From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, January
14, 1996
LOCAL
Nearly News
Commission Approves Lowering Electric Bills
Incentives for Bottling Firm Approved; Housing Nixed
Concerns From Citizens Heard by School Board
Commission Approves Floor Mats
Art Association Announces Three Instructional Classes
Storm Spotters Class Feb. 24
Health Help Available At Edwin Fair Center
Several County Inmates Among Prisoners Up for Parole Review
Bacone Enrollment Clinic At Pawhuska Wednesday
DEATHS
Clarence C. Fry
David M. Snyder
JoAnn Hunt
Funerals
Roy Lee McGraw
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
State Names Area Director For Commerce
FDIC Chairman Says Banking Industry Strongest in Decades
Tonkawa Chamber Celebrates Success
Shidler Attractions Honored at Banquet
Money Seminars Planned at PTC
Chamber Banquet Tickets
Case Back Log Eliminated
Pipe Liners Meet
Handling Stress Topic of Session At Tech Center
Sykes Enterprises Starts New International Division
LIFESTYLES
Stacy Ann Hedrick To Wed
Family Planning Class Offered at St. Mary's
SPORTS
Po-Hi Tries To Build on Success
Po-Hi Sophs Pull off Split
Junior High Sports Updat
PC Varsity Sports Schedule
Frontier Starts Busy Week With Win
The employer, of a Ponca City woman who lost her home to fire Sunday, is collecting donations for the family. Assistance for Christy James and her four children can be made at any Triple T Quik Stop.
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The Standing Bear bronze piece that was created by Ponca Citian Jo Saylors is being displayed at Price Waterhouse's World offices in New York City. Another Saylor's piece named "Splinters," modeled for by her grandson Brandon, is also being featured there at the request of the firm. Both pieces are going to be exhibited for three months in the Price Waterhouse World reception area. The pieces had been on display in New York at the Americas Tower for two and a half months at the invitation of the National Sculpture Society.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved a 5.8 percent rate reduction for Ponca City Utility Authority electric customers during its meeting Monday.
According to Assistant City Manager Tom Short, this is part of a $1.2 million reduction through the next fiscal year. The reduced rates go into effect Feb. 1.
Projects through the next fiscal year indicate that the total cut in residential rates will amount to approximately $595,245. Short said, further recommendations amending commercial class criteria are anticipated within the next six months.
The typical residential electrical user, using about 9,697 KWh per year, will see a reduction in their bill of approximately $40 per year, according to Short. A typical customer using an average 14,548 KWh per year will notice approximately $60 in savings.
Included in the adoption of the resolution, Short said PCUA will no longer charge an additional amount for the users who do not live in the city limits. Both customer charges will be $6 per month.
"Uniform studies comparing PCUA's rates with surrounding area public power systems and Oklahoma investor owned utility systems confirm that our new rates will generate billings below the adjacent cooperative system, below Oklahoma Gas and Electric, and very close to Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), according to Mayor Marilyn Andrews.
"Public power has served the citizens of Ponca City well for more than 80 years, and we plan to continue providing excellent service today and into the future," Andrews said.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Economic development incentives for USA Bottling Company Inc., were approved by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday night.
The company is in the process of designing and planning a product to be sold and distributed within a 500 mile radius. Commissioners approved three acres for the business with an option to purchase two additional acres within a three-year time period. City Manager Gary Martin confirmed price for the property will be determined by an appraisal.
Ponca City Commissioners voted 3-1 to withhold support of a low-income elderly housing project, proposed one block east of North Fourteenth Street and Princeton Avenue.
Commissioners Greg Gregson, Dick Bird and Lyn Boyer were against support and Commissioner Dick Stone voted in favor. Gregson reported checking with local realtors and said he felt the housing market was not as tight as the project developer proposed.
In addition, Bird said he could not approve assisting competitors who come into town to obtain tax credits, when the existing businesses didn't have the same recourse. Mayor Marilyn Andrews removed herself from the meeting for conflict of interest.
In new business, the board approved holding a special election to extend the City Street Sales Tax and to determine the fate of the Cultural Center.
Furthermore, the Ponca City street sales tax finishes its 10th year on Sept. 30, and the city would like to extend it for another five years. Public Works Director Ken Parr said the Traffic Department would publish projects completed over the last five years as well as an expenditure summary for the last ten.
Additionally, commissioners authorized the calling of an annual city general election for City Commissioner Positions Two and Four, currently held by Commissioner Bird and Commissioner Gregson. The filing period will be Feb. 3 through Feb. 5, with the election scheduled for April 1.
In other new business, commissioners heard comments from residents assessed costs for the street lighting project along Virginia Avenue from Highland Avenue to Gary Avenue. The board agreed to table the item to consider information received in a future work session.
In addition, Parr reviewed the city's snow and ice removal policy with commissioners. The director indicated first priority is given to the major arterial streets, then crews work the outlying areas on main thoroughfares. Thirdly, the downtown business district is addressed before more attention is given to areas around the schools.
Next focus is directed to parking lots of city facilities before sidewalks are cleared. Though not the city's responsibility, Parr said the city assists the Oklahoma Department of Transportation with Fourteenth Street, Grand Avenue, Pine Street and South Avenue, as well as the school system.
Also, payment of city claims totaling $2,343,092.38 was approved. Gregson pulled an item off the consent agenda related to the purchase of a police unit. Major Everette VanHoesen, with the Ponca City Police Department, explained how the bids for the unit were specified. Afterwards, commissioners approved the purchase of a Ford Taurus from Bowker Ford for $15,537.10.
The following items on the consent agenda were also approved:
- A bid by Brown Machinery Company for a concrete saw for $6,899.
- Changing the number of members of the Audit Committee to six.
- A lease purchase agreement between the city and Monumental Enterprises Inc., for a 1987 Chevy pickup.
- Boatman's Bank's request requiring a wire transfer agreement and form designating the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Director of Finance/City Clerk and the Comptroller as signatory customer representatives.
- Receipt of a permit to construct Lowe's Sanitary Sewer Line.
- Amending the operating budgets of various funds for the 1996-97 fiscal year.
- Renewal of the existing golf professional contract with Mark Hilyard at the Lew Wentz Municipal Golf Course for one year.
Furthermore, the commissioners reconvened as the Ponca City Utility Authority to address items pulled from the consent agenda by Bird. System Engineer, Phil Johnston, addressed questions related to the purchase of two transformers from Northwest Transformer Co. Inc., in the amount of $10,045. The board approved the request.
In addition, PCUA will submit the State Revolving Fund Partial Disbursement Request No. 2 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2 in the amount of $980,804.68. Also, requisitions for Eastside Sewer System Evaluation, sludge equipment procurement and bidding and construction in the amount of $5,655.10 will be paid.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Questions and concerns from adults and students were heard at last night's board meeting about the equality of all Native American students. Each year the board holds a public hearing to obtain feedback on equality and how the board should spend the money received from Native American impact funds.
Jeff Lieb, Higher Education Indian Tribe, was the first to speak about how the aid money the school receives is spent. This year, the school received approximately $125,000 in impact funds to aid Native American students. Dr. Bill White, Superintendent of Ponca City Schools, told Lieb that the money goes to a number of activities in the school system and that the money goes to help educate all children in the school system.
Lieb was also concerned about the high drop-out rate for Native American students. According to Lieb, the Indian students are not treated fairly when it comes to equality in the school systems. He feels that the Indian students are treated unfair and the board must do something to ensure that all students receive fair treatment. White commented that there is a high drop-out rate among the Indian students and he will work with anyone who is interested to make sure all student stay in school.
Paula Mendoza, Ponca City, supported Lieb. She feels that some people in the school system do not care for Indian students and the board needs to make sure the personnel cares for all students. Mendoza also commented on having Indian counselors so that the Indian students can go to them if they are having difficulties in school.
Cassie Perry and Maegan Brown, both Mid-High students, addressed the board concerning how students felt about equality. They told the board that all students are treated as fairly as possible and that sometimes the Indian students are favored more. They told the board they only wanted to give the opposing views.
During public comments, Chris Hand, Ponca City, spoke about his concerns for the Hutchins Memorial. Hand feels that the board should make the Memorial off limits to all students at Po-Hi. He feels that students are only causing trouble when they go across the street and that the students who go to the Memorial should be punished. Hand went on to say, "Nothing good is happening at the Hutchins Memorial. Students go over there to drink and smoke and that does not help them receive an education. There needs to be some strong discipline from the school board."
Troy Lewis, Lewis Associates Architects, addressed the board concerning the current bond projects. The Math-Science-Business Center is on schedule and is approximately 30 percent complete and Lincoln Elementary School is approximately 40 percent complete and is on schedule.
The estimates for the new Weight Training Facility were also shown at the board meeting. Approximate cost is estimated at $147,000. The board will receive bids on Feb. 6 and they will then approve a successful bidder on Feb. 10.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent, gave a report that addressed a first time in history, for the school system. According to projections, the number of students enrolled in the Ponca City school system has declined over the past few years.
Next year, a very large sixth grade class will move into the seventh grade putting more students in the upper six grades than the lower six grades. When this happens, it will be the first time in history.
White told the board, "The school system will face a decline in enrollment and revenue over the next few years. This decline will mean a loss of state aid for the school."
All gifts were approved at the meeting. Some of the gifts donated included $3,000 from Conoco Inc., for the After-School Child Care Program. Joel Dean Brewer and LaDonna Miller donated computer equipment and Fred Boettcher donated $5,000 for the Pioneer Alternative School Program.
The 1997-98 School Calendar drew many questions of board members, especially from Michael Kruck and John Young. The school board told Dr. White that they would like to see more days of instruction on the calendar. After deliberation, the board approved the calendar by a vote of 5-2, with Kruck and Young voting 'no'.
Garfield Elementary will also receive a new name to reflect their mission as a Fine Arts Magnet School for the 1997-98 school year. The new name will be Garfield Academy with the word "STARS" as an acronym. "STARS" stands for Students Taught through the Arts Reaching Success.
A new lease agreement was approved with First National Bank and Trust Company for a 5100 Xerox Copy Machine. The agreement is for $67,773.00, 42 months, at a 5.3 percent rate of interest.
The board convened into executive session at 10 p.m. and did not return until midnight. All personnel was approved which included a resignation from Kathleen Stoeckley, Mid-High OASIS; and Sean Satterfield, Roosevelt Speech Language.
Dr. White's contract was also approved for the 1997-98 School Year by a vote of 7-0. Under the law, the board can also vote to approve a superintendent's contract for three years. The board decided to vote to extend White's contract for three more years and passed by a vote of 5-2, which included no votes from Steve Stalcup and Kruck. According to the two board members, the only reason they voted no was because of the law.
NEWKIRK - The Board of County Commissioners awarded a contract for janitorial services at the DHS building here and approved $11,000 worth of bridge inspections during its regular weekly meeting Monday.
The janitorial services contract was awarded to Amy Oldfield and Becky Hightower, who already hold the current contract. The two submitted the low bid of $790.
The approved bridge maintenance inspection claims came from Brawley Engineering, with one $5,828 claim for inspections of 37 county bridges, and a $5,107.50 claim for inspections of 32 bridges.
The commissioners also approved a $577.50 purchase of large floor mats for the county courthouse entrances, to avoid visitors' slipping on the marble floors during bad weather.
In other business, the board approved a new ordinance for flood damage prevention regulations, which had only minor changes to the previous ordinance.
The commissioners clarified a road maintenance agreement with the Lakeview Subdivision in Ponca City to provide labor and equipment, with the residents supplying materials. They also received $222.88 from the City of Braman for street patching and approved a $491 claim from the district attorney's office for supplies.
Ponca City Art Association has announced a Pastel Workshop with Dale Martin beginning Jan. 22 at the Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.
The workshop is scheduled for Jan. 22, 23 and 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Beginning and advanced students, members of the Art Association, are welcome to attend, according to Donna Secrest at the Art Center. Membership in the Art Association is $10, Secrest advised, and cost of the workshop is $60. Those planning to take advantage of the workshop will need supplies, and a list of what's needed is available at the Art Center. Participants will need to bring their own photos and reference material.
Elaine Armstrong, local artist and teacher at the Art Center since 1984, will conduct a Watercolor Class for Adults beginning Feb. 4.
Ten sessions are scheduled at a cost of $50 with one makeup class at no charge. The classes are scheduled from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for 10 weeks, Feb. 4 through April 15 at the Art Center, upstairs in the northwest watercolor room.
Purpose of this class is to learn more about applying watercolor techniques to landscapes and florals. Armstrong said the class on March 18 will be missed due to the public school spring break, and a makeup class is scheduled for April 22.
Ruth Loucks will conduct watercolor classes in the evenings beginning Feb. 20. There will be six classes on Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. with one additional make up class.
This class will differ slightly from previous watercolor classes given by Loucks. Instead of the weekly demonstrations by the instructor and a single classroom work, students will choose their own pictures and paint under her supervision. At the beginning of each classroom session there will be a short period of instruction, and brief demonstrations will be given when needed. A list of materials will be available at the Art Center and sign up sheets are now available.
NEWKIRK - Kay County emergency preparedness director Pat Zehr has announced the date for the annual storm spotters class, presented by the National Weather Service of Norman.
The class is provided to assist storm spotters in the field in identifying possible severe weather and what action to take. Zehr said the class is useful to organizations such as local industries and schools.
The class is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 24, at the Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash Street, in Ponca City.
Anyone with questions can call their local director or contact Zehr at 405-362-3825. Local directors are Tom Montgomery in Ponca City, Gary Robison in Blackwell, Charles Conaghan in Tonkawa, and John Hensey in Newkirk.
Kaw Tribal members are reminded that JoAnn L'Bregon, Social Services/Education Director for the Kaw Nation, will be joining Beverly Brown, CHR, at the tribe's satellite office in Ponca City each Wednesday.
The address is 501 East Emporia, Ponca City (north side of Edwin Fair Mental Health Building.) The telephone number is 405-765-0054.
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. JoAnn will have eyewear, denture and hearing aid applications available, as well as higher education information. Ms. Brown, CHR, LPN, does blood pressure/blood sugar checks, and basic diabetic foot care.
Members are encouraged to drop in for information or assistance.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered this month for parole, for pre-parole conditional supervision or for mandatory parole review by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Cases are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on Jan. 28, and at 8 a.m. each day on Jan. 29, 30 and 31 at the Lexington Correctional Facility in Lexington.
Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Jan. 21. Individual board members' names and addresses can be obtained by telephoning 405-427-8601.
The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket:
David E. Browning, incarcerated since September 1991, on a 25-year sentence with 10 years suspended. Browning was convicted of unlawful marijuana possession with intent to distribute after former felony convictions.
Patricia A. Davis, incarcerated since February 1995, on a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended. Davis was convicted of embezzlement by employee after former felony convictions.
Joseph A. McKinney, incarcerated since January 1992, on a 20-year sentence with 13 years suspended. McKinney was convicted of unlawful use of a motor vehicle after former felony convictions.
Jay Walls, incarcerated since June 1978, on a life sentence after conviction of a first-degree murder charge.
Clifford A. West, incarcerated since October 1991, on a 20-year sentence after being convicted of unlawful marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
Brett A. Wright, incarcerated since February 1994, on a 30-year sentence with 20 years suspended. Wright was convicted of obtaining cash or merchandise by bogus check after former felony convictions.
On the pre-parole conditional supervision docket are:
Shawn D. Hankla, incarcerated since June 1996 on a 10-year sentence with five years suspended. Hankla was convicted of unlawful delivery of marijuana.
Marcena G. Headman, incarcerated since November 1996 on a 10-year sentence with five years suspended. Headman was convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former felony conviction.
Marcus D. Nesbitt, incarcerated since November 1990, on a 75-year sentence after conviction of unlawful delivery of cocaine.
On the mandatory parole review docket are:
Travis E. Elsey, incarcerated since September 1996, on a five-year sentence after conviction on a charge of incest.
Michael D. Johnson, incarcerated since November 1996, on a two-year sentence after conviction on a charge of embezzlement by employee.
Bobby G. Lyghtle Jr., incarcerated since April 1996, on a five-year sentence after conviction on unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former conviction.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
An enrollment clinic will be held in Pawhuska for Bacone College in Muskogee. The Spring 1997 Enrollment Clinic will be held Wednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. in the lecture room at Pawhuska High School.
The course schedule for Pawhuska's Spring Semester 1997 is as follows: Introduction to Data Processing, Monday's from 6-8 p.m.; Psychology of Personal Adjustment, Tuesday's from 7-9:50 p.m.; Child Development, Tuesday's from 4-6 p.m.; College Algebra on Wednesday's from 6-8:50 p.m.; and Oil Painting II on Thursday's from 6-8:50 p.m.
Tuition at Bacone College is $105 per credit hour and a $20 matriculation fee plus cost of books. Concurrent student can also attend college for half price of the regular tuition. Student financial assistance programs are available at Bacone College and are intended to help those students who cannot meet the cost of attendance through their own or family resources.
The Financial Aid Office will assist students in determining if they meet requirements of the college and funding agencies to receive financial assistance. Financial aid programs available to Bacone students include Pell Grants, SEOG Grants, federal work-study jobs on campus, Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grants, Guaranteed Student Loans, academic scholarships, leadership scholarships, journalism awards, athletic grants and special scholarship and grants made possible through contributions to the college from individuals, churches, businesses and foundations.
During the Enrollment Clinic on Wednesday, a financial aid workshop will be held along with placement testing, with classes starting on Jan. 27.
For further information call 918-683-4581, Ext. 270.
DEATHS
Clarence C. Fry, brother of Ponca Citians Eva Neely and Beatrice Wilks, died Jan. 6, 1997 at his home in Madison, Kan. He was 87.
The funeral was held on Thursday, Jan. 9, 1997 in the First Christian Church at Madison. Burial was in Number Eight Cemetery, east of Madison under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home, Madison.
Clarence C. Fry was born April 14, 1909 in Apache, Okla., the son of Charles L. and Mary Glaspy Fry. He married Alma Louise Miller on Dec. 24, 1939, at Emporia, Kan.
Mr. Fry was a core driller for Continental Oil Co., for 25 years and then was employed at the Madison Lumber Co., before he retired in 1974. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He had resided in Ponca City before moving to Madison in 1933.
Mr. Fry was a member of the First Christian Church in Madison, secretary of the Sunday school and elder emeritus. He was a lifetime member of James-Sill-Brown American Legion Post 124, a 57-year member of the Odd Fellows and a 24-year member of the Rebekah Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Alma Louise of the home; two sisters, Eva Neely and Beatrice Wilks of Ponca City, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Francis, Martin and Cecil, also three sisters, Maud, Van and Callie.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the First Christian Church in Madison, Kan. 66860.
RALSTON - David M. Snyder, resident of Ralston, died Sunday night, Jan. 12, 1997 in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 46.
The funeral will be Thursday, Jan. 16, 1997 at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Ralston with the Rev. Ray Moffeit officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Ralston under direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.
David M. Snyder was born Jan. 31, 1950 in Pennsylvania, the son of David Michael and Nora Sedesse Snyder II. He attended schools in Pennsylvania and served with the U.S. Marines from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam Conflict.
He and Cecilia A. Krow were married Dec. 5, 1970 in Falls Church, Va. Mr. Snyder worked as a mail carrier, and was a member of the Marine Corps League and Buckmaster. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as hobbies.
He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Christian Church in Colorado.
Surviving are his wife, Cecilia of the home in Ralston, three sons, Jason of Ponca City, Jeremiah of Ralston and Airman David Snyder of Elgin Air Force Base, Fla.; a daughter, Amy Snyder of the home; his mother, Nora Snyder of Lykens, Pa.; two sisters, Carol Bordner of Lykens, Pa. and Linda Fredrick of Williamstown, Pa.; also one grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1957.
Friends may call at the funeral home until noon on Thursday.
FAIRFAX - JoAnn Hunt, resident of Fairfax, died Sunday night, Jan. 12, 1997 in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 68.
The funeral will be Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1997 at 2 p.m. in the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax with the Rev. Robert Glasgow officiating. Burial will follow in Fairfax Cemetery under direction of the Rev. Robert Glasgow.
JoAnn Hunt was born Aug. 29, 1928 in Grayhorse, Okla., the daughter of Joseph Otis and Lucy Mae Jones McKinney. She attended school in Grayhorse and Fairfax.
She and John "Wes" Hunt were married in Winfield, Kan. on Nov. 7, 1945. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crafts and helping raise her nieces and nephews. She was a member of the First Osage Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband, John "Wes" Hunt of the home; four brothers, O.L. McKinney, Tom McKinney and Francis McKinney, all of Sedan, Kan. and Floyd McKinney of Enid; also several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Susie Alexander in 1981.
Casket bearers will be Larry Dooley, Terry Dooley, Harold Gamble, R.C. Wood, Donald Wilson and W.K. Davis.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until noon on Wednesday.
Thursday
Roy Lee McGraw - 2 p.m. in Faith Tabernacle with the Rev. Don Stanton
officiating. Burial in Longwood Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial
Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
Water Exercise- Women's water exercise class has simple choreographed routines which make the time pass quickly as you exercise using the resistance of the water to tone and strengthen muscles. It will also improve cardiovascular endurance and increase flexibility. Class meets at 10 a.m. M-W-F at the Community Pool, Seventh Street and East Grand Avenue. Contact the YMCA for details, 765-5417.
Special Meeting - Round Grove Farmers Union No. 708 will have a dinner meeting at Western Sizzlin', 6:30 p.m. Thursday for the purpose of election of local officers and delegates for the State Farmers Union convention of Feb. 21-23 at the Clarion Hotel in Oklahoma City.
Blood Pressure Checks - Free blood pressure checks will be available Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter pharmacy area. The blood pressure checks are sponsored by RSVP, a United Way agency.
Stars on Ice- Extra tickets are available for the Jan. 27 performance of Stars on Ice in Tulsa. Persons interested in purchasing tickets may contact Kate Morton, 762-5651.
Tonkawa Meeting - Walcher Conference Center at Northern Oklahoma College is the location for Thursday's 7 p.m. wheat production meeting, sponsored by the Kay County OSU Extension Office and featuring a trio of agronomy, wheat and soil specialists from Stillwater and Enid. Along with fertility, topdressing and weed-control topics, the experts will share results of last year's free soil sampling program.
Office Holiday - The USDA Farm Service Agency office in Newkirk will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday federal holiday, county executive director J.D. Elwood Jr., said.
Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of an accident at North Ninth Street and East Cleveland Avenue at 8:04 a.m. Monday. An officer took a report.
Hit and Run - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a hit and run accident in the 400 block of North Fifth Street at 11:37 a.m. Monday.
Theft - A resident in the 1100 block of North Ash Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 2:44 p.m. Monday that medication was stolen. An officer took a report.
Wreck - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a wreck in the 2100 block of North Ash Street at 3:46 p.m. Monday.
False Alarm - Ponca City firefighters responded to the 700 block of North First Street at 3:48 p.m. Monday after a resident reported smelling smoke in the house. Firefighters investigated the home but did not find any problem.
Dog Tied Up - A resident in the 1200 block of North Union Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 5:32 p.m. Monday that a dog was tied up to the east side of an abandoned building. An officer responded and took the dog to Animal Control.
Attempted Assault - The Ponca City Police Department received a call from a resident in the 300 block of South Osage Street at 6:26 p.m. Monday, who reported subjects with a small blue vehicle tried to run over some children. An officer took a report of attempted assault with a deadly weapon.
Collision - A non-injury accident occurred at West Oklahoma Avenue and Perry Street at 11:58 p.m. Monday. A Ponca City police officer took a state accident report.
Parking Violation - A Ponca City police officer issued a citation
for a violation on a vehicle parked in the 600 block of North Oak Street
at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday.
BUSINESS
OKLAHOMA CITY - Dr. Leo Presley, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, has announced that Gerald Hall has been named the economic development director for the North Central Region of Oklahoma including Kay, Alfalfa, Grant, Garfield, Pawnee, Payne and Noble counties.
Hall will be one of 12 regional representatives who are working with community and economic leaders in their region to determine what will help their communities grow as the primary factors in developing local economies. According to Rex Smitherman, Commerce's director of regional offices, the economic development directors will no longer be working with businesses exclusively.
"The benefit of this approach is, in the long run, it will help build the infrastructure necessary for these communities to grow. While it is tempting to believe that new jobs will sole a community's problems, experience shows that a balanced development approach is the most long lasting for local economic growth," Smitherman added.
Hall said that while attracting new business is necessary to help a community's economy, they must have an infrastructure in place to handle additional growth. "Rural health care, transportation, social services and leadership training are all issues related to building a healthy infrastructure. My job, and other economic development directors, will be to help facilitate that process," Hall added.
Hall has been with the Commerce Department since 1989 and has served as a planner, program manager, director of rural initiatives and director of community assistance programs. He also has previous experience at the federal and local level and in the private sector. He is a graduate of Perkins High School and Oklahoma University with a bachelor of science in business administration, public administration option.
Hall offices in Stillwater and his phone number is (405) 743-6837.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
TULSA - Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) Chairman Ricki Helfer says that the United States banking industry is currently the strongest it has been in the last five decades. Helfer made her remarks at the Oklahoma State University Tulsa Business Forums Thursday.
Speaking to a sold-out crowd of 900, Helfer said that 94 percent of the banks and savings and loans in the nation have received the highest ranking of the FDIC. She said this indicates the soundness and security of the banks to examiners.
The present capitalization levels are the highest since 1941 and new banking charters are increasing, particularly in smaller communities. Helfer also predicted that the bank profits for 1996 will exceed $50 billion, which will be a first.
Talking about the economy, Helfer said a factor leading to the healthy economy is that lending is favorable when consumers believe they are allowed the stability to borrow.
Another factor is the lessons learned from the disaster of the savings and loans in the 1980s and the failing of a number of banks. Also the FDIC agency is taking a more aggressive stance in examinations attempting to detect problems sooner.
She said most of the bank failures of the 1980s were caused by either bad credit or banks being caught in "very bad economic times." Helfer said some banks failed because they were engaged in real estate activities. The laws have been changed and now FDIC is required to look at all the applications, she said.
About deregulation, Helfer said she thought the changes in banking laws were needed and that there should be more deregulation. Helfer said she thought that Congress should repeal the Glass-Steagall Act, which doesn't allow banks to participate in both commercial banking and investment banking activities
The FDIC chairman said one of the issues that will be looked at is what type of activities should banks be able to engage in so they can compete effectively in the market place so they can provide a full range of financial services to their customers.
Another idea Helfer promoted was the combining of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund. She noted that the Bank Insurance Fund is large and diversified while the Savings Association Insurance has less depositors and fewer institutions.
Helfer, responding to what affect the buying up of small banks by big banks is going to have, answered that there is a place for money center banks, as well as, small community banks.
Concern about credit card debt was also addressed. Helfer said that the banks are becoming quite concerned about this problem.
The next forum, sponsored by the OSU College of Business Administration is slated for May and will feature former President George Bush.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
TONKAWA - And celebrate they did! The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce banquet Thursday titled, "Winter Celebration," was dedicated to the town being named a Certified City.
The Citizen of the Year was presented to Sandy Linton, who headed up the Certified Cities Committee. This project took two years to achieve. She accepted the award on behalf of all the volunteers who helped bring the project to fruition.
The award was presented by Charlene Burns, who was the Citizen of the Year recipient in 1995. A special guest at the banquet was Kathy Bowles of the Department of Commerce.
The podium backdrop featured the street signs proclaiming "Entering an Oklahoma Certified City."
Keynote speaker Kimberly Brasher, 1995 Mrs. America, delighted the audience, using both wit and wisdom. An attorney, Mrs. Brasher told about her life and the importance of maintaining relationships.
Outgoing president Charles Conaghan handed over the gavel to Kent Bilyeu, who will preside for the next year. Conaghan called attention to the program, where the year's activities were listed. He named three projects he felt were outstanding.
Conaghan said, "The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce is bigger than any one person and it is because of your willingness to volunteer that this town is moving forward in a very positive way. The Certified Cities program, Redbud Festival, Fallfest, and the car show are tremendous examples of this forward moving spirit."
Jim Corbin received the Lifetime Service Award, presented by last year's recipient Melba Mourer. Marilyn James, who is employed by the U.S. Post Office, was named Employee of the Year. The presentation was made by Lois Morgan, 1995 recipient.
Brandt Harris was the master of ceremonies and the Rev. Steven Philips of the First Presbyterian Church gave the invocation and the benediction.
The event was held at Northern Oklahoma College and the dinner was served by Northern Management Service.
Visiting Chamber representatives in addition to Mr. and Mrs. Larry Felix of Ponca City, included Kaw City, Newkirk, and Blackwell.
Tonkawa city officials and county officials were recognized as well as state government officials Sen. Paul Muegge, Rep. Jim Reese and Jim Newport.
Executive committee members in addition to Bilyeu are Brandt Harris, president-elect; Bob Smith, vice president; Lance Glasgow, treasurer, and Charles Conaghan, past president.
Board members are Kent Bilyeu, Pat Howard, Lonnie Bray, Dianne Strecker, Marilyn Gravel, Teresa Appleman, Dale Beral, Norman Foster, Lance Glasgow, Brandt Harris, Carol Diemer, Darla Tharp, Jerry Hook, Bob Smith and Rodney Tower.
Retiring directors are Dennis Buss, Joe Caughlin, Judy Esch, David Manley, Larry Swords and Sherri Hall. Cristy Crumrine is Chamber secretary.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
SHIDLER - Three of Shidler's attractions were saluted Saturday evening during the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Bivins Gardens and John Payne, the One Arm Bandit of PRCA fame, were recognized during a North Central Oklahoma Wild West Tours Association slide presentation by Greta Henisey marketing specialist for Indian Electric Cooperative.
Bill and Sherry Brown, owners and operators of Oklahoma Jubilee, a Branson type show in Shidler, received a dual award as Citizens of the Year, due to the economic investment and the tourists the event has brought to the area.
Mollie Bivin presented the Leadership Lifetime award to outgoing president John White. The new president is Barbara Rash, who also served in that role in 1989. White will become vice president.
Other officers are Marlene Fields, secretary, and Barbara Vann, treasurer. Directors are Joe Rash, Sherry Brown, Avnonelle White, Todd Roe, Gib Hoffman, Betty Hoffman and Brenda Lawless. The receptionist is Marion Pritchett.
Other awards presented were the Shidler Teacher of the Year to Mary Lou Cargill and the 1996 senior citizen award went to May Musgrove.
Entertainment for the evening was by the Oklahoma Jubilee and featured 10-year-old singer Haley Walter of Coffeyville, Kan. The popular Oklahoma Jubilee played throughout the evening and featured various members of the band.
Out-of-town guests were from area Chambers of Commerce including Kaw City, Fairfax and Newkirk. State Sen. J. Berry Harrison and the mayors of Webb City, Shidler and Foraker were recognized, as were representatives of the Kaw Lake Association. Guests were also present from Grainola.
Also in attendance were representatives from PSO, Kay Electric and Indian Electric.
Pioneer Technology Center has slated two Successful Money Management Seminars. The three-session seminars are slated for Jan. 21, 28 and Feb. 4 or Jan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6.
The first session will deal with Your Foundation for Financial Independence; Putting Your Dollars to Work Part I and Putting Your Dollars to Work Part II. The second session will continue Putting Your Dollars to Work and Retirement Planning.
Session three continues Retirement Planning and Risk Management and Estate Planning. Session 4 is optional and everyone attending this session is entitled to a free personal financial planning consultation after the conclusion of Session Three.
Cost of the seminar is $40 when paid in advance and $45 at the door. Those attending may bring a guest or spouse at no extra cost. Seating is limited so early registration is urged.
Chamber of Commerce banquet tickets will go on sale Wednesday to Chamber members. Set for Feb. 7, the featured speaker is Gov. Frank Keating. The theme is "An Evening With the Governor." Contact the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce for reservations.
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Court of Criminal Appeals of Oklahoma has brought the court backload of cases current under the leadership of former Ponca Citian Charles A. Johnson who just finished a two-year term as presiding judge.
In a news release naming Judge Charles S. Chapel of Tulsa as presiding judge, Johnson is praised. The release says, "During Judge Johnson's term the Court, after many years, became current with its case load. A backload of cases is found in numerous courts across the United States, but, through the leadership of Judge Johnson, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has continued to stay current with all cases at issue."
TULSA - The speaker for the Jan. 20 meeting of the Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa is Dan Fleming, senior project engineer at Williams Energy Group. The event will be at the Petroleum Club.
Fleming will present a program on the Longhorn Project, a new refined petroleum liquids pipeline from the Texas Gulf Coast west to New Mexico.
Pioneer Technology Center's business and industry services will be presenting a seminar from the Mind Your BISness series titled "Stress Management." The seminar is Jan. 23 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., in Pioneer Tech's Education Business Center West.
The presenter for the seminar will be Jan Matheson, M.S. Matheson is a licensed professional counselor and has been in private practice for two years in Ponca City. She holds a master's degree in counseling with emphasis in family counseling from Oklahoma State University.
The seminar will cover different ways to deal with stress and some factors that cause stress in and out of the workplace.
Class size for the seminar is limited. To make reservations, call Pioneer Tech, (405) 762-8336, Ext. 238.
TAMPA, Fla. - Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (SEi), a leading provider of diverse information technology services with facilities in Ponca City, has announced the creation of a separate International Division. Ernest J. Milani was appointed as acting general managing director.
Milani will oversee all international operations and report directly to John Sykes, chief executive officer of Sykes Enterprises. This appointment is on an interim basis while a search for a permanent general managing director is under way.
Commenting on the new divisional arrangement, Sykes said, "International markets are an integral part of our long-term growth strategy. The current and anticipated growth in the international market demands the creation of a distinct international division run by Ernest J. Milani. It will enable Sykes to better serve our clients on a global scale, investigate new emerging markets and introduce new products and services tour business mix."
Sykes added, "We are confident that, through Ernest Milani's leadership
and expertise in foreign markets, we can significantly grow our newly created
International Division within the next few years, particularly in Europe
and Asia."
LIFESTYLES
Mr. and Mrs. John Hedrick, Route 3, announce the engagement of their daughter, Stacy Ann Hedrick, to Jimmie C. Lablue Jr., son of Jim Lablue of Blackwell and Jan Anderson of Madison, Minn.
The couple is planning a Feb. 15 wedding at the Marland Mansion chapel. The future bride has been home schooled and is presently employed at the Apple Market in Blackwell. The prospective bridegroom attended high school in San Antonio, Tex. and is currently employed at Smith Tool.
Natural Family Planning Classes are being offered beginning Feb. 9 from
1-3 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Child care will be provided. Joel
and Jeanne Blasi of "The Couple to Couple League" will teach a
series of classes in the Symptom-Thermal method of Natural Family Planning.
More information and registration may be obtained by calling the couple
at 765-4291. Natural Family Planning is a healthy alternative to artificial
contraception and sterilization.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
After a successful week that saw the Lady Cats and Wildcats combine for six wins in eight games, the high school basketballers will try to remain hot as they host Sand Springs in Frontier Conference action tonight beginning at 6:15 in Robson Fieldhouse.
The Wildcats enter tonight's game with a 3-5 record and a 1-4 mark in the conference. Sand Springs is 1-7 and 0-5.
The Sandites have been the most disappointing team in the league to date. Sand Springs returned two starters off an 11-14 team and was picked to finish fourth in the coaches poll.
The Sandites' main weapon, as expected, has been 6-6 senior post Cortez Burdine. he averaged 10.2 points per game as a junior and has been even more productive this season, averaging 13.1 points.
As a team, Sand Springs is last in scoring among conference schools with a 37.3 scoring average. Ponca City isn't much better. The Cats are second to last with a 38.4 scoring average. As a barometer, Tulsa Union is the highest scoring team in the league with a scoring average of 63.9 points per game.
Defensively, Sand Springs is allowing 49.6 points per game, sixth best in the league. Ponca City is allowing 45.5 points per game, third best in the conference.
Po-Hi's leading scorer so far on the season is 5-9 senior point guard Andy Parsons. Parsons has scored 87 points in seven games, an average of 12.4 points per game, seventh-best in the league.
Junior guard Micha Alexander is next for Po-Hi with a 7.1 scoring average, followed by Ryan Treadway, 5.6; Sawyer Blackburn, 4.1; Jason Shelton, 4.0; Wesley Swygert, 2.8; and Ryan Meyer, 2.8.
After knocking off then-No. 4 Owasso and taking two of three games in the East Central Tournament, the 3-5 Lady Cats (1-4 in the conference) landed in the Oklahoman's rankings at No. 20.
Sand Springs, 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the conference, is led this year by 5-7 senior Sarah Painter, who is averaging 12.9 points per game. Maggie Hall, a 5-10 junior is also averaging in double figures at 10.3 points per game. Another top player is 6-0 junior Korie Rush, who is averaging 7.6 points per game.
As a team, Sand Springs is averaging 46.9 points per game and giving up 53.1, second worst in the league.
Ponca City is averaging 42.4 points per game and allowing 46.5.
Senior post Lyndsey Warrior leads the team in scoring with a 13.5 average, sixth best in the conference. Sophomore guard Desiree Cries For Ribs is next at 6.9. Tee West is averaging 5.9, Natasha Anderson 5.8, Tiffani Essary 5.4 and Keesha West 4.8 points per game.
Following tonight's game, the Cats and Lady Cats head to Bartlesville Friday.
ECU Invitational Notes - Lyndsey Warrior and Andy Parsons were named to the select ECU Invitational All-Tournament teams announced Monday.
Warrior scored 54 points (second most in the tourney), blocked 19 shots and grabbed 12 rebounds in three games. Joining her on the team were Jennifer Mills of Carl Albert, Kara Faulk of Sapulpa and Ada's LaNeisha Caufield and Teo Grant.
Parsons scored 42 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Cats. He was joined on the team by Derrick and Eric Gray of Ada and Carl Albert's Ryan Voisin and Ryan Honey.
Carl Albert won the boys tourney over Ada (65-54) and Ada's girls whipped Sapulpa (75-55).
STILLWATER - Ponca City's sophomore girls basketballers improved to 3-2 on the season with a 40-29 win over Stillwater here Monday. Unfortunately, the sophomore boys came up on the short end of a 42-27 score against the Pioneers.
In the girls' game, Gina Hile scored 11 of her game-high 17 points in the third quarter as the Lady Cats pulled away from a 17-13 halftime lead to go up 32-18 heading into the fourth.
Tia Williams added 12 points for Ponca City, which also got scoring from Romi Foreman, 5; Aleena Ames, 4; and Abby Frick, 2.
"I thought our 2-3 zone press looked real good," said coach Brad Larimer. "They (Stillwater) had a lot of turnovers against it."
In the boys' game, the Poncans (2-3) trailed just 11-10 after one and 22-18 at the half but Stillwater outscored Ponca City 20-9 in the second half to win by 15, 42-27.
Brian Connelly scored 6 points, followed by Brian Geubelle, 5; Scott Crabtree, 4; Justin Ross, 3; Jeremiah Payne, 2; Craig Thilstead, 2; Paul Broome, 2; Kevin Reusser, 2; and Tanner Ray, 1.
Next up, the sophomores are home against Blackwell Thursday.
Eighth Red Boys Win
Consolation Trophy
EDMOND - Ponca City's eighth grade Red boys battled back from a first round loss in the Edmond Tournament to win the consolation title over the weekend.
The Red Cougars ran into a severe cold shooting spell in the second half in the tournament opener against Oklahoma City Hoover and lost 69-32.
They came back for a 43-27 win over Norman Irving on Friday and then took home a trophy with a 51-46 win over Edmond Cimarron on Saturday.
In Saturday's game, the Poncans held a 16-15 lead at halftime and expanded the lead to 31-27 starting the final period.
Edmond started to foul to get the ball back in the fourth quarter, but the Reds foiled that plan by hitting 14-of-19 free throws in that period to salt the game away.
Billy Broughton banged through 22 points in the win while Tim Frick had 7, Kris Upchurch 7, John Abel 6, Casey Badley 6 and Josh Kirkpatrick 3.
Broughton had 18 points in the win against Irving and finished the tournament with 45 points. Abel had 12 points in the loss to Hoover and 23 points for the tournament. Frick finished with 17.
Eighth Blue Boys Place Sixth
EDMOND - Ponca City's eighth grade Blue Boys placed sixth in the eight-team Edmond Tournament held here Thursday through Saturday.
The Poncans lost their opener 53-31 to Oklahoma City Thomas Jefferson, came back to down Yukon Lakeside Friday, 61-47, and then lost in the consolation championship game to Edmond Summit, 41-35.
"Those last two games I thought the kids played very well," said head coach Steve Larimer. "We are getting better every game and that's what you want out of your kids this time of the year."
Against Jefferson, the Blues trailed by just five at the half, 20-15, but Jefferson used a 16-4 advantage in the third quarter to pull away.
Jeremy Miller led the Blues with 12 points. Michael Martin had 5, Kyle Henderson and Jared Brashears 4 each, James Anno and Josh Pitts 2 each, and Matt Bond and Jeff Hand both scored 1 point.
Ponca City jumped on Lakeside quickly, outscoring them 13-6 in the first. But Lakeside came back to take a 23-22 halftime lead. The Blues had a big second half, though, scoring 39 points for the win.
Pitts led the way with 15 points and Jacob Biby scored 14 points. Miller added 9, Brashears 8, Henderson 6, Anno 4, Martin 3 and Mark Parsons scored 3 points.
In the final game, the two teams were tied at 9-9 after one but Summit led 20-16 at the half. Summit then outscored the Blues 14-8 in the third and held on for the win.
Biby had 9 points, Miller 8, Pitts 6, Brashears 6, Anno 4 and Henderson 2.
The 5-4 Blues next host Stillwater here at the middle school this evening.
Eighth Red Girls 37,
Stillwater 27
STILLWATER - Ponca City's eighth grade Red girls pulled away from a close 12-10 halftime lead to defeat Stillwater here Monday by 10, 37-27.
Jena Birdsong led the Poncans with 14 points and Cara Cusick and Jacee Shepard added 8 points apiece for the Reds, who improved to 7-3 with the victory.
Also scoring were Kendra Love, 3; Abby Roth, 2; and Jessica Windom, 2.
"What a game," said head coach Calvin English. "We responded with great defense. The girls played great and they are just going to get a lot better. We also got a lot of fine play off the bench from Windom, Love and Robin Farmer."
The Red "B" followed a similar path, rallying from an 11-6 halftime deficit to win 24-22.
Windom had 17 points in that game, Farmer, Alecia Allen and Jennifer Long each had 2 points and Love had 1.
Up next, the Reds host Enid Emerson Jan. 21.
This Week's Po-Hi Varsity Sports Calender.
Tuesday
Basketball - Sand Springs, here, 6:15, 7:45
Wrestling - at Bartlesville, 7
Thursday
Swimming - at Muskogee, 6
Friday
Basketball - at Bartlesville, 6:15, 7:45
Wrestling - at Sand Springs Tournament
Saturday
Wrestling - at Sand Springs Tournament
RED ROCK - Frontier built a 36-25 halftime lead and cruised to a 68-54 win over Medford here Monday.
The Mustangs led 58-37 entering the fourth quarter as they ran their record to 10-2 on the season.
Frontier is on the road tonight at Coyle, plays at Morrison Friday and entertains Mulhall-Orlando on Saturday.
Dee Buxton popped through 21 points to pace the Mustangs while Josh Regnier
had 16, hitting three treys, against Medford. Nolan Grant had 9 points,
Mitch Shiever 6, R.J. Plumley 4, Charles Sanders 4, John Burk 2, Ronnie
Bible 2, Brad Moore 2, Jeremy Petty 1 and Zac Clouse 1.