LOCAL

Streets Roads Covered With Sleet Ice Snow
‘Reaching for the Reins’ Author To Sign Book Here Thursday

Streets Roads Covered With Sleet Ice Snow

From Staff and Wire Reports

An ice storm pelted Ponca City and the rest of Oklahoma for a second straight day today, further frosting slick and dangerous roads throughout the state, shutting down many businesses and knocking out power to thousands of residents.

Ponca City and most other schools throughout the state were already closed due to the Christmas Holiday, lessening traffic around the area. Ponca City had approximately 1.5 inches of sleet and snow through 11 a.m. today with a fine mist replacing the falling ice. Temperatures hovered around 19 degrees.

Although streets were slick due to the sleet and snow, a minimal amount of accidents had been reported through early today. A city truck hit the South Avenue underpass about 11 a.m. Monday, with the driver suffering minor injuries. There was also a report of a two-vehicle accident about noon at Seventh and Hartford and a car reportedly flipped over at 12:14 p.m. Monday on South Waverly.

Statewide, nonessential state employees were told to stay home as were students at schools and businesses throughout the state, though many schools remained on winter break.

Officials at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City granted emergency leave to nonessential personnel and allowed others to show up two hours late Tuesday morning.

About 20,000 people were without power across the state by late Tuesday morning — just two hours after officials had that number under 10,000, OG&E spokesman Tim Hartley said.

He said downed lines and falling tree branches caused the biggest outages in Ardmore, McAlester, Ada, Poteau, Muskogee and near Fort Smith, Ark., and that officials continued to try to keep up with the problems.

“It’s actually getting worse now and we’re losing some ground,” Hartley said.

Hartley said the power situation in Oklahoma City deteriorated throughout Tuesday morning, going from about 300 customers without power at 9 a.m. to about 3,000 without electricity two hours later.

In McAlester, almost an inch of ice downed power lines and trees throughout town, which resulted in fires on power poles and trees.

McAlester City Manager Randy Green said power was out to the city’s water supply early Tuesday and that the town “got down dangerously low” on water.

“Luckily it happened late at night,” he said.

In his rural home just north of the Grady County line, Ronald Goeller, 66, turned to a propane stove for heat after his power went out around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

“I’ve got two or three neighbors who are older than me and the only heat they’ve got is electric heat. But I won’t be without my propane,” he said.

He said he was most concerned about his water well freezing up.

Several flights at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and Tulsa International Airport were canceled due to bad weather across the country, but others remained on time, officials said.

While several people were killed in accidents across the state Monday, Tuesday was shaping up to be better for Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Sam Graves.

“Accident-wise we’re looking good. The roads are still slick and hazardous and we guess they’ll get worse, but there’s not as many people on the roads, which is helping quite a bit,” Graves said.

A surprising friend to motorists Tuesday were skiffs of pellet-like snow that fell overnight, giving many roads a semblance of traction where Monday there was none.

Graves said only two accidents had been reported in the Oklahoma City area Tuesday morning.

“So far it’s really been nice,” said Graves, who described Monday as a nightmare.

“Yesterday was much worse. There were a lot more people out yesterday than there are today.”

OHP dispatcher Jack Norris said only one accident had been reported in Tulsa Tuesday morning. He credited improved road conditions, an almost complete lack of traffic and people who were driving with more tact.

“When it rains a lot, people end up learning how to drive in it,” he said.

“I got off at 11 o’clock last night and it was a sheet of ice with no margin of error. But now we’ve had some snow, what little bit of traffic is moving is not moving fast, and people are taking it easy.”

Michelann Ooten, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management, said Tuesday that problems seemed to be limited to poor driving conditions and power outages.

“We’re just waiting and monitoring the information we are receiving,” she said. “At this point I don’t have any report of any tragedies.

“We’re still in the recovery phase, waiting to hear what the needs are and what resources are available, then get them out to the respective cities and counties.”

Authorities discouraged driving as the storm was expected to continue through Tuesday night.

Oklahoma saw a mixture of moisture Monday and Tuesday, with snow in most of northern Oklahoma, sleet and freezing rain in central and northeastern Oklahoma and freezing rain in the southcentral and southeastern parts of the state.

National Weather Service meteorologist Ken Gallant said while temperatures looked to remain around freezing or below throughout the week, precipitation should start to slack by late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

“It may not end completely but it should be diminishing by early tomorrow,” he said Tuesday.

‘Reaching for the Reins’ Author To Sign Book Here Thursday

Helping both teens and parents understand the anger that lies below the cause of school shooting is the motive behind Lou Dean’s latest book “Reaching for the Reins.”

Lou Dean, local author of four novels and over 50 articles, will be at Brace Books and More from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday to autograph this latest novel.

The novel deals with the horror of a school shooting and one girl’s battle to accept the tragedy.

Fifteen-year-old Connie Jean McGee’s best friend, Jacob, has murdered 10 people at their Oklahoma high school then turned the gun on himself. No one knows that CJ was friends with Jacob, her parents are too caught up in their divorce war to care, and CJ is invisible to the snobs at Fremont High.

In the midst of the trauma, while CJ is in denial over Jacob’s actions, her parents announce another custody battle. CJ takes Jacob’s dog, Prophet, buys a pony that Jacob dreamed of owning, and runs away along the Arkansas River.

CJ’s journey is violently interrupted with search and rescue teams, dogs and helicopters, when she is linked to the shooter.

Even today’s police technology can be challenged by a gutsy 15-year-old riding a big-hearted horse. When the chase gains national media attention and the authorities close in, CJ turns to Jacob’s Native American spirit guide for direction.

Only after CJ is apprehended, jailed and tried does she get hold of the reins and embrace the pain of Jacob’s actions.

Dean grew up in Osage County, and many of the tales she reveals have roots in the area. Although she now lives on Blue Mountain near Dinosaur, Colo., she often returns to “home.”.

She was honored at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in April for “Halloween Hermit,” a magazine article that is an except from her first book, “Angels in Disguise.” The article was named Outstanding Magazine Article for 1999 and was published in the November 1999 issue of Guidepost Magazine.

Other books written by Dean include “Osage County Kids” and “Pawprints in My Soul.” Her books may be purchased at Brace Books and More, 2205 North Fourteenth Street.

BUSINESS

Chamber Board Dealing With Four Main Initiatives
Local Workforce Development Council Hires Irene Wysocki To Head Program
Employer Education Assistance Being Developed Through ULC
Pioneer Officer of the Year Award To Susie Roberts
PTC Supervisory Academy Set for Two Class Times
Leonard Named to Board Of Academy for State Goals
Local Modern Woodmen Aid in Recent Fund Raiser

Chamber Board Dealing With Four Main Initiatives

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Dan Gilliam was elected as chairman of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce at the December Board meeting. Tom Quillin is president-elect, and Linda Brown is vice president.

Barry Bickle, presiding at his last meeting as Chairman, introduced new Board members Tom Hawkins, Lana Jones and Linda Brown. Another new Board member is Larry Murphy. Special guest was the new administrator St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Bob Edwards. He assumes the position on the Board held by Garry England, former administrator.

Bickle reported on activities of the Ponca City Summit. He noted that there were four initiatives, education, beautification and revitalization of downtown, identity and festivals.

Fred Boettcher is the chairman of the downtown group and has several sub-committees and that group is “fired up,” according to Bickle. Dr. Joe Kinzer, president of Northern Oklahoma College, is chairman of the education committee and co-chairman are Dr. Brenda Stacy, University Learning Center (ULC), Doug Majors, CEO of Pioneer Technology Center, and Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools.

A summit meeting was held recently at NOC and one is planned for February at ULC. Tom Leonard is chairman of the festivals committee. Craig Myers heads up the identity committee.

Jan Jarrett reporting for the Economic Development Advisory Board, told about Sen. Don Nickles and Congressman Ernest Istook going to bat for the bandwidth project securing $4 million plus to provide up to date technology to Ponca City.

Jarrett said that Keith Bailey, CEO of Williams, who was here for the Summit, encouraged Ponca City to “think big.”

It was also reported that top Conoco officials from around the world, including Chairman Archie Dunham was in Ponca City recently. Dunham had some positive things to say about Ponca City.

The Accelerator Center board has met, and there is a need for a venture capital group, Jarrett said.

Retiring board members were recognized with service plaques. They are Diane Anderson, Gail Tashiro, Keni Ray, Craig Myers and Joe Kinzer. Under the new by-law change, the president of NOC becomes an ex-officio member as does the superintendent of Pioneer Technology Center.

The treasurer’s report was given by Paul Seeley, who has been filling in that position temporarily. Ron Stevens was welcomed as the new treasurer. Wes Barton of Leadership Ponca City was a guest.

Local Workforce Development Council Hires Irene Wysocki To Head Program

After almost a year of planning the Local Workforce Development Council has hired Irene Wysocki, Workforce System Coordinator to oversee the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated workforce system within the local labor market. The focus of the council is to create a system that will align people with employment opportunities and strengthen the labor market for Kay and Noble counties.

A reception and presentation was held recently at Pioneer Technology Center. Mark Taylor, a consultant for the Workforce Investment Board presented an overview and update of the workforce system. Robert Howard, Local Workforce Development Chair encouraged local business owners to attend this event and participate as the council designs the local workforce system for the Ponca City labor market.

A number of representatives from industry, business, and service providers were in attendance. The industry sectors include, manufacturing, transportation, communications and utilities, finance, insurance and real estate, mining, construction, agriculture, wholesale trade, retail trade and government entities. Those involved as services providers are Workforce Investment Act (WIA)Title 1, OESC (Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission), human services, local education, vocational rehabilitation, and adult basic education.

The Oklahoma Workforce Development board, with its mandated majority being business leaders, has been created to advise Gov. Keating on the creation of this locally focused system. The responsibilities of the Local Workforce Development Council are to collect and analyze local labor market data; document resources available to support employer workforce needs,- develop a local workforce development system plan; oversee the implementation of the new local workforce system; measure system partners performance related to the plan; develop and oversee the budget for the local workforce system; provide input into the selection of local workforce center operator; guide selection of local workforce center operator; guide selection of WIA Title I Service Provider in the local labor market; negotiate and ensure the meeting of local performance measures and coordinate with the local economic development strategy.

For more information as to how to become involved during this process please call Irene Wysocki, Workforce System Coordinator at (580) 765-3372.

Employer Education Assistance Being Developed Through ULC

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

University Learning Center (ULC) Director Dr. Brenda Stacy has taken the lead in the state developing an employer-provided educational assistance plan template.

Dr. Stacy had some assistance from Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) in developing the plan, and it has been endorsed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the ULC and Northern Oklahoma College.

The template spells out the advantages of employers seeking more education for their employees. The total amount of payment and/or reimbursement for educational assistance for a company through the Taxpayer Relief Act is limited to a maximum of $5,250 for a year. Applications are available at the ULC or for more information contact Dr. Stacy.

The Oklahoma High Education Regents endorsed the employer-provided educational assistance plan.

The Regents noted that the plan can be a valuable tool in the efforts to increase the number of degree holders within the state. In addition to providing certain tax advantages to adult students in the workforce, it has the capability to enhance opportunities and improve Oklahoma’s competitive position nationally.

Made possible by recent changes in the federal tax code, the employer-provided educational assistance plan model provides tax advantages to both employers and employees and is designed to encourage completion of higher education coursework.

Chancellor Hans Brisch said, “To make a significant impact on our state’s economy, it is crucial for higher education and the business community to work together to encourage more Oklahomans to pursue a college education.”

Oklahoma Employment Security Commission projects that most of the fastest growing occupations through 2008 will require a college degree. In addition, the University of Oklahoma Center for Economic and Management Research reports that, through the year 2008, more than half the net jobs created in Oklahoma will require an associate degree or higher.

Dr. Stacy was complimented at the ULC Advisory Board meeting by Mike Fretwell, chairman, and Board member Dr. Joe Kinzer.

Plans are to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Advisory Board, to hold an educational seminar in the future for employers in the area.

Pioneer Officer of the Year Award To Susie Roberts

“Our officers make it difficult each year to choose one person to receive this award, as they each provide outstanding efforts," said Carl Renfro, CEO and chairman of the board. “All have demonstrated the criteria for this award over the past year. However we’re pleased to choose Susie Roberts as outstanding officer for the year 2000,” Renfro concluded.

Roberts is Vice President/Trust Officer and has served at Pioneer Bank for more than 19 years. She currently is head of the Trust Department and has been in the Trust area for over eight years.

She is currently participating in the prestigious Cannon Financial, Institute program in trust. She has completed two years of the three-year program. In addition Roberts is a graduate of the trust and financial planning program of the Schools of Banking.

As a native Ponca Citian, and a graduate of Ponca City High School, Roberts has become involved in many civic activities in the community. She is currently a liaison for the Partners in Education (PIE) program through the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce as well as a member of Professionals Today and Ponca City Rotary. She is a member of the class of 2001 for Leadership Ponca City, and serves as a LPC representative on the board of the United Way of Ponca City.

Roberts and her husband Denny have two children, Brandon., 17 and Lacey, 11.

PTC Supervisory Academy Set for Two Class Times

Pioneer Technology Center’s (PTC) first Supervisory Academy for 2001 is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2000 with two class times of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Supervisory Academy training program is coordinated by PTC’s Management Development Coordinator, David Payne, and is instructed by Garland McWatters from Quantum Living Inc.

The Supervisory Academy’s course content is relevant to employees desiring to become a supervisor or maybe a supervisor who wants to improve his or her overall performance. The Supervisory Academy has been designed to provide knowledge and skills to help equip new supervisors in developing efficient work practices and interpersonal skills that can be integrated into the management team.

The academy offers 12 different sessions beginning with the basics that include topics on what is happening in business today, their supervisor’s role in the organization, and personal styles of management. Advanced session topics include, understanding and managing work process, measures for quality and performance, communicating with employees, performance appraisals, and hiring the right people.

Participants in the academy are required to do outside reading and complete weekly assignments that will help in applying knowledge and skill development. The classes are interactive and realistic work assignments, which include case studies, simulations, structured activities, presentations from instructor, panel presentations, and group and class discussions.

To date, PTC has the following businesses and employees participating in the academy include, ITC, Mid America Door Company, City of Ponca City, Smith Tool, Cookshack, Oklahoma Casting, Air System Components, Electron in Blackwell, and Central Bank in Blackwell.

For more information on the Supervisory Academy, please call David M. Payne, (580) 762-8336, ext. 312.

Leonard Named to Board Of Academy for State Goals

Mayor Tom Leonard has been appointed to the board of directors of the Academy for State Goals.

According to Leonard “this appointment is a recognition of vital tendership role our community plays in our State,” He added, “It is an honor to join this distinguished group whose mission is to address the critical challenges facing Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma Academy is a private, non-profit, non-partisan citizen based organization. It acts as a public-policy tank and catalyst for the state. Originally founded by former Gov. Henry Bellmon in 1967 and revitalized in 1985, the Academy has played a very active role in stimulating crucial public policy recommendations and implementation strategics.

The Academy's activities are to gather information on issues relevant to Oklahoma's future growth.

Accomplishing this mission requires bringing together concerned citizens and elected and appointed officials of the state and, through a consensus-building process, encouraging them to develop recommendations and plans of action that will cause Oklahoma to advance.

The Oklahoma Academy is not only unique within Oklahoma, but also unusual nationally as well. There are only six other organizations in the nation similar in nature to the Academy. The Academy takes issues that directly affect business, and progress in this state: Economic development, education, health care, and government reform.

Other board members from North Central Oklahoma are Dr. Joe Kinzer, president of Northern Oklahoma College, and Mike Fretwell, Conoco vice-president.

Local Modern Woodmen Aid in Recent Fund Raiser

Local Modern Woodmen of America camp members recently banded together and extended a helping hand to the Peckham Elementary School.

With the help of Modern Woodmen’s national matching fund program, members from Ponca City, Peckham, Newkirk and Blackwell raised funds through a sale of T-shirts, baked goods and another fundraiser.

The fundraising event was held Dec. 14, and raised $2,746, with $2,500 matched by Modern Woodmen, the camp donated $5,246 total. Modern Woodmen members from Cap 14102 are part of a nationwide network of camps that annually reaches out to people and programs in their communities with various fund-raising activities.

“In appreciation for camp member’s hard work, our organization’s home office matches funds raised up to $2,500 on approved projects,” says Tom P. Cleveland, Modern Woodmen camp secretary.

“And thanks to the hard work of members, Modern Woodmen’s is able to make donations totaling nearly $4 million annually,” Cleveland adds.

Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal life insurance organization, provides life insurance, annuities and fraternal programs for more than three-quarters of a million Americans. With its home office in Rock Island, Ill. Modern Woodmen has a camp in Ponca City that provides a number of volunteer service and social activities for local members.

DEATHS

Vera Owen
Freda Marie Studer
Clesta Tomlin
James D. Waugh

Obituaries

Vera Owen

Vera Owen, Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2000, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home after a long illness. Vera was 76.

She was born Sept. 11,1924, on the family farm in Gann Valley, S.D. Her family moved to Murdo, S.D., where she attended school. In 1940, she moved to Ponca City.

On Sept. 29, 1940, she married Bill Owen and became a homemaker and mother of two. Vera loved dancing with her husband and being a mother and grandmother. In the summer of 1957, Vera and her family moved to Cashmere, Wash., returning to Ponca City in 1960.

Vera is survived by her son, Phillip Owen and his wife, Tammy, of Ponca City; her daughter, Sherry Douglas and her husband, Edward of Selah, Wash.; two granddaughters, Desireé Ray of Stillwater and Heather Owen of Houston, Texas; one grandson, Dane Owen and great-grandsons, Tyler and Douglas Owen of Ponca City. Additional survivors include her stepfather, Bob Andrews of Rapid City, S.D.; brother, James Moross of Modesto, Calif.; stepsister, Becky Melford Koester of Murdo, S.D.; sister-in-law, Gladys Moross of Yakima, Wash.; niece, Vicki Kautzman, and nephew, Michael Moross, both of Yakima, Wash.; and a daughter of the heart, Kay Tetevuide of Houston, Texas.

In addition to her husband, Vera was proceeded in death by her father, Clarence Moross; mother, Mary Ellen Andrews; three brothers, Albert Moross, La Vern Moross and Billy Moross; stepsister, Roberta Brumbaugh; and nephew, Vernon Moross.

Graveside service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, at 2 p.m. at A.J. Powell Cemetery in Hominy under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Freda Marie Studer

Freda Marie Studer, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at her daughter’s home in Marland. She was 75. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Clesta Tomlin

Clesta Tomlin, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She was 81. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

James D. Waugh

James D. Waugh, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80. Local survivors include his wife, Wilma. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Republicans to Meet — Kay County Republican party will meet 7 p.m., Thursday at the Municipal Library. For more information call Dave White (580) 762-0103.

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.

Beer Theft — A clerk from Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported to the Communications Center at 6:17 a.m. Monday that a subject had taken a 30-pack of beer without paying and left north bound on foot. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a report was taken.

Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 6:25 a.m. Monday from Shawn Manor, 2024 Turner Street, that a fire alarm had gone off, they were unable to locate a fire, but smelled an odor. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene and was unable to locate any problem.

Subjects Held — The Ponca City Police Department was requested to assist in a problem in the 400 block of South Oak Street at 10:07 a.m. Monday. Three officer responded to the scene and a man was held for a warrant for failure to pay, and another man, 22, was held for possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 10:55 a.m. Monday that a city truck had hit the underpass at South Avenue and the driver was injured. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Seventh Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:54 a.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned but it was logged that drivers exchanged information.

Vehicle Upside Down — The Communications Center received a report at 12:14 p.m. Monday that a vehicle was upside down on South Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:32 p.m. Monday that someone had driven off without paying for $10 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Ornaments Stolen — A person from the 400 block of Lansbrook reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:21 p.m. Monday that some yard ornaments had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:05 p.m. Monday that his residence in the 200 block of South Waverly Street had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Disturbance — A clerk at EconoLodge, 212 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:01 a.m. Tuesday that a disturbance was outside the motel. Two officers responded to the scene and a 33-year-old man was held for public intoxication.

LIFESTYLES

The Neighborhood Chef

The Neighborhood Chef

by Sherry Muchmore

Don’t know about you, but I’m stuffed, feel as trussed and stuffed as that big succulent turkey we’ve been dining on over the last few days. Though I love turkey and dressing, there comes a time during the holidays I get this craving for beef or anything that doesn’t have feathers, be it a juicy roast, thick tender steaks, something Italian, Mexican or simply one of a million ground beef dishes.

Over the years, stroganoff was made in my household with leftover steak. I’d throw the leftovers in a plastic bag and freeze until I had enough. Now I use rib-eye steak because it has the best flavor of any of the steaks, though about any steak cut will do. I’ve tried left-over roast but the flavor is different and the end result may be good but not that special flavor I’m looking for when prepared with steak cuts.

Beef Stroganoff

1 pound steak, (rib-eye, sirloin, tenderloin)

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt and

pepper to taste

1 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

1 can condensed beef broth (Campbell)

1 cup sour cream

Remove all fat and slice beef into about 1/4-inch strips. The meat used can be already cooked as from leftovers or can be raw. If raw, I’ve found the meat will slice easier if still slightly frozen. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet and lightly brown the steak. Add the mushrooms, garlic and onion and saute until tender. Remove this mixture from the skillet and place in a bowl. Leave drippings in the skillet.

Melt another 2 tablespoons butter in drippings and sprinkle with the flour to make a roux. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the condensed beef broth, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Stir in the steak mixture into your sauce. Stir in the sour cream and heat briefly. (Don’t boil)

Prepare egg noodles according to package directions, drain, toss with butter and sprinkle with dried or fresh chopped parsley. Spoon hot mixture over parsleyed noodles. Rice can be used, we just prefer the noodles. Makes 4 or 5 servings

Note: When adding salt, be careful if using leftover meat that has already been seasoned. Check your sauce first to see if any is needed.

Your company is still on the doorstep and cradled in various corners of the house. What can you fix that will feed a group but won’t take forever to prepare or clean-up? Sometimes the easiest way to feed many (other than eating out) is with the one-dish wonders.

Lasagne is a wonderful example. It can be prepared a day or two ahead, even frozen if needed. Bake and serve with a tossed salad and hot crusty french bread. Here’s a great recipe from the mother of a high school friend, Terrye Newkirk. Terrye said her mom, Nikki, would make Suzanne Gilbert’s (Terrye’s friend and another high school alum), most requested dish. In Suzanne’s memory “here is my mom’s lasagne recipe.

Sticklers for authenticity may go elsewhere. It’s Okie-fied, and very tastily so.” Mom often makes this in doubles and freezes one - a great meal to have on hand for a busy day or unexpected guests.”

Nikki’s Lasagne

Nikki Newkirk, Eufaula, OK

submitted by daughter

Terrye Newkirk

1-1/2 pounds ground beef (better using -pound Italian sweet sausage)

4 tablespoons chopped celery

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons oil or bacon grease

2 16-ounce cans tomatoes

1 6-ounce can tomato paste

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

pepper

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 to 4 teaspoons Italian

seasoning

1 bay leaf

2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 pound mozzarella, sliced

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 8-ounce package lasagne noodles

Sauté celery, onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add ground beef and brown until crumbly but not hard. Drain off the oil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, cayenne, oregano, Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Cook noodles separately in boiling salted water until tender or as package directs. Drain.

Arrange a layer of noodles in a greased 9 x 13-inch or 3-1/2 quart casserole. Pour half the meat sauce over the noodles and cover with a layer each of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Repeat with noodles, meat sauce and cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 30 minutes. Serves 8.

Note: Can be made the day before and refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes before baking. But, then, I’d feel guilty if I ignored one of my families’ favorite meals prepared with leftover turkey. What better fate than to exit in the starring role of a cheesy Turkey Tetrazzini. One of those little traditions asked for by my clan as soon as the guests are gone and the dishes are finally put away. This version is quick and easy, it’ll disappear as quickly as your pecan pie.

Turkey or Chicken

Tetrazzini

3 bacon slices, fried, drained and crumbled

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup milk

1 can cream of mushroom Soup, undiluted

1 8-ounce loaf pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed

2 cups chopped cooked turkey or chicken

8 ounces of spaghetti, cooked

1 2-ounce jar diced pimiento, drained

Using 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings, sauté onion and bell pepper till tender. Whisk together milk and soup, add cheese and blend with dripping mixture. Stir in turkey, spaghetti and pimiento and spoon into a sprayed 2-quart baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Serves 4.

Happy New Year to You and Yours!!!!!!

Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.)

SPORTS

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