From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, January
26, 1997
LOCAL
Dick Bird Announces City Re-Election Effort
Jack Shilling Named Interim CEO Of P.C. Area Chamber
Kaw Dam Road Closed Monday
Spanish Lesson
City's Street Sales Tax Put on April 1 Ballot for Renewal of Five More Years
Lack of Proper Funds Hinders Law Enforcement at All Levels
School Calendar
School Lunch Menu
Lt. Gov. Fallin Guest Speaker At Blackwell
KLVV Offering Unique Service
City Calendar
MADD Feels Super Bowl Sunday Can be Dangerous
Parent-Teacher Conferences Planned at Schools This Week
Chamber Selects M.C. for Banquet
Brian Ivers Gets Eagle Scout Award
Police Identify Possible Homicide Victim
Bridge Inspections On County Agenda
Letters Say:
Firefighters Get 'Imaging' Helmets
District Court
Guitarist Announces Music For Poncan Concert Saturday
P.C. Program Wins Award From State
Two Local Men Newest Members Of Early Settlement Dispute Team
St. Mary's Honors National Catholic Schools Week
Annual OoKeeHee All-Indian Male Basketball Tournament Planned
Former City Man Among Winners In Ice Carving
NCOHA Reelects Officers During January Meeting
County Assessor Personnel Here Tuesday to Thursday
Child Development Center Sponsors Chili Supper Friday
Commissioners Face Full Agenda
Chili Supper Helps Scouts Fund Camps
Wood Carving Seminar Saturday
DEATHS
Charles Edward Albert
Charles E. Wilson
Obituaries
Maxine Elizabeth Renbarger
Funerals
Phyllis I. Hooten
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
ABC Quilt Workshop Scheduled Thursday
Special Offer For New Students In Aqua Jog Class
Area Sailing Club Opens Membership
Little News
Commission Reports on Finances, Plans; Changes Marland Mansion Tour Hours
Carl Balcer Gives Legislative Talk For AARP Chapter 432 Members
Amy Dawn Luis Engaged
Piano Workshop Members Meet
Felting Topic For Club Program
Pre-Natal Water Exercise Class Offered at YMCA
County History Book Club Topic
Upper Neck Pressure Relief To Be Program
Singles Network Sets Events This Week
Pair Planning Feb. 15 Vows
Wheatheart Nutrition
TOPS Chapter Meets
Eta Delta Hears About Brigadoon
Christi Ball Will Wed Feb. 8
LWML Program On 'Testimony'
OKC Event Celebrates 80th Birthday
Mother's Club Unit III Meets
Krystal Johnson Is Bride Of Jeremy Rory Gottman
Mrs. Troxell Celebrating 80th Birthday
Former Resident To Marry
Engagement Is Announced
Ponca City News Publicity Guide Available
Party Will Honor Francine Johnson
Ponca City Happenings
Engagement and Wedding Deadlines Are Announced
SPORTS
Ex-Wildcat Gibson Inked by Indiana St.
Wildcats Shut Out at VC Invite
'In-Kind' Aid Sought For PC Building
Po-Hi Track Team Starts Indoor Runs
Ninth JV Boys Making Strides
Eighth Blue Boys Stumble
City Commissioner Dick Bird has announced his re-election bid for the position two seat of the City of Ponca City Board of Commissioners. Bird began serving on the commission in May of 1993.
"The past three years have been a very rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing to represent the citizens of Ponca City on the city commission," Bird said.
"I have diligently reviewed the expenditures of the city and have asked 'tough' questions, as needed, to ensure an efficient and fiscally responsive government. I strongly support the promotion of public safety and the provision of quality programs and services, and will continue to utilize my experience to vote in the citizen's best interest, during these important and ever-changing times," he said.
Bird has a long history of public service involvement at the city level, having served a three-year term on the Planning Commission; served two terms on the Traffic Commission and as a past member of the Board of Adjustment.
Over the years, Bird has been active in the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board. For three consecutive years, he was the best salesman ranking as "Ambassador of the Year." A member of the President's Club of the Chamber, Bird is also a past chairman.
In addition, Bird held the office of president of the Ponca City Rotary Club. A member of Woodlands Christian Church, Bird is past chairman of the church board and presently serves as an elder. Additionally, he is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.
Over the years, Bird has been involved with youths through cub and boy scouts and served as Ponca City Softball Association Commissioner for five years. He also was involved with the YMCA youth programs.
A Navy veteran, Bird moved back to Ponca City in 1948, where he worked for the city's Water and Light Department for four years. At present, he is owner of Professional Office Products.
Bird and his wife, Kay, have three sons: Dennis, Mike and Kip and a daughter Kim Sober.
Retired Ponca City resident Jack Shilling has been named interim CEO for the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. Larry Felix and the executive committee completed the nomination after receiving authorization from the Chamber board to fill the position.
Shilling will begin serving as interim CEO immediately, and will continue to serve until a candidate has been named to fill the permanent position.
"We feel Jack will be a welcome addition as interim CEO, with his outstanding leadership abilities, and lengthy professional experience," said Felix. "We appreciate his commitment to continue serving the community."
Shilling comes to his appointment after serving as vice president/human resources manager for Heartland Federal Savings and Loan Association from 1987-1993. During his tenure at Heartland, he was responsible for all aspects of human resources management in the billion dollar asset financial corporation that had 15 branches around the state.
Before moving to Ponca City, Shilling served as vice president /human resources/administrative services director for Security National Bank and Trust Company in Norman from 1980-1987. Prior to that, Shilling served in the United States Army from 1959-1980, obtaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. During this time, Shilling served in a variety of assignments at over ten different locations around the world, and received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his 21 years of military service.
Shilling received a bachelor of business administration management from the University of Oklahoma in 1959. He also completed the personnel and administrative graduate program at the U.S. Army Adjutant General School in Fort Ben Harrison, Ind., in 1966. Throughout his professional career, Shilling has attended several national and state level conferences addressing human resources and security management issues.
Shilling's list of civic-oriented activities is a lengthy one. In addition to service as president of the Ponca City Lion's Club, he had also served in various capacities in several other civic organizations.
His most notable activities and positions he has held include board member Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce; board member, United Way of Ponca City; Melvin Jones Fellow, Lion's International; member, United Way Allocation Committee; chairman, Chamber's Night For Education Committee; chairman Ponca City Task Force, Oklahoma Alliance Against Drugs; member, State Board, Oklahoma Alliance Against Drugs, and member, Adult Advisory Committee, Drug Free Youth Ponca City.
Motorists, who regularly travel across Kaw Dam, must take an alternate route to and from Ponca City Monday.
According to the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, the road across Kaw Dam will be closed from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The road is being closed for normal yearly maintenance. Construction work should be completed no later than 4 p.m., at which time the road will reopen.
ST. MARY'S Spanish teacher Nancy Shields helps fourth grade student Kyle Carmack with new vocabulary words. The local parish school, which celebrates National Catholic Schools Week January 26-February 1, offers Spanish as part of its regular curriculum. St. Mary's will mark the upcoming week with many special activities. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
On April 1, citizens of Ponca City will decide if the city's street sales tax will be renewed for five additional years. The current one-half sales tax expires September 1997.
As a result, the Sales Tax Overview Committee prepared a Ninth Anniversary Summary of the Street Improvement Sales Tax. The report will be submitted to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday.
According to Mike Lane, traffic engineer, 37.9 percent of Ponca City's total street system received improvements from street sales tax revenues. From October 1987, $10.87 million has been collected, said Lane.
At the average cost of $39,877 per lane mile, 145.44 single lane miles, of Ponca City's 384.13 total miles, have been improved. (See map on Page 8-B).
"Street maintenance is a constant need which requires continual funding. The one-half cent sales tax has been an effective, equitable means of financing Ponca City's street improvement program," said the traffic engineer.
Key To Matching Funds
"A dedicated, reliable source of local financing like sales tax is a crucial ingredient in planning for and securing high costs of major street improvements," Lane said. "One of the most beneficial uses of sales tax money over the past nine years has been to provide local share of high costs for major street projects to match federal and state funding," he said.
For example, federal and state funds received for street improvements totaled $6.8 million. Local money used amounted to $3.4 million. Since 1987, 16 projects have been completed, using matching funds.
"Matching funds are a critical piece of an overall street improvement plan," said Lane.
Seventy-nine streets were constructed, reconstructed or received a thick overlay for $4.1 million. Forty-four streets were microsurfaced or received thin overlay in the amount of $354,220.
In addition, 121 streets were chip and sealed for the sum of $180,792. The department spent $574,862 on engineering costs for 14 projects and $165,377 was spent on right-of-way acquisitions for four projects. Additionally, pavement and soil tests, including a city-wide surface and base testing, amounted to $108,327. Signalization for two projects cost $324,292.
Unobligated funds set aside to provide adequate contingency funding total $145,751.
Several Possible Projects
If the sales tax is approved, possible projects which could be recommended by the Traffic Commission include:
- Fifth Street extension - north of Prospect Avenue to Knight Street.
- Continue widening Waverly Street to South Avenue.
- Four lane Highland Avenue from Sunset Street to Waverly Street.
- Four lane Ash Street to Waverly Street.
- Four lane Prospect Avenue from Union Street to Ash Street.
- Intersection revision at Bradley Avenue and Fourteenth Street.
The Traffic Commission is designated as the Sales Tax Overview Committee. It monitors the sales tax funds, reviews proposed projects, makes recommendations to the city commission and prepares an annual report of revenue, expenditures, completed projects as well as the status of on-going projects.
To assist in treating and making road improvements, the Street Department uses a computerized pavement management system. Additionally, a consulting firm tested the city's street system using a laser-equipped van, which collects surface condition data. The data included the number of cracks, crack depths and widths and rutting. Lane said, this type of testing is recommended every five years.
Furthermore, street bases are also tested to determine condition ratings. Traffic, volume, lengths and widths of streets and drainage characteristics are also taken into consideration when planning improvement projects.
The software program recommends the most appropriate treatment and cost effective timing for projects. The program also allows politics to be kept out of the selection process, said Lane.
"This approach to project selection has allowed the city to stretch its available dollars to provide citizens the most for their money," the engineer said.
The Traffic Commission has submitted recommendations for repair projects through 1999 at an estimated cost of $1.8 million, however, these projects are currently classified as unfunded.
When a project is undertaken, Lane says, plans are prepared, soil tests are conducted, any needed right-of-way is acquired before construction begins. These preparatory costs are recognized as legitimate uses of sales tax revenues, and were authorized by the original sales tax enabling ordinance. To date 15 percent has been expended for these costs.
Currently, 85 percent has been spent "in the street", according to Lane. This figure is expected to increase to 91 percent into fiscal year 1998.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The safety of Oklahoma's citizens is at risk due to lack of proper funding for law enforcement at every level.
The board of directors of the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association met in Ponca City Thursday and Friday to identify common problems experienced by law enforcement agencies.
According to John J. Walsh Jr., executive director for OSA, and Chief Ray Overton, executive director for OACF, lack of funding is the main problem in the battle against crime. Many Oklahoma law enforcement agencies do not receive the support they need to provide adequate protection to the communities they serve.
According to Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham, the state of Oklahoma spends less than five cents of the its tax dollars on state police, prisons and prosecution.
"Per capita, expenditures for the police function in Oklahoma are far below the national average," said Ham. "As a consequence, Oklahoma ranks 41 of 48 states in the nation for sheriff deputies per capita.
Overton said at least 400 officers are waiting for basic police training. Training of new officers is backlogged six to 12 months, according to information provided by the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Alliance (OLEA).
Also, officials expressed concern about the need for more training. Currently, an officer must complete just 320 hours of training to become certified. For many departments, this is a cost they cannot afford.
Additionally, the executive directors estimate that 60 percent of patrolling time is spent transporting juveniles and prisoners. They say it is not the correction department's fault that there is not enough room. Local jail systems in Oklahoma are about the most underfunded in the U.S., according to the alliance. The national average of $40.82 per capita is spent on correctional systems. Locally, $5.10 is spent.
Furthermore, contrary to the opinion that all Oklahoma inmates are behind bars, the fact is, only 40 percent of all inmates are behind bars. Texas enjoyed a 30 percent decrease in crime after increasing the state's corrections budget 2.5 times and constructing more prisons.
"No one wants to take responsibility for problems," said Walsh. "It is costing billions of dollars by not locking people up. The citizens end up spending high retail insurance rates and receiving a decrease in police protection."
"Currently, there are no deterrents for criminals," the OSA director said. "We must make an impact by balancing out expenditures. Criminal justice and education cannot address all of the problem. Crime covers areas other then education."
According to the alliance, while massive spending increases in education and job training have resulted in improved test scores and a 25 percent decrease in the number of people on welfare, it has not impacted violent juvenile crime. Juvenile crime has exploded 100 percent in just the past few years.
The directors discussed the need to socialize society, teach kids to live within constraints. The law enforcement officials emphasize the problem is not mismanagement of funds, but a lack of funding.
"Eighty-eight percent of departments in Oklahoma operate with 10 or less officers," said Overton.
Caseloads for state agencies have increased while manpower decreased, according to the OLEA. In addition, violent, suspicious or unnatural deaths in Oklahoma are not thoroughly investigated. The Medical Examiner took jurisdiction of 8,506 deaths in 1995, according to the alliance's report. Of those cases, 4,076 were physically examined, and due to inadequate staffing, only one-third were autopsied.
Po-Hi
January 27
Chamber Orchestra will meet in the band room starting at 7 p.m.
January 28
The Junior N.C.D.A. All-State tryouts will be held at the Po-Hi at 4:30 p.m.
Junior varsity and varsity basketball teams will play at the high school starting at 4:45 p.m. The teams will be playing Stillwater.
January 29
A soroptimist luncheon will be held at the Crown & Rose pub starting at 12:00 p.m.
January 30
The swimming and diving teams will hold a meet at the YMCA starting at 5 p.m.
The varsity wrestling team will travel to Sand Springs for a match starting at 6 p.m.
The Ponca Area Civic Chorus will meet in Room F103 starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Ponca City High School speech and debate team will travel to Jenks for a tournament.
January 31
No school will be held in Ponca City due to Parent-Teacher conferences.
The N.O.C. honor band clinic will travel to Tonkawa at 4:30 p.m.
A junior varsity wrestling tournament will be held in Chandler with the time to be announced.
February 1
A youth and district meeting will be held in the high school cafeteria starting at 8 a.m.
February 2
No Activities.
Elementary Breakfast
Monday - Honey bun, graham crackers, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Scrambled eggs with blueberry muffins, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Honey bun, graham crackers, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Egg and cheese biscuit, honey buns, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Friday - No school.
Elementary Lunch
Monday - Pepperoni calzone or spaghetti with marinara sauce, green beans, crackers, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Chicken strips or macaroni and cheese, whipped potatoes and gravy, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Corn dog or soft taco, cowboy beans, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Thursday - Turkey and noodles or hamburgers, french fries, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Friday - No school.
Middle School and Mid High
Breakfast
Monday - Jelly donuts or assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Pancakes or assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Wednesday- Biscuits and gravy or assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Thursday - French toast stix or assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Friday - No school.
Middle School and Mid High
Available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Middle School are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Hardees. On Tuesday and Thursday, the school offers Domino's and Taco Bell burritos. Available at the Mid-High on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Subway Sandwiches. On Tuesday and Thursday are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Hardees.
Lunch
Monday- Pepperoni calzone or spaghetti with marinara sauce, green beans, assorted cold sandwiches or assorted salads, fruit and milk.
Tuesday - Chicken strips or macaroni and cheese, whipped potatoes and gravy, crackers, assorted cold sandwiches or assorted salads, fruit and milk.
Wednesday - Corn dog or soft taco, cowboy beans, assorted cold sandwiches or assorted salads, fruit and milk.
Thursday - Turkey and noodles or hamburgers, french fries, assorted cold sandwiches or assorted salads, fruit and milk.
Friday - No school.
High School Lunch
Available every day in the high school cafeteria, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn, Taco Bell burritos, Hardees and Subway.
All American
Monday - Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, corn, fresh fruit.
Tuesday - Burrito with chili, tossed salad, jello, fresh fruit.
Wednesday - Cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato, fresh fruit.
Thursday - Chicken strips, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, hot rolls, fresh fruit.
Friday - No school.
Training Table
Monday - Chicken fajitas, mexican rice, deli sandwiches, fresh fruit.
Tuesday - Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches, fresh fruit.
Wednesday - Sliced roast beef, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, fresh fruit.
Thursday - Pasta bar, potato bar, fresh fruit.
Friday - No school.
McCord Breakfast
Monday - Pancake and sausage, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Cereal, toast, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Rice, toast, juice and milk.
Thursday - French toast stix, juice and milk.
Friday - No school.
McCord Lunch
Monday - Smokie Joe sausages, pretzels, hash browns, mixed fruit, corn and milk.
Tuesday - Ham and cheese sandwich, lettuce leaf, orange wedge, cookie and milk.
Wednesday - Fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, green beans, sliced peaches, hot roll and milk.
Thursday - Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, green peas, applesauce, hot roll and milk.
Friday - No school.
Pioneer Technology Center
Tuesday - Beef enchilada, chef's grilled chicken, sweet and sour pork, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.
Wednesday - Grilled steak, fried chicken, spaghetti, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.
Thursday - Pepper steak, smoked chicken, chicken pasta, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.
The cafeteria at Pioneer Technology Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. The cafeteria is also open to the public.
BLACKWELL - Guest speaker for the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday, will be Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin.
Using the theme "As Time Goes By," the event will be staged at 7 p.m., in Kay Room of Kay Electric Cooperative, 300 West Doolin. Tickets are $10 and 5 p.m., Wednesday is the deadline. The tickets are available at the Chamber and three Blackwell Banks.
Fallin will speak on workers compensation reform and economic development, both important to the state. Master of ceremonies for the banquet is Joe Harris, Kay Electric manager.
The Ambassadors Club will greet guests. Included in the awards will be the 1997 Citizen of the Year. Last year's recipient Marilyn Harmon will make the presentation.
The incoming president is Becky Hutton. Outgoing president is Katie LaBlue.
Tuesday afternoons, Ponca City's Christian radio station, KLVV offers a unique service to its listeners and the area.
From 5 to 6 p.m. anyone can call in to the KLVV Encouragement Hour, 767-1400, and speak with a minister or on special occasions with a Christian CPA, doctor, lawyer, etc.
This coming Tuesday, Jerry Gass, owner of Jerry's Auto Shop in Ponca City, will be available to visit with folks who call in. The service has been quite successful with some afternoons having the line busy the full hour, it was noted by Doyle Brewer, station manager.
Calls are private and not put over the air, Brewer said. Interested persons can listen to 88.7 FM between 5 and 6 Tuesday afternoons for more information. The radio station announcer lets listeners know when the line is open or taken.
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).
January 26-February 1
St. Mary's School Celebrates National Catholic School Week.
Monday
Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma.
Mid-Hi PTSA Monthly Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Mid-Hi Library.
Wednesday
Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning Conference Room, Fourth Street and Central Avenue, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305.
Annual Meeting, Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 (Braden), 7:30 p.m., Braden Community Center, voter registration begins 7 p.m., each participating member entitled to one vote, two board members will be elected, in case of inclement weather, meeting will be Feb. 5.
January 29-February 22
Exhibit "Touchable Sculpture," Ponca City Art Association.
Friday
Chili Supper, Veggie Soup, Hot Dogs, Corn Bread, Cake, Drinks, $4.50 (all you can eat), 5-8:30 p.m., Parish Hall, St. Mary's Church, sponsored by Troop 5, BSA, Cub Pack 15.
Saturday
15K (9.3 miles) Groundhog Day race, and 5K fun run, 9 a.m., Lake Ponca Park, race day registration permitted, Entries obtained at Conoco or Bob Kammiller, 405-765-7855 or Don McGovern, 405-762-6106.
American Kids local auditions for Kay, Osage, Payne, Pawnee and Noble counties, 10 a.m., Ponca City Middle School, 1401 West Grand Avenue.
Bluestem Girl Scout Council's Cookie Crunch Off, noon, Ponca Plaza.
Robert Bluestone, classical guitar concert, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
February 1-March 2
Girl Scout Cookie Sale, 762-9616.
February 3
Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 8 a.m., City Manager's Office, 516 East Grand Avenue.
February 4
Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
Sleep Support Group, for anybody with sleep apnea or family or friends, 7-8 p.m., Conference Room B, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
February 6
Terwilliger and Cooperstock violin and piano duo concert, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, free, open to the public, sponsored by Oklahoma Arts Council and Ponca City Federated Music Club.
February 7
Historical Preservation Advisory Panel, 10 a.m., Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Fourth Street and Central Avenue, Room 305.
February 8
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, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to Children and Youth Activities.
88.7 FM Contemporary Christian artists Kathy Troccoli and Phillips, Craig and Dean, with special guest Chris Willis concert, 7 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, tickets the Master's Touch, $10, call 767-1400 for more information.
"The Ambassador Choir," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop, benefit Kay County Council for Opportunity Center, tickets $12.50 each, from 765-6782, 8 p.m.-midnight, Elks Lodge.
February 10
Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., Program, Mrs. Mac Bradley "Travel Tours for Seniors,", First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell.
Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
MS Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm.
February 11
Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library Board Room.
McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Kountry Kitchen, east on U.S. 60.
Southside Neighbors, 7 p.m., Fourth Street Clubhouse.
Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Keeler Road and U.S. 60.
Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road.
February 12
Mental Health Clinic featuring Psychologist Jim Thomas and Geriatric Counselor Lisa McCool informative seminar, 10-11 a.m., third floor social room, Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, more information call Debra, 762-0927, ext. 136.
February 13
Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue.
February 14
SEFI Annual Spaghetti Dinner, 5-7 p.m., St. Paul's Methodist Church, spaghetti, salad, homemade bread, dessert, and drink.
February 17
Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 8 a.m., City Manager's Office, 516 East Grand Avenue.
Ponca City-Stillwater Ostomy Meeting, speaker Lavenia Hutchinson, 7:30 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.
February 18
Wellness Clinic featuring St. Joseph's Janet White, informative Health Seminar (no charge), 10-11 a.m., third floor social room, Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, more information call Debra, 762-0927, ext. 136.
Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center.
February 19
Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.
February 20
Economic Development Foundation Inc., 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.
Kaw Reservoir Authority, 10 a.m., Ponca City.
Parks and Recreation Board, 6 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
TULSA - Football fans are urged to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday intelligently.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) consider Super Bowl Sunday among the three deadliest days of the year. As alcohol producers prepare to spend record amounts on advertising this weekend, MADD encourages football fans to designate non-drinking drivers. In addition party hosts, as well as restaurant and bar owners are encouraged to practice responsible alcohol service on Sunday.
According to MADD, Super Bowl Sunday ranks among the three deadliest days of the year for the highest percentage of fatal alcohol-related crashes, along with New Year's Day and St. Patrick's Day. Approximately 56 percent of traffic fatalities recorded for Super Bowl Sunday 1995 were alcohol related.
Preliminary estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that 52 percent of all traffic fatalities during last year's Super Bowl were alcohol-related.
MADD provides the following safety tips for Super Bowl revelers:
- Individuals who will be drinking and traveling should designate a non-drinking driver before the evening begins or plan on using alternative, safe modes of transportation.
- Party hosts should offer plenty of food so guests will not drink on an empty stomach. Avoid serving too many salty snacks, which tend to make people drink more.
- Hosts should offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol. In addition, they should not let guests mix their own drinks. Choosing a reliable bartender will help keep track of the size and number of drinks consumed by guests.
- Restaurant and bar owners should not push drinks on patrons.
"Many people assume that someone who has had too much to drink may look intoxicated," said Bernadette Huber, Oklahoma State executive director. "Physical appearance may be misleading regardless of the level of alcohol intoxication. As little as one drink can impair someone's ability to drive depending on their body size and metabolism. Laws vary from state to state, but party hosts and drinking establishments may be held liable for costs associated with drunk driving crashes, including medical bills and property damage," she said.
Founded in 1980, MADD is a non-profit, grass-roots organization with more than three million members and supporters nationwide. MADD is not a crusade against alcohol consumption. MADD looks for effective solutions to the impaired driving problem while supporting the victims of this violent crime.
Ponca City Public School students will be dismissed from school on Friday for parent-teacher conferences.
The day has been set aside on the district calendar to allow parents to talk with their child's teachers and to see how their children are achieving and progressing in school. Parents are encouraged to call their child's school to set up an appointment for a conference.
In an effort to accommodate working parents, most all of the schools have scheduled time on the evening of Jan. 30 for conferences also. A complete listing of each school's parent/teacher conference times is listed below. Please note that if parents are unable to attend during the times listed, they may make special arrangements through their school office.
Kindergarten Center- Jan. 31 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Garfield- Jan. 30 from 4-5:45 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 7:30-11:15 a.m.
Liberty- Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8-11:00 a.m.
Lincoln- Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8-11:30 a.m.
Roosevelt - Jan. 30 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Trout - Jan. 30 from 4-6:45 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8-11:15 a.m.
Union - Jan. 30 from 5-8 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8-11 a.m.
Washington - Jan. 30 from 5-8 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Woodlands - Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8-11 a.m.
Middle School - Jan. 30 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 7:30 -11:20 a.m.
Mid-High - Jan. 30 from 5-8 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Senior High - Jan. 30 from 5-8 p.m. and Jan. 31 from 8-11 a.m.
Newly elected state representative Jim Newport will be the master of ceremonies for the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet, set for Feb. 7 at Hutchins Memorial auditorium.
The event is entitled "An Evening With the Governor" featuring the honorable Frank Keating. Tickets for the banquet go on sale to the general public on Monday, according to Connie McAbee, banquet chairman. Tickets are $30 and reservations may be made with the Chamber office.
Entertainment will include pre-dinner music by the Davanzati Duo. Food will be by Pioneer Technology Center Food Service, under the direction of Steve Ellenwood.
Brian Patrick Ivers, former Stillwater resident, and now resident of Cape Girardeau, Mo., recently received his Eagle Scout Award in a special Eagle Court of Honor held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Stillwater.
Brian is the son of Phil and Michele Ivers and the grandson of Johnie L. Ivers and the late Joy Ivers of Ponca City. His father, Phil, was born in Ponca City and is a 1974 graduate of Po-Hi.
For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Brian conducted a campaign to increase the availability of fully prepared organ donors by distributing information packets and donor cards to 2,000 Stillwater residents. More than 70 recipients wrote Brian to confirm their actions taken to become potential organ donors.
Ponca Citians attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor included Greg Ivers, Kevin Ivers, Gene and Emily Leterle and Pat Bullard. Others witnessing the ceremony were Brian's sisters, Karen, Emily and Louise Ivers and family members Chris Ivers of Edmond, and Rhonda Hanyka and Raegan Ivers of Perry.
The possible victim of a murder which apparently occurred in the 900 block of East South Avenue on Jan. 14, has been identified.
According to the Ponca City Police Department, Martin Zamora Briones, 30, also known as Briones Martinez, may have been shot in the head. His body has not yet been recovered.
Investigators conducted several interviews which provided enough information for officers to obtain a search warrant for the South Avenue residence. In addition to recovering physical evidence from the search, officers took a material witness into custody.
Officers continue to pursue Juan Carlos Alvarado Duarte, who is wanted in connection with the possible murder. Duarte is a 24-year-old Hispanic man, 5 feet 7, weighing approximately 150 to 170 pounds. The suspect has black hair, brown eyes and uses a Kansas driver's license.
During the investigation officers learned Duarte had been renting the residence on South Avenue since April of 1996. A warrant has also been issued for a 28-year-old woman, Abbie Blueback, who is believed to be traveling with Duarte.
Blueback is wanted as a material witness. The Native American is 5-feet-2 and weighs approximately 170 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
Earlier this week, Det. William Thornton from the PCPD, along with a lab criminologist from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, traveled to Dallas, Texas, to search the vehicle that Duarte and Blueback apparently left the scene in. The search produced additional physical evidence of the crime.
Briones reportedly came to Ponca City by bus seeking employment the same day he was possibly killed. Previously he had lived in Ponca City, working in the areas of construction and general labor.
If anyone has information about the homicide, or the location of Duarte or Blueback, contact the PCPD at 767-0370, or the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers at 762-5100.
NEWKIRK - The Kay County Board of County Commissioners' regular weekly meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the county courthouse.
The commissioners will consider approval of a $4,100 claim from Brawley Engineering for payment of bridge inspections.
Editor, The News,
On Jan. 16 I got a notice with my mail informing me of an address change effective Jan. 18. This means I need to contact everybody I get mail from, get new business cards, new order forms for my business, new work orders, new mailing labels etc. Everybody that has moved before knows how much trouble and money all this costs, but I did not move. On the note was a number for the Post Office that one could call, also a number for the 911 coordinator. I would like to know why these two offices could not get together and let us have only one address change, since 911 addresses are going to come out before long anyway. I did find out a meeting between those two offices is planned for early February, and do hope the outcome will keep me from having to change my address twice in a short time without having moved.
Moni Neville
Editor, The News,
I would like to speak briefly on the appalling subject of animal cruelty and abuse. I will relate the following personal story to accentuate my point.
Our three-year-old calico cat disappeared one day. We began searching the neighborhood, presenting her picture door to door. Through our efforts, we learned that one neighbor had set a trap, baited with canned cat food, and captured our cat. These people knew this was our cat, but made no effort to contact us. They later claimed to have taken her to Animal Control, but they did not. We have been in constant contact with Animal Control and the Humane Society, and confirmed that the cat had not been brought in. It is now our fear that these people took our cat and dumped her in the country, in sub-freezing weather, leaving her to fend for herself. How can anyone condone this cruelty? Does it make people feel powerful or important to abuse animals?
My point is this. We have agencies in place to take care of animals that have become lost, are in distress, or in need of homes. The Animal Control Center and Humane Society exist to aid and benefit our area. The Humane Society does a terrific job in caring for animals and placing them in homes. I support the Humane Society, and urge everyone who cares for animals to do the same. I also encourage people to support strong legislation to fine or imprison people who abuse animals, especially people who haul animals to the country and dump them out. These people are the real problem, not the animals themselves.
John Botts
Editor, The News,
Today the latest microfilm reel containing issues of The Ponca City News was added to the Ponca City Library collection. The Ponca City Publishing Company has donated these reels month after month for many years. Most of the time with no formal thank you note being returned. This time you are getting the "pat on the back" you deserve.
With the help of The News and some other grants, the Library has copies of the various newspapers published in Ponca City back to its beginnings in 1893, as well as many other Kay County newspapers from those early years.
By providing copies of each month's editions, the Ponca City Publishing Co. has done its part to help preserve the history of Ponca City. This act of generosity is greatly appreciated by the Library Staff, historians, and genealogists who use these filmed records.
Thanks to Publishers, Editors and Staff of the Ponca City News and to the Muchmore Family for their long time support of the Ponca City Library.
Loyd M. Bishop
Genealogy and Local
History Librarian
Editor, The News,
In Ponca City we keep hearing two main themes concerning shopping, which are "give Ponca the business" and "Shop downtown." As the local government tries to convince us that we need to patronize the hometown stores, the local merchants need to make an effort to make it equally appealing to us.
During the past holiday season, I purchased a book for my son who was home visiting. As typical of lots of gifts given during this season, he preferred something different so I suggested he return it. I did not have the receipt at hand but since I was a regular customer of this store I did not feel there would be a problem; however, was I ever wrong. The clerk refused to exchange the gift and since she could not find a record of the article in the computer files, she implied that it was inferior to the quality that they sold and suggested it had been purchased elsewhere. Needless to say he was quite humiliated. When he returned home I called the store and was told that without a receipt no article could be returned. After much effort I found the cash register slip of the purchase, identifiable only by the date and amount since the store's name was not on it, and returned to the store.
When I arrived I was informed they had already found a record of the book in the computer files and would exchange it but that they never return cash. This in itself is a negative practice. Needless to say I do not plan to make future purchases in this local store. Had I made the purchase at a chain store, I could have easily exchanged or returned it for cash.
The local merchants need to be more competitive in customer service if they expect Poncans to stay home to shop.
Roeann Gibson
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
For firefighters and victims of fires, it can be the difference between life and death.
Thanks to efforts of local businesswoman Donna Jeffries-White, Ponca City firefighters received two of the new CairnsIris thermal-imaging helmets. Training for the helmets was held at the Oklahoma State University Fire Training Service in Stillwater on Friday.
Training included how to navigate with the system and how to recognize the difference between thermal and normal vision, including live fire training.
Ponca City is the first in Oklahoma, Kansas or Texas to have the technology. Cairns & Brother Inc., incorporated infrared imaging into a helmet-mounted unit, connected to a battery pack. A thermal imaging camera is mounted on the right side of the helmet and a heads-up display is mounted on the front of the helmet.
The new technology detects changes in temperature within .05 degrees Fahrenheit and allows firefighters to recognize people and objects faster.
Firefighters will be able to locate the seat of the fire faster, reducing unnecessary water damage. Also, the "thermal imaging" technology helps firefighters "see" through thick smoke and darkness to find people trapped in burning buildings.
Depth perception is reportedly a little skewed, however, the picture is displayed in various shades of black, white and gray. Firefighters can detect fires hidden in ceilings, walls and floors. Also, furniture, people, pets and fluid level inside containers is visible. The "whiter" an object, the hotter the temperature.
Furthermore, the helmets can also be used when dealing with hazardous materials. For example, vapors from hazardous gases are a different temperature than the air. Firefighters should be able to determine where vapors are and where they are headed, should the need for evacuation arise.
The idea for the tool was born out of military technology that allowed a fighter pilot to fire a missile through the front door of a building while flying at Mach 1 over Iraq during Desert Storm.
Initiated by Jeffries-White, president of 101 Beverage Company, funds were raised to purchase two of the helmets, at a cost of $25,000 each.
Ponca City
Civil Proceedings
First National Bank and Trust vs. Chris Pappan; plaintiff seeking judgment for $14,568.29 in property.
Jack Bowker Ford vs. Brad Randolph; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,526.
Jack Bowker Ford vs. John Mashburn and Imogene L. Mashburn; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,505.
Jack Bowker Ford vs. Judy Morales and Robert Burch; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,544.
Robert Bluestone, classical guitarist, has announced the music which will appear on his concert at The Poncan Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Poncan program chairman Ralph Ratliff.
Villa-Lobos' "prelude Number 3" will be the opening number, followed by Carlevaro's "American Prelude" and then the "Castles in Spain" suite of Moreno-Torroba. The first half of the concert will conclude with Duarte's English Suite including folk songs and round dances.
The second part of the concert will consist of Mexican and Venezuelan folk songs and dances.
"One of the most enjoyable things about a Bluestone concert is his running commentary between songs," Ratliff said. "I was interested in being on the Poncan program staff because I wanted to see more of groups like '1964,' a soft rock group who appeared here last summer and will be coming again this summer. But Bluestone makes the classics exciting. Live. Personable. You enjoy every piece and forget the time. It's like a short visit to the country whose music he's playing."
"Guitar represents the spirit of today," Bluestone said in a telephone interview from his home in Santa Fe. "I'm glad to be coming back to see the Poncan now that it's finished," he added. The artist played here in 1994 while the renovation of the theater was in progress.
Tickets to the concert are on sale now at local financial institutions and will be sold at the box office on the night of the concert. Adult tickets are $7; students, of high school age and younger, are admitted for $5. Poncan Theatre playing cards are good for this event.
Ponca City's "Creating Partnerships for Oklahoma Families" program, under the direction of Byron Tribble, Community Prevention Specialist recently won a first place award in the amount of $1,000, from the Department of Human Services.
The award winners in first and second place in the state were selected from 30 applications from partnerships programs in progress.
Mike Jackson, Creating Partnerships state chairman wrote, "We commend your (Ponca City's) efforts in creating partnerships and meeting the needs of Oklahoma's families."
Tribble, who is affiliated with Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and Shelter Inc., has also been invited to present a proposal for presenters at the Second Annual Creating Partnerships for Oklahoma Families Conference in Oklahoma in March.
More than 1,000 people are expected to be present for the 1997 conference and more than 60-break out sessions will be available for participants. Tribble will be presenting his program in one of these sessions.
Tribble and other representatives of the Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and Shelter will be present March 17 to receive the cash award during the CPOF Conference reception at the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
He says members of the team working on the program plan to spend the award winnings to further the success of the Partnerships Program in the Ponca City area.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Two local men became official mediators through the Oklahoma Supreme Court system recently. The men will mediate disputes through the Early Settlement Dispute Resolution Program in North Oklahoma.
Robert A. Howard, of Ponca City, and Nick J. Larchey, of Newkirk, were officially sworn in by Judge Doug Revard at the Ponca City Courthouse on Thursday.
Oklahoma law provides this fast, effective and affordable option to resolving disputes other than through the court system. The Early Settlement Program provides mediation and conciliation services to individuals and businesses in Pawnee, Osage, Kay, Noble, Payne, Logan, Lincoln and Creek Counties.
"We appreciate the service rendered to the court," said Revard. "We find cases do not come back to trial as they are settled in a reasonable manner that is pleasing to both parties. It speeds up the settlement for both parties involved," the judge said.
Mediation is a confidential, out of court procedure that allows participants an opportunity to come together and find a resolution that meets the needs of everyone involved. The process uses a neutral third party, the mediator, who is trained and certified to assist in discussing concerns. Skills are used to guide the parties through communication and problem-solving.
It is not the mediator's job to pass judgment or decide the outcome of the case, but to focus on productive discussions of all options available.
Almost any issue or problem can benefit from the Early Settlement program, according to administrators of the program.
Situations like past due bills, landlord/tenant disputes, barking dogs and other neighbor issues, automobile accidents, business/customer matters and employer/employee issues are appropriate for mediation. Specialized mediation services available include family and divorce matters and those involving services to children with disabilities.
Howard, owner and operator of Howard Construction Company, currently serves as an Oklahoma Selective Service Appeals Board member, nominated by the Governor and appointed by the U.S. President in 1982. An active member of the community, Howard serves as an executive board member of the United Way, Domestic Violence and the Humane Society.
In addition, the mediator is a member of the Airport Advisory Board, Emergency Resource Agency and graduated from the Ponca City Citizens Police Academy. Formerly active in the Chamber of Commerce, he served as the chair for the Chamber Infrastructure Committee.
Other memberships include the American Legion, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Kay County Democrats, Ponca City Tomorrow and Kay County Local Emergency Planning Committee. In the past, he served as a chair of St. Mary's Parish Council, Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus, chair for Ponca City and Kay County Democrats and Ponca City Planning Commission.
Currently working on a doctorate in education, Howard received his bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from The University of Oklahoma and a master's degree in Human Relations, also from OU.
Larchey, who also received his mediator certification, is a volunteer for Hospice of Ponca City. He was selected as patient volunteer of the year in 1995 and Hospice volunteer of the year in 1996.
Active in St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church, Larchey is a District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus and will soon leave to do mission work in Lourdes, Costa Rico.
Larchey has also completed the classroom training to be an agriculture mediator. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion as well as the Moose Lodge and Elks.
For more information on Early Settlement Dispute Mediation, contact 1-800-464-5677.
St. Mary's School celebrates National Catholic Schools week, now through February 1, with many special activities. Today's 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary's Church opens the celebration with students participating as the Lectors, Gift bearers, Greeters and Cantors.
This year's theme is "A School You Can Believe In."
Beginning Monday there is an open house at the school, plus the St. Jude's Mathathon service project. On Tuesday, the St. Mary's PTC sponsors the teacher and staff appreciation day. Parents and grandparents are treated to a special luncheon on Wednesday. Thursday is a mystery day of appreciation, followed by student appreciation day on Friday.
The week of activities concludes with the Boy Scout Troop 5 and Cub Scout Pack 15 Chili and Nacho Supper in the Parish Hall.
Annual OoKeeHee All-Indian Male Basketball Tournament Planned
The OoKeeHee Club will be sponsoring an All-Indian Men's Basketball Tournament as a fund raiser on Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center.
Mr. Henson Lena is the tournament coordinator for the organization and all questions concerning the tournament should be directed to him.
There will be a 12 team limit with a double elimination. There will be a $100 entry fee with no refunds. Entry fees should be mailed to Henson Lena, c/o OoKeeHee Indian Club, 129 S. Birch, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Prizes will be as follows: first place team will receive individual t-shirts, individual caps and a team trophy, second place will receive individual shirts and a team trophy and third place will receive individual shirts and a team trophy. The All Tournament Team will also receive t-shirts and the Most Valuable Player will receive a jacket.
This tournament is one of OoKeeHee's major fund raisers for the school year. The proceeds from the tournament will go towards the annual Spring Pow-Wow, hosted by OoKeeHee on May 3 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center.
Anyone interested in volunteering time to assist with the tournament needs to contact Cher Eagle, 765-0971; Henson Lena, 765-0858; Jena Rush 765-7561; Lucy Hart, 762-5112; or Jo Lessert at 762-2041.
There will be a door charge of $1 for adults and $.50 for students ages 7-18. All children 6 and under will be admitted free.
The community is invited to attend and there will be a concession stand available.
A former Ponca Citian, Parke Moyer, was selected to participate in an International Ice Carving competition, hosted by the National Ice Carvers Association and Lake Louise Chateau in Alberta, Canada. The event was held Jan. 17 through 19 at Chateau Lake Louise.
Moyer was accepted as one of 39 carvers taking part in the three-day event. Thirteen teams with three participants each were invited to attend and came from the USA, Canada, France and Japan.
Moyer's team was awarded the first-time-given judges' choice award, as well as a bronze medal. Their carving was a 14-foot-tall depiction of King George slaying the dragon and was made from 4,500 pounds of ice.
Moyer, son of Carole Moyer and grandson of Neva Onstot, both of Ponca City, attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. and has served as Executive Chef at Brookhaven Club in Dallas, Laurel Oaks in Sarasota, Fla., and is now at Ridgewood Club in Waco, Texas.
Officers and members of the Board of Directors, of North Central Oklahoma Historical Association were reelected at the annual board meeting Jan. 10, at Commercial Federal Bank.
Officers are Paul Denson, president; Graydon Brown, vice-president; Wanda Jones, secretary; Elaine Fulton, Newkirk, Assistant Secretary; and Holly Harpster, treasurer. Board members reelected are Madelien Ruetter of Blackwell, and from Ponca City; Eleanor Coates, Charles Hays, Emily McClung, Ralph McClung, Annette Pittman, Darlene Platt, Maxine Prather, Sharon Primeau, and Mildred Smith.
In April, the group will attend the Oklahoma Historical Society award dinner and program in Oklahoma City. The publication of NCOHA's two-volume family history book "North Central Oklahoma: Rooted in the Past - Growing for the Future," was nominated recently by the OHS for national recognition to the American Association for State and Local History Association. The book was awarded a "Certificate of Commendation for its work last September at the AASLH 56th Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
NCOHA members are planning to make the award winning books available to the public at Spring Fling art and craft show at Unity Gym on the Marland Estate on March 8. Also available at the booth will be post cards, note cards and Gene Dougherty prints (the art is featured on the front of the history books).
"North Central Oklahoma: Rooted in the Past - Growing for the Future," is also available in Blackwell, at the Madelien Ruetter home (405) 363-3602); in Newkirk, at the Elaine Fulton home (405) 362-2310 and during business hours at the Joe Cary Real Estate Agency; and in Ponca City, at Brace Books and More and the Just Yesterday shop.
Membership in NCOHA is open to all interested citizens and information is available from officers and board members. No general membership meetings are held, unless a special meeting is called. Members of NCOHA, however, are encouraged to attend all board meetings, which are held on the lower level at Commercial Federal Bank in Ponca City at 9:30 a.m. the second Friday of each month.
County Assessor Teresa Engle, reminds the public that the assessor's staff will be at the Hutchins Memorial Sunshine Room on the south side Jan. 28-29-30 for people in Ponca City from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The new rules include a five percent cap on tax increase per year for all residential, commercial and agricultural property unless title is transferred, changed or conveyed, or property is improved.
The changes also include a special class of "frozen" homestead property, designed to protect retired persons on fixed incomes, Engle said.
To determine where they fit with the new changes, property owners can visit Engle's office in the courthouse. The filing period runs through March 15.
Persons who already have a Homestead exemption in place on their property need not file again unless they have changed their deed. Those who still must meet with the assessors are:
* Those filing for a new homestead exemption - these should bring their property description.
* Those filing for a new additional homestead exemption (for those whose income is less than $20,000 a year.)
* Farm machinery owners, agricultural sales tax permit users.
* Persons who have moved a mobile home onto leased land or who have built a structure on leased land.
* Those filing for a valuation freeze on their homestead property. These must be 65 years old and have a verified gross income of less than $25,000.
Homeowners are required by state law to notify the assessor's office if they have moved or are no longer eligible for Homestead exemption.
The Child Development Center will be sponsoring a fund raising Chili Supper Friday at the First Christian Church from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to participate.
Homemade chili created by Kaye Motz will be the featured item on the menu, along with his homemade bread. Other items on the menu will include hot dogs, desserts and drinks. Tickets will be $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Motz prepared a large pot of his famous chili recently and allowed students, board members and employees at the Child Development Center to sample his efforts. All gave "thumbs up" to the sampling, and the children enjoyed being included in the fun.
Tickets for the chili supper are available from Child Development Center Board members or at the door at First Christian Church Friday night. Carry-outs will also be available.
Students participating in the taste-testing were Mathew Morgan, Brianna Knowlton, Heather Getman, Samantha Carithers, Chance Peterson and Tregan Woolley.
Board members and employees and volunteers also present were Barbara Inskeep, Glenda Lockhart, Kim Brown, Lillian Yerger, Lisa Mena and of course, Chef Kaye Motz.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Board of Commissioners will tackle a full agenda during its meeting Monday at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. Payment for city expenditures, totaling $1.8 million, will be considered.
Public hearings will be held to determine whether a mechanics shop at 511 South Fourth Street will be rezoned to local commercial and whether the adjacent area will become a Planned Unit Development. In addition, the board will consider a request to close an alley in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth Street.
In new business, members will receive an Engineer's 1996 Annual Inspection Report on the Lake Ponca Dam, prepared by Chapman, Parr and Gill, Inc. Additionally, the Ponca City Fire Department will ask to enter a contract with Pierce for two pumper trucks. The Ponca City Fire Department Smoke Detector survey will also be submitted.
In addition, nominations for the Marland Estate Commission board are included on the agenda. Changes in fee schedule for the mansion and new hours of operation as well as revised grounds rental policies will be contemplated.
Commissioners plan to vote on the condemnation of a utility easement across Anthony Properties for Lowe's sanitary sewer interceptor. Furthermore, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board's decision to deny a grey water system at a private cabin on the west side of Lake Ponca will be considered by the board. The request is a variance from the Standard Operation Procedure for a water and closed system.
In old business, the board will decide on an ordinance assessing the cost of street lighting for Virginia Street from Highland Avenue to Gary Avenue. In addition, commissioners will vote whether to repeal Section 34-260 of the City Code, relating to railroad train speed. Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Company made the request.
On the consent agenda, the commission is expected to approve the following with one motion:
- Accept material bids for rock, asphalt, concrete, oil, sand, Portland Cement and sodium chloride for Public Works/Street and Drainage Division.
- Submit a letter authorizing which city employees can sign-off on the Wastewater Treatment Plant's monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports that are submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Declare residential structures located at 312 South Fifth Street and 317 South Fourth Street surplus and solicit bids for the sale of structures.
- Execute contract documents for Waterline Improvements along Flormable Street and Central Avenue with Sober Brothers, Inc., in the amount of $17,656.25.
- Authorize execution of change order No. 6 with Western Summit Constructors, Inc. for the Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Improvements Project totaling $15,637.
- Execution of change order no. 1 with Ram Engineering and construction, Inc. for the Northwest Water Transmission Pipeline phase 2 project in the amount of $13,381.55.
- Approve removal of 2-hour parking restrictions on the south side of the 100 block of East Central Avenue.
After reconvening to the Ponca City Utility Authority, members will consider consent agenda items including septic tank haulers use of the city's sanitary sewer and approval of amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Engineering Services for the Sanitary Sewer Improvements in the amount of $134,071.30 This figure indicates a $2,400 reduction.
Also, commissioners will consider payment of $14,625.40 for the Eastside Sewer System Evaluation, sludge equipment procurement bidding and construction, and the preliminary design of the Union Street waterline.
Boy Scout Troop 5 and Cub Pack 15 will be serving a chili supper and nachos Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Parish Hall.
Tickets will be $4.50 per ticket for all you can eat and 6 and under children are free.
Troop 5 will be serving chili, veggie soup, hot dogs, corn bread, cake and drinks. Cup Pack 15 will serve Nachos at $1 per serving.
A portion of the proceeds for the chili supper will be used to fund individual camping trips for the 45 members of the Troop.
Scout leaders are Fred Spellman, Scoutmaster and assistant, Bill Schula. Assistant leaders are Rex Largent, Mike Collins, Steve Connely, Gary Shepherd, Randy Trant, Brent Loney and Sherman Fry.
One of the highlights the boys enjoyed as a result of last years fund raisers was a white water rafting trip down the Arkansas River near Buena Vista, Colo. in August 1996. More camping and learning experiences are planned for 1997 and will be funded with the proceeds from Friday night's chili supper.
The woodcarvers of Ponca City will sponsor a carving seminar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the meeting room at Pioneer Drive-in Bank, Lake Road and Monument.
Linda Kinzy will direct the seminar, assisted by her husband, Layne. The Kinzy's operate a woodcarving and watch repair business in Winfield, Kan.
Mrs. Kinzy also teaches woodcarving to children and adults in their home. She also teaches carving twice a year in the Brown Center at the Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City.
The seminar in Ponca City will be for beginning as well as experienced carvers. Cost of the seminar will be $35 and includes the cost of a blank.
Persons interested in attending the seminar should call Sam Johnson at
765-5889 for more information and/or to enroll.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Charles Edward "Popper" Albert, longtime Blackwell resident, died at Blackwell Regional Hospital, Thursday evening, Jan. 23, 1997. He was 79.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery, with the Rev. Bill Maxey, hospital chaplain officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will make the flag presentation. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Tuesday, then the casket will be closed.
Charles Edward "Popper" Albert was born April 27, 1917, in Boston, Kan., the son of Jacob Henry and Lorena May (Owsley) Albert. He moved with his parents to Bartlesville, where he grew up and attended schools. Following his schooling he served six years in the Civil Conservation Corps in Colorado and at Blackwell. He also played first base for semi-pro baseball teams in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.
In September 1940, he was married to Ineva Davis and the couple made their home in Blackwell. Albert began employment with Blackwell Zinc Co., then entered the U.S. Army and served stateside during World War II. Following his discharge he resumed his job at the zinc company and worked as a metal weigher until his retirement in 1971. He had also worked at the Blackwell Hatchery, hay baling, and at Main Street Elevator during that same time. Albert was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ.
Survivors include two daughters, Rita Rudd of Crescent and Diane Haskins of Blackwell; a companion, Fern Stiger of Blackwell; two sisters, Bernice Giddens of Minden, La., and Alene Pierce of Bartlesville; two brothers, Melvin "Mike" Albert of Kilgore, Texas, and Cecil Albert of Citrus Heights, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Melvin Cecil Albert; his parents; one brother, Bill Albert; two sisters, Bessie Albert and Nadine Sturm; and one grandson.
Casket bearers will be David Reser, Michael Reser, Rudy Glass, Dutch Parson, Bill Rigdon and R.C. Bechtel. Honorary bearers will be Scot Haskins, John Rudd, Shawn Haskins, George Rudd, Stacy Haskins and Neil Rudd.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blackwell Girl Scouts, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Charles E. Wilson, former Ponca City resident, died Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 1997, at the East Moore Nursing Center in Moore, Okla. He was 67.
A Wake Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. this evening at the Trout Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 10:30 a.m., in St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. John Michalicka, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, as celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery under direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Charles E. Wilson was born Aug. 29, 1929, in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of Sid W. and Florence L. (Dennison) Wilson. He attended Ponca City schools and also St. Gregory's College in Shawnee, Okla. He served with the U.S. Armed Services and was a member of the American Legion Post No. 14. During his lifetime he worked as a carpenter throughout this area.
Surviving are his son, Mike Wilson of Derby, Kan.; four daughters, Charla Myers of Oklahoma City, Lesa Shoup of King Williams, Va., Janet Duncan of Amarillo, Texas, and Julie Elliott of Magnolia, Ark.; brother, Sid Wilson Jr., Little Rock, Ark.; sister, Suzie Braden, Ponca City; his mother, Florence Wilson of Ponca City, and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Sid W. Wilson on March 7, 1964, and an infant sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Harmony House in Ponca City.
The family will be at the Sid Wilson home on Sunnyslope.
Maxine Elizabeth Renbarger, 301 South Flormable Street, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 22, 1997, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 80.
The funeral was held Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Clipson, associate pastor, officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born July 4, 1916, at Church Hill, Tenn., she was the daughter of Daniel Thomas and Sarah Caroline Rebecca Minton McCoy. She attended schools at Church Hill and graduated from Virginia Intermont College at Bristol, Va.
On July 21, 1945, she married M.A. "Bud" Renbarger at the First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City. For 18 years, Maxine worked for Liberty Elementary School, retiring in 1985. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Beta Sigma Phi, the Light Fantastic Dance Club, Kay Country Retired Educators Association, P.T.A., and various other social organizations. Her hobbies included dancing, crossword puzzles, piano, and humorous prose and poetry for special occasions. Maxine believed in "family ties," consideration of others, faith in oneself, and a great sense of humor in all things.
She is survived by her husband, Bud, of the home; daughter, Sherre and her husband Steve Bradshaw, Mandeville, La.; son, Bob and his wife Grace Renbarger, Austin, Texas; son Thom Renbarger, Norman; daughter, Janice and her husband Tom Woodward, Edmond; and son, Frank Renbarger and his wife Debbie Sievert, Ponca City; two brothers, D.T. McCoy, Jr. and Bill McCoy, and two sisters, Cathryn Tranbarger, and Vera Minervini, all of Kingsport, Tenn.; seven grandchildren, Matt and Micah Bradshaw, Samuel Gentry Renbarger, Kristen Sievert, Josh and Tyler Woodward, and Madeline Renbarger. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.
Casket bearers were Jack Huffman, Ray Langdale, Gary Foreman, Jerry Younger, Larry Chitwood, and Kenny Woolsey. Honorary casket bearers were Fred Stolhand, Darrell Stolhand, Earl Brewer, Jack Willis, Richard Howard, Tom Godwin, Jim Bennett, Earl Pass and Glen Gorrell.
Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation of Oklahoma, 2915 Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
The family received friends at the home, 301 South Flormable.
paid obituary
Monday
Phyllis I. Hooten - Graveside at 11 a.m. in Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.
Black's Funeral Home, Eufaula, in charge of arrangements.
NEWS BRIEFS
Sunday Swim- The Community Pool is open on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. for lap/open swim. For details call 765-5417.
Annual Meeting - The Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 (Braden) will hold its annual meeting Wednesday (January 29) at 7:30 p.m. at the Braden Community Center. Voter registration will begin at 7 p.m. Each participating member is entitled to one vote. Two board members will be elected. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be Feb. 5.
Pioneer Toastmasters - The Pioneer Toastmasters Club will meet Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests are welcome to "come and discover what Toastmasters is all about." For more information contact Sharon Bowen, club president.
1957 Class Reunion - A class reunion planning meeting for the 1957 graduating class of Po-Hi, will be held at 1026 El Camino at 7 p.m. Tuesday. All class members are encouraged to attend. Call 765-9972 for more information.
Chili Supper - The Child Development Center's annual chili supper will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the First Christian Church. Chili, drink, dessert and homemade bread will be served. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Homemade bread will also be offered for sale.
Mid-High PTSA Meeting - The Mid-High PTSA will hold their monthly board meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Mid-High library. As always, on the agenda will be committee reports. In addition, discussion will cover the yearbook; plans for our donation to the school; teacher's appreciation week; and a new replacement Hospitality Chairperson. They encourage all board and committee members to attend and all parents and teachers are invited to join.
Post Matrons Meeting - Post Matrons Order of Eastern Star will meet Monday at 2 p.m. at the home of hostess Carol McNitt at 1012 Rosedale. The meeting will consist of installing the new 1997 officers.
Vandalism - A resident in the 100 block of South Peachtree Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8 a.m. Friday that the vehicle was vandalized. An officer took a report.
Failure to Pay - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 32-year-old man in the 900 block of East South Avenue at 12:35 p.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
In Custody - A 25-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 700 block of South First Street at 1:16 p.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to pay, a city warrant for two counts of unlawful entry and petit larceny.
Fire - Five Ponca City firefighters responded at 3:09 p.m. Friday to extinguish a fire on the side of the road two miles north on U.S. 77. The driver of a 1975 Ford 2-ton truck had been working on the vehicle. While attempting to get out of the roadway, the grass underneath the truck caught fire. The truck received damage to several hoses.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 3:18 p.m. Friday.
Pedestrian Hit - The victim of a vehicle-pedestrian accident on the east side of the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 3:40 p.m. Friday refused treatment by Ponca City emergency management technicians. A Ponca City police officer took a report.
Leaves Afire - Ponca City firefighters responded to a report of leaves on fire on the northwest side of the intersection at North Seventh Street and East Highland Avenue at 4:17 p.m. Friday. No fire was found.
Non-Injury Accidents - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident in the 2800 block of North Fourteenth Street at 4:46 p.m. Friday. The officer also took a report of an accident in the 1200 block of East Prospect Avenue at 6:54 p.m.
Collision - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a non-injury accident in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street at 6:54 p.m. Friday. An officer took a report.
Grass Fire - Three Ponca City firefighters extinguished a fire five miles south on U.S. 177 at the White Eagle cultural center at 8:07 p.m. Friday. According to the fire report, a dump fire got out of hand and went into an open field.
Petit Larceny - A clerk at a business in the 2900 block of North Union Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 11:02 p.m. Friday that two men wearing plaid shirts and dark stocking caps took four 12-packs of beer. An officer took a petit larceny report.
Collision - The Ponca City Fire, Police Departments and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to the report of an accident at Cassiopeia's, Hubbard Road, at 11:24 p.m. Friday. The ambulance crew advised the telecommunication officers that no victim would be transported. The OHP handled the accident report.
Under Suspension - A 19-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at West South Avenue and South Waverly Street at 12:14 a.m. Saturday for driving under suspension and transporting an open container.
Vehicle Overturned - The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 2:33 a.m. Saturday of a vehicle overturned seven miles west of U.S. 177 on Hubbard Road. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised, however, no one was around the vehicle. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center received notice of the accident.
County Warrant - A 35-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City
police officer at West Detroit Avenue and North Union Street at 3:23 a.m.
Saturday for driving under suspension, no insurance, failure to obey and
a county warrant.
LIFESTYLES
Editor's note: Information for this article was correlated by Marjorie Decker, the News Religion Editor.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of children are born affected by alcohol and other drugs. Many of these babies are also infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. These children not only require extended medical care as infants, but they also face daunting physical and developmental problems as they grow older.
The four United Methodist Women Units in Ponca City are sponsoring the second ABC (At-Risk Baby Crib) Quilt workshop on Thursday, Jan. 30 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Hartford and Pecan.
Comforters made at the workshop will be donated to infants born alcohol-or-drug-affected or infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. The workshop is scheduled from 1-9 p.m. to enable persons to participate for an hour or two or to stay for the entire workshop.
A light supper will be served and family members are encouraged to join the quilters for the meal. Susan Lucky, the Methodist District Superintendent's wife, and a former resident of Ponca City when her husband, the Rev. Grayson Lucky, pastored Albright United Methodist Church, will be here to work with the Ponca City women and will be helping keep the work going.
Mary Irons and Faith Kalback from First UMC are organizing the event. St. Paul's will be furnishing the Fellowship Hall, tables and chairs, coffee and cookies during the day and a soup dinner (for the workers who stay through their dinner hour).
It was pointed out to the churchwomen that making baby quilts is a very direct way to express concern and care for the growing population of at-risk children. Just as important, though, the quiltmaking process itself provides a unique opportunity to make education about substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention both meaningful and fun.
Working together on the baby quilts, adults and young people can openly discuss the fears and misinformation that surround the HIV-AIDS epidemic, and how alcohol and other drugs add to the problem.
The Methodist women will be working from 1-9 p.m. This is a "come and go" affair. Folks can drop by, work awhile, visit some, then leave - according to their various schedules. The quilts are used as comfort quilts for children who are premature, born with HIV virus, addicted to drugs, alcohol syndrome, and all children born with at-risk conditions.
Supplies needed for the day are (bring what you have on hand - not everything unless you want to): fabric - all cotton or cotton/poly blend, must be pre-washed and in one yard or one and 1/8 yard pieces; thread, all colors of Embroidery Floss, cotton crochet, or pearl cotton (bring what you have on hand); tapestry needles (those with large eyes); scissors, pins, tape measures - regular sewing supplies, large quilters straight and safety pins will be easier to use; Rotary Mats and Roller Cutters (if you have them on hand); sewing machine, if you plan to sew, electrical hook-ups are available; Sergers, if you want to hem Receiving Blankets.
Those planning to attend need not go out and buy any supplies, but any of the above mentioned materials or supplies will be welcome if you have them on hand. Be sure to mark everything you bring, except the fabric and thread.
Refreshments and snacks will be provided throughout the day. A soup supper will be provided for individuals staying through the dinner hour. Babysitting will be available by reservations: 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. by phoning Sue Ziegenhain at 762-3694.
Mrs. Lucky has provided an informational update on the ABC Quilts project, as follows: "Because of your generosity of spirit and caring, we have been able to send over a quarter of a million quilts to hospitals and child care facilities all across the country and as part of our outreach program have sent 165 to Russia, 1700 to Romania, 190 to Bosnia, 40 to Haiti, 50 to Nicaragua and 36 to Kenya." This information comes from the home office in Northwood, NH.
Also from Ellen Ahlgren's latest letter: "Teachers from across the country have requested information and help with ways to include ABC Quiltmaking and its program in their classrooms, especially middle schools and high schools. We are in the process of producing two video tapes, one - Love and Comfort, the story of ABC Quilts narrated by Joanne Woodward, and the other, KIDS MAKING QUILTS for KIDS": video, narrated and performed by students, who have already participated in the ABCQ program A Teachers guide called 'Building Awareness through ABC Quiltmaking' - is on the 'drawing board' and I hope to have it finished by early 1997 ..."
Mrs. Lucky also informed the local Methodist women that Oklahoma Today magazine is going to include the story in their February or March issue.
As Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo says, "ABC Quilts are love letters to the world." Be a part of "At-Risk Baby Crib Quilt Day" Jan. 30.
February is National Deep Water exercise month according to the United States Water Fitness Association.
The YMCA offers Aqua Jog (Deep Water Exercise) at a variety of times. Classes are available M-T-Th, 8:15-9 a.m. with Susan Henning; T-Th, 5:15-6 p.m. with Deena Marazas; Saturday, 10-10:45 a.m. with Kyndol Kana at the Community Pool, Seventh and Grand.
To promote deep water exercise YMCA water fitness instructors are inviting new participants to try out aqua jog free for the month of February.
Aqua Jog is a highly pleasurable, no-impact way to get in shape says Deena Marazas, YMCA aquatic director. Class is held in the deep water with Aqua Jogger flotation belts. Even if you do not know how to swim, the Aqua Jogger will keep you upright with your head above water for exercising in a new and fun way says Ms. Marazas. The class format includes a thermal warm-up, pre-stretch, 20-25 minute aerobic segment, upper body toning, abdominal toning and a final cool-down and stretch to music.
Deep water exercise can be adapted to all ages and fitness levels. Aqua Jog offers a balanced total body workout by adding resistance for movement in all directions not just against gravity as one does when exercising on land.
Class routines and music are changed bi-monthly to continue to challenge and encourage students to "stick to" a lifelong exercise opportunity says Ms. Marazas. For more information contact the YMCA at 765-5417.
Indian Nations Sailing Association members, friends, guests and non-member sailing enthusiasts are asked to attend a meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at the American Legion Post on South Avenue. Refreshments will include hors d'oeuvres.
Members will be making plans for another season of small and large sailboat racing on East Lake Ponca and Kaw Lake, as well as sailing instruction classes for beginners, family cruising events on Kaw Lake, and other club "fun" social events.
A representative from the Embassy Travel Agency will present a video-illustrated program describing various ocean cruises that are available on full rigged "Windjammers" as well as on the larger conventional cruise liners.
Anyone interested in sailing is welcome to attend the January meeting and is encouraged to join the association. Ownership of a sailboat is not a requirement. The Association owns a Starfish and American 16 Daysailer which are available for use. In addition to these the association owns a larger, well-equipped Chrysler 22 cruising sailboat which is available on a time and cost share basis.
As an incentive to new members joining the Indian Nations Sailing Association, first year dues will be cut in half of the regular membership dues. Further details about the group may be obtained by contacting Cleo Greenhaw, Commodore of the association, at 762-2531.
Scott and Stephanie McKinzie announce the birth of their first child, a son, named Joseph Samuel McKinzie. The baby was born Jan. 17 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Born at 5:52 p.m. he weighed 6-pounds, 10-ounces and was 19 1/2-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Larry and Carole Winnett of Coweta and paternal grandparents are Charles David and Jane McKinzie of Ponca City.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
New hours for operation of the Marland Estate and changes on the fee schedule were approved at the recent meeting of the Marland Estate Commission.
The meeting followed a tour of the Marland Mansion guided by T.L. Walker, who dressed in period costume and told the story of E.W. and Lydie Marland.
The advisory board to the City Commission approved extending the hours of the Mansion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, year around and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
In other action the revised fee schedule calls for $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students and an additional $1 fee for after hours tours.
Groups of 20 or more would pay $2 each for adults and senior citizens and $1 for students and again $1 for after hours. Ponca City residents are admitted free.
Sherry Tapp presented a check for $18,685 to Larry Hughes for the Marland Estate Foundation as the profit for the Oktoberfest. Tapp will be co-chairman next year with Stan Paynter.
A final report from the gala showed a net of $6,700. This is also held in trust by the Marland Estate Foundation to be used for restoration. Kathy Adams, director, said there will be a meeting with the Apple Cart Catering, MEI and the Mansion for a critique of the gala.
Hughes reported that so far $62,000 has been spent on the restoration of Lydie Marland's Cottage. He reported that the foundation had received $10,000 from Conoco and $25,000 from the Peel Foundation. Phase I of the project was contracted for $150,000. Rick Scott of Ponca City is the contractor for the renovation.
Larry Stephenson, Marland Estate Commission Chairman, reminded the group that Madalynne Peel was a charter member of the Marland Estate Commission and that she was most interested in preserving the estate, thus the grant from the Peel Foundation.
The comparison financials are in a transition stage as at this time last year the Conference Center and the Mansion were being operated by the city. Currently the conference center is leased.
The Dec. 1996 operating revenue is shown at $11,101 with operating expenses of $31,947, of that $5,174 was for capital expenditures. Operating lost was $20,846. Interest income totaled $1,314 and the transferred amount from the General Fund of the city was $10,666 for a bottom line of a minus $8,866.
In citizens comments Stephenson called on Craig Myers of MEI, which leases the Conference Center on the Estate. Myers told of several projects that had been completed as an agreement between MEI and the City.
He told that they had spent only about $22,000, when the total expense had been estimated at $30,000. He mentioned repair of the air compressor, softwater unit, water treatment and roof flashing as well as new carpet in the lobby area. Some of the conference rooms have been painted and others will be painted in 1997 as well as some of the halls, Myers said. The hotel now has a three diamond rating.
Talking about future promotion he said mass mailings have been made and expressed appreciation to Adams for her advise in marketing. Myers said they were pretty well on target but could use more bookings.
Stephenson commented that he had heard some good things about the conference center and the things the Myers' have been doing.
Nancy Severance, chairman of the facilities committee, told that half of the trees designated for removal have been taken out and will be replaced in some areas by red buds and crape myrtle. She told that the lighting in the parking lot has been improved. Also new and better signs are being designed for the Estate.
She said the water leaks continue to be a problem, but this is being addressed and hopefully a solution is going to be found. Severance told that the Rose Lane residence, which has been known as the caretakers house has been rented.
During the director's report, Adams told about the new display cases for the gift shop, which have been placed in the lobby area. She reported photographs have been taken of the inner and outer lounges so there will be a pictorial record when repair is necessary.
Visitation in the Mansion was up in December. Over 500 more visitors were recorded than in the previous year. She said this was due to two things- increase in motor coaches and the television program America's Castles, which featured the Marland Mansion on television.
The Marland Estate Commission decided not to have a retreat but to review what was done last year, according to Adams.
Carl Balcer, NODA-AAA Silver-Haired Legislator, was guest speaker at the American Association of Retired Persons, Chapter 432, meeting held Jan. 7 at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center, 319 West Grand.
Balcer spoke on the 1996 Legislative Priority #1 relating to Public Health and Safety; providing for the Oklahoma Old Age Assistance program to defray the costs of medication for older Oklahomans. Priority #1 was listed as relating to the Department of Human Services, declaring an emergency, stating that no other program in the state duplicates the long-term Ombudsman program. He said the program is the most cost-effective in the state due to the utilization of volunteers who produced over 5,700 man hours during 1994.
Balcer also explained a measure relating to poor persons, establishing 11 area agencies on aging and specifying districts. He is a representative of District 7-1 covering Kay and Noble counties.
Dr. Ellis Oster, president of the chapter, welcomed members and guest, Charles M. Coffman. Ruth Bocox gave the invocation and led the AARP Creed and the flag salute. Elmeta Kodesh gave the secretary's report. Lottie Etzel was appointed to the temporary position of treasurer.
F. G. Williams, fifth district Congressional representative, gave a report and explained the changes in the Homestead Exemption law and how it will affect older people. He said if there were questions about the changes then call Teresa Engle, county treasurer, in Newkirk.
Dr. Oster announced that income tax assistance would be provided at the public library and one of the chapter members, Charles Smith, was a volunteer in that area. He reminded members to report their volunteer hours to Williams who is local community services and Good Cheer chairman.
Ms. Bocox reported on the national committee to preserve Social Security and Medicare. Medicare is expected to top the agenda for 1997.
Members elected Charles and Dorothy Smith as Health committee chairmen; Ruth Bocox, Legislative Committee chairman; Charles Smith, chairman, with Webb Sprow and Faye P. Cook as members of the nominating committee; Ruby Cavanaugh, program and publicity chairman; Helen Watson and Cletus Kitchel, Hospitality and Decorations. Ms. Cook will also serve as greeter.
Dr. Oster encouraged members to get involved in the activities of the chapter and community. Announcement was made that Dr. Oster and F. G. Williams would be visiting other AARP chapters in Oklahoma.
The next meeting of the chapter will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center, 319 West Grand. Speaker will be Dr. Alma Graven, Silver-Haired Senator for District 7-1.
The Harmony Missionary Baptist Church will be the setting March 29 for the wedding of Amy Dawn Luis and Joe LaSpisa.
Announcement of their engagement and approaching marriage is being made by her parents, Tom and Sheila Montgomery and Ray and Linda Luis, all of Ponca City. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Ronald LaSpisa of Norman and Sandy LaSpisa of Dewey.
Miss Luis is a graduate of Ponca City High School and Oklahoma State University. LaSpisa is a graduate of Dewey High School and Northeastern State University. The couple is employed at Maxwell Staffing, a division of Staffmark in Tulsa.
Members of the Piano Workshop of the Ponca City Federated Music Club met Tuesday at the home of Barbara Manering for the regular monthly meeting. Assistant hostesses were Mary Sunshine Cogman and Bernie Baxter.
Following refreshments and a social time, Helen Brakebill, program chairman, conducted a brief business meeting and presented Barbara Brown who gave a program entitled "Pictures in Sound."
Participating in the workshop and the selections along with the composer were Mary Sunshine Cogman and Elma Robson, piano duet, "Danse Macabre" and "The Swan", Saint-Saens; Mary Martin,"Berceuse",Faure; Carolyn Hook, "Gymnopodie",Satie; Marge Howard, "Petit Negre, Debussy; Katy Tucker, "Clair de Lune", Debussy; Liz Bajorak, Becky Dye, "Pavanne for a Dead Princess,: Ravel; Bobbie Motz, "Afternoon of a Faun." Debussy; Barbara Manering, "The Sunken Cathedral," Debussy; Ann Salmons, "Bolero,: Ravel.
Barb Kegler, hostess, gave a demonstration on the art of handcrafted felting and its use in creating unusual and unique clothing items and other articles at the January meeting of Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club.
Members also heard a review of the book "Companion Planting" given by Rebecca Barker. Margaret Price, vice president, welcomed guests Diane Bogan and Jonnie McConaghy.
Announcement was made that the club had begun its preliminary planning of this year's herb festival scheduled for June 7. Members were reminded to have plant seed orders ready for the next meeting which is planned for Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m., at the home of Michiel Landers, 94 Elmwood. She will speak on the topic "Starting Seeds Indoors."
Anyone interested in knowing more about the club activities is asked to contact the group's president, Marlene Roth at 767-1344.
Fit For Two, a new pre-natal water exercise class at the YMCA will begin in February according to Deena Marazas, YMCA Aquatic Director.
"Can I still exercise now that I'm pregnant?," and "I haven't been exercising before- but now that I'm pregnant I want to start an exercise program. Is that okay?" are some of the typical questions women ask about exercise once they become pregnant says Ms. Marazas.
Some possible benefits of water exercise for pregnant women, according to Ms. Marazas, are as follows: improved circulation, enhanced muscular balance, reduced swelling and leg cramps, strengthened abdominal muscles and eased postpartum recovery.
Components of the class are warm-up, aerobic, strengthening, cool-down, stretching, discussion and relaxation. Class members will meet M-W-F at 9:15 a.m. beginning Feb. 3. For additional information on this new YMCA program contact Ms. Marazas at 765-5417.
The Tuesday Book Club met recently in the home of Nada Fetrow. A short business meeting was held and 1997 year books were distributed.
The guest speaker was Paula Denson, president of North Central Oklahoma Historical Assoc., Inc. She reviewed the national award-winning book "North Central Oklahoma: Rooted In The Past - Growing For The Future." Mrs. Denson discussed the first eight chapters of the book which relate to the area history starting with the resettlement of the Osage, Kansa, Ponca, Nez Perce, Tonkawa and Lipan tribes between 1866 and the great "Land Run of 1893."
She told of the difficulties incurred by the Boomer homesteaders to have the land opened for individual settlement. The living conditions, food, crops, and first Christmas traditions of the early settlers was also addressed. The two-volume book also includes many family histories and pictures of Kay county residents, past and present. The books may be purchased directly from Mrs. Denson or at Brace Books.
Three of the club members; Jo Garten, Lavon Prokesh, and Ruth Stone were recognized for their January birthdays. The Feb. 18 meeting will be held in the home of Helen Bozarth and reviewer will be Jo Garten.
A presentation on the far-reaching benefits of removing pressure on the upper neck and lower part of the brain will be given by Dr. Gregg Coker when members of the Fibromyalgia Support group meets Feb. 3. The 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the parlor of the First Baptist Church. He will also be discussing the upper cervical adjustment and its importance for overall health. More information about the meeting may be obtained by calling Lilly Freeman, 762-9027, Vivian Cross, 765-8871, or Martha Long, 762-5572.
The Singles Network, an organization for singles, divorced, widowed or never married, has scheduled several meetings for next week.
The discussion group will meet at 6:30 this evening with a snack afterwards. A Super Bowl party is planned at Phil's. Those attending are asked to bring snacks. More information may be obtained by calling 765-8381.
On Jan. 25 a VCR party is planned at Dorothy's at 7 p.m. Members are to bring snacks and may call 765-1403 for information.
The Amarillo Grill will be the setting for a dinner meeting of the group on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m.
Kelly Sue Duggan and Chad Brandt Colberg are planning a Feb. 15 wedding at 4 p.m. at St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene. An open invitation is extended to friends to attend the ceremony and reception following at the church.
Announcement of their approaching marriage is being made by her mother, Mrs. Karen Coffman of Newkirk. Colberg is the son of Ron and Carolyn Colberg, 2000 East Central.
The bride-to-be attended Newkirk High School and is presently employed in Data Processing at Smith International. Colberg attended Ponca City High School and is a customer representative at Colortyme.
Wheatheart Nutrition menus for this week are as follows:
Jan. 27: Pizza burger; tomato rice soup; oven fried potatoes; bun with butter; peach crisp.
Jan. 28: Cheeseburger pie; scalloped potatoes; seasoned green beans; orange juice; red fruit gelatin with topping.
Jan. 29: Sliced turkey with gravy; mashed potatoes; carrot and raisin salad; whole wheat roll with butter; Cook's choice dessert.
Jan. 30: Lasagna; tossed salad; sliced peaches; French bread with butter; sugar cookie.
Jan. 31: Chicken and noodles; buttered broccoli; mixed fruit; biscuit with butter; pudding of choice with topping.
Tops Chapter 308 met Monday evening with Ruth Garroute calling the meeting to order and Pat Koehn giving the devotion "Cherokee Version of the 23rd Psalm." Carolyn Clemens led the TOPS Pledge and Maxine Reeves gave the KOPS Kreed.
Delpha Clemens called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Best loser was Richard Turner and the haha pot was won by Ann Stuever. The names of secret pals were drawn and the group was reminded of the importance of remembering the secret pal with a note of encouragement.
Cindy Rasche gave the program titled "The Benefits of Walking and Changing Our Eating Habits." Take Off Pounds Sensibly Is a support group whose members wish to lose or maintain their weight. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. each Monday and further information may be obtained by calling Delpha Clemens, 762-2844, or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
Eta Delta Chapter members of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Jan. 20 in the home of Nancy Taylor. Patsy Williams, Special Education teacher at Union Elementary School, presented a program on the Internet Service Provider for the Community.
She discussed Brigadoon and when it started in Ponca City in February, 1996 and said it now has more than 1000 users in this area. An upgrade is being planned for February.
Following the program a new member ritual was conducted for Linda Paulsen. Ceceila Schieber, chapter president, read thank you notes sent to the group and votes were taken in support of the Endowment Fund and Hospice for the January service project.
Betty Wyatt presented the treasurer's report and Cheryl Ramsey received the Beta Bud Basket. Success of the annual husbands and wives bowling and pizza party was discussed. Votes were taken for the Valentine Queen and the winner will be announced at the Jan. 27 meeting of the chapter to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Pizza Hut with Cheryl Ramsey as hostess.
Mr. and Mrs. Webster Ball of Arkansas City, Kan. announce the approaching marriage of their daughter, Christi Ann Ball and Jake Paul Olsen. He is the son of J. B. Olsen of Newkirk and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Docking of Arkansas City. The couple plans a February 8 ceremony in Arkansas City.
Miss Ball is a 1991 graduate of Arkansas City High School and a 1993 graduate of Cowley County Community College. She graduated in 1995 from Wichita State University and is a registered dental hygienist at the office of Dr. Steve Lindell in Ponca City.
Olsen, a 1991 graduate of Newkirk High School, attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1994 from Texas Christian University. He is self-employed as a rancher East of Newkirk.
"Redesigned in Christ through Testimony" was the theme of the program presented by Marcella Matthews at the Jan. 21 meeting of Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She asked "How many of us give a testimony of what God does for us'?" Testimony is a way to share our faith with each other and lift each other up.
The devotional on the hymn "Amazing Grace " was given by Codie Wolf followed by singing of the hymn by the members.
Refreshments were provided by Jan Dietrick, Marlys Cervantes, Alana Cervantes, Jill Johnson, and Nannette Hill.
Susan Brunkcow reported on Mission Service reminding the members to save Campbell's Soup labels for the school. Cheryl Danek reported on the Christmas Tree Project and Food Drive.
The executive committee is to meet and decide how the fund raiser money is to be spent. Gina Laramy gave a report on the district board meeting where plans were made for the Spring workshops.
January Mission Project was donations for Domestic Violence. Next month's Mission Project is the Youth Shelter.
Ruby Kendall, former Ponca City resident, celebrated her 80th birthday Jan. 19 at her home, 1445 Greenway, Oklahoma City. Hosting the party was her husband, Orville, and daughters, Karen Temple of Syracuse, N. Y., and Alta Nelson of Oklahoma City.
Special guests included her grandchildren, David Nelson, Tammy Conaughty and her husband, Mike; and Kristy Bunton of Syracuse. A grandson, Kason Temple of Syracuse was unable to attend.
The Kendalls lived in Ponca City from 1948 until 1975. A hairdresser, she owned Fashion Wigs. While residing here she was a member of the First Nazarene Church and of the Soroptimist Club.
Members of Ponca City Mother's Club Unit III met Jan. 17 at the home of Rachel Tidrow. Co-hostesses were Norma Lee Kinzie and Jerry Turner. Lunch was served to 19 members and two guests. Hazel Patnode from Cloquet, Minn. was the guest of her daughter, Maureen Daniels, and Maria Reed from Philadelphia was the guest of Mary Joan McCann.
Following the luncheon D'Etta McAbee introduced Susie Greenwood who presented a program titled "Creative Memories." Each member had been asked to bring a photograph to the meeting and each was guided by the speaker in creating a special mounting.
Following the program the meeting was called to order by Ms. McAbee, vice president, in the absence of Gloria Harris, chairman. The collection of recipes from the December Taste and Tell luncheon was distributed to members.
The February luncheon meeting will be in the home of Lynn Williams with the program "Women and Wellness" to be given by Linda Kelsey.
Krystal Dawn Johnson became the bride of Jeremy Rory Gottman in a 3 p.m. ceremony Jan. 18 at Asbury United Methodist Church. The double ring vows were officiated by the Rev. Norman R. Bolin. Traditional wedding music was played by Marilyn Robbins, organist.
The bride is the daughter of Pat Warnock and Aaron Johnson, 216 South Oak, and the bridegroom is the son of April Arand, 809 North Elm, and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gottman, 320 South Ash.
The bride wore a floor length gown of chiffon and Alencon lace in Dreammaker style with the dropped shoulders featuring large chiffon bows centered with fabric rosettes. The lace bodice was complemented by long lace sleeves which formed a point over each hand and the chiffon skirt was accented with a short train. Her waist length illusion veil was attached to a fabric rose headpiece adorned with pearls. She carried a bouquet of purple roses and white carnations
tipped with purple and decorated with ribbon streamers.
Maid of honor was Tammy Jo Stone. She was attired in an Eggplant colored, floor length gown with velvet bodice styled with a shawl collar and a taffeta skirt. She carried a bouquet similar to the bride's, of white carnations tipped with purple, and purple roses with ribbon streamers. Attired identically to the honor attendant was the bridesmaid, Kendra Kay Lowman. She carried a matching bouquet.
Flower girls Kara Reed and Krista Reed, wore Eggplant colored dresses adorned with white lace. Ringbearer was Justin White. Wayne Root served as best man and the groomsman was Sam Hubbard.
The reception was held at the church following the ceremony with the United Methodist Women's Association in charge of the event.
The couple is currently residing at 216 South Oak. The bride is a shift manager at Taco Tico and the bridegroom is self-employed as a private investigator.
The Williamsburg Parlor at First Baptist Church will be the setting Feb. 2 for a "come and go" party, 2-4 p.m., honoring Mrs. Norma Troxell on her 80th birthday. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the reception. She requests that there be no gifts.
Hosting the event will be her children and their spouses, Charlotte and Ron Maas of Huntington Beach, Calif., Judy and Jim Maynard of Ponca City, Tom and Ophelia Bateman of Oklahoma City, Clyde and Debbie Bateman of Decatur, Ala., Jim and Susan Bateman, Penny and Steven Keller, Debbi and Ray Weatherly, all of Ponca City. Also serving as hosts will be grandchildren, Dennis and Karen Zinn of Piedmont.
Mrs. Troxell has 24 other grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Another great-grandchild is expected to be born in June. She enjoys flowers and traveling and has been an active member of First Baptist Church for 60 years, participating in the choir and working as a Sunday School teacher with children and youth. She is currently a member of the Disciples Class.
The birthday honoree was born Feb. 2, 1917 in Grant County. She grew up in and received her education in Perry. She moved to Ponca City in 1937 where she worked as an operator for Bell Telephone for five years and then was employed for Montgomery Ward until the store closed for business. Mrs. Troxell was employed as a bookkeeper for Wayne Bell's Tax Service for 13 years and retired from the First Baptist Church Day School in 1995 where she was a child care attendant.
Miss Nicole Christine Weisenborn, former Ponca City resident, and Phillip Michael Frerker are planning a July 12 wedding at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kan. Announcing their engagement are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Weisenborn, 1819 Crossing Drive, Richmond, Tex. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo B. Frerker Jr. of Chesterfield, Mo.
The bride-elect graduated from Ponca City High School in 1989 and from the University of Kansas in 1993 with bachelors of art degrees in Economics and Spanish. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1995. A member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, she is employed as an associate with Blackwell Sanders Matheny Weary and Lombardi L. C. law firm.
Frerker was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and is employed in sales and marketing for Hallmark Cards, Inc. The future bridegroom graduated from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo. in 1989. He graduated in 1993 from the University of Kansas with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and history, and received an MBA from Rockhurst College in 1995.
June 21 is the date selected by Miss Stacy Perry and Mickey Claxton for their wedding. Miss Perry is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randolf Perry of Perkins and Claxton is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Claxton of Colorado Springs, Colo., former residents of Ponca City.
The bride-to-be graduated from Perkins High School in 1989 and attended Rose State College on a basketball scholarship. She is presently employed by Dr. Cary W. Couch.
Claxton, a 1990 high school graduate from Sullivan, Ill. , is planning to graduate from Oklahoma State University in May.
He is majoring in Mechanical Design.
The Ponca City News Publicity Guide is available, free of charge, to area publicity chairmen to help them obtain the best possible publicity for their organization.
The guide offers story suggestions, deadlines, and other necessary information about submissions to the Lifestyles section. Interested persons may call the Lifestyles editor, 765-3311 or write: Lifestyles Editor, Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, Okla. 74602-0191. Fax requests may be sent to 405 762-NEWS.
All friends and relatives are invited to attend a party for Francine Johnson, 303 South Lake. Hosted by her mother, Mrs. Daisy E. Johnson, the come and go party will be held Sunday, 2-4 p.m., in the fellowship hall of the First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand. Presents are not required.
Miss Johnson was born Willa Francine Johnson Jan. 22, 1947 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Fontana, Calif., daughter of William Francis "Frenchie" and Daisy Elberta (Smotone) Johnson. She is a graduate of the Upland, Calif. High School.
Following the death of Mr. Johnson, Francine and her mother moved to Ponca City in 1964.
Francine and her mother clean houses for a living and are custodians at the First Church of the Nazarene. The birthday honoree is a member of many organizations and groups in Ponca City and is very active in community events. She is a member of various gardening groups and is involved with Republican political groups, serving in several offices with the Republican Women's Club.
Francine lists her hobbies as swimming, collecting and genealogy. In observance of her birthday a close friend, Mrs. Sam (Elainne) Edwards arranged a card shower for Miss Johnson.
SUNDAY
Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, membership show, open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Marland Mansion and Estate, 901 Monument Rd., open daily May-September, 10 to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Daily guided tours, 1:30 weekdays. Petroleum Museum and Marland Memorabilia Museum, 1 to 4 p.m. daily. For mansion guided tours, 767-0420.
Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 1000 East Grand. Includes Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch and DAR Rooms. Open 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, closed Tuesday.
Singles Network discussion group, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, First Presbyterian Church. All single adults welcome.
Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Sunday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by parking lot).
MONDAY
Road to Hope Al-Anon, 11:30 a.m. Monday. Call Linda at 765-7045, home, 767-5328, work; or Carol at 765-2390, home, 767-6192, work, for location.
Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, Marland Mansion Chapel.
Alcoholics Anonymous, noon Monday, for those with desire to stop drinking. information, call Sue 765-256
Past Matrons, Order of the Eastern Star. 2 p.m. Monday, at the home of Carol McNitt, 1012 Rosedale. 1997 officers will be installed.
TOPS OK 308, 6:15 p.m. Monday weigh-in. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call Delpha Clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
Freedom Group of AA open meeting 12 and 12 study, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Woodlands Christian Church, Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. Call 762-3345 for more information.
Senior Citizens dance, every Monday 6 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion ballroom, 407 West South Ave. Everyone welcome, Hayriders band.
Fibromyalgia Support Group, 7 p.m. first and third Monday, Williamsburg Parlor, First Baptist Church Parlor. For information call Vivian, 765-8871; Lilly, 762-9072; Martha, 762-5592.
Al-Anon meeting, 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony house, 212 South Third.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement, 212 South Third. Use south entrance by parking lot.
TUESDAY
Preschool Storytime for 4, 5, and 6 year olds, Ponca City Library, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
Kiwanis Club, 11 noon Tuesday, American Legion.
Parent Support Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.
Domestic Violence Group, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Programs for women children of family violence. Baby sitter provided. For info, call 76A-BUSE.
Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.
Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Room 110, Wilkin Hall, Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All welcome. For information, call 765-1172 or 363-0469.
New Hope AA at 8 p.m. Tuesday, at DAV, 401 South Lincoln.
New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by parking lot).
WEDNESDAY
Storytime for 2 & 3 year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes. For information, contact the library, 767-0345.
Telephone Retired members club, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Golden Corral.
Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 to 12:30 Wednesday in the East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests are welcome to come and discover what Toastmasters is all about. For more, contact Sharon Bowen, president.
Deadline for Sunday's Lifestyles photos, noon Wednesday.
Al-Anon meeting, 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, DAV, 401 South Lincoln.
THURSDAY
Story Hour for school-aged children at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.
Deadline for Happenings and items for Sunday's edition of Lifestyles, noon Thursday. For Happenings, include name of club, day of week, time, place and hostess.
Parent Support Group, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.
Jaycees, 7 p.m. first and third Thursday, Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting.
Model Railroad Club, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Stevens Building 113 North Third. For info, call 765-6486 or 765-7996.
Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Thursday. For location, call 765-3178 or 762-5529.
New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House (upstairs library.).
Freedom Group of AA; open meeting at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. Call 762-3345 for more info.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House basement, (use south entrance by parking lot).
FRIDAY
Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Crown and Rose English Pub.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by Smoke Free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, at DAV, 401 South Lincoln.
SATURDAY
Overeaters Anonymous, 10 a.m. Saturday, Woodland Christian Church. For information, call 762-2161.
Storytime for children ages four through eight, 11 to 11:30 and 3 to 3:30, Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth St. Just for kids.
Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.
Forms for engagement, anniversary and wedding announcements are available at the desk of the Lifestyles Editor. The News requests that the name of a contact person and a telephone number, where they may be reached during business hours, be listed.
The deadline for the Sunday edition for stories with pictures is 5 p.m. Wednesday, but stories and pictures may be submitted earlier. Stories for the daily edition should be submitted at least two days prior to the date of publication.
In order to keep stories current, the News prefers to have wedding stories submitted within two weeks of the event. However, we will use a photograph and story within three months after the event. If a wedding story is submitted more than one month after the event, the date will not be used and the story may be abbreviated. Stories submitted prior to one month following the ceremony will usually receive preference in the Sunday edition.
If the photo is a snapshot rather than a professional photograph, it may not be usable. We cannot reproduce photographs from a newspaper or magazine. Prints or negatives only, please. Either color or black and white photos are acceptable. Soft focus pictures do not reproduce well in a newspaper. Almost any size photograph is acceptable since they will be enlarged or reduced as needed. The only exception is some snapshots. Check with the Lifestyles Editor.
There is no charge for wedding, anniversary or engagement announcements, and pictures are returned free of charge. A return name and address should be printed on the back of the photographs. "Sticky" notes are preferred since ink may bleed through the picture if the writer presses too hard. The News cannot be responsible for the spelling of names if information submitted is handwritten rather than typed.
Forms are preferred; however, the Lifestyles editor is available to write the story from facts you provide (Just provide her with the "who, what, when, where and how or why"). It is not necessary for you to write the actual story but you may certainly do so if you desire; but be aware that the story is subject to editing.
Items may be mailed, faxed or brought in person to the News. Please
be sure to include a name and telephone number in case more information
is needed. Those who would like to mail information should include the post
box number 191 for the Ponca City News, 74602-0191. Fax number is 405-762-6397.
Telephone number for the Ponca City News is 405 765-3311. For further information
contact the Lifestyles Editor.
SPORTS
Former Ponca City High School standout baseball player Brad Gibson recently signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball-playing days at NCAA Division I Indiana State University.
The catcher/third baseman was an offensive leader for the Pratt Community College Beavers last season during his freshman campaign with the two-year school and was inked by Indiana State during the early signing period.
Gibson hit .355 for Pratt last spring with a school record 18 doubles and also led the team with 15 hit-by-pitches. He was second on the team in RBIs with 47, second in slugging percentage at .562 and tied for second in home runs with 5.
Gibson's outstanding play earned him an honorable mention selection on the Jayhawk West All-Conference team.
Gibson is expected to get more playing time at third base this season with Pratt.
"My whole life has been about setting goals," said Gibson. "I've put in a lot of hard work both in high school and at PCC to achieve this goal. Without the help of my coaches, friends and family, I would not have been able to achieve this goal. I'm really looking forward to playing Division I baseball at Indiana State."
Although he did not sign during the early period, Pratt teammate and fe