. Break ramen noodles into 4 pieces and add to the vegetables. Add onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and the ramen seasoning packet. Simmer 3 minutes. Stir salmon into the soup and heat through. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

RELIGION

Sunday of Fulfillment Slated at First Lutheran
Church Breifs

Sunday of Fulfillment Slated at First Lutheran

First Lutheran Church members will observe the last Sunday of the church year called the Sunday of Fulfillment at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services.

The Rev. Mr. Ramsey’s sermon will be titled “keeping Your Head While Others Around You Are Losing Theirs.” The senior choir will continue the Thanksgiving theme with the anthem “Come and Thank Him.”

The 6:30 p.m. service will be led by the Praise Band and will center on the singing of praise songs, Bible study and prayer. The Bible study is now focusing on the various aspects of prayer.

On Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m., First Lutheran will present its annual Hanging of the Greens service. This service utilizes more than one hundred people as readers, musicians, decorators and servers. The service will be followed by the Tasting Faire in the fellowship hall provided by the various boards of the church. The community is invited.

Church Breifs

Real Live Christmas

The Real Live Christmas in Webb City is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3. The program includes ten live nativities, a children’s program, refreshments and is free to the public. For additional information, call (918) 793-3841.

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA at 2800 Turner Rd, will celebrate Christ The King Sunday, the last Sunday of the Church year, with Holy Communion. From John 18: 33 - 37, we will hear the story of Jesus and Pilate. This Sunday is also “Bring A Friend Sunday. Sunday School will be a group class. Topic is “Caring For God's World.” Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship at 10 a.m. Visit the website at www.princeofpeacechurch.net

Hartford Avenue

Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. Classes are available for all ages, nursery through adult. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channel 5 or Channel 8; this week’s topic is When was the Sabbath changed to Sunday? Bible thought for the week is from Psalms 100:4-5: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good. His loving kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.”

New Mount Olive Baptist

New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 520 North Pine in Newkirk, will sponsor a fellowship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by worship service at 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Irvin J. Bobb of New Mount Olive with deliver the message. An extended invitation is given to all who wish to attend.

EDUCATION

Pioneer Tech’s Faculty Staff, Students Attend Conference
Superintendent’s Corner
Money Available To Area Students
Conoco Makes Contributions to NOCA

Pioneer Tech’s Faculty Staff, Students Attend Conference

Sheila Foxworthy, Vicki Mallory, Tammy Pedigo, Jackie Hill, Mikel Montgomery, LaDella Dowell, and Shasta Abernathy from Pioneer Technology Center participated in Success Connection VI, The State Chamber's School-to-Work Conference, held recently at the Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

Success Connection VI was organized by the Oklahoma School-to-Work Office and sponsored by The State Chamber.

Robin Schott, Oklahoma School-to-Work coordinator, said the conference featured sessions that appealed to students, business leaders, and educators. Participants were able to see successful partnerships between the business and education worlds.

“I wanted people attending the conference to see good examples of business leaders and educators working together to give students great opportunities,” she said.

Former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris Jr. was the keynote speaker. Harris, the first African-American to walk in space, urged students to seek high educational and professional goals.

Harris is currently vice president of Science and Health Services and chief scientist for SPACEHAB, Inc., a Houston, Tx.-based company that oversees commercial business ventures in space. He is also the founder of the Harris Foundation, which supports math, science, and crime prevention programs for America's youth.

Superintendent’s Corner

By Bill White

Ponca CIty Superintendent

The Ponca City Board of Education took action this week to add five classrooms and a cafeteria to the Lincoln Elementary School.

Currently, two kindergarten classes and a four-year-old class meets in the Lincoln Center. The expansion of our newest school will allow all 520 students to be on one campus. The students now eat lunch and breakfast in the gymnasium. The new facility will seat 250 students at a time while allowing the physical education classes to utilize the gym all day. The project is scheduled for completion in early October at an estimated cost of $842,000. The funds for the project are provided by the building fund mill levy.

State Question 690

State Question 690 passed both in Kay County and statewide. The Oklahoma Constitution now permits local school districts’ voters to approve a resolution to make the school millage levies permanent. The vote will be taken on Feb. 13, 2001.

The vote on making the millages permanent will be on the same ballot as the vote on the millage levies for the school year 2001-2002. These millage levies have remained the same for many years and are not a tax increase.

All 540 school districts in Oklahoma pay the same levies. In fact, when the levies fail, a second vote is taken at a cost to the taxpayers. If the levies failed a second time, the district would likely be closed and annexed to an adjacent district that has already passed the levy. By making the levies permanent, just as the Pioneer Technology levies are permanent, we are ensuring that our district will remain in operation under the control of a locally selected school board.

Alternative School Expanding

State regulations encourage the formation of an alternative school for students in grades 6-8 similar to the high school alternative school located at Lincoln Center. Students who are unsuccessfully in a typical middle school setting may find success in a smaller more structured classroom. It is estimated that up to 10 percent of our 1200 students in grades 6-8 might benefit from an alternative school. The district is receiving a variety of middle level alternative schools utilized by other districts to determine how to implement a school for next fall.

Money Available To Area Students

Students at Ponca City and Newkirk High Schools who graduate in May are given an opportunity to compete for Elk Scholarships.

This year the Elks National Foundation will grant 500 four-year scholarships which total $2,216,000. Seven of these will be allocated to students in Oklahoma. In addition, the Oklahoma Elks Major Projects will grant 22 one-time $1,000 scholarships to Oklahoma students.

Ponca City Lodge will grant scholarships to students in the lodge area as funds permit. In each of the past two years, the lodge was able to grant four $300 one-time scholarships.

Scholarships are awarded to students who complete a brochure which provides information about the students SAT and/or ACT test scores, leadership accomplishments and his or her financial need. The brochures are scored at local and district levels to select those for state judging.

Top male and female scorers in the state judging are awarded the National and State scholarships. The brochures of students who do not receive a national or state award are returned to the submitting lodge for the local awards.

Interested senior students may now obtain a copy of the application from their counselor. The completed brochures must be returned to their counselor by Jan. 12, 2001.

Conoco Makes Contributions to NOCA

During the Success Connection Conference in early November, Conoco was recognized for its outstanding contributions to the Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance (NOCA).

Over the past three years, Conoco has given over 300 children an opportunity to observe firsthand their parents’ workplace through “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” A few of the presentations conducted to students were How Chemistry is Used, Safety Feud, How the Refinery Work, Making Grease, Infrared Scans, Oil Game, Gravity Magnetics and Microscopy.

Nearly 100 area high school students participated in Conoco’s Career Day on Feb. 25, 1998, March 5, 1999, and March 2000.

Conoco has also sponsored approximately 40 students on Groundhog Job Shadow Day over the last two years.

Conoco has been an important contributor to Northern Oklahoma College’s Internship program, and seven students have participated in paid internships with Conoco. The company has sponsored NOCA’s first annual Business and Industry Recognition Reception held at Po-Hi on May 5, 1999, with 150 people attending.

Conoco co-sponsored a Community Information Breakfast regarding the implementation of school-to-work for Shawntel Smith, Miss America 1996 and funded the 1999-2000 Partnership Business and Industry Resource Guides for teachers in Kay County.

Keni Ray, director of public affairs and customer relations, served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the first three years of the partnership. Gary Stephens, Conoco employee, currently serves on the Board of Directors as vice chairman.

Conoco has participated in the Summer Business and Industry Institute for Teachers each year. They also sponsor the annual Northern Oklahoma Science and Math Teachers Workshop.

SPORTS

NOC a Dream Job But Not Kyle Turners
OSU’s Pogi Likes Spoiler Role
Simmons Focused Only on OU Game
Nevada, TU Both Rebuilding

NOC a Dream Job But Not Kyle Turners

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

TONKAWA — Kyle Turner sat in his training room at Northern Oklahoma College. In between interruptions by Mavericks with sprained ankles, jammed fingers and other assorted sports related injuries as he talked about his job.

“This is a wonderful job, here,” Turner said. “It could be someone’s dream job, but it’s not mine. I’ve always dreamed of being in the major leagues.”

Turner graduated from Southern Utah University in 1996 with a degree in physical education. With a year of eligibility remaining, he played baseball in his fifth year while he earned a degree in sports psychology in 1997.

Injuries took their toll on the budding star catcher. He lost the starting job his sophomore year after dislocating a wrist during the Christmas holidays.

“It took me a long time to get the job back,” he said.

Arm problems plagued him as a senior.

“I was hurt too much in college,” he said.

Turner was good enough to receive offers to tryouts and invitations to major league training camps, but he declined.

“I guess it was about that time that I came to grips with the realization that my dream to play in the major leagues was just that, a dream,” he said.

The old adage states: Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.

“I’ve always had an interest in medicine and considered physical therapy, but I just didn’t like the physical therapy setting,” Turner said. “Also, I’ve considered coaching offers and I have an interest in coaching, but right now, I enjoy this because I’m able to combine my interests.

“As a trainer, I can establish the atmosphere and treat other athletes the way I was treated and the way I felt I should’ve been treated. I have a five-year college career that I can draw from.”

But, if Turner ever does make it to the majors, his will be a story of choosing alternative routes to reach the same destination. Turner may still get a shot at being in the majors. Not as a player, but as a trainer.

It seems like he gave up, but that isn’t true.

The dream is still alive.

In December, Turner reports to the Pulaski, Va., Rangers, a Class A team in the Texas Rangers organization.

The question now becomes: How does a minor league trainer distinguish himself enough from another trainer to move to the big leagues? The answer is that some make it in four years or less, while others never make it.

There are apparently as many lines of thought on how to treat sports injuries as there are hitting styles.

“I’m more aggressive,” he said. “I like for the players to play through the pain as much as possible and let the injury dictate the course of action.

“I’ve got to understand when a player is actually hurt,” he said. “They have to be honest with me and I have to keep their confidentiality to earn the players’ trust.”

At the same time, Kyle will have to make decisions on the basis of what is best for the team.

Sometimes, it can be a fine line.

For example: When does an athlete have a steroid abuse problem, or when is he or she just caught up in the hype of performance enhancers?

“I’ve got to know the athletes better than they know themselves,” he said. “I have to be their friend.”

Even though his playing career is over, there may be a hall of famer in the future who would never have made it had Kevin Turner not been in the clubhouse to lengthen a career.

OSU’s Pogi Likes Spoiler Role

STILLWATER (AP) — Oklahoma State quarterback Aso Pogi is friends with many of the players for No. 1 Oklahoma, players who hope to spend the holidays in the warmth of Miami preparing for the Orange Bowl and a shot at a national championship.

Surely, it was suggested to Pogi this week, he wouldn’t want to spoil those plans.

“Actually, I would love to spoil that for them,” he said. “I don’t think you ever step on a football field planning to lose a game. That’s not me. I’ve never been that way. I’m just way too competitive to ever do that, and I think this ball club is way too competitive to do that.

“So if they’re going to finish this thing out undefeated, they’re going to have to go through us first. We’re not just going to lay down.”

Oklahoma (10-0, 7-0 Big 12) will try Saturday to complete its first undefeated season since 1987. But there is more at stake than just a perfect record. A loss to the Cowboys, who have won just three games, would knock Oklahoma out of the national championship race.

This is the final game for Oklahoma State coach Bob Simmons, who is being forced out after six seasons. A victory over the in-state rival and the nation’s top-ranked team would be a sweet way to finish.

“There’s a lot of things that are in the mix,” said senior offensive lineman Josh Lind. “Of course we want to send him out on a positive note. Beating OU, what’s more positive than that?

“From my standpoint, it’s my last college game here. I want to go out in style, I want to tear the goal posts down, I want him to win his last game here. There’s a lot of things you look forward to.”

There hasn’t been much to look forward to this year for the Cowboys (3-7, 1-6). They won their first two games, then lost seven in a row before finally ending the skid last week by beating Baylor.

Simmons is 3-2 against Oklahoma, although the Sooners won last year’s game 44-7 and have only lost 14 times in the 94 meetings.

“It’s possible to beat anybody,” Simmons said. “The reality is, how do you do it? If you don’t think you can do it, you’re never going to do it at all.

“It’s no secret when you go in and play well and make plays and play good on both sides of the ball, you always have a chance to win. That’s got to be your mindset.”

Oklahoma has done that most of the time this season. The Sooners moved to No. 1 with a three-game stretch in October in which they beat Texas, Kansas State and Nebraska. Since then, they have rolled over Baylor and then struggled somewhat in victories over Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

Kicking game breakdowns have occurred in each of the past two games. Texas A&M blocked a punt for a touchdown and deflected another punt. Texas Tech blocked a field goal and extra point.

In the Tech game, Oklahoma committed four turnovers and had 11 penalties. Coach Bob Stoops said those parts of the game must improve, but also said his team should be commended for beating a bowl-bound opponent by 14 points.

“I understand that everyone wants to be critical, which is fine. That’s what your job (in the media) is to do,” he said. “I just make sure our players understand all the good things we’re doing and correct these few mistakes, and maybe the game doesn’t have to be as close. You’re constantly pushing to get better.”

Simmons Focused Only on OU Game

STILLWATER(AP) — Bob Simmons says it’ll probably hit him hard sometime this week, the realization that Saturday’s game against Oklahoma is his final game as Oklahoma State’s football coach.

Until that happens, if it does, it’s business as usual — or, as usual as possible — for Simmons.

“Really, the focus has been ever since we came off the victory with Baylor, this is a great opportunity for this program to end up on a positive note,” Simmons said. “I have not thought beyond that.”

Saturday’s 50-22 defeat of Baylor was one of the few bright moments this year. Before that, the Cowboys had lost seven in a row. The day after the loss that guaranteed a third straight losing season, athletic director Terry Don Phillips met with Simmons and the coach agreed to resign effective at the end of the year.

There is no question Simmons is leaving the program in much better shape than when he took over six years ago. There are more players, and more talented players. He has been able to keep players in the program.

Some who chose to depart early were tough to replace.

Cornerback and kick returner R.W. McQuarters left for the pros after the 1997 season, in which the Cowboys went 8-4 and played in the Alamo Bowl. So did defensive lineman Jamal Williams. This year’s secondary desperately needs a player like Jacoby Shepherd, who spent last year with the Cowboys but left early and now is in the NFL.

In 1998, Oklahoma State went 5-6 and nearly beat Nebraska and Texas. The Cowboys beat Oklahoma for the third time in four years, but lost to Tulsa and to Texas Tech. They were leading early against Tech, but began struggling when Simmons inserted Chris Chaloupka at quarterback in place of Tony Lindsay.

Lindsay was the Big 12 freshman of the year in 1997. He had comparable statistics in ’98, but the Cowboys didn’t win the close games and they wound up staying home during the bowl season.

Lindsay got hurt in the first game of 1999 and Oklahoma State never recovered. The Cowboys again finished 5-6. Much was expected this year, with Lindsay healthy and a new offensive coordinator. But Lindsay injured his throwing shoulder in a preseason scrimmage, never got better and eventually opted for surgery.

Freshman Aso Pogi has played well in Lindsay’s place and appears to have a promising future. But it will be under a different coaching staff.

“I’ve always felt we’ve been close, and if we could have flipped some of those games around, things would be different,” Simmons said. “But it wasn’t in the cards for us to do that.”

Simmons, reflecting this week on his six years in Stillwater, said his favorite moment occurred when an Oklahoma business group honored him with an award in recognition of Christian values. On the field, he said, the ’97 season stands out.

That year began with the suspension of 11 players — several of them starters — for academic and disciplinary reasons. Led by Lindsay, who was then a redshirt freshman, the Cowboys won their first six games, including victories over Texas and Colorado.

“That particular group just stepped up and made play after play,” Simmons said.

That hasn’t happened often enough since then. The Cowboys have been inconsistent on the playing field, which may or may not have been the result of frequent changes within the coaching staff. Regardless, they have lost too many games to comparable opponents — Texas Tech, Colorado, Missouri — and those contributed to Simmons being forced out.

His finale is Saturday against No. 1 Oklahoma. Only after that, he said, will he begin packing up his office and his house.

“It’s like my wife says, ‘I can’t even talk to you,’ and she’s right,” Simmons said. “We’re still in season. I said I’ve made a commitment, and that’s how I want to focus until this commitment is done.”

Nevada, TU Both Rebuilding

TULSA (AP) — To tell the true story of this season, both Tulsa and Nevada must look to something other than the win column, Tulsa coach Keith Burns says.

Both teams have struggled. Both are under new coaches looking to rebuild programs. Both, Burns said, have shown improvement their records don’t reflect and can count on budding newcomers to maintain the momentum when Saturday’s finale is over.

“Like we’re doing, they’re playing some young players,” Burns said. “They’re having to get on-the-job training like we are.”

The Wolf Pack (2-9, 1-6 Western Athletic Conference) travels to Skelly Stadium, a week after finding itself in unfamiliar territory with a 24-7 lead over Rice.

Nevada narrowly overcame a Rice comeback to win that game, its first ever in the league. Coach Chris Tormey said his team has made great gains in its last five contests.

“It takes some time to come together offensively and get on the same page,” he said.

Twenty freshmen or redshirt freshmen have made their debuts this season for Nevada. And Tormey said he expects to start at least 10 freshmen against Tulsa.

Quarterback David Neill leads a Wolf Pack offense that ranks just below Tulsa in the WAC in total yards. But Neill averages 227 yards per game to put his team second in the league in passing yardage. Tulsa’s weakness is stopping the pass.

“There are some quarterbacks in the league that have got better statistics,” Tormey said, “but I don’t think there’s a better quarterback in the WAC than David Neill.”

Burns predicts that Nevada is on its way to becoming one of the better teams in the conference.

He also has seen marked improvement in his own team.

Tulsa (4-7, 3-4) leads the conference in punt returns and ranks 12th nationally, with an average 15.1 yards per attempt. The Golden Hurricane have gone from 106th in the nation to 60th in scoring defense, giving up an average of 25.5 points. Burns’ team also is the least penalized in the WAC.

“Those are coachable things, I think, that give you a chance to win,” Burns said. “We’ve given ourselves a chance with punt returns to set up scores and we haven’t had the foolish penalties, the personal fouls that I watched a year ago.”

Burns said his team’s lackluster rushing record probably would have been better if freshman Eric Richardson had been unleashed sooner.