From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, January
11, 1998
LOCAL
City Calendar
Sen. Nickles Will Seek More State Highway Funding
Speed Limit Proposal On Monday's Agenda
Wettest Year in Last 30 for Ponca Citians
District Court
School Menu
School Calendar
Area Literacy Council Needs Tutors
Buses, Band Item Purchases On School Board Agenda
Radio Stations 'Pump' Blood Donors
Po-Hi Cheerleaders Get 17th During National Championships
Alternative Medicine Session Set Jan. 24
'Jack and the Giant Beanstalk' Grow at the Poncan Theatre
Peachtree Landing Volunteers Plan Annual 'Soup-Bowl' Event
Local Man Wins Army Award
Community To Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
Tax Credit Plan To Be Explained Here Wednesday
County Diabetes Support Group Meets Jan. 20
Fund Raiser Held For Head Start
Gen X Praise '98 Here This Week
Insurance Questions Will Be Answered
Living Word Outreach In Fairfax Hosting Revival Jan. 18-21
KLVV Begins Bible Giveaway Monday
Popular Show Set For Return Date At Kaw City Stage
Rural Coalition To Hear Updates
DEATHS
Thelma Alice Huhn
Stephen H. Levings
Judy Elliott
Lillian Ola Starks
Alice Nettie Lysne
Steven Ronald Whiles
Roberta Chambers
Glen Mitchell Whitley
Services Pending
Jimmy E. Russell
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Water Exercise Your Way To Health at the YMCA
National Trust Grant Awarded Center 'Friends'
Cherokee Strip Chili Cookoff Moved To Wentz
Conestoga Campers Group Gives Awards And Plans Events
Jane Morris Will Address DAR
Garden Club To Meet
Timely Tees Totally Trendy
P. M. Patches And Pieces Quilt Guild To Meet
Pioneer Area Quilters Guild Names Winners
Couple Celebrates 50 Years
Singles Network
Bits and Pieces
American Historical Society
"Do Not Resuscitate Act"
Wheatheart Nutrition
Evelyn R. Borah Marries Kenneth W. Brill in Denver
Little News
HAPPENINGS
SPORTS
Cats Come Back Against Warriors
Ada Tourney a Good One for Lady Cats
Area Footballers All-State Picks
Freshmen Lose First
Mustangs Sweep Cougars
City Calendar
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
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Editor's Note: The following story comes from remarks made by Sen. Don Nickles here at a breakfast meeting Wednesday and a news conference that followed.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
One of the first pieces of legislation U.S. Sen. Don Nickles will be working to pass this next Congressional session in February is the reauthorization of the Highway Bill.
"We think it would be a significant improvement for Oklahoma. We've been getting about 80 cents (back) on the dollar and we are going to try to get at least 93.6 percent. We are also going to try to get the 4.3 cent per gallon gasoline tax Bill Clinton passed in 1993 for roads and highways, we're going to try to get that for Oklahoma. All together the money coming to Oklahoma from the government is going to increase substantially."
Tax Code Revision
Nickles said that a lot of the Congress members will be working on trying to fix the tax code. "The tax code is so complicated that law-abiding people that want to comply find it difficult to understand and know that they are doing things exactly right."
Oklahoma's senior senator said that the goal will be to come up with something that is simpler - less complex. Something that is "flatter" and more understandable would be a significant improvement.
"Our strategy right now is to sunset the current code by 2001. That gives us three years to come up with a replacement code," Nickles said.
Two of Nickles' colleagues are going about the country debating two different tax reforms - one is for a flat tax and the other for a national sales tax. Nickles said of the two he favored the flat tax, although both reforms had some merit and there might be a combination of the two.
However, he did point out that a national sales tax could hurt cities and towns that are funded by local tax and this would add tax on top of that.
Clinton Administration
Asked if Congress should move on to issues rather than digging up scandal on the Clinton administration, Nickles said the biggest play right now is the Ken Starr investigation and he hoped that work would be completed before too long and some decisions made.
"I think there are a lot of serious problems in this administration," Nickles said. He then recited a litany of members of the administration who have been under investigation or indicted for one reason or another.
He said the most serious violation was by the president and vice president in "their greed for dollars." They did more than push the envelope. They raised millions and millions of dollars outside of the scope of the law in the White House by having people spend the night in the Lincoln Bedroom and by having 104 coffees.
"Did previous administrations have contributors in the White House? Sure, but did they ever turn it into a campaign operation like this administration? No. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
"I think the president and the vice president were directly involved and my guess is that the attorney general will eventually have to appoint a special prosecutor.
"I've been disappointed that she hasn't done so yet. The statute is pretty clear that she should. I think she has a conflict of interest. We'll have to see what happens in the future."
Education
About education, Nickles said there are currently 760 federal programs on education and he would like to get rid of all of them but about two dozen and turn the power back to the state, local school boards, teachers and classroom instead of bureaucrats.
Social Security
Nickles favors a plan that would allow people to take part of their Social Security taxes and deposit it in their own savings accounts.
"If you could tell young people today that they could take five or six percent of their wages and put it into their own account they would have a pretty good nest egg by the time they retired and they wouldn't be so dependent on government," he said.
Nickles was questioned, to what safeguards there will be if the people are given the money to put in their savings accounts and they didn't do it and end up on welfare?
He answered, "It would be a mandatory contribution. Right now people are used to contributing 12.4 percent of their salary for Social Security. What we might do is to make it optional to put half of it into a private account, it won't be optional not to contribute.
"It would be an untouchable type savings account such as IRAs are right now. IRAs have been very successful. People have lots of options on how they invest their IRAs. I feel they should have the same option with Social Security.
"This would do two things, one they would develop their own security account, which they can count on. The other thing it does is reduce government liability in the future. This would also significantly increase the national savings pool. We never have saved enough in this country."
Commenting further, Nickles said, "Most importantly it will reduce the liability for future generations. Social Security is kind of one generation paying for the previous generation. I can see people in their 40s and 50s paying for retirees 20 years from now. I have a hard time seeing how our kids 20 and 30 years from now are going to be able to pay for retirees at that point.
"That is one of the biggest concerns. If you keep the system the way it is now you'd have to double Social Security taxes probably in 15 or 20 years."
Going back to the Senator's statement about there not being enough savings in the U.S., he was asked, when the tax code is overhauled. is there going to be some reduction, perhaps on savings?
He answered, "We did put some in the last tax bill, we put in more IRAs. For example, non-working spouses can put $2,000 in an IRA for free tax and that is a positive thing. The present tax code encourages debt and discourages savings. You deduct interest and you pay taxes on interest.
"On a home equity loan you can borrow money and deduct the interest. The present tax code encourages you to borrow and discourages you to save because we tax every dollar of savings.
"If you are saving at a bank you are getting five or six percent (interest) and by the time you pay taxes on it, it is a pretty pathetic return. The tax code really discriminates against savings." Nickles said that some of the proposed changes would correct that.
Foreign Policy
Nickles charged that Clinton is not a respected leader in the world and talked about getting only a watered down resolution passed through the U.N., concerning Saddam Hussein.
Nickles said he did not feel the United States should have troops in Bosnia; expressed concern about the challenges presented by North Korea, Iran and Iraq. He expressed alarm at the weakened military might of the U.S.
Answering a question about whether Madeline Albright was doing a good job as Secretary of State, Nickles said she was an improvement over Warren Christopher.
Clean Air Act
Talking about the Clean Air Act, Nickles told of the economic effects the bill would have on not only industry but agriculture as well. Nickles and Sen. Jim Inhofe have teamed up to fight Carol Browning's EPA agency over the particle (dust) regulations.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
The speed limit may be going up while trucks may be going out. Action will be determined during a Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday at the Public Safety Center starting at 5:30 p.m.
If all goes well, the speed limit on the entire length of Fourteenth Street will soon become 40 mph.
The City Commission will be considering a proposal from ODOT and a recommendation from the traffic commission to increase the speed on Fourteenth Street between Grand Avenue and Highland Avenue from 35 mph to 40 mph. Currently the speed limit is 40 mph only on sections of Fourteenth Street. This change would allow a consistent speed limit throughout the city.
In an unrelated matter, a public hearing on the recommended revision of the city code, prohibiting commercial trucks from parking in residential areas, is also scheduled at the session.
The request for the change came from the police department due to traffic hazards the large vehicles cause. The revision would include commercial trucks, trailers, buses and recreational vehicles having more than two axles and/or 18 feet or more in length.
If approved those vehicles would be prohibited from parking on residential streets except for the immediate loading or unloading. Currently the city code only prohibits such vehicles parking on residential streets during the night.
Approval of the sale of an old fire tanker will also be considered Monday night. The fire chief is recommending that the commissioners accept a bid of $16,775.99 from Linker Mountain Fire Dept. of Dover, Ark. to purchase the 1970 model tanker. The bid was the only one received, however it was above the minimum amount to be accepted.
On the consent agenda commissioners will be voting on granting $3,000 for advertisement for several up-coming events scheduled to be held in Ponca City. The Ponca City Tourism Authority is requesting that $1,000 be given to Soroptimist International to advertise their antique show to be held in April and another $2,000 be granted to Quail Unlimited for advertising their March national dog competition. The tourism authority is requesting the funds because of the "economic impact on the community and tourism" the events bring.
Commissioners will also be considering a contract between the City and H2O Sports Marketing, Inc. (HSM) which would allow drag boat races on Lake Ponca. The contract, if approved, would give HSM exclusive rights to all drag boat races for a period of five years. The City would receive ten percent of both gross ticket sales and concessions sold during the event. If approved, the drag races would be slated for June 27 and 28. Over 100 entries are expected to race. The event would also include a fire works display on the evening of June 27. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the contract and is recommending the commissioners approve it as well.
As the Ponca City Utility Authority, the commissioners will be considering the payment of over $232,000 for the wastewater treatment plant improvements and over $100,000 for the landfill project.
By MAX STOKESBERRY
News Staff Writer
Dec. 31 ended the wettest year in at least the last 30 at Ponca City's Municipal Airport. Universal Weather Station personnel there recorded a precipitation total of 51.08 inches for 1997.
According to local records available, moisture over the past 12 months surpassed the 50-inch mark for the first time since the late 1960s, and probably extends further back than that. We're talking well over four feet of water, enough to make wet fields a problem for most farmers at sometime during the year.
Starting with 1969, seven years have had more than 40 inches of moisture, the nearest total to last year's 51.08 being an even 47 inches in 1986. In third place is 1992 with 43.05 inches.
Weather watchers at the airport said the past year's precipitation was 15.79 inches above normal. July was the wettest month with 9.27 inches. Monthly totals were January .30, February 4.43, March .85, April 5.78, May 4.61, June 7.03, July 9.27, August 6.49, September 3.39, October 3.04, November .58, and December 5.31.
The wettest 24 hours last month netted 2.13 inches on Dec. 7. Another 1.11 fell on the 21st and .97 on the 23rd. The wind was clocked at 49 miles per hour on the 30th.
Snow during the month totaled 2.1 inches, with a fall of 1.2 on the 24th, leaving an inch of white stuff on the ground. Other snow measurements included .3-inch on the 11th, 1.2 on the 24th, .6 on the 28th and traces on the 10th and 25th.
January was the coldest month in 1997, with the year's low temperature of three degrees above zero registered on the 28th. Other below-20 readings in the first month were seven, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 19 degrees. January experienced freezing temperatures on 22 of its 31 days. Eighteen degrees was the coldest temperature registered in any of the other months. That was on Nov. 16.
The highest and lowest temperatures each month were: January 79-3, February 73-24, March 88-25, April 84-27, May 95-44, June 98-53, July 102-62, August 99-63, September 102-54, October 95-33, November 76-18, and December 67-21.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Divorces Granted
Criminal Proceedings
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Divorces Granted
Civil Proceedings
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School
Lunch
Mid-High
Lunch
High School Lunch
All American
Training Table
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Mid-High
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
Po-Hi
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Jan. 14
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
"The Ponca City Area Literacy Council has several prospective students who need tutors," says Barbara Brown, PCALC coordinator.
"If you want to make a New Year's resolution that could change someone's life - how about helping one of these neighbors learn to read?" she said.
The Council if offering a ten-hour tutor training workshop for anyone interested in helping someone learn to read.
The workshop will be held in the Library Programming Room in three sessions on the following dates; Thursday, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; and the following Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
"The Ponca City community has been very generous over the years with volunteer time and effort," continued Brown. More than 43,000 volunteer hours during these years have saved the taxpayers the cost of providing alternative sources of help.
"There are still many area residents who need remedial help," said Brown. National studies reveal 20 percent of our population are functionally illiterate; that is, they cannot read medicine bottle instructions, an application form, or look up a number in the phonebook. "These are basic skills we all take for granted," says Brown. "That means that in Kay County there are about 6,000 low-level readers. They need our help."
"If you would like to volunteer for the literacy program, you don't need to be a teacher," she says. "Our workshop will train you so you will be prepared to tutor our students."
Call 767-0351 to volunteer or to receive more information.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Accepting quotes for new buses, band uniforms and band equipment from the 1997 bond election money will be discussed Monday night when the Ponca City Board of Education holds a regular board meeting.
The purchase of the new buses was authorized by the passage of the 1997 bond election. Quotes were sought for the purchase of four buses that would carry 65 students. Specifications were developed and quotes were sought that would allow the outright purchase of four new buses or the purchase of four new buses less the trade-ins of four older buses.
Jerry Lee, Transportation Director, will recommend that the board accept the quote from Mid-West Bus Sales of El Reno for four 65 passenger buses for $185,516, less the trade-ins of four old buses of $4,800, for a total cost of $177,716. Upon approval, the buses will be delivered in June or July of 1998.
Written quotes were opened Jan. 5 for items to be purchased by the Instrumental Music Department with the recent Bond Issue funds. The recommendations are:
The total purchase price is $139,634.39. All instruments also include the trade-in price.
Budget Revisions
Approval could be given to revising the 1997-98 budget due to current year funding. Current year funding will add $235,000 to the district revenue this spring. Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, will recommend that the budget be amended to expend $145,000 on the following line items:
41 teachers and five administrators on the top step did not get a step raise. 24 teachers and four administrators will receive an insurance stipend of up to $480. To give everyone a $500 stipend less, the insurance stipend takes approximately $15,000.
54 support employees are on the top step and did not receive a step raise. 25 will receive the insurance stipend. To give each employee a stipend equal to the amount of going from the ninth step to the 10th step, not to exceed $500 less the insurance stipend, takes approximately $15,000.
The budget also needs to be revised to reflect that several positions remain vacant, and the personnel expenditure can be cut $100,000. The board's budget for property reassessment also needs to be increased $20,000. With these two items, the budget will be fully balanced with a 7 percent fund balance (reserve). Spending $145,000 of current year funding will increase the fund balance to approximately 7.4 percent at $1,680,000.
Other Agenda Items
The 1998-99 school calendar will be discussed. The new calendar adds three days of classroom instruction and deletes one school improvement day in the spring. The teachers are obligated for 182 days, which is one less than the contract maximum of 183.
A lease agreement with Home National Bank for the purchase of a copy machine for Ponca City Middle School will be voted on. There is difficulty in securing parts to repair the old copier used by staff at the middle school; therefore, a recommendation was made to lease purchase a new copier using middle school instructional monies.
A Toshiba 2860 copier was selected with the help of Kay Office Equipment Company, and an educational discount was arranged. The total cost of the copier and needed accessories is $3,582. A lease purchase agreement with Home National Bank for a three year lease purchase agreement would have a total cost of $3,662 with a 5.3 percent interest.
Dr. White is also recommending that two separate Activity Fund Accounts be established for the Instrumental Music Department. One of the accounts will be for cash for the annual upcoming spring trip, and the other one will be for other "new" Activity Fund revenues and expenditures.
The purpose for these new accounts is to isolate specific accounts for the trips and start over with a clean slate for instrumental music funds, while designating monies from the existing account to be distributed for the original intentions.
Presentations and Comments
Pioneer Bank and Trust of Ponca City will present Ponca City Public Schools with eight pieces of art work to be distributed in the Conference Training Room at the Administrative Center. Carl Renfro, Pioneer Bank Chairman of the Board and CEO will make the presentation.
The January Employees of the Month and Friend of Education Awards will be made to: Elaine Harman, Certified Teaching Award; Jan Maddox, Support Teaching Award; and Roberta Stuckey, Friend of Education Award.
Stan Hollis will address the board representing the Class of 1948 regarding the War Memorial located on the south side of Po-Hi.
The floor will then be open to the public for comments.
Superintendent's Contract
The board will decide during executive session whether to renew or not renew the contract of Dr. Bill White for the 1998-99 school year.
Local radio stations helped "Pump Up the Volume" of blood donated during the American Red Cross Holiday Donor Days Blood Drive recently.
All five Ponca City stations participated in recruiting blood donors during the two week period. KLVV Love 88 brought in the most donors with KPNC edging out WBBZ by one donor. KIXR followed with KLOR close behind.
"The blood drive was a real success. Holiday time is always a difficult time to collect blood, but this year was special. People really got into the spirit of giving. We really appreciate the radio stations committing themselves to helping others," said Patsy Bray, Red Cross donor recruiter.
The Red Cross Blood Collection site is located at 525 Monument, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from noon until 7 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m., until noon. Donors must be 17 years or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. For more information on how you can become a blood donor, call 765-6604 or drop by 525 Monument.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Hours of practice finally paid off for the Ponca City High School varsity cheerleaders when they placed 17th in the nation at the 16th annual National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championship in Dallas, Dec. 27-29, 1997. The NCA High School National Championship is the world's largest cheerleading competition and attracts more than 20,000 cheerleaders and spectators, making it one of Dallas' largest events.
The squad competed in the Medium Varsity Category with 71 squads from all over the United States. This was the largest category in this year's competition. They were chosen as one of 20 squads to advance to the finals. In the final competition they placed 17th in the nation and received a trophy. Judging was based on a 2 1/2 minute routine that included cheer motion technique, voice, projection, jumps, partner stunting, tumbling and dance.
Preparations for the event began last spring with practices, tumbling and stunting workshops. This was added to an already full schedule of school spirit duties.
Cheryl Kinkaid, sponsor of the squad, said, "A tremendous amount of commitment by the individuals on the squad, as well as by their families made this success possible. They set their goals and never let up until they reached those goals. In such a performance, every member of the team is vital and so these girls pushed themselves overcoming injuries, illnesses and school pressures. They worked together as a true team - their success was very much earned."
The Po-Hi varsity qualified for the competition at camp in Stillwater last summer. The cheerleaders and their families earned the necessary funds for registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, and choreography by running a fireworks stand last summer.
Although some people believe alternative medicine is a bunch of hocus pocus, researchers have shown that one in three persons already uses at least one unconventional therapy. In 1990, total out-of-pocket expenditures for alternative care exceeded $10 billion, compared with out-of-pocket expense of $12.8 billion for all hospitalizations and $23.5 billion for physicians' services.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center will host the second in a series of quarterly seminars dealing with women's health issues, and this quarter's seminar will focus on the increasing interest of alternative medicines. Set for Jan. 24 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Conference Room C of SJRMC, the title of the session is "Alternative Medicines: Friend or Foe?"
Sherry Kincaid, ARNP, is scheduled as the guest speaker and a panel discussion and question and answer session will be featured.
Kincaid currently serves as an Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner at the Newkirk and Tonkawa Medical Clinics. During her presentation, she will discuss the history of alternative medicines and why people are becoming more interested in using them. She will also discuss how alternative medicine can complement modern medicine.
Several local businesses and individuals will provide display and demonstration tables featuring a number of alternative medicine procedures.
Information will be available on massage therapy, aromatherapy, therapeutic touch, exercise and nutrition. St. Joseph's Wellness program will have information available about the importance of reducing stress levels, lowering cholesterol and controlling high blood pressure. An herbalist will be present to discuss the use of herbs for therapeutic benefit. Hastings, a local video, music and book store, will also provide two tables featuring books on various women's health topics. The session will include time for participants to visit each display and gather information. During that time, a continental breakfast will be served.
The panel discussion will feature Kathy Hellman, MD, board certified obstetrician/gynecologist; Cecilia Schieber, RDID, local nutritionist and Sherry Kincaid, ARNP. Panel members will address topics ranging from nutrition to drug interaction to natural hormone replacement therapy. Each panel member is scheduled to give a brief presentation and then open the floor for a question and answer session.
There is no charge for the session, but registration is required. To register, call Sandy Gearhart at (580) 765-0301 by Jan. 22. If you live in Newkirk or Tonkawa, you may call the Newkirk Medical Clinic at (580) 362-6262 or the Tonkawa Medical Clinic at (580) 628-3838.
The Dallas Children's Theatre is bringing its production of "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk" to the Poncan Theatre this month. This giant of a fairy tale adventure is conceived by the award-winning resident playwright of the Dallas Children's Theatre, Linda Daugherty.
DCT has added a spirited sparkle to the timeless story of Jack and the Beanstalk, creating a make-believe adventure with side-splitting humor that appeals to the entire family. The original characters are still present - Jack, his mom, the Giant, an opera star harp, and a kooky, golden egg-laying chicken. To this group of wonderful characters, Ms. Daugherty has also added a seafaring father, twittering townsfolk, and Ned, a faithful friend to Jack.
"The giant is a little different in this production," says director Nancy Schaeffer. "He is so massive he can't fit on the stage!" The audience only sees his two feet. The giant is not portrayed by an actor, but by enormous set pieces. This grand technical achievement is accompanied by an original sound score that includes the giant's voice. The score was composed by B. Wolf.
Founded in 1994, Dallas Children's Theatre has become a national cultural resource for family and youth theatre with a $2 million home season, in addition to its coast to coast national tour. Last year, the troupe brought an exceptionally fine production of "Cinderella" to the Poncan Theatre.
The production of "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk" will be presented at the Poncan Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the production will be available soon at area banks and at the Poncan Theatre. For more information, patrons may call the theatre at 405-765-0943.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Peachtree Landing volunteers assisting the shelter for the homeless in Ponca City are planning details for the annual "Soup-Bowl" Sunday III at local churches, Jan. 25. The event is planned to coincide with the annual Sunday TV Super Bowl football event.
According to Carmalita Wesbrook, director of the Peachtree Landing homeless shelter and the Peachtree Transitional Center, and Shirley Foxworthy, volunteer for the fund raiser, the purpose of the 'Soup-Bowl' event is to raise additional funds to ensure aid to those in the community who are without clothing, shelter or food.
"We ask all churches in the community, to pass a 'soup bowl' or a basket or special plate, on Sunday, Jan. 25, in addition to the regular offering plates to collect funds for the homeless in our community," says Wesbrook.
Members of the Peachtree Landing Board of Directors are sending letters to local churches expressing thanks to the church members of Ponca City for their generosity in past years and asking for support for the 1998 year. Church leaders were asked to support the event in each of their churches and to make and post announcements of "Soup Bowl" Sunday III event.
One hundred percent of all donations come from - and stay within - the Ponca City community. Since all support comes only from this area the homeless shelter program could not continue without local support.
A portion of funding for the shelter is received from United Way contributions. The agency also hosts the annual "Peachtree Pie Festival," which is also supported by local churches who donate hundreds of homemade pies.
The annual budget for Peachtree Landing is approximately $80,000 and with that amount, serves approximately 1,500 homeless citizens each year and about one-third of those are children. Board members also reminded that the cost to help the area homeless keeps rising, but the budget continues to stay the same.
"A generous 'soup-bowl' collection will help with those increasing costs needed to help those in need with a 'hand up - not a hand out,' said Park Nelson, board member.
Wesbrook also said that Peachtree Landing representatives are available to speak to congregations about the "Soup-Bowl" fund raiser; more information about the 'soup-bowl' event; for a special program about the shelter; or about how you can help Peachtree Landing shelter as a volunteer in Ponca City, call (580) 762-3208.
In a special ceremony held recently in Ponca City, United States Army area recruiting officers hosted a luncheon and awarded the coveted U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the "Civilian of the Year" award to Stephen W. Struble, Ponca City resident.
For his assistance to the U.S. Army, Struble was also awarded the Certificate of Achievement Award also known as the Center of Influence award for his work in the community through the offices of the Ponca City Area Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Office. Other commendations were also awarded.
The U.S. Army Commendation Medal and "Civilian of the Year" award are the top awards issued to civilians who provide outstanding services to the U.S. Army. These two top awards made to Struble are the only ones issued in Oklahoma for 1997.
Struble's record was reviewed by Lt. Commander Ricardo M. Cantu, and other U.S. Army command leaders in Oklahoma, and he was selected from 550 other recommendations submitted for the honor in the eastern sector of Oklahoma.
According to Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Holsather, area recruiter, who presented the awards and hosted the luncheon at the OESC office, Struble has been responsible for the recruitment of 20 individuals through his office in Ponca City in a three year period. Struble has made more than 100 screened referrals from the Ponca City area to the U.S. Army during that three year period.
Sgt. Holsather told friends, co-workers and family present, the average age of a recruit now is 26. He quoted statistics, saying 45 percent of college students drop out in their first year of college, and only about eight percent complete four years of college. After dropout, many young men, marry and have a family but have no education and job skills, no medical coverage for their family and no funds to get an education.
"That is when they come to Steve for a job and want to find something where they can build a future," said Sgt. Holsather. The army provides $40,000 in educational awards and a $12,000 enlistment bonus today and is a good way for the struggling young adult to get an education and learn a skill.
"It's very important to find someone like Steve who knows the community very well. He can point these individuals to the U.S. Army as an answer to their future career. It helps them and it helps us," he said.
Sgt. Holsather continued, "The U.S. Army now has the highest recruitment mission in its history and seeks 95,000 new recruits per year. Struble takes the opportunity to make good sense of the college funding for three years in the U.S. Army plus the generous enlistment bonus.
"We think Steve is the best example of a Center Of Influence representative we have ever known. He works hand in hand with recruiters, he finds out if an applicant is qualified, and saves us many, many hours of work. We appreciate it all."
In addition to the other awards Struble was sworn-in as an honorary U.S. Army Recruiter and presented the recruiters outstanding certificate for the honor. He was commended for helping keep the United States and the United States Army strong.
"Steve brings great honor on himself, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the U.S. Army with the receipt of these awards today," said Holsather.
Sgts Holsather, Robert Woolsey and J. Johnson snapped to attention and honored Struble with a rare military salute to a civilian.
Struble commented at the conclusion of awards, "The result of this effort just shows what two organizations can work hand in hand for a common goal. That is, we can put individuals into work and training, give them an opportunity to have pride in themselves, and give an opportunity to learn what dedication and team work is all about."
Struble, a U.S. Navy veteran continued, "I never thought an old Navy swabee would give credit to the U.S. Army, but I have highest regard for these men, their honesty and integrity, and do appreciate the recognition from them. It's quite and honor."
"Ponca City: Community or Chaos" will be the theme of the 1998 community wide celebration in honor of the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Poncan Theatre.
Special speaker for the event will be Dr. George Henderson, Dean of the College of Liberal Studies and Director of the Department of Human Relations Advanced Studies Program, Oklahoma University, Norman.
Dr. Henderson is a pioneer among African American university educators in Oklahoma. He is the first African-American distinguished professor at the University of Oklahoma. In 1985, he was named a David Ross Boyd professor for excellence in teaching, guiding and counseling students. In 1989, he was appointed to a third distinguished professorship, University of Oklahoma Regents' Professor.
This year's program will include Ms. Keesha West, president of the Ponca City High School African-American Club; Mrs. Cathy Ferguson, CEO and president of Ponca City Tomorrow; Chester Anderson, president of Ponca City Network Group (PCNG); musical performances by Ms. Barbara Lee Young and Mrs. Regina Smith as well as musical selections by the New Life Baptist Church Youth Choir under the direction of Mrs. Renee Paul.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Henderson, is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who Among Black American, and Who's Who in the Southwest. Some of his most recent awards include the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, the C.V. Ramana Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Mental Health of Oklahoma's Children, and Outstanding Professor, University of Oklahoma Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association.
As a civic rights scholar and lecturer, Dr. Henderson has served as a consultant to dozens of state and national organizations. He received his Ph.D degree in education sociology from Wayne State University in Detroit.
The program is made possible by donations from local businesses and volunteers from throughout the community. There is no charge for admission to the program and all citizens are invited to attend this special celebration.
Kay County employers will have an opportunity to hear a lecture and discussion on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit at the next meeting of the Employers Council.
The meeting, open to all area employers, is set for Wednesday at Pizza Hut, 2301 North Fourteenth. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., and the meeting will follow at noon. Interested employers can reserve a seat for this meeting by contacting Mike Daugherty at (580) 765-3372.
The moderator for the meeting will be Richard Brown, program chief for special programs with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.
The Work Opportunity Credit was created by the Small Business Job Protection Act. This is a federally funded program which is used to reduce the federal tax liability of private-for-profit employers hiring new employees from certain "targeted" groups.
The maximum credit available is $2,100 per eligible worker and is based on 35 percent of up to $6,000 in qualified wages during the first year of employment. The exact amount of net savings depends upon each employer's tax bracket plus qualified wages paid.
The Employers Advisory Council is open to all area employers. The Council gives area employers a chance to meet other employers, discuss employment issues, and receive information on such areas as family medical leave, workers compensation, unemployment insurance and local issues.
The Kay County Diabetes Support Group will meet Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Avenue Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand. People who plan to attend are encouraged to bring articles, recipes and other helpful information to share with the group.
The support group meets the third Tuesday of every month. An average of 25 people attend the meetings and all have had their lives touched in some way by type 1 or type 2 diabetes. There are no dues to pay, and meetings focus on providing opportunities for sharing, support and education.
For more information, contact Pat Blubaugh at (405) 765-3321, ext. 600.
United CAP Head Start, Ponca City Center, recently held a fund raiser carnival, at the Army National Guard, 1015 West South Avenue.
According to Anna Wilson of the Head Start program, many from the Ponca City community participated and enjoyed the duck pond, golf, cake walk, bean bag toss, fishing, apple bob, face painting, bowling, food booth, popcorn stand and cotton candy. Ponca City's merchants donated a number of items for giveaway, Ms. Wilson pointed out.
The staff at Head Start, along with the children and the Parent Committee say "thank you" to members of the community and local merchants for their assistance in making the fund raiser a huge success.
Gen X Praise '98 is scheduled in Ponca City Jan. 14 through 16 featuring OSU football players, the best in alternative music and some of the most inspirational youth speakers in ministry today.
Ponca City youth are invited to "get ready to be challenged into a closer walk with Christ!" Jan. 14 and 15 at Grand Central Station, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and stay open until 9 p.m. John Tally, FCA, OSU will be on hand, along with John Middendorf, author and youth pastor in Oklahoma City. Music will be by the Sky Pilots.
On Jan. 16 a live Concert is scheduled at Hutchins Memorial from 7 to 9 p.m. with Plaid, the biggest buzz in Music City - Nashville, Tenn.
Admission is free, and a love offering will be taken. All area youth are invited to come and participate.
Tuesday, from 5 to 6 p.m., KLVV 88.7 FM is inviting Chris Whitlock from Whitlock Insurance Agency in Ponca City to answer phoned in questions regarding personal, commercial, homeowners, and liability insurance.
Many companies advertise all types of insurance including life, term-life, flood, automobile, just to name a few. It can be difficult to sort all of this important financial information, but it is necessary.
Questions will not be aired and are totally confidential. The phone number to call will be 767-1400.
FAIRFAX - Living Word Outreach at Hunsaker and Elm in Fairfax will be in revival Jan. 18 through 21, each evening at 7 o'clock, according to Pastor Clyde F. McCauley.
Pastor McCauley announced that Pastor Duane Sheriff will be preaching during the revival meeting. He is senior pastor of Victory Life in Durant. Since 1985 over 1,000,000 free teaching tapes have been given away through his tape ministry, which has impacted literally thousands of lives all over the world for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor McCauley invites the public to come and hear the teaching of the Word in a way many have not experienced. Bro. Sheriff blankets southern Oklahoma with the gospel through his television appearances, scheduled teaching services and Victory Life which is among the fastest growing New Testament Churches in Oklahoma, according to Pastor Sheriff.
All services will be taped and available along with other teaching tapes free of cost. For further information, contact Pastor McCauley at 918-642-3213.
Many individuals have made New Year's resolutions to read the Bible more. Christian radio station KLVV is hoping to help those people with a giveaway of Bibles and study guides donated to them from Thomas Nelson and Tyndale House Publishers.
The on-air giveaways will be conducted Jan. 12 through the 16th on KLVV between 7 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 6 p.m.
KLVV station manager Doyle Brewer said, "We have many different Bibles including the One Year Bible, the Women's Study Bible, The Word in Life Study Bible, The Christian Growth Study Bible, The Promise Study Bible and soft cover copies of the Promise Bible. We also have books from the Max Anders series 'Basics of Christianity' and a few copies of the Strongs Bible Concordance. Winners will have a choice between 2 or 3 different Bibles or study guides."
KLVV is heard on 88.7 FM.
KAW CITY - Back by popular demand, the one act comedy of an all male cast, will present "A Womanless Wedding," two times at the Kaw City Community Center Jan. 24.
The comedy will be on the stage at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with tickets available at all Kaw City businesses. Advanced tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for child, while tickets at the door at the time of the performances will be $6 adult and $2.50 for child (6 and under free).
There will also be a bake sale at the play, with all proceeds going to Gus Ehler for medical expenses. There are special features added to the return performance.
BLACKWELL - The Rural Development Council Coalition meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Kay Electric in Blackwell will feature updates of the Welcome Center move, Business After Hours and Land Run Tours.
Local legislators are also on the agenda to talk about the upcoming session.
Anyone interested in economic development in north-central Oklahoma is
encouraged to attend. For more information contact Marilyn Harmon at 1-800-535-1079.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Thelma Alice Huhn died Friday, Jan. 9, 1998, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 86.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, in the Blackwell Cemetery, with the Rev. Rowland Briggs of the Immanuel Baptist Church officiating. Roberts and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The casket will be open at the funeral home until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, then closed.
Thelma Alice Huhn was born Feb. 13, 1911 in Fredrick, Okla., to Archie and Elva (Pierce) Mitchell. She moved from Fredrick to Burkburnett, Texas, with her parents when she was a small girl and grew up there attending schools there. She graduated from high school in 1929. She then attended Wichita Falls Business College in Wichita Falls, Texas, for two years and began working for a theater in Okmulgee until 1934 when she moved to Cromwell, Okla., to live until 1935, moving to Blackwell and began working as a waitress.
She married Lawrence M. Huhn July 15, 1936 in Wellington, Kan., and they settled in Blackwell. She began working for Locke's Ladies Ready to Wear as a sales clerk in the early 1940s and worked there until her retirement in 1956. She entered the Blackwell Nursing Home in May of 1995. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blackwell.
Survivors include her husband, Lawrence M. "Hook" Huhn, Blackwell; a daughter, Mrs. Gene (Elva Lea) Henderson, Ponca City; a brother, Lloyd Mitchell, Blackwell; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Lois Chitwood and Ethel Scott, and two brothers, Lester and Carl Mitchell.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association of Oklahoma, 4900 North Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
BLACKWELL - Stephen H. "Steve" Levings of Blackwell died in the Westminster Village, Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998. He was 83.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, from the First United Methodist Church, Blackwell, with the Rev. Bill Kalfus of the First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery. Roberts and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Stephen H. "Steve" Levings was born Sept. 29, 1914 near Fairfax, to Jessie and Sarah (Wilda) Levings. He grew up in the Fairfax area attending Marland schools. He married Audrey Harris June 6, 1934 in Newkirk, and they settled in Three Sands, where he worked for various farmers in the area.
In 1941 he began working for the Dave Morgan Oil Co., as a roustabout and moved to the Clipper lease northwest of Blackwell and lived on other leases while working for the Morgan Oil Co. He worked for them for 50 years and retired as production foreman in 1991. In 1956 they moved to their present home in Blackwell. He was an avid gardener and played violin with the Mellowtone Band for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Kum Dubl Sunday School Class.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey of Blackwell; daughter, Shirley Wilson, Norman; son, Kenneth Levings, Blackwell; sister, Ethel Vassar, Ponca City; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 brothers and sisters.
Casket bearers will include Larry Jones, Brad Coffee, Don Hammett and Bert Peters.
Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Fund.
Judy Elliott, longtime Ponca City resident, died Dec. 25, 1997 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
The funeral service will be Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 at 10 a.m. in the Garden of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Judy Elliott was born in Janesville, Wis., the daughter of Fred and Sophia Drayfhal Hutchinson. She moved with her husband, Ellis Elliott, to Ponca City in 1949. Over the years she had been active in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, the Women's Golf Association, and had served as president of Rotary Anns. Additionally, Judy was a member and organizer of the Ponca City Humane Society.
She is survived by a nephew, Capt. James W. Taylor of Davis, Calif., and a niece, Janis Taylor of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Memorials may be made to the Ponca City Humane Society, 900 West Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74601 in Mrs. Elliott's name.
FAIRFAX - Lillian Ola Starks died Thursday morning, Jan. 8, 1998 in the Four Seasons Nursing Center in Durant, Okla. She was 92.
Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998 in the Fairfax Cemetery with the Rev. Golden Shook officiating. Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lillian Ola Starks was born March 20, 1905 in Protem, Mo., the daughter of John Allen and Ola Mildred Whitmire Lewis. She and Vernon Perry Starks were united in marriage in November 1922 in Wyandotte, Okla.
Lillian was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Durant, Okla., and active in Fittstown Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge.
She had been a cook for the Dundee School in Dundee, Okla. and enjoyed cooking, word find puzzles, crocheting, embroidering and quilting. She was known as Mom and Grandma to friends of the family.
Surviving are a son, Howard Starks of Durant; three daughters, Violet Walters of Midwest City, Marjorie Dawson and Bette Posey of Del City; six sisters, Alta Owens of Cape Fair, Mo., Pearl Bennett of Crane, Miss., Pauline Lytle of Fairfax, Beatrice O'Banion of Tulsa, Thelma O'Banion of Turkey and Johnie Davis of Stillwater; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large number of honorary children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband on July 10, 1973, one daughter, Leone Toole in 1991, a brother and a sister.
TULSA - Alice Nettie Lysne, resident of Tulsa and a former Ponca City resident, died in Tulsa on Jan. 6, 1998. She was 91.
No funeral service is planned. She was cremated and Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow was in charge of arrangements.
Alice Nettie Lysne was born April 7, 1906 in Clear Lake, Wis., the daughter of Martin James Fate and Ange Nettie Langdon. She and Raymond Lysne were married and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Lysne was a retired clerk for the State of Arizona prior to retirement.
Surviving are a daughter, Gloria Pemberton of Tulsa; two sons, Ronald Bartels and August Charles Bartels of Minneapolis; one brother, Dell Fate of Williams, Iowa; a sister, Bessie Martin of Garrison, Minn., six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Obituaries
Steven Ronald Whiles, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 7, 1998 at the Boulder Community Hospital in Boulder, Colo. He was 25 years of age.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Harold Prough, pastor, Eastern Heights Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Steven Ronald Whiles was born Jan. 13, 1972 at the Naval Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island, the son of Russell Whiles and Cindy (Gonzalez) Whiles. He grew up in Ponca City and received his education in the Ponca City schools. He was a 1990 graduate of the Ponca City High School and was instrumental in organizing the first Key Club at Po-Hi. He was also involved in DeMolay.
Steven went on to earn his associate degree in Social Science from Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. While attending Northern Oklahoma College, he was an accomplished member of the Debate team, receiving many local, state, and national awards which included placing second nationally in the National NEDA Speech Debate in 1996.
On March 11, 1995 he was united in marriage to Christina Marie Phillips at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ponca City.
While growing up he worked for Miller Market, McDonald's, and Marriott. He was employed by Sykes Enterprises in Ponca City and Minot, North Dakota. In 1997 the family moved to Boulder, Colo., where he was employed as a Technical Service Manager for the Highland Management Company, Inc.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, exercising and reading.
Surviving are his wife, Christina, and daughter, Alexis, both of the home; his parents, Russell and Karen Whiles, Ponca City and Cindy and Bill Sorrells of Midland, Ark.; a brother, Jeremy David Whiles, Midland, Ark.; three sisters, Jennifer (Whiles) McKinney, Hackett, Ark., Renee Melanie Whiles, Ponca City, and Tina (Whiles) Chase, of Louisiana; two half sisters, Missy and Amber Sorrells, his paternal grandparents, Charles and Marion Whiles, Ponca City; his maternal grandparents, Jessie Gonzalez, Calumet City, Ill., and Jean Gonzalez, Lexington, Ky.; one niece, six nephews, five aunts and six uncles.
Casket bearers will be Chase Valdez, Jon Prough, Marcus Anderson, Cass Midgley, George Henshaw, Joe Humble, and Jeremy Whiles.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alexis Whiles Education Fund in care of Glenda Phillips, Commercial Federal Savings and Loan, 400 East Central, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the Gary and Beverly Phillips home, 1808 Holbrook.
paid obituary
Roberta Chambers, lifetime Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Jan. 8, 1998, at Integris Baptist Medical Center. She was 61.
The funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 12, 1998, at 11 a.m. at the Albright United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Kip Wright, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mrs. Chambers was born June 2, 1936, in Ponca City to Raymond B. and Daisy (Lane) Berry. She grew up in Ponca City and was a 1954 graduate of Ponca City High School. On May 28, 1955, she was married to James A. Chambers in Ponca City. She had been employed at Conoco in the Geophysical Department for a short time and later at Trout Elementary in the cafeteria. Mrs. Chambers was a member of the Albright United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women and the Homemakers Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors. She enjoyed crafts, antiques and dolls. She also enjoyed traveling and was serving on a Mission team to North Dakota last fall when she became ill.
She is survived by her husband, Jim of the home; a son, Dean A. Chambers of Phoenix, Ariz.; a daughter, Janet A. Baxter of Shepherd, Mich.; one brother, Burton Berry of Ponca City; two sisters, Maxine Smith of Ponca City and Daisy Lou Crockett of Broomfield, Colo., also four grandchildren, Amy Baxter, Sara Baxter, Jay Baxter and Alex Chambers. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gene Berry.
Casket bearers will be Lonnie Wittmer, Dick Powell, Don Appleman, Ray Balthrop, R.C. Adkins, Dale Buckner and Charlie Ryan.
Honorary bearers will be Kenneth Mann and Bob Ford.
Memorial contributions may be made to Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 1500 Monument.
paid obituary
Monday
Glen Mitchell Whitley - Graveside at 2 p.m. in Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Jimmy E. Russell
Jimmy Eugene Russell, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, Jan. 10, 1998 at his home. He was 44.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will
be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Keep Ponca Beautiful - Working to address issues regarding household hazardous waste, recycling and city beautification, the Environmental Committee for Ponca City Tomorrow will meet at the Commercial Federal Building, Suite 304E, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The agenda will include an update on Household Hazardous Waste Project, a review of current projects and goals; new goals; membership recruitment; awards for beautification and the Highway Tree Planting grant. The public is encouraged to attend and join members in improving Ponca City's quality of life.
Open House - An open house will be held Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway. Refreshments and door prizes will be handed out.
Fund Raiser Dance - The Vision AMBUCS and the VVA extend an invitation to the public to attend a fund raiser dance Jan. 31, 7-12 p.m. at the American Legion. Tickets are $5 per person with proceeds going to the "Wall." Advance ticket purchasers will be eligible for door prizes. "Poverty's Children" will provide the music. For more information contact Lee Keyes, 765-4748, or Kathy McLemore, 767-1507.
Chicken Night - The Ponca City Elks Lodge will have chicken night for members and guests, date and time to be announced, or call 765-4045 for information and reservations.
Rural Water Meeting - Rural Water District No. 3 (Braden) will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Braden Community Center.
Foster Training - Foster parent training will begin Feb. 2. For more information on becoming a foster parent call Donna at the Department of Human Services, 1-800-597-1872.
Broken Window - Police were notified at 7:42 a.m. Friday of a window that was broken out of a cabin at Lake Ponca.
Arrest - At 7:55 a.m. Friday police arrested a 21-year-old woman from the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue for reckless driving and transporting an open container.
False Alarm - Three fire units responded to call at 9 a.m. Friday in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue. There was no fire and it was determined to be lint in the vent.
Arrest - At 9:52 a.m. Friday police arrested a 21-year-old man from the 200 block of South Second Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vehicle Fire - At 11:15 a.m. Friday a fire engine responded to a vehicle fire at North Fourteenth Street and Hubbard Road. The fire was extinguished.
Arrest - A 53-year-old man was arrested at 11:35 a.m. Friday from East Chestnut Avenue and North Second Street for domestic assault and battery.
Box Beaten - At 12:04 p.m. Friday police were advised that a man was behind a theater in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue "beating a metal box with a bat." An officer was assigned.
Equipment Destroyed - At 1:36 p.m. Friday police responded to a report from Thorn Apple Valley, 2000 block of Thorn Apple Valley Blvd. that a man was inside the plant destroying equipment. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 49-year-old man at 2:32 p.m. Friday from the 400 block of South Oak Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 27-year-old man was arrested at 3:06 p.m. Friday from East Hartford Avenue and North Sixth Street for driving under the influence, driving under suspension and no seat belt.
Arrest - Police arrested a 49-year-old woman at 3:38 p.m. Friday from Central Avenue and South First Street for driving under suspension.
Tires Slashed - At 4:46 p.m. Friday a man reported to police that the tires on his vehicle were slashed while it was parked in the 700 block of North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - A woman in the 200 block of North Osage Street reported to police at 5:25 p.m. Friday that someone had thrown mud on her porch while trespassing.
Bike Stolen - At 5:37 p.m. Friday a resident in the 700 block of South Fifth Street reported a bike stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
False Alarm - All units responded to a reported fire at Albertsons, 2005 North Fourteenth Street, at 5:37 p.m. Friday. However it was a false alarm.
Theft - At 6:02 p.m. Friday police were notified of items stolen from the back yard of a residence in the 1200 block of South Sixth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Lost Children - At 7:15 p.m. Friday police were notified by a woman in the 600 block of West South Avenue reporting that two lost children were at her house. An office was assigned and children were taken home.
Fallen Fox - Police were advised at 8:09 p.m. Friday that a fox, possibly injured, was in the area of East Grand Avenue and Sixth Street. An officer was assigned but was unable to find the fox.
Arrest - At 8:27 p.m. Friday a 42-year-old man was arrested at North Elm Street and West Highland Avenue for driving under suspension and no insurance.
Beer Theft - At 8:30 p.m. Friday, an employee of Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported that four cases of beer had been stolen.
Break-In - Police received a call at 8:39 p.m. Friday reporting that a van in the 800 block of East Prospect Avenue had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Traffic Hazard - At 8:51 p.m. Friday police received a report of a man jumping into and trying to stop traffic at South Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - A woman reported to police at 8:52 p.m. Friday that the stereo was stolen out of her car while it was parked at Ponca Bowl, 2000 Lake Road. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Window Broken - At 9:04 p.m. Friday police received a report from Ponca Bowl, 2000 Lake Road, that a window had been broken out a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Purse Stolen - At 9:52 p.m. Friday a woman in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to police that her purse had been stolen. An officer took a report.
Arrest - Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 11:30 p.m. Friday from the 2500 block of Industrial Avenue for transporting an open container, no driver's license and expired registration.
Arrest - A 22-year-old woman was arrested at 11:38 p.m. Friday from the 600 block of West Hartford Avenue on two Kay County warrants and for public intoxication.
Expensive Movie - At 11:18 p.m. Friday a man from the 800 block of East Prospect Avenue reported to police that his car was stolen while he was in the theater. He reported that the keys were in the car but it was locked. A report was taken.
Driver Ticketed - At 11:19 p.m. Friday a driver at West Grand Avenue and Osage Street was cited for driving under suspension and then released.
Arrest - At 11:28 p.m. Friday police arrested an 18-year-old man for public intoxication and two counts of assaulting a police officer.
Juvenile Apprehended - At 11:34 p.m. Friday police issued citations to a juvenile at Cleveland Avenue and North Pine Street for driving without a driver's license.
Window Broken - At 11:53 p.m. Friday police were notified of a window that had been broken out of car while it was parked in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. A report was taken.
Stolen Purse - A Shidler woman reported at 12:25 a.m. Saturday that her purse had been stolen from Taco Bell, 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 22-year-old man was arrested at 12:52 a.m. Saturday from the VFW, 1201 East Prospect Avenue, on a city warrant for assault and battery.
Juveniles Cited - At 2:06 a.m. Saturday police cited three juveniles from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street for curfew violations. They were released to their parents.
Juvenile Apprehended - At 2:47 a.m. Saturday a juvenile lead police on a chase to the 400 block of Fairview Avenue where the vehicle was stopped. The juvenile driver was cited for no driver's license, curfew violation and attempting to elude. He was released to his parents.
False Alarm - A fire engine responded to call at 3:06 a.m. Saturday in the 1600 block of Clarke Street. There was no fire but a problem with the heater.
Window Shot - At 3:55 a.m. Saturday police were notified that a window of a vehicle in the 200 block of South Birch Street had been shot out. A report was taken.
Window Shot - At 3:58 a.m. Saturday police reported a window shot out in the 200 block of North Third Street.
Vehicle Vandalized - At 5:01 a.m. Saturday police were notified
of a vehicle that had been vandalized in the 300 block of South Birch Street.
LIFESTYLES
"It's time to start a new year and establish some new habits that are good for your health." says Susan Henning, water exercise instructor at the YMCA. Water exercise is the fastest growing segment of the fitness industry. Participants can burn twice the calories for any given amount of time in the water versus land exercise, while reducing stress to joints, working opposing muscle groups, increasing blood supply to muscles, and decreasing blood pressure due to the massaging effect of the water. Students finish class feeling refreshed.
Simple moves choreographed to music in some classes are designed to increase muscle strength, tone, endurance, and flexibility. Class segments include thermal warm-up, stretch, upper body and arm toning, cardiovascular, abdominal, and final cool down. "If students have been frustrated trying to keep up with fast moves in land aerobic classes, they can feel at ease in water classes because the tempo is slower. This doesn't, however, mean they are not getting as good a workout.
It means that due the greater resistance of the water, movements will be slower, similar to when using weights on land. The power of the movement is emphasized instead of the quick change of steps. " The workout is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Intensity can be adjusted by speed, surface area of arms and legs (short versus long levers), number of repetitions, and traveling versus stationary movements.
The following variety of classes are currently being offered at the YMCA:
Water Walking will be offered M-W-F at 8:15 a.m. This class offers a low-impact workout designed for all fitness levels. A variety of movements forward, backward, and sideways through the water guarantees use of opposing muscle groups to tone and firm as well as build up cardiovascular strength and endurance.
Aqua Jog, a deep water exercise class, will be offered M-T-Th at 8:15 a.m., T-Th at 5:15 p.m., and Saturday at 10 a.m. This class is held in the deep well with each student wearing a specially designed flotation belt to keep students floating at shoulder level. By wearing the belts students can easily float, so they can concentrate on proper body positioning for a total body workout. Aqua Jog can be adaptable to a wide range of fitness levels by varying the resistance to the water, the range of motion, and speed.
Women's Water Exercise will continue to be offered M-W-F at 10 a.m. Simple choreographed routines to music are designed to increase muscle strength, tone, endurance, and flexibility. Due to the resistance of the water, exercisers can burn up to twice as many calories per given amount of time compared to land aerobics.
Arthritis Water Exercise will be offered on M-W-F at 11 a.m. and T-Th at 9:30 a.m. The class helps strengthen muscles that support joints, while helping to retain full range of motion and reduce pain and stiffness due to arthritis. Specifically designed exercises by the Arthritis Foundation are taught for each joint in the body, except the neck, during each class time. The class also provides a time of social interaction with others. This class is a good class to start with if you have had joint replacements. This class is also good for seniors who haven't exercised regularly and want to build up their endurance gradually.
Aqua Fit is held M-T-Th from 6-7 p.m. This offers a coed workout using resistance training against the water, while stepping on aquatic benches placed on the bottom of the pool at a depth of 4-5 feet. Use of the large muscles in the thigh and the upper body for balance and movement up and through the water, ensure an aerobic workout. For a schedule of classes drop by or call the YMCA at 765-5417.
Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc. has been awarded a $1500 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The seed grant will be used to help pay for evaluation of the center by the Matrix Architectural Firm.
With the grant the "Friends" join communities nationwide committed to preserving America's architectural and cultural heritage and, in so doing, creating more livable communities said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust's PSF. Funds are awarded to nonprofit groups and public agencies and must be matched dollar for dollar with public or private funds.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, chartered by Congress in 1949, is a non-profit organization with more than 250,000 members. The local group has contracted with Matrix to provide a plan for the preservation of heritage, maintenance and use for the Cultural Center, first mansion of E. W. Marland.
The 1998 Cherokee Strip Chili Cook-off and Oklahoma Barbecue Championship, hosted annually by Professionals Today, will be moved to Wentz Camp, Loretta Leathers, cook-off co-chairman announced at the Thursday meeting of Professionals Today.
The cook-off originated at Lake Ponca Park and was held there a couple of years before moving to the Marland Mansion grounds. So the cook-off will be returning to the Lake Ponca area but at a different location, where there will be shade trees, concession stands and lodging facilities.
Among the advantages of holding the cook-off at Wentz will be that regardless of the weather the cooking rigs can be parked on a solid surface rain or shine, according to the chairmen. The annual event, which benefits Hospice, is slated for September.
Leathers requested that all cook-off sub-committee chairmen submit their budgets by the first meeting in February.
A highlight of the meeting was "Moments" which was led by Gael Hancock on "New Year's Resolutions." Ann Bandy, who hosted the Christmas party at her home, reported the extra food from the event was donated to the Mission.
Debra Whitener, president, officially thanked Bandy for the club for hosting the event and Ro Mayse's hospitality committee for the arrangements. She announced the vote on the by-law change will take place at the February business meeting.
Karen Hunter, membership chairman, presented the names of three prospective members. The secretary's report was given by Suzanne Zanardi. The treasurer's report was presented by Deanna Lowther in the absence of treasurer Julie Brown.
Those having birthdays in January were Hillary Cooley, Deanna Lowther and Roy Mayse. Participating in Roses and Raspberries were Karen Hunter, who gave a rose for Loretta Leathers, Lillian Taylor, Ro Mayse and Louise Abercrombie.
The next meeting is slated for Jan. 22 at Pioneer Technology Center. The club normally meets on the first and third Thursdays, but due to the holiday falling on the first Thursday the meetings were changed in January to the second and fourth Thursdays.
The program at the next meeting will be "Women and Investments" presented by two of the members, Julie Brown and Lynda Fox.
Conestoga Campers met for dinner at the Golden Corral on Jan. 6. There were 38 people in attendance with Margie and Doug Brown as guests of Joel and Lue Davis. Presiding at the meeting were 1998 officers Rick and Paulette Cross, president; Lonnie and Marlene Wittmer, vice president; Ray and Carol Balthrop, secretary-treasurer.
Clarence Logan, outgoing president, thanked the 1997 callers: Ina Smith and Betty Martin. Ray Balthrop gave the minutes and treasurer's report. A discussion was held on the Christmas meeting held at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. A secret Santa gift exchange was held.
New Conestoga shirts were available for members. Tee shirt awards for submitting designs were given to Sherrie Cable, Verna Wilson and Bennie Westerman. Bill Treadwell announced he had located, on the internet, boat, travel and rv shows Jan. 7-11 in Wichita, Kan., Jan. 8-11 in Tulsa and the end of January in Oklahoma City.
Future events include the 5-state family campers and RV'ers Regional June 10-14 at the fairgrounds in Sedalia, Mo., 1998 FCRV National Campvention July 10 in Perry, Ga. Oklahoma will host the 5-state regional planned June 9-13, 1999 at the Shawnee Expo Center.
Rob Ellis from Dean's RV will discuss the Hitchhiker dealership in Ponca City at the Feb. 2 meeting of the Conestoga Campers. Rocky Nickles of Kinder Campers and Trailers will speak about the Excel dealership at the March meeting. The first campout for this year will be March 27-29 at Sarge Creek.
Jane Morris, now in her 19th year as a pilot for United Airlines, will be the guest speaker when the Daughters of the American Revolution, Ponca City Chapter, meets Jan. 16 at 12:45 p.m. The event will be held at the Ponca City Cultural Center.
Mrs. Morris will speak about "Women in Aviation." The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Edwards, she is a graduate of Ponca City High School and the University of Oklahoma. She and husband Tom have five children, ages 16-months to 10 years. Residing in Ponca City Mrs. Morris flies the route from Los Angeles, Calif. to Sydney, Australia.
The hostess committee includes Wanza Merrifield, chairman; Peggy Brennemar, Lula Keathley, Paula Denson, Vivian Mertz, Polly Edwards and Gayle Young.
Members of the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club will meet Jan. 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the home of Marlene Roth, 1405 Academy Road. She will be assisted by Barbara Kegler. The program will be "Taste and Tell" and members will bring something they have canned or made. Recipes are to be included. The Serendipity table will be handled by Mary Perkins, Aline Heartsill and Johanne Mead.
Editor's Note: the following story was published in April 1993 and holds true today. Just substitute the organizations and causes. This story should not be taken too seriously, nor is the intention to implicate any organization or group. The News is republishing this T-shirt tale because, after Christmas, it gives meaning to the popular saying, "Been there, done that, bought the T-Shirt."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The other night I dreamed I died and went to T-shirt heaven. But alas, I awoke and found myself in my own closet, surrounded by wall-to-wall T-shirts.
From civic organizations to churches to good causes, sports and schools ... everyone has to have a T-shirt. My closet contains more T-shirts than one could wear in the course of a normal lifetime. If they were laid end to end these shirts would still be Ts.
Having a specialized T-shirt, for most organizations, rates right up there with a slogan and a mission statement .... "you gotta have it" as the Pepsi commercial says.
My pride and joy T-shirts are those earned. There's the loud pink Professionals Today Cherokee Strip Cook-off shirt complete with chili peppers and cactus. This shirt is suitable for two occasions, the cook-off and the Land Run of Desserts.
How could I ever part with my baby blue Chamber of Commerce basketball shirt, which hangs right next to my red "Your Chamber Means Business" tee?
Next comes those pretty Iris Festival shirts just like Mary Quite Contrary's garden ... all hanging in a row. Then there is the colorful official Cherokee Strip Centennial version with a rider homesteading a claim.
One thing about it, in Ponca City everyone seems to be perfectly content to be seen in public wearing the darnedest things splashed on their bosoms ... all for a good cause.
Of course the best known shirt with the greatest numbers is the "Ponca City's Best Neighbor" version, which of course led to Smith International's "Ponca City's Other Neighbor" shirt.
One of my collector tees is a silver on black classic advertising the Platmum Race of the Grand Prix. Now there is a shirt worthy of framing.
Most of us have a category in the closet designated as "once in a life time." What to do with these next-to-new tops, becomes a challenge. How many T- shirts can the Salvation Army use?
Of course one can always dress the scarecrow in the garden to frighten away the birds. Single women living alone could stuff them with other wadded up tees, put a hat on them and cast a scary shadow on the window to ward off intruders.
Many a fine tee with a simply smashing logo or words of wisdom inscribed has been banished to the bedroom as a sleep shirt. Or worse yet landed in the rag bag as a dust diffuser, thrown there by some heartless soul.
What is it about working together on a project that causes the group to want to dress alike? It's the team spirit folks, the sense of belonging.
Whether it is the Office Olympics, the Wildcats, or school shirts, there is a sense of pride in showing one's colors. This harkens back to the days of the gladiators.
Now what Oklahoman in their right mind could resist the U.S. Post Office's Oklahoma Stamp tee? Or what hard core T-shirt collector would be caught dead without a world renowned Eskimo Joe or a second best Hard Rock Cafe tee in their wardrobe?
Historically minded as we Ponca Citians are, no doubt when the fashion time-capsule is dug up in 2093 on the bicentennial anniversary of the Cherokee Strip, our descendants will be amazed at the number of tops but wonder if we went bare bottomed in 1993.
P.M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild will feature "Back to Basics" at its meeting Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. There will be four stations which members will attend for 15 minutes each. Presenters include Karen Bogadi, hand quilting; Nancy Bright, needle turn applique; Judy Wohletz, mitered corners, and Mary Alice Sinton, binding.
The guild held its Christmas dinner and party in the home of Barb Kegler on Dec. 15 with 25 members attending. Tables were decorated with miniature quilt racks and ribbon angels made by Rose Coffee. Members received the decorations as favors. Phyllis Clark, hospitality chairman, presented door prizes to each person present
A gift exchange of Christmas fabric fat quarters was held. A drawing was held for ornaments decorating the guild Christmas tree at the Art Center. Winners were Judy Wohletz, Barb Kegler, Esther Bersche and Marlene Williams. Sue Roy won a Christmas wall hanging which was pieced by Faith Kalback and quilted by Cleda Oertle.
Ruth Zachary displayed next year's donation quilt, which is a single Irish Chain made of blue and antique tan. Show and Share participants were Faith Kalback, Karen Bogadi, Doris Gammill, Alice Wiederich and Ruth Zachary
Rose Coffee presented the pattern of the month which is appliqued onto a pieced star block. The December pattern featured Santa Claus. Nancy Bright reported on a conference that she had attended in Omaha on quilt appraisal and restoration. A drawing was held for the 1997 donation quilt. The winner was Suzy Meyers of Ponca City.
The Pioneer Area Quilters Guild met Jan. 5. Leading the members into the new year was Cindy Wilson, PAQG president. New members Juanita Willard and Peggy Krider were welcomed by the 69 current members. Hostesses for the meeting were Dorothy Bobbitt, Mary Irons, Elaine Hughes, Pat Thompson and Teresa Simic, who also served as greeter for the day.
Elaine Hughes, librarian, showed the three latest additions to the library. Cheryl Pritchett, Pattern chairman, reminded members that there will be a drawing for the Homespun blocks in February. She also displayed several blocks.
Linda Burg, vice president, reminded the group of the February program titled "Keepsake Quilting." Announcement was made that PAQG won the "Best of Show" at the Christmas Tree Collage at the Art Center. A new advertiser in the newsletter, Quilt Co. of Andover, Kan., will be having a grand opening on Jan. 24. Those able to help with the quilt show in September are asked to contact Sara Myers, 765-4057.
Table Runner Challenge winners were Lois Gray, first place; Joyce Eagan, second place; and tie for third went to Sandee Henderson and Shirley Hile. Following was a display of quilts belonging to and created by Karen Bogadi, Historian.
The Board meeting date has been changed to Jan. 26 and the next guild meeting will be Feb. 2. For further information about the guild contact Cindy Wilson, 765-6911, or Linda Burg, 765-2532.
Mr. and Mrs. Grover C. Kelly, 1407 West Highland, Apartment 103, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 17. A luncheon reception in their honor will be held Saturday, 1-4 p.m., at Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend and the couple requests no gifts.
Hosts will be their children and spouses: Hazel and Bruce Chestnut of Dover, Tom and Mildred Thompson of Odessa, Texas, Butch and Maxine Thompson of Ponca City, Mary and Gale Pemberton of Blackwell, Sue and Wayne Cranford and Cindy Womack of Ponca City. One son, Leon Thompson, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Grover Kelly and the former Florence Johnson Thompson were united in marriage Jan. 17, 1948 in Newkirk. They made their first home in Ponca City. Mr. Kelly was employed at Conoco for 36 years before retirement in 1983. His hobbies include fishing, gardening and cooking. He has cooked for various places including the Golden Villa. Mrs. Kelly is a homemaker and her hobbies include fishing, cooking and grandchildren.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults who are divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the group is not a dating service.
Interested persons may call Betty, 762-9776, or Dorothy, 765-1403, for more information. Plans this week include:
Sunday, Jan. 11: 12:30 p.m.: Brunch at Pecan Place Clubhouse. Call Lorraine, 765-3233. 6:30 p.m. Discussion Group at First Presbyterian Church. Snack afterward at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14: 7 p.m.: Card party at Phil's. Bring snacks. Call 762-4620 or 765-8381.
Saturday, Jan. 17: 6 p.m. : Eat out at Hunan's Garden on Fourteenth Street.
Happy Hilltop
Members of the Happy Hilltop Club will meet at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Head Country restaurant. Clayton Johnson, assistant Police Chief, will speak to the group about the Neighborhood Watch program.
Of Germans From Russia
The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia will hold the monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Marianne's Rentals for Special Events, 2701 West Britton Road, Oklahoma City. M. A. Diel will present slides and information from his visit to four families in the Volga region in Russia and his visit to Ellis Island, Immigration Museum and the Immigrants' Wall of Honor. All interested persons are invited to attend.
Providers, physicians, nursing care facility administrators, hospice workers and EMS personnel are urged to attend a meeting concerning the Oklahoma "Do Not Resuscitate" Act. Richard Ingham of the Aging Services Division will provide information at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Ponca City Wheatheart Nutrition Site, 319 West Grand. For more information contact the NODA Area Agency on Aging at 405-237-2236 or 1-800-749-1149.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, Jan. 12: Dinner franks; buttered mixed vegetables; sauerkraut; cornbread with butter; brownie.
Tuesday, Jan. 13: Baked chicken; mashed potatoes with gravy; buttered carrots; cornmeal roll with butter; Great Pumpkin cookie.
Wednesday, Jan. 14: Brunswick Stew; lime gelatin with pineapple; crackers with butter; scalloped apples.
Thursday, Jan. 15: Sliced ham; candied sweet potatoes; tossed salad; French bread with butter; jello cake with whipped topping.
Friday, Jan. 15: Plantation shortcake; oven fried okra; stewed tomatoes; mixed fruit.
Editor's Note: The News publishes wedding stories with ties to Ponca City and surrounding area. Many area residents will recognize Mr. Brill from his employment with Conoco and his support of Kaw City.
Word has been received here of the wedding of Kenneth W. Brill and Evelyn Borah. Area residents know Mr. Brill through his employment with Conoco and for the building named after him in Kaw City.
The Kaw City museum building attached to the depot was dedicated in 1995 and named the Kenneth W. Brill building. He was the major contributor which made the completion of the building possible and according to museum supporters was very encouraging and motivating.
In a "how we met" story reminiscent of the Ann Landers columns Mr. Brill tells about his recent marriage.
A romance that started about 67 years ago has culminated in the marriage of Kenneth W. Brill, a former citizen of Kaw City and Ponca City, and Evelyn (Roehr) Borah of Oklahoma City. The nuptial ceremony was held at the Colorado Community Church in Denver, Colo. on Nov. 20.
Their relationship began when Kenneth was working for the Sherwin Williams Company in Oklahoma City until being employed by the Continental Oil Company in 1930, which made it necessary for him to locate in Ponca City. It was a long distance to travel in a Model T. Ford for a date he said. So, after a time, they went their separate ways.
The widowed couple met again in May. Kenneth was going to Oklahoma City and contacted Evelyn who was living in Epworth Villa Retirement Center. Her voice sounded the same. They talked about all the usual things. What's been going on? She was lonesome and so was I, Brill said. "The first thing I knew, I was going back to Oklahoma City often."
Both have homes in their respective cities and plan on dividing time between the two. Kenneth is still active as Chairman of Energy Corporation of America, a "progressive" company engaged in exploration, production and marketing of natural gas and crude oil. He retired in 1973 from Conoco where he was vice president and Regional Manager of the Rocky Mountain Division.
Ronald and Karen (Glaser) Evans announce the birth of a son at 11:32 p.m. Dec. 20, 1997 at South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City, Kan. He weighed 6-pounds, 10-ounces and was 19 1/4-inches long and has been named Austin Andrew Evans. His brother, Ethan Cord Evans, is 3-years-old.
Maternal grandparents are Joseph and Jean Glaser of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are Don and Linda Balsters of Arkansas City, Kan.
Announcing the birth of a daughter, Emma Ray, on Dec. 27, 1997 are Greg and Maureen Stokes of Westminster, Colo. The 7-pound, 2-ounce baby was 22-inches long and was born in Boulder, Colo. She has a sister, Monica Lynn, 2-years-old.
Grandmothers are MaryAnn Stokes of Lees Summit, Mo. and Jeanne O'Meilia of Ponca City. Great-grandmother is Marguerite Haerle of Minneapolis, Kan.
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By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
After being embarrassed by upstart Atoka, 60-56, in the first round of the East Central Oklahoma Classic, the Ponca City Wildcats (2-6) came back to destroy a sizable Idabel Warriors squad, 59-36, in the consolation bracket, Friday.
On Saturday, however, the Savages of Broken Bow took it to the Poncans, 59-50, to leave the Wildcats with a sixth place finish in the eight team tournament.
But the win on Friday was a win the dispirited Poncans sorely needed.
The Cats had collapsed in the fourth quarter and squandered a 16-point lead in the Atoka game, and they weren't about to let it happen again. Forcing 14 first half turnovers from the Warriors, the Poncans bolted out to a 20-11 advantage in the first quarter, and sailed on to a 33-20 halftime lead.
The Cats then outscored the Warriors 20-9 in the third period to provide even more insurance, and kept up the intensity through the final stanza, too, allowing the Warriors just four points.
"It's hard to come back and play after a loss like we had," said Wildcat head coach Ron Arthur, "but we played well. They did an excellent job of getting focused, they knew what they had to do. We took good shots, got the open looks. And it's a lot easier to win when the shots go in."
The Wildcats shot 26-of-46 from the field for a season-best 55 percent, were 5-of-7 from the line, and committed just 14 turnovers.
The Warriors, using only seven players on a 15 man roster, hit on just 15-of-42 attempts, and had a total of 19 turnovers.
Micha Alexander, who connected on just one 3-pointer, still finished with a team-high 16 points. Alfred Delancy followed up with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Kris Shores contributed 11 points and three rebounds.
Tom Engle had eight, Jason Shelton had four, while Paul Broome, Scott Larrison, Blake Geubelle and Jeff Furnas each had two.
For the Warriors, Jeremy Sepin led the way with 13, while no other player on the team had more than four.
Saturday's game was another story, however, as the Cats met up with a steely Broken Bow squad.
In a game that was dictated as much by poor officiating as the Poncans' fatigue, the Wildcats shot just 19-of-56 from the field and committed 23 turnovers en route to the 59-50 loss.
In the early going, and despite the game's rugby-style play (brought on by a lack of foul-calling), the Wildcats kept things close. Tied in the first quarter, the Cats saw themselves down a manageable eight points, 23-15, at halftime.
Into the third quarter, the Cats drew to within six behind an Engle 3-pointer, but the Savages opened it up again to take a 38-26 lead going into the fourth.
Down again by twelve, the Cats made one last try. With two quick buckets by Shores and Alexander (provided by a steal and a fine assist by Engle), the cut the Savages lead to eight. But an unnecessary technical foul on Shores, followed by a three point play by Broken Bow, and the Poncans' back seemed to break.
Leading the way once again was Alexander with 15 points, followed by Shores with seven, Engle with six, Delancy and Broome with five, while Treadway and Geubelle each had four. Shelton and Larrison both had two.
Cam Williams led the way for the Savages, scoring 15 points, while Romar Crenshaw had 12.
As a team, the Savages hit 22-of-56 field goals, and were 11-of-15 from the charity stripe.
The Cats, along with the Lady Cats, now have a short, two day rest before resuming grueling conference play in a road trip to Sand Springs, Tuesday.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
To the Lady Wildcats, if an ugly win is better than a pretty loss, then a pretty win is the best of all.
After scraping by Broken Bow in a less-than-picture perfect win Thursday, the Lady Cats (3-5) came back on Friday to play their most complete game of the season, demolishing the Idabel Lady Warriors, 55-44.
On Saturday, the Lady Cats were blasted by Carl Albert, 26-45, to finish in third place in the East Central Oklahoma Classic.
In Friday's game, aside from a minor tragedy involving Alana Smith (starting in place of an injured Tia Williams) to kick things off, everything seemed to fall in place for the Poncans.
On the Lady Cats' second possession of the game, the 5-6 sophomore Smith - who give