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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Monday, December 14, 1998 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALCommissioners Appoint Countryman New Sheriff Commissioners Appoint Countryman New SheriffBy MARK GALVIN News Staff Writer NEWKIRK — The Kay County Commissioners today named Undersheriff Craig Countryman as the replacement for retiring Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen, who will leave office Jan. 1. The board interviewed six candidates individually for the post this morning in an executive session before announcing the appointment, which will allow Countryman to fill the remaining two years of Van Hoesen’s four-year term. After two elections and six years as sheriff, Van Hoesen, 66, announced last month he wanted to retire to enjoy family life. The decision is the third in a series of promotions for Countryman since a year ago, when as senior deputy he was picked by the sheriff for the supervisory role of chief criminal deputy to replace former deputy Rodney Meeks. He was promoted again in April to undersheriff to fill the vacancy left by the November 1997 death of Sid Cookerly, who had been undersheriff since Van Hoesen took office in 1993. A 1972 Po-Hi graduate, Countryman served 11 years as a field deputy and investigator in Kay County. He previously spent 10 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department’s tactical and mounted patrol units. Countryman today said he was relieved the selection process was over. “We’ve got a good system of law enforcement in place and I want to continue that,” he said. “And as in everything, there’s room for improvement.” Along with Countryman, the county commissioners this morning scheduled interviews with five other candidates for the post. The other candidates were Carl Cartlidge, Al Enderud, Jim Henley, Jimmie Lee Robins and Roger Sixkiller. Van Hoesen, when announcing his retirement last month, said he thought his departure might be good for the office, citing advances in technology and new ideas in criminology that someone new could introduce. “I’d like to think I’ve made some contributions to the department, and at the same time, a shot of adrenalin with someone younger may be just what the department needs,” he said. Today, Countryman mentioned a good improvement to the department will be a computerized booking procedure in the detention facility to enhance a system currently done by hand. Pioneer Tech Center Board Meets TuesdayBoard members from Pioneer Technology Center will meet Tuesday night to discuss the 1997-98 audit report from Jerry Putnam. Also included on the agenda is the discussion of the Small Business Management Training Program from Pam Dickerson. Meeting dates for the 1999 school year will be discussed along with all short-term and temporary contracts. Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent, will inform the board on the upcoming bond election and mill election on Feb. 9, 1999, and a review of S&S Janitorial Services. The resignation of Ken Kliewer, Student Services Director, will also be discussed. Brass Quintet To Play Holiday Concert SundayThe Bravo Brass Quintet will present a dynamic holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. Timothy McFadden, spokesperson for the group and principal trumpet for the Tulsa Philharmonic, promises an afternoon of fun for all ages. “Jingle Bells,” “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Up on the Rooftop” are certain to be favorites with the young audience members. Other holiday selections will include such cherished melodies as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” Sponsored by Conoco and the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, concert admission is free. Dennis Awe Will Inspire Awe At the Poncan Theatre TonightDennis Awe can and often does play any kind of music you can imagine. When he comes to the Poncan Theatre to play the organ, don’t expect him to follow a printed program. The incredible performer begins his show at 7:30 this evening in the Poncan Theatre on Grand. Awe has announced that he will play swing era music along with Broadway and Hollywood music. But he loves to adapt to the audience, and he does it like no one else. He likes to appraise an audience’s wishes, and since he has a vast repertoire of music that he can play from memory, he may just pull music out of the hat to suit the circumstances. Asked what it takes for a solo performer to make quick changes like that, he quickly blurts out “guts.” And then he laughs. Most musicians play in an ensemble. Most musicians play relatively prepared concerts. But Awe can, if he chooses, play an entire concert by deciding what he’ll play after he walks on stage. It truly is an awe-inspiring thing to watch. Awe says he has more ability to adapt now than in recent years because of the amazing flexibility of new, hi-tech advances in organ technology. “New organs do so much more than instruments from even a few years ago,” he says. He will be playing one of the most advanced digital organs generally available, a Technics instrument. He says he truly can make you think you’re listening to a full orchestra, for instance. His swing era music will be authentic because he has worked with the musicians of some of the great bands, including Glenn Miller, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman, and others. He uses authentic orchestrations to give the flavor of genuineness to his work. Dennis Awe’s concert is a benefit for the Salvation Army and AMBUCS, who will use the proceeds to help the needy during the holiday season. The concert is sponsored by Miles Music. Admission is free to the concert, but donations are requested to go to charity. For more information about the event, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre or Miles Music. DEATHSDorothy D.K. Carruth Dorothy D.K. CarruthDorothy D.K. Carruth, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday afternoon, Dec. 12, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 56. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15, 1998, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Heslip, minister of education at the First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Dorothy D.K. Carruth was born Sept. 4, 1942, in Ponca City, the daughter of Carrol Bill “Woody” and Rose (Hall) Montgomery. She attended St. Mary’s School in Ponca City. On Feb. 14, 1959, she was married to Alva Wyatt Carruth in Ponca City. She worked as a waitress for Jean’s Cafe and for Furr’s Cafeteria. She was a collector of Elvis memorabilia. She is survived by two sons, Jimmy Carruth and Richard Carruth, both of Ponca City; a daughter, Brenda Lawler of Ponca City; four brothers, Tom, Mack and Jack Montgomery, all of Ponca City, and C.B. “Junior” Montgomery of Sarasota, Fla.; and eight grandchildren. In addition to her parents, two brothers, Jim and Robert Montgomery, preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. Bertha Lee EvansBLACKWELL — Bertha Lee Evans, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 1998, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 84. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1998, at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev Charles Ryser of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at the Blackwell Cemetery. Bertha Lee Evans was born Nov. 12, 1914, in Chanute, Kan., the daughter of Charles Louis and Nora Belle (Taylor) Hackler. She moved with her family to Blackwell at the age of five where she grew up, attending Blackwell public schools. She married Sherman Edgar Evans on Nov. 10, 1930, in Perry, and they settled in Blackwell. In 1952, they moved to Winfield, Kan., living there until 1965 when they moved to Wellington, Kan. They returned to Blackwell in 1967, following her husband’s retirement. Her husband preceded her in death Aug. 11, 1968, and she remained in Blackwell. Evans attended the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell, and she enjoyed reading. She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Fetters of Blackwell, Dorothy Hill of Wichita, Kan., and Charlene Canedy of Augusta, Kan.; one son, Jerry Evans of Winfield, Kan.; one sister, Agnes Eppes of Moore; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and various nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Arthur Lee Evans and three sisters, Rosa Gartner, Bobbie Hurst and Ethel Hurst. Casket bearers will be Chris Fetters, Mark Hill, David Canedy, Craig Canedy, Chase Fetters, Scott Gerboth, Stuart Schale and Ross Day. Reatha McPhersonABILENE, Texas — Reatha McPherson, resident of Abilene, Texas, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998, in Abilene, Texas. She was 88. A local graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Tonkawa under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home. A funeral will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel in Abilene, Texas, with the Rev. Mike Woodard officiating. Reatha McPherson was born July 5, 1910, in McAlester, the daughter of Edmond Dean and Izzie Lee (Brewer) Dean. She is survived by one son, Robert McPherson of Abilene, Texas, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. William H. Alexander Jr.SHIDLER — William H. “Bill” Alexander Jr., longtime resident of the Shidler community, died Friday evening, Dec. 11, 1998, at his home. He was 67. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1998, at the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City with the Rev. Harold Bone of the Shidler United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. William H. “Bill” Alexander Jr. was born Jan. 9, 1931, in Ochelata, the son of William H. Alexander Sr. and Laura (Cain) Alexander. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1950. He entered the United States Army in April of 1951, transferring to the Army Reserve in April of 1953. He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve on Nov. 16, 1956. Alexander married Ruth Marie Myers on April 18, 1953, at Bloomingdale, N.J. The couple made their first home in Pampa, Texas, later living in Borger, Texas, before moving back to Shidler in 1956. He was employed as an oil field worker with the Phillips Petroleum Company for 35 years, retiring in 1986. He enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife of the home; two sons, Danny Ray Alexander of Shidler, and Joe Alexander of Houston, Texas; three brothers, Hugh Alexander of Hulah Lake; Wallace Alexander of Calif., and Melvin Alexander of Bartlesville; two sisters, Lenora Whitechurch of Bartlesville, and Helen Peterman of Stillwater; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Alexander; and one sister Lois Gammie. Honorary casket bearers will be Jeff Harbeson, Bill Lowther, Dwight Bruner, L.G. “Pinky” Stone, Pat Patton, James Wilhelm, Roy Long and Danny Alberty. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Shidler United Methodist Church, Shidler, Okla. 74652. ObituariesEthel May HarrisEthel May Harris, Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Dec. 10, 1998, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. She was 84. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, at St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. William Bonee, pastor, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid. Ethel was born on Nov. 11, 1914, in Kiowa, Kan., the daughter of George and Georgia M. (Hull) Wright. Ethel was married to Walter Eugene (Gene) Martin on June 26, 1933, at Medicine Lodge, Kan. To this union there were born eight children — five boys and three girls. Walter died Aug. 10, 1966, in Enid after a lengthy illness. Ethel remained in Enid, supporting herself by working in the housekeeping department of St. Mary’s Hospital; she later took a course in practical nursing at O.T. Autry Vo-Tech. She then continued working at the hospital as an LPN until her retirement in May of 1979. She was married to Merrill L. Harris of Ponca City on May 12, 1979, in Millington, Tenn., and the couple made their home in Ponca City. Ethel was a member of St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene in Ponca City. She was a volunteer with Hospice of Ponca City for several years until her husband’s failing health necessitated her resignation. Her husband, Merrill, passed away on April 16, 1995. Her hobbies included handicrafts, church activities and traveling. She leaves five sons, Darrel Martin of Oklahoma City, Kenneth Martin, Charles Martin and Tom Martin Sr., all of Enid, and Harry Martin of Wichita, Kan.; three daughters, Beth Tappen and Pamela Morgaridge, both of Enid, and Karen Smith of Blanchard; one stepson, Arlen Harris of Mannford; one stepdaughter, Shirley Bell of Ponca City; two brothers, Marvin Wright of Platte City, Mo., and Vernon Wright of Wichita, Kan.; three sisters, Leta Schwanz of Caldwell, Idaho, Juanita Akers of Anacortes, Wash., and Joyce Miller of Merced, Calif.; 31 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. In addition to both husbands, her parents, two stepsons and three sisters preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74602. paid obituary Juanita L. AllenJuanita Allen, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, Dec. 11, 1998, at Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 86. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, in the Chapel of Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Dick Simpson, Don Potter, Isaac Coutre, Zachary Coutre, Richard Coutre and Jeremy Coutre. Honorary casket bearers will be Michael Adkins, Bill Murphy, Eddie Griffith, and Toby Griffith. Juanita was born April 21, 1912, in Chouteau. She was the daughter of John Francis and Josie (Brown) Adkins. After her marriage to Lemuel Allen, the couple moved to Ponca City. They owned and operated a shoe repair shop on West Grand for many years. She was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include her brother, Earl Adkins, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601. paid obituary FuneralsTuesdayJoy L. CopelandFuneral will be held 1:30 p.m. at the Bryant-Christians Funeral Home in Great Bend, Kan., with the Rev. William Johnston officiating. Burial will follow in the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be up to the time of service. WednesdayEdward Leon GreenFuneral will be 10 a.m. in the West Funeral Home in Carlsbad, N.M. Burial will follow in the Sunset Garden Memorial Park in Carlsbad, N.M. Services PendingCharles G. SandersCharles G. Sanders, Ponca City area resident, died late Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998, at his home. He was 67. Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. Donald W. FlemingDonald Wayne Fleming, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998, at his home, 512 North Lake. He was 59. Survivors include three sons, Ford, Cameron and Trent Fleming. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, W.D. SimmonsW.D. “Bill” Simmons, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, Dec. 14, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 95. Survivors include his wife Thelma “Bobbie” of the home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. NEWS BRIEFSTitle IX Meeting — Frontier Title IX meeting will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Commons Area. All parents, teachers and students are welcome. 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. NPO Dickerson in Pacific — Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class William B. Dickerson, son of Harley B. and Elizabeth L. Dickerson of 611 Boulder, Pawnee, recently departed on a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian oceans and Arabian Gulf while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, home ported in Bremerton, Wash. He is one of more than 11,000 Pacific Fleet Sailors and Marines departing their homes and bases aboard the ships of the USS Carl Vinson Battle Group, comprised of seven surface combatants, two submarines and 10 aircraft squadrons. Carriers, like USS Carl Vinson, are forward deployed around the world to maintain a U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis. The 1990 graduate of Pawnee High School joined the Navy in March 1995. 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. Vehicle Vandalism — At 9:43 a.m. Saturday a woman in the 1000 block of Riviera Drive contacted police regarding her vandalism of her vehicle. Rummage Galore Beanie Babies, Princess, other bears, Furbie. Maxine’s Yesteryears 320 N. Union. Open 1:00- 4:00 adv. Decoration Destruction — At 9:35 a.m. Sunday a woman in the 300 block of South Osage Street contacted police regarding the vandalism of Christmas decorations. Extra police patrol was requested. Building Vandalism — Police were notified at 9:58 a.m. Saturday that the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand Avenue, had been vandalized during the night. An officer was assigned. Total Close Out. Prices reduced near cost. Graham Photo. 201 No. First. adv. Stolen Bike — At 11:45 a.m. Saturday a woman in he 500 block of North Elm Street contacted police regarding a stolen bike. 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 res- ervations and information. adv. Accident — A minor accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 12:32 p.m. Saturday. Instant Passport pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765- 4348. adv. Threats — A man in he 800 block of South Twelfth Street notified police at 1:41 p.m. Saturday that he had been threatened. An officer was assigned. 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. Accident — A vehicular accident at North Fourteenth Street and Shirlee Avenue was reported to police at 2:12 p.m. Saturday. Vehicle Egging — At 2:31 p.m. Saturday a man in the 1700 block of Bradbary Lane reported to police that his vehicle had been “egged.” Assault — Police were called to the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue at 4:01 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report of an assault. Minor Accident — A minor accident in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to police at 4:46 p.m. Saturday. Bike Theft — A man in the 200 block of South Sunset Street contacted police at 5:05 p.m. Saturday regarding the theft of a bicycle. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue was reported to police at 6:39 p.m. Saturday. Extra Patrol — At 8:53 p.m. Saturday extra police patrol was requested in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street due to vandalism. Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 9:50 p.m. Saturday from the Fourth Street Clubhouse for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and speeding. Rock Thrown — A woman in the 400 block of South Lincoln contacted police at 10:25 p.m. Saturday after a rock had been thrown through the window of her home. An officer was assigned and a report on destruction of private property was taken. Accident — At 11:09 p.m. Saturday a minor accident in the 300 block of South Oak Street was reported to police. Arrest — Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 1:11 a.m. Sunday from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street for driving under the influence. Arrest — A 35-year-old woman was arrested at 2:01 a.m. Sunday from Hazel Avenue and West Highland Avenue for driving under the influence, driving left of center and no driver’s license. Possible Gunshots — At 2:37 a.m. Sunday a woman called police reporting hearing gunshots coming from the 400 block of South Birch Street. However, police were unable to locate anything. Stolen Vehicle — A vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Lake Street at 11:58 a.m. Sunday. The car was later recovered. Windows Broken — At 1:20 p.m. Sunday a man reported windows had been broken at A to Z Machinery, 1212 West Liberty Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. False Alarm — Fire units responded to a report of a house fire at 2:29 p.m. Sunday in the 700 block of North Fifth Street. However the fire was found to be only a fire burning in a fireplace. Injury Accident — One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 3:01 p.m. Sunday after sustaining injuries in a two-vehicle accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue. Accident — A backing accident in the 500 block of North Osage Street was reported to police at 5:13 p.m. Sunday. Stuck Hand — At 5:24 p.m. Sunday rescue units were requested at the Municipal Airport after a child reportedly had gotten her hand stuck in a candy machine. Accident — A two-vehicle accident at North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue was reported to police at 5:48 p.m. Sunday. Window Shot — At 7:50 p.m. Sunday police were called to the 500 block of South Lincoln after receiving a report of a window of a residence being shot. Diesel Drive-Off — At 7:54 p.m. Sunday a $62.56 diesel drive-off at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, was reported. Arrest — Police arrested a 19-year-old man at 8:41 p.m. Sunday from South First Street and Cherry Avenue for driving under the influence, transporting an open container and speeding. Theft — A clerk at the Citgo, 200 East Highland Avenue, contacted police at 9:15 p.m. Sunday after a boy had reportedly stolen a soft drink and a carton of cigarettes. Stolen Ornaments — A woman in the 10 block of Stoneridge Road advised police at 9:33 p.m. Sunday that ornaments had been stolen from her yard. Card Credit Theft — A woman in the 400 block of South Sixth Street contacted police at 9:55 p.m. Sunday regarding a stolen credit card. Stolen Dog — A man in the 1000 block of Riviera Avenue contacted police at 10:24 p.m. Sunday reporting a missing dog. Injury Accident — At 11:27 p.m. Sunday police were contacted by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reporting that they were treating a victim injured in an earlier accident in the 900 block of West Highland Avenue. Gunshots — Police were advised at 12:01 a.m. Monday that gunshots had been heard in the 900 block of South Fourth Street. An officer was assigned. Just The Right Place — If you have any items to sell, or a function to tell about, the Ponca City News Briefs column may just fit your needs. Give the office a call to determine whether you wish to place an item in the News Briefs. It just takes a couple of minutes, and you may save a lot of money. Just call 765-3311 to inquire about the possibilities. LIFESTYLESIn Time for Yule Giving in 1998 In Time for Yule Giving in 1998By WILLIAM SCHIFFMANN Associated Press Writer Editor’s Note: Video Game Review: The best of the best for 1998 If you love video games as much as I do, this has been a year to remember. Every year I pick my Top 10 favorite games, and I always like to make it clear up-front that I draw from games I’ve played. If your favorite isn’t here, that doesn’t mean I think it stinks. It just means I didn’t get to play it. That said, let’s see my list, starting with No. 10. 10. One of the best of the year is a spinoff from Nintendo’s Mario empire. Yoshi’s Story for the N64 isn’t Mario 64, but in a gaming world increasingly focused on three dimensions, it provided excellence in 2-D, with beautiful control and graphics and a simple story line and gameplay that makes this a perfect choice for the younger gamers on your list. 9. Next is another N64 beauty, WWF War Zone from Acclaim. Wrestling holds a cherished place in the hearts of many Americans, and this uniquely American form of entertainment makes for a fabulous gaming experience, with excellent graphics, solid gameplay and a ton of body-slamming fun. 8. Sony drove home a winner with GT for the Playstation. This fabulous racing game features dazzling graphics, almost 200 finely detailed cars to choose from, gorgeous tracks and a feeling of realism that makes you feel you actually are ready to go racing. 7. Almost everybody loves puzzles, and my favorite is Ocean’s Wetrix for the N64. Wetrix, an unusual, entertaining and challenging brain-and-finger twister, forces you to make lakes faster than falling bubbles can fill them, earthquakes can knock them down and fireballs and bombs can destroy them. 6. Most games are hard to improve on, but Gex: Enter the Gecko from Crystal Dynamics for the PSX, takes the lovable, wiseacre lizard you enjoyed last year and puts him in a fabulous 3-D world of lush graphics, hundreds of amusing one-liners and huge areas to explore. It’s tail time! 5. For the best in high-speed shooting, I loved N2O from Fox Interactive for the PSX. With a tip of the hat to the legendary Tempest, N2O takes you speeding around tubular circuits, blasting away, with brilliant colors, dazzling neon explosions, tour-de-force lighting effects and a fascinating variety of enemies and the weapons to destroy them. 4. For a more traditional racing experience, I loved NASCAR 99 from EA Sports for the N64. This has everything for racing lovers — 37 real drivers, accurate cars and 17, count ’em, 17 tracks to run on. Dump the boring announcers — or shut them off — and NASCAR 99 is pretty near perfect. 3. Insomniac has a winner in Spyro the Dragon, a marvelously engrossing PSX game that’s a perfect choice for kids. Guide Spyro on a wonderful journey to free his fellow dragons and find stolen treasure across half a dozen colorfully detailed worlds. 2. For the older set, my vote goes to the spooky, creepy MediEvil, Sony’s 3-D PSX action-adventure game featuring Sir Daniel Fortesque, who arises from the dead to battle the gruesome armies of the evil sorcerer Zarok. Puzzles, items hidden in the most inconvenient places, dark and eerie graphics, incredible bosses — MediEvil is video game excellence. 1. My choice for best game of the year is a latecomer. Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released last month by Nintendo for the N64, but it took the top spot without challenge. This wonderful RPG adventure features incredible 3-D graphics, vast worlds to explore, devilish puzzles and amazing adventures. If you don’t have Zelda, you’re missing something very special — maybe the best console game of all time. For the best of the rest, take a look at these games, just a cut below the Top 10. — Crash Bandicoot: Warped, Naughty Dog, PSX — Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi, Lucas Arts, PSX — Need for Speed 3, EA, PSX — Madden 99, EASports, PSX — Banjo-Kazooie, Rare, N64 SPORTS1998 Not a Bad Year For Schneeberger 1998 Not a Bad Year For SchneebergerLAS VEGAS, Nev. — It’s been a good year for Ponca City’s Jerome Schneeberger. The rodeo performer got married, is buying a home in Weatherford where his new wife will be finishing up her college career and he just finished in the top 10 for the year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Crown Royal calf roping standings. Schneeberger finished sixth in Sunday’s final go-around of the National Finals Rodeo. That won him $828. A small amount by National Finals standards, it was enough to put him in 12th place for the 10 round of the National Finals and bring his Las Vegas winnings to $30,659.42. That total gave him $87,747.89 in winnings on the year, enough for tenth place in the unofficial Crown Royal standings. Schneeberger, a two-time Collegiate Rodeo champion calf roper, is in just his third year on the professional rodeo circuit. Yet this was his second appearance in the NFR which brings the top 15 money winners in each event to Las Vegas. The top money winner on the season in calf roping was Cody Ohl, Stephenville, Texas, who won $222,794. The other top-five placers were Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas, $154,883; Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., $117,994; Joe Beaver, Huntsville, Texas, $105,719; and Herbert Theriot, Poplarville, Miss., $104,667. Lady Cougars Take Tourney In Sand SpringsSAND SPRINGS — The Mid High ninth grade Lady Cougars upped their season record to a perfect 6-0 over the weekend, winning back to back games to take the title in the Sand Springs Tournament. On Friday, the Lady Cougars flew past Tulsa Bishop Kelly, 38-20, and returned on Saturday to double-up Muskogee, 52-25, in the championship game. “It was a good tournament,” said coach John Maddox. “We held everyone in the 20’s and scored pretty well. That’s what it’s all about. “This is a good group of girls. They have good skills, good court sense.” In Friday’s semifinal, the Lady Cougars leapt to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter. Though Bishop Kelly equaled them with six in the second period, the Lady Cougars went on to outscore their foes 20-12 in the second half to take the win. Jenna Wedd and Amanda Ingram had 8 points each, Jamie Neal and Vikki Hadley-Howe had 6 each, Amanda Summers and Mallory Hodge had 4 each, while Kristen Seibert had 2. On Saturday, the Lady Cougars again leapt to a big lead in the first quarter, 17-2, and again found themselves paced by the opposition with nine each in the second quarter. A huge, 20-8 advantage for the Poncans in the third, however, put the game away. Wedd led the Lady Cougars with 18 points, followed by Hadley-Howe with 8, Neal and Jamie Leach had 6 each, Hodge and Summers had 5 each, while Courtney Birdsong and Seibert had 2 each. The Lady Cougars are off until January 5, when they’ll face Enid Waller.
Copyright© Ponca City News, 1998 |