LOCAL

FBI Targets Suspect In Hill Case
Postmarks for Millennium Available at Post Office
Meat Scare Bypasses City
Influenza Cases Increasing in City, State
Time Capsule Dedication Features Salute to Vets
City Employees Off on Monday For Holiday
Oklahomans Have Done It All, Musically

FBI Targets Suspect In Hill Case

BIXBY, Okla. (AP) — The FBI is looking for a Chouteau man who is suspected of using a debit card belonging to Laci Dawn (Griffin) Hill, missing since Thursday.

An arrest warrant was issued Tuesday for Steven Ray Thacker, 29, for unlawful possession and use of a stolen debit card, said Richard A. Marquise, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oklahoma. The warrant was issued in Mayes County District Court.

The FBI said the credit and debit cards belonging to Hill, 25, and her husband, Ronnie, were used Dec. 23, 24 and 26 in Pryor and Claremore. The purchases appeared to be gifts and exceeded $100, officials said.

Mrs. Hill, a former Ponca City resident, has been missing from her home in Bixby since Thursday. She called a friend to say someone was coming to look at a family pool table that was for sale. Her purse was missing from the residence, but her car, clothing and cell phone were still there.

The FBI said Thacker was last seen leaving his home in Chouteau about 9 p.m. Monday.

He is described as white, 6-foot-3, 210 pounds with blue or hazel eyes and brown hair.

Dozens of Mrs. Hill’s friends and relatives have been putting up posters of the missing woman and waiting by the phone for some word about her welfare.

‘‘We know she’s coming home. It’s just a matter of time,’’ said Mrs. Hill’s brother, Ponca City resident Larry Griffin. ‘‘We’re really not as concerned with an arrest being made as we are with her being returned safely to us.’’ Mrs. Hill’s parents also live in Ponca City.

Donations from friends have allowed the family to raise a reward for her safe return from $10,000 to $20,000, Griffin said.

A woman who was seen with Thacker on a surveillance tape at a Pryor Wal-Mart called police to identify Thacker, officials said.

FBI Agent Pete Rickel said the woman also is a suspect, although she has not been charged. The FBI is proceeding with the case as if it were an abduction, although there still is no evidence of foul play with regard to Mrs. Hill’s disappearance, he said.

Postmarks for Millennium Available at Post Office

Postmarks for the millennium will be available at the local post office. Residents are asked to put stamps on either postcards (20 cents) or envelopes (33 cents) and present them to the Ponca City Post Office for commemorative postmarks, Dec. 31, 1999 or Jan. 1, 2000.

Postmaster Leonard “Robbie” Robinson suggests that people wanting multiple postmarks could “bundle their already stamps cards or envelopes, together with your name, hand them to a postal clerk, and plan on coming back at a later date to pick up the finished postmarks.”

Robinson says he takes a “particular delight” in offering these two millennium postmarks for citizens of Ponca City, because he was a “judge in a national postmark competition once, and I have also judged numerous state and area postmark fairs.”

Postmaster Robinson was granted a special 30-day waiver by the postal department for the Ponca City millennium postmarks — making a total of 60 days that citizens can apply for these unique postmarks. “This will allow people from all across the United States to send in their orders for the postmarks,” said Robinson.

News of the two millennium postmarks will appear in the postal bulletin that goes to post offices across the country, and will also appear in stamp collector catalogs and newsletters. Postmaster Robinson said he expects “a heavy demand” for the postmarks.

Meat Scare Bypasses City

Meat market managers of two Ponca City grocery chain stores, Albertson’s and Wal Mart, said they are not presently being supplied by Supreme Beef Co..

According to reports, Supreme Beef is recalling 180,000 pounds of meat that might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

The ground beef was produced on Dec. 20 and distributed to at least eight states including Oklahoma, Supreme Beef officials said.

Supreme Beef was notified Saturday by the Department of Agriculture that one sample of the beef tested positive for E. coli. The company voluntarily recalled the ground beef and ground beef products with the sell date of Dec. 28 and the label “Supreme Beef Processors Inc.” or “Spiritas Farms,” and the establishment number 7143.

Albertson’s has a distribution center in the industrial park here, but that center basically handles pharmaceutical products and does not distribute meat products.

Influenza Cases Increasing in City, State

The Oklahoma State Department of Health acknowledged an increase in influenza activity in Oklahoma this flu season, and Ponca City has seen a great increase of people with the disease since last week.

Health officials caution parents not to give children aspirin or medications containing aspirin to relieve flu or other virus symptoms. Medical evidence has shown a link between the use of aspirin and Reye Syndrome, a potentially fatal illness.

According to Sandy Gearhart, director of marketing and public relations for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, there has been “a real increase in the number of cases presented in the emergency room.”

She said those hardest hit were the elderly who had “weakness, shortness of breath and dehydration as well as pneumonia.” She said hospital personnel are encouraging residents with flu symptoms to seek treatment and to “drink as much fluid as possible.”

“There is still time to receive an influenza vaccination,” said State Health Commissioner J.R. Nida, M.D. “Generally, flu cases peak in Oklahoma in late January to early February. Flu vaccine usually takes up to two weeks to become effective. Any exposure to the virus during that period may result in the flu.

“So far, all the isolates have been Influenza type A/ Sydney strain and this 1999-2000 flu vaccine does confer immunity for this strain.”

Persons at high risk for complications from influenza should receive the vaccine, including individuals over 65 years of age, anyone who has a serious long-term health problem such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, of anemia.

Others who should receive the influenza vaccine include residents of nursing homes and those who have extensive contact with high-risk persons, including health care workers, home care volunteers and household members.

The optimal time to receive a flu shot is typically in mid-October. Persons at high risk may want to consult their physician before getting an influenza shot.

The Kay County Department of Health is offering vaccinations at no cost to area residents. Shots are given at the center on Thursday from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Residents are advised to contact their physician for information about immunizations. Persons who wish to get the flu vaccine should contact their health care provider, local hospital or county health department.

Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, chills, sore throat and muscle aches. The illness usually lasts from two to seven days. According to studies, people can relieve flu symptoms by resting in bed and drinking plenty of liquids. Anyone who develops difficulty breathing, or experiences severe pain with breathing, has high fever, or whose illness lasts more than several days, should contact a physician.

Two antiviral drugs - amantadine and rimantadine - are effective in preventing and treating Influenza A infection. They are not effective in the treatment of Influenza B. These drugs are available by prescription.

Integris Blackwell Regional Hospital personnel have “started to see quite a few cases of the flu” said Ben Bradley, R.N. and health supervisor for the hospital. He also said “we have several from the nursing homes, some women who are in the last trimester of pregnancy, and several children.”

Fairfax Memorial Hospital personnel had “no comment” on the number, if any, of flu cases admitted there.

Time Capsule Dedication Features Salute to Vets

Highlighting the actual dedication and placement of the Millennium Time Capsule at high noon on New Year’s Eve will be a salute to all veterans of this century.

The ceremony, commencing at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Centennial Plaza on Grand Avenue, will feature a millennium address by Honorable Drew Edmondson, Attorney General of Oklahoma, together with a reading by the three millennium essay contest winners from Ponca City grade, middle and high schools.

A dedication detail composed of uniformed representatives of the four branches of the Armed Forces will deposit the stainless steel time capsule constructed by Stolhand Heating and Air Conditioning, over which will be placed a steel vault donated by Steve Huston of Trout Funeral Home. Officiating over the deposit of the capsule, sponsored by the 1999 Leadership Class, will be two Ponca City heroes of World War II, Lt. Col. C.D. Northcutt and Lt. Col. Truman Smith.

Mary Jane Barraclough, in the persona of the immortal Kate Smith, will sing “God Bless America” as the time capsule is lowered and sealed for one hundred years. John Raley, chairman of the Ponca City Millennium Commission, will deliver a special salute to all veterans as a formation of vintage World War II aircraft fly at low altitude down Grand Avenue.

All veterans of all wars of this century are especially invited and urged to attend this ceremony, and they will be honored for their faithful service to their country.

Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony

December 31, 1999

Posting of the Colors and the Playing of the National Anthem

Pledge of Allegiance — Eagle Scout Ben Johnson

Invocation — Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor of First Baptist Church

Welcome and Statement of Purpose — John Raley

Mayoral Welcome — Tom Leonard, mayor

Time Capsule Comments — Ruslyn Hermanson

Reading of Winning Essays — Alix Ford, Kara Howey, Brandy Herard

Introduction of Attorney General Drew Edmondson — Fred Boettcher

Keynote Address — Attorney General Drew Edmondson

Time Capsule Dedication and Tribute — John Raley

Lowering of Time Capsule — Lt. Col. C.D. Northcutt, Lt. Col. Truman Smith

Time Capsule Detail — Sgt. Chuck Gregg, USMC; Petty Officer 1st class Ollie Heady, USN; Staff Sgt. Jerry Wheeler, USA; Staff Sgt. Glen Adkins, USAF

“God Bless America” — Mary Jane Barraclough

Veteran Salute — John Raley

P-51 and AT-6 Flyover — Col. Don Van Alstein, air coordinator

City Employees Off on Monday For Holiday

City employees of Ponca City will be observing Monday, Jan. 3, 2000 as an official holiday and as a result, there will be no residential refuse service on that day. Normal services will resume Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000.

The recycling drop off center located at 1001 West Prospect Avenue will also be closed Monday, Jan. 3, and will resume operations Jan. 4.

The landfill located southwest of the city however will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2000 and will resume operations on Monday, Jan. 3.

Oklahomans Have Done It All, Musically

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — On a warm day in 1840, Wallace Willis, the slave of a Choctaw Indian, looked out over the cotton field he was tilling and gazed upon the Red River in the distance.

It reminded ‘‘Uncle Wallace,’’ as he was known in the area, of the Mississippi River and the plantation his master owned before moving to Doaksville, Indian Territory.

With the sun beating down on him, Wallace expressed his longing and weariness the only way he knew how:

‘‘Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home,’’ he sang. ‘‘Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home.’’

The spiritual, composed a capella, is an early hallmark in Oklahoma’s contribution to popular music and culture.

Since then, Oklahoma artists have embraced an amalgam of styles — country, folk, jazz and gospel — and in some cases have heavily influenced them.

‘‘Think of Oklahoma as a crossroads, not only geographically, but culturally,’’ said Rodger Harris, oral historian at the Oklahoma Historical Society.

‘‘There was an assumption by Easterners that there was not musical culture here aside from the Native Americans, that musical culture in this part of the country was not as rich.’’

The musical creations of ‘‘Uncle Wallace’’ and his wife, ‘‘Aunt Minerva,’’ weren’t something they wrote down, but was chronicled by the Rev. Alexander Reid, superintendent of the nearby Choctaw boarding school. Reid sent the compositions to the Fisk University choir, which then sang them all over the world.

Later, Alfred Brumley would compose ‘‘I’ll Fly Away.’’

In the same period, American Indian tribes and whites from the Confederate South brought fiddle music, the prototype of country music, the state’s most famous musical contribution.

One of the most influential fiddlers was Henry Gilliland, a former Texas Ranger who settled in Altus. His 1922 fiddle duet with Eck Robertson of Amarillo, Texas, was the first country music record.

Later Byron Berline would embrace the tradition, becoming a three-time national fiddle champion who played with Bill Monroe, the Bluegrass Boys and even the Rolling Stones and Eagles.

In the 1920s, ‘‘swing’’ music, a more rhythmic, upbeat style, began and took root in the 1930s, a period of great social and economic upheavel in Oklahoma and the nation.

Bob Wills and some of his guitar-playing friends gave the new style a Southwestern flair, as heard in ‘‘San Antonio Rose,’’ ‘‘Take Me Back to Tulsa, I’m too Young to Marry,’’ and ‘‘Steel Guitar Rag.’’

‘‘There was a tremendous celebration on the part of Western swing bands in that era,’’ Harris said. ‘‘People were stimulated by exuberance.’’

Count Basie, with a little help from Jimmy Rushing, an Oklahoma City Douglass High School graduate, and innovative guitarist Charlie Christian tinged it with jazz. Whoever was playing it, the sounds made people get up and move.

Oklahomans also turned to jazz, where Rushing and Christian, Claude Williams, who was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame earlier this year, and Jay McShann ruled the scene.

In Tulsa, teen-ager Lee Wiley was about to make her move to New York, where she became the star of ‘‘Saturday Night Swing,’ from 1936 to 1938 on CBS Radio, said Regents Professor George Carney, who teaches the Geography of Music at Oklahoma State University.

When music evolved again, Oklahomans were at the forefront, particularly two people Carney considers to be the most important folk songwriters and singers of the century: Woody Guthrie and Agnes ‘‘Sis’’ Cunningham.

Guthrie, the son of an Okemah land developer, took the rhythm and sadness of the blacks he’d listen to on the streets and adapted it to voice the pain and hardship of a way of life in the 1930s.

‘‘He freely borrowed from everyone he could,’’ Harris said of Guthrie. ‘‘His orientation was that of a storyteller.’’

Guthrie became closely associated with the Socialist Movement, but his military service and the song, ‘‘This Land is Your Land,’’ showed patriotism was as much a part of his thinking.

Ms. Cunningham and her husband, Gordon Friesen, founded and edited ‘‘Broadside,’’ a folk magazine in New York City through which she introduced Bob Dylan, Buffy St. Marie and Janis Ian. Before then, she, Guthrie and Pete Seeger were part of the Almanac Singers during the 1940s.

With the close of World War II, several Oklahomans were drawn to the Big Band sound.

Clara Ann Fowler began singing with her sisters, but later broke away and got a new name from the milk company that co-sponsored her radio show. She became Patti Page.

Ms. Page became a staple of ABC Radio in the late 1940s and sang with Goodman. Her 39 hits from 1948 to 1954 included the Tennessee Waltz, which crossed over from the pop chart to the country chart, Carney said.

‘‘She was one of the first to use the overdubbing technique, where she sings different tracks and they overdub her voice to make it sound like more people are singing with her.’’

Another Oklahoman with a similar style, Kay Starr, recorded with the Glenn Miller Band in 1939, and recorded songs like ‘‘Wheel of Fortune,’’ and ‘‘Up a Lazy River.’’

Oklahomans also were making marks in other kinds of music.

Ralph Blane, one of Oklahoma’s most prolific songwriters, wrote ‘‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’’ and ‘‘Gee, But it’s Great to Be Home.’’

By the 1950s, the infant rock ’n roll style began taking shape, making the emergence of Wanda Jackson possible, Carney said.

‘‘She was one of the unsung heroines of American popular music,’’ he said. ‘‘She embraced three different genres: country, rock and roll and gospel.’’

Ms. Jackson toured with Elvis Presley and toured extensively in Japan.

Also notable during this time was Eddie Cochran, an Oklahoma City native who was raised in Minnesota. Cochran wrote such notables as ‘‘Summertime Blues,’’ a rock staple of the 1960s, and ‘‘Come on Everybody.’’

By now people like Wills, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because of his innovations, ‘‘were seen as someone who was dragging the past along with him,’’ Harris said.

By the 1960s, the early influence of Guthrie was showing up in Tom Paxton, who composed ‘‘Bottle of Wine,’’ ‘‘Brand New Baby,’’ and ‘‘What Did You Learn in School Today?’’ He was raised in Bristow.

Jimmy Webb, who was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, is one of the most popular composers of the latter half of the 20th century. His ‘‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix,’’ is the third-most performed song of the past 50s years, according to BMI.

The writer of ‘‘Wichita Lineman,’’ ‘‘Up, Up and Away’’ and ‘‘MacArthur Park’’ was the first artist to receive Grammy awards for music, lyrics and composition.

Of Webb’s contemporaries, Oklahoma City’s Mason Williams, gave acoustic guitar newer prominence with his instrumental, ‘‘Classical Gas’’; and Lee Hazelwood of Mannford produced Nancy Sinatra’s hits, ‘‘Summer Wine’’ and ‘‘These Boots Were Made for Walking.’’

A greater surge of Oklahoma creativity came in the 1970s, led by that blues cowboy Leon Russell.

Russell, a chameleon who floated easily between rock, rhythm and blues and country, penned such tunes as the Grammy-winning ‘‘This Masquerade’’; ‘‘Superstar,’’ and ‘‘A Song for You,’’ which was covered by Ray Charles recently.

Hoyt Axton’s blend of blues, country and rock produced Three Dog Night’s ‘‘Joy to the World,’’ ‘‘Never Been to Spain’’ and ‘‘The Pusher,’’ by Steppenwolf. Axton died this year.

J.J. Cale wrote ‘‘After Midnight’’ and ‘‘Cocaine’’ for Eric Clapton; Dwight Twilley wrote ‘‘I’m on Fire,’’ and ‘‘Somebody to Love’’; and Elvin Bishop penned the classic ‘‘Fooled Around and Fell in Love.’’

Rock wasn’t the only thing big in the 1970s.

Funk music, which began in the late 1960s reached a new height when the Wilson Brothers, Ronnie, Charles and Robert formed the GAP Band. They took they name from the first letters of north Tulsa streets on which they grew up: Greenwood, Archer and Pine.

Russell helped the establishment of the brothers, who would later belt out ‘‘Burn Rubber,’’ ‘‘You Dropped a Bomb on Me’’ and ‘‘Party Train.’’

There were others, like Tulsa soft rocker David Gates and Bread (‘‘If’’); Hugo’s B.J. Thomas (Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head’’), and Lorrie and Larry Collins, the latter of whom co-wrote ‘‘Delta Dawn’’ and penned ‘‘You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma.’’

That song was written in 1981, which brings the musical evolution back around to country.

‘‘Oklahoma ranks with Texas and Tennessee in terms of per capita production of country-music artists,’’ Carney said. ‘‘Texas, Kentucky and Tennessee are the other three states.’’

Of the newer country artists, there have been Merle Haggard (‘‘Okie from Muskogee’’), Gus Hardin, Mel McDaniel, Wade Hayes, Tracy Lawrence and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn.

The popularity of the top three country artists: Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill, threaten to eclipse their pop counterparts.

Brooks has become one of the best-selling artists of all time, with his ‘‘Friends in Low Places,’’ ‘‘Thunder Rolls’’ to name a few.

Harris and Judith Michener describe Brooks also as a chameleon, able to float comfortably from country to rock ’n’ roll.

‘‘I think that Garth Brooks finds in success the freedom to indulge himself in Chris Gaines, or whatever,’’ Ms. Michener said. ‘‘Artists all have that characteristic, but they don’t have the freedom he has to do it.’’

Ms. McEntire began her career singing with her siblings and was noticed by Oklahoma Congressman and rodeo announcer Clem McSpadden one night. She got a chance to sing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.

Ms. McEntire had gone on to sell more than 40 million records and win Grammy and Country Music Association awards.

DEATHS

Margaret L. Barker
Neva Celia Weber
Lee H. Patterson
Jim Louthan
Ernest J. Kirchenbauer
Albert James Summers

Margaret L. Barker

FAIRFAX — Margaret (Marguerite) L. Barker, resident of Monrovia, Calif., and former longtime north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas resident, died Monday, Dec. 27, 1999, in California. She was 75.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 1999, in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax with Vernon Butler, deacon, officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Margaret (Marguerite) L. Barker was born March 10, 1924, in Fairfax, the daughter of Edna Davis. She married Sidney E. Jamison; he preceded her in death. After his death, she married Jack Barker. She retired from the family cattle business in 1971, and they moved to Denver, Colo., where they lived until his death in 1983. She moved to Albuquerque, N.M., with her daughter in September 1996. They moved to Monrovia, Calif., on October 10, 1998. She was of the Catholic faith and enjoyed her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra A. Jamison of South Pasadena, Calif.; her son, Jack L. Barker Jr. of Denver, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; a son, Sidney E. (Jamison) Barker; and an infant daughter, Marie Elizabeth Jamison.

Memorials contributions may be made in her name to the local Alzheimer’s Association or Los Angeles Alzheimer’s Association, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1710, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036.

Neva Celia Weber

Neva Celia Weber, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 26, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 83.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Cliff Fite officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Neva Celia Weber was born Nov. 5, 1916, west of Ripley, the daughter of Elsworth and Iva E (Griffin) Goodenough. She attended school in Payne County. She married Harry Burnett in Stillwater on Nov. 12, 1932. They established their home on a farm near Perkins. The couple moved to a farm south of Ponca City in 1937. He preceded her in death in 1966.

She later married James Weber in 1974 in Tulsa and they made their home here in Ponca City.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed reading and visiting with her family and friends.

Surviving are her husband of the home; two daughters, Lois Morain of Tulsa and Iva McGavran of Ponca City; one sister, Ada Seifert of Cushing; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one grandson.

Casket bearers will be Chris Stephenson, Andy Biddinger, Neal Goodenough Jr., Jesus Franco, Mike Moore, and Jack Adams. Honorary casket bearers will be Larry McGavran, Eldon Morain, J.D. Stephenson, Neal Goodenough, Marc Morain, Larry O’Hair, and Harold Seifert.

The family will be at 518 North Osage.

Lee H. Patterson

PAWHUSKA — Lee H. Patterson, resident of Pawhuska, died Friday, Dec. 24, 1999, in the Veterans Administration Center in Muskogee. He was 80.

The funeral will be Thursday, Dec. 30, 1999, at 2 p.m. in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Scott Hill officiating. Burial will follow in the Pawhuska Cemetery.

Lee H. Patterson was born Jan. 30, 1919, in Payne County near Stillwater, the son of Herbert Stewart and Della Gertrude (Redburn) Patterson. He grew up in the Stillwater area. He married June Bright on July 1, 1941. On Nov. 24, 1956, he married Pauline Boyd Buckbee in Pawhuska.

Before retiring, he owned and operated a television sales and repair business in Pawhuska. He attended the Calvary Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He is survived by his wife of the home; one son, Richard Patterson of Puyallup, Wash.; two stepdaughters, Rose Yount of Pawhuska and Lucile Smith of Pawhuska; five brothers, James Patterson of Newkirk, Raymond Patterson of Ponca City, Hubert Patterson of Lebanon, Ore., Charles Patterson of Ponca City, and John Patterson of Pawhuska; seven grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles Patterson; a sister, Jennie Lewis; and two brothers, Don Patterson and Harold Patterson.

Jim Louthan

HENNESSEY — Jim Louthan, resident of Enid, died Monday, Dec. 27, 1999, at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Enid. He was 85.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 1999, at the First Baptist Church in Hennessey with the Rev. Jim Thorpe officiating. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Prairie Chapel Cemetery east of Blackwell under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey.

Jim Louthan was born Aug. 25, 1914, in Ponca City, the son of James Arthur and Della Mae Parker Louthan. He married Charlene Parks on Aug. 1, 1946, in Independence, Kan. The couple lived in Pawhuska before moving to Hennessey in 1965. He was employed as a dispatcher at Western Tank Trucks in Hennessey. He was also a veteran of World War II.

He is survived by his wife of Greenbrier Nursing Home in Enid; one daughter, Keri Dawn Wiggs; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Services Pending

Ernest J. Kirchenbauer

Ernest J. Kirchenbauer, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 82. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Albert James Summers

BLACKWELL — Albert James Summers, longtime Blackwell resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 84. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.

NEWS BRIEFS

New Year’s — The Knights of Pythias bingo will be held 6 p.m. until midnight New Year’s Eve at 2512 West Highland. Everyone is welcome.

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

580-762-8883. adv.

Ponca Citian’s Husband Graduates — Army Pvt. James W. Davis has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo. The course of instruction included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). He received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history and traditions. Davis also completed combat engineer training and learned to perform basic combat construction and rigging operations, operate light and heavy engineer wheeled and armor tracked vehicles, assist in assembly and maintenance of military standard float and fixed bridges, prepare, install, and prime firing systems for demolition and explosives, and recognize and neutralize land mines, firing devices and booby traps. Davis’ parents are James S. and Claude M. Davis of Shidler and his wife, Kara, is the daughter of Doug and Kathy Sneath of 410 South Elm in Ponca City.

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

Singles Plan Celebration — Singles Connection will meet for Millennium Celebration at First United Methodist parking lot at 8 p.m. on Friday. For more information, contact Mary Lou at 762-0578.

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.

Work Session Canceled — The Ponca City Board of Commissioners work session scheduled for Jan. 3, 2000, has been canceled for the New Year’s holiday that city employees will be observing on Monday.

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday that a 42-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Bicycle Abandoned — An employee at YMCA reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:27 a.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been abandoned. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.

Bowl In the New Year at Ponca Bowl. December 31st, 9:00 p.m. till ? “Glow-Bowl” $15 per person. Reserve your place. Call 762-3333. adv.

Cattle on the Road — The Communications Center received a 911 call of an unscheduled cattle drive, reporting at 8:32 a.m. Tuesday that 15 head of cattle were on the roadway, three miles west of North Waverly Street on Hubbard Road. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Kay County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the incident.

Kaw City, Old Town Cafe, Open New Years Eve/Day. Baby Back Ribs for weedend. Sunday Dinner, Pot Roast. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:33 a.m. Tuesday that a 37-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for obtaining cash by false pretenses.

Kenny Ladner of Quality Water Services, now servicing Kay County. Call 762-7555. adv.

Hit and Run — A man from the 1400 block of East South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:47 p.m. Tuesday that a hit and run accident had occurred in the parking lot of the Blue Moon, and that the suspect vehicle was heading west on South Avenue. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Students “Christmas Break” open bowl special, December 17, 1999 thru January 2, 2000 (except

on Mondays 12/20 and 12/27). Closed Christmas Day. $1.50 per game 75 cents shoe rental. 1:00 to

4:00 p.m. Ponca Bowl, 762-3333. adv.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:56 p.m. Tuesday that a man was in custody for shoplifting. An officer was assigned and the 20-year-old man was held for grand larceny.

Rollerblader Injured — The Communications Center received a call at 1:07 p.m. from an employee at DHS in the 800 block of West Grand Avenue that a problem was occurring with rollerbladers and that one was injured. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded, and contacted a parent to handle the situation.

Attempted Burglary — An employee of Through the Lens, 113 East Grand Avenue, requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 1:21 p.m. Tuesday, reporting that an attempted burglary had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

762-4205. adv.

Bicycle Abandoned — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4 p.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been abandoned in a ditch north of the 1600 block of Donahoe Drive. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.

Rusty Barrell will be open New Years Eve 5:00 till 8:00. First come, first serve. Any in

Rusty Barrel by 8:00 will be served. adv.

Shoplifter in Custody — An employee at Miller Market, 904 South Fourth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:16 p.m. Tuesday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 42-year-old man was held for petit larceny, public intoxication, and a city warrant for failure to pay.

For rent: Gorgeous condo in Sebring, Florida. Sits between 2 golf courses. 1 week, March 11th

to 18th, 2000. Lowest rent ever. Call 580-762-5319. adv.

Treated for Injury — An employee of the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported at 4:52 p.m. Tuesday that a woman was being treated for injuries received from a car rolling over her leg while at a business in the 1700 block of North Fourth Street. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the problem occurred when the vehicle got out of gear and rolled.

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Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of West South Avenue and South Ash Street was reported to the Ponca City Police department at 4:36 p.m. Tuesday. 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. 765-9689. adv.

Stolen Vehicle — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:19 p.m. Tuesday that a vehicle with an underage driver had been seen in the area of the 800 block of North Palm Street. Four officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and found the vehicle to be one reported stolen from Winfield, Kan. A 13-year-old girl was held for possession of a stolen vehicle and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a call from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad at 4:42 p.m. Tuesday that a grass fire was burning four miles south of Ponca City on U.S. 177 near the railroad track west of the highway. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene and handled the situation.

Trespasser in Custody — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:51 p.m. Tuesday that a woman was being held as a trespasser. An officer was assigned and a 39-year-old woman was held for petit larceny and a city warrant.

Burglary — A man from the 200 block of North Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:39 p.m. Tuesday that a door of his residence had been kicked in. An officer was assigned and a burglary report was taken.

Attempted Beer Theft — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, at 10:39 p.m. Tuesday that two men had attempted to steal beer. They had left the building and ran into a dumpster, dropping the beer however. A report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Miss Oklahoma Teen Competition Entry Now Open
Noble County FCE Awards Are Announced
Square Dance Lessons To Begin

Miss Oklahoma Teen Competition Entry Now Open

The search is on for Miss 2000 Oklahoma Teen. This year’s winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship from Johnson and Wales University and will represent the state of Oklahoma in the Miss 2000 United States Teen Competition at the Hard Rock Cafe’s Hard Rock Live Theater, Universal Studios Florida.

Miss 2000 United States Teen will receive close to $100,000 in scholarships, cash and prizes including a $25,000 modeling contact from Empire Talent in Los Angeles, Calif. She will spend her year promoting the community service platform to which she is dedicated, making local and national appearances, and taking advantage of the incredible opportunities offered to her. In addition, she will have the honor of representing the United States in the Miss Teen International Competition.

If you are between the ages of 13 and 19 as of July 22, 2000, you could represent Oklahoma at the National Competition. All contestants will be judged in four areas of competition: personal interview, swimwear, eveningwear and commercial presentation.

For more information or to receive an application, contact the Miss Oklahoma Teen Competition at the National Office: Miss Oklahoma Teen Competition; 6239 Edgewater Dr., Suite N3-2, Orlando, FL 32810; phone (407) 523-9015; fax (407) 523-9017 or check out the web site at www.missunitedstatesteen.com.

All applications must be received by Feb. 5, 2000.

Noble County FCE Awards Are Announced

The December meeting of the Noble County Association for Family and Community Education recognized the winners for Rookie, Member and Heart of FCE. Each local group may choose one outstanding FCE member to compete for the award on the county level.

Rookie Member Award covers accomplishments over the last three years. The candidate must be an OAFCE member for four years. The member must be, or have served, on at least one local or county committee.

Member Award covers accomplishments over the last three years. Candidate must be an OAFCE member for four years or more. She must also be, or have been an officer, on local, county, or state level within the past three years. She must be, or have been, selected or appointed to serve on a local, county, or state committee within the past three years.

Criteria for judging Rookie and Outstanding member award is FCE participation 75 percent, Community Service 15 percent, and other responsibilities 10 percent.

Heart of FCE award is given “to pay special tribute to the unsung grass roots members who have made a difference in their communities through their FC work.”

Criteria for judging Heart of FCE award is FCE participating 30 percent, Community Service 60 percent, and other responsibilities 10 percent.

Representing Bliss Homemakers FCE Group and County winners were Arleta Pulliam, Heart of FCE; Soni Kodesh, Outstanding Member; and Shelly Cook, Rookie member.

Square Dance Lessons To Begin

Kay County Square Dancers have issued an open invitation to persons interested in square dancing to participate in lessons, beginning Monday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. The lessons will be given inside Ponca Plaza in the atrium area. If you have danced previously, join the group and take a refresher class.

The first lesson in January is free. For more information call Jayne and Nate Bradley, 762-8423; Norman and Burton Casad, 765-4376; or Mary Lou and Dallas Winter, 762-4519.

Cecil Burton will be conducting the dance lessons. Cecil and Barbara Burton reside in Okmulgee, but travel throughout the state introducing people to the fitness, fun and friendship to be found in square dancing. Burton also does guest calling in the state.

SPORTS

Attention for OU Focuses On Ole Miss Running Game

Attention for OU Focuses On Ole Miss Running Game

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Oklahoma’s first task in Friday night’s Sanford Independence Bowl will be to stop Mississippi’s running game — a task that won’t be that easy.

The Rebels have one of the nation’s top tandem of running backs in Deuce McAllister and Joe Gunn. The two Ole Miss backs have combined for 1,760 yards this season. Their 160 yards per game rushing average is fourth best among rushing tandems in the country.

‘‘They have a double threat,’’ Oklahoma linebacker Rocky Calmus said. ‘‘Our first mentality is to stop the run. We have to stop the run and make them pass. If we stop the run, we will have played them into our game plan. And we can do what we want with them.’’

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound McAllister ended the season with four straight 100-yard rushing games. He rushed for 809 yards during the season despite missing the season opener against Arkansas State and splitting time with Gunn.

‘‘I think the last four or five games I played up to my potential,’’ McAllister said. ‘‘I had to sit out the Arkansas State game with a shoulder injury. And I think the shoulder injury kind of bothered me early on. The more it got well, the more comfortable I became. Kind of toward the end of the year I played like I should have all along.’’

He rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns at LSU. He rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas. Against Georgia, he had only nine carries but rushed for 104 yards and two more scores. And against Mississippi State, he carried the ball 36 times for 134 yards.

‘‘He has great speed. He has great size. He has good knowledge of the game,’’ Ole Miss coach David Cutcliffe said. ‘‘He’s a great football player. ... I think Deuce McAllister is the best all-around back that I’ve been around.’’

Remarkably, McAllister did not start a game this season for the Rebels. Those honors belonged to Joe Gunn.

The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Gunn led the Rebels in rushing with 951 yards and a 5.2 yards per carry average. Gunn rushed for more than 100 yards six times during the regular season.

‘‘Joe Gunn is as productive a tailback as I’ve ever been around,’’ Cutcliffe said.

Oklahoma’s task defensively is to slow down McAllister and Gunn.

‘‘We’ve seen a lot of good backs,’’ Calmus said. ‘‘We’ve seen the big ones like (Ja’Mar) Toombs (of Texas A&M) and we’ve seen the quick ones like (Darren) Davis at Iowa State.

‘‘Maybe having two (will put Oklahoma at a disadvantage). If one is tired, you bring in another fresh pair of legs and see him go. But that’s nothing our defense can’t handle. Our coaches have done a good job of preparing us for their run game. We know what they like to do.’’

What Ole Miss likes to do is play power football. The Rebels ran the ball 61 percent of the time this season.

‘‘We have real physical people up front (on the offensive line),’’ Gunn said. ‘‘And they come off the ball and run straight at them. The old offense was more, ‘We’ll adjust to you.’ In this offense, we make the opposing defense adjust to us.’’

And that is what could be facing the Sooners Friday night.

‘‘If we have to put nine or 10 up there to stop them from running it, we’ll try it,’’ Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said. ‘‘They have an excellent running game, two solid backs. They do an excellent job of hammering it at people. Obviously it’s a major focus of ours. But we’ll see what happens. That’s what the game is for.’’