LOCAL

City Commission Meets Wednesday

City Commission Meets Wednesday

Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners are scheduled for a regular session on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Public Safety Center’s commission chambers, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

The meeting is usually scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m., however, because of the Christmas holiday, the meeting was changed to Wednesday at 2 p.m.

The government of the city of Ponca City encourages participation in city activities by all interested persons.

If your participation at this meeting is not possible due to a disability, you are asked to notify the City Clerk’s office, 516 East Grand Avenue, at 767-0304 prior to the meeting time so any necessary arrangements can be made.

DEATHS

Albert F. Keith
June Marcele Chouteau
Louise Fredrick
Inez Mae VanAtta
Emma Faye Anderson
Gary Ray Hankla
Vera Irons

Albert F. Keith

Albert F. Keith, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000, at his home. He was 80.

A private service will be held under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Albert F. Keith was born Jan. 16, 1920, in Norton, Kan., the son of Charles and Viva Frost Keith. He was raised on a farm on the Kansas-Nebraska border. He was a carpenter for many years, also a truck driver for several years. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in Guam. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working with horses. His greatest joy was playing pool and dominos at the Wheat Heart Nutrition Center.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of the home; one daughter, April Keith Ropp of Blackwell; two stepdaughters, Sandra Anderson and Deborah Ballard of Ponca City; one sister, Myrle Knapp of Blackwell; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joe Keith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Obituary

June Marcele Chouteau

June Marcele Chouteau, former resident of Ponca City, died Friday afternoon, Dec. 22, 2000, at her home in Arkansas City, Kan. She was 59.

A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Monday at Grace Memorial Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be recited at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arkansas City with father, Ser Khu Wilson, officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

June Marcele (Ryan) Chouteau was born March 13, 1941, in Mankato, Kan., the daughter of Harvey Ryan and Freda (Murphy) Ryan. She graduated from Ponca City High School in the late 1950s. She was married to Louis Paul Chouteau Jr. on June 13, 1959, in Ponca City. The couple lived in Ponca City prior to moving to Arkansas City in 1992. Mrs. Chouteau was a homemaker and member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Arkansas City. Her enjoyments included watching old movies and being with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Louis of the home; one daughter, Mary Denise Edens and husband, Jesse Edens Sr. of Ponca City; two sons, Michael Chouteau and wife, Robin of Sherman, Texas, and Paul Ashley Chouteau and wife, Luann of Arkansas City; one sister, Joan Harding of Arkansas City; one half sister, Sherry Crider of Winfield, Kan.; and six grandchildren, Jesse Edens Jr., Madison Edens, Brittany Chouteau, Braden Chouteau, Acacia Chouteau and Shay Chouteau. She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Joseph Paul Chouteau.

Casket bearers will be Forrest Harding, Mike Hutchison, Kenny Hutchison, Raymond Hutchison, Barry Levitt and Jessie Edens.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Louise Fredrick

Louise Fredrick, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000, at Pioneer Estate Nursing Center in Chandler. She was 77. Services are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Inez Mae VanAtta

Inez Mae VanAtta, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, Dec. 25, 2000, at the Tender Heart Health Care Center. She was 84. Survivors include a son, Mike VanAtta of Topeka, Kan. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Tuesday

Emma Faye Anderson

Emma Faye Anderson — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the First Freewill Baptist Church. Burial in Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel

Gary Ray Hankla

Gary Ray Hankla — Funeral at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Roberts Funeral Home in Blackwell. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Blackwell.

Wednesday

Vera Irons

Vera Irons — Graveside service at 2 p.m. at the A.J. Powell Cemetery in Hominy under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Brown Earns Commendation Medal — Army Spec. Dustin H. Brown has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. The medal is awarded to those individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement or meritorious service in the performance of their duties on behalf of the Army. Brown is a fighting vehicle infantryman gunner assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, Barstow, Calif. The specialist has served on active duty for two years. He is the son of Terri A. Smetana of 126 Carson, Blackwell. The specialist is a graduate of Blackwell High School.

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.

Vandalism — Bricks were thrown through a window in the 400 block of South Tenth Saturday. A report was taken on the incident.

Burglary Investigated — A report was taken Saturday concerning the theft of items from a vehicle in the 300 block of West Gary.

Hit and Run — Officers responded to a hit-and-run accident in the 300 block of West Hartford on Saturday.

Accident — An accident with injury occurred Saturday at Fourteenth and Harding. Officers responded to a non-injury, two-vehicle accident and an ambulance was then called for a subject with neck pain.

Accident — Officers responded Saturday to a two-vehicle, non-injury accident at 1500 Autumn Road.

Theft Reported — On Saturday a clerk at 3150 East Highway 60 reported a subject took a large amount of beer without paying and left.

Water Break — A water break was reported Sunday at 500 North Union. Officers were advised that the road will be closed between Park and Summit.

Theft — A gasoline drive-off was reported at 207 East Highland Sunday. The driver was from Bixby and a report was taken.

Accident With Injury — A two-vehicle non-injury accident occurred Sunday in the 1000 block of North Oak. A report was taken and a very minor injury was noted.

Minor Accident — A report was taken Sunday of a minor backing accident in the parking lot of Albertson’s.

Fire Run — Police were notified Sunday of a fire in the attic of the garage at 1925 Mary. The small fire occurred in the attic above a light fixture. Fire Department units responded.

LIFESTYLES

Wedding Plans Announced
Lifestyle Policies Announced
Little News

Wedding Plans Announced

A Dec. 30 wedding at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Pryor is being planned by Cassy McCloud and Patrick Lynch. The bride-elect is the daughter of Tracy McCloud and Bill McCloud, both of Pryor, and the granddaughter of Darrel and Ginger Davis of Ponca City, and the late Bill and Joyce McCloud.

Lynch is the son of Roger and Angela Lynch of Pryor. He is a 1996 graduate of Pryor High School and is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at Oklahoma State University. Miss McCloud, also a 1996 graduate of PHS, will graduate this month with a paralegal degree from Northeastern State University.

Lifestyle Policies Announced

Forms for engagement, anniversary, wedding and Little News (baby) announcements are available at the desk of the Lifestyles Editor at The Ponca City News.

The deadline for stories and pictures for the Sunday edition is 5 p.m. Wednesday, but stories and pictures may be submitted earlier. Stories for the daily edition should be submitted one to two days prior to the date of publication.

In order to keep stories current, The News prefers to have wedding stories submitted within two weeks of the event; however, we will use a photograph and story within three months after the event. If a wedding story is submitted more than one month after the event, the date will not be used and the story may be abbreviated.

We cannot reproduce photographs from a newspaper or magazine. Photographs are included with wedding anniversary information beginning at 25 years.

A return name and address should be printed on the back of the photographs. “Sticky” notes are preferred since ink may show through the picture if the writer presses too hard.

The News cannot be responsible for the spelling of names if the information submitted is handwritten rather than typed.

Forms are preferred; however, you may write the actual story, but, be aware that the story is subject to editing.

Items may be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or brought in person to The News. Announcement of a birth requires a signature and telephone number by a parent or grandparent. If the parents of the baby are not married a special form must be signed by the father of the child.

Little News

Breanna Rose Smotone

Kevin and Ashley Smotone, 2110 Bainbridge, announce the birth of a daughter at 12:08 a.m. Nov. 9, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Breanna Rose Smotone weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 22 inches. Her siblings are Kelli, Lindsey and Tori.

Maternal grandparents are Anita and Daniel Lunn of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Marvin and Joyce Smotone of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Doris Arant of Ponca City, Norma Boxley of Ponca City, Garland and Charlotte Lunn of Oregon, Francis Smotone of Ponca City, the late Delbert Arant, and the late Katie Smotone.

Brannon James Marler

Brannon James Marler is the name chosen by Rod and Nelly Marler of Tonkawa, for their son born at 1:26 p.m. Dec. 12, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 9 pounds and measured 22 inches long. He has a sister, Casey Nicole, 2.

Maternal grandparents are Nicolas and Ana Ochoa of Tonkawa, and paternal grandparents are Royaline (Ronni) Rains of Tonkawa and Ron Marler of Tulsa. Great-grandparents are Royal (Pete) and Dorothy Rains of Ponca City.

SPORTS

Sooners Find Touch Just in Over Time
Big 12 Has G-o-o-d Day

Sooners Find Touch Just in Over Time

NORMAN (AP) — No. 18 Oklahoma found its shooting touch just in time against 25th-ranked Arkansas.

The Sooners, struggling most of the night and trailing by nine late in regulation, went 5-of-6 from the floor in the final 1:41 to force overtime, then pulled away to win 88-79 Saturday.

Hollis Price scored all 21 of his points after halftime, including nine in overtime, and Daryan Selvy had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Sooners, who tied a season low with 40 percent shooting.

“I believe in Santa Claus,” Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson said. “That was a game that I’m not sure until the last two minutes that we even deserved to win.”

Oklahoma (9-1) twice trailed by 12 in the second half and faced a 69-60 deficit after Brandon Dean converted a three-point play with 1:55 to go.

But Arkansas (7-3) made just one field goal the rest of regulation and missed three of six free throws.

“I thought all we had to do is manage the clock,” coach Nolan Richardson said of the nine-point lead. “When it gets to that point, you’re no longer playing OU. Now you’re playing the clock. It was very poorly managed, which gave OU a chance to win the game.”

The score was 70-62 before Tim Heskett hit a short jumper and Kelley Newton sank consecutive 3-pointers to get the Sooners within 72-70 with 34 seconds left. Two free throws by Price with 24.3 seconds remaining made the deficit 73-72.

Carl Baker made one of two from the line with 23.2 remaining to give the Razorbacks a two-point lead. Aaron McGhee missed from the right baseline for Oklahoma, but Selvy grabbed the rebound and scored to tie it with 10.9 remaining.

Baker took a jumper from the right baseline as time wound down, but the ball hit the front of the rim.

A drive through the lane by Price gave Oklahoma a 77-76 lead in the first minute of overtime. The Razorbacks tied it a short time later with a free throw, but two free throws by Selvy and two more by Price gave the Sooners control for good.

“I thought Hollis was very passive, confused, I thought he was poorly coached there for a long time,” Sampson said. “Then all of a sudden he started getting to the rim.

“When he started attacking, then we became pretty good. Then our defense down the stretch was really good.”

Nolan Johnson scored 18 for Oklahoma, 16 in the first half. The Razorbacks led by as many as 11 in the first half

Big 12 Has G-o-o-d Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — If the Big 12 is rebuilding, then what in the world is the Big Ten up to?

No fewer than three Big 10 teams took a tumble Saturday in one of the finest days the Big 12 has ever had.

Altogether Saturday, while going 7-0, the Big 12 vanquished four ranked teams.

Even Kansas State got into the act. Winless against Top 20 teams since January 1994, the supposedly woeful Wildcats got 31 points from Larry Reid and beat No. 19 Iowa 86-78.

Texas got Darren Kelly back from academic suspension and upended No. 5 Illinois 72-64.

At Columbus, Ohio. No.9 Kansas slipped past Ohio State 69-68.

Against No. 25 Arkansas, No. 18 Oklahoma erased a nine-point second-half deficit to defeat the Razorbacks 88-79 in overtime.

In Laie, Hawaii, Iowa State got a big second half from Jamaal Tinsley and took down No. 24 Mississippi 73-68.

“Texas just beat Illinois and Oklahoma beat Arkansas and Kansas State beat Iowa,” said Iowa State coach Larry Eustachy. “And we just beat Ole Miss. So we’re going to see this down the road in the conference tournament.”

Rounding out the Big 12’s big day, Baylor got 18 points each from Terry Black and Chad Elsey and downed North Texas 88-63, and Colorado’s D.J. Harrison scored 22 points in a 109-86 victory over Colorado State.

Kansas State hadn’t beaten anybody ranked in the Top 20 since upsetting No. 1 Kansas in 1994.

“It’s a great confidence-builder for us,” said Reid, one of three new starters brought in by first-year head coach Jim Wooldridge.

Kansas senior Kenny Gregory, a Columbus native, took a pretty hard time from the Ohio State fans who yelled things like “traitor.” He even got a technical foul for hanging on the rim — an undeserved call, he said.

“I guess the refs had something against me,” Gregory said with a laugh. “They must have been from Ohio, too.”

Gregory, a 6-foot-5 senior, scored a team-high 17 points and had six rebounds and three assists.

“I didn’t expect to be the most famous person in the building tonight,” said Gregory, who had sat out the previous three games with a stress fracture in his right foot. “I expected a lot of booing. But I love Columbus.”

At Austin, Texas, Kelly also provided some late-game free throws for the Longhorns. Since returning, he has averaged 22 points in two Texas victories.

“He is a difference-maker,” said Texas coach Rick Barnes. “I said earlier in the year we were a different team in practice than we played. He’s not doing anything I don’t expect him to.”