LOCAL

Lifeguard Training Set for December
Audience Encouraged To Bring Cameras for Lettermen Concert
Repair To Close Part of Hartford
Nearly News
Dennis Awe Concert At Poncan on Dec. 14
Gilliam Will Perform Here Thursday Night
Special Homes for Special People With Special Needs
Glassworks On Display At Ponca City Art Center

Historic Homes
Native American Students Celebrate Heritage Week

Lifeguard Training Set for December

American Red Cross lifeguard training has been scheduled for Dec. 18-22. Sessions begin Friday at 5 p.m., with final sessions set for the morning of Dec. 22.

The Dec. 18 session begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m., with the next session from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Dec. 19. Sunday’s session is set for 1-6 p.m. with the Monday session on Dec. 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the final session from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 22. The 34.5 hours of CPR, video and pool sessions must all be attended for certification.

Lifeguards who need recertification should contact the American Red Cross for times they need to attend to complete recertification. In order to enter the class for recertification, lifeguards must hold current certification.

Students must be 15 years of age and able to pass a swim skills test consisting of a 500-yard swim using 100 yards each of crawl, breast and side stroke, and 200 yards of their choice. They will also be required to retrieve a 10-pound object from a minimum depth of seven feet and tread water for two minutes using legs only.

Students must register in advance and pick up a schedule of the sessions at the Ponca City chapter. Class sizes are limited and will be filled on a first-come basis.

Audience Encouraged To Bring Cameras for Lettermen Concert

Tony Butala, the lyrical-voiced lead singer of The Lettermen, hopes that the audience will come to the Poncan Theatre ready to party on Thursday night. “We love to interact with the audience,” he says. “More than anything, we want the audience to have a really good time, and we’re here to see that happens.” The internationally-famous trio of singers comes to the Poncan Theatre on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The Lettermen like to give the audience some photo opportunities, or “photo ops” as they’re called in the business. And they like to give patrons an opportunity to get autographs. Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan Theatre, says “this is just a great group to work with.”

“The entire team, from the singers to the technical staff have been cordial, warm and very professional,” says Wessel. And that extends to the quality of performance, because they genuinely want everyone to have a special experience at a Lettermen show.

Butala was “present at the creation” of The Lettermen. He is generally credited with inventing the now-famous signature sound of this classic romantic trio. Before The Lettermen were formed, Butala was in a group of three guys and a girl. But the young woman, named Concetta Ingolia, left the group and went on to become one of the biggest stars of the period, Connie Stevens. Butala had been a member of larger ensembles, and he was attracted to the close harmony that vocal trios and quartets often created. As they began to experiment with the sound, they started having big hits. “The Way You Look Tonight” catapulted the group into stardom.

This will be a holiday special at the Poncan Theatre. The Lettermen have performed around the world, from Asia to Europe and all around North America. The love ballad is perfectly suited to their unforgettable sound. At the Poncan, they will enlarge their usual repertoire with a holiday show. The letter sweaters disappear, the Santa hats pop out, and they’re in the holiday spirit with “White Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and many others.

Butala says that if you take a photo of The Lettermen during the performance, you can send them a poster-sized blowup of your own photo and they will sign it and return it to you. “This is the most accommodating group you can imagine,” Wessel says. “They’re really here to make our world a little better place.”

Wessel says that tickets are still available, but the Poncan is close to a sell-out. “We’ve had so much success with our subscription memberships that we are becoming accustomed to sell out houses,” he says. “I imagine that we will have a full house by the time the show starts, and that will be the sixth time to fill the Poncan this year,” he says. “The public clearly likes what we bring to northern Oklahoma, and they’re getting a great bargain on prices,” Wessel says. “The Lettermen are going to give us an unforgettable show.”

Wessel also attributes the success to the corporate sponsors. Without the Ponca City Publishing Company and Home National Bank, the ticket prices for The Lettermen would be much higher, according to Wessel. He says that “both businesses have been absolutely wonderful supporters of the Poncan this year.” “And support for the Poncan is support for Ponca City. It’s a kind of gift to northern Oklahoma,” he says.

For ticket information about The Lettermen, patrons should call the Poncan at 580-765-0943. The office is open Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. at 104 East Grand.

Repair To Close Part of Hartford

A repair project of a 10-inch water main on East Hartford, east of North Fourteenth Street, will be under way on Thursday.

The Water and Waste Water Distribution crews will be working on the project, which will be between Blackard and Monument, on East Hartford Avenue. Work is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. and will continue until completed. Officials look for the work to be done some time Thursday.

Motorists are asked to use extreme caution in the area, as both of the east bound lanes will be closed and traffic will be reduced to only two lanes.

Nearly News

NN receives new information about Christmas projects every day — the latest is to remind Ponca Citians that toys for the Toys for Kids project can be dropped off at Dwyer’s Hallmark in Ponca Plaza any weekday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Come Christmas Eve, the local firemen will distribute the goodies to Ponca City’s children who would otherwise not have toys for Christmas. Hospice also reports their tree in the atrium in front of the Tag Office is doing great and keep up the good work. NN figures Christmas for the small fry in Ponca City is in “good hands.”

Nearly News has been informed that the Substance Abuse Taskforce meeting previously announced for Thursday will be held Thursday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.

Dennis Awe Concert At Poncan on Dec. 14

Technics Concert Artist Dennis Awe will present a concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Poncan Theatre. Sponsored locally by Miles Music and the Noon AMBUCS, the concert admission is free with the donation of a toy to the Salvation Army or a cash donation at the door to the Ambucs for needy families.

“And here’s the velvet touch!” was how Ed Sullivan introduced the 16-year-old organist Dennis Awe when he appeared on the show. Now, in his 41st year in the music industry, Awe travels the world performing.

“Personally, music and laughter are my two favorite sounds. They are ambassadors of good will,” says Awe. He has brought musical expertise to such shows as the King and I, Carousel, Bye Bye Birdie, Paint Your Wagon, Sound of Music, and The Music Man.

In Las Vegas he has appeared at the MGM Grand, Caesar’s Palace, and the Sahara. His showmanship and flamboyant costumes resemble those of Liberace. Awe also wears Liberace’s 102-diamond piano ring.

Awe is also known for his extensive roster of performance and educational videos. He has witnessed dramatic changes in the industry, especially developments in electronics that make playing the organ easier and enjoyable for both professionals and amateurs.

The performance will include a variety of Big Band music, Hollywood sounds from plays and songs, and will conclude with Christmas songs. For more information contact Miles Music, 762-5866.

Gilliam Will Perform Here Thursday Night

On Thursday night, Christmas shoppers will have the opportunity to rest their weary bodies, enjoy a snack and hot coffee or cocoa and listen to some great music.

Beginning at 7 p.m., Brace Books and More, 2205 North Fourteenth, will host Oklahoma’s official Balladeer, Les Gilliam, along with his wife, Martha, the author of the best selling cookbook “Home on the Range.”

The Gilliams will have just returned from their third trip to Vienna, Austria, where he performed at the Vienna Country Christmas Show, as well as other engagements in Austria.

Gilliam was recently selected as one of the top five western singers in America by the Western Music Association. Gilliam has performed over 130 concerts this year, and he presented the tribute to his hero, Gene Autry, during Autry’s recent induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Gilliam will sing selections from his new cassette tape, “The Cowboy Hit Parade,” songs from his other albums and videos, and favorite Christmas music. In addition, Les will bring along some of the “Oklahoma Balladeer” editions of the compact table game “Farkel,” which make great stocking stuffers.

The “Home on the Range” cookbook has been one of the favorite cookbooks of folks all over the Southwest, and Martha will be offering free samples from her favorite recipes. She is now working on her next cookbook, expected to be published in the fall of 1999.

Special Homes for Special People With Special Needs

The Goldie Bass and Naomi Welch homes are special homes for special people.

In 1997 they were purchased, modified, furnished and maintained by the Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center, but the Goldie Bass and Naomi Welch estates were the major sources of funding for their respective namesake homes. No state or federal money was involved in the acquisition of these two facilities.

The individuals that live in these homes have jobs and pay rent, share expenses and chores. There is someone on site 24 hours a day to help and assist the individuals with tasks no matter how large or small. Some of the individuals need assistance with such things as finances, cooking, purchasing food, and clothing care. The state of Oklahoma helps defray the cost of onsite personnel.

Individuals who rent these homes pay rent to the Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center. Charter occupants at the Goldie Bass house are Max Washburn, Rose Crazybear and Pat Blackwell. Charter occupants of the Naomi Welch home are Mike McGuire, Keith Davis and Jackie Sims.

Some Opportunity Center clients are adults and are independent enough to live in apartments and in homes as described above. Others live in the three group homes in Ponca City. Many disabled individuals live at home with their parents but would cherish the opportunity to live on their own.

The Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center is constantly reviewing the need for more housing for disabled individuals in Kay County. As individuals grow older and parents are not able to provide the necessary support, it will be imperative to locate housing for people with varying capabilities. For more information call Linda Groth at the Opportunity Center, 765-6782.

Glassworks On Display At Ponca City Art Center

Ron Blankenship of Baron Creek Glassworks in Westville has had 23 years of experience working with hot glass. He is the co-owner of the studio along with his wife Sherry, and he has won numerous awards for his artistry.

Examples of Blankenship’s work will be on display at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, through Dec. 27. The exhibit will be in conjunction with the annual Christmas Tree Collage presentation. An open house reception will be held 1:30 to 4:30 Sunday and the public is invited.

Each piece is hand shaped and or mouthblown glass and he uses nothing but wet newspaper between his hand and the 2000 degree Fahrenheit molten glass. Each piece is titled, signed and dated, and most pieces display fire-polished bottoms as hallmarks.

The technique used involves melting high quality quarts silica sand from Arkansas and adding soda ash and small quantities of other chemicals to hasten the meltdown process that takes place at 2500 degrees F. He then has molten viscous liquid that rapidly cools to become solid. Every piece is then built from the inside out on the end of a heated blowpipe that must be constantly spinning. This is old world glassblowing with a contemporary flare.

Blankenship layers his colors with an unusual depth that amazes even the seasoned critics. The color used is all glass — nothing is painted on. Putting anything with hot glass which is not also hot glass would cause it to crack. All colors come from Germany where the various chemicals are mixed to make each color. Some pieces have a number of layers.

Blankenship’s shell sculptures utilize 50 layers of glass color and a realism that prompts people to ask where they get the shells. In truth, the shell sculptures are made using molten glass wraps of color and a technique developed by Blankenship to create internal and external ridges on the pure glass shells.

The Ponca City Art Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Historic Homes

Editors Note: Information and text for this story was provided by Bret and Michelle Carter.

Once more it is the time of year for the Candlelight historic house tour, which is slated from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday. Proceeds from the tour are to benefit the Festival of Angels.

Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at any of the homes on tour. Houses on tour include the James J. McGraw home, 400 North Fourth Street; the D.J. Donahoe home, 302 South Seventh Street; the Grover Blackard home, 820 North Fourteenth Street, and the Sills/Duffy home, 221 Virginia Avenue.

Visitors are asked, for walking comfort and for the protection of the beautiful wood floors found in many of this year's homes, to please not wear high-heeled shoes nor any other footwear that many damage the floors.

The wood floors in the homes have been restored at great expense to the homeowners, and their generosity in opening their homes for visitors’ enjoyment should not be repaid by damaging their floors. If visitors must bring small children, keep them under control. Also, please refrain from carrying large bags or bulky coats; while these are large homes, there will be many people in them, and these items may be difficult to control in these conditions. Please, of course, do not touch anything.

The tour guides will have interesting stories to tell, so enjoy what they have to say.

Please remember that parking for the Monger home at 820 North Fourteenth is available only on Elmwood. Park on the north side of the street to allow other cars to pass. The Monger home will be entered easily by way of the back driveway if you park on Elmwood near the intersection of Elmwood and Fourteenth.

This year's Candlelight historic home tour features homes of significant interest. It is particularly interesting to see two of these homes together on the tour because they are connected by so many historic events and people.

The J. McGraw and D. J. Donahoe homes were both built by early Ponca City leaders and boosters. In the years after the land run, McGraw and Donahoe were among the cream of Ponca City society, were related, and, in 1910, built their home.

Both hired prominent Oklahoma architect Solomon Andrew Layton, who had recently designed the State Capitol. Although Layton would later design many other buildings in Ponca City, including E. W. Marland's first home and the original office building at the Marland Refinery (now the Continental Building). These two homes are the earliest known Layton works in Ponca City.

Also, there is the opportunity to tour a home built in the Acre Homes Addition for the family of Charles Sills. This home, lived in by its builder, was loved by the Sills children as a family home.

Another house on our tour is another Roaring Twenties home, this one built for Grover Blackard, an attorney for the Marland concerns. This home expresses the desire by the newly wealthy Marland men for homes that were luxurious and notable.

James J. McGraw home

400 North Fourth Street

This home represents the early pre-Marland era in Ponca City and was built for one of the most prominent citizens of Ponca City — and Oklahoma — at that time. It is significant as a work of Layton — Oklahoma's most prominent and prolific architect — and designer of the State Capital and Governor's Mansion. This 16-room home features many unique features spread out over four floors.

These features include a pool table in the basement that was installed as the house was being built, many original light fixtures, a butler's pantry, individual bathrooms for each bedroom (one has an original cage-shaped needle shower), an interesting entry door with large oval window, a pool table which was placed in the basement as the house was under construction, and a large cast-stone base relief of Classical design over the fireplace.

The house also has a large front porch and two sun rooms. The garage, original to the house, has a turntable (operated manually) that the car was parked upon. Using the turn-table, the car could be turned to face the street — allowing it to be driven straight out to the street for safety. In the basement also can be found a walk-in safe. The home was built in 1910.

McGraw came to Oklahoma at the opening, and attained adulthood in the Ponca City area. He invested $300 as part owner of a grocery store, and from that beginning built a modest fortune.

He was instrumental in the beginning of a local bank which later evolved into First National Bank, owned a local lumber business, invested in the 101 Ranch Oil Company (later Marland Oil), and held oil properties of his own.

During World War I, McGraw led the relief efforts of the Knight of Columbus in Europe, for which he was awarded the French "Cross of the Legion of Honor," the Belgian "Knighthood of the Order of Leopold," and the Catholic "Knight of St. Gregory," which he received from Pope Benedict. Also, McGraw was active in the Republican party on a national level. McGraw and his family moved to Tulsa in 1915, but he remained well-loved in his home town.

After his death in 1928, his body was returned to Ponca City in a bronze casket aboard a train pulled by two draped locomotives. Planes flew overhead, dropping flowers along the route. The funeral service was held in the Civic Center Auditorium.

McGraw is supposedly one of the key characters in the book written by Edward Donahoe, son of D. J. Donahoe, about society in Ponca City during the Marland era.

D. J. Donahoe Home

302 South Seventh

This home also represents the early pre-Marland era in Ponca City and was built for another of the most prominent citizens of Ponca City at that time. The home was also designed by Layton and also built in 1910.

Both the McGraw home and the Donahoe home are of Craftsman/Prairie style, and feature large rooms, detailed wood work, and many other unique features.

The Donahoe home also has the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the only private home in Ponca City so designated.

This home, owned by Glen and Veronia Mair, features an original area rug in the solarium, restored wood work, and the Mairs’ many antiques. The Mairs have worked diligently to restore the home to its original condition, including many “pleasant” hours spent stripping and restoring the woodwork.

Donahoe came to Oklahoma when he was 17. Giving up his original homestead to a man with a family, he started his Oklahoma career in a tent, practicing law. Eventually ending up in Ponca City, he was the owner of the Ponca City Milling Company and had a large amount of real estate investments.

The home was designed in the Craftsman style, and has the characteristic low-pitched gable roof, wide eaves, exposed rafter tails, and porch with columns supporting the roof. Originally designed to have brown brick and purple mortar, the home was built with red brick and gray mortar. Spanish tile was used for the roof.

D.J. Jr., son of the Donahoes, and his brother Edward, grew up in the home. While D.J. Jr. (Dee) eventually took over the family business, his brother Edward caused a local scandal when he wrote a novel supposedly about Ponca City society in the Marland years. The book was called “Madness in the Heart,” and everyone in town thought they could tell who all the characters were meant to portray. The elder Donahoe is alleged to have purchased and burned every copy of the book he could find.

The beautiful home was expanded several times during the Donahoe years, included a solarium and bedroom on the south, and an upstairs sleeping porch on the rear of the home. Also, in about 1921, electricity replaced the original gas lighting.

Visitors are urged not to miss touring this home to enjoy the only privately owned building in Ponca City listed in the National Register of Historic Places — as well as the many beautiful antiques that make it a beautiful home.

The Blackard Residence

820 North Fourteenth

Designed by John Duncan Forsyth of Marland Mansion fame, this Spanish Revival home was built for Blackard, one of Marland's employees. Among it's striking features is the gated drive and arched windows facing Ponca City’s Fourteenth street — features that ensure that the passerby will recognize it as a beautiful and intriguing home.

Forsyth is also recognized as another of Oklahoma's most productive and respected architects. His other Ponca City works include the Marland Mansion, the Post Office and many of the homes of other Marland executives.

The yard, originally landscaped by Marland's landscaper, has an original garden pond — which the R.E. Mongers have restored — and two Japanese lanterns that may have come from the Marland Estate.

From the time you drive through wrought iron gates and see the graceful arched windows of the living room gleaming with light, this home will captivate you with the elegance it was meant to capture.

However, for the tour, please park on the north side of Elmwood, near the intersection of Elmwood and Fourteenth. Entrance to the home is from the back. The facade of the home also has carved lintels over the windows, and the arched living room French doors are separated by twisted columns with Corinthian capitals. The white brick is beautifully contrasted by the red tile roof.

Inside this ornate home, the living room and dining room were designed to be used for entertaining. The French doors, so prominent from the outside, look out over the landscaped front yard, and are highlighted by silver handles.

It must be remembered that in the 1920s, when this home was built, the view included a vista of the Marland Game preserve, located across Fourteenth from this home. Fourteenth, at that time, was lined on the east side with three miles of pink roses.

The upper hall of the home has a barrel vault ceiling over the staircase, and the stairwell has arched windows that appear to climb the stairs with guests. On of the “must see” parts of this tour is the Will Rogers bedroom, decorated with an extensive collection of Will Rogers paintings and memorabilia.

The Sills/Duffy Home

221 Virginia Avenue

This Colonial Revival home is one of the first homes built in Marland Acre Homes Addition. The addition was platted in 1922, and this home was built in 1924. Virginia Avenue is one of only three neighborhoods still lit by the original jazz-era street lights in Ponca City.

The owners have been in touch with the daughter of the first owner, and have learned much of its history from her. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Acree, the current owners, are discriminating antique collectors — which also contributes to the pleasure of touring this home.

The daughter of the original owner has written letters and send pictures to the owners of the home, expressing her love of the house, and all the family memories associated with it.

These stories express that this house was always a home, a description that fits it today. (The Acrees have a son who is about one year old.)

Peggy Sills recalled playing on the sun room porch, the humorous events surrounding the fire that burned the stables behind the home, and the many gatherings of family and friends for croquet on the lawn or games in the basement.

The home features a greenhouse addition, breakfast room, dining room, living room, sun room, and four bedrooms. The Acrees have decorated this family home with beautiful antiques, chosen carefully.

Among the interesting pieces you must see is a grand piano that is said to have come from the Poncan Theatre. Also, the dining room is highlighted by a Duncan Phyffe dining room set in the Directorate style.

The home has many interesting and unique features, too many to mention here, and it beauty is only enhanced by the stories that the family has learned from the little girl who grew up here.

Native American Students Celebrate Heritage Week

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Six powwow assemblies were held at various sites as Native American Heritage Week was celebrated in the Ponca City Schools.

Title IX Indian Education Program of Ponca City Schools and the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) Program of the Ponca Tribe coordinated the activities.

At the powwow assemblies, students performed a Parade In, Ponca Flag Song, war dance, fancy dance, grass dance, straight dance, traditional dance, girls fancy shawl, girls jingle dance and girls cloth dance. More than 80 students in grades kindergarten through 12th participated in the powwows.

The master of ceremonies was Thomas Roughface, and Chris LittleCook was the arena director. Singers were George Alexander, Jim Grant, Kinsel Lieb, Greg Lieb, Oliver Plumley Jr., and Wesley Hudson.

The programs were coordinated by Chris LittleCook, Lucy Kent, Jeana Rush, Nellie Roughface and Jo A. Lessert.

Students participating from Po-Hi were Muffin Arkeketa, Ponca Tribal Princess; Melanie Feathers, Post 38 Princess; Talia Bear, 45th Division Princess; Emily Smith, Lucy McClellan, Theumba Lieb, Catherine SteepRock and Jeana Rush. Mid-High students were Desiree Cook, Meryl Feathers, Diana Grant, Meldeaa Grant, Tisha Hudson, Alicia LeClair, Angel Rhodd, Masheli Robins, Bethany Roughface, Rusti Simpson, Candice Three Stars, Sarah Warrior and Yvonee Warrior.

Also from the Middle School were Kerry LeClair, Aria Lieb, Dena Reveles, Charles Alexander, Chelsie Baldwin, Wesley Bear, Margaret BlueBack, Leslie Hudson, Alma Mendoza, Lila Rough Face, Troyce Shaw, Tosha Gaines, Tina Rhodd, Skylar Matthews, Rocky Enloe, Georgia Gibson, Eva Thomas, Joy Bradley, Sarah BlueBack, Tawney Lena and Amber Hernandez.

Elementary students from Union were Michelle Miner, Eva Thomas, Rachelle Martin, Summer Lieb and Thunder Lieb.

Lincoln students were Lynnette lena, P.J. Hudson, Tanner Rush, Christi Bear, Dena DeRoin, Norita Arkeketa, Billy Shaw, Risa Brown and Shelby Street. Students from Liberty were Donny Grant, Donnie Chalepah, Sky Lieb and Arial Lieb.

Roosevelt students participating were Angie Brown, Charlotte Brown, Martha Brown, Lisa Brown, Annetta LeClair, Charlie Steeprock, Montana Feathers, Hunter Adams, Stacy Adams, Hunter LittleCook, Damon Smith, Mildred Warrior, Chase LittleCook, Keileigh Red Leaf, Kira Mathews and Catherine Rhodd. Also Skylar BlueBack and Rebekah BlueBack, Garfield; and Gabriel Primeaux, Ketha Buffalo Head and Alana Buffalo Head, Washington School.

Preschoolers participating were Trevor Kent, Jeffrey Shaw, Ryan Gomez, Kenny-Boy Alexander and Brianna Rush.

DEATHS

Stanley Wayne Ropp
Leonard A.W. Simmons
Virginia May Pavlik
Jim Wiseman
Doris Ogle
Media Belle Neely
Florence Irene Jones
Dollie G. Honick
Kathryn May White

Stanley Wayne Ropp

TONKAWA — Stanley Wayne Ropp, Tonkawa resident, died Monday, Dec. 7, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 37.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the Tonkawa First Christian Church. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.

Stanley Wayne Ropp was born to Barton W. and Betty L. (Clawson) Ropp on June 17, 1961, in Blackwell. He graduated from Tonkawa High School then completed a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy. After his discharge he returned to Tonkawa and began employment with Conoco in Ponca City, where he was employed until his death. He was a member of the Tonkawa First Christian Church. He enjoyed spending his free time with his children.

Survivors include two sons, Ian and Derek Ropp and one daughter, Laura Ropp all of the home; his parents, Barton Ropp of Wichita, Kan., and Betty Ropp of Ponca City; and two sisters, Debbie Sullivan of Blackwell and Cheryl Caswell of New Orleans, La. He was preceded in death by one sister, Linda Ropp.

Leonard A.W. Simmons

WINFIELD, Kan. — Leonard A.W. Simmons, former Kay County area resident, died Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, 1998, at his home in Winfield, Kan. He was 77.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Miles Funeral Service Chapel in Winfield. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Winfield. Friends may visit at the funeral home from noon to 9 p.m. today and until service time Thursday.

Leonard A.W. Simmons was born Jan. 23, 1921, on a ranch near Sun City, Kan. He was one of 10 children born to Jesse and Reva (Showalter) Simmons. He moved to Kay County as a child, where he received his education. Simmons moved to Burden, Kan., in 1938, where he was employed in farming.

On April 26, 1941, he married Neva Hall in Newkirk and the couple made their first home on a farm near Maple City, Kan. They later lived in Wichita briefly before moving to Winfield, Kan., in 1942. In 1946, they moved to their farm in the Grandview Community north of Winfield. Simmons was a lifelong farmer and stockman. In 1950, he also began employment at Boeing Aircraft Co., in Wichita, Kan, and retired from sheet metal fabrication there in 1983 after more than 32 years of service.

Simmons attended Grandview United Methodist Church and was affiliated with the Rock-Fairview Senior Citizens group. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and driving them in horse-drawn wagons in local parades. He also enjoyed the outdoors, horses, and coyote hunting.

Survivors include his wife, Neva, of the home; three sons, Marion and Max, both of Winfield, and Gary of Burden, Kan.; two brothers, Bob of Winfield and Vernie of Wellington, Kan.; three sisters, Frances Curfman of Ponca City, Freda Fry of Turpin and Darlene Hiltzman of Oxford, Kan.; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Thelma Biddle, Garna Rich and Lucille Thoman; and one brother, Floyd Simmons.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Simmons’ name to Grandview United Methodist Church or Hospice, Inc. c/o Miles Funeral Service, 4001 East Ninth Street, Winfield, KS 67156.

Obituaries

Virginia May Pavlik

Mrs. Virginia May Pavlik, 77, of 1004 Brentwood Drive, died Dec. 5, 1998 at her home after a two month illness with cancer.

A native of Wichita, Kan., Mrs. Pavlik was born Jan. 30, 1921, the daughter of Hal and Myrtie May (Helena) Sidles. She moved to Ponca City at age eight with her mother and sister Juanita Long. After graduating from Ponca City High School, she attended the Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa. She also completed work at the Southwestern School of Commerce here and was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

She married Henry Pavlik on April 10, 1947 in Ponca City. Mr. Pavlik played professional baseball with the Border League in Ogdensburg, N.Y., before they started their family. Mrs. Pavlik worked in the accounting and tax fields for many years. She was always active in her children’s youth activities including Camp Fire and PTA. She was a member of the First Christian Church.

After she and her husband retired in 1985, they became active in the Pioneer Bank Primetimers and traveled extensively throughout the country. Just four days after their return from a trip to Niagara Falls, she was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer.

Surviving are her husband, Henry, of the home, two daughters, Mrs. Jane McDaniel, of Ponca City and Mrs. Linda Lattimore, of Fort Worth, Texas; and three grandchildren, Tom McDaniel, of Ponca City, and Hank and Kate Lattimore, of Fort Worth, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Juanita.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 1998, at the Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Charles Heyer, associate pastor, First Christian Church, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at the home.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Jim Wiseman

Jim Wiseman, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 8, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 91. Survivors include his wife, Nellie Wiseman of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Doris Ogle

Doris Ogle, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 8, 1998, in Ponca City. She was 77. Survivors include her mother Eva Neely of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Media Belle Neely

Media Belle Neely, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 85. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

Funerals

Thursday

Florence Irene Jones

Funeral to be at 10 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in Winfield, Kan.

Dollie G. Honick

Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Burial will be in the Newkirk (Okla.) Cemetery.

Kathryn May White

Funeral to be at 11 a.m. at McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.

NEWS BRIEFS

Trip Plans — PrimeTimers trip for four nights in Las Vegas is being planned. Call Kate, 762-5651, before Dec. 15 for more information.

Donate A new toy and get the Best of HBO package activated

free! Save $10! Great entertainment for these cold winter nights.

Call Cable ONE at 762-6684 for

details. adv.

Legion Meeting — There will be a regular meeting of the American Legion Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Huff-Minor American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue.

Jim Bowen Construction - Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Museum Event —The Christmas open house at the Kaw City Museum will be held 2-5 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Brill Building in Kaw City. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. There will be Christmas music, refreshments and door prizes. Tours of the Brill Building and old depot will be available. For further information call 762-3046.

Master’s Touch. The “Sweet Harmony” concert advertised in

today’s Midweek will be 6-7 p.m., not 7-8 p.m. Please join us! adv.

Young-at-Heart Dance Set — The Young-at-Heart Dance is held every Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley from 7 to 10 p.m. Snack and Hillbilly Night is held the first Thursday of each month. Music by Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys Band.

1999 101 Ranch Old Timers calendars, $10. Linda Rennie, Pio-

neer Bank, 762-5651. adv.

Overstock Sweatshirt Sale — Need a sweatshirt? We have overstocked large sweatshirts at Village Green Print Shop, located in Opportunity Village. Come by and see our large stock, now on sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

WWF Rock Bottom: In your home. Coming to pay per view.

Sunday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m., $29.95. Watch your favorite

wrestling star in your house!! Call 762-6684 to order Cable One!

adv.

Vehicle Burglarized — A man from the 1600 block of Yale reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday that his vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call

the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Sign Blocks Driveway — A man from the 3200 block of Kingston reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday that a speed limit sign was bent over and blocking a driveway. The traffic engineering department was notified to handle the situation.

Nailing the Roadway — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:37 a.m. Tuesday that some nails were on the roadway of the south bound lane of the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and directed traffic around them while the street department cleaned up the hazard.

Accident — An accident in the alley behind 308 South Fourth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, pa-

tios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

CD Player Missing — A person from the 1700 block of Hathaway reported to the Ponca city Police Department at 11:28 a.m. Tuesday that a CD player had been taken from a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country, One half bar-b-q chicken with choice of vegetables, $3.95, Thursday, 4-? p.m. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday that a 23-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, a city warrant for failure to pay, and not using child restraints.

The Vintage Cottage Antiques, 1401 N. Union, continues our big

clearance sale of 50% to 70% off selected items throughout the

shop. Closing out my private collection of over 50 years of time-

less treasures, collectibles, vintage clothing and jewelry, quality antiques, and fascinating memorabilia. Open Wed-Sat from 12:30

to 4 P.M. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:17 p.m. Tuesday that a 29-year-old man was being held for assault and battery.

Sandi Gore Evans, 1999 calendar, $10.95. Carla’s Hallmark,

downtown. adv.

Wallet Stolen — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday to report that a wallet had been stolen from his vehicle while parked at the intersection of East Central Avenue and South Sixth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Butter Braids: Seven flavors, rise and bake, home made flavor,

great gifts. Grand Central Station, 114 South Fifth, 767-8336. adv.

Juvenile Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday that a 15-year-old girl was being held for auto theft.

Pure Water Wagon. 1717 North 5th. Reverse osmosis water. 25

cents a gallon. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fourth Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:21 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned.

Santa Visits in your home. Also, some store and daytime visits

available. For information call 767-1205. adv.

Harassment — A woman from the 200 block of Westbury reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:55 p.m. Tuesday that she had received two harassing telephone calls. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday that a 20-year-old woman was being held on charges of uttering a forged instrument and possession of stolen property.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and

insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Harassment — A woman from the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday that someone was continually driving by and yelling obscenities. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Santa’s Forest Christmas tree farm, 3-1/2 miles west of Ponca

City on Highway 60. Hours: Weekdays 5-8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.- 6

p.m. 765-9441. adv.

Hit and Run — A woman from the 1200 block of South Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:27 p.m. Tuesday that her vehicle had been hit Monday while at 2500 block of Industrial Blvd. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Book House going out of business sale. Huge discounts on all

books, fixtures, and shelving. All used paper backs .50, Thursday,

Friday, Saturday, 9-4, 114 North 3rd Street. adv.

Money Missing — A woman from the 800 block of South Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:46 p.m. Tuesday that someone had stolen some fund raising money. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Total Close Out. Prices reduced near cost. Graham Photo.

201 No. First. adv.

Citations Issued — A man from the 300 block of South Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:05 p.m. Tuesday that some neighbor youngsters were causing a disturbance. An officer was assigned and a report was taken for trespassing and a juvenile citation was issued.

The Gift they remember forever! Now reordering Whirley-Pop

corn poppers in time for Christmas. $21.95 and $29.95. Graphic

Center, 104 N. Third. adv.

Residence Burglarized — A woman from the 2100 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:11 p.m. Tuesday that her residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 2700 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:57 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time. We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Assault — A person was at the Ponca City Police Department at 7:28 p.m. Tuesday to report that an assault had occurred in the 400 block of South Oak Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Camera Repairs. Graham Photo, 201 North First, downtown.

765-4348. adv.

Purse Stolen — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday that her purse had been stolen out of her vehicle while in the 1300 block of Bradley Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

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

8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Fire Run — Units from all of the stations of the Ponca City Fire Department responded to an alarm at 12:49 a.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of South Fourth Street. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department also responded, but it was discovered to be an alarm malfunction.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only

local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and week-

end DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled

Friday, December 18th, and Saturday, December 19th, starting at

5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv.

Tires Flattened — A person in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:38 p.m. Tuesday that all four tires on a vehicle had been flattened and a noise had been heard also from the roof. A report was taken.

Osage Feed and Tack, receiving new inventory daily. Drive

out and save with only 5.5% tax, 3204 East Highway 60. 765-2465.

adv.

Subject Held — A clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:56 p.m. Tuesday that a subject on a bicycle had left north bound on Second Street after taking a 30-pack of beer without paying. Four officers were assigned and arrested the 39-year-old man for public intoxication, destruction of city property, petit larceny, and resisting arrest.

50% Off till Christmas on all clothing and household items

(some items excluded). Twice as Good Thrift Shop, 209 South 2nd.

adv.

Meetings Canceled — The Board of Commissioner’s work session scheduled for Dec. 21 and the Park and Recreation Advisory Board’s Dec. 17 meeting have both been canceled.

Street Closed — Central Street between Fifth and Sixth is closed for several weeks for a project calling for a new sewer line and manholes to accommodate the new fire station. Sober Bros. will be doing the work on the sewer line. The repaving will be handled by the Street Department.

LIFESTYLES

Virginia Starks Is Recognized For Membership
Donald Sheets Will Celebrate 90th Birthday

Virginia Starks Is Recognized For Membership

A Christmas dinner was served to 12 members and seven guests of Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority recently at the home of Fran Smith. Dave Smith gave the blessing.

Following dinner, the group gathered around the Christmas tree to hear Mrs. Smith read “The Birth of Jesus.” Ed Hill portrayed Santa Claus, assisted by the hostess. Virginia Starks was recognized with a certificate for 35 years of membership in Beta Sigma Phi International. The names of secret sisters were revealed and new ones selected.

Guests for the event were Ed Hill, Dean Keating, Jim Rosenbaum, Charles Starks, Dave Smith, Allen Streeter and John Williams.

The next meeting will be Jan. 11 with Ms. Starks. Mrs. Smith will serve as co-hostess. Velma Case will give the program about Ataxia-talangiectasia (a genetic fatal disease for children) which has become a support project of BSP International.

Donald Sheets Will Celebrate 90th Birthday

Friends and family of Donald L. Sheets are invited to attend his 90th birthday celebration. The reception will be held 2-4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Service Bank Community Center in Tonkawa. No gifts are requested.

The event is being hosted by the honoree’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: George Martin and Judy Sheets; Thomas and Julie, Malynn, Jacob and Caleb of Tonkawa; Les and Sara Sheets of Ponca City; Marion Jo and Mona Sheets of Livingston, Texas; Kurt and Tonya Sheets of Houston, Texas; Marcie and Jeremy Sheets of Livingston, Texas.

Donald Lester Sheets was the sixth son born to Mary Lucinda (Louie) and Thomas George Sheets. He was born Dec. 8, 1908 at the farmhouse on the original homestead of Thomas, six miles south of Tonkawa.

Donald attended school through the eighth grade at Valley Center Rural School 1915-1923. He then attended school at Tonkawa UPS, graduating from high school in 1927. He also completed two years of college at Northern Oklahoma Junior College.

In 1929 Donald began farming with his father, and on Aug. 1, 1937, he married the former Ester Rosetta Patterson in Deer Creek at the home of her parents. The couple had two sons, George Martin and Marion Joe Sheets. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets farmed south of Tonkawa for 47 years, retiring in 1976. Mrs. Sheets died in 1994, and the couple’s granddaughter, Loralynn, died in 1985.

SPORTS

Cats Looking For Respect
Lady Cats Shots Do Not Fall
Wildcat Wrestlers Are Big Step Away
Schneeberger Adds to Rodeo Money Winnings

Cats Looking For Respect

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Just three games into the season, the Ponca City Wildcats would like to send a message to those who picked them to finish last in the wild and woolly Frontier Conference:

Fat chance.

The Cats (2-1) prevailed for their second heart-stopping win in a row, Tuesday, holding on to stave off the Broken Arrow Tigers (1-1) in the waning moments, 63-60.

The Tigers are picked to finish sixth in the conference, while last week’s victim, Stillwater, is picked fourth.

“That (last place ranking) means something to these guys,” said coach Ron Arthur, after the game. “It means they’re not getting respect, and they’re taking that to heart.”

Like last Friday, the Cats were determined to give the fans their money’s worth on Tuesday.

Paul Broome hit a 3-pointer to put the Cats up by five, 55-50, with 4:23 left in regulation. A back-and-forth exchange for the next 2 minutes finally gave way to four straight by the Tigers, however, to put the nailbiter into effect.

Rassan Hines got a put-back, and Jon Weeks got a wide open shot to pull the Tigers to within one, 61-60 with 42 seconds left in the game. The Cats were then fouled in transition, but missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw, and with 12 seconds left in the game the Tigers were set up for the game-winning basket.

“I told them at the timeout that this was the biggest defensive stop of their lives,” said Arthur. “We had to put pressure on them.”

And the Cats — most notably Kris Shores — did just that, keeping the Tigers dribbling on the perimeter until point guard Bryan Burton was whistled for traveling.

Nathan Zimmerman then inbounded the ball safely to Blake Geubelle, who was fouled with one second left. Geubelle hit both shots from the line, putting the Cats up by three. The second of those ricocheted off the backboard, hard, and rattled through the hoop.

“He was supposed to miss the second one,” Arthur laughed. “I’ll never tell someone to miss a free throw, but Broome talked me out of it. I’m always open for suggestions. We wanted (Broken Arrow) to catch the ball and not have time to call a timeout.”

As it is, the Tigers got the ball back with a second remaining. Burton ended the game, however, slicing a deep pass into the stands.

In the first half, though five straight points from Tom Engle led the Cats to a 14-point lead, late, the Tigers quickly closed that gap. With a 13-2 run in the final 2:30, including a 3-point bucket by Burton at the buzzer, the Tigers closed to within three, 34-31, at halftime.

The Cats also had another less-than-desirable third quarter, getting outscored 16-8 on 2-of-9 shooting from the field to fall behind 47-40.

“We were a little dead at halftime,” said Arthur. “We had no intensity in the third, and that’s what our fourth quarter talk was about. We said ‘where’s that emotion, that Wildcat pride?’”

The Cats took that little pep-talk to heart in the fourth quarter. Engle started off by grabbing a rebound and dishing off to Broome, who banged down a three. Engle then got one of his own to tie the game at 48-all, and Zimmerman added an inside bucket to put the Cats up for good.

The Cats were 23-of-59 from the field, for 39 percent, while the Tigers were 20-of-44, for 45 percent. The biggest statistic, however, was in the turnovers column: the Cats had just 12, while forcing 22 from the Tigers.

Engle led the Cats with 16 points, while Broome had 15. Scott Larrison had 8, Shores and Jeff Furnas had 6 each, Geubelle had 4, Zimmerman and Jeremiah Payne had 3 each, while Craig Thilsted had 2. Zimmerman also dragged down 10 rebounds.

The Tigers were led by Tony Smith with 17 (including 9-of-9 from the line), Burton had 14, while Hines had 9.

Lady Cats Shots Do Not Fall

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Ah, to score! perchance to win!

Though they took more shots, had fewer turnovers and out-rebounded the Lady Tigers 37-28, the Lady Wildcats couldn’t get the ball in the hoop Tuesday night, falling in the final minutes to preseason state ranked No. 6 Broken Arrow (3-2, 1-1), 41-36.

The Lady Cats (0-3) went good on just 14-of-56 from the field, for 25 percent, thwarting what was proved to be a thrilling defensive effort.

“We looked a lot better tonight,” said coach Dana Pulley. “We fought until the end, and I told them that if they kept playing hard, the shots would come.

“Unfortunately, they didn’t. . . but I do believe it will come around, eventually.”

Down by eight, 33-25, in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter, the Lady Cats raced back into the game behind a pair of 3-pointers by Desiree Cries For Ribs. The Lady Cats’ low trap then forced a turnover, and Romi Foreman drove the baseline for a layup, putting the Lady Cats within two, 36-34.

That’s as close as it would get for the Poncans, however.

After Broken Arrow star Octavia Holmes hit the back end of a pair of free throws, she nabbed a steal at half court and dished off to Lindsay Williams, who drew an intentional foul. After a combined 2-of-11 free throw shooting for both teams in the final period, Williams then sank both, putting the Lady Tigers up by five.

The Lady Tigers then concluded the game by hitting 2-of-6 from the charity stripe.

Though WBBZ’s Phil Turney wasn’t on hand to give Player of the Game accolades, on-hand colorman Craig Vannest and other media personnel were unanimous on who was deserving of the award. Junior Alana Smith, just 5-6, was everywhere at once in the closing minutes, grabbing an unbelievable six (6) offensive rebounds in the fourth period. Smith led the Lady Cats’ aggressive board-crashing show, picking up 10 in the game. Laura Sudbury also attacked the boards hard, dragging down nine.

Though Smith finished with just five points on 2-of-12 shooting, most of those missed shots fell short of the hoop.

“She was just so tired,” said Pulley. “And she really gave us a chance there.

“I’ve always said that rebounding comes down to one person wanting it more than the other — and we wanted them tonight.”

Early in the game, the Lady Cats fell behind 19-7 in the first quarter behind a 13-point effort by Holmes. A weak, 2-point effort from both teams in the second quarter left the Poncans down at halftime, 21-9.

But the Lady Cats came roaring back. A 14-8 advantage in the third quarter, including four points by Tia Williams and a 3-pointer by Jena Birdsong at the buzzer drew the Poncans to within six, 29-23.

Cries For Ribs led the Lady Cats with 12 points, followed by Williams with 6, while Aleena Ames, Gina Hile, Sudbury, and Foreman each had 2.

Holmes had 14 for the Lady Tigers, followed by Williams with 7, and Kelli Braitsch with 4. The Lady Tigers were 15-of-39 from the field, for 38 percent, and had 22 turnovers to the Lady Cats’ 20.

The Lady Cats will hit the road on Friday, traveling to Sapulpa. Tip off will be at 7:45.

Wildcat Wrestlers Are Big Step Away

BY FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

BROKEN ARROW — Wildcat wrestling coach Todd Steidley says the Wildcats are just a step behind programs like Broken Arrow’s.

But it’s a big step as was shown Tuesday night when Broken Arrow won all of the close matches to post a 58-6 decision.

“We had a chance to win seven matches,” Steidley said afterwards. “We’re getting close, but right now Broken Arrow is here (holding his hand about head high) while we’re here (hand at waist level).”

Several things are holding the Cats back. They lost one wrestler to eligibility this week and probably lost 160-pounder Kyle Duren for an unknown period of time with an ankle sprain suffered in his match with Broken Arrow’s Mark Gibsons.

Those are two of the matches Steidley felt they could have won.

As it was, the only points the Poncans put on the board came when 125-pounder Josh Bailey pinned Broken Arrow’s Danny Haas. Bailey as leading 5-2 when he rolled Haas to his back and got the fall in 3:50.

But there were several matches which were decided by three points or less.

It started when junior Shawn Lee dropped a close 5-2 decision to senior Donny Wartluft, a two-year starter for the Tigers. Then Clint Stafford lost a 4-3 decision to Josh Pulsifer on a late score by the Broken Arrow grappler.

Duren injured his ankle in the third period against BA state placer Gibson with the score tied 1-1. Duren tried to continue on one leg but Gibson got a takedown at the buzzer for a 3-1 win.

At 189 pounds, a second-period escape by Tigers seniors Justin Snider was the only points in a battle with Ponca City junior Jeremy Leavitt.

Broken Arrow did get falls at 140, 145 and 215 pounds along with a major decision at 135 to pad the scoring.

Ponca City also gave up two forfeits. Steidley decided to send sophomore 103-pounder Demont Swindell to a JV tournament rather than send him against Broken Arrow USA National runner up Eric Hopkins.

Steidley also elected to keep heavyweight Justin Burns off the mat because of a back ailment.

“We brought Justin in case the match came down to that,’ the coach said. “But it didn’t”

The Wildcats get another test Thursday as they travel to Edmond Memorial.

Memorial lost 49-23 to No. 4 ranked Midwest City Tuesday night when the Bombers got two falls and a forfeit in the final three matches.

RESULTS

Broken Arrow 58, Ponca City 6

103 — Hopkins (BA) fft

112 — Cline (BA) p. Brotherton, 5:59

119 — Wartluft (BA) d. Lee, 5-2

125 — Bailey (PC) p. Haas, 3:50

130 — Pulsifer (BA) d. Stafford, 4-3

135 — Hall (BA) md Bailey, 11-1

140 — Maturino (BA) p. Littleton, 3:50

145 — Phillips (BA) p. Steichen, 3:32

152 — Fleming (BA) d. Osborn, 8-2

160 — Gibson (BA) d. Duren, 3-1

171 — Smith (BA) d. RedLeaf, 7-0

189 — Snider (BA) d. Leavitt, 1-0

215 — Frazier (BA) p. Neurenburg, :56

Hwt — Phillips (BA)

Schneeberger Adds to Rodeo Money Winnings

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Ponca City’s Jerome Schneeberger has added to his money winnings in the $4.2 million National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas and Mack Center.

Schneeberger was fourth in the fifth go-around of the calf roping competition Tuesday. He was timed in 7.8 seconds, just three-tenths of a second, behind Tuesday’s leaders Jeff Chapman, Athens, Texas, and Ricky Hyde, Conway, Ark.

He won $3,744 on the night.

Schneeberger hasn’t broken into the top six in average. That is led by Cody Ohl, Stephenville, Texas, with a total 42.6 seconds on five head. Hyde is fourth (50.0) behind Ricky Canton, Cleveland, Texas, (47.4) and Rusty Sewalt, Comstock, Texas, (49.9).

However, Schneeberger has risen to No. 5 on the season PCRA money list with a total of $86,920.

The leader in money, as he has for most of the year, is Ohl with $175,958. Second is Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas, $111,022 followed by Trent Walls, Stephenville, Texas, $91,475 and Hyde., $90,061.

The National Finals Rodeo is scheduled to run through this weekend.