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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, November 29, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALPlans Revealed for New Petroleum Museum Plans Revealed for New Petroleum MuseumBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Conoco’s plans for the new petroleum museum exhibits at the E.W. Marland Estate were shown to the Estate Commissioners at the Tuesday meeting. As part of Conoco’s 125th anniversary Conoco is renovating the building on the estate grounds that has been used for a catch-all museum petroleum for the past two decades. The new museum is to center on E.W. Marland and his oil discovery and Marland Oil, the forerunner of Continental Oil/Conoco. The plans were prepared by Southwest Museum Services. Some of the featured panel displays are Merging Science and Exploration (1908-1917); Wild West Show Fame; 101 Ranch Oil Company; Advancing the Science of Geology. Plans are to have the museum renovated and ready to open in April 2001. The Commission approved three requests. One was for $600 from the Peel Bequest for a hand rail for Lydie’s Cottage. Another was for an unspecified amount of funds from the Marland Estate Foundation to install a sprinkler system and curbing for flower beds at Lydie’s Cottage. The commission voted to approve a grant proposal request for Walkways, Phase 2. Stan Paynter, chairman of the 2000 Oktoberfest, estimated the proceeds of the event to be about $9,000. These funds are used for restoration for the Estate. Sue Ziegenhain announced that the come and go Christmas reception for the Marland Estate Guides and other volunteers is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Lydie’s Carriage House. Chairman Sherry Muchmore told the garden clubs are ready to go on Lydie’s Garden. She said that two of the clubs have donated $5,000 each to help with the project. She also mentioned that the master gardeners have volunteered to help. Muchmore also reported for the Collections Committee. She said the committee is going through the Mansion determining which pieces are Marland originals and which are of the Marland era. She indicated that some of the period pieces will be auctioned. Apparently items from the hotel/conference center/chapel, will be auctioned prior to the demolition of those buildings. It was reported there was some interest by the Felician Sisters, who built the chapel, in the stained glass windows in the chapel area. Kathy Adams, executive director, told of a donation of Titian ware by former resident and Conoco retiree John R. Stewart, now of Santa Fe. The dishes match the ones that the Marland’s used for every day and will help fill out the set. Gates received some discussion, with Jon Kennedy reporting on the proposed expansion of the west gate. Gary Martin, City Manager, suggested the plans be drawn up by City Traffic Engineer Mike Lane. Adams said that the repair to the main wrought iron gate is estimated to be about $15,000 by Wiemann Ironworks of Tulsa. The gate had been repaired about a week before it was hit again by a delivery truck. As with the last incident there will be masonry work required, Adams said. She told about light designs that are being considered for the estate, along with the trails program. She announced that Katie Goss is leaving employment at the Mansion to join the Parks and Recreation Department of the City. ACT Reviews In Math English Being OfferedPonca City Public Schools will be offering evening ACT reviews for students in math and English. The national ACT test dates are Dec. 9, Feb. 10 and April 7. Review sessions are Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 and March 29 and April 5. A session in math and one in English/reading will be offered two Thursdays prior to the national test date from 6 to 7 p.m. The classes will be taught at Po-Hi by Francis Nine (room 234) and LeAnn Cavener (room 207). Each session will last an hour and a half. Students should plan to take both Thursday classes prior to the national test date. There is no fee, but students should reserve a place in the class (with the instructor) at least two weeks prior to the review. The spaces in the classes are limited to 25 students and will be awarded on a first-come/first-serve basis. For more information contact Linda Powers, director of secondary education, at 767-8000, ext. 252. Festival of Angels Includes Several New Lighted DisplaysThe seventh annual Festival of Angels is officially under way with several new lighted displays at each of the main lighted festival locations. More than 40 areas in the city are listed on the official Festival of Angels map now available at Angel Central, Lake Ponca Park, Marland Estate, Cann Botanical Garden Center and Chamber of Commerce. Festival of Angels sights begin with the 30-foot Angel Host which greets visitors at the Pioneer Woman Statue; a western scene at the Pioneer Woman Museum; lighted gate at the Marland Estate; Kid’s Delight, a drive-through display at Lake Ponca Park; Fantasy Garden at Cann Botanical Garden Center; and Southern Hospitality at Marland’s Grand Home. For visitors and locals who want to drive the tour route and see all 41 official lighted locations during the holiday season, all locations are numbered and described on the official 2000 Festival of Angels Map. The maps are free. Decorated attractions and neighborhoods listed on the 2000 Festival of Angels map are included below. 1. Angel Central — official information center and gift shop for Festival of Angels, Ponca Plaza, south end (Fourteenth Street and Hartford Avenue) 2. Lake Road and 14th Street — Large Angel Host located at Pioneer Woman Statue and Western Lights at Pioneer Woman Museum 3. Monument Road 4. Marland Estate — lighted gate 5. Pioneer Road 6. Woodlands Area — Woodlands Road, Cedar Lane, Blackard Lane 7. Hartford Avenue and Fourteenth Street — Woodlands Christian Church 8. Hartford and Fourteenth — St. Joseph Regional Medical Center 9. 1500 Bradley — Sterling House 10. 1715 E. Prospect — St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene 11. 2616 Turner Road — Renaissance House 12. Pecan Road and Prospect Avenue 13. Copperfield, Coppercreek 14. Donner Drive, Woodthrush, Skylark, Cardinal, Meadowbrook 15. Mockingbird, Kyme 16. Academy Road — American Legion Children’s Home, Westminster Village, Academy Hill 17. Stoneridge 18. Lake Road and Fourteenth — follow signs to Lake Ponca Park for Kid’s Delight, large drive-through animated lighted display (enter through north entrance only) 19. Wittmer Hills Addition 20. Woodridge Addition 21. Eastern Heights Christian Church 22. Edgewood, Sugar Maple, Red Oak 23. Parkview Lane and Fourteenth Street 24. Overbrook 25. Whitworth Ave. 26. N. Union and Lora, Bonnie 27. W. Broadway, Sunset to Waverly 28. W. Grand and Flormable 29. W. Grand and Palm, Albright United Methodist church 30. South Avenue and Pine — Conoco North Tower 31. S. Fourth Street to S. Twelfth Street, South Avenue to Edwards 32. Downtown — Grand Avenue, First to Sixth Street 33. Fifth and Grand — Centennial Plaza 34. Central Avenue and S. Sixth Street — First United Methodist Church 35. Central Avenue and S. Fifth Street — First Baptist Church 36. S. Seventh Street — St. Mary’s Catholic Church 37. Cleveland and N. Fifth — First Christian Church 38. Grand Avenue and Tenth Street — Southern Hospitality at Marland’s Grand Home 39. Grand Avenue and Fourteenth — Fantasy Garden at Cann Botanical Garden Center 40. Grand Avenue and Fourteenth — First Presbyterian Church 41. Cleary Avenue The Festival of Angels displays are open every evening from 6 to 10 p.m. until Dec. 30. Angel Hosts, volunteers at Lake Ponca Park, will help direct traffic and take donations from the vehicles that pass through the park. Angels are everywhere in Ponca City. We invite you to join the celebration! Puppeteer John Hinkle of Puppet Alley In ‘The Nutcracker’ for Public Dec. 5, 7Puppeteer John Hinkle of Puppet Alley will perform the original E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, “The Nutcracker and the Seven Headed-Mouse King” at Garfield Academy on Dec. 5 and 7 at 7 p.m. Hinkle will present the oft told story, “The Nutcracker,” with Marie and Godfather Drossel-meier, along with the seldom heard part of the story, “The Liver Sausage Pudding Tragedy.” Hoffmann’s original story includes Princess Pirlipat, “the prettiest little girl ever born,” Dame Mouserink, the evil queen of all the mice, the mean Seven-Headed Mouse King, and the gallant Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s ballet leaves out this comic middle portion. The 45-minute production is a montage of mask, rod puppets, finger puppets, hand puppets, table top puppets, and shadow puppets, all used by the solo puppeteer to spin the world famous German Christmas tale. Ponca City’s elementary first and second graders will see the shows on Dec. 5, 6 and 7. Garfield Academy PTO and the State Arts Council of Oklahoma are sponsoring the public performances on Tuesday and Thursday. Admission is $3 for an individual or $10 for a family. Hinkle has worn several hats in Ponca City. As a child at Garfield Elementary in the 40’s, he wore a crumpled white sailor’s cap like his dad. In the 50’s he was lucky enough to wear Po-Hi’s drum major’s shako at Eisenhower’s inauguration. In the 60’s he showed up on the Ponca City Library’s steps as an Oklahoma Department of Libraries consultant. In the 70’s he visited his parents as they returned to the state after 20 years in Texas. Then, in the 80’s John was back in the library as a performer of puppet shows. The 90’s found him where he started, at his old grade school, as an Artist-in-Residence. This year, John is back in Ponca City providing puppet shows. DEATHSHarold Loyd Thornton Harold Loyd ThorntonBLACKWELL — Harold Loyd Thornton, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 28, 2000, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 76. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in the Immanuel Baptist Church of Blackwell with the Rev. Andy Jobe officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Harold Loyd Thornton was born Jan. 14, 1924, east of White Eagle, the son of Talbot Owen and Mae Almedia Barnard Thornton. He grew up in the White Eagle area and attended Marland public schools. Following his schooling, he entered the United states Army, where he served during World War II. Following his discharge, he returned home and began working for the Leach Laundry and Dry Cleaners in Ponca City. He married Ellen Marie Woodward on Dec. 26. 1950, in Ponca City, where they settled. In January of 1957, they moved to Sterling, Colo., where he was employed with the Flint Rig and Oil Construction Company and later the Otto Thornton Construction Company. He then moved to Loveland, Colo., where he was employed for two years at a trailer manufacturing company. On March 27, 1967, he returned to Sterling and was employed with the E.E. Sonnenberg Feed Lot. He continued at the feed lot until 1983 when he began employment with Wendell Sonnenberg. In 1985, he returned to Ponca City and moved to Blackwell in 1991. While in Colorado, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell. He is survived by his wife of the home. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Nancy Jane Thornton; and four brothers, Otto Thornton, Tom Thornton, Francis Thornton and Gene Thornton. Casket bearers will be Roger Clark, Barry Briggs, Charles Ray, Steve Wooderson and Brandon Brown. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Fund, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. Karrie Lynn HuddlestonKarrie Lynn Huddleston, resident of Ponca City, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 28. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2000, in the chapel at the Trout Funeral Home with Captain John Poff of the Ponca City Salvation Army officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City. Karrie Lynn Huddleston was born in Hays, Kan., on May 6, 1972, the daughter of Victor and Beverly Pearson Huddleston. Born with Spina Bifida, she was the March of Dimes Poster Child in McPherson County, Kan., in 1976. She moved from Liberal, Kan., to Ponca City in 1986 and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1991. She enjoyed crafts, baking, music and the outdoors Survivors include her mother of Ponca City; father of Liberal, Kan.; a brother, Kevin Huddleston of Ponca City; grandparents, Thelma McSmith of Ponca City and Jack and Tacy Pearson of Oklahoma City and Paul and Stella Huddleston of Ponca City. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Forrest McSmith. Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes for Birth Defects, 6051 Brookline, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112. Philip L. Van MeterPhilip L. Van Meter, former resident of Tonkawa and resident of Greenwood, Ark., died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2000, in the Muskogee Medical Center in Muskogee. He was 51. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Ark., under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Ark. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery. Philip L. Van Meter was born Jan. 8, 1949, in Tonkawa, the son of Freddie J. and Geneva Howell Van Meter. He attended Tonkawa schools through the ninth grade. He graduated from Enid High School in 1967 and later attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva and Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. He married Carol Hale on Oct. 31, 1989, in Fort Smith, Ark. He was in the construction business for many years in Enid and Fort Smith, Ark. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Ark. Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Sean Van Meter of Enid; a daughter, Rita Dobson of Amarillo, Texas; two stepdaughters, Robyn Gray and Shelley Mizel, both of Fort Smith, Ark.; two sisters, Vicki Janky of Bison and Terry Blubaugh of Ponca City; his parents; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. ObituariesBertha McCarterTONKAWA — Bertha McCarter, longtime Tonkawa resident, died on Nov. 27, 2000, in Kansas City. A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Tonkawa on Thursday, Dec., 7, 2000, at 10 a.m. Bertha was born on Oct. 21, 1910, in Jefferson, Okla., the daughter of Charles Theodore Krittenbrink and Margaret Glahn Krittenbrink. She graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Northwestern College in Alva. After college, she taught grade school in Hennessey. On August 2, 1931, she married Louis E. McCarter, who preceded her in death in July 1987. She and Louis moved to Tonkawa in 1945, where she lived until 1995, when she moved to the Kansas City area. Bertha and Louis were active in the Tonkawa community. She was a member of the Delphi Study Club, St. Joseph’s Altar Society, and the Ponca City Country Club. In 1997, Bertha and her three sons donated the building for the McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Charles Theodore and Karen McCarter of Mission Woods, Kan., Louis E. and Janet Korn McCarter of Houston, Texas, and John Stephen and Janet McCarter of Westwood Hills, Kan.; a brother, Clarence Krittenbrink of Jefferson; a sister, Viola McCann of Corpus Christi, Texas; six grandchildren, Michele Louise McCarter, Charles Theodore McCarter Jr., Scott Louis McCarter, Kathryn Nicole McCarter, Matthew Louis McCarter, and John Stephen McCarter Jr.; and one great-grandson, Charles Theodore McCarter III. Memorial contributions may be made to the McCarter Museum of Tonkawa History, 220 East Grand, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653. paid obituary Services PendingAlbert Warren CaseAlbert Warren Case, Marland resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2000, at the Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. He was 80. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Hazel D. ChapmanHazel D. Chapman, resident of Ponca City, died early Wednesday morning, Nov. 29, 2000, at Westminster Village. She was 87. Services are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Ira D. SchneebergerIra D. Schneeberger, longtime area resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 92. Survivors include his wife, Alma, of the home. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Albert Almon ClarkAlbert Almon Clark, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, 2000, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Center. He was 84. Survivors include his wife, Constance, of the home. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home. Robert L. HammansRobert L. Hammans, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, 2000, at his home. He was 67. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou of the home. Services are pending with Grace memorial Chapel. Hilda Pauline HeadyTONKAWA — Hilda Pauline Heady, former resident of Tonkawa, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2000, at the Neosho Memorial Regional Hospital in Chanute, Kan. She was 95. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home. FuneralsThursday Blanche Jeanette ClaridaBlanche Jeanette Clarida — Funeral at 10 a.m. at the Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion, Ill., with burial at the Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friday Audie G. NorthAudie G. North — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. D. Walker HowardD. Walker Howard — Memorial service at 4 p.m. in the Albright United Methodist Church. Saturday Jay BartonJay Barton — Memorial service from noon to 2 p.m. at the Foraker Community Church. NEWS BRIEFSScalp Dance Canceled — The Ponka Wau Pa-Tha-Ta is canceling its fall Scalp Dance scheduled for Saturday due to a death in the family and tribe. However, the family of Jewell McDonald Farmer invite those in mourning and the Wa-Hun-Thinga to share a meal at noon on Sunday at the Methodist Church. Dixie Brown at Touch of Class has 18 years experience with haircuts, coloring, and perms. 767-0777. adv. Pvt. Wilson Graduates — Army Pvt. Russell Wilson has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Wilson, the son of Karen Beebe of Ponca City, is a 2000 graduate of Ponca City High School. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv. Square Dance — The Christmas dinner and dance for the Chikaskia Valley Square Dance Club will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the VFW. The club will provide turkey, dressing, gravy, rolls and beverages. Those attending should bring two covered dishes of vegetables, salad or dessert. Pre-rounds begin at 7:30 p.m. with Bob Collyar, and squares at 8 p.m. with Corbet Davidson. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Vehicle Towed — An accident in the 1600 block of West South Avenue was reported to the Communications Center at 8:07 a.m. Tuesday. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv. Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 200 block of South Eighth Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:19 p.m. Tuesday to report that a bicycle had been stolen. The information was logged that a report was taken. Abandoned Bicycle — The Communications Center received a report at 10:28 a.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been abandoned. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle. Suspicious Activity — A man from the 1400 block of South Fifth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:46 a.m. Tuesday that someone has been breaking into the vacant rental duplex at night and drinking beer. The information was logged. Holiday Meat and cheese trays. Snyder’s Grocery Call 762-4686. adv. Abandoned Bicycle — A woman from the 300 block of South Seventh Street reported to the Communications Center at 11:39 a.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been abandoned. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle. Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported at 11:57 a.m. Tuesday that someone had driven off without paying for $6.01 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and information was logged. Drinking Water R/O 25 cents/gallon. Distilled, 50 cents/gallon. Processed fresh daily. Pure Water Wagon. 1717 North Fifth, Ponca City. adv. Hit and Run — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:49 p.m. Tuesday that a hit and run accident had occurred in the 100 block of North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Nanna’s Santa now open. 10-4 Mon- Sat. Next door to Snyders Grocery 3161 West North Ave. adv. Subject Held — A woman from the 2100 block of Joe Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday to report a suspected child abuse. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 30-year-old man was held for child abuse. Final meeting. Veteran’s Day Parade Meeting, Wednesday at 7p.m. Legion. adv. Bicycle Stolen — A person from the 500 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:27 p.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue at 4:59 p.m. Tuesday that a 21-year-old man was being held on two Kay County warrants, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and assault. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:55 p.m. Tuesday that someone had driven off without paying for $5 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years, no mess. 762-8883. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of North Ninth Street at 9:12 a.m. Tuesday that a 22-year-old man was being held for assault and battery. 1961 Class Reunion meeting at American Legion Thursday, November 30th at 7:00 pm. Anyone interested is invited to attend the planning of the reunion to be held in 2001. adv. Warrants Cleared — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:04 p.m. Tuesday that a 28-year-old woman and an 18-year-old woman were taken into custody on city warrants for failure to pay. 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. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and U.S. 60 that a 27-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having no insurance and speeding. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East South Avenue and South Fourth Street at 1:55 a.m. Wednesday that a 48-year-old man was being held for public intoxication. A vehicle was towed from the scene. LIFESTYLESXi Beta Tau Chapter Hears December Plans Xi Beta Tau Chapter Hears December PlansMembers of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Nov. 13 in the home of Terri Buesing. Jan Ellison, president, called the meeting to order, and members stood for the opening ritual. Sammie Coats introduced Robin Cnossen, a transferee from Bay City, Texas. June Miller, recording secretary, read the minutes, and Cindy Wardlow, treasurer, gave the financial report. Terri Buesing, city council representative, relayed information about the Dec. 4 City Council Christmas party to be held at the home of Dottie Johnstone. All Beta Sigma Phi sorority members attending should bring a gift for exchange. Members are participating in raising money for the Nelda Smith fund. Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter has challenged other chapters of the sorority to decorate a float for the Dec. 1 Christmas parade. Patti Braden extended an invitation for members to attend the play “Ahmal and the Night Visitor” Dec. 8-10 at the First United Methodist church. The traveling basket was presented to Lois Coats from Sammie Coats, and the Traveling bear was presented to JoAnn Ferguson from Lois Coats. June Miller won the mystery gift. Lois Coats gave the cultural program about “Presidential Trivia.” Nerve Root Can Be Cause Of Your Lower Back PainOh, your aching back. You’re not alone. More than 65 million Americans suffer from low back pain every year. Sometimes the pain is a persistent ache in the lower back. For others, the pain shoots down the legs or their muscles get so tight they can’t stand up straight. Americans know what it’s like to have a bad back, but low back pain remains little understood. What causes the pain? Surprisingly, the majority of back pain is caused by irritation of a nerve root near the spine, not muscles, ligament or bones. “It’s actually quite simple,” says Robert F. Heary, MD, a New Jersey neurosurgeon and member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). “In about 90 percent of all back pain, a nerve that travels from the spinal cord through the bones of the spine gets pinched or irritated, the muscles tense up and the patient experiences low back pain. The treatment solution depends on why the nerve was irritated in the first place. “ Although low back pain can be debilitating, in 90 percent of the cases the pain improves without surgery. However, 50 percent of all patients who suffer from an episode of low back pain will have another occurrence within one year. The key often is to relieve the nerve irritation. “Activity, stress or a mechanical problem in the spine can cause one of the discs in the back to bulge and become misshapen just as a rubber tire might with pressure on it,” says Dr. Heary. “When this happens, the disc may pinch or put pressure on a nerve root and the patient experiences pain, which is what frequently happens in a mild or moderate case of low back or leg pain.” Mild cases of low back pain can be treated with rest or anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Sufferers are often advised to lose weight, walk 30 minutes a day a few times weekly or do stomach- strengthening exercises such as sit-ups. If the pain occurs with a fever or follows a specific injury such as a car accident, sports injury, or fall, a patient should call his or her primary care physician or visit the emergency room. Otherwise, see if the pain improves after two or three days of rest or anti-inflammatory medication before calling the physician. Those with more severe cases of low back pain eventually may want to meet with a neurosurgeon. Little NewsJeff and Teresa Jones, 209 Warwick, announce the birth of a daughter at 4:24 p.m. Nov. 4, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Emily Annette Jones weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 22 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Daryl and Joyce Kennedy of Pawnee, and paternal grandparents are Kenneth and Judy Jones of Ponca City. SPORTSTulsa Union Bombs Wildcats Tulsa Union Bombs WildcatsBy David Davis News Sports Writer TULSA — Tulsa Union’s Justin Fairchild hit three times from outside the arc for nine points in the first quarter. That was the difference as the Redskins went on to beat the Ponca City Wildcats 76-67. Fairchild’s first bomb gave Union a 10-6 lead at the 3:39 mark. He hit again to make it 13-6. Then with 1:20 left in the opening quarter, he extended the lead to 21-9. However, Union had nine team fouls midway through the second quarter and Tim Frick took advantage of Union’s charity and sank four-of-four to keep the score close. Overall, Frick made 11 of 12 free throws and scored 22 points for the Wildcats. At the 4:25 mark, the Wildcats were behind only two points, 27-25. A minute later, it was a seven point lead for Union. With 47 seconds left, Union was ahead by 12. By half-time, PC’s deficit was down to eight, 38-30. Ponca City coach Ron Arthur said the Wildcats played a good ball game. They had too many turnovers, but did some outstanding things on defense. “We’re going to beat some people if we keep maturing [as fast as we are],” he said. “We had 24 turnovers, but we forced 18. We need to drop about 10 of ours.” He said Union was at home in comfortable surroundings with a nice home crowd, referring to Fairchild’s 3-point shots. “In the next few weeks when they come to our house, they should expect to be beat,” he said. The game was fast paced and both teams showed athletic ability under the basket. Union’s senior forward Juan Carson filled the middle and blocked shot after shot when Ponca City went inside. Ponca City’s Blaine Petrie blocked shots of his own and was very active under both ends of the basket. Unfortunately, a good defensive play was followed too many times by a turnover on offense. Petrie fouled out in the fourth quarter with 6:15 remaining with five points. With 2:52 remaining in the game, Union was up by 12. Senior Billy Broughton hit a 3-point shot to pull within nine points to keep them in the game. Frick led Ponca City with 22 points. He was followed by Broughton and James Anno with 14; Josh Pitts and Petrie with five; Chris Upchurch, 4; Jared Brashears and Landis Blackburn with two. Chris Lopez led Union is scoring with 19. Free Throws Hurt Lady CatsBy David Davis News Sports Writer TULSA — The Ponca City High School Lady Cats let a slim third quarter lead over Tulsa Union slip away at the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Overall, Union hit 19 of 30 free throws, while the Lady Cats made only 2 of 10. In the fourth quarter alone, Union made 12 of 20 free throws while Ponca City went to the line seven times and converted only twice. At the final buzzer, the score was 50-42. Coach Jamie Burtner said Union took 20 free throws in the fourth, while the Lady Cats didn’t shoot that many in the entire game. “But that didn’t hurt us as much as we made only two out of 10,” she said. “We didn’t take care of the lead and we made mistakes late in the game.” Tara Cries For Ribs hit a 3-point buzzer-beater to give the Lady Cats a 14-11 lead going into the second quarter. Neither team enjoyed much success in the second period that saw Union score four points, while Ponca City managed five points to increase their lead to four, 21-17. The first half was marred by poor ball movement until Ponca City went into a stall with a little more than a minute remaining in the second period. They forced Union out into the perimeter and executed the ball control offense with crisp passes that were out of Union’s reach. The girls seemed to settle down and take control of the ball game. It all collapsed with about 10 seconds to go when Ponca City began working toward the basket for the final shot. The girls seemed to lose their composure as the seconds ticked away. The Lady Cats had the lead. It wasn’t necessary for them to take a final shot. But, they began to force the ball inside, which Union defended well. A couple of passes were deflected and the ball got out of control. After about 55 seconds of good execution, the final result was a whistle for traveling and a turnover. Ponca City played good defense in the first half and followed the ball aggressively. On occasion, they were too aggressive and left the back side open and Union was able to slip in from the weak side for easy shots under the basket. The Lady Cats committed only five fouls in the first half, while they picked up six fouls in the third quarter. However, with the aid of another Cries For Ribs 3-pointer in the last minute, Ponca City was able to take a 30-28 lead into the fourth. The Lady Cats picked up their seventh team foul with 6:47 remaining in the fourth quarter to give Union a bonus situation. Michelle Berglund tied the score at 32 after converting a one-and-one into two points. Three consecutive Lady Cat turnovers allowed Union to step ahead to a 6-point lead. Cries For Ribs sank another 3-pointer to pull with three points with about four minutes remaining, but Ponca City never recovered. Cries For Ribs led the Lady Cats in scoring with 12 points on four, 3-point shots. Mallory Hodge followed with 11; Jenna Wedd, 9; Courtney Birdsong, 4; Jenna Birdsong, Lyndsi Frederick and Jamie Prado each had 2 points. The leading scorer for Union was Sarah Becker with 15. Stoops Not Worried About Sooners’ OffenseNORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma’s 12-point effort against Oklahoma State last week represented the fewest points in Bob Stoops’ two years as coach. It also continued a three-week run in which the top-ranked Sooner offense wasn’t its normal, high-scoring self. The late-season dip has been the source of some hand wringing among Oklahoma fans and grist for the writers and broadcasters who cover the team. Stoops doesn’t see what the fuss is about. “To go through an entire season and to be expected to beat everybody by 20 and 30 points and to always score in the 40s, I’m not sure that’s totally realistic of anyone’s offense,” he said Tuesday. The questions come as the Sooners (11-0) prepare to play No. 8 Kansas State (10-2) in the Big 12 title game Saturday night in Kansas City. Oklahoma State used some alignments that Oklahoma offensive coordinator Mark Mangino said he had not seen in 21 years of coaching. At times, the Cowboys dropped nine players into pass coverage in an effort to contain Josh Heupel. It worked. Heupel was intercepted twice and threw for just 154 yards, the lowest total in his two years at Oklahoma. “Before we did any work on Kansas State, we did a thorough job of analyzing ourselves,” Mangino said. “And what we found out, quite truthfully, is we’re OK. It’s execution. We have to execute better.” He mentioned two interceptions, both fairly deep in Oklahoma State territory, a holding penalty that stopped a drive and a dropped pass that may have resulted in a touchdown. “If those mistakes — penalties, turnovers and a drop — are removed from that game, you guys aren’t asking me any questions,” Mangino said. The previous game, against Texas Tech, had represented Heupel’s season low for passing yardage. He had 248 and Oklahoma went on a fourth-quarter scoring drive to secure a 28-13 victory. The Sooners needed a fourth-quarter rally to beat Texas A&M, 35-31, the week before that. “I loved our production in the A&M and Texas Tech games,” Stoops said. “I’ve been a defensive coach for a long time, and if you ever hear me bragging about shutting someone down when we’ve given up 35 or 28 points and 350-some yards, you guys will probably fire me or be calling for me to be fired. “To me, there hasn’t been a problem in those games.” The Oklahoma State game, he said, was simply a situation where the Cowboys devised a good plan and then executed it well, and his team didn’t play as well as it had hoped. Stoops and Mangino said they expect Kansas State to incorporate some zone coverages into the game plan this week, but not make any significant changes in their approach. The Wildcats stuck to their usual man-to-man defense when the teams met earlier this year, and Heupel threw for a season-high 374 yards in a 41-31 victory. “It’s awfully difficult to get away from doing the things you’re accustomed to,” Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said. “Just because certain schemes look good on videotape doesn’t mean you can do them.” Stoops said each team is likely to do some tweaking on both sides of the ball, but not on a broad scale. “I think both teams will end up still going with what’s got them there and what’s been best to ’em,” he said. “We considered scrapping our offense Sunday. Then we figured, well, we better keep it.” Stoops Big 12 Coach Of YearBy The Associated Press Bob Stoops needed just one season to make Oklahoma respectable in the conference. In his second season, the Sooners are more than respectable — they’re No. 1 in the country, and Stoops is the overwhelming choice as Associated Press Big 12 Coach of the Year. Stoops received 17 of 20 votes in balloting by sportswriters throughout the conference. Dan McCarney, who led Iowa State to an 8-3 season and its first bowl game since 1978, received the other three votes. “That’s an award that to me is given to the entire coaching staff,” Stoops said Tuesday. “I’m appreciative and honored. I’m fortunate to work with the guys I work with every day. These coaches are excellent. We’ve got a great rapport in our office and our day-to-day working environment. I think every one of us can’t wait to get to work. When Stoops took over as Oklahoma’s coach in December 1998, he inherited a team that had won just 12 games in the previous three years. What he found were players who lacked confidence and had poor work habits, and he quickly went about changing that. “There are three factors that I think have made him successful here,” offensive coordinator Mark Mangino said. “The first one is his positive attitude, that type of can-do attitude. The second thing is that he doesn’t accept excuses for anything. If you fail at something or don’t get it done, then you didn’t get it done. “The third thing is he came in here and embraced the tradition and high expectations of OU. He didn’t come in and say ’We’re going to have to wait a while until we recruit our own players.’ ” The most important recruit of all proved to be quarterback Josh Heupel, who was discovered at a junior college in Utah. Heupel threw for 3,460 yards last year, and has had another great year in 2000, leading Oklahoma to its first 11-0 season since 1987. Stoops points to four things when he is asked how he was able to turn things around so quickly: Heupel’s play, the dedication of all the players during the last offseason, the work of his assistant coaches, and the job done in the weight room by strength and conditioning director Jerry Schmidt. But his players point to him. They says he is demanding but fair, and always consistent in his approach. “Before, if we went on the road and got beat, on the way back, everybody would be laughing, giggling, having fun,” senior offensive tackle Scott Kempenich said. “It didn’t hurt to lose, and that’s the thing that changed a lot. “Even when we win. There’s been a couple games we won and I didn’t play my best, and I wasn’t even really happy because I knew I had to get better. That’s a totally different attitude than in the past. In past when we won, everything was great.” Receiver Damian Mackey said the offseason and summer workouts under Stoops are much more difficult than they were under the previous regime. In addition, “You can’t take away the fact coach Stoops is a great motivator. There’s something about the way coach Stoops preaches to our team, it makes us feel like we can’t lose.” Oklahoma has done plenty of winning this year. After starting out with four victories at home, the Sooners faced a rugged October — games against No. 11 Texas in Dallas, at No. 2 Kansas State, and home against No. 1 Nebraska. The Sooners swept all three to move to No. 1, where they have stayed. “I’ve said that all along, that we never had a date when we’d be in this position,” Stoops said after the Nebraska game. “We’ve just taken the approach that we’re going to get better each and every week as a team, we’re going to get better each and every month as a team. That’s how we started and that’s how we’ve progressed.” Now Oklahoma has moved to within two victories of its seventh national championship. The school administration recently rewarded Stoops by extending his contract and doubling his salary, to about $1.4 million per year. “It’s really a point, almost, where you start to reach for new superlatives when you try to describe his impact on this program in two years,” athletic director Joe Castiglione said. “He has a real knack for creating an environment that inspires people to be successful.” Cowboys Beat North TexasDENTON, Texas (AP) — Maurice Baker and Victor Williams combined for 44 points as Oklahoma State beat the University of North Texas 94-56 on Tuesday night. Baker had five assists, three steals and 24 points for the Cowboys (2-0). Williams added 20 points. Jason Miller had 15 points to lead North Texas (0-3). Bryan Lucas had 12 points and nine rebounds while Kenneth Mangrum added 10 points for the Mean Green. The Cowboys had 18 steals and forced the Mean Green into 28 turnovers. Terrence Crawford scored 12 and Fredrick Jonzen, Melvin Sanders, and Andre Williams each had 10 for Oklahoma State. OKLAHOMA ST. 94, NORTH TEXAS 56 OKLAHOMA ST. (2-0) Baker 10-12 2-2 24, Williams 8-12 3-4 20, Jonzen 5-10 0-0 10, Sanders 5-7 0-0 10, Williams 5-8 0-3 10, Lawson 1-3 0-0 2, Fleming 0-0 0-0 0, Crawford 5-7 2-2 12, Anderson 0-3 0-0 0, Keep 2-3 0-0 4, Marlow 1-1 0-2 2. Totals 42-66 7-13 94. NORTH TEXAS (0-3) Lucas 4-7 4-6 12, Davis 1-8 0-2 3, White 1-3 0-0 2, Miller 6-9 3-5 15, Mangrum 3-8 2-2 10, Smith 3-3 0-0 6, Rogers 1-2 0-0 2, Allen 0-3 0-0 0, McFall 0-0 0-0 0, Hopkins 0-1 2-2 2, Richardson 2-6 0-2 4. Totals 21-50 11-19 56. Halftime—Oklahoma State 50, University of North Texas 22. 3-Point goals—Oklahoma State 3-10 (Baker 2-4, Williams 1-3, Anderson 0-1, Crawford 0-2), University of North Texas 3-12 (Mangrum 2-5, Davis 1-3, Richardson 0-1, Rogers 0-1, Allen 0-2). Fouled out—White. Rebounds—Oklahoma State (Baker, Williams 6), University of North Texas (Lucas 9). Assists—Oklahoma State (Baker 5), University of North Texas (Davis 4). Total fouls—Oklahoma State 18, University of North Texas 14. A—5,673. TU’s Shoals HonoredTULSA (AP) — Tulsa receiver Donald Shoals was named Tuesday to the first team all-league squad in the Western Athletic Conference. Four other members of the Golden Hurricane football team were honorable mentions for the All-WAC team. An Enid native, Shoals ranked fourth nationally and first in the WAC with 1,195 receiving yards on the season and led the conference with almost seven receptions a game. He was also first in the WAC with 15.6 punt return yards a game and second with 99.6 receiving yards per outing. Shoals was third in the conference with more than 127 all-purpose yards a game. “This is a great honor for Donald and it’s a credit to him and how hard he worked,” coach Keith Burns said. “He proved game in and game out that he could play the receiver spot with the best of them.” Senior offensive guard Steve Wiedower earned honorable mention for the second straight season. Senior linebacker Ashon Farley, true freshman defensive back C.J. Scott and junior place-kicker Chris Earnest were also honored. Shidler Trips Up WoodlandWOODLAND — Derek Cagill scored 38 points as Shidler beat Woodland 84-61 Tuesday. Adam Wood added 20 and Daniel Cox put up 10 points for three of the five starters to score in double figures. Shidler coach Dale Bledsoe said his team needs to be more consistent rebounding and playing defense. He was pleased that Shidler dictated the up-tempo pace. “Also, we had 15 assists as a team,” Bledsoe said. “I think that points to cohesive team play.” Also scoring for Shidler was Dylan Cox, 6; Jacob Vogle, 6; Michael Alkire, 2 and Josh Lavickey, 2. Matt Beartrack was the leading scorer for Woodland with 20 points. Sophomores Win OpenerIt took nearly a year. but the Lady Wildcat sophomores avenged their one loss as ninth graders by beating Sand Springs, 48-45. here Monday. The Lady Cats go after win No. 2 Thursday at Broken Arrow. Ponca City grabbed an early lead and held on to win their season opener, pulling away from a narrow 21-19 margin at halftime. Jamie Prado and Ann Zieganhain each had 12 points while Kristina Huddleston added 10 to pace the Ponca City scoring. Janna Green had 6 points, Kelly Wedd, Lauren Cartledge and Ashley Henderson all had 2 points while Gerri Eddinger and Melissa Fore had 1 each. 8th Grade Red Girls Pop EnidThe Ponca City eighth grade Red Girls walloped Enid Longfellow 64-14. Coach Penny Surber said most of the points came off intercepted passes in the form of layups. The game was never close as the Red Girls led 12-2 after the first quarter and 31-5 at halftime. The third quarter ended with the score, 47-10. Laci Starnes scored 19 points. Two others scored in double-digits. Savanah Morin made 17 and Crystal Beattie hit for 12. Erin Pickering had 6; Patton Theobald, 4; Cheyenne Cartlidge, Nicole Overman and Morgan Hudsonpillar each scored 2 points. OutdoorsWhooping Cranes Visit HackberryConservationists cheered with the news that a small flock of whooping cranes, one of North America's rarest bird species, made a recent migration stop at Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area in southwest Oklahoma. The temporary layover by the migrants is doubly significant. First because there are only 195 wild-born whooping cranes left on the planet; and second, because this type of visit is one reason why the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and its partners devoted themselves to restoring the historic wetland. “We couldn't have written a script any better if we spent several years bringing back the wetland ecosystem which disappeared nearly 100 years ago, and the very year it's completed have it visited by one of the rarest wetland species in the country,” said Mark Howery, natural resources biologist for the Wildlife Department. As with much of North America's wildlife, settlement of the west took it's toll on whooping cranes. Birds were killed for food and the wetlands in which they nested and fed were converted to other uses. By 1941 the population had been reduced to just 15 to 20 birds. But compared to the whitetailed deer, elk, and wild turkey, the whooping crane's comeback has been slow. “Migratory birds are inherently difficult to manage because their range is so vast. Whooping cranes breed and nest each summer in northern Canada and winter on the Texas coast,” said Howery. “You can't simply improve habitat at each end of the migration route without providing good stop-over points along the way. Having a high profile endangered species like the whooping crane visit Hackberry is really a testament to how important wetland restoration projects are for waterfowl and other birds.” The 7,120 acre WMA is ideally located within the Central Flyway to provide a perfect short resting haven for migrating whooping cranes. But the endangered whooping crane isn't the only wetland species to have discovered this migration oasis. Sandhill cranes, black-necked stilts, greater yellow-legs, phalaropes, and a host of other wetland species are also taking advantage of Hackberry Flat. “At the right times of the year, Hackberry can be a gold mine for bird watchers,” said Howery. “Of course fall brings vast numbers of waterfowl southward, but many Oklahoma birders are traveling to Hackberry in the spring months to watch and photograph several unique shorebird species not commonly found in the state.” Open to the public year-round, Hackberry Flat WMA is located south of Frederick in Tillman county. For more information on Oklahoma's endangered species, specifically whooping cranes or Hackberry Flat WMA, contact the Wildlife Department at 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105, 405/521-3851 or www.wildlifedepartment.com. Record Deer Harvest SeenWith an encouraging opening weekend gun deer harvest, Oklahoma deer hunters may see last year's record surpassed. In an annual survey conducted after opening weekend of deer gun season, personnel from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation monitored 30 check stations across the state. Hunters checked in 5,368 deer at those stations, including 3,373 bucks and 1,995 does. That's a 2.44 percent increase over last year's opening weekend of deer gun season. The sample has proven to be a reliable indicator of statewide harvest success because the same check stations are monitored every year. However, this year the Department was forced to monitor different stations in the northeast region, which may have skewed the numbers for that particular area. The harvest data showed a decline in both bucks and does in the northeast, but is likely not as significant as reported. “Even with the changes in reporting procedures in the northeast, we're seeing an overal increase in harvest statewide, “ said Mike Shaw, research surpervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Excluding the northeast's statistics, the harvest is either up or stable in every other region. When you add the harvests to date, including the first half of archery season and muzzleloader season, the combined harvest is up 17.3 percent, well on track to break last year's record 82,724 deer. “Even though the opening weekend's gun deer harvest isn't as high overall as we had anticipated, we are encouraged so far by the amount of antlerless harvest,” said Shaw. “We hope that even more deer hunters will continue to see the value in taking a doe instead of a yearling buck.” In the span of a mere generation, the Oklahoma deer management tables have turned. Along with trapping and transplanting whitetail deer beginning in the 1940s, the Department's restoration efforts were supported by a “buck-only” harvest strategy. Later in the 1980s and 90s, the Department liberalized antlerless hunting opportunities in order to maintain healthy buck-to-doe ratios. Today, biologists with the Department are encouraging even greater doe harvest to not only maintain sex ratios, but to curb population growth in areas with too many deer. “For several years now, we've told hunters that if they were concerned with the future of deer hunting in Oklahoma to pass up young bucks and instead choose to harvest a doe,” said Shaw. “And as a result of more liberal doe harvest regulations, we think the message is beginning to sink in.” In the northwest part of the state, hunters have the entire nine day gun season to harvest antlerless deer this year. In central and northeast Oklahoma, hunters are encouraged to take advantage of antlerless deer hunting Nov. 25-26. South of I-40, hunters are encouraged to take advantage of antlerless deer hunting the last day of the season, Nov. 26. In Texas and Cimarron counties in the panhandle, hunters were able to take antlerless deer on opening day, Nov. 18. Deer gun season ended Tuesday. The rut appears to be in full swing. With continued forecasts for good weather, hunters should expect to enjoy excellent hunting for the remainder of the season. Check out the Oklahoma Hunting Guide and Regulations for information regarding hunting in specific parts of the state. Turkey Population Thrives in StateAs thousands of Oklahoma families sat down to a Thanksgiving turkey dinner, few may have realized that Oklahoma is home to a thriving population of wildturkeys. In fact, it's very likely that Oklahoma's current population of wild turkeys is higher than it's ever been. A hundred years ago, however, the plight of wild turkeys was in serious doubt. By 1925, most Oklahomans believed that wild turkeys were extinct. While crossing the Oklahoma prairie in 1832, Washington Irving documented large populations of wild turkeys near present day Oklahoma City and Norman. In 1869, General Philip Sheridan wrote about a similar turkey roost "that was more than three miles long" along the North Canadian River. In just a few short years, however, relentless pursuit by hungry pioneers and market hunters had decimated many local turkey flocks. A greater threat than overhunting, however, was massive changes in land use, which resulted in habitat loss. With settlement, forests were cleared to make way for small farms or logged to provide construction materials for in-state communities or commercial markets in the east. In 1937, a piece of landmark federal legislation called the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) Act was passed which, in the years to come, would have a dramatic effect on the future of many American wildlife species, and particularly the wild turkey. The Wildlife Restoration Program, which provided much needed funding for state wildlife agencies to restore wildlife habitat and populations, is arguably the single most productive wildlife undertaking in the world, according to Harold Namminga, federal aid/research coordinator for The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “What the Wildlife Restoration Program did was place an 11-percent manufacturer's excise tax on sporting rifles, shotguns, ammunition and archery equipment used in hunting, and a similar excise tax on handguns,” Namminga said. “This money, ultimately paid by the consumer within the purchase price, is then redistributed to state wildlife agencies to match with their revenue from hunting licenses. This money was critical in bringing back the wild turkey and a host of other species from near extinction during the mid 1900s.” In 1948, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation made good use of Wildlife Restoration funding to embark on a ambitious stocking program to reestablish the wild turkey. The first stocking occurred with 21 Rio Grande subspecies trapped from the Texas panhandle and released near Laverne in Harper County. The flock quickly grew quickly and provided a nucleus for additional trap-and-transplant efforts in the 1950s and 60s. By 1960, the population had rebounded enough to allow for a limited fall hunting season. A few short years later, the same effort was repeated in the woodlands of eastern Oklahoma with the eastern subspecies of wild turkeys obtained from Arkansas and Missouri. In several cases eastern birds were "horse-traded" for walleye fry from Department fish hatcheries. By 1975, enough birds had replenished the forests of southeast Oklahoma to allow a spring hunting season. Today, huntable populations of turkeys exist in all 77 Oklahoma counties. In the year 2000, over 65,000 turkey hunters will pursue the birds in Oklahoma's fall and spring seasons. It's ultimately hunters who are responsible for the comeback of the wild turkey. All of the Department's trap and transplant efforts of the 50s, 60s and 70s were an expensive undertaking and probably couldn't have been done on license revenue alone, said Harold Namminga. “In this system, hunters not only paid for turkey restoration through their purchase of hunting licenses, but also by contributing to the Wildlife Restoration Program whenever they bought firearms and other hunting equipment,” he said. “The North American system: Essentially that hunters and anglers pay for conservation, is without question the most successful in the world. The wild turkey is just one example. You can say the same thing about white-tailed deer, wood ducks, and a whole host of non-game species that have benefited from the same system.” Hackberry Flats Major Wetland AreaTouted as one of the most significant wetland restoration projects in North America, Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area in southwest Oklahoma is making a grand entrance to the forefront of waterfowling destinations. In only its premier season after completion, Hackberry is not only becoming a major stopover destination for migrating waterfowl, but also a prime destination for hunters. Levees, ditches, water control gates and an enormous water supply pipeline were constructed to provide ideal wetland conditions even during the dryest of years. Moviegoers are familiar with the famous phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” And that's certainly the case with Hackberry Flat. Scores of waterfowl are flocking to the massive wetland and area biologists say hunting conditions on the area this season are near perfect. With 35 miles of internal roads on the WMA, hunters will find plenty of access as well. Mixed bags are commonplace at Hackberry. Right now, there are plenty of mallards, pintails, widgeons, gadwalls, ringnecks and teal to buzz your spread of decoys. “It's pretty overwhelming when I think of all that has been accomplished in such a relatively short time," said Rod Smith, Southwest Region Supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “If there was ever a time to revisit or try Hackberry out for the first time, it's definitely this season.”. When pioneers arrived on the plains of southwest Oklahoma a century ago,they encountered clouds of waterfowl so thick that they darkened the skies over what would later be Frederick, Oklahoma. The area's abundance of wildlife even drew the attention of one of America's most famous outdoorsmen, President Theodore Roosevelt, who once hunted coyotes in the area. In the early 1900s, locals, using hand shovels and mule teams, drained the impressive wetland by constructing a massive four-mile long ditch, 20 feet deep and 40 feet across. But their efforts to gain more fertile land for agriculture proved futile. They later abandoned their attempts. Restoration efforts began in 1993 to reverse the struggle of what generations had tried to tame. “We now know that wetlands are not only extremely beneficial to wildlife, but they also serve as natural environmental purifiers,” said Smith. Unfortunately, Oklahoma has lost two-thirds of its wetlands to various types of development, which makes the 7,120-acre Hackberry Flat such an important restoration project. Ground was broken in August 1995 and the project was dedicated in May 1999. “Hackberry would not be the success story that it is without strong local support and the generous funding partners that were right beside us every step of the way,” said Smith. To waterfowl hunt Hackberry Flat WMA, you must obtain either an Annual Hunting ($12.50 resident; $85 nonresident), Annual Combination Hunting and Fishing ($21.00 resident), Lifetime Hunting ($400 resident; $450 nonresident) or Lifetime Combination Hunting and Fishing license ($525 resident; $650 nonresident). Annual license holders must also obtain an Oklahoma Waterfowl License ($4.00). All waterfowl hunters must obtain a Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit (free) and a Federal Waterfowl Stamp ($15.00). As with all waterfowl hunting, hunters can only use federally approved nontoxic shot. Shooting hours for waterfowl at Hackberry are restricted to 1/2 hour before official sunrise to 1 p.m. daily. For directions and more information about Hackberry Flat WMA, call the Wildlife Department at 405/521-2739. Hackberry Flat Facts — 7,120 acres in size. — 4,000 acres can be flooded, 2,000 of which is planned to be flooded at any one time. — 3,120 acres of upland habitat — 17-mile water delivery pipeline from Tom Steed Reservoir. — Pipeline delivers 2,800 gallons of water per minute. — 35 miles of dikes and canals. — 70 water control structures. — 32 wetland units. — 13,000 tons of gravel used. — $14 million price tag, $10 million of which came from private and public partners.
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