LOCAL

Broken Arrow Schools After Ponca City Superintendent
School Board to Declare Stalcup Position Vacant
Inhofe Fought to Retain Control of Canal
Special Meeting Set Thursday By PCUA, City
Blackwell Church Living Nativity Set
Oklahoma Book Award Competition Deadline Set
Letter - Seeking Successful Sports Teams at Po-Hi
Letter - A Letter to the American People

Broken Arrow Schools After Ponca City Superintendent

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, has been notified that he is one of two finalists for the superintendent post with the Broken Arrow Public Schools. The final decision on the new superintendent will be made at the January meeting of the Broken Arrow Board of Education.

White confirmed that fact this morning, but attempted to downplay the possibility by saying he has been invited on several different occasions to interview for vacant superintendent positions and was even a semifinalist for the top position for Edmond Public Schools two years ago.

“Interviewing for other positions is not unusual because there is a shortage of superintendents in the state,” White explained. “No final decisions about the [#Broken Arrow] job have been made.

“I also don’t know if it’s appropriate for me and my family to leave Ponca City right now,” White added. “I have made several recommendations for school improvement including the bond projects and proposed trimester scheduling. School improvement must occur whether I’m here or not.

“The entire staff at the high school, including the Building Level Team (BLT) at the high school, and several other admin-

School Board to Declare Stalcup Position Vacant

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The Ponca City Board of Education position currently held by Steve Stalcup will be declared vacant at the Dec. 20 meeting of the Board of Education.

School officials announced that Stalcup bought a house outside the boundaries of the Office 6 paraments and that the post must become vacant by state law. Stalcup has been a board member since 1994.

Stalcup agrees with the decision. “Once you move out of your boundary, you vacate your position. I think it will be good for somebody else to run and serve their time for the community,” he said.

Under the new state law, once a board member moves out of the boundaries of a ward, the seat must become vacant immediately.

The Ponca City Board of Education has two options in filling the vacant position. It can call a special election, which will cost the district money, or it can name someone to the spot until the term is fulfilled. The board has opted for the latter in past years.

If the board decides to appoint someone, anyone who lives in Ward 6 and who meets the qualifications can run for the vacant position. Of the names submitted to replace Stalcup, the board will then interview all possible candidates and select a finalist to represent the ward until the next election in February, 2001.

Stalcup said he found his time on the board educational and a profitable experience. “I want to wish everyone the best,” he added.

Inhofe Fought to Retain Control of Canal

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R) says he fought to the bitter end to retain control of the Panama Canal, which is to be officially turned over to the Panamanian government on Dec. 31.

Inhofe, chairman of the Readiness Sub-Committee of the Senate Arms Service Committee, said, “I’m very much opposed to what is happening down there right now, although it is not as critical as it was a few years ago. Ninety-five percent of the use of that canal is containerized equipment that is going through.”

During a Monday interview with the Ponca City News, Inhofe said, “Several of us are looking at an approach in Nicaragua where we would have a heavy gauged railroad system that would go across and take things from the Atlantic to the Pacific and do it that way. That takes care of at least 95 percent of the problems.

“That other five percent is very important because that is troops and other things having to do with the military. Right now, China has ports on both sides and I think it is extremely dangerous.

“I fought it to the very bitter end. I even got hold of Pete Domenici, who was the author of the controversial amendment 20 years ago, to see if that was the one that was actually ratified or not. I found out that was not the escape I thought it might be.”

Inhofe said, “I did not want to lose control of the Panama Canal. Panama is not going to be in a position to support it financially, so they are going to be dependent on somebody. And, if it is not us — it is going to be the Chinese and I don’t want it to be the Chinese.”

In the initial voting, former Oklahoma Republican Sen. Henry Bellmon of BillinBy gs drew criticism during Democrat Jimmy Carter’s administration for voting in favor of relinquishing control of the Panama Canal.

Bellmon voted for both the first and second treaties. The Canal Zone was proclaimed neutral territory by the first treaty. The second treaty was for eventually releasing control.

In 1977, the Senate approved the treaty by a 68-32 vote, just one more than the two-thirds required for approval of treaties.

Special Meeting Set Thursday By PCUA, City

A special meeting of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners, and the Ponca City Utility Authority, has been set for 3 p.m. Thursday at the Public Safety Center to consider financial obligations of the city.

The commissioners will act on a resolution that would approve action taken by the Ponca City Utility Authority on the authorization of issuance, sale and delivery of two promissory notes of the authority to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

It would also include the ratifying and confirming of a lease agreement, establish the city’s reasonable expectations with respect to the issuance of tax exempt debt by the city or issuers on behalf of the city during the calendar year 1999.

The PCUA will take action on a resolution authorizing two loans from the Water Resources Board in the amounts not to exceed $7,000,000.

The action would secure pledge of revenues and authorizing their execution; designate the local trustee, an approving and authorizing the execution of the two loan agreements.

Action would also be to approve and authorize a supplemental note indenture, other security documents, ratifying a lease agreement and covenants and establish the authority’s reasonable expectations with respect to the issuance of tax exempt debt in calendar year 1999.

Blackwell Church Living Nativity Set

BLACKWELL — First Christian Church of Blackwell, 306 East Coolidge, invites everyone to visit their drive-thru Living Nativity Christmas Story. The presentation, consisting of six scenes with Bible characters and animals, will be open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17, 18 and 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The presentation is absolutely free with everyone receiving free hot chocolate and a candy cane as they drive through.

This year the Living Nativity Christmas Story will include the announcement to Mary, the Wise Men visiting Herod’s court, the Wise Men journeying to Bethlehem, the Shepherds’ visit from the Angel, and the stable scene with the Christ Child. A final scene with the cross will conclude the presentation. As you drive through, a choir of carolers will be singing Christmas songs of praise.

Viewers are invited to contribute an item of non-perishable food to be donated to the local Associated Charities.

The folks at Blackwell First Christian invite the public to come and experience the true message of Christmas as they drive through to the sights and sounds of the season, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

If you need more information, Pastor Darrel Donovan will be happy to talk with you ... just phone him at 580-363-2532.

Oklahoma Book Award Competition Deadline Set

The deadline for entering the eleventh annual Oklahoma Book Award competition is Jan. 10, according to the Oklahoma Center for the Book in the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

The Oklahoma Book Award program is designed to recognize and promote Oklahoma’s working writers as well as outstanding books about the state. Entries are being sought in five categories — fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children/young adult, and design/illustration.

To qualify, books must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 1999. In addition, the author must reside or have resided in Oklahoma or the book must have an Oklahoma theme.

Finalists in each category will be selected and announced in early February; winners will be announced at the awards ceremony March 11 at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City. No entry fee is required, and books may be entered in more than one category.

For more information on the book awards, including submitting entries and previous winners visit the website at www.odl.state.ok.us/ocb/obaward.htm or contact Glenda Carlile, executive director, Oklahoma Center for the Book, Oklahoma Department of Libraries, 200 NE 18th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73105; or call (800) 522-8116.

Letter - Seeking Successful Sports Teams at Po-Hi

I represent a group of concerned citizens and alumni who are not satisfied with the direction of the athletic programs in Ponca City. We have organized to help the administration focus once again on successful sports in Ponca City. We feel our kids are just as good and talented as other schools our size, and deserve the commitment from the town and the administration, to be successful.

Let me share some numbers with you, that made us wake up to the fact that something needs to be done. In the decade of the 90s, we have had six football coaches, with a record of 29-71, with no winning seasons. In men’s basketball we have had one winning season (12-11), and a record of 49-111, not including this year. In girl’s basketball we have had three winning seasons and record of 98-85. That’s the good news, the bad news, we fired the coach that had all three winning seasons and 66 of the 95 wins.

We are not on a “witch hunt” or out to get anyone fired, as rumored. We just want to make the administration aware of the situation, and do what we can to help. As a matter of fact, we as citizens and parents, are part of the problem. We have allowed it to go on for the past 10 years. If you want to see some changes, please be at the school board meeting, Monday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m., on West Grand Avenue, to show your support for our group and join us to help bring Po-Hi sports back to respectability.

Thank you,

Bob Banta

Letter - A Letter to the American People

In the letter I wrote the other day, I talk about the overall condition of this country. In this letter I will try to cover some of the topics that are a problem today. The subjects that need to be talked about are unlimited. I can’t cover all the subjects but I’m going to try to cover some of the topics in this letter.

Taxes: Taxes are the Jackel and Hyde of any government. They can do so much good and at the same time do so much bad. On the good side of the coin, it lets a government do so much that could not be done any other way; disaster relief, research, improve life’s standard of living and so much more. On the bad side of the coin, people and governments get addicted to it as a quick fix or cure. They get depending on it for everything and forget that it does have a limited supply. Our ancestors come to this country to get away from over taxation. If we want to reduce the amount of taxes that we pay, we have to reduce the demand on what we want the taxes do. Sometime working on the problem together with a common goal will get better results than if we let the government do it. Taxes (money) are nothing more than a tool we use to build our future. Until we no longer use the monetary system to get things done, taxes are a way of life. When we relying on taxes and the government to fix our problem, we will always have taxes to pay. When we quit relying on taxes and the government to fix our problem, then and then only will our tax burden be reduced. It can be your dollar or the government dollar, your choice.

Gun Control: It seems that the last 20 years or so, the government and supporters are slowly using gun control as a way of stopping or reducing crime. All this does is invite more crime and government control. Getting rid of all the guns or certain types of guns will not solve this issue. If you do get rid of all the guns, the tool of destruction will get bigger and harder to stop or control. Then the process (Gun Control) will start all over again and the main problem will still be there. Next time it may be something easier to get or make? Let’s treat the cause, not the symptom! Everybody calls a gun a weapon; it is not. A gun is a tool; just like a car, shovel or any other tool that we use. Any tool can maim or kill a person and when it does, then it becomes the weapon.

Environment: This planet that we live on is all that we have right now to support us so we can live. At the rate we are using our planet natural resources, in 50 years there will probably be not much to be proud of in the way we took care of this planet. I wonder what the water, air and land will be like. This planet can not keep taking the abuse that we give it and still expect it to be clean. Remember this; this planet can survive without us, but we can not survive with it! We are going to have to start reducing the demand on our natural resources. This starts with recycling, recovering and what ever else it takes to do this. If we keep reinventing the wheel to justify (New and Improved) which really means nonrepairable and just throw it away. If we are not careful, pictures will be the only way to show what the beauty was like on this planet years ago.

The Family: What used to be one of the corner stones of our society that help build the next generation of people is being tore apart by our fast paced society. The family integrity is slowly being broke down, tore apart and the respect that was in the family is just about gone. What we learn about life, as a family can’t be taught anywhere else. What we are taught, how we are taught about life is how we learn about respect, honor and discipline. As we go through life we learn four things from everyone we meet. They are; What to be, what not to be, what to do and what not to do. Those decisions are based on honor, value, integrity and ethics. No one person is mistake free, but only human. Like the family, small towns and communities are also one of the corner stones of our society. Small towns and communities are also slowly disappearing and with them go some of America’s greatest assets, just like our families.

If you have any question, comments or view, you can contact me at 580-761-6480, P.O. Box 2, Kaw City, Okla. 74641, or at Fleabert@juno.com. Thank you.

Richard E. Fleharty

DEATHS

Eugene Leslie Lambing
Ruth Mae Johnson
Herbert E. Stone
Adeline Marie Peebles
Clyde Norse Combs
Clifford T. Mangrum
Mary Margaret Harris
W.L. Muegge
Omer Charles Tallchief
Jack Blew
William N. Crockett

Eugene Leslie Lambing

NEWKIRK — Eugene Leslie Lambing, longtime Braman area resident, died Monday evening, Dec. 13, 1999, at his home in Braman. He was 77.

A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, in Plainview Cemetery east of Braman with Elder Ron Richmond of the Blackwell Jehovah Witness officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Home. There will no viewing at any time.

Eugene Leslie Lambing was born Jan. 22, 1922, in the Plainview community, the son of Harry Louis and Edith Lorine (Garrett) Lambing. He grew up and attended grade school in Plainview and Dilworth. He then attended Braman High School where he played basketball and ran track. After his graduation with the class of 1941, he farmed with his father. He married Dora Clay Finley in Wellington, Kan., on June 18, 1942; they made their first home on a farm east of Braman.

On Feb. 17, 1943, he entered into active duty with the U.S. Naval Coast Guard. He participated in eight major battles in the South Pacific and received the American Theater, Asiatic (one star), Philippine (one star) and Victory ribbons. He was discharged on Dec. 29, 1945, and returned to farming. He was also employed as a gauger in the oil fields.

He married Bernita (Munhall) Evans in Las Vegas on May 15, 1974; they made their home on the farm three years before moving into town where they have since resided.

He was a member of the Mount Hope Methodist Church. He was also a life member of the Blackwell VFW and had been a member of American Legion-Russell Litchfield Post 7 in Blackwell. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s ball games.

He is survived by his wife of the home; four sons, Michael Lambing of Owensboro, Ky., Howard Evans of Belle Mead, N.J., Richard Evans of Blackwell and Daniel Evans of Ponca City; five daughters, Sylvia Smith of Ponca City, Charlotte Crymes of Tyler, Texas, Nancy Langdale of Newkirk, Darlene Vanderloos of Billings, Mont., Nita Nutile of Wichita, Kan., and Barbara Evans of Nags Head, N.C.; one sister, Eva Hubbard of Granbury, Texas; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Vickie Huster; his parents; two brothers, Don Lambing and Paul Lambing; and one sister, Ida Mae Mears.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Ruth Mae Johnson

Ruth Mae Johnson, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 13, 1999, at her home. She was 72.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Coy Whitener, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Ruth Mae Johnson was born May 1, 1927, in Orlando, Okla., the daughter of Tom Elie and Rettie Isabelle (Stuart) Wallace.

She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving are her husband, Gerald Leon Johnson, of the home; six children, Ray Ferguson and Billy Ferguson, both of Fort Smith, Ark., Roy Ferguson of Barling, Ark., Raymond Ferguson, of Checotah, Ellen Haney of Ponca City and Kenneth Robinson of Van Buren, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family will be at the home, 815 North Elm.

Herbert E. Stone

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Herbert E. Stone, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, in the Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 76.

The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, in the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home in Arkansas City. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

Herbert E. “Herb” Stone was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Kansas City, Kan., the son of Albert and Letha (Vangosen) Stone. He was reared in Kansas City and Wamego, Kan., and graduated from the Wamego High School. Herb continued his education at Iola Junior College and, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he completed his degree at Ottawa University. He received his masters’ degree from Colorado State University.

He is a retired business manager of USD 470 and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Survivors include three daughters, Carol Hisken and Lois Siever, both of Belle Plaine, Kan., and Mary Landry of Billings, Mont.; and seven grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Belle Plaine United Methodist Church Bell Choir, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, 100 East Kansas Avenue, Arkansas City, Kan. 67005.

Adeline Marie Peebles

LOCKHART, Texas — Adeline Marie Peebles, sister of Milly League of Ponca City, died Friday, Dec. 3, 1999, in Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas. She was 72.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Dec. 9, 1999, in the First Christian Church with the Rev. Russ Gorrell officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the National Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Arrangements were under the direction of Eeds Funeral Home in Lockhart, Texas.

Adeline Marie Peebles was born Jan. 5, 1927, in Lockhart, Texas, the daughter of Emil H. and Erna Bartram Strandtman. She married Robert R. Peebles in Lockhart on Sept. 29, 1946. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Lockhart, a lifetime member of the Texas Ex’s, and the Caldwell County Historical Commission.

She is survived by her husband of the home; her mother; one son, Robert Ray Peebles of New Orleans, La.; three daughters, Bonnie Lee Knox of Montclair, N.J., Jo Leslie Eimers of Durham, N.C., and Patricia Ann Peebles of Bastrop, Texas; two sisters, Mildred League of Ponca City and Doris Linick of San Antonio, Texas; one brother, Lesley Strandtman of Kailua, Hawaii; and 6 grandchildren.

Clyde Norse Combs

BLACKWELL — Clyde Norse Combs, resident of Blackwell, died Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. He was 72.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at the Free Will Baptist Church with the Revs. Wayne Bookout and Richard Hood officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home.

Clyde Norse Combs was born Jan. 14, 1927, in Foraker, the son of James T. and Amanda E. (Collins) Combs. When he was 11 years of age, he moved with his family to Shidler where he resided four years. He then moved to Arkansas City, Kan., where he lived until 1952, moving then to Blackwell.

He married Gladys Sayre on Feb. 4, 1954, in Newkirk; she preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 1994. He was employed with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as assistant supervisor for Kay County for 21 years, retiring in May of 1989. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church were he taught Sunday school on and off for 15 years.

He is survived by two sons, Warren D. Combs of Blackwell and Richard L. Sayre of Bartlesville; one daughter, Janie Marie McConnel of Enid; one sister, Marie Peterson of Winfield, Kan.; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; five brothers, Earl Combs, Charlie Combs, James T. Combs, Ernest E. Combs and Glen Combs; and two sisters, Jessie Peterson and Rosie Pontious.

Clifford T. Mangrum

Clifford T. Mangrum, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 13, 1999, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 74.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. John Waterloo, pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating.

Clifford T. Mangrum was born Oct. 27, 1925, in Caraway, Ark., the son of Hoyt and Estell Mangrum. He grew up in Caraway and received his education there.

During World War II, he served in the United States Navy, receiving his honorable discharge in October of 1944. He was engaged in the restaurant business for several years and then was employed as a body and fender repairman. He made his home in Texas before moving to Arkansas and then to Ponca City in 1997. He attended Central Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing and repairing old cars.

Surviving are five sons, Telpher Mangrum, Michael Mangrum and Richard Mangrum, all of Stockton, Calif., Charles Mangrum of Tuolumne, Calif., and Ralph Mangrum of Ponca City; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Mangrum; four brothers; one sister; and one great-granddaughter.

Mary Margaret Harris

Mary Margaret Harris, mother of Kathy Adams, died Monday, Dec. 13, 1999, at the Tender Heart Health Care Center in Ponca City. She was 82.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at the First United Methodist Church Chapel in Wichita, Kan. Local arrangements are provided by the Trout Funeral Home.

Mary Margaret Harris was born Jan. 7, 1917, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Charles A. and Anna A. Smith Schroeder. She was raised in Wichita, Kan., where she attended schools and graduated from the University of Wichita in 1938.

On May 24, 1941, she married Roy Harris. He preceded her in death on Oct. 9, 1998. She was employed as a legal secretary for many years.

She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church where she attended the Triad Class. She was a also a member of PEO, Chapter DJ in Wichita and the Delta Gamma sorority.

Surviving are a daughter, Kathy Adams of Ponca City; two sons, John C. Harris of Tulsa, and James R. Harris of Arlington, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church, 330 North Broadway, Wichita, Kan. 67202.

Services Pending

W.L. Muegge

TONKAWA — W.L. “Bus” Muegge, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at his home. He was 82. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in Tonkawa.

Omer Charles Tallchief

FAIRFAX — Omer Charles Tallchief, former resident of Fairfax, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, in Reno, Nev. He was 58. Rosary will be 7 p.m. Friday and the funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, both in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fairfax. Survivors include his father, John Tallchief of Fairfax. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.

Jack Blew

Jack Blew, former Ponca City resident, died early Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, at his home in Oklahoma City. He was 73. Survivors include his wife, Norma of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Obituaries

William N. Crockett

William N. “Bill” Crockett died Monday evening, Dec. 13, 1999, at Cushing Regional Hospital. He was 84.

The funeral ill be held Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Albright United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Oct. 1, 1915, near Cimarron, Kan., he was the son of Leslie and Sylvia Adrian (Mosbarger) Crockett. The family moved to Ponca City in 1927, and he graduated from Ponca City High School. On Nov. 29, 1937, he was married to Sarah Loraine Appleman in Ralston. The couple lived in this area where he worked for the Railway Express Agency for a number of years. In the early 1950s, he began a career with Conoco. He retired Jan. 1, 1978, working the last years in the C&P plant. Mr. Crockett was a member of the Albright United Methodist Church. He enjoyed gardening, doing electrical and mechanical work, and helping people.

Survivors include his wife, Loraine Crockett of the home; three sons, Alan Crockett of Ponca City, Danny L. Crockett of Bartlesville, and Kenneth Crockett of Cushing; and one daughter, Sylvia Hill of Pensacola, Fla. Additional survivors include six grandchildren, Tamara Hill, Camille Griffith, Cory Hill, Traci Markou, Jared Crockett and Debra Crockett; and two great-grandchildren, Gannon Griffith and Rayna Griffith. In addition to his parents, three sisters, Hazel Johnson, Blanche Barnes and Gladys Schmidt, preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Jim Chambers, Lonnie Wittmer, Bill Kirkpatrick, Pete Hurd, Gene Warner, and Charlie Miller. Honorary bearers will be John Lansdown, Kenneth Wright and Harold Allen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the home, 515 East Comanche.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Drama Production — The Newkirk High School Drama Class will present “Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, Too” Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Great Gift! Needle point pillows, (Last Christmas of the Century 1999). Mrs. Brown’s Attic. Downtown Ponca City. adv.

Chamber Board — Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Foundation for Progress will meet Thursday at 7:30 a.m., at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. The Board usually meets at the Chamber Conference Room.

20% Off sale on Antiques and collectibles. Timeless Antiques. 322 East Grand. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 1000 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department that a bicycle had been stolen and another left in its place. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Animal Control picked up the abandoned bicycle.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:14 a.m. Tuesday that an accident had occurred in the 500 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Assault Reported — A woman from the 1600 block of Richway Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday that she had been assaulted and the suspect had left with some of her items. Two officers were assigned and a 47-year-old man was held for public intoxication.

Chamber Bucks - Great stocking stuffers! For the hard to buy for person. $10 or $25. 765-4400 Chamber of Commerce. adv.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 12:38 p.m. Tuesday that an accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

50% Off all Christmas decoration and toys till Christmas. Twice as Good Thrift Shop. 209 South 2nd. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:27 p.m. Tuesday that a 27-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Stove Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:14 p.m. Tuesday that a stove was on fire at a residence in the 400 block of South Thirteenth Street. Units from two Ponca City Fire Department stations responded and reported the fire was out upon their arrival.

Suspicious Activity — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 5:56 p.m. Tuesday that a 14-year-old girl had been assaulted in the 100 block of South Osage Street. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

101 Ranch Oldtimers 2000 calendars available at The Glass Negative, 104 North First. Also previous years available! $10. 765-9785. adv.

Bicycles Missing — A woman from the 2200 block of John Street reported to the Ponca City Department at 7:16 p.m. Tuesday that two bicycles had been taken from the residence. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Don Sawyer’s Chimney Sweep. 26 years experience. Call now before the rush and get on his list. 580-762-8883. adv.

Harassment — A juvenile boy from the 800 block of Sugar Maple reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:59 p.m. Tuesday that he was being harassed. An officer was assigned and requested a Kay County Sheriff’s Deputy since part of the incident had occurred in the county. A report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Keys Missing — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday that her keys had been stolen while at a business in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Assistance was given in disabling her vehicle so it couldn’t be removed.

Assault — An employee of the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported at 2:51 a.m. Wednesday that a woman was being treated for injuries from an assault. Two officers were assigned to assist with another subject outside the emergency room.

Enjoy The sun, golf in Green Valley, AZ. Furnished two bedroom town house for rent. Utilities included. Available January and February. 762-6813. adv.

Vehicles Burglarized — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday that a vehicle in the 400 block of South Palm Street was broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Information was also logged on eight auto burglary reports in the 400 blocks of South Osage Street and South Palm Street.

After 5:00 massage available at Nutri-System. 762-3488. Gift certificates available. adv.

$16.00 Off NCOHA’s nationally awarded Kay County History. $60.00 with 1000 pictures, 900+ indexed pages. 765-7169 or 1304 North Seventh on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons. adv.

Santa For hire. 762-7825 after 5:00 pm. adv.

Ponca City Pictorial History Books have arrived! Pick up your copy today! Will make a great Christmas Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday

thru Friday. adv.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Do You know that you can get the same prices for hearing aids as the big city does but the big difference is it is located right here in Ponca City. Heartland

Hearing Aid Center, 1302 North 7th. Local service and support five days a week just for you. 767-1961. adv.

New Shipment of watches! See our millennium angels and Santa's, Christmas clocks (play carols on the hour), unique frames, and large selection of tea pots. We

have gift certificates. Christy’s 3005 North 14th. adv.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Christmas Special. Leather handbags $20 at Crafters Mall, Downtown Ponca City. adv.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

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. 765-9689. adv.

Pvt. Smith Graduates — Army Pvt. Jeremy E. Smith has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Knox, Ky., which included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT), The First eight weeks of initial entry training included basic training in combat, drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history and traditions. During AIT, the soldier completed the armor crewman course to receive skill training in conducting tank unit defensive and offensive combat operations. Smith is the son of Gay Triden of Bentonville, Ark., and Marty Smith of 2124 Mary in Ponca City.

Serving in Italy — While most Americans are celebrating the holiday season at home or with family, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Boa K. Cox, son of Carole A. Cox of Fairfax is currently forward deployed while serving aboard the command ship USS LaSalle, based in Gaeta, Italy. He is one of more than 63,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who are serving our country separated from family and loved ones this holiday period. Cox is working abroad to preserve peace as part of our nation’s forward defense forces. He is one of more than 500 military personnel aboard the amphibious command and control ship. His ship provides command and control facilities for a Navy amphibious task force commander, the Marine assault-force commander and their staffs. The 1990 graduate of Ross Case High School of Fairfax, jointed the Navy in June 1990.

Local Marines Complete Basic — Marine Pvt. Martin M. Engster, son of Michael A. and Sonja J. Engster of 4 Rustic Road in Ponca City, and Marine Pvt. Zachary B. Massey, son of William B. Massey of Blackwell, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. They successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally. With fellow recruits, the pair began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, they spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. With fellow recruits, the pair ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution which culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as “Marines” for the first time since boot camp began. Engster joins 41,000 men and women who will enter the Marine Corps this year from all over the country.

LIFESTYLES

Association to Host Kitchen Bazaar Saturday

Association to Host Kitchen Bazaar Saturday

The Ponca City School Food Service Association will host a Holiday Kitchen Bazaar Saturday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 217 North Sixth Street. Available for sale that day will be the Association’s local cookbook Vol. II, large and small professional type sheet pans, stainless steel measuring cups and spoons, spatulas, as well as frozen cookie dough in three flavors; chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and peanut butter.

The Association felt the need to hold the bazaar to accommodate their many repeat customers. “Our pans, cookbook, and cookie dough have become staples in many area kitchens. We hope that our loyal customers will bring a friend and take advantage of the Bazaar.”

Proceeds from the Bazaar will be used to send members to the national and state conventions of the School Food Service Association. The conventions are educational in nature and are an opportunity to view new food products, equipment, network with other school food service professionals, and learn new cooking and managerial skills.

Due to the limited number of items the Association regrets that they can not take early orders. Please come by the Bazaar at 217 N. 6th and shop for the cooks and cookie lovers on your holiday list.

SPORTS

State Has Great Athletes
Newkirk Scares Frontier
Kaw Lake Tops in Waterfowl

State Has Great Athletes

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — With about 3 million people within its expansive borders, Oklahoma holds only about one-83rd of the country’s 250 million or so residents.

But when it comes to great athletes and teams produced during the 20th century, Oklahoma can hold its own with any state.

World champion wrestlers, football dynasties, gold medal-winning gymnasts, baseball hall of famers — Oklahoma has been home to dozens of them. Not to mention Jim Thorpe, voted the nation’s top all-around athlete for the first half of the century and No. 3 on the Associated Press list for the entire century.

As tradition rich as Oklahoma is in college football, it could be argued its most noteworthy contributions to the nation’s sports scene have come in baseball.

You can start with Mickey Mantle, Spavinaw-born and Commerce-raised, who left northeastern Oklahoma and became one of the great players in baseball history. Ask any baseball fan, anywhere, to list the all-time greats and Mantle’s name is sure to be included.

Johnny Bench moved on from tiny Binger to become not just a great major leaguer, but one of the great catchers of all time. Like Mantle, he’s a Hall of Famer.

So are Paul and Lloyd Waner, and Carl Hubbell. And they’re all Oklahomans. Arguably the greatest left-hander in history, Warren Spahn, has called Oklahoma home since early in his pro career.

‘‘Bullet’’ Joe Rogan, a Negro League star and a Hall of Famer, was raised in Oklahoma. So were Joe Carter, Allie Reynolds and Bobby Murcer, who all enjoyed long major league careers. And there have been dozens of others.

The list of college and pro football greats with ties to Oklahoma is long enough to fill a phone book.

You can start with Bud Wilkinson and his Oklahoma Sooner dynasty, which included the 47-game winning streak that still stands as the longest in Division I history. But if you started with Wilkinson, you’d be bypassing Steve Owen — not the running back, the coach.

Owen was from Cleo Springs and attended Phillips University. He played for three NFL teams and coached the New York Giants for 23 years, leading them to eight division titles and two world championships. Among his innovations was the two-platoon system.

Wilkinson produced scores of All-Americans during his 17 years as Oklahoma’s coach. A while later, Barry Switzer came along and matched Wilkinson’s three national titles.

The wishbone, the Selmon brothers, Tommy McDonald, Little Joe and his silver shoes, The Boz — and don’t forget Heisman Trophy winners Billy Vessels, Steve Owens and Billy Sims — they’re all a part of Oklahoma’s football lore.

So, too, are Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Leslie O’Neal, Mike Gundy, Terry Miller and Bob Fenimore, who make up part of Oklahoma State’s long list of greats. Will anyone ever have a year like Sanders did in 1988, when he ran for 2,628 yards and won the Heisman?

Tulsa has produced its share of stars as well, including Steve Largent, Glen Dobbs and Howard Twilley.

Two of the century’s great baskeball coaches made their marks in Oklahoma. Henry Iba won two national titles and 767 games at Oklahoma State, and also coached three U.S. Olympic teams. At the high school level, Bertha Teague compiled a record of 1,152-115 in 43 years of coaching girls at Byng.

There has been no shortage of great basketball players in Oklahoma. Before he toured the world entertaining fans, Marques Haynes wowed them at Langston University. Bob Kurland, one of the college game’s first big men, made his mark under Iba at what was then Oklahoma A&M.

Wayman Tisdale, Mark and Brent Price, Alvan Adams, Bryant Reeves. They were raised in Oklahoma and made an imprint not just at the college level, but in the pros as well.

Oklahoma’s Bruce Drake came up with an offense that enjoyed wide popularity — the Drake Shuffle. Eddie Sutton, one of those whose resume includes more than 600 college victories, played under Iba and much later returned and led the Cowboys to the Final Four.

Billy Tubbs, who grew up in Tulsa, left an indelible mark on the state during his 14 years as Oklahoma’s coach, which included a trip to the NCAA title game. His prolific teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s will never be matched.

Abe Lemons was raised in Walters, and his small-town charm stayed with him through 599 victories in coaching stops at Oklahoma City (twice), Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas and Oklahoma City.

In what some would consider ‘‘lesser’’ sports, Oklahoma has produced dozens of great names.

The Smith brothers of Del City rank among the best amateur wrestlers of all time. John Smith won six world titles, including two Olympic gold medals, and at his peak was widely considered the greatest wrestler in the world. His brother, Pat, was the first collegian to win four NCAA championships.

Not long ago, the exploits of Edmond’s Shannon Miller placed the world spotlight on Oklahoma. Miller became the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history by winning nine world championship medals and seven Olympic medals.

The state boasts two of the world’s great golf courses, Southern Hills in Tulsa and Oak Tree in Edmond. It also has produced or is home to many outstanding golfers, including Orville Moody, Charlie Coe, Gil Morgan, Bob Tway and Scott Verplank.

Newkirk Scares Frontier

RED ROCK — Just three days after being badly beaten by Frontier in the finals of the Frontier Shootout, the Newkirk Tigers gave the Mustangs something to think about.

Newkirk jumped to a 34-23 halftime lead Tuesday before Frontier rallied for a 63-56 decision which kept its nine-game wining streak in tact.

Frontier had been sailing along, scoring an average of 91 points a game and beating opponents by an average of 48 points.

The Tigers were determined not to go quietly in the second meeting. Ahead by five points after the first period, the Tigers outscored the Mustangs 16-10 in the second quarter, led by Troy Pankratz, who had 17 of his 24 points in the first half.

Pankratz was the only Tiger in double figures in the first meeting, but this time he got some help as Jay Dobson scored 15 and Sam Free had 11.

But Frontier also had three players in double figures, led by Albert Plumley with 30 points. Plumley had 15 second half points including a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.

Josh Regnier had all 10 of his points in the second half and Chris Plumley had 10 of his 11 points in the rally.

Frontier 63, Newkirk 56

Newkirk 18 16 10 12 — 56

Frontier 13 10 23 16 — 63

Newkirk — Pankratz 30, Dobson 15, Free 11, D. Eisenhouer 2, Klein 2, J. Eisenhouer 2.

Frontier — A. Plumley 30, Regnier 12, C. Plumley 11, M. Close 4, Z. Close 2, Butler 2, Ingmire 2.

Kaw Lake Tops in Waterfowl

By Fred Hilton

News Sports Editor

Kaw Lake is annually one of the top three lakes in the state in the number of waterfowl, according to Ron Folk of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Department North Central office.

At last count, approximately 16,000 waterfowl were making their stopover on the reservoir. But if hunters want their Christmas bird they better hurry, Folk says.

“I don’t know how much longer the millet we planted on the flats out there will last,” Folks said.

The high water on the lake, from the rains in Kansas, have had the reservoir up as much as 10 feet above normal. The U.S. Corps of Engineers is currently drawing it down to about seven and a half feet.

But that could change depending on how much rain Kansas and northern Oklahoma get in the next few weeks.

“We’ve had pretty good numbers for the first half of the season,” Folks explains. “We expect that to continue, but their are only two more weeks left in the season.”

The Wildlife Department seeded 12,000 acres when the Corps drew down the lake in August. That is more than usual, Folks says, and the extra grain has come in handy with the high water.

“We seeded mud flats that were anywhere from 10.08 to 10.12 above,” Folks said.

The feed is there and the waterfowl are there. Now all hunters have to do is brave the cold to get their share.