From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
December 17, 1997
LOCAL
Art Center Displays Exquisite Trees, Dolls
Kay County OK'ed for Disaster Loans
NOC Offers Piano Class
Beanie Baby Auction
NW District 4-H'ers Share Talents
Osage Voters Must Register
Patty Curl Schedules Yule Concert Friday
Area Calendar
Newkirk Main Street Give-Away Saturday
Conoco To Plug Experimental Well
Writer's Group Meets Thursday At P.C. Library
Ex-Convict May Be Headed Back To Penitentiary
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
DARE Graduates Receive Certificates
Three Suspects Held With Stolen Vehicle
Burglary Suspect Arrested By Police
DEATHS
Alma Pearl Bernson
Donna Jean Egelston
Porter Leroy Boyer
Obituaries
Ransom Griffith Robbins
Services Pending
Mary Eleanor Leffler
Funerals
Vivian Linquist
Earl Sanford Howe
John Edward Allen Jr.
Wanda Long Brown
Regina Burge
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Mu Psi Chapter Schedules Events
Rho Chapter Members Meet
Eta Zeta Chapter Ritual for Three
SPORTS
OSU Alumni Association Planning Pregame Events
Local Gymnast Performing Well
Mat Results
Participants Needed For Winter Bird Count
Outdoor Note
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The glittering, glimmering Ponca City Art Association Christmas Tree Collage and doll exhibit is a stunning sight at the Ponca City Art Center this year.
The creative and inventive offerings from local groups are delightful and unique and will be on exhibit through December for public viewing at 819 East Central. The public is invited to stop by 819 East Central and view the 16 exceptionally well-decorated trees and wreaths submitted by local groups.
Complementing the festive Christmas tree atmosphere at the Art Center is an exhibit of exquisite handmade Santa Claus dolls by artist Tommy G. Fulton of Midwest City.
Also on exhibit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Art Center is an elegant, gleaming, 50th Anniversary Art Association tree embellished heavily with golden ornaments, wide gold ribbons and painters' plaques. The golden-hued 12 to 15 foot tree dominates the Collage exhibit in its location at the top of the elegant and formal east staircase.
Local organizations submitting the distinctive trees for the collage include the Pioneer Area Quilters Guild, Will Rogers Council of Boy Scouts of America, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), PM Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild, Soroptimist International of Ponca City, and the Jaycees.
Also the Opportunity Center, Chrysanthemum Garden Club, Ponca City Area Literacy Council, Indian Nations Sailing Club, International Club, TOPS, and the Ponca Prairie Pleaters. The Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club submitted a wreath.
The inventive and creative trees, dolls, and wreaths will be on exhibit through December, except those sold in a silent bidding or donated to special charities.
The trees were judged by Ponca City Art Association member judges at the open house on Dec. 7, and visitors may see those judged "Most Beautiful," "Must Unusual," and "Best Reflects the Organization," in addition to the "Best of Show" tree.
Effective November 17, 1997, Kay County is hereby designated as a county to a natural disaster designation and eligible family farmers may qualify for emergency (EM) loans.
Emergency loans will be available for physical and production losses due to damages and losses caused by hail, high winds, tornadoes, excessive rain, and flooding that occurred from May 1 through June 20, 1997, said Terry Peach, state executive director of the USDA's Farm Service Agency.
Applications for assistance in disaster-stricken counties will be accepted by FSA until July 17, l998. The loans will be made to assist farmers in recovering from physical and production losses.
Farm operations in the designated counties which have suffered qualifying losses may be eligible for FSA emergency loans to cover actual physical and production losses, Peach said.
Emergency loan funds may be used to purchase seed, fertilizer, fuel, and repairs.
"A farmer can use the money for the most essential operating and living costs," Peach said.
To be eligible for a loan, an applicant must have suffered losses as a direct result of the disaster and be unable to get credit from other sources. Loans covering actual losses are at an interest rate of 3.75 per cent per annum.
The amount of the loan is determined by actual certification of loss less any compensation received, repayment capacity of the borrower, and availability of security.
Those who believe they can qualify may contact the Kay County FSA Office in Newkirk.
TONKAWA - Northern Oklahoma College Applied Piano Class provides a great opportunity for adults who have always wanted to learn piano, according to Wilma Harman, instructor.
Scheduled to be housed in the Northern Performing Arts Center beginning with the spring semester, Applied Piano Class offers four levels taught in the piano lab using 10 Technic digital pianos. Using headsets, Harman is able to instruct the class while each student hears only himself or herself playing and the instructor's comments.
Level I, offered five days a week from 1 to 1:50 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday for the first eight weeks of the semester, is strictly for beginning piano students only, "the ones who don't even recognize a music staff," Harman said.
Level II, offered all semester from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, has the students using both hands on the keyboard. Level III is taught daily from 1 to 1:50 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Tuesday and Friday for the last eight weeks of the semester. Level IV is offered from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday for a full semester. Levels III and IV work on songs and technique.
Friday classes have the option of watching a video presentation and then playing keyboards along with the video combo.
Enrollment for spring classes is now under way through the College Registrar's Office, telephone (580) 628-6220. An extra fee of $15 is required in addition to the one-hour credit fee for Applied Piano Class.
The Beanie Baby craze continues!
"Stores are unable to get enough stock to supply the demand and the company is so inundated with orders they have refused to open new accounts," says Jean Brace of Brace Books and More, Ponca City.
"They have only promised current accounts they will send 'some' of what is ordered," she continued. Current accounts are told they will receive a maximum of 12 pieces of the new "Princess" purple bear which was created in memory of Princess Di.
"Brace Books will be using our shipment of "Princess" for a silent auction to benefit the Ponca City Area Literacy Council," says Brace.
Customers who want to bid on the 12 "Princess" purple bears may fill out a silent auction form at Brace Books and More before 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Young people from all over Northwest Oklahoma shared talents and lots of fun Dec. 6 at the Northwest District 4-H Share-The-Fun Festival held at the Seiling School Auditorium, Seiling.
Eleven large group acts, 13 small group acts, and 15 individual acts from 15 counties were on the program Saturday.
Share-The-Fun is a talent-sharing activity designed to help boys and girls discover, develop and demonstrate talents and begin to appreciate the performing arts, said Kevin Hackett, Northwest District 4-H Program Specialist.
"The contests help the 4-H'ers develop poise, confidence and skill by appearing before an audience, plus it may lead to vocational or professional careers related to entertaining," he said.
Not only are the young people learning, but they're having fun - just like the name of the activity indicates, Hackett said.
Representing Kay County was Jaron Hudgins of the Heir Born 4-H Club. Jaron placed second in the Individual category with "Paddy's Song."
The awards were sponsored by Oklahoma Red Carpet Country.
PAWHUSKA - Friday, Jan.16, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the February 10 annual school and state question election, Osage County Election Board Secretary Renee Weyl said today.
Weyl said that persons who are United States citizens, residents of Oklahoma and at least 18 years old may apply to become registered voters.
Persons who have never been registered to vote before or who are currently registered but who need to change their registration may apply by filling out and mailing an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application form in time for it to be postmarked no later than midnight on Wednesday, Jan.21.
Weyl said that applications postmarked after that time will still be accepted and processed, but the applications will not be approved until after the Feb. 10, 1998.
The Osage County Election Board will respond in writing to each person who submits an application for voter registration. The response will be either a Voter Identification Card listing the new voter's precinct number and polling place location or a letter that explains the reason the application was not approved.
Weyl said that any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within 30 days should contact the Osage County Election Board.
Voter Registration forms are available at the Osage County Election Board, 630 Kihekah, Pawhuska, at all post offices and public libraries, tag agencies and Department of Human Services.
Patty Curl will present a "Merry Christmas With Love," music concert at the Masters Touch Bookstore from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Patty sings and speaks at women's conferences all over the U.S.
She has appeared on many TV and radio programs as well as performing live concerts.
Singing since age 6, she appeared on stage and soloed for the first time at that same age. She sang all over the home state and won "Most Talented" award for her vocal performances in the "Miss Georgia Pageant."
She was invited to sing in Handel's Messiah in Texas as the soprano soloist and sang at the Oklahoma Governors' Mansion in 1996.
Patty sings at area nursing homes and retirement centers locally.
In addition to singing at the Master's Touch, Patty will be appearing in "Hometown Christmas" at the Poncan Theatre on Saturday.
"I want to share my love for Jesus Christ, the 'reason for the season,' along with other vocalists and musicians from the area," says Curl.
Alvin and Jackie Mott, owners of the Master's Touch, 115 North Fourth Street in Ponca City have invited the public to come and celebrate with them and Patty to make the holidays more special.
November 28-December 28
November 28-January 5
December 7-31
December 18
December 20
December 21
December 24
January 9
January 17
January 31
February 7
NEWKIRK - The race is on for the big Christmas give-away to he held at 2 p.m. Saturday on the courthouse steps.
Five hundred dollars in Main Street Money will go to a lucky ticket holder. Seven other lucky people will win $50, and Doyle's Barber Shop is giving away a free haircut to one ticket holder.
The tickets have been distributed and are now available at several participating Newkirk businesses.
Albright Title & Trust and Eastman National Bank also donated $50 each although they cannot distribute tickets. Many of the merchants will also be giving away gifts after the drawing as well, so people should hang on to all their tickets and check with each participating merchant for additional prizes.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - An energy company is plugging an exploratory oil and gas well it drilled inside the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, pleasing environmentalists who oppose development in the preserve.
Conoco Inc. spokesman John H. Bennitt played down the importance of the action, saying it is a routine safety and environmental procedure while data from the 14,500-foot-deep well is being analyzed.
Bennitt refused Tuesday to rule out a return to the site.
John Baza of the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining said the fact that Conoco is plugging the well, and the amount of concrete it is using, seem to indicate that the company has determined the site has little potential.
''It sounds fairly permanent to me,'' Baza said.
If that is the case, said Lawson LeGate, southwestern representative for the Sierra Club, ''that's great news for the national monument.''
''It means the damage that's been done is quite limited,'' he said. ''It also means that our fears about broad-based industrial development in the nation's newest national monument may not come to pass.''
Conoco began drilling the exploratory well in July on a plot of school trust land atop the Kaiparowits Plateau, among the most prominent geographic features in the 1.7 million-acre monument.
The plot was one of several that remained under state control after President Clinton created the monument in southern Utah in October 1996.
Conoco still holds a similar lease on federal land a few miles away. Bennitt said the company has not decided what it plans to do on that site.
A Bureau of Land Management extension issued last week gives Conoco until Feb. 8 to review data from its first well and begin development on the federal site or lose its claim to the mineral rights.
The Northern Oklahoma Wordsmiths writer's group will meet Thursday at the Ponca City library for learning and sharing the craft of writing.
The group will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in a downstairs meeting room at the library.
All writers, published or beginners are welcome. If possible it is requested that writers bring something they have written to share. Suggestions or critique will be offered if requested.
According to Grace Klinger, member, the Wordsmiths group's purpose is to break the isolation necessarily involved in the craft of writing and to learn more about the craft. All members may also learn about current markets, writer's conferences and contests, and publications of interest to writers.
For more information, interested persons may call George Collins at 765-6646; Grace Klinger at 362-3228; Joanna Gary at 762-8256; or Rene Simpson at 765-3630.
An ex-convict, recently released from prison, is being held in connection with an alleged rape of 16-year-old Ponca City girl and if convicted, maybe heading back to Department of Correction (DOC).
According to police records the Ponca City Police Department received a call Sunday morning from a female juvenile reporting that she had been raped. She said the alleged rape occurred at Fairfax and the suspect had then brought her to Ponca City. Ponca City police then contacted the Fairfax Police Department.
According to Fairfax Police Chief Dave Stinson the alleged rape occurred at a low income housing project in Fairfax and the victim did not know the suspect. He was later arrested in Fairfax.
Arraignment was held Tuesday and the suspect, Jody Gonzales, age 35, was charged with first degree rape and forceable sodomy. Bond was set at $50,000.
Originally sentenced to life without parole, Gonzales served only 15 years in the DOC for second degree murder. He was discharged from prison in November 1996.
If convicted of the current charges Gonzales could be sentenced to a minimum of five years in the state penitentiary.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
Over 280 local sixth graders, including Kildare, will be graduating this week from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. The five 1997 DARE program graduations began Tuesday and will continue through Friday.
The 17 week curriculum is designed to teach children the importance of and six ways to "Just Say No" to drugs, alcohol and tobacco and even gangs.
"It has been a long year yet it seems like just yesterday when we began," Ponca City D.A.R.E. Officer Sgt. Regeneia Van Arsdale said during Tuesday's graduation ceremony at Woodlands Elementary School. "We had fun classes and we had serious classes. We learned through them all."
As part of the curriculum the students were required to write themselves a "future letter" for their high school years in an effort to remind themselves all they had learned through the D.A.R.E. program.
Classmates selected several essays to represent the entire class and those few were read aloud during the graduation ceremony. Later Mayor Marilyn Andrews and others assisted Van Arsdale in handing out D.A.R.E. completion certificate to the students.
Ponca City police arrested three Oklahoma City juveniles Tuesday night on suspicion of having a stolen vehicle.
The juveniles, age 14-17, were stopped by police after it was confirmed that the vehicle they were driving was stolen from Bethany.
The three were arrested, not for auto theft, but for knowingly concealing stolen property. "Because the vehicle was stolen from Bethany we can not file auto theft charges," police spokesperson Sherry Bowers explained. "The Bethany police department will have to file those charges."
The juveniles were released to the custody of their parents.
A 17-year-old man was arrested for first degree burglary and robbery by force Tuesday night. The suspect arrested was wanted by police in connection to the burglary which reportedly happened in the 1000 block of South Fifth Street.
The suspect was stopped by police at 10:35 p.m. at South Sixth Street and Houston Avenue for a disturbance call. While stopped, police learned that the man that they had was also wanted for the burglary.
Four other suspects ranging in age 16-19, were arrested Dec. 5.
DEATHS
CANADIAN, Texas - Alma Pearl Bernson, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 15, 1997, in Wichita, Kan. She was 93.
The funeral was to be held graveside at the Edith Ford Cemetery in Canadian, Texas at 2 p.m. today. Jim Raymick, former Minister of Music at Ponca City First Baptist Church and Mrs. Bernson's son-in-law will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Senter-Smith Mortuary, Mulvane, Kan.
Alma Pearl (Cassler) Bernson was born Aug. 23, 1904, in Foss, the daughter of Phillip Bliss and Louisa Melvina (Goins) Cassler. She was married to Maurice F. Bernson on Nov. 25, 1925 in Canadian, Texas. The couple moved to Ponca City in September 1980. Her husband preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 1980. Mrs. Bernson was a homemaker. She later moved to Mulvane, Kan. to live near a daughter. She was a member of the Central Community Church, Wichita, Kan.
Survivors include two sons, John C. Bernson of McAllen, Texas and Alan Bernson of Mulvane, Kan.; three daughters, Norma Raymick of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Glenda McKinzie of Welch, Okla. and Dorothy Bernson of Mulvane, Kan.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Bernson's name to the Central Community Church Library, c/o Senter-Smith Mortuary, P.O. Box 118, Mulvane, KS or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, c/o First Baptist Church, 206 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601.
LAMONT - Donna Jean Egelston, former Ponca City area resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1997, at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid. She was 61.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Wilson Funeral Chapel in Pond Creek with the Rev. Richard Leonard officiating. Burial will follow in the Lamont (Okla.) Cemetery.
Donna Jean (Scheckelhoff) Egelston was born Nov. 27, 1936, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Jerome Edward and Glenna Rose (Cowgill) Scheckelhoff. She grew up and received her education in Dayton. She moved to Ponca City from Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1979, then to Red Rock in 1984.
She was married to Asa Egelston on April 20, 1985 in Ponca City, and the couple moved to Lamont in 1995.
Survivors include her husband, Asa, of the home in Lamont; one son, Doug Spicer of Perry; two daughters, Rhonda Spaich of Ponca City and Becky Cressman of Delphos, Ohio; three step-daughters, Crystal Stokes of Yucaipa, Calif., Dawn Rice and Heather Egelston, both of San Bernardino, Calif.; 16 grandchildren. She is also survived by her aunt, Lillian Martin, with whom she lived during her childhood.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Egelston's name to the Lamont Fireman's Fund, c/o Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 478, Pond Creek, OK 73766.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Porter Leroy Boyer, lifelong Arkansas City, Kan., area resident died Monday, Dec. 15, 1997, at the South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City. He was 84.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kan. Burial will be in the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday.
Porter Leroy Boyer was born Sept. 20, 1913, at Chilocco, the son of David Thomas and Ada Ellen (Boyer) Boyer. He grew up and received his education in the Arkansas City area.
He was married to Wilma Lue Williamson on Dec. 13, 1937, in Miami, Okla., and the couple established their home in the Arkansas City area. Boyer farmed and was employed by the Cowley County Road Maintenance Department and the McFarland Gravel Co.
Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Annis of Conley, Ga., Ramona Burr of Arkansas City, Kan., and Wanda Ford of Ponca City; four sons, Darrell and Terry, both of Arkansas City, Larry, of Hutchinson, Kan., and Timothy of Waggoner; three sisters, Ada Buzzi, Eneree Corbett and Beulah McFarland, all of Arkansas City, Kan.; two brothers, Jack of Holdenville and Gerald of Wetumka; 18 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma; his parents; four sisters and five brothers.
Ransom Griffith Robbins, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Monday afternoon, Dec. 15, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 84.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Albright United Methodist Church in Ponca City with Dr. Kip Wright, pastor, officiating. Burial is to be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. The casket will not be opened at the church, however friends may call at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
Ransom Griffith Robbins was born April 25, 1913 in LeCenter, Minn., the son of Charles and Rachel (Griffith) Robbins of LeCenter, Minn. He was employed by Great Lakes Pipeline in Lakeville, Minn.
In 1938 he was married to Rita Koenig in LeCenter, Minn. In October of 1939 they moved to Ponca City, where he was employed by Continental Pipeline Company. During his 40 years with Conoco the couple moved to various Conoco pipeline sites in Kansas and Oklahoma before returning to Ponca City in 1956 and retiring in 1978 from Conoco Telecommunications.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Robert of Ponca City, and David, of Park City, Kan.; two daughters Yvonne Guerrini of Sulphur, La., and Rita Pace of Ponca City; son-in-law, Clinton Bennett of Dallas, Texas, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Elwood of LeCenter, Minn. He was preceded in death by daughter Patricia (Robbins) Bennett.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, David Robbins of Hurst, Texas, Robert Guerrini of Lake Charles, La., Frank Guerrini of Lake Charles, La., Paul Robbins of Ponca City, Luke Connor of Lafayette, La., and Wilfred Bullock of Houston, Texas. Honorary casket bearers will be Lee Pace of Ponca City, Jason Lamothe of Ponca City, Jerome Koenig, Kenneth Koenig, Raymond Koenig, Thomas Michael McCollough, all of Sulphur, La., and the Earnest Seekers Sunday School Class of Albright United Methodist Church of Ponca City.
The family has requested that memorials may be made to the Albright United Methodist Church, 128 S. Palm, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the American Cancer Society, 2113 El Camino, Ponca City, OK 74604.
paid obituary
Mary Eleanor Leffler, former Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Dec. 17, 1997, at the Heritage Hill Home in McAlester. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Thursday
Vivian Linquist - The funeral to be held at 2 p.m. at Chisholm Trail Presbyterian Church in Yukon. Burial will be in the Yukon Cemetery under the direction of Smith and Turner Funeral Home.
Friday
Earl Sanford Howe - Prayer services Wednesday and Thursday at Ponca Indian Baptist Church, White Eagle. Traditional Indian feast at noon Friday at the church, followed by the funeral service. Other arrangements to be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel.
John Edward Allen Jr. - Graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery. Other arrangements to be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel.
Saturday
Wanda Long Brown - Memorial Service to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Baptist Church in Ponca City. Burial was to be in the Maramec (Okla.) Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home, Sulphur, La.
Regina Burge - Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m.
at St. Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk. Memorial contributions may be
made to Ronald McDonald House, 1301 N.E. Fourteenth Street, Oklahoma City,
OK 73117. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home,
Ponca City. The family will be at 2700 East Hartford.
NEWS BRIEFS
Deadwood Dames - The Deadwood Dames will meet at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Golden Corral. Those attending are asked to bring an unwrapped gift or toy for a child.
Butter Braids Available - Butter Braid Bread is again available (frozen) at Grand Central Station, delicious and easy to prepare. Call weekdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 767-8336 to order. Great idea for Christmas giving.
Burglary - At 8:30 a.m. Tuesday Fort Knox Mini Storage, 1301 East Prospect Avenue, reported a burglary to police. A report was taken.
Wallet Found - At 11:49 p.m. Tuesday a man turned a wallet into police that he found at Pine Street and West Grand Avenue.
Stolen Car - At 1:10 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 500 block of North First Street reported that her car had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - At 1:55 p.m. Tuesday an accident was reported at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Cooley Avenue. A report was taken.
Accident - A non-injury accident at East Central Avenue and South Second Street was reported to police at 2:36 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Grass Fire - At 3:12 p.m. Tuesday one fire unit responded to a grass fire in the 1000 block of Oakland. The fire was contained.
Attempted Burglary - An attempted burglary at Darr Park was reported at 3:38 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and an attempted burglary report was taken.
Items Missing - At 4:39 pm. Tuesday a man in the 1700 block of Richway Drive reported the theft of vehicle tag and decal. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 35-year-old man at Fourth Street and East Grand Avenue at 5:06 p.m. Tuesday for driving under suspension, no seat belt, transporting an open container and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Stolen Bike - At 5:54 p.m. Tuesday police received a report of a bike stolen from the 400 block of West Otoe Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - At 6:27 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 900 block of South Eleventh Street reported to police that someone had struck her 11-year-old daughter. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - At 1:48 a.m. Wednesday police arrested a 40-year-old man from the 1700 block of Little Lane for interfering with an officer, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and reckless driving.
Attempted Burglary - Police received a phone-in alarm at 3:07 a.m. Wednesday from an owner of a Lake Ponca cabin. The door had been "kicked in" but entry was not gained. An officer was assigned and an attempted burglary report was taken.
Stolen Car Recovered - A man in the 1100 block of North Birch
Street reported to police at 4:19 a.m. Wednesday that his stolen vehicle
had been recovered.
LIFESTYLES
Mu Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority held the December meeting at the home of Ms. Sharon Keith with 11 members reciting the opening ritual. Kerry Mullenax, president, opened the meeting and Ms. Elizabeth Ricketson gave the treasurer's report and reviewed the budget.
Mu Psi members brought items to be donated to the elderly. The items will be delivered to Jane Sheets with the Department of Human Services for distribution. Two Christmas angels were selected by Ms. Cynthia DeMarco, Ms. Donna Sodowsky, Ms. Kerri Nichols and Ms. Kelly Webb for gifting.
Ms. Sodowsky announced the chapter would again be volunteering for help with the Friendship Feast. The sorority Christmas party is planned for Dec. 18 at the Nichols home. A Progressive dinner is being scheduled for January and planning for a Beta Sigma Phi Valentine Dance is underway.
The program was provided by Ms. DeMarco about the creation of the traditional Christmas candy cane as a witness of the birth, ministry and death of Jesus Christ.
The next meeting will be Jan. 6 at the home of Ms. Terra Martin.
Twelve members of Rho Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met for a Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Debbie McClaskey. The dinner was furnished by the group and Carol Nielson, president, presided at the business meeting.
Jan Leach called roll and read the minutes and Ms. McClaskey gave the treasurer's report. The City Council report was read and members reminded of the Valentine dance scheduled Feb. 14 at the Elks Lodge with Dave May as DJ and Master of Ceremonies.
Diana McKinnis reported that Rho Chapter could help with Friendship Feast on Dec. 22. Jan Leach won the traveling basket and Kim Youngblood won the mystery gift. The next meeting will be Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Ms. McKinnis with members bringing their favorite snacks.
Eta Zeta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Nov. 12 in the home of Peggy Peters with 13 members present. Debra Bellmard opened the meeting and Lori Hambleton gave the treasurer's report. A reminder was given for the Preferential Tea.
The group planned a Christmas party gift exchange and mystery dinner at the Hambleton home Dec. 10. A social at the Crown and Rose was set and the service project for December will be getting angels from the Angel tree for gift-giving.
A pledge ritual was conducted for three new members: Natalie Nelson,
Jennifer Houk and Gayla Gelven.
SPORTS
Thousands of Oklahoma State University alumni, fans and students are expected to descend upon San Antonio for the 1997 Alamo Bowl that pits the Cowboys against the Purdue Boilermakers on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
To get the fans in the spirit, the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Posse have planned record-setting pep rally and pregame events.
"We are expecting thousands of fans to attend both the pep rally on December 29 and the pregame party on December 30," said Larry Shell, Alumni Association Associate Executive Director. "They are both going to be festive events for the entire family, featuring the OSU Pep Band, Cheer and Pom Squads, plus Pistol Pete and 5,000 plus screaming OSU fans, alumni and students."
The pep rally will be held in San Antonio's Travis Park at 4:30 p.m. on the 29th. Admission to the pep rally is free. .
The OSU pregame party is being held in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30.
The pregame party will include a Mexican Buffet and Cowboy souvenirs.
"The convention center is just across the street from the Alamo Bowl and all fans will be able to simply walk to the game after their meal," Shell said.
The Alumni Association anticipates a pregame party sellout, Shell added.
"We're advising everyone to order pregame party tickets now, " he said. Tickers for the pregame party are $30.
OSU fans wishing to purchase tickets to the pregame party need to order tickets by Dec. 19 by calling 1-888-678-5249,
Fans are advised to arrive early to both events in order to avoid traffic backups.
For those fans who would like to make travel arrangements through OSU, call the OSU Bowl Hotline at 1-888-678 5249. The hotline will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, Dec. 19
Additional information may be found at the official OSU bowl game web site, http://www.okstate.edu/alumni.
Lara Upshaw, a fifth grader at Woodlands elementary, recently competed in a pair of gymnastics tournaments, and placed exceptionally well in both.
On December 6, Upshaw competed in a tournament at Jenks High School, and placed second in the all-around with a total score of 36.575. She was first on the floor routine, second on both the vault and the bars, and fifth on the beam.
Saturday, Upshaw competed in Edmond at Champions Unlimited, and took home first place in the all-around with a score of 37.05. Upshaw was third on both the bars and the beam, second on the vault, and first in the floor routine - her score of 9.8 being the highest score for the entire meet.
Upshaw's next meet is the National Judges Meet, Jan. 9-11, in Tulsa.
PC Kids Wrestling
Barnsdall Tournament
Div. II
64 - Jesse Powell, 4th
Newkirk Tournament
Div. I
46 - Douglas White, 4th
49 - Brett Reedy, 1st
Div. II
43 - Wes Mabry, 3rd
64 - Chas Wilson, 1st
70 - Joshua Fansler, 2nd
75 - Torran Compala, 3rd
75 - Brandon Humble, 4th
90 - Justin Kremeier, 1st
Div. III
55 - Trey Branscum, 1st
55 - Joshua Glaser, 2nd
70 - Joshua Fansler, 3rd
85 - Daniel Morrison, 1st
100 - Bradley Plunk, 3rd
143 - Sonny Biggoose, 2nd
Div. IV
76 - Andrew Carter, 2nd
84 - Justin Weatherly, 1st
130 - Kelsey Empting, 3rd
During last year's 10th annual Winter Bird Survey, more than 1,400 Oklahomans reported the birds that visited their backyard feeders. This is the second highest number of participants to take part in this ongoing research project that counts birds that come to feeders.
"All but Harper and Washita counties were represented in last year's survey," said Mark Howery, natural resources biologist for the Wildlife Department. "Participants were divided into western, central and eastern regions. Regions are arbitrarily set up with Alfalfa County south to Cotton County defining the western region boundary and Osage County south to Bryan County defining the eastern region.
"We hope to have even greater participation for this year's survey, which is set for January 15-18, 1998. Already, we've seen certain trends in some winter bird populations, but we still need everyone's assistance."
To participate in this year's bird survey, count the birds at or under your feeder, no matter what the weather conditions are like, and write them down on the survey form. All survey forms must be returned to the Wildlife Diversity Program by February 16.
Howery said that goldfinches were again the most common bird spotted at feeders last year in each region, with 12,869 birds counted, although this was down from last year's record of 23,445 goldfinches. Goldfinches were followed by cardinals (7,102), house sparrows (6,161), dark-eyed juncos (6,038), and house finches (4,749). Howery noted that house finch numbers continue to increase each year.
Overall bird numbers were down last year. In fact, 15 species were half as common as the previous years' numbers and another 16 species declined somewhat from last year. Fifteen species remained stable from last year's survey, while two species - Northern bobwhite and red-bellied woodpecker - had noted increases, even with fewer surveys returned.
"These decreases could be due to several reasons," Howery said. "One is that the actual survey count occurred during a warm, clear weekend. Temperatures were in the fifties, with no snow or ice on the ground.
"During these situations, birds take the opportunity to exploit native seed and fruit sources, ignoring our best attempts to attract them to feeders. Birds will always take advantage of the native seed sources while they can, leaving our food for when they are desperate. Last fall's plentiful rains ensured that native plants continued to produce additional seeds and fruits."
To receive a copy of the new booklet Fall & Winter Bird Watching, which includes the Winter Bird Survey, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Winter Bird Survey, Wildlife Diversity Program, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
Mark Howery, natural resources biologist for the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation, joins host Rich Fuller in discussing Winter Eagle
Tours on Dec. 20 on OETA, at 6:30 p.m. on Outdoor Oklahoma. A Western Oklahoma
Quail Hunt also will be featured.