LOCAL

City Welcomes a New Beginning
Search for Killer Tightens
Hill Memorial Fund Arranged
Longtime Civic Leader Madalynne Peel Dies
Argus Hamilton Says Trees Never Lie
Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction
Hello, Ponca City
Why Ponca City Is So Successful
High School Leadership Class Instrumental In Making Memory Trees Available
Oklahoma Historical Society Calendar
Red Rock Teen Will Undergo Heart Surgery
Nearly News
City Calendar
P.C. Literacy Council Board Schedules Training Workshop for New Volunteers
School Calendar
School Menus
Little Cemetery in Nebraska Place for Giving Thanks
First Lutheran Church Organ Rededication Set Thursday
School Board Ward 6 Position Available to Qualified Seekers
Rezoning on Agenda Of Planning Group
Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority Will Meet Jan. 10
Actors Sought for Musical

City Welcomes a New Beginning

Millennium Gala Draws Thousands To Downtown PC

By NORM PETERSEN

News Managing Editor

Frets about the Y2K bug — whatever it is/was — were cast aside.

Concerns over possible terrorist attacks moved to the backs of minds. Arguments over presidential candidates were postponed for other days.

This was a night for celebrating ... and celebrate they did!

A crowd estimated between 12,000 to 15,000 partied all day Friday in downtown Ponca City as revelers counted down the hours, minutes and finally the seconds to the year 2000 and a new millennium.

“It’s the biggest celebration I can remember,” said citian Bill Baxter, who’s seen a lot of them in his 82 years.

Baxter tarried until the very end of the Millennium Celebration — a day-long series of activities that culminated at midnight with the dropping of the Millennium Ball and a dazzling fireworks display.

The crowd included young and old and many joined in a countdown of the 20th century’s final seconds.

“This is pretty cool,” said 15-year-old Jeremiah Lyon. “I never lived through a new millennium.”

The celebration made a positive impression on husband and wife Eddie and Tracey Scott, both teachers at West Junior High, who brought young son Tyler to the festivities. Tyler will turn two on Jan. 7.

“We think Ponca City is pretty neat,” said Eddie, who moved his family here two years ago. “It has a big city feel with a small town atmosphere. That’s why we moved here.”

“[This celebration] forces us as educators to think about the future,” Tracey added. “It’s pretty exciting. We think about the kids we teach. They have so much potential.”

Cathy Ferguson, the driving force behind the Millennium Commission, said the celebration exceeded expectations.

“Ponca City is a family and we needed to celebrate as a family,” she said. “This is a time to be together. We saw families together and smiles on children. It accomplished [what we wanted] and then some!”

Ferguson explained the celebration was organized to provide hope for the future and inspire confidence in the young. “We wanted to show them the roots where they came from,” she said.

One of the party-goers learned just that. Lennart Gotz, 17, is a foreign exchange student from Germany. He is living in Ponca City this year with Dwayne and Marcia Black.

“I wanted to walk around in American,” Gotz said, explaining why he attended the downtown celebration. “I wanted to see how they celebrate the New Year here.”

Baxter, a World War II veteran, kept smiling as the crowd pressed around him. Only minutes remained until the Millennium Ball would begin its descent atop the Bank of America building toward the year 2000.

“This means [America] is going to get a whole new start,” he said. “We can wipe the slate clean. I think we can look forward to a bright future.”

Moments later, the crowd began its chant: “10-9-8-7...”

The Millennium Ball was on its downward flight: “...6-5-4...”

The chant became a cheer: “...3-2-1!”

And, with that — in the dark of midnight, a new millennium dawned.

Search for Killer Tightens

ALDRICH, Mo. (AP) — A break-in at a rural Polk County home gave authorities a lead in their search for the man sought in the killing of an Oklahoma woman and the carjacking and kidnapping of two other people.

County and state authorities were searching an area in western Polk County for Steven Ray Thacker, an ex-convict from Chouteau, Okla. Thacker has been the subject of a manhunt since Wednesday.

The Oklahoma woman was Laci Dawn (Griffin) Hill, 25, of Bixby. She was a native of Ponca City. Her parents still live in the city.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Terry Moore said officers surrounded a house after receiving a report that someone was inside. The house was about five miles east of where Thacker was believed to have wrecked a stolen car.

A rural Fair Play man had called authorities about 11:45 a.m. after he came home to the house he rents just west of Fair Play and saw a door apparently kicked shut as he approached. Moore said troopers were on the scene within seconds.

Authorities tried to communicate with the man by phone and bullhorn and finally entered the house about 2:30 p.m. but found nobody inside, Moore said.

Moore said food, camouflage clothing and a hunting bow had been stolen.

After the burglary was discovered, the evening shift of troopers, sheriff’s department deputies, Missouri Water Patrol agents and Springfield police was called in early, Moore said.

Before dusk, about 70 officers were searching the area around the house.

‘‘We have reason to believe [Thacker] slept in the house and left early [Friday] morning and walked southeast in the direction of Aldrich,’’ Moore said. ‘‘I don’t know why, but he seems to be retracing south the route he drove north on Missouri Highway 123.’’

Thacker was charged Thursday in Oklahoma with first-degree murder in the death of Hill. Her body was found Wednesday under debris in an outbuilding in Chouteau. She had been stabbed several times in the chest.

At the time she disappeared Dec. 23 from her home in Bixby, in northeast Oklahoma, she had been waiting to show a potential buyer the family pool table that had been advertised for sale. Mayes County, Okla., prosecutors say that person was Thacker.

Thacker was recognized through a video surveillance tape of a man using Hill’s debit cards, prosecutors said.

The carjacking was reported Wednesday in Springfield, Mo. A 79-year-old woman and a two-year-old girl were inside the car when it was taken.

The woman and toddler were released unharmed.

About an hour later near Ash Grove, the man lost control of the car as he attempted to turn onto a Cedar County road from Missouri 32. The deputy who was pursuing him skidded past him, and by the time he backed up to the intersection, the driver had disappeared into the dense woods of the Missouri Ozarks.

A young mother whose name was not released later told authorities she was outside a drug store, meeting a prospective buyer for a car she had advertised for sale. She had brought along her daughter and the 79-year-old friend.

After the four drove around the parking lot, the man pulled out a gun and struggled with the mother, Springfield police said. The man pushed the mother out of the car, then took off with the older woman and the toddler before releasing them.

Police say Thacker is the suspect in that case because they found his car abandoned in the pharmacy parking lot.

Thacker was described by the FBI as a 29-year-old white male who worked as a plumber’s apprentice until he was laid off a week before Christmas.

He was in prison in Ohio from September, 1992, until August, 1993, for theft, said Joe Andrews of the Ohio Department of Corrections.

Thacker served time in Florida from November, 1990, to May, 1992, for car theft and again from May, 1997, to May, 1999, for check fraud.

Hill Memorial Fund Arranged

A memorial account has been established for the family of Laci Dawn (Griffin) Hill, the former Ponca City resident who was tragically killed last week near Tulsa.

Contributions can be made at any Bank of America banking center in the state.

For further information, contact Kelly Polonus at Bank of America, 417/227-6105; or 1-800/946-4646 (PIN 6068606).

Longtime Civic Leader Madalynne Peel Dies

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City lost one of its pioneer leading ladies with the death of Madalynne Peel, civic leader and benefactor.

Mrs. Peel, 94, died Thursday at Westminster Village.

In 1990, she was honored as recipient of the prestigious Pioneer Woman Award. The award was presented at the Renaissance Ball at the Marland Mansion by Martha Griffin, then chairman of the board of Griffin Television, Inc., and Griffin Foods.

As late at 1995, Mrs. Peel was interested and active in civic affairs, serving as a honorary co-chairman of the Pioneer Woman Museum expansion fund raising drive.

Mrs. Peel was a trustee of the Glenn W. Peel Foundation, which has benefited a number of local organizations and projects. The Peel Foundation was formed in honor of her late husband and pioneer, oilman Glenn W. Peel.

On her birthday in March, 1988, Mayo rCarl Balcer signed a proclamation declaring the day as “Madalynne Peel Thank You Day” in recognition of her many years of service to Ponca City.

She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church where she had served as trustee and as president of various clubs and committees. She was also a charter member of the Marland Estate Commission.

Mrs. Peel was a past regent of the Ponca City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served the state society as chaplain and program chairman.

She was also a member of numerous genealogical societies including Colonial Dames of the XVIth Century, Daughter of American Colonists and Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims and Magna Carta Dames.

Mrs. Peel served two terms as trustee of Westminster Village and was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Argus Hamilton Says Trees Never Lie

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

“Trees never lie,” said nationally famous comedian Argus (Jimmy) Hamilton as he took a trip down “memory lane” here Thursday.

Hamilton, who spent his teenage years in Ponca City, drove around Ponca City visiting old haunts.

“First, I drove out to the Ponca City Country Club,” Hamilton said “and sure enough I caught John Hron coming up the ninth fairway like it was 35 years ago. I’m sure he had just hit one 300 yards. He never changes.”

It reminded Hamilton of his own golf playing days at the club. He remembered golfing all day with buddies and then going to the newly remodeled grill room.

“The new grill room was finished just in time for everyone to have dinner and watch the last episode of The Fugitive in 1967,” he reminisced.

Continuing the trip down memory lane, Argus said, “Driving around to see the houses of old friends, I really got a hint as to how long it has been. I didn’t recognize Mockingbird Lane and the whole area. I couldn’t figure it out. I wondered, ‘Why do I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone?’

“Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. We can go through all the little age enhancing moves we want to pull, but the trees never lie. The trees were 40 to 50 feet high. I didn’t recognize the neighborhood because those trees were saplings in the late 60s.”

Hamilton lived here from 1964-1969. His father, Rev. Argus Hamilton, was minister of Ponca City’s First United Methodist Church.

Argus graduated from Ponca City High School in 1969, went to Oklahoma University and graduated in 1975.

From there, he headed west and began climbing the show business ladder, becoming the resident comedian at the Comedy Store. He had his first appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1980. Before Carson retired, Hamilton appeared on the show 25 times.

Hamilton writes a daily newspaper column and has been dubbed “the Will Rogers of the Baby Boomers.” He said his next few columns will contain the best jokes of the 1990s.

The former Ponca Citian played to a packed house Thursday evening at the Poncan Theatre as a part of the millennium celebration.

Just like he did that afternoon, he reminisced about his high school days, spicing his routine with observations and comments on sundry aspects of life today.

Nothing was safe from his wit, not even the sanctity of the White House.

It was easy to see how this local boy “made good” and became known as Oklahoma’s second coming of Will Rogers.

Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction

Editor’s note: Information for this article was provided by Gary W. Smith, CCDC, Executive Director, Narconon Chilocco New Life Center.

Whether a person is genetically or biochemically predisposed to addiction or alcoholism is a controversy that has been debated for years within the scientific, medical and chemical dependency communities, according to Gary W. Smith. One school of thought advocates the “disease concept,” which embraces the notion that addiction is an inherited disease, and that the individual is permanently ill at a genetic level, even for those experiencing long periods of sobriety.

Another philosophy argues that addiction is a dual problem consisting of a physical and mental dependency on chemicals, compounded by a pre-existing mental disorder (i.e. clinical depression, bipolar disorder, or some other mental illness), and that the mental disorder needs to be treated first as the primary cause of the addiction. A third philosophy subscribes to the idea that chemical dependency leads to “chemical imbalances” in the neurological system.

The fact remains that there is scientific research to support all of these concepts, but that none of these theories are absolute.

There is a fourth school of thought which has proven to be more accurate. It has to do with the life cycle of addiction. This data is universally applicable to addiction, no matter which hypothesis is used to explain the phenomenon of chemical dependency.

The life cycle of addiction begins with a problem, discomfort or some form of emotional or physical pain a person is experiencing. They find this very difficult to deal with.

We start off with an individual who, like most people in our society, is basically good. He then encounters a problem or discomfort that he does not have the ability to resolve. This could include problems such as difficulty “fitting in” as a child or teenager, anxiety due to peer pressure, identity problems or divorce as an adult. It can also include physical discomfort, such as a broken arm or a bad back.

The person experiencing the discomfort has a real problem. They feel this situation is a major situation that persists and they see no immediate solution to this problem.

We have all experienced this in our lives to a greater or lesser degree. The difference between which one of us becomes an addict and who doesn’t depend on whether or not, at the time of this traumatic experience, we are subjected to pre-drug or alcohol influences via some sort of significant peer pressure when the problem is manifesting itself. The painkilling effects of drugs or alcohol becomes a solution to the discomfort because the person experiences relief from the negative feeling associated with the problem. As soon as the addict experiences relief from the discomfort, they inadvertently attach value to the drug or drink, because it helped them feel better. Even though the relief is only temporary, it is adopted as a solution to the problem and this assigned value is the only reason the person ever uses drugs or drinks a second, third or more times. At this point, it is just a matter of time before the person becomes fully addicted and loses the ability to control their drug use.

With the treatment methods that are being used today which are being administered based on what school of thought the treatment provider believes in, the statistics, based on national averages, show a 16 percent to 30 percent recovery rate. The message is clear that we have a lot more to learn if we are to bring the national recovery rate to a more desirable level.

Hello, Ponca City

Editorial

I knew Friday night I’d made the right decision.

Strolling the downtown streets of Ponca City, I watched revelers celebrating a new year ... a new century ... a new millennium. Many called it a “new beginning” as they reflected on what it meant to them to be alive on Jan. 1, 2000.

My reflecting on being alive at the turn of the century had been done long ago. Instead, I thought about Ponca City.

I was introduced to your fair community years and years ago as a young sportswriter when I covered football games and golf tournaments here for the old Oklahoma Journal.

Even then I was impressed with the city’s pride in itself.

Returning 30 years later to interview for the managing editor’s position with The Ponca City News, the images from the late ‘60s flooded back: Your enjoyment of the present, your respect for the past and your zest for the future.

So, when publisher Tom Muchmore extended the invitation to join the staff here and become a part of the Ponca City community, it was an easy decision to make.

Friday’s all-day Millennium Celebration only confirmed the rightness of that decision.

Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll learn about you and your hopes and your dreams.

You’ll see and know our reporters as they cover the events that make up your lives — from the police beat to the county courthouse, from the Chamber of Commerce to the high school sports scene. But the ME (managing editor) is generally behind the scenes. You won’t learn much about me unless I tell you now.

So, here goes...

I’m a transplanted Yankee from Rhode Island by way of South Carolina, Texas, Arkansas and California. But I’ve made plenty of stops in Oklahoma: High school in Lawton; college in Edmond; work in Oklahoma City. The ol’ home place is basically where I hang my hat.

My wife, Kellah, is still in Texas. She’s a teacher and is finishing the school year. I have three kids and two-and-a-half grandchildren. The kids and grandkids are scattered across a three-state area. There’s also two dogs and a cat, but they’re scattered across a backyard in Granbury, Texas.

I’m a sports enthusiast and a baseball fanatic. (Go Red Sox!) Politically, I’m an observer. I’m neither fish nor fowl, Republican nor Democrat. I salute the flag, get a lump in my throat when Taps are played and believe in God, the resurrection of Jesus and the inspiration and historical reliability of the Bible. Lonesome Dove is the best book I’ve ever read and Tombstone is my all-time favorite movie. Hawkeye from M*A*S*H is my hero, but Jesus Christ is my model.

I love my kids and my wife. I like pasta, peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.

And, I’m keeping my Millennium Celebration button on my desk as a constant reminder of why I chose to be in Ponca City.

Letters to the Editor

Why Ponca City Is So Successful

For several years I have wanted to write this letter and so as we end this century I feel that this is the year to finally write.

I’m continually asked how our community has so many success stories. Since taking my position with the city, this community has added a visitor attraction each year. From the creation of Centennial Plaza, renovating Poncan Theatre, recognizing our Native Americans with Standing Bear to the expansion of the Pioneer Woman Museum, this community amazes the entire state as well as the nation.

Frequently I am asked to speak to a city on hospitality. I am flattered, but I always respond with “Thank you, but I have not figured out how to take 26,399 other people with me. You see, it’s not just me, it is the entire community that rolls out the red carpet for our visitors.” And I truly believe we are a community that is blessed with extreme pride.

So this is basically a ‘Thank You’ to the entire community. I’m continually amazed at the individuals, groups, organizations, businesses and industries that step forward and make Ponca City’s events and festivals a success.

As I board motor coaches and take our visitors on a Festival of Angels tour, I still get chills when people are astounded at the neighborhoods that participate in this event, the fact that we purchase our displays locally, and the community spirit and pride that shines.

Overnight, this community changes from Thanksgiving to Christmas and welcomes our visitors in their neighborhoods, at their churches, and inside their businesses. Our dedicated community includes the board of the Festival of Angels, the ladies that put countless hours in at Angel Central, the step-on guides who give up their evenings to escort our visitors, the numerous volunteers that put the displays up and take them down, the Angel Hosts at the park, the City of Ponca City, the employees from many of the city departments and especially the Parks and Recreation Department.

Without these dedicated people, many of our events and festivals would have died on the vine.

--Missy Morland

City of Ponca City Tourism Director

High School Leadership Class Instrumental In Making Memory Trees Available

Students hung nearly three thousand ornaments on memory trees placed in their schools by Hospice of Ponca City. This year 24 schools in Ponca City, Newkirk, Blackwell, and Tonkawa participated.

“The concept of the Memory Tree is very simple,” says Melody Lahann, Administrative Director of Hospice. “Blank ornaments are available for students and staff to decorate and write the names of loved ones who have died and/or messages to their memories. Our focus with this project is not to make the kids sad at Christmastime, but to help them remember with love the ones they have lost.” Lahann emphasizes that the project is completely voluntary, and no child is ever pushed to make an ornament or even acknowledge losses he/she may have faced.”

Lahann says the project would be really difficult with so many participating schools, but “Carolyn Berry’s Leadership Class at Ponca City High School makes this project ‘do-able’.”

The high school students contact the schools regarding the trees, help make all the ornaments, check the trees and decorations, and set up/take down the trees. They also check periodically with the schools to see if more ornaments are needed. Berry says the students appreciate the chance to give back to their community and also learn a lot by interacting with the schools and the children. She says groups of two to three students are assigned to a school and do everything needed. Hospice provides the trees and decorations. Each tree is decorated with garlands in school colors and a tree skirt with the school’s name. Raindrops/Hospice volunteers make these skirts.

Leadership students who participated this years are: Shastina Abernathy, Tamra Banks, William Broughton, Christian Burgell, Megan Clark, Nichole Clark, Lyndsi Frederick, Cristy Garton, Barry Geheb, Donald Hazlewood, Matthew Johnson, Zac Lewis, Michael Martin, Karly Merrifield, Pawel Olejniczak, Alison Pickens, Timothy Rogers, Abby Roth, Gina Smith, Amber Stolhand, DeShawn Sweeney, Melissa Tweto, and Melissa Yohn.

“Response from the schools and the students to the Memory Trees has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Lahann. “Many were hesitant to accept the project but have found that it allows the students a chance to acknowledge losses in a non-threatening manner.” She says there is no charge to the schools or students for this project; it is Hospice of Ponca City’s gift back to the community.

Oklahoma Historical Society Calendar

January

Jan. 1-31 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Special Exhibit on USS Oklahoma Battleship, regular hours, free (405) 522-5244.

Jan. 1 — Mar. 31 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibit featuring Oklahoma colleges, universities, regular hours, (405) 744-2828.

Jan. 7 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Victorian Clothing Workshop by Martha Ray and Meredith Prough of OHS Site Service Center, 10 a.m. to noon, free (405) 375-5176.

Jan. 12 — May 1 — Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry: “A Day at Rose Hill School,” living history program for students, free (580) 336-2405.

Jan. 15 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek, 1 to 4 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Jan. 20 — Oklahoma Historical Society Board Room, Wiley Post Historical Building, Oklahoma City: Historical Preservation Review Committee meeting, 10 a.m. (405) 521-6249.

Jan. 22 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Victorian Fashion Show and Luncheon, noon to 2 p.m., pre-registration required (405) 375-5176.

Jan. 22 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Participating in Civil War Reenactments by reenactor Jim Lemon, 1 to 3 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Jan. 29 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: “Is It Junk or Treasure?” program by Marshall Gettys of State Historic Preservation Office, 1 to 3 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

February

Feb. 1-22 — Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry: “Through Our Grandmothers’ Eyes,” traveling exhibit, regular museum hours, free (580) 336-2405.

Feb. 1-31 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Special Exhibit on USS Oklahoma Battleship, regular hours, free (405) 522-5244.

Feb. 1 — Mar. 31 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibit on colleges, universities, regular hours, (405) 744-2828.

Feb. 5 — Victorian Valentine Workshop on making Victorian valentines, call for times, fee $10, pre-registration required (918) 478-4088.

Feb. 10 — T.B. Ferguson House, Watonga: Victorian Clothing Seminar, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Watonga Library, free (580) 623-5069.

Feb. 11 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Victorian Dancing by Martha Ray and Meredith Prough of OHS Site Service Center at Chisholm Trail Museum Auditorium, 7 to 9 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Feb. 12 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: “Sweet Memories” program by Peggy Goodrich of Enid, 1 to 3 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Feb. 17 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Paul Gilge of University of Oklahoma on “What a Riot!” (riots in American History), noon, free (580) 237-1907.

Feb. 19 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek, 1 to 4 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Feb. 23 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Al Turner of East Central State University of Ada as speaker on “Indians in Transition,” noon, free (405) 237-1907.

Feb. 24-26 — Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson: 1830s Fur Trade Rendezvous, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, fee $1 per car (580) 873-2634.

Red Rock Teen Will Undergo Heart Surgery

RED ROCK — Philip Price, a freshman at Frontier School at Red Rock, will be undergoing intensive heart surgery on Wednesday at Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Philip, 15, is the son of Libby Price and grandson of Jovonne and Henry Lieb.

A community-wide prayer meeting will be held 7 p.m. Monday in the Otoe-Missouria Senior Citizens Center at the Otoe Tribal Complex in Red Rock. The Rev. Thomas Roughface of Bethany will be conducting the prayer meeting.

All friends, classmates and relatives are invited to attend.

Refreshments will be served following the service.

Nearly News

NN conveys thanks to Ponca Citians from the American Legion folks for their generosity in donating food for the Legion Christmas baskets. A spokesperson for the Legion told NN they were able to provide five extra baskets of food and goodies for those in need. Sounds like the true Christmas spirit!

City Calendar

Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.

Anytime

FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).

Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street.

Monday

City Offices closed.

Ponca City Board of Commissioners work session canceled.

Tuesday

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for ages 4-7, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Something New, Ponca City Library.

Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Tuesday-Thursday

900 block Rosedale, closed for street repairs, for information Rob Dick 767-0412.

Wednesday

Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for 2 and 3-year-olds, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Something New, Ponca City Library.

Thursday

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, for more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come by.

Friday

Church Women United Annual Meeting, 9:30 a.m., St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh Street, annual reports, elections, installations of 2000 officers.

Historic Preservation Advisory Board, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room,

Saturday

Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to the rehabilitation program.

January 10

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow.

Square Dance Lessons by Cecil Burton for Kay County Square Dancers, 7 p.m., Ponca Plaza, atrium area, information 762-8423, 765-4376 or 762-4519.

January 11

Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., City Commission Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for ages 4-7, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Bubble Bath, Ponca City Library.

Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue.

AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center.

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library.

Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road, east of Ponca City.

January 12

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., for more information 762-9866 or 718-0314.

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for 2 and 3-year-olds, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Bubble Bath, Ponca City Library.

Cultural Affairs Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

Community Pool Committee, 4:30 p.m., YMCA.

January 13

Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue.

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come by.

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest Meeting Room, Western Sizzlin’.

American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue.

January 15

Citywide Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 6 p.m., Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue.

January 17

Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Lori White, 767-1668 for additional information.

United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room B, Ponca City.

January 18

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for ages 4-7, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, Ponca City Library.

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Program Room, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand Avenue.

DAV, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street.

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome.

January 19

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for 2 and 3-year-olds, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, Ponca City Library.

Ponca City School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library.

January 20

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come by.

Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

January 21

Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Commissioners’ Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

January 24

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow.

January 25

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for ages 4-7, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Good Night for a Dragon, Ponca City Library.

January 26

Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for 2 and 3-year-olds, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Good Knight for a Dragon, Ponca City Library.

January 27

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come by.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (in cafeteria), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue.

February 5

Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to the rehabilitation program.

Christian Motorcycle Association, 8 a.m., Western Sizzlin’.

P.C. Literacy Council Board Schedules Training Workshop for New Volunteers

The Ponca City Literacy Council Board recently elected new officers for the year 2000. The new officers are Larry Stephenson, president; Jon Kennedy, vice president; Theory Chiu, secretary, and Jan Rodd, treasurer. New members of the board are Joseph Dannenmaler and Jan Rodd. The board and its officers encourage all to make a New Year’s resolution that includes becoming a tutor for the literacy council.

A training workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12; Thursday, Jan. 13, and Saturday, Jan. 15. The council is dependent on volunteers and is always in need of tutors. Volunteers do not have to be teachers to tutor but need the desire to help someone. The council provides the 10-hour tutor training workshop in the Laubach phonics method. Council tutors include retirees, business people, homemakers, and high school and college students.

The council board held its annual planning retreat recently and plans were made for continuing to try to reach the 20 percent of the area residents that are functionally illiterate; they cannot fill out an application form, write a check, or read to their children. The council seeks to provide tutoring in reading, math, and English as a second language to all residents in Ponca City and the surrounding area.

The council board is also making plans for its annual direct mail campaign requesting contributions from area residents to help continue its programs by providing tutoring materials, scholarships to conferences, and operating expenses. In the past 14 years, the council has helped almost 2,000 students.

Contact Pam Hodge, director of the council, at the council office 767-0351, to make a contribution or for additional information about becoming a tutor.

School Calendar

Po-Hi

Jan. 3

Classes resume.

Jan. 4

Ninth grade red girls basketball against Waller at East Middle School, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade red boys basketball at Waller, 4 p.m.

Junior high and high school wrestling against Jenks, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6

Swim and dive meet against Jenks at YMCA, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade blue basketball at East Middle School, 5 p.m.

Sophomore basketball against Guthrie at RFH, 6 p.m.

Varsity girls basketball at Ada.

Varsity wrestling at Jenks Tournament.

Jan. 7

Honor band auditions at NOC.

Drama/debate in the Great Midwest Debate at UCO.

Varsity girls basketball at Ada.

Junior varsity wrestling tournament at Berryhill Tournament.

Varsity wrestling continues in Jenks Tournament.

Jan. 8

Honor band auditions continue at NOC.

Drama/debate at Great Midwest Debate.

Varsity girls basketball at Ada.

Varsity wrestling tournament at Jenks continues.

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

Monday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — French toast stix with syrup or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Pizza sticks or Fernandos burrito with cheese sauce, applesauce, Mexican beans, bear grahams, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken chunks with hot roll or meatball sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, pineapple, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili pie or breaded chicken patty on a bun, cheesy rice, tossed salad with ranch dressing, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Cheeseburger or pepperoni pizza, french fries, rosy applesauce, corn, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Breadsticks with marinara sauce or hoagie fish, broccoli with cheese sauce, pear halves, chocolate chip cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Breakfast burrito or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — French toast stix with syrup or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

East Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Breakfast burrito or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — French toast stix with syrup or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

West Middle School

Lunch

Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway.

Monday — Pizza sticks, fruit, baked beans, tossed salad, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili cheese pie, tossed salad, cheesy rice, fruit, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad with ranch dressing, fruit, corn, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Bread sticks with marinara sauce, broccoli with cheese sauce, fruit, chocolate chip cookies, saltine crackers, dill pickles or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

East Middle School

Lunch

Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway.

Monday — Pizza sticks, fruit, corn, tossed salad, dill pickles or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Lasagna with hot roll, sweet peas, lettuce and tomato salad, dill pickle or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili pie, cheesy rice, sour apple slime, lettuce and tomato salad, dill pickle or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Cheeseburger on a bun, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, vegetarian beans, dill pickle or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Bread sticks with marinara sauce, broccoli with cheese sauce, tossed salad, fruit, chocolate chip cookies, dill pickles or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

High School Lunch

Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts.

Po-Hi Campus Mart

Monday — Pizza pocket or ravioli with hot roll, broccoli with cheese sauce, Rocky Road parfait, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Foot long corn dog, tossed salad, Jello, tater tots with cheese sauce, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chicken patty sandwich or cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Sliced turkey with hot roll, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, dressing green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Ham, egg and cheese bar, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Thursday — Sausage biscuit, juice and milk.

Friday — Rice, toast, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Chicken strips, potatoes and gravy, green beans, peaches, hot roll and milk.

Tuesday — Hot dogs with relish, french fries, carrot sticks, orange wedge, cookie and milk.

Wednesday — Spaghetti and beef, corn, mixed fruit and milk.

Thursday — Sloppy Joe, tator tots, dill spear, applesauce, brownie and milk.

Friday — Beef stew, pears, hot roll and milk.

Little Cemetery in Nebraska Place for Giving Thanks

(Special to The News)

It was the day after Thanksgiving 1999, and for Mildred (Marge) Hudson of Ponca City and a small handful of local townspeople in Barneston, Neb., it was truly a time for giving thanks. They had gathered within the austere confines of a friendly little cemetery in what was originally the reservation confines of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.

Hudson explains the small group had gathered to participate in the repatriation of Otoe remains and artifacts that had been discovered at various excavation sites around the state.

The remains and artifacts had been housed within the Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln, Neb. for a number of years, and after the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, much paperwork, more discussion, and planning, this small group came together to share in this experience.

There were eight people attending, Hudson pointed out — only two Native Americans — “but the warmth, respect, and reverence of these people was unmeasurable,” according to Hudson. Mr. Rob Bozell, Associate Director in the archaeology division of the museum, made the arrangements for the gravesite, the backhoe, and everything else that was needed.

Marge explained, as is appropriate, an Indian blanket was spread on the ground inside the grave itself, as native peoples were not interred in caskets, and the blanket gave the gravesite a feeling of cultural identity, as well as a feeling of warmth.

Hudson said a feeling of solemnity washed over her as she viewed what remained of her historical, cultural, and Tribal identity in this small Nebraska town.

The contents of each box of artifacts and remains was emptied and each piece explained, and the approximate period in history to which it belonged. Marge said standing at the edge of the grave, observing the remnants of what once was, and realizing that the only connection she had to her ancestors was at the bottom of that dark pit, created a sense of humbleness that may never be eequaled in this lifetime. “To think that I was viewing things that may have belonged to a great-grandmother or grandfather was absolutely incredible.”

Among the expected human remains were also the long ago disintegrated pieces of a rifle butt, of French origin, which Bozell said most probably came from the period of 1700 to 1750. Most of the metal, and some of the wood was still intact; however, the years of burial and retention in the museum had produced a sheen on the wood which assumed to be petrified wood sap.

In addition to the rifle pieces, there were numerous glass beads of various colors and sizes, and so dissimilar in shape as to verify their age. The boxes also contained shards of pottery, a wooden bowl, the bones of a dog, which was assumed to have been buried with its owner as if to give testimony that this person was a person of high standing within the Tribe, bits of cloth which appeared to be expensive French cloth, what was left of decorative hair ornaments, green with age; aluminum and bronze cones, an intact beaded bracelet, although it was very fragile, a sizable piece of cedar which may have been part of a bowl, and most importantly of all — the bowls of 3 pipes, one which was made of Minnesota pipe stone.

Although the pipe stems had long ago disappeared, two of the pipe bowls’ ornate carvings were still visible. One small bowl was carved so that when the pipe smoker was smoking the pipe, a small face would peer back at him. The carving was very obviously a face, but the face was so worn that its features were nearly indistinguishable, not at all clearly defined. The smooth, red Minnesota pipe stone was in perfect condition, also carved, ornate in its simplicity — a series of clearly defined straight lines circling the bowl itself as well as the stem end. “This pipe bowl was the most carefully preserved item in the inventory,” Marge said.

The gathering viewed the grave contents for about an hour and a half before it was time to cover the gravesite, and as Hudson reported, the small gathering in attendance became pensive and quiet as the backhoe went about covering the grave. Hudson said, “As the backhoe separated me from mine, a red tail hawk circled in the bright sunlight above the grave in a lazy pattern. It surely was a sign that what had just taken place was indeed the right thing to do.”

After leaving the cemetery, the group went on a guided tour of the original reservation lands of the Otoe Tribe. During the tour they saw what remains of the lands of the Otoe Tribe. Marge said it was pointed out with the tour that one of the major projects of the small town of Barneston is the preservation and restoration of the original Otoe Reservation School, which was reduced from its original size and shape by a fire, vandalism, and normal weathering.

The group also visited the location of the original Otoe village, stopped by the historical marker telling a short history and designating the location of the Otoe Tribe in Barneston, was treated to an after-hours library tour by the Beatrice librarian. The folks of the Beatrice and Barneston communities celebrate the Otoe people in their small communities and are trying to preserve the legacy left behind by the Otoes when they were forced to move, once again, into Oklahoma.

Hudson explained that the group decided that an ordinary marble headstone was not suitable to mark the gravesite. She explained Nebraska has the most beautiful quartz rock, forged by glaciers during the Ice Age, and deposited randomly across the Nebraska landscape. The stone varies in color from a dusty rose to a deep reddish pink, similar in color to the Minnesota pipe stone. This stone seemed to the group to be a most appropriate marker for the gravesite. Since the grave contains no head and no foot, Hudson pointed out, the marker will not sit at the head or foot position, but rather lengthwise along the long part of the grave. The stone will be carved with a tribute to all Otoe people, she advised.

Marge said she made many friends in the Barneston and Beatrice areas, and will be returning to that area in the spring to visit.

First Lutheran Church Organ Rededication Set Thursday

Dr. Charles W. Ore, composer, organ recitalist, and educator, will present a recital at First Lutheran Church on Thursday at 7 p.m. The recital will be a part of the rededication of the church’s recently restored pipe organ.

Dr. Ore is a nationally recognized organ recitalist, composer of organ and choral music, and leader in the use and development of improvisation in organ playing. He is a 1958 graduate of Concordia University in Seward, Neb. He was awarded the Master of Musical Arts Degree at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., in 1961 and the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1986. Currently he is Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at Concordia University in Seward, Neb.

Dr. Ore’s program will include music by Bach, Mendelssohn, and original compositions by Dr. Ore, commissioned by the Oklahoma City chapter of the American Guild of Organists. There will be a portion of the program in which Dr. Ore will be presented with a theme from the audience on which he will then provide his own spontaneous improvisation. The program will close with the congregational hymn “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright.” This hymn has been used for the celebration of The Epiphany of Our Lord for over 300 years.

This is a rare opportunity to hear one of America’s finest musicians. The recital is free of charge to the public. There will be a free-will offering received that will be specified for the Organ Fund. Members of First Lutheran strongly encourage the music lovers of Ponca City and this area to join them on Thursday night for an evening of great organ music.

School Board Ward 6 Position Available to Qualified Seekers

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Come one come all!

Office 6 of the Ponca City Board of Education was declared vacant at the Dec. 20 board meeting after member Steve Stalcup bought a house outside his specified boundary.

Those local citizens interested in serving as a representative of Ward 6 on the Board of Education should send a letter of interest to the Board of Education, 111 West Grand. Letters of interest will be accepted through Feb. 1.

A special board meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at which time interested candidates will be interviewed and an appointment will be made.

Board Qualifications

To become a school board member, an individual must meet several requirements including: being a registered voter of Kay County, reside within Ponca City for six months, not convicted of a felony, have a high school diploma or GED, not be an employee of the school or related by blood or marriage to someone who is, and must continue to meet the requirements for their school board position or the seat will be declared vacant.

The legal description of Ward 6 is as follows:

Beginning at the intersection of the A.T. & S.F. Railroad and the Arkansas River which is the South Boundary of the School District, thence North along the A.T. & S.F. Railroad to the intersection of South Avenue and the A.T. & S.F. Railroad, thence West along the center of South Avenue to the center of the intersection of South Avenue and South Osage Street, thence North along the center of Osage Street to the center of the intersection of Osage Street and Grand Avenue, thence East along the center of Grand Avenue to the center of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Fourteenth Street (U.S. 77), thence South along the center of U.S. 77 (Fourteenth Street) to the center of the intersection of U.S. 77 and U.S. 60, thence East along the center of U.S. 60 to the intersection of U.S. 60 and the center of the Arkansas River, thence Southerly and Southwesterly along the center of the Arkansas River to the intersection of the River and the A.T. & S.F. Railroad (the point of beginning).

Rezoning on Agenda Of Planning Group

Rezoning for a preliminary plat for a new subdivision will be heard by the Ponca City Planning Commission at the 7 p.m., Tuesday meeting at the Public Safety Center.

This plat is being submitted by Jerry Evans for a subdivision. The proposed subdivision is to be located between East Lake Ponca and West Lake Ponca on L.A. Cann Drive.

Other agenda items are of a routine nature.

Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority Will Meet Jan. 10

For the month of January, 2000, the Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority will meet in regular monthly session on Monday, Jan. 10, 2000, at 5:30 p.m. Meeting will be held in the Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority Conference Room, according to executive director Jacquelyn O. Norman.

The Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority will meet for their regular monthly meetings every first Monday of the month beginning February 7, 2000, at 5:30 p.m. in the Housing Authority’s Conference Room. Meetings will be held every month on the first Monday at 5:30 p.m. thereafter.

Actors Sought for Musical

MEDFORD — The Children’s Theatre of Medford will be holding actor auditions for their upcoming musical production of the popular tale, “The Little Red Hen.” The audition will take place 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the First United Methodist Church of Medford, 123 North 2nd Street.

Actors are sought who not only have good performance skills, but also have a good rapport with children, display positive ethical and moral character, and can be considered good role models for young children. Actors of all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

“The Little Red Hen” is a 35-minute musical play for child audiences that will be performed Feb. 17 through 20 at the Medford Civic Center. Two male and two female actors are needed. The four roles are Little Red Hen, Dog, Cat, and Mouse. All characters have solo lines in the songs.

Actors will be asked to read from the script and sing a song that will be taught from the show. Prepared monologues may be helpful, but they are not required. Pictures and resumes are helpful, but are not required. Actors are encouraged to visit the CTM website www.playsandmusicals.com/ctm.

Rehearsal will be held three weekday evenings per week; special school performances will be held mornings/afternoons, and the public performance will be Sunday afternoon, Feb. 20. Actors will be asked to provide a list of any prior commitments that may conflict with the production schedule.

Any questions may be directed to the director, Kevin Reese, by phone at (580) 395-2990 or 395-2943 or via email at ctm@playsandmusicals.com.

DEATHS

Vergil James Metcalf
Laura Belle Shannon
Frances M. Roberts
Merle Irvin Lesemann
George H. Green Jr.
Jerry Lee Cole
Laci Dawn Hill
Donald LeRoy Clark
Floyd Nathan West
Walter L. Elbe
Jim W. Hibbets
Madalynne Peel

Vergil James Metcalf

GLENCOE, Okla. — Vergil James Metcalf, longtime resident of Glencoe, Okla., died Friday, Dec. 31, 1999 in Stillwater Municipal Hospital. He was 86.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000 at the Church of Christ in Glencoe, under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home of Pawnee. Jack Reeves will be officiating, with interment in Glencoe Cemetery, Glencoe, Okla.

Vergil James Metcalf was born Dec. 16, 1913 in Glencoe, to Anthony Luellen Metcalf and Mary Ellen Mulford Tucker Metcalf. He married Agnes Alverda Huff on Sept. 28, 1935 in Stillwater, and she preceded him in death on June 12, 1991. They made their first home west of Glencoe, and in 1942, the moved into town where he owned and operated the Glencoe Garage. He was a member of the Glencoe Church of Christ, and loved to fish, play dominoes, and attend family reunions.

Vergil James Metcalf is survived by three daughters, Louise Dillbeck, Ponca City, Eva Gibson, Miami, Okla., and Theressa Horton, Glencoe; six grandchildren, three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; brother Cecil Metcalf, Stillwater; plus a number of other relatives and many friends.

Besides his wife, Agnes, he was preceded in death by a son, James Allen Metcalf in 1956; five brothers and one sister.

Laura Belle Shannon

BETHANY, Okla. — Laura Belle Shannon, a former resident of Ponca City, died Dec. 31, 1999. Memorial services will be Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000 at 1 p.m. in Mercer Adams Chapel in Bethany, Okla.

Mercer Adams Funeral Service, Bethany, Okla. is in charge of arrangements.

Frances M. Roberts

PAWHUSKA — Frances M. “Fannie” Roberts, longtime resident of Fairfax, died Friday, Dec. 31, 1999 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 86.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2000 at the Pawhuska Cemetery in Pawhuska with Mr. Raymond Redcorn officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax.

Born July 22, 1913 in Pawhuska, she was the daughter of Walter and Agnes (Drum) Rogers. She grew up in Pawhuska and received her education at the Catholic school there. She was married to Lawrence R. Potts in 1929 in Pawhuska. She later married Kirby Roberts Sr. in 1972.

Mrs. Roberts was a homemaker and a member of the First Osage Baptist Church, the Grayhorse War Mothers Chapter 15 and Pah-Sue-Lee Club. She enjoyed playing Dominoes and spending time with her family.

Surviving are one daughter, Laura J. Potts of Sand Springs; a son, Lawrence R. Potts of Bella Vista, Ark.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Arthur Lee Potts and Leroy Potts, and a sister, Agnes.

Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Sunday.

Merle Irvin Lesemann

NEWKIRK — Merle Irvin Lesemann, longtime Newkirk resident, died late Thursday night, Dec. 30, 1999 in Shawn Manor, Ponca City. He was 80.

The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3 in the Newkirk First Christian Church with the Rev. Jerry Albright officiating.

Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. There will be no public viewing.

Merle Irvin Lesemann was born May 20, 1919 at Eddy, Okla., the son of Fredrich H. and Hazel Delores (Crumrine) Lesemann. The family moved to rural Newkirk in 1928, and he attended Pleasant Valley Rural School and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1938. After graduation he was employed by D.H. Clark of Ponca City and later worked at the Elk Horn Ranch at Douglass, Kan.

On Dec. 14, 1941 he and Bonnie Lee Suits were married at Wichita. They made their first home at the ranch where he was working. On March 26, 1942 he entered the U.S. Army and served with the 16th Infantry in Central Europe and the Aleutian Islands until the end of World War II. He received his discharge Oct. 6, 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.

After receiving his discharge, they established their home on the family farm northwest of Newkirk. In 1976 they retired from the farm and moved into Newkirk where they have since resided.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Newkirk. He loved his family, as well as his church family, and the farm and animals he so faithfully cared for.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of the home; one son, Milton Lesemann of Newkirk; two daughters, Patricia Wilson of Sand Springs, Okla., and Janell Peace of Newkirk; one brother, Alfred Lesemann of Turner, Ore.; one sister, Alvena Arnett of Newkirk; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by one son, Dale Lesemann, his parents, and one brother, Cecil Lesemann.

Those serving as casket bearers will be Bob Scott, Garry Bilger, Paul Backhaus, Raymond Simons, Mike Evans and Larry Layton. Honorary bearers are Don Gibbons, Dale Honn, Gary Kahle, Willard Hill and Leslie Von Seggern.

Memorial funds have been established with the Parkinson Association and the WWII National Memorial. Contributions may be made to either through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647-0468.

George H. Green Jr.

George H. Green Jr., longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, at his home. He was 80.

The funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 1999, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Pfaff of the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester with the Rev. Dr. Kevin Boyd, First Presbyterian Church, McAlester, officiating.

George H, Green Jr. was born on Jan. 27, 1919, in Haileyville, Okla., to George and Ola Green. He was raised in Haileyville and graduated school there in 1937. He then attended Parks Air College in East St. Louis, Ill., and graduated in 1939 with a bachelor of science degree in maintenance engineering. He then was employed with the Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics in Jackson, Miss., as superintendent of maintenance. He married Geraldine Swinney in Alexandria, Va., on May 7, 1941. She preceded him in death on July 17, 1980.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1944. He entered naval flight training in 1946 and was presented with his “Wings of Gold” two years later. Following a series of assignments, he was sent to Korea in 1951. While there, he won the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and served with both the First Marine Air Wing and the First Marine Division. After the war, he was given several other assignments, including flight instructor, atomic bomb tests, working with the early astronauts, and squadron commander. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1962 as a major.

After his service in the military, he and his family moved to Stillwater where he enrolled at Oklahoma State University in the fall of 1962. Four years later, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He then moved to Ponca City where he became employed with Continental Oil Company, specializing in control system instrumentation. His assignments stateside included all of the refinery and chemical plants. His foreign assignments included Refineria Panama, Petroquimica Espanola in Spain, and consultant for Murchison Field (North Sea Platform). He became a registered “Professional Engineer” on June 23, 1972, and retired from Conoco on July 1, 1983, as senior project engineer.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the American Legion, the VFW, and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He enjoyed trains, gardening, and was the neighborhood handyman.

He is survived by one daughter, Jo Marshall of Fremont, Calif.; two grandsons; and one sister, Betsy Schumacher of Mesa, Ariz.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Foster Green.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Jerry Lee Cole

BARNSDALL — Memorial services for Jerry Lee Cole, 51, resident of Blackwell, and a former resident of Barnsdall, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000 at the First Baptist Church in Barnsdall, Okla. Bro. Brad Davis and Bro. Richard Thomason will officiate.

Roger Hayes, Gary Garrett, Ed Fite and members of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife will serve as honorary casket bearers. Services are under the direction of Millsap Funeral Service of Fort Gibson.

Jerry Lee Cole was born Aug. 23, 1948 at Barnsdall, Okla., the son of Arthur and Evelyn (Tullock) Cole. He died Friday, Dec. 31, 1999 at Muskogee.

He graduated from Barnsdall High School and went on to complete two years of college. During the Vietnam War, he served two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee. Mr. Cole joined the State Wildlife Department on Jan. 5, 1976 and served as Game Warden in Okfuskee, Creek, Harper, Sequoyah and Cherokee Counties and before his illness, in Kay County.

Surviving are a son, Jacob Cole of Pawhuska; two sisters, Mrs. Harold (Freda) Wade of Fort Gibson and Mrs. Ronnie (Debbie) Thomas of Barnsdall; two brothers, Lloyd Cole of Bartlesville and Charles Cole of Barnsdall; an aunt, an uncle, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Obituaries

Laci Dawn Hill

Funeral services for Laci Dawn Hill, former Ponca City resident, will be Monday, Jan. 3, 2000, 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Roll, pastor, Church on the Move, Tulsa officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born May 13, 1974 at Ponca City, she was the daughter of Larry Eugene and Linda Jean Burns Griffin. She attended McCord Elementary School, East Junior High, and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1992. She played on the high school tennis team. Laci then attended Northeastern State University.

On Aug. 5, 1995 she married Ronald Wayne Hill at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City. The couple lived in Tulsa, Wichita, and Edmond before settling in Bixby in 1997.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponca City and enjoyed tennis, golf, water sports, and shopping.

Laci loved Ronnie. He was her whole life and she was his. They made each other laugh, cry, and they were inseparable. Her mom was her best friend and they loved to shop. She had a lot of special people in her life; her parents, Larry and Linda Griffin; her brother, Larry, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; her parents-in-law, George and Carolyn Hill, Tulsa; brothers and sisters-in-law, Scott, Mary, Mike and Beth Hill; her grandparents, Betty Smith, Herb and Esther Griffin, and great-grandmother, Ruby Goodson; her two cats, Geddi and Alli; and closest friends, Marnie, Holly, and Jody.

Casket bearers will be Kelly Kitt, Rod Alexander, Mike Sutterfield, Lee Jay Osborn, Jeremy Rodgers, and Eric Knittel.

Memorials may be made to the Laci Dawn Hill Memorial Fund, in care of Daniel Grounds, Bank of America, 10343 E. 71st St., South Tulsa, OK 74133.

The family will be at 3920 Bell Road.

paid obituary

Donald LeRoy Clark

Donald LeRoy Clark, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, December 30, 1999 at Keystone State Park. He was 61.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 3, 2000 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ed Coy Light, Pastor, and the Rev. Tracy Schumpert, Associate Pastor, officiating. Arrangements are made under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Donald was born on Dec. 1, 1938 in Arkansas City to Paul and Ella (Stevenson) Clark. He was raised in Arkansas City and graduated from high school there in 1956. He then attended Arkansas City Junior College and received an Associates of Science degree in 1958. He then joined the United States Navy in 1959, and after serving for a time on the U.S.S. Ajax, stationed in Sasebo, Japan, he received a medical discharge. He returned to Kansas where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a Masters of Arts degree from Kansas State College in Pittsburg.

He married Donna DeWitt on August 6, 1961 in Winfield, Kan., and to this union was born two children. Don went on to earn his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Boulder in 1971 and was a teacher in Fort Dodge, Iowa and Arkansas City, and was Assistant Dean of Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He also served as Dean of Technical Occupational Education at the Houston Community College.

He and his family moved to Ponca City in 1983 where he was employed with Continental Oil Company. He retired in 1994. Don was a 32nd degree Mason and loved to narrate cantata at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Don also volunteered once a month at Sabolich Prosthetic Company in Oklahoma City. He also enjoyed traveling in his motor coach, flying remote control airplanes, reading, sailboating, computers, and Boy Scouts.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, a Title I Reading Specialist at Lincoln Elementary School; two children, Crystal Lynn Guardiola of Houston, and Philip Brian Clark of Tulsa; three grandchildren; his parents; and one brother, David A. Clark of Enid; and numerous other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church organ fund, 1904 N. Pecan, Ponca City, OK 74601, or to the American Diabetes Association, 4425 West Airport Station, 4425 West Airport Freeway, Suite 130, Irving, Texas 75062.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, Jan. 2, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

paid obituary

Floyd Nathan West

Floyd Nathan West, longtime Ponca City resident, was called home to live with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday morning, Dec. 28, 1999. He was 79 years of age.

A celebration of his homegoin’ will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2000, in the New Life Baptist Church, 301 S. Waverly, in Ponca City, with the Rev. Elza Haynes, assistant pastor of Connor Chapel AME Church, officiating. The Reverends James L. Williams, Pastor of New Life Baptist Church; Robert C. Palmer Sr., Pastor of St. John Baptist Church; and Eldridge Dewberry will assist. Burial with Military honors by Fort Sill Honor Guard of Fort Sill, Okla. will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Floyd Nathan West was born on June 8, 1920 to Josh and Minnie (Hollis) West in Coal Hill, Ark. He received his education in Arkansas. Floyd served in World War II and attained the position of Staff Sergeant, supervising many men. Shortly after his discharge he moved to Ponca City, Okla. where he met and married Clara B. Patterson on Dec. 25, 1953.

Floyd worked and retired from Nickles Machine shop as a sandblaster and later opened up a small cafe doing what he loved best: cooking and feeding people. He was a member, a steward and an active worker for the Lord of the Martin Temple C.M.E. Church, serving faithfully until ill health hindered him from attending regularly as he wanted to.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 46 years: Clara Belle West; one daughter, Florine Johnson of Fort Smith, Ark.; two sons, Dwain West of Ponca City and Delbert West of Oakland, Calif.; one brother, R.C. West of Fort Smith, Ark., and one sister, Zetta Mae Harris of Oakland, Calif.; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three nephews, a host of adopted sons and daughters, as well as many friends and loved ones.

Casket bearers will be Chester Anderson, Vincent Anderson, Leonard Coffee, Lee Cotton, George Lockett and Ben Young.

Honorary casket bearers will be Joe Coffee, Leo Haynes, Joe Hill, Howard Roland and Joe Tipton.

Flower bearers will be Linda Burton, Ira Coffee, Shawna Goldsmith, Phyllis Lawson, Joyce McClanahan and Eursle Young.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the New Life Baptist Church, 301 S. Waverly, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at the home, 1709 South 10th St., to receive friends.

paid obituary

Walter L. Elbe

Walter L. Elbe, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, Dec. 31, 1999 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 85.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000 at Central Baptist Church with the Rev. John Waterloo, Pastor, and the Rev. Mike Haley, officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tonkawa under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Walter was born on June 15, 1914, in Manchester to Frank and Rosella (Waters) Elbe. He was raised in the Manchester area and attended Manchester Schools. He married Edna Martin on July 22, 1939 in Ponca City, and they established their first home in Manchester. They resided in Sedgwick and Wichita for a time before moving to Ponca City in 1945 where he was employed by Continental Oil Company in the refinery. He retired in 1976. He was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church, where he served many years as Treasurer. He loved to travel.

He is survived by his wife, Edna Elbe of Ponca City; three daughters, Georgene Morris of Ponca City, Lorene Waters and her husband, Bazil of Statesboro, Ga., and Diane Haley and her husband, Mike of Fort Worth; one son, Lawrence Elbe and his wife, Barbara of Redding, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Troy Morris of McEuen, Tenn., Lori Poole of Statesboro, Ga., Theron Elbe of Redding, Calif., Shonda O’Neal of The Colony, Texas, Mark Vaughn Waters of Statesboro, Ga., Mrs. Melissa Litke of Westcliff, Colo., Jonathan Haley of Fort Worth, Texas, Michael Haley of Pueblo, Colo. Amy Haley of Fort Worth; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ethel Stephens, two grandchildren, Hoel Elbe and Diane Waters.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, Building Fund, 618 East Hartford, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Jim W. Hibbets

Jim W. Hibbets, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2000 at the Vincor Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 79. Survivors include his wife, Doris, of the home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel and will be announced later.

Madalynne Peel

A graveside service will be held in the Newkirk Cemetery on Wednesday, Jan. 5. 2000 at 10 a.m. for Madalynne Peel, who died Thursday, Dec. 30, 1999 in Westminster Village. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in the First United Methodist Church. Trout Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

NEWS BRIEFS

Do You Know CPR? — Free one time per month classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation given by the Ponca City Fire Department training center. Adult Heartsaver Class will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the training room of the No. 1 Fire Station, 500 East Grand. All classes are conducted according to the American Heart Association standards. For additional information call 767-0361 or 765-3178.

For Rent: Beautiful condo over-looking the bay, in Ixtapa, Mexico. 1 week or 2 weeks. Jan. 25th to Feb. 5th and/or Feb. 5th to 12th. Very reasonable. For information call 580-762-5319. adv.

Library Closed — The Ponca City Library will be closed today and Monday in celebration of the New Year.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Guardsman Graduates — Army National Guard Pvt. Laurence R. Willey has graduated from the automated logistical specialist advanced individual training (AIT) course at Fort Lee, Petersburg, Va. The soldier was trained in the skills and knowledge required to receive, store, issue, ship, and account for subsistence supplies. The training included ration breakdown, and commissary functions such as price changes, inventory, displays, and security. Willey is the son of Andrew M. and Sylvia R. Willey of 2900 N. Union Street in Ponca City. He is a 1998 graduate of Ponca City High School.

For Sale: 1984 4x4 GMC Sierra. Call 1-580-362-2180 after 5 p.m. adv.

Receives Decoration — Army Cpl. David T. Hodges has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal. David is the son of Sally B. Hodges of 107 Glenside, Ponca City, and Tom W. Hodges of Stevenson Ranch, Calif. The medal is awarded to those individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement or meritorious service in the performance of their duties on behalf of the Army. Hodges is a personnel assistant assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry in Germany. He is a 1997 graduate of Hart High School in Newhall, Calif.

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.

Fence Vandalized — A man from the 100 block of Hillside Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:56 a.m. Friday that his fence had been vandalized. 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.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of Briar Ridge and Wellington was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:12 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Jack Griffiths reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:20 p.m. Friday that a subject had taken $15 worth of gas without paying and left east bound on Princeton Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Will the wonderful people who placed a Christmas ham behind a screen door in the block of Monument Road, Tuesday afternoon, please call the recipient so that he may thank them personally? Thank You, LDW adv.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:24 p.m. Friday that a grass fire was burning in the 1000 block of North Ranch Drive. The Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department was contacted to handle the situation.

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 300 block of South Osage Street at 9:41 p.m. Friday that a 20-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1 p.m. Friday that a grass fire was burning on Blue Elk. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and a unit from the McCord Volunteer Fire Department assisted in handling the situation.

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

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:20 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a report was taken.

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

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:59 p.m. Friday that a grass fire was burning in the 1400 block of West Summit Street. An officer from the Ponca City Police Department responded and two units from the Ponca City Fire Department handled the situation.

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

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:46 p.m. Friday from a man in the 800 block of North Fourteenth Street reporting a three-vehicle accident. Four officers from the Ponca City Police Department responded and a unit from the Ponca City Fire Department was called to assist concerning an oil spill. A report was taken.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 4:01 p.m. Friday that a grass fire was burning three miles south of U.S. 60 on Oklahoma 156. Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department was notified to handle the situation.

Accident — A minor accident in the 1800 block of Princeton Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:31 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Grass Fire — Unit one from the Ponca City Fire Department reported to the Communications Center at 5:14 p.m. Friday that it was handling a small grass fire at Garfield School.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of South Third Street at 7:13 p.m. Friday that a report was taken on a two-vehicle accident.

Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a 911 call from a man that an intoxicated driver was north bound on Waverly Street from West South Avenue at 8:37 p.m. Friday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded, and took a juvenile passenger to the police department, prior to releasing the juvenile to a parent.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of West Grand Avenue at 9:39 p.m. Friday that a report was taken on a minor accident.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a request for assistance from Wayne’s, 622 West Highland Avenue at 12:54 a.m. Saturday that subjects on the south side of the building were causing problems. Two officers were assigned and took into custody a 20-year-old man on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and West Cleveland Avenue at 10:37 p.m. Friday that a 21-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having no insurance, and driving past a barricade.

Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:44 p.m. Friday from a resident in the 400 block South Birch Street that a fire was in a bathroom. it from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and the fire was put out.

Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:19 a.m. Saturday from a woman in the 900 block of South Twelfth Street that something had come through a window. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:25 a.m. Saturday from a resident in the 700 block of South Eighth Street that the residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on a second degree burglary.

Subject Held — Two officers reported from a business firm in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 1:46 a.m. Saturday that a 15-year-old boy was being held for second degree burglary.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Pine Street at 2:09 a.m. Saturday that a 27-year-old man was being held for making an improper left turn and having no driver’s license.

Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Broadway Avenue and North Second Street at 3:41 a.m. Saturday that a 20-year-old woman was being held for DUI, transporting an open bottle and possession of marijuana. A 22-year-old woman was held for possession of marijuana.

Harassment — A woman from the 2100 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:57 a.m. Saturday that some harassing telephone calls had been received. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

LIFESTYLES

Local Residents Reflect on Past As Ponca City Greets New Year
Mandi McLeland Becomes The Bride of Darin Grimes
Lookin’ With Lou
Aqua Jog With June Classes Offering Suggestions, Help for Weight Control
Ponca City Cultural Center Setting for Couple’s Vows
Wheatheart Nutrition Menu Announced
Kiwanis Make New Year’s Resolutions
Goodwin Will Address Council Of Gardeners
New Garden Club
Jamie Miller Is Bride-Elect
Pair Celebrates Anniversary
Couple Plans March 4 Vows
Pioneer Genealogical Society To Meet
Little News
Unit III Members Attend Luncheon
Singles Network To Meet
Xi Delta Chapter Members Meet
Ponca City Medical Minutes
Holiday Hilarities Fun To Read Any Day of the New Century
Ponca City Happenings

Local Residents Reflect on Past As Ponca City Greets New Year

EDITOR’S NOTE; When looking to the future it is always enlightening to reflect on the past. Ernie Trout and Bernadine Brown, early day classmates and lifelong friends, got together recently to reminisce about Ponca City’s early days.

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Strands of Ponca City’s most interesting history links the lives of Ernie Trout and Bernadine Brown, who have been friends since the heydays of oilmen E.W. Marland and Lew Wentz.

Ernie was a Boy Scout and sold programs for the dedication of the Pioneer Woman. He recalls everyone was excited because Will Rogers, a world class celebrity, was one of the speakers.

Bernadine’s father, George Stanley, was in business with E.W. Marland in the Ponca City Development Company. Marland was president and Stanley was vice president.

A native of Ponca City, Bernadine lived at 503 North Seventh during her childhood. Her parents had been here since 1900. Her father, George Stanley, and his brother owned M.O. Stanley Jewelry at 211 East Grand.

Ernie came to Ponca City from Tulsa as an infant of six months. When he was a preschooler the Trout family lived in a “little house” in the 900 Block of South Sixth. “At that time South Avenue was the city limits and we lived on a dirt road south of South Avenue,” Ernie says.

Later, the family moved to North Fourth Street and Ernie attended school at Roosevelt. When he entered the first grade, Bernadine was enrolled in the second grade.

Bernadine was in school at Roosevelt when the school burned down. So her second year, and Ernie’s first semester of school, was held at the Presbyterian Church, then located at Fourth and Cleveland.

When Ernie’s father, E.M. Trout, moved the family to Ponca City from Tulsa in 1917, he was working for Santa Fe Railroad in the insurance department. “By 1918 companies were beginning to think about putting in insurance departments. He was hired to come to Ponca City. He worked for Mr. Marland for a couple of years, and then Lew Wentz, who had his office up in the old Security Bank building, hired him to come up there and they put in an insurance department,” Ernie told.

An admirer of Wentz, Ernie related the following story about the oilman/philanthropist. “Two weeks after my twin brothers, Jack and Jim, were born, Dad drove home in a little old Ford car one night. He had been home about 30 minutes when Wentz drove up in a big four-door eight-cylinder Cole 8.

“Wentz walked in the house and told my dad, ‘Trout you’ve doubled the size of your family, you need a bigger car.’ He gave the keys of the car to Dad, got in the Ford and drove back to the Arcade Hotel. He was quite a person. I am a great admirer of Lew Wentz and the whole family was.”

Bernadine told about the part her father played in the early days of Ponca City. “The Ponca City Development Company brought in the high school addition and most of the west part of town that was developed. They bought the high school addition from Wetzel.” Ponca City Development Company gave the land for the Ponca City High School building.

Bernadine recalls that some folks “raised a fit over where the high school was being built and that it was being built for the wealthy people in Ponca City and the less fortunate people thought they were being ignored.” Bernadine commented, “Ponca City has always grown north and east.”

Asked if that Ponca City Development Company developed the Acre Homes addition, which is in the general area, Bernadine replied that Acre Homes was developed by another group of men. She recalls that Mr. Marland and her dad had offices in the building on North Fourteenth outside the fence. This house is also made of limestone and has the tile roof like the Marland Mansion. At one time, it was a gateway to the Marland Estate.

It is interesting to note in those days everyone addressed Marland as “Mr.” — a title of respect for one of the richest oilmen of that era.

Besides attending school together, Ernie and Bernadine were baptized on the same day in the Presbyterian Church. As children, they both played in the North Park.

The Ponca Citians also remember the 101 Ranch terrapin races, opening of the Poncan Theatre and other theaters in town, and seeing the circus elephants unloaded.

After graduating from Ponca City High School in 1934, Bernadine attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University), where she earned a bachelor of science in food. Ernie, who graduated from high school in 1935, would attend two years at Northern Oklahoma Junior College, known then as University Preparatory School.

The downturn of the economy and a change in his father’s business sent Ernie to the University of Minnesota because it had a good funeral service school.

Ernie tells about his father changing careers, going from the insurance business to the funeral service. In 1936, Ernie and his brothers, Jack and Jim, joined their father in the funeral business.

Two years before, his dad had quit the Wentz Oil Corporation and decided to be an independent insurance man. Ernie said, “In the meantime the economy began to go sour. Dad said, ‘Nobody is buying insurance and everybody is letting their polices lapse. They are borrowing on their policies.’

“He came home one night in February 1935, threw money on the table, and said ‘That’s all the money (65 cents) we’ve got in the world, the people that are making the money out of insurance are the funeral directors.’ In November 1936 he opened a funeral home.”

About the old days, Bernadine recalls, “When Ernie and I were young it was fun to go downtown.” They recalled a meat market with a sawdust floor.

Ernie told an amusing story about a candy store downtown. He remembers it was in the 100 block on North Third, east side of the street. “In the evening my dad would take us down there and let us go in and buy a little candy.”

Ernie recalls that when the woman, who mixed the candy on a large marble board died, her husband had her name put on the board. The slab was then used as a grave marker.

Another connection between the lifelong friends Ernie and Bernadine is public service. Ernie served a term as mayor of Ponca City and Bernadine’s husband, Lee, also was mayor.

Mandi McLeland Becomes The Bride of Darin Grimes

The Sunset Baptist Church was the setting for the recent wedding of Amanda McLeland and Darin Grimes. Their double ring vows were officiated in a 6 p.m. ceremony by the Rev. Ron Ledbetter. White lights, tulle and ivy were used for decorations for the candlelight event. Melissa Landes was the candlelighter, and music was provided by Mary Lindsey on the cello and Carolyn Cook on piano.

Parents of the couple are Dale and Theresa McLeland and Mike and Sharon Grimes, all of Ponca City. Grandparents are Grace Gouty of Denver, Colo., Sue Bresnahan of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Marjorie McLeland of Alexandria, Ind., and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Reed of Glencoe.

Victoria Otto was the flowergirl, and Christopher Otto was ringbearer. Brooke Startz served as honor attendant for the bride, and bridesmaids were Ginger Scott, Whitney Edens and Jessica Ring. Each wore a floor-length sage green satin and crepe gown and carried a colonial arrangement of antique white roses.

Best Man was Brad Scott, and groomsmen were Kevin Grimes, Mike Smith and Clint Ring. Guests were seated by Matthew Landes and Brian Smith.

The bride wore a sleeveless, floor-length brushed satin gown in an A-line design. The bodice and hemline of the skirt were embellished with pearls and beads. The chapel-length train was trimmed with beads and pearls, and her satin-trimmed veiling was attached to a pearl headdress. She carried a colonial bouquet of yellow roses.

The bride’s parents hosted a reception at the Marland Mansion estate. Assisting with the serving were Michelle Folk, Camie Wycoff and Jana Reed. The couple resides in Ponca City. The bride is an exercise specialist with St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. The bridegroom is employed with J&J Plastering.

Out-of-town guests at the wedding were Steve and Connie Wright of Tulsa; Steve and Debbie Landes of Auburn, Ind.; Katherine Bresnahan of Cincinnati, Ohio; John and Mary Goelz, Rod and Michelle Goelz, and Jeff and Angie Petterson, all of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Lookin’ With Lou

When Is It Proper?

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

When is it proper etiquette to tell your co-worker her shoes don’t match. In fact, one has a flat heel and is plain black patent, while the other has a two-inch heel and a buckle with gold trim?

Maybe the timing is right when she starts limping and complaining about her hip hurting. The excuse was — she dressed in the dark, so what did this have do with the height of the heels? She got the color right — that’s batting a 500 — better than most major league hitters.

After discovering the fashion faux pas, she tried to remedy it by chewing six pieces of gum to stick on the sole of the short heel to increase the height. This proved unsuccessful as the gum squished and she stuck to the carpet each time she took a step.

This was akin to the other quick-fix office methods such as using masking tape to fix a hem or using a stapler to repair offending rips.

The really downside of the shoe caper was that her new boss, who had emphasized she should dress professionally, wasn’t impressed, even when she told him she had another pair of shoes just like them at home.

When is it?

When is it proper to tell your co-worker to quit whistling or you’ll use his head for a drum?

When is it proper to point out that your co-worker has one large gold earring and one smaller gold earring? Was it an accident or is it fashion?

When is it proper to tell your co-worker he just drug his new tie through the holiday dip at the office party? Should you worry about the tie or be concerned that the dip is contaminated?

When is it proper, in these days of sexual harassment sensitivity, to brush away an evil looking spider crawling on a co-workers bosom? Consulting with an etiquette expert — the answer is — first you ask “is that a new pin or is that spider real?”

Chances are if the screaming doesn’t dislodge the critter, the jumping up and down that follows will.

Aqua Jog With June Classes Offering Suggestions, Help for Weight Control

“According to the 1996 Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity, 60 percent of Americans are not regularly active and one-third of Americans are overweight,” says June Foreman, local water fitness instructor. Moderate physical activity most days of the week can reduce the risk of dying prematurely, reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure. It also helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, and help control weight.

Foreman explains that weight control can be maintained if the amount of daily calories eaten equals the amount of daily calories expended. To lose weight, activity can be increased or calories can be reduced. However, when severe calorie restriction occurs, the body’s resting metabolism is lowered by as much as 45 percent, causing a diet to become less effective, and lean body mass to be reduced. To maintain resting metabolism, build lean muscle mass, and lose weight, moderate calorie reduction and increased exercise is recommended.

Aqua Jog With June, a co-ed, deep-water aerobic and toning workout, can help with weight reduction and is suitable for nearly everyone. This workout uses easy-to-follow basic movements with no difficult steps or routines to follow, and includes a warm-up that focuses on loosening joints. raising core body temperature and stretching, a 40-minute non-impact aerobic segment that involves every major muscle group from the neck down, followed by a cool-down, abdominal toning and a final stretch.

Foreman notes there is no special skill level required and men and women from the very fit to arthritics, cardiac patients, expectant mothers, or those recovering from injury or surgery can cycle, jog and pump their way through a safe, efficient, non-stop workout. If necessary, by varying movements, students can adjust the intensity to fit their own needs.”With the body suspended in water using a specially designed flotation belt, there is no jarring or impact to the body and students receive an upper and lower body workout simultaneously since the arms remain free.

Although the buoyancy of the water provides support, and deep water eliminates impact, important factors for special populations, water exercise is no ‘watered down workout.’ Research conducted at Boise State University comparing water aerobics to low impact land aerobics shows that calories burned from both activities are approximately the same, although land aerobics is slightly higher. But in water — of the total calories burned in one hour — 77 percent come from body fat, compared with only 42 percent fat in land aerobics. This study proves that the water’s resistance helps increase lean muscle mass while lowering body fat.

Foreman explains that strength training is an important part of an exercise program. During deep water exercise, the water works as ‘weight’ in every direction of movement. This even resistance increases strength and endurance and improves muscle tone and mass. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, increasing muscle mass in the body will help to aid in weight loss. Muscle also takes up less space in the body than fat which accounts for the typical loss of ‘inches’ while participating in an exercise program.

“For those interested in exercise but limited in time, Aqua Jog students get twice the workout in half the time because deep water training allows participants to do aerobics, muscle conditioning and flexibility improvements all at the same time,” says Foreman. “We can achieve uninterrupted full range of motion leg movements because the pool bottom does not assist our movements. This greater leg movement and natural resistance of the water helps raise heart rates, burn calories and develop muscles,” she adds.

Since the feet don’t touch the bottom, there is no stress to joints, bones, tendons, or ligaments. This is beneficial to those who find it difficult to exercise on land or those that are on their feet all day but still need aerobics and toning. Inactive or deconditioned individuals looking for a safe way to begin an exercise program can benefit from the water’s buoyant properties. Also, those who work at stressful or physically demanding jobs find the relaxing benefits of water refreshingly soothing.

For those concerned about being seen in a swimsuit, exercise leotards, tights, and T-shirts can be worn.

Morning classes will now be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 to 9:25 a.m., and evening classes will be Monday and Wednesday from 5:35 to 6:30 p.m. Her classes are open to the public and are held locally in Ponca City. Enrollment is continuous, and students can pay $3 per visit or per month. Cost for the month is $20 if attending two times a week or $25 if attending three times week or students can enroll for unlimited visits per week for $30. Flotation belts are provided. Students are required to contact Ms. Foreman at 762-0035 to enroll and receive information on the location of her classes.

Ms. Foreman has taught a wide variety of water fitness classes for 16 years in Ponca City and is a certified instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics. Her specialized training includes knowledge of proper body position and correct execution of exercises as well as precautions for special populations.

Ponca City Cultural Center Setting for Couple’s Vows

Leigh Ann Ledgerwood and William George Bower III were married recently in a 2 p.m. ceremony at the Ponca City Cultural Center. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Lynne Terrell of Apache Junction, Ariz., and the granddaughter of George Harman of Ponca City. The bridegroom is the son of Mrs. Candace Krauss of Colorado Springs, Colo., and William Bower II of Parma, Ohio. The newlywed couple resides in Tulsa.

Decorations included a brass archway adorned with twinkle lights, greenery and tulle, flanked by tree candelabra decorated with arrangements of fern, sprengeri, daisies, pixie carnations and wax flowers.

Escorted by her grandfather, the bride wore a full-length gown of white silk and lace designed with a full skirt. The lace bodice was complemented by short lace sleeves. Her illusion veiling was secured by a lace headband, and she carried a bouquet of fresh flowers, including pink, burgundy and plum carnations, yellow aster, baby’s breath, white stock, white daisy chrysanthemums, pink wax flowers, and mauve alstromeria accented with streamers of white crystalline ribbon.

Bridesmaids were Nicole Garrett and Kelli Villines. Each was attired in a plum-colored gown and carried a hand-tied bouquet of pink and plum carnations, yellow asters, tree fern, white stock, alstromeria and wax flowers.

Tulle and greenery accented the exterior handrails, and the interior banisters were decorated with tulle swags and garlands of muted-colored silk flowers and wreaths. The reception area was accented with lace and twinkle lights and mixed floral arrangements. Three wedding cakes were set on cascading clear columns. Each cake was decorated with fresh flowers. The largest cake was topped with white lace, and a crystal-dusted butterfly nestled in the flowers. Twinkle lights with ivy were set among the columns. Decorations were provided by Paula Denson of Ponca City and Sheryl Sallee of Oklahoma City.

Wheatheart Nutrition Menu Announced

For Wheatheart Nutrition Menu information call 767-1620. Volunteers are needed to deliver noon meals to the elderly homebound. Menus for this week are as follows:

Monday, Jan. 3: Meatloaf with Creole sauce; seasoned green beans; mashed potatoes with gravy; whole wheat roll with margarine; chilled peaches.

Tuesday, Jan. 4: Chicken enchilada casserole; beans; tossed salad with dressing; Mexican cornbread with margarine; sherbet.

Wednesday, Jan. 5: Ham salad; vegetable beef soup; cabbage slaw; crackers; apple crisp.

Thursday, Jan. 6: Chicken fried steak with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered peas and carrots; biscuits with margarine; pineapple upsidedown cake.

Friday, Jan. 7: Sliced ham; sweet potatoes or yam patties; buttered broccoli; muffin with margarine; pudding with whipped topping.

Kiwanis Make New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions — Have you made yours yet? We all make them according to a round-table discussion conducted by members of the Kiwanis.. “I’m going to eat right. I’m going to lose weight. I’m going to be nicer to other people. I’m going … I’m going …” and on and on it goes the group said. They decided resolutions can be individually or corporately made.

Kiwanis Club had the discussion on Dec. 28 concerning new plans for the club at the new meeting place, Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. New Year’s resolutions were a focus of the discussion.

New Year’s resolutions are usually made at the beginning of each year. With this big change in, not only year, but century and millennium (depending on your definition of when the new millennium actually begins), we all seem to be taking this change a bit more seriously, said members.

One of the Kiwanis International objectives is “to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.” This objective is still as worthwhile going in to the new century/millennium as it was in the early 1900s when it was formalized, said a member. Kiwanis Club of Ponca City takes “this objective seriously and resolves to individually and corporately do its part to live out this resolution.”

All men and women interested in community service are invited to visit club meetings on Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm.

Goodwin Will Address Council Of Gardeners

Dale Goodwin, Kay County Extension agent, will be the featured speaker for the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs meeting Jan. 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cann Garden Home. A 9 a.m. coffee will be hosted by members of the Four O’Clock Garden Club.

Goodwin was a participant in the first Oklahoma State University extension master gardener class in this area. He will review the class for those interested in participating in a future class.

The guest speaker is a graduate of OSU and is a county agent like his father before him. Goodwin, and wife Carol, farm west of Ponca City and have four children.

New Garden Club

Persons interested in participating in a new garden club that meets in the evenings should attend a 7 p.m. Jan. 6 meeting at the Cann Garden Center. For more information call Rosalie Majors, 762-3555.

Jamie Miller Is Bride-Elect

Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Miller, 4720 North Waverly, are announcing the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Jamie Elizabeth Miller, to Jesse Emerson Beck, son of Elizabeth Bessler Beck of Kansas City, Mo., and Dale Beck of Shawnee, Kan. The couple plans a 7 p.m. ceremony Jan. 22 in the Foursquare Gospel Church, 700 West Broadway. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the event.

Miss Miller is a 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School and a 1995 graduate from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She earned a master’s degree in family development and education from Friends University in Wichita, Kan., in 1999. She is employed as a booking officer with the Ponca City Police Department.

The prospective bridegroom is a 1994 graduate of Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo. He is a 1999 graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in geology.

Pair Celebrates Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. James E. Whitfield of Ponca City celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary Dec. 31, 1999. Whitfield and the former Lois Nell Sober were married on that date in 1959 at the Ranch Drive Baptist Church. The Rev. F. O’Neal officiated.

Whitfield served with the military during the Korean War 1951-54. He is currently retired from Conoco.

The couple has two children, Naomi Melichar, and her husband, Mike, of Marland, and William Whitfield of Ponca City. Grandchildren are Andrea and Robert Burris of Ponca City, and Jared Padgett of Marland. They also have a great-grandson, Anthony Burris of Ponca City.

Couple Plans March 4 Vows

A March 4 wedding in the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, is being planned by Shelley Jacqueline Thompson of Allen, Texas and Daniel Edward Lessert of Plano, Texas. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Allen Thompson of Channing, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. M.G. Lessert, 418 North Second.

The bride-elect is a 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in education. She taught in elementary school for five years and is currently the instructional designer of Allen ISO at Curtis Middle School.

Lessert is a 1989 graduate of Ponca City High School and a 1993 graduate from Oklahoma State University. He is employed by Andersen Consulting in Dallas, Texas.

Pioneer Genealogical Society To Meet

The Pioneer Genealogical Society will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the Ponca City Library. This is a different day for the organization to meet and will only be for January. The group will have a short business meeting and install the officers for the year 2000.

New president will be Sue Clinton, treasurer will be Delbert Fair, and recording and corresponding secretary will be Frances Bohannon. Serving as historian will be June Meade, archivist will be Loyd Bishop, newsletter editor and layout is Louise Willison, and distribution will be done by Maxine Prather.

Sandra Graves, past president, will be putting together some workshops, and Jay Stafford is helping Pat Martin put together some programs for this year. Members are asked to fill out the survey in the newsletter and send in with their dues. Guests and prospective members are always welcome to attend the meetings.

Dues are $15 a year, and this includes the newsletter. The organization meets the first Monday evening of each month, except July and August, in the Programming Room of the Ponca City Library. The group also has a Computer Interest group that meets the third Sunday of each month in the board room of the library, unless otherwise specified.

The January program will be a tour and overview of what the genealogical room at the library holds and how to use it.

Little News

Doug and Cassie Thompson of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter at 7:11 a.m. Dec. 20, 1999, at Stillwater Medical Center. Mackenzie Layne Thompson weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. She has a brother, Zachary.

Maternal grandparents are Jim and Terry Sharon of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Gary and Kay Thompson of Ponca City.

Great-grandparents are JoAnn Austin of Tulsa, Jim and Anna Sharon of Collinsville, Gwenneth Thompson of Ponca City, and Art Rinehart of Rockport, Texas.

Unit III Members Attend Luncheon

Twenty-two members of Unit III of the Ponca City Mother’s Club were in attendance at a recent Taste and Tell luncheon and gift exchange. One guest, Rebecca Henderson, was also present.

The luncheon meeting was held at the home of Pauline Miles with Mary Joan McCann and Sue Braden serving as co-hostesses.

Mary Joan McCann read a Christmas story from Gladys Tabor’s “Stillmeadow Sampler.” The story brought back memories of holiday traditions put in place by “our mothers” many years ago

The January meeting for Unit III will be hosted by Joan Morgan, Marcene Young and Maureen Danielson. The program will be a book review presented by Marge Parker.

Singles Network To Meet

The Singles Network calendar of events for Jan. 2-8 includes pizza at Simple Simon’s at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3; burgers at Carl Jr.’s at 6 p.m. Jan. 5; and coffee, cake and conversation at Dorothy’s, 765-1403, 7-9 p.m. Jan. 6. The group will gather at Perkins Restaurant Jan. 8 for breakfast at 8 a.m.

Xi Delta Chapter Members Meet

NEW YORK (AP) — Glamour magazine honored its 10 Women of the Year in a ceremony at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center.

The winners, selected by an advisory board, are singer/songwriter Jewel; Meg Whitman, CEO of eBay; astronaut Eileen Collins; singer/actress Jennifer Lopez; author J.K. Rowling (“Harry Potter” book series); human rights activist Mavis Leno; breast cancer crusader Evelyn Lauder; actress Camryn Manheim; Aurelia and LaShonda Davis, a mother and daughter who won a landmark federal lawsuit that holds schools responsible for student-on-student sexual harassment; and the U.S. women’s soccer team.

Barbara Walters and Elizabeth Dole were presented lifetime achievement awards, and the magazine paid tribute to former Glamour editor-in-chief Ruth Whitney, who died earlier this year.

Ponca City Medical Minutes

Myths of Radiation Therapy

By W.J. Graham, M.D., F.A.C.R.

William J. Graham, M.D., F.A.C.R. Radiation Oncologist, is a 1971 graduate from the University of Oklahoma medical school. His residency was at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 1971 — 1975, and fellowship at the center was 1975-76.

He was a member of the faculty for the College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma 1976 — 1996. He is currently affiliated with the St. Joseph Cancer Center, and is certified with the American Board of Radiology.

Radiation History

Radiation therapy has been used to treat cancer for about 100 years. Shortly after the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm K. Roentgen in 1895, physicians began to use radiation to treat many different diseases. This was done because, at that time they had very little in the way of useful drugs for most diseases. As you can imagine, since nothing was known about the effects of x-ray on normal tissue, many undesirable effects were seen, including x-ray burns, hair loss, scarring, etc. One of the most serious results of the overuse of x-rays was the induction of skin cancer. Over the next 10-15 years, however, the usefulness of radiation in the treatment of cancer became obvious. By the beginning of World War I radiation was being used fairly routinely in the treatment of cancer.

Unfortunately, the equipment was primitive and the effects of radiation on normal tissue was still by an large unknown. Years of trial and error were needed before good understanding of radiation biology emerged. Furthermore, it was not until the late 1940s when cobalt machines were developed that more radiation could be delivered to the tumor than to the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Linear Accelerators

Since then super voltage machines, called linear accelerators, have been developed with much higher energies of x-rays, which now allow a very high dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor rather than anywhere else. The development of treatment planning software for computers has allowed even more refined treatment planning. Modern radiation therapy bears no resemblance to the treatment of the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Some of the memories still linger however, especially among older people who remember those days. These memories continue to be perpetuated. I will address several of the myths of modern radiation therapy in today’s column.

Myth No. 1: X-rays smash tumors and spread them.

In fact there is no real physical impact between the radiation and the tumor.

X-rays kill cells by damaging the DNA in the nucleus of the cell making it impossible to reproduce itself. Normal cells, however, have the ability to repair this radiation damage, while malignant cells are unable to. This impression probably was a result of many patients with already widespread disease being treated for symptomatic relief.

Myth No. 2: Radiation always makes you sick.

In fact, radiation induced nausea only occurs if significant parts of the upper digestive system are treated.

Radiation therapy to the head, chest, pelvis, and limbs rarely causes nausea. And if it does, the use of simple antinausea drugs takes care of the problem.

Myth No. 3: You become radioactive.

Under normal circumstances this is not true. The only time patients are a radiation hazard is if radioactive materials, such as seeds, are implanted into the tumor, or a radioactive liquid is either injected or swallowed. In these cases, patients are generally isolated in a hospital room until they are no longer a radiation risk to their families. This requires generally no more than 2-3 days of hospitalization. Perm-anent seed implants of fairly low radioactive levels usually do not penetrate more than 1-2 inches of tissue. Liquid isotope, such as radioactive iodine, usually have a fairly short half life.

Myth No. 4: You will lose your hair.

In fact, hair loss is only seen if the scalp is exposed to radiation therapy. Rapidly acting cells, such as hair follicles, are very sensitive to radiation. Similarly, bone marrow cells and the cells that line the digestive tract are also very sensitive to radiation. Unless the radioactive dose to the scalp is very high, hair growth usually recurs within a few months of completing treatment.

Myth No. 5: Radiation will burn you.

In fact, modern radio-therapeutic techniques play a great deal of attention to skin doses. This observation goes back to the days before cobalt machines were available. In those days the maximum dose of the x-ray beam was deposited into the skin and then rapidly diminished with increasing depth into the tissue. You can see then, that to get a dose to the tumor high enough to kill it, resulted in a dose high enough to the skin so as to destroy it. This resulted in skin death, ulceration, and extensive scarring.

With modern equipment and techniques skin damage is very rare. The normal response is for the skin to redden, and this fades within a few weeks of finishing treatment. In some situations, such as in the treatment of breast or pelvic cancers, skin folds, such as between the buttocks or under the breast or axilla, can become quite irritated and sometimes actually peel like a sunburn. This, however, is not common and is usually well tolerated, and always heals within a few weeks.

Modern radiation therapy, along with surgery and chemotherapy, is an integral part in the treatment of many cancers. By combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy more innovative treatments are being developed and more cancers are being cured.

Holiday Hilarities Fun To Read Any Day of the New Century

By Patti Carmack

News Lifestyles Editor

“Christmas is always in our hearts” says author Warren Dixon Jr. Now would be a good time to put those gift certificates and cash to good use to purchase a book like “Holiday Hilarities” to make those coming wintery days more joyful.

Dixon’s humor is not limited to Christmas, but covers a myriad of holidays, including Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, Mother’s Day and even Dean’s Day, the day Dean Smith retired from basketball. It is not a holiday yet, but should be one, he says.

Warren Dixon was standing knee deep in tangled Christmas lights one December when the thought occurred to him: What America needed during the holiday season more than anything was a good laugh.

Dixon, a syndicated humor columnist, sat down to do just that. “Holiday Hilarities,” the product of that night of wrestling with snarled lights, is Dixon’s wry and warped look at the holiday woes most of us endure. It is sure to tickle the funny bones of similarly entangled Christmas tree decorators for years to come.

Dixon’s book is made up of 43 humor-filled holiday related stories ranging from “Desecrating the Christmas Tree” and “The Wisemen’s Wives” to “Christian Nudists Bare All.” They are all written in a distinct style that made “Holiday Hilarities” the 1999 Benjamin Franklin Award winner for humor, a style that is sort of a cross between Mayberry’s Andy Taylor (after all, Dixon is from North Carolina) and Bob Newhart, says Dixon’s publicists.

And if you find Bob Newhart’s wit to be dry, you’ll discover that Warren Dixon is completely desiccated. In “The Wise Mens’ Wives”, one Wiseman tells his wife, “Er, honey, me and the guys are going to follow this star. Do I have any clean underwear?”

Marveling at the so-called Christian nudist movement, Dixon tries to recall any similar activity in his childhood.

“I don’t remember anyone coming to the Baptist church naked when I was growing up,” he says. “Every now and then we would accidentally happen upon a naked adult, which was such an unsettling event as to permanently scar us. But there were no organized groups meeting naked that I know of, unless it was one of the adult Sunday school classes.”

In his “Christmas Encyclopedia,” Dixon defines “Angels” as “What the kids become three days before Christmas;” the phrase “What child is this?” as “Who knew the neighbor’s kids were spending the night?” and “Weather Radar” as always spotting Santa at 7 p.m. so the kids can be in bed by midnight.”

“Holiday Hilarities” is billed as “easy reading, wry and often weird, dry as a bone, refreshing as eggnog, down home humor.” If laughter is the best medicine, then this book is aspirin for the holidays and beyond.

Written in short story format, the