From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, January
18, 1998
LOCAL
Boettcher To Speak At Chamber Banquet
Dick Stone Announces Candidacy for Mayor
Penalty Phase Of 'Trash Cop' Program Next
Letters
City, State Leaders Promote Benefits of School-to-Work
City Calendar
Po-Hi Announces Honor Rolls for Fall Semester
School Menu
School Calendar
Souper Bowl Sunday Helps Feed Homeless
Novelist Returns To Promote Latest Book
Diamonds Will Kick Off Poncan Theatre Season
District Court
'Jack and the Giant Beanstalk' To Be Performed at Poncan
Kambour Dance Class Precedes Performance
OBI Campaign Brings in 1,004 Blood Donors
CDC Chili/Hot Dog Supper Jan. 30
A Review: 'Direct From Broadway' Thrills Local Audience
Many Drivers Failing to Heed No-Left-Turn Off Patton Drive
Westside Area Neighbors Plan Special Meeting
Eagle Scout Candidates Build Hospice Aids
Viewing of Bald Eagles Featured During Annual Kaw Lake Event
Softening Unit Down At City's Water Plant
SJRMC Therapist Guest Speaker For MS Support Group Monday
Renovations at Po-Hi Go to Stillwater Firm
Literacy Effort Receives Grant From Libraries
Closed for Holiday
DEATHS
Ken E. Feathers
Ivy Bristow
Alpha Wilson
Services Pending
Wayne Love
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
SRT Club Plans in Motion for Herb Festival
Church Women United Helping Those in Need
'Old-Fashioned Wisdom' Topic for PCCWC
First Christian CWF Hears Talk By Guild Member
Local OMTA Group Names Workshop Plans
Ponca Prairie Pleaters
February Wedding Planned
Toma Burgess Bride-Elect
Golden Villa Administrator Retires
Debra Dawn Riddle Weds Michael R. Keil in Tonkawa
Richmonds Mark 50 Years
Engagement is Announced
Bridget Holdman To Marry
Leanne M. Smith Becomes Bride of Stephen Keith Parr
60th Anniversary for Kelleys
ECAO Schedules Conference
Mediators Address Red Rose Club
Wheatheart Nutrition
Church Ceremony Unites Pam Smith, M. D. Keeler
Pair Plans Valentine Vows
HAPPENINGS
SPORTS
Wildcats' Intensity Not Quite Enough
Lady Cats Rub Belly, Win Game
Cat Grapplers Place Four
Wrestling Dodgens Don't Always Agree
Lady Cat JV Come Back
Frontier Girls Rebound Well
Wildcat JV Pops Bruins
Sports Note
Friday's Prep Scores
Mike Boettcher, NBC news correspondent, will be the guest speaker for the 104th annual Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet Jan. 30.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Reservations are now being accepted and only a few spaces remain. Seating is limited to the first 400 people confirming their reservations.
Boettcher joined NBC in 1984 and for almost a decade was posted overseas. Over the years, he covered wars and conflicts in several countries including El Salvador, Nicaragua, Kuwait, Iraq and Bosnia. He covered the Gulf War buildup from the Iraqi side and when the allied attack began, he was the network pool reporter for the U.S. Marine assault into the heart of Kuwait.
While based in Frankfurt, Germany, Boettcher witnessed the fall of communism beginning in Poland and ending at the Berlin Wall. He also covered the terrorism in his own home state of Oklahoma after the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing.
He is currently a Los Angeles-based national correspondent for NBC.
Born and raised in Ponca City, Boettcher graduated from Ponca City Senior High in 1972. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he received a bachelor of arts in journalism in 1976.
In 1980, he served with a small corps of correspondents who participated in the launch of Cable News Network.
He has won three national Emmy awards, two national Headline Awards and the Sigma Delta Chi award given by the Society of Professional Journalists for excellence in reporting and writing.
Boettcher has two children, Carlo, 13 and Isabella, 3.
Banquet Highlights
The banquet celebrates a year of solid accomplishments during 1997 under the leadership of Larry Felix, who served as board chairman.
Other highlights for the evening include the Outstanding Citizen Award, Small and Large Industry Awards, Community Service Award and the Ambassador of the Year Award.
Those presenting this year's awards include Danny Head, Outstanding Citizen and Community Service Awards, and Beverly Appleman, Ambassador of the Year Award. The Small and Large Industry awards will be presented by Linda Brown, chairperson of the Economic Development Advisory Board.
Mistress of ceremonies will be former Ponca City ONG manager Phyllis Worley, who was recently transferred to Kansas.
The Pioneer Technology Center Food Services Program, under the direction of instructor Steve Ellenwood, will be catering the Banquet. The meal will be prepared and served by the first and second year students as well as by students from the Alternative School involved in the program.
City Commissioner Richard "Dick" Stone, has announced that he is seeking the office of mayor of Ponca City. Stone, in his second year as commissioner, is the first to announce intent to seek the position.
Current mayor Marilyn Andrews announced last week that she will not seek a third term. Filing will be Feb. 2-4 with the election scheduled for April 7.
Stone says he says he is proud of the what the city has accomplished and excited over what is yet to be accomplished.
His experience as commissioner, coupled with 36 years of corporate management, is what Stone feels qualifies him to be mayor.
"I learned to work through people and not to micro-manage," Stone says. "I let people do the job that they are paid to do."
Between 1978 and 1983, Stone had lived in Ponca City and managed two local retails stores before his job took him to Wichita, Kan. It was in Kansas that Stone had the opportunity to become a district manager for J.C. Penney and manage 33 stores state-wide.
It was his success in and experience with "climbing the corporate ladder" that he says prepared him for the position he now seeks. "I have supervised 15 store managers, over 250 employees, been in personnel, done long-range planning and budgets," he said. "I have also been responsible for the results."
Upon retiring from a major retail company after 36 years, Stone and his wife, Ruth, returned to Ponca City in 1994. "I chose to come back here," he says. "We had no ties here, we just wanted to live in Ponca City."
Preparing the city for the "retail wheeling" in public utilities, more specifically electric deregulation, is what Stone sees as the most important issue facing our city. "In order to address that issue I would keep informed of all legislation and determine our own capabilities in order to be competitive."
Without hesitation, Stone says it is the completion of the Civic center that he would strive for during his term, if elected. In addition, he would like to see the completion of the Lake Ponca Dam repairs and see that the city purchases a ladder rescue fire truck in order, he says, to "complete and update our fire service."
He has witnessed past progress and wants continued progress for the city. "As commissioner I have seen the passage of a sales tax to fund a remodeled and renovated fire station, the purchase of two new fire trucks, a completed water treatment plant and the expansion of the EPA approved landfill," Stone says.
"As mayor I would like to continue the progress we have experienced and should continue to experience."
The commissioner does not foresee any major changes if he is elected mayor. "I am very supportive of our city staff and feel we have done a great job streamlining personnel without layoffs and promoting from within."
His concern for the youth of the community has led Stone to become actively involved with the juvenile justice system and the delinquency prevention program in conjunction with the Ponca City School System, the juvenile court system, district attorney and Ponca City Police and the newly enacted Westside Project.
In addition, Stone serves on various community boards and committees including the board of First Christian Church as an elder and a teacher; the Ponca City Tomorrow Board and Festival of Angels and serves on the Policy and Procedures Committee of the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Advisory Board. He also volunteers as a Rotarian to teach reading to primary students at the Woodlands School and is a substitute driver for the local Meals on Wheels Program
Commissioner Stone, 67, and his wife have two adult children and three grandchildren. He was born and raised in Clinton, Ill. He graduated from the College of Commerce and the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science degree. Stone served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55 and was honorably discharged in 1961.
The commissioner is excited about the future of Ponca City and feels he is qualified to lead the city into the next century. "I believe the city government has responded well to what the city has asked for, especially the preservation of historical buildings and a sales tax that is shared with those who live outside the city and shop inside the city," he says. "I would continue to strive to accomplish what the citizens of this City want, need and deserve."
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The Kay County Commissioners will meet Tuesday morning with District Judge D.W. Boyd and District Attorney John Maddox to discuss the penalty phase of the county's new "Trash Cop" program.
The discussion is the next step in the board's effort to stop illegal trash dumping in rural areas. The commissioners moved last week to hand the "Trash Cop" program to the sheriff's reserve deputies.
The county will pull from a new $10,000 grant from the state Association of County Commissioners (ACCO) and provide $300 each month into the reserve sheriff's deputy fund for the reserve's assistance.
Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen last Monday told the board that with 15 reserve deputies on the force, the program would get more coverage than if the county hired a specific person as a so-called "Trash Cop".
In other counties, the Trash Cop is an officer who investigates, identifies and arrests violators who dump their trash on rural roadsides.
In Muskogee County, where the trash cop program is already successful, violators reportedly are ordered to serve 200 hours of community service and pay a $200 fine and another $200 to a reward fund.
While presenting the grant last month, ACCO assistant executive director Bob Packer told the board such fines can perpetuate a county's program beyond the original $10,000 grant and make the program self-sustaining.
The commissioners' regular meeting this week will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday because the county will celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Slip, Sliding Away
These geese were early to rise in order to enjoy the ice skating rink the cold temperatures produced out of a neighborhood pond. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
Spay Day Coming
With millions of unwanted dogs and cats euthanized every year in America, most people think the problem of pet overpopulation is too overwhelming to solve or even control. In our community alone, Ponca City Animal Control euthanized 1,690 animals in 1997 simply because there were not enough good homes for them.
Fortunately, there is a unique program that is making real progress in overcoming this tragedy. Tuesday, Feb. 24, will mark the fourth annual Spay Day USA, a national campaign created by the Washington, D.C.-based Doris Day Animal League to encourage every humane American to take action against companion animal overpopulation by having at least one animal spayed or neutered. The cat or dog can be your own, a friend's or relative's, or even a shelter animal awaiting adoption.
Spaying or neutering just one animal can make a world of difference. Did you know that one cat and her unaltered offspring could produce 420,000 cats in seven years? Or that one dog and her unaltered offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years? Those numbers add up exponentially and the end result is that homeless animals have to be euthanized.
In its first three years, Spay Day USA has proven to be a phenomenal success as over 150,000 animals have been altered, including over 78,000 in 1997. These spay and neuter surgeries have already prevented literally millions of unwanted puppies and kittens from being born
Everyone can be proud that Ponca City recognizes its responsibility to solve the problem of companion animal overpopulation with a simple and humane solution - spaying and neutering We all hope that someday the routine killing of millions of dogs and cats each year will be a distant memory. Thank you Ponca City for your efforts to help achieve this goal.
Jean Barnes
Executive Director
Ponca City Humane Society
Pat on the Back
If the Unabomber had decided to hide out in Ponca City, the Post Office would have found him in a few days.
Last week we received a letter from Stockholm, Sweden, addressed as follows:
Mr. Zuckerman & family
Davarnathey Inn
Ponca City
USA
The name should have been Zimmerman (Wasn't Zuckerman one of those guys on Green Acres? The farmer with the pet pig, Arnold, or that salesman who always said "Would you believe"?) There was no state or zip. There is a Ponca City, Nebraska but someone decided to forward it to Oklahoma. (That shows who counts.) And we haven't run Davarnathey Inn for over a year now Would you believe all this happened during the infamous Christmas rush?
We of the Zimmerman/Zuckerman family would therefore like to publicly express our heartfelt thanks to the folks at the U. S. Postal Service for their clever guesswork and hard work in delivering our mail. As those of us who receive and send a good deal of international mail realize, we have one of the best mail systems in the world One does not worry about graft, confiscation, violated privacy, slow delivery or no-address delivery in the USA Unfortunately these are hallmarks of the mail service in many countries But in the USA, you can't even hide in a small town.
David Zimmerman
Rethink Surpluse Use
In reference to the state surplus money and a possible refund to taxpayers, I remember the oil boom the extra money Oklahoma had. The then governor David Boren urged the Legislature to pay off some of the State debt with the surplus. They turned him down and refunded some to the people and spent the rest. Subsequently this caused them to later raise taxes and cut some services.
Some of the "professional" legislators who were in office at that time are still there, so they should remember the mistake then and use the extra money now to pay off some of our state debt.
Incidentally, I would be willing to give my little refund to build rest stops on our highways. This particular item is a great joke to other people talking about Oklahoma.
Ray L. Peterson
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Floyd Coppedge, state secretary of education; and Carl Renfro, chairman of the board and CEO of Pioneer Bank and Trust; addressed a crowd of business leaders Friday morning at a Project Partners meeting.
School-to-Work (STW) supporters from Blackwell, Kildare, Medford, Newkirk, Peckham, Ponca City, Tonkawa, Northern Oklahoma College and Pioneer Technology Center were in attendance to hear views on STW.
"I encourage your STW efforts. Your work is very important, especially in preparing the youth to be in the workforce. You need to know how to prepare kids, and we need to prepare them with the skills they are going to need in the workplace," said Dr. Coppedge.
Keynote speaker Renfro said, "I am one of the biggest supporters of STW, and I am also a State Regent for Higher Education. I have always been proud of the fact that Ponca City has always given children a good, quality education."
Renfro addressed the newly-released ACT scores for high school students. "The average of the ACT score on the national level was 20.1. Oklahoma had an average of 20.6, and Ponca City averaged 22.2 (Ponca City ranked 12th in the state). Unfortunately, only 62 percent of high school students took the test. This is one of the many things that I am concerned about. Fifty-one percent of Po-Hi students went to college last year, and that compares to 54 percent in the state. I feel that we've got to move in a new direction, and I think STW is one of the major steps we must take."
He went on to talk about the high drop-out rate in Kay County. "Ponca City has a drop-out rate of 8.6, where the state has a rate of 5.4. Every time the school system loses a child, the school loses $4,000. As citizens, we must make people aware that a problem exists," he said.
"I think the No. 1 cause is the breakdown of the family unit. We have so many children that come from a single parent home. The STW program provides these kids with a good adult role model. We also have a lack of discipline in the homes as well as in school. Some kids just don't respect their parents or teachers. It's important that we teach them that every kid has a chance to learn. Some people think that all is well in the school systems. I don't think many people are aware that Oklahoma is the second highest state for teen pregnancy, and Ponca City is one of the highest in the state. This is an immense problem."
Renfro also addressed the problems the workforce will face in the next couple of years.
"I was reading a workforce handbook and I was amazed at what it said. Full-time employees will become a minority and more and more of them will become self-employed, college graduates will find their skills are outdated, and some careers won't change, they will just disappear. We have large segments of society that's falling in the cracks. If we don't save them we will have major problems in the years ahead. We've got to provide students with skills, and we've got to make a difference in education," he concluded.
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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Ponca City High School has released the Superintendent's and Principal's Honor Rolls for the fall semester.
Students earning a 4.00 (or above) grade average in all solid subjects, with no incomplete grades, were named to the Superintendent's Honor Roll. Those who achieve a 3.00-3.99 grade average in solid subjects, with no incomplete grade, and no grade below a C, were named to the Principal's Honor Roll.
Superintendent's Honor Rolls
Seniors
Seniors were Linda Allie, Molly Baugh, Elizabeth Bednarski, Rachel Beguin, Arthur (Brian) Benson, Stephanie Blochowiak, Robbi Coffelt, Kristen Davis, Daniel Edwards, Kate Emig, Danike Estrada, Kristal Gauger, Courtney Gingerich, Mandy Grover, Travis Hager, Kathryn Harp (Dickinson), Amy Hayes, Zachary Hodge, Ashley Hollingsworth, Katie Johnson, Lance Johnson, Cindy Jones, Joachim Koch, Natalie Lindsay, Erin Love, Robert Maril, Jeremy Marzuola, Sarah Merrifield, Ryan Meyer, Murat Ozdemir, Emily Phillips, Jennifer Shears, Jason Shelton, Shelly Smith, Carol Stauffer, Jason Stillwell, Jeremy Stillwell, Matthew Szabo, Dominique Teichmer, Kyle Vincent, Brian Weber, Nora Wittmann and Stacie Wolf.
Juniors
Juniors were Sandra Aguilar, Matthew Boies, Lauren Brune, Bryanna Cobb, Kristina Copeland, David Donald, Lucas Elmer, Kami Enevoldsen, Thomas Engle, Becky Fisher, Romi Foreman, Sarah Hodge, Deidre King, Raymond Lahann, Scott Larrison, Anna Marczak, Marcus McCloud, Joshua Milligan, D.J. Nuzum, Gayle Otto, Paul Pashal, Lacy Patterson, Annette Priba, Terese Purkaple, Justin Ross and Sarah Scott.
Sophomores
Sophomores were James Barraclough, Brooke Boyd, Jancy Brewer, Christina Case, Laura Chaney, Amanda Cobb, Matthew Evans, Michael Goddard, Toni Hannum, Jonathon Harrison, Heather Herard, Robert Hwang, Nichole Jackman, Samuel Lewis, Scott Lewis, Maria Mendoza, Shannon Mersman, Scot Mitchell, Kathryn Mulligan, Michael Osborn, Britney Parker, Aaron Perkins, Rory Peterson, Aaron Sattre, Carol Stangeland, Allison Stotts, Laura Sudbury, Andrea Thomas, Ashley VanHoesen and Lacey Weaver.
Principal's Honor Rolls
Seniors
Seniors on the honor roll were Micha Alexander, Nikki Andrews, Sarah Anno, Kristi Anthony, Keith Arterbury, Susan Asbury, Mark Avila, Michael Avila, Jason Bailey, Brock Bakke, Benjamin Bales, Casey Barnard, Erinn Barr, Jamie Bellinghausen, Jay Bentley, Shelley Birdsong, Melissa Boelens, Steven Bogadi, Matthew Bolin, Kristi Bouchard, Carey (Rob) Bradley, Michelle Branum, J. Brad Brewer, Jill Brien, Shawn Buller, Kristin Bute, James Butler, Tina Chamberlin, Shawn Clark, Jennifer Cohenour, Stephen Collins, Jared Colvin, David Crabtree, Casey Cramer, Greg Cunningham, Sara Day, Alfred Delancy, Daniel Denny, Justin Denoya, Amanda Dickson, Brook Didlake, Sarah Dorsey, Brian Dove, Elizabeth Dunn, Jeremy Dye, Jennifer Frantz, Amy Fremin, Melissa Fuhrman, Charles Fulks, Jay Galvin, Nuvia Gamboa, Phillip Gelino, Kimberly Ghylin, Shawn Gill, Joshua Glover, Kathryn Godfrey, Cassandra Gomez, Crystal Griffith, Margaux Griffith, Jenny Hardin, Shalonda Hardman and Dee Harrison.
Mathew Harrison, Chadisty Havner (Hunt), Tyler Haynes, Ginger Hazen, Michelle Helms, Michel Hereford, Kara Hill, Adam Hobbs, Ronald Hooper, Melissa Howard, Shalanda Huff, Emily Hufnagel, William Ivie, Cathryn Jackman, Melissa Jacobs, Michael Jones, Mindy Jones, Shasta Jones, Christa Joosten, Miles Kear, Amber Keesee, Bradley Keirn, Kari Koch, Christopher Koenig, Jane Koster, Marty Kruk, Holly Ladner, Sasha Lamm, Justin Lewis, Natalie Ley, Crissi Loch, Sean Mallory, Mandy Meade, Steven Miner, Tessa Mitchell, Rachel Morrison, Michael Murray, Kristi Nash (Kirsch), Mike Norris, CJ Oster, Robert Paczkowski, Ashley Patterson, Jenna Plagmann, Denise Pollard, Heidi Rahn, Keri Ramsey, Amanda Reed, Aracely Reyes, Kasey Riley, Leslie Robertson, Jessica Robkett, Chanel Roland, Lesley Schieber, Julie Schiltz, Megan Schneeberger, Robert Scott, Holly Shelton and Justin Shurts.
Aaron Siemers, Ginger Skaggs, Ryan Smith, Scott Smith, Eric Sponamore, Ellen Sprehe, Jeff Stahl, Nick Steichen, Matt Stolhand, Rnady Stolhand, Matthew Stuemky, Aubie Tarr, Nikki Terry, Justin Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Jennifer Thornton, Amber Throop, Anthony Tillman, Ryan Treadway, Ashley Turvey, Leigh Ann Vap, Nelson Vining, Jeffrey Wallen, Keesha West, Leah White Plume, Jamal WIlliams, Phaedra Williams, Marie Wilson, Ronald Wilson, Jason Winters, Sarah Yancey, Brandy Young, Brian Young, Kevin Young and Ethan Zaitshik.
Juniors
Juniors on the honor roll were Dondi Alley, Krista Arnold, Joshua Bailey, Amber Baker, Misty Baker, Amar Bhakta, Jason Bowen, Lendsi Boyd, Jennifer Brown, Melissa Bryant, Tricia Buerger, Owen Bullard, Megan Butt, Melissa Byrd, Jennifer Caughman, Maria Conchos, Brian Connelly, Shea Conner, Carrie Cooley, Sarah Cowan, Jonathan Crabtree, Cory Cramer, Desiree Cries For Ribs, Jonathan Danek, Jennifer Davis, Dana Delaney (Cross), Samantha Docksey, Amy Dressen, Nichole Duke, Cassie Ellenwood, Andrew England, Dick Engle, Rachel Erkenbeck, James Eudy, Carrie Evans, Melissa Evans, Joshua Fields, Abby Frick, Cherie Fry, Robert Galbraith, Rachel Garlett, Brian Geubelle, Justin Greenfield, Markesha Guess, Candace Hanson, Kelby Harp, Daniel Harris, Keith Harris, Holly Harrison, Paula Hart, Jennifer Heidlage, Regina Hile, Michelle Hintergardt, Skye Howery, Brian Hraban, Ryan Ives, Elise Jeffries, Brian Jernigan, Gary (Matthew) Johnson, Amy Johnson and Shandise Jones.
Christopher Kana, Kasey Koster, Aaron Laughlin, Rebecca Lawson, Misty Lechtenberg, Marci Lee, Anne Lenhart, Lindsay Licata, James Lindsay III, Shara Long, Karina Makare, Courtney McChristian, Raechel McClain, Kyle McDaniel, Jamie McGugan, Mary McNeese, Mary Metzger, Thomas Meyer, Daniel Meyers, Vicky Meyers, Eric Michael, Crystal Miller, Kimberly Moore, Kristin Moore, Colter Moyer, TJ Murray, Wesley Murrie, Amanda Neahring, Gabor Nyikos, Paul Oblad, Carla Osorio, Sarah Pameticky, Melissa Psikal, Theresa Rathbun, Gina Rickards, Justin Rosebeary, Sarah Round, Ashley Roussel, Jennifer Runyan, Kati Salmons, Mindy Sattre, Staci Schieckram, Jonathan Schmauch, Jacquelynn Schroeder, Allyson Shafer, Joy Sharp, Clarence Shear, Katy Sikes, Bobbi Simmons, Tara Skinner, Chandra Sledge, Jason Smith, Mariah Sneath, Jill Snyder, Caydee Stalcup, John Sudbury, Scott Szabo, Wanda Taylor (Stocker), Amber Thomas, Paul Thomas, Megan Tomek, Patrick Tucker, Becky Ware, Jaima Warren, Emily Wheeler, Melissa Whitney, Mark Whitt, Tia Williams, Sharon Winters, Cheryl York, Pam Yost and Nathan Zimmerman.
Sophomores
Sophomores on the honor roll were Wade Adkins, Bilal Agha, Mea Alexander, Christal Allen, Kellie Anderson, Ashley Armstrong, Alison Arrington, Aaron Austin, Wade Bair, Tamra Banks, Heather Barker, Kallie Beck, Scott Bell, Beth Berry, Ryan Bishop, Anne Bogadi, Rodney Bonham, Jeffrey Breedlove, Heather Brooke, Kris Brown, Jeffrey Buford, Jacob Bull, Melissa Bullington, Barry Burk, Nicholas Burton, Jessica Bushaw, Carissa Calvert, Cassie Carson, Alana Cervantes, Barry Chance, Kelsey Clark, Melissa Clough, Timothy Connelly, Andrew Cooper, Isaac Coutre', Zachary Coutre', Holly Dailey, T.J. Dancey, Jacob Daniel and Karla Del Rio.
Kelle Duckett, Greg Dunham, Kyle Duren, Ashley Engle, Anthony Evans, Jessica Felix, Joshua Flood, Bradley Fox, Sterling Foy, Harrison Freeman, Jessica Freeman, Jeffrey Furnas, Angela Galvin, Cynthia Garcia, Clake Geubelle, Crystal Gill, Mark Goddard, Paula Golay, Emily Goodale, Lacey Goodger, Aubrey Griffith, G. Glynn Hamlin, Keena Hand, Sandra Hardiman, Christina Hassell, Anna Heagy, Jared Heidlage, Brianna Hermanson, Courtney Higgins, Courtney Hill, Terrie Hill, Brooke Hines, Tara Hock, Cameron Hollingsworth, Micah Honick, Drew Hopkins, Calyn Howe, Laura Hoy, Kendi Hutchinson, Andrea Johnson, Alison Jones, Melissa Jones, Kari Keating, Brandon Keirn, Heather Kelle, Scott King, Andrew Kirby, Billie Kiser, Karen Klinger, Melody Knedler, Lindsey Knight, M. Brandon Knight, Alexander Kolliopoulos, Andrew Kreger, Mika Kruck, Nick Kruckeberg and Andrea Land.
Cory Landes, Daniel Lee, Joanna Lee, Michael Leonard, Jessica Leung, Sean Love, Ashley Luis, Tori Luis, Marie Masse, Christopher McCool, Tom McDaniel, Sarah McGaughey, Josie McGee, Fletcher Meister, Martha Mendoza, Jarod Merle, Araceli Mora, Matt Morris, Ashley Mott, Adrienne Myers, Kambra Nance, Mindy Neilson, Jason Neuerburg, Lecia Newland, Sebastian Olejniczak, Gena Osborn, Joan Penarubia, Alison Pickens, Heather Pilgrim, Brenna Powell, Jamie Price, Marcus Pugh, Audra Ramsey, Jusith Reyes, Jason Rhea, Jessica Rhoads, Kristl Richardson, Corey Roberts, Heather Rogers, Shawna Rolland, Tamara Rosebery, Katie Rutherford, Mohammad Salama, Brenda Saltarelli, Kami Schieber, Stacie Schneeberger, Alicia Sensintaffar, Erin Shaw, Maria Simpson, Bret Skaggs, Aoana Smith, Angela Smith, Cody Smith, Ryan Smith, Tara Smith, Claire Sonnichsen, Heather Staires, Anthony Stark, Caleb Stevenson, Rodd Stewart, Leah Stieber, Nichole Stuemky, Ritchie Sturdevant, Tyler Sullivan, Amy Summers, Eric Swenson, Taylor Thomas, Ryan Trout, Matthew Waddell, Jessica Wayman, Chad Whitsitt, Claire Winterrowd, Julie Wittmer, Lindsay Woolever, Mindy Worley, Tony Yelle and Joshua Young.
Middle School Announces Honors Rolls for Fall Term
The Principal and Faculty Honor Rolls have been released for the fall semester from Ponca City Middle School.
Students earning a 4.00 (or above) grade average in all subjects, with no incomplete grades, were named to the Principal's Honor Roll. Those who achieve a 3.00-3.99 grade average in solid subjects, with no incomplete grade, were named to the Faculty Honor Roll.
Principal's Honor Roll
Students on the Principal's Honor Roll were Chelsie Baldwin, Megan Baugh, Lauren Boyd, Clifford Chao, Christopher Cobb, Leslee Cooper, Chelsy Delaney, Mackenzie Fender, Allison Ford, Garrett Hardy, Graden Hardy, Brian Harrison, Lance Highfill, Lisa Hover, Chance Hunt, Katherine Jacobs, Gavan Jenkinson, Kyra Jones, Jennifer Kiser, Ann Kruckeberg, Linn Kruckeberg, Drew Lancaster, Erin Land, Kristy Lau, Susannah Lee, Morgan Meister, Kayla Mills, Janessa Mitchell, Shannon Muchmore, Stacy Murray, Cassie Neahring, Lindsay Niemann, Shelia Payne, Brent Purkaple, Patrick Quinn, Terah Sample, Lilly Sanchez, Corey Shafer, Pamela Snow, Laura Sprehe, Lindsay Stafford, Mark Stahl, Jennifer Stone, Candice Threestars, Kelli Wedd, Kenneth White, Jamie Winslow and Rachel Yeakley.
Faculty Honor Roll
Students on the Faculty Honor Roll were Amber Adams, Mandi Adams, Joshua Alcantra, Matthew Allen, Jae Anderson, Melissa Arambula, Michael Bales, Holley Barnett, Jeremy Beguin, Jacob Behara, Courtney Bickel, Kathleen Blake, Garrett Bowers, Daniel Bradberry, Lacey Broadwater (Ryan), Dvonne Brock, Clifton Brown, Kera Brown, Anna Bryer, Cortney Burns, Kathy Bush, Amber Bute, Courtney Calvert, Sean Carleton, Lauren Cartlidge, Chelsey Clark, Lee Coburn, Chance Coldiron, Kassandra Coldiron, Matthew Combes, Pablo Conchos, Cassidy Conley, Blake Cook, Brittany Cook, Trevor Copple, Kyle Correll, Jenny Cowan, Kansas Craft, Josh Culver, Adam Dailey, Joanna Dailey, Caroline Delodge, Sarah Denny, Bradley Dexter, Matthew Dexter, Matthew Dickey, Gracin Dorsey, Austin Drumm, Mandrell Dumas, Michael Duran, Scott Eaton, Gerrilynn Eddinger (Garza), Katrina Emmons, Antoine English, Kaci Epperson and Jennifer Ernst.
Others were Aimee Escue, Samantha Estes, Justin Evans, Maria Favela, Raul Favela, Tyler Fezer, Ryan Field, Jenna Fisher, Melissa Fore, Meredith Frazee, Zachary Gales, Katelyn Galloway, Antonio Garcia, Gladys Garcia, Michael Giebel, Tonya Gillogly, Ryan Goodman, Cherokee Gossage, John Graham, Kyle Graham, Jeremy Greenfield, Jennifer Gregg, Tammy Halford, Morgan Ham, Nicole Ham, Jennifer Hambleton, Darci Hamrick, Heather Hanson, Christopher Hardiman, Leah Harris, Melanie Harris, Casey Hassell, Donald Hazlewood, Ashley Hendrickson, Ashton Herbert, Miguel Hernandez, Randall Heyer, Chelsey Hill, Keith Hines, Melissa Hoffman, Briann Holley, Ashley Holloway, Kristina Huddleston, Leslie Hudson, Allison Hufnagel, Brian Humble, Chad Hunter, Amber Hutson, Jeffery Jackson, Brittany Jensen, Ryan Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Jason Jones, Micaela Jones, Adam Joosten, Danielle Keim, Nicholas (Jon) Kempenich, Darbi Kinkaid, Lindsey Klick, Jeffrey Kruck, R.N. Lambert, Jeffrey Lanham, Jessop Larue, Bethany Lewis, Jasmine Lewis, Joey Luis, Benjamin Lundeen, Sean Lunsford, Nathanael Macy, Blake Mallory, Halli Martin, Jacob Martin, Justin Mathews, Andrew McAllister, Cheyenne McBride, Ronald McCray, Jared McCulley, Jamie McDougall, Adam McGaughey, Hilary McKay, Nickolas McKee, Kyle Megenity, Lindsey Mersman and Amber Myers.
Mathew Miller, Kelli Milligan, Amy Moriarty, Steven Morris, David Myers, Sarah Myers, Michael Naden, Kyle Nelson, James (Jay) Norris, Loren O'Connor, Sarah Parker, Kenda Payne, Eric Peeples, Ebony Phillips, Angela Pitts, Stephanie Powers, Jamie Prado, Rocio Reyes, James Rhea, Cari Roberts, Candice Robinson, Lisa Robinson, Angel Rodriques, Katherine Roland, Neil Rosebeary, Jennifer Rupert, Angela Rutledge, Jeffrey Seymour, Tara Sharp, Katrina Shields, Shelly Sills, Victoria Sisco, Krystal Smith, Tiffany Smith, Jennifer Spielbusch, Melissa Strangeland, Katie Stanton, Elizabeth Stark, Samantha Starn, Nicole Starnes, Keara Stevens, Keagan Stolhand, Amanda Stone, Mark Strange, Joseph Stransky, Ryan Sullivan, Heather Summers, Lyndsay Suttles, Tiffany Swanson, Chastity Swindall, Adam Taylor, Crystal Taylor, Micah Tipton, Molly Tomek, Kristan Trepton, Jesse Tucker, Aaron Upshaw, Ajay Vaidya, Cody VanHoesen, Sarah Viele, Kelle Waddell, Colette Wade, Amanda Waldron, Audrey Walker, Chad Walker, Chance Walker, Jaelynn Warren, Ryan Waters, Tiffany Weaver, Alicia Welch, Susan Wells, Kyle Wentroth, Jacob Williams, Amber Wright, Ann Ziegennain, Lorann Zoski and Molly Zoski.
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School
Lunch
Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Pizza Inn, Subway, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell Burritos.
Mid-High
Lunch
Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino's, Subway, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell Burritos.
High School Lunch
Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Hut and Subway Sandwiches.
All American
Training Table
Monday-Friday - Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches and salads, seasonal fruit.
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
Mid-High
Jan. 19
Jan. 20
Jan. 22
Jan. 23
Po-Hi
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
"The face of the homeless child has not changed in 100 years," said a social worker recently. At the turn of the century, homelessness was a children's issue. One hundred years later - it still is, even in Ponca City. Soup-Bowl Sunday, set for Jan. 25, is promoted to help the homeless children of Ponca City.
Unknown to most local residents Peachtree Landing shelter for the homeless in Ponca City served 407 children between the ages of 1-18 in 1997.
"Children comprise 30 percent of the homeless population in our area," says Carmaleta Wesbrook, director. "Despite the state's economic upturn, children still suffer and unfortunately the numbers tell us we are not sharing that prosperity with our children."
"A child never chooses to be homeless or live in poverty," she continued. "As a community, we can help ensure that no child's future is jeopardized by the size of his family's pocketbook."
The goal of Peachtree Landing is to increase public awareness of family homelessness and to empower homeless families with the tools they need to move beyond homelessness into employment and stability.
"It is a complex task, but collaboration between individuals, groups and the community can make it a success," Wesbrook said. Currently the homeless shelter is helped by the United Way, local churches and individual contributions, but the budget is limited.
Citizens may help Peachtree help the homeless during Peachtree's Third Annual "Soup Bowl Sunday" fundraiser in local and area churches. Several churches will support this event by the passing of soup bowls and baskets in various services and in Sunday School classes. All churches have been contacted about the event and asked to participate.
If not attending church that day, interested citizens may make or mail "soup bowl" donations to Peachtree Landing, 105 West Hazel, Ponca City, OK 74601.
In addition to the 407 children served at Peachtree Landing in 1997, 949 men and women were also served. More than 4,068 meals were served to the homeless.
Attesting to the success of the local shelter, 46 percent of the homeless left Peachtree landing with employment and 65 percent left with permanent housing, which provided improved environment for the homeless children in the Ponca City area.
Don Coldsmith, author, will visit Ponca City Saturday to sign copies of his books, and especially to introduce his new hardcover titled "Medicine Hat" which has recently been published by the University of Oklahoma Press.
He will meet the public and autograph books from 1 to 3 p.m. at Brace Books and More on North Fourteenth Street. Many will remember Coldsmith from his previous visits to Ponca City, when his series called "The Spanish Bit Saga" was in its early stages.
"Medicine Hat" continues the saga, but is a stand-alone historical novel which tells of a daring search for spiritual meaning in the American West of the 1700s.
Pipe Bearer is a young holy man of the Elk Dog People, who sets out with his wife, Otter Woman, on a vision quest to find the meaning of the sacred coloring on a foal born to his mare. The colt bears markings resembling the headdress of a holy man, the medicine hat.
This latest novel in Coldsmith's Spanish Bit Saga of the Plains Indians is told as a story around the lodge fire in the voices of both Pipe Bearer and Otter.
In the introduction, Coldsmith informs the reader that "among the horses of the American West, there is a rare, but recognized, color marking, the 'medicine hat.' It is most commonly encountered among the breeds associated with northern mustang stock, which in turn descended from the Spanish Andalusians.
"The medicine hat occurs on an animal with a white or light base color, such as a light roan. The ears are dark, red or blue-gray, and a narrow strip of this color runs across the top of the head, joining the dark ears as a single unit. Viewed from front or back, the animal appears to be wearing a headdress like that of a holy man, a fur cap with the animal's ears still attached - 'a medicine hat.' These animals have few other markings, possibly only dark 'points,' such as stockings, mane, and tail."
Tickets for one of the most famous groups in rock and roll history, The Diamonds, go on sale Monday at the Poncan Theatre on Grand. The Diamonds will perform at the Poncan Theatre on Friday, Feb. 6, kicking off the Poncan's 1998 season.
"We're very excited about having The Diamonds here in Ponca City," says Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan. "They were present at the creation of rock and roll," he says. "And they still put on this great show that brings standing ovations all over the world."
For example, just last year they had phenomenal audience response in Hawaii and then they were a sellout in nearby Wichita, too. "People everywhere just adore them," Wessel said.
"We've wanted the Diamonds for a long time," says Wessel. The Poncan hoped to bring one of the early rock and roll groups to Ponca City. "The Diamonds have a long list of big-time hit parade songs." They recorded 15 Top 40 singles, and they had two Top 40 Country singles to boot.
"But we also wanted to be sure we got a group that still puts on a terrific show," Wessel adds. "And The Diamonds are exciting, crowd-pleasing performers who really know how to light up the theater."
Among the most famous Diamonds hits are "Silhouettes" (which people seem to remember as "Silhouettes On the Shade"), "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "Zip Zip," "The Stroll," and one of the most famous rock and roll tunes ever, "Little Darlin."
"This music is charming," says Wessel." "It appeals to everyone, young and old."
The Diamonds are brought to the Poncan Theatre through the corporate sponsorship of Pioneer Bank and Trust. "The folks at Pioneer have been extremely generous to us," says Wessel.
Tickets for The Diamonds are available at the Poncan Theatre. The Poncan Theatre office has new, regular hours, Wessel says. The office will be open Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m., and other times can be arranged. Patrons may also purchase tickets at the box office on the night of performance.
Tickets to The Diamonds are $10, $15, and $20, and they're selling fast, according to Wessel. For more information, patrons may call the Poncan at (580) 765-0943.
Ponca City
Divorces Granted
Civil Proceedings
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Divorces Granted
Criminal Proceedings
The Dallas Children's Theatre returns to the Poncan Theatre Saturday with a production of "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk."
Last year, they brought a beautiful production of "Cinderella" to the Poncan.
DCT is one of the most prestigious groups of its kind in the nation, according to Poncan director Kenn Wessel. "They are certainly one of the best touring groups for young people in the whole southwest region," he says.
The performance begins at 2 p.m.
This production is an original script by the resident playwright of the Dallas Children's Theatre, Linda Daugherty. Ms Daugherty has won several awards as a writer for youth theater. The production also features original music.
According to Wessel, one of the attributes that makes DCT special is their willingness to develop new material. "They're always exploring ways of contemporizing classic children's materials, without losing sight of the original works," he says.
They like to modernize the story, but with restraint. In last year's production of Cinderella, the young girl was made more independent than in the traditional versions of the story. She was able to think for herself, and the fairy Godmother facilitated Cinderella's wishes without usurping the girl's decisions. Still, most of the original lines of the story were intact.
"DCT is conscientious about the lessons that are being modeled on the stage for young people," Wessel says.
This script of "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk" has some added characters, too. There are townspeople and a friend of Jack who are all affected by Jack's decision to take the Giant's hen. The story communicates the implications of Jack's actions for other people around him. Dallas Children's Theatre also has very fine production values. The sets and costumes are always well-designed and well-built, and the professional performances are strong.
"I hope that more families come to the DCT performance this year," says Wessel. "At the Poncan, we feel that one of the most important values of the theater is the ability to communicate to young people."
"Last year's production of Cinderella was really exceptional," says Ponca Citian Larry Buck. "It was the kind of theater you want your children to see, and it's too bad more kids didn't get to see it."
Maybe this year will be different.
Tickets to "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk" are available at Ponca City banks, at the Poncan Theatre, and at the door. The Poncan Theatre office is open Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. All seats are $5.
For more information, patrons may call the theater at (580) 765-0943.
Tina Kambour of "Kambour Dance Theatre" will give a special class for young dancers at the Poncan Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 7. Then her troupe will perform for an audience at the Poncan Theatre that evening at 7:30 p.m. Both events are free.
The dance workshop will be held at 10 a.m. at the Poncan.
"It's available to any student who has at least three years' training," says Ms. Kambour.
Kambour's own work is primarily modern, but students with any kind of training are welcome to participate. Ballet and jazz dancers will also find this workshop useful and exciting.
The Kambour Dance Theatre performs around the country, but their home is Norman. Ms Kambour is on the faculty of the University of Central Oklahoma.
Students who are interested in participating in the workshop should contact Kenn Wessel, coordinator of Ponca City Arts and Humanities, at the Poncan Theatre. The number there is (580) 765-0943.
"We're developing a list because there is only a limited number of students we can accommodate," he says. "But this is an exciting opportunity for young dancers to work with someone who is a wonderful dancer and a terrific teacher as well." "I always believe that it's a good idea to get as many different kinds of experience as possible," he says. "Most of the local teachers of dance seem to think so, too."
The workshop is free to anyone who wishes to participate, and the Kambour Dance Theatre performance is free to anyone who wishes to attend.
These events are sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Conoco, and the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council. For more information, call (580) 765-0943.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) thanks KATT Radio and KATT listeners throughout Oklahoma who participated in the annual statewide OBI/KATT blood drive on Jan. 10.
KATT blood drives were hosted by Crossroads Mall and Quail Springs Mall in Oklahoma City, Oakwood Mall in Enid, Skateland in Chickasha, Ada Chamber of Commerce, Wewoka Civic Center, and Wal-Mart in Ardmore, Durant and Weatherford.
A total of 1,004 Oklahomans participated in this year's drive, with 884 individuals visiting the KATT mobile blood drives, and 120 people volunteering to donate at OBI donor centers throughout the state, including the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center.
"We would like to thank everyone who celebrated the new year by participating in our annual blood drive with KATT Radio," said Suzanne McCombs, OBI director of communications and donor recruitment. "Thanks to our generous blood donors, we are able to continue providing a safe and adequate blood supply to patients throughout Oklahoma."
KATT and OBI also congratulate Lisa Toyekoya of Anadarko, winner of a drawing for a black Washburn guitar autographed by Sammy Hagar, and Jeff King of Fitzhugh, winner of a Rolling Stones Library courtesy of KATT Radio.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute is a regional, not-for-profit blood center supplying blood to more than 65 hospitals within the state, including all Oklahoma City hospitals.
The Child Development Center board of directors recently announced the annual chili/hot dog supper to benefit the Center will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the First Christian Church
On the menu will be homemade chili, hot dogs, chili-dogs, homemade desserts, and drinks. Tickets for adults will be $4 and children's tickets are $2. Tickets may be purchased from CDC board members or at the door the night of the supper.
Funds will be used for supplies and other needs at the Child Development Center, which was organized in January 1966 by Church Women United for young children of low-income families.
"The center was created for children of low-income families in the preschool formative years, when foundations of love, trust, and feelings of adequacy and belonging are being formed. Tuition is based on the parent's ability to pay," says Kaye Motz, board member.
The first center was opened in the activity building of the First Christian Church, and changed several times before finding a permanent home at 344 South Elm Street.
"CDC can provide quality care and a safe and healthy environment because of the community support it receives each year, through United Way, local churches and businesses, and individuals," said Motz.
Children from ages 10 month to 6 years are accepted and the Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visitors are welcome at the Child Development Center at any time.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
"There's No Business Like Show Business," and Lara Teeter, former Ponca City kid, really knows how to prove it to Ponca City Community Concert members.
Michael MaGuire and Debbie Gravitte, Tony Award winners directed by Teeter, came "Direct from Broadway," and kept the Community Concert warmly entertained during a cold, wet, freezing night, during the Jan. 9 concert at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
Clever patter, dancing, competitive banter, with all Broadway stage moves intact - the attractive couple sang through favorite tunes from popular musicals "Annie Get Your Gun," "Camelot," "The Follies," "The Pajama Game," "The Music Man," during Act One. Equally popular tunes and routines from favorite shows were just as exciting during the second act.
The powerful, rich baritone of MaGuire thrilled the audience as he expertly crooned numerous familiar love songs and emulated the vocal and acting talents of Robert Preston singing "Ya Got Trouble" - right here in River City!
Gravitte - feisty and cute - danced and flirted around the tall, handsome MaGuire, adding her Broadway voice to the numerous duets and kicking her way through "I Want to Be a Rockette."
During the second act the two were more romantically inclined as they performed "Two Lost Souls" from "Damn Yankees" then sat on the front of the stage and sang "Love Song" from "Pippin." They poured their heart, souls and talent into "Love Me or Leave Me"
The most magnificent performance of the evening was a solo "Suddenly, Seymour" by MaGuire as his rich baritone filled the auditorium, confirming New York critics rave reviews of his vocal talents.
"Sunset Boulevard" was another busy piece with dancing and sassy confrontation. Several other numbers by the two included "Memory" from "Cats;" the favorite "Music Of The Night," from "Phantom of the Opera," and the dance and dazzle ending "Hey There, Good Times," from "I Love My Wife."
The two received an enthusiastic standing ovation and repeated the chorus from "Good Times," dancing off the stage to end the evening of romance, remembrance and top-notch Broadway entertainment.
Community Concert members and guests left the auditorium smiling and commenting on the highly entertaining Broadway show, calling it cute, romantic, funny, fast and exciting.
One final and fourth concert for the year will be the "Vancouver Wind Trio," to be presented Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
A lack of compliance with the newly imposed restricted left turn from Patton Drive onto Fourteenth Street has city officials, city police and at least one city business upset.
The traffic commission recommended and city commission approved, restricting left turns at that intersection in attempt to reduce accidents and reduce delays for those turning right. However, the response and outcome of their efforts is not what was expected.
Although the no left turn signs for eastbound traffic have been installed at the intersection since Oct. 17 compliance has been somewhat low. According to Traffic Engineering Director Mike Lane, a recent compliance study, conducted at the intersection during peak hours, showed an estimated 145 illegal turns in a 12-hour period.
Further, the figures show that only 70 percent of drivers are observing and obeying the restriction while a whopping 30 percent are ignoring it and/or failing to observe it. "Before the restriction was approved, approximately 50 percent of the traffic in a 12-hour period turned left at that intersection," Lane said. "After the restrictions the number has decreased by only 20 percent."
That lack of compliance has prompted the city police department to begin a "crack-down" at the intersection. Beginning Monday an officer will be posted at the intersection for the exclusive purpose of ticketing violators - those turning left at the intersection.
Ignoring the sign and law can be expensive. The fine for such violation is $72. However, if a drive is involved in an accident while failing to obey the restriction, the fine increases to $122.
One area businesses has been affected by the restricted left turn lane and the lack of compliance. In an attempt to avoid the restriction, some drivers are cutting through a nearby parking lot in order to make the turn. "There was no problem of people cutting through our parking lot until the sign went up," Photo Pro Manager Kevin Leven said. "Now we have at least 5-6 drivers a day, every day, driving through our parking lot in order to turn left onto Fourteenth Street."
It is against the law to "cut through a parking lot" for the sole purpose of avoiding a traffic sign and/or signal. The fine for that violation is $57.
There are several reasons given for the high rate of noncompliance. "Part of it could be drivers not seeing the signs," Lane explained. "And the other reason is people are just flat ignoring it. If people don't see the need they tend to ignore it."
All residents living in the area west of the railroad tracks, east of Ash Street, south of Grand Avenue and north of South Avenue are invited to attend a Neighborhood Involvement Meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue.
The purpose of the meeting is to meet Ponca City Police Officer Tom Burg, who is assigned to the area, and to discuss specific problems, concerns and ideas for the west side area.
The meeting is being held as part of the newly-enacted Westside Program which is aimed at reducing crime and aiding citizens in the west side of the city.
"This is a program that will only work with the involvement of concerned neighbors," Major Clayton Johnson stated. "We are asking people to attend so that the West Side Neighborhood can grow stronger and better."
Speakers this month include Johnson and Marvin Clark of the Westside Neighborhood Association. For more information call Officer Burg at the Lincoln Center at 763-8069 or the police department at 767-0370.
Daniel Meyers and Eric Hisey, both of Boy Scout Troop 90, recently completed Eagle Scout projects for Hospice of Ponca City.
Both projects involved Hospice's durable medical equipment storage and delivery. Equipment such as hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, overbed tables is provided to Hospice patients. Some equipment is available for short-term loan to the public.
Meyers, son of Jeff and Suzy Meyers, designed and built a storage system for the equipment. With the help of other scouts, he designed and installed a pegboard system to hang walkers, canes, and other equipment to better utilize storage space.
Under Daniel's direction, the scouts also built three large heavy-duty shelving units to store shower stools and equipment that cannot be hung. The shelving units were designed to allow storage of wheelchairs below them. Melody Lahann, administrative director, says the storage system has freed much-needed floor space to allow storage of large items, such as hospital beds and hydraulic lifts.
"We were running out of storage space and couldn't imagine trying to find another building to accommodate all our equipment," she says. "Daniel worked very closely with me to assure best use of the space as well as ease of use for our staff."
Hisey, son of Glenda and Don Hisey, designed a system for the Hospice delivery van that permits safer transportation of equipment, including oxygen tanks. The system involves a series of panels and straps that can be adjusted to keep equipment from shifting during transport.
"Not only was this needed for safety reasons," says Lahann, "but it also allows us to meet federal guidelines regarding transport of medical equipment."
Hisey worked with Hospice staff member Herb Rains to design the system. He also studied several other transport systems before completing the final design.
Lahann says the whole Hospice of Ponca City staff is excited about the two projects.
"We have lots of volunteers who provide support for us," she says, "but not many teenagers get involved with Hospice. We're so pleased both Daniel and Eric chose us for their projects!"
Volunteer Coordinator Tamie Barnes adds that there are many projects that can be done by younger volunteers and encourages anyone interested in helping Hospice to give her a call at 762-9102.
You can "Catch Freedom in Flight," during a special program and viewing of the American bald eagle, Saturday at Kaw Lake, just east of Kaw City and at the Kaw Hydroelectric Power Plant at Kaw Dam just east of Ponca City.
"This is one of the major eagle viewing events in the state," said Bruce Ackerman, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority.
The Kaw Lake Association in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Diversity Program and OMPA will offer participants the rare opportunity to learn about the American bald eagle. Also assisting with the programs will be the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the cities of Ponca City and Kaw City.
The first program begins at 10 a.m. at the Kaw City Community Center, just off Oklahoma 11, south of Buffy's Restaurant. Mark Howery, biologist with ODWC, will present slides on the history of the eagle and its habitat. Alan Jenkins, assistant director of the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center, Bartlesville, will feature "Sequoyah," a mature bald eagle, along with the program. Free coffee and doughnuts will be served to participants by Kaw Lake Association members.
Following the educational programs, participants are invited to caravan around to the north side of Kaw Lake with stops to view the American bald eagles. Good viewing places include just east of Kaw City near the Kaw City Bridge over Kaw Lake and at Washunga Bay, east of the Kaw City bridge and north of Okla 11.
From 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Kaw Hydroelectric Power Plant at Kaw Dam, just east of Ponca City, OMPA will sponsor a program by Park Ranger Kelly Van Zandt and the ODWC. A video about bald eagles will be presented, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and Phil Henderson will speak on eagle history and habitats. Joining Henderson will be his golden eagle, "Ebony." Making a second appearance for the day will be Alan Jenkins and "Sequoyah."
The Kaw Lake Association, ODWC, OMPA and the city of Ponca City will have exhibits as well. At 1:30 p.m. participants may join the group viewing eagles south of Kaw Dam along the Arkansas River.
For additional information, contact Kathy Tippen, Kaw Lake Association, (580) 765-8043, Bruce Ackerman with OMPA (405)340-5047 or Jeremy Garrett, ODWC at (405) 521-4663.
by Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
The softening unit at the water treatment plant is once again "down and out." The same unit was shut down just a week before the scheduled dedication of the newly renovated and upgraded plant. And it may be another week before the unit is repaired and once again "on-line."
The new unit is part of the recently completed $9.2 million renovations at the city water treatment facility. Public Works Director Ken Parr says that a broken valve and pump caused this shutdown. The last one was caused by a broken belt in the chain drive.
According to Parr, the valve that broke was faulty and defective. "That valve should have lasted at least 20 years," Parr stated. "Out of 40-50 new valves installed in the renovations, this single one happened to be defective."
The second shutdown of the softening unit in less than four months, the Public Works director does seem worried. He says that problems of this type are not unusual with renovations and upgrades of this magnitude.
"When putting a new plant 'on-line' where there are so many new parts, lines, valves and pumps, you are bound to encounter a few problems," Parr explains. "That is why we insist on and have a one-year repair warranty in place with the general contractor." He added that the current repairs are under warranty and the work is being done by the general contractor not by city crews.
Shut down for several weeks, the lengthy delay in repairing the unit is due to parts having to be special ordered. "In the future we plan to have parts of this nature in stock so as to eliminate any delays in repairs," Parr says.
If the smell or taste of the water has changed recently, the reason is the shutdown. However, Parr emphasizes that the quality of drinking water will not be affected.
"The water is still being treated in accordance with all EPA and Department of Environmental Quality requirements and standards," Parr says. "The temporary loss of the softening unit will not affect the quality of the water, only the softness of the water."
The Ponca City Multiple Sclerosis Group will meet Monday in the basement (accessible) of Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, to hear Doug Wilson, physical therapist, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, speak.
All multiple sclerosis clients, caregivers/friends, and interested medical personnel are invited to attend this meeting. Wilson will talk about physical therapy, focusing particularly on general muscle tone and pain management.
This group has also learned that physical activity is a way of expressing emotions in a healthy way, sometimes helping to avoid depression. Wilson will have some tips on exercising without triggering the overwhelming fatigue so characteristic of MS.
For more information, call Dr. Kip or Beth Wright at 765-6738 or Harry Gartside at 767-1458.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Lambert Construction Company, Stillwater, was awarded a contract in the amount of $2,894,300, for the Howell Building and Commons Area renovations at Ponca City High School after the Ponca City Board of Education accepted its bid at Friday's special board meeting.
Troy Lewis, Lewis Associate Architects, told the board that three bids were received Dec. 4, 1997, for this project. The low bid from Lambert Construction Company was over the budget. "At the request of the school board and with the assistance of the school administration, I have completed a study of numerous cost-saving ideas that will bring the project within the budget. These cost saving items can be implemented later on during construction," said Lewis.
"Lambert Construction Company of Stillwater did a great job in building the Math/Science/Business Center last year. They are a very reputable company with a long history of successful projects in Northern Oklahoma. They are large enough to handle this size of project, and I see no reason to disqualify their bid. Therefore, my recommendation to the board is to award the contract to the low bidder, Lambert Construction."
Lewis went on to say that several change orders will arise after construction begins and that it should bring the contract amount down to $2,579,300.
The Canopy Project for $55,000 was also approved and will be paid for out of interest money, and a $75,000 Contingency Fund was set.
Postponed Items
Other items in the amount of $1,550,000 were postponed due to the high bids received. These items will be funded from bond interest, building fund or a future bond election.
Some of the postponed items from the Howell Building include painting the exterior, replacing windows, upgrading toilets, improving lockers, adding an elevator, Howell Auditorium renovations, and adding a third floor lab.
Moving the freshmen to Po-Hi will have to be postponed until construction work on the Anderson Building is complete. Remodeling locker rooms, toilets and adding lighting and painting of the gymnasium will also be postponed.
Lewis said, "We have accomplished a lot of what we set out to do. We have a new Math/Science/Business Center, a new student entry, new parking and many other things. We've done a lot."
Steve Stalcup, board member, said, "I want the public to know that everything we have set out to do will be done, we just need to know how much interest we will be earning."
Other board members commented, "We will bring Ponca City High School into the 21st century."
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Ponca City Area Literacy Council has been awarded a $9,764 grant to assist in its educational efforts, state Rep. Jim Newport announced Friday.
Barbara Brown, director of the council, said the organization will use the grant money to design and print new promotional materials, install a new software program, implement a new assessment program and send participants to a national conference in Ohio later this year.
Newport (R-Ponca City) said the grant is part of the first-ever state appropriation for literacy that totaled $225,746. The grant is being administered by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
The Ponca City Area Literacy Council is a volunteer organization providing free tutoring and remedial assistance in reading, English as a second language and math. Approximately 175 people participated in the program last year with more than 40 volunteers serving as tutors, Brown said.
The organization operates on private and corporate donations and special fund raising events.
NEWKIRK - The USDA Farm Service Agency office here will be closed
Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday federal holiday,
according to county executive director J.D. Elwood Jr.
DEATHS
Ken E. Feathers, Ponca City resident, died Friday, Jan. 16, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 59.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 1998, in the Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Leland Peterson officiating. Services will be under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Ken Leathers was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Ponca City, the son of Sam D. and Ruby (Fergerson) Leathers. He grew up in Ponca City and received his education in the Ponca City schools, graduating from Po-Hi in 1958.
He lived in California and Wisconsin for several years before returning to Ponca City in 1969. At the time of his death he was employed by Thorn Apple Valley.
He was married to Ann Kelley in 1963 and later to Bonnie Davenport. He was a member of the Community Christian Church and enjoyed farming and helping others.
Surviving are two sons, Chris and Lynn Leathers, and a daughter, Debra, all of Florida; his mother, Ruby of Perry, Okla.; a brother, R. Max Leathers, Ponca City; two sisters, Jan Harney, Perry, Okla. and Mary Beth Austin of Colleyville, Texas; and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for diabetes research at 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
The family will be at the Max Leathers home, 12 Donner Place.
Ivy Bristow, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 77.
A private family graveside service was held Friday, Jan. 16, 1998, at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Born on Feb. 18, 1920, in Glympie, Queensland, Australia, she was the daughter of William Adison and Mary Rebecca (McLeod) Jamie. She graduated from high school in Australia.
On April 8, 1943, she was married to Glenn J. Bristow in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She came to the United States on a boat that took almost a month of traveling time. On March 6, 1946, she arrived in San Francisco, Calif., and began her journey to Ponca City.
She worked for 12 years as a nurse's aid at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and retired in 1985. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and all the neighborhood cats were her pets.
She is survived by her husband, Glenn, of the home; daughters, Mary Stevens, Grand Prairie, Texas; and Jennifer Clowers, Garland, Texas; one son, Ora Glenn Bristow, Raymondville, Texas; two sisters, Mavis Jamie and Jean Tiernan, two brothers, Laurie Jamie and Angus Jamie all of Australia; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, seven brothers and sisters preceded her in death.
FAIRFAX - Alpha Wilson, former Ralston resident, died Friday morning Jan. 16, 1998, in the Fairfax Manor Nursing Home. She was 80.
Graveside services will be held Monday, Jan. 19, 1998, at 10 a.m. in the Fairfax Cemetery with the Rev. George Weston officiating. Services will be under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.
She was born Jan. 3, 1918, in Kentucky and moved to Oklahoma as a child. She was the daughter of John G. and Lucy Mae Martin Smith. She married Marion Ralph Wilson on March 18, 1951, in Ralston, Okla. She attended the HELP Workshop in Pawhuska during 1996 and enjoyed coloring pictures, looking through catalogs, shopping, bingo, and eating at restaurants.
She is survived by two sisters, Hilda Freeman of Fairfax, Okla., and Verda Sitterly of Fort Worth, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband on Sept. 7, 1979, sisters Ula Mae Shea and Ellen Schultz, and brothers Walter and Clarence Smith.
Wayne E. Love, Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, Jan. 17, 1998,
at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 70. Funeral arrangements
are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Vehicle Blockade - At 6:59 a.m. Friday police received a call from a person in the 3500 block of Springwood reporting that a vehicle parked incorrectly in a nearby parking lot was blocking other vehicles and preventing them from leaving. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 37-year-old man at 7:53 a.m. Friday from the 300 block of South Fourteenth Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Theft - At 8:18 a.m. Friday police received a report that a guest at Econo Lodge, 212 South Avenue, had money stolen from one of the room. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Hit - A person reported to police at 8:39 a.m. Friday about hitting another vehicle but was now unable to locate the other vehicle. An officer was assigned.
Vehicle Vandalism - A resident in the 1000 block of South Fifth Street reported to police at 10:17 a.m. Friday that all four tires of a vehicle had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 11:15 a.m. Friday from the 200 block of East Detroit Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - At 11:17 a.m. Friday a one-vehicle, non-injury accident was reported at the high school. A report was taken.
Arrest - At 1:27 p.m. Friday police arrested an 18-year-old man form the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue for domestic assault and battery.
Arrest - A 32-year-old man was arrested at 2:11 p.m. Friday from the 300 block of South Lake Street on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Locks Unlocked - At 2:52 p.m. Friday the owner of a mini storage in the 800 block of North Union Street, reported that someone had been cutting the locks of the units. Nothing was taken and the locks were just left on the ground.
Accident - An accident at North Fourteenth Street and Crawford Avenue was reported to police at 3:07 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 45-year-old woman at 4:07 p.m. Friday from Ash Street and Riviera Avenue for driving under suspension and no seat belt.
Accident - At 5:31 p.m. Friday police were notified of a two-vehicle accident at Fourteenth Street and Lake Road. A report was taken.
Theft - At 6 p.m. Friday a woman reported to police that CDs were taken from her car while it was at a repair shop. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Purse Stolen - At 6:10 p.m. Friday a woman reported that her purse was stolen while in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken.
Pole Hit - At 6:32 p.m. Friday police were notified by a man that he had damaged his vehicle when he hit a pole in a parking lot in the 2900 block of North Union Street.
Skate Boarders - Police were called to the high school at 7:13 p.m. Friday in order to have skate boarders removed. An officer was assigned.
Beer Theft - At 7:53 p.m. Friday Albertsons, 2101 North Fourteenth Street, reported to police that two cases of beer had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - Police were notified at 10:22 p.m. Friday that Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, had a gas drive-off. However, the person later returned to the store and paid for the gas.
Juvenile Arrested - At 10:27 p.m. Friday police received a call from the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reporting a possible molestation. Police arrested a 12-year-old boy who was later released to his parents.
Possible Gunshots - At 10:44 p.m. Friday police received a report of possible gunshots in the 500 block of North Lake Street. An officer was assigned.
Argument - At 12:16 a.m. Saturday police received a call from a woman in the 700 block of North Ash Street reporting several people in her yard arguing. An officer was assigned.
Window Broken - A man in the 500 block of Linwood Avenue advised police at 12:41 a.m. Saturday that the side window of his vehicle had just been broken out. An officer was assigned and a vandalism report was taken.
Door Down - At 1:35 a.m. police received a call from a man in the 500 block of South Seventh Street reporting that some men had kicked his front door down. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property and unlawful entry report was made.
Transformer Blown - At 1:32 a.m. Saturday police received several calls from residents in the 1600 block of South Ninth Street reporting that electricity was out and a loud noise was heard. It was thought that a transformer had blown.
Beer Theft - At 1:38 a.m. Saturday a clerk at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported that a man had stolen a 30 pack of beer. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - At 2:21 a.m. Saturday police were advised of a vehicle in the 800 block of North Palm Street that had its windows broken out. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property report was taken.
Curfew Violation - At 2:31 a.m. Saturday several juveniles in the 2700 block of Kingston Rod were cited for curfew violations and released to their parents.
Mailboxes Damaged - At 2:46 a.m. Saturday police were notified of several mailboxes in the 2400 block of Kingston Road that had been damaged.
Arrest - Police arrested a 39-year-old man at 3:25 a.m. Saturday from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street for driving under the influence and driving under restriction.
Vehicle Vandalized - At 3:59 a.m. Saturday a man in the 700 block of East Albany Avenue reported to police that his vehicle had been vandalized. A report was taken.
Theft - At 4:17 a.m. Saturday a clerk from Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, called police reporting a man had stolen three cases of beer, gas and cigarettes. Several officers responded and a larceny report was taken.
Juveniles Cited - At 4:58 a.m. Saturday police found two juveniles in a parked vehicle at Prospect Avenue and Union Street who were cited for curfew violation and then released to their parents.
Sock Hop - The third annual Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop to benefit the Kay County Opportunity Center will be held Feb. 7, 8p.m.-midnight, at the Elks Lodge. Tickets are available at the center, 765-6782. The event is sponsored by the Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center.
Ostomy Support Meeting - The monthly meeting of the Ponca City/Stillwater Ostomy Support Group will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Ponca City St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room B. All interested persons are welcome to attend. The program will focus on Ostomates' mates, or significant others and will be led by spouses of current members. Refreshments will be served.
OoKeeHee Meeting - The OoKeeHee Club will meet Tuesday at Po-Hi in room 4 in the Howell Building, 6-7 p.m. All interested students are invited to attend. For more information contact Bethany Roughface, 1997-98 OoKeeHee Princess, at 765-0653.
Rural Water Meeting - McCord Rural Water District 3 will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the north building of McCord School.
Local Dressage Society To Meet - The North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage Society will meet Monday at 7 p.m. at Dugan's Barbecue on South Fourteenth. Guest speaker will be from Claremore. The meeting is open to the public and all persons interested in horses are invited to attend.
Condition Updated - An update on the condition of the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong, who is hospitalized at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City following a heart attack Saturday night, has been received through Dr. Paul Davis. Dr. Davis reports that the Rev. Mr. Armstrong's doctor at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City has advised there will be no by-pass surgery at the present time. Armstrong's condition has improved enough for surgery to be postponed until he has had more time to recuperate from the recent attack, Dr. Davis reports.
Museum Board To Meet - The board of directors of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum Art Gallery, Muskogee, will meet at McEntees, 301 West Broadway, Muskogee, Monday at 10 a.m. The Museum and Art Gallery will also be closed on Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Love 88.7 Answers Questions - People who have questions regarding funerals, prearrangement or the grief process are invited to place a phone call to Gil Morris, licensed funeral director from Ponca City's Grace Memorial Chapel on Tuesday. He will be at Christian radio station KLVV 88.7 FM from 5 to 6 p.m. The phone number to call will be 767-1400. The phone calls will not be aired and will be totally confidential.
Genealogy - Pioneer Genealogy Computer Interest Group meets today
at 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.
LIFESTYLES
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club members met recently and brought something they had canned or made along with the recipe to share for a Taste and Tell program. Mary Anne Potter, club president, presided at the meeting at the home of Marlene Roth. Barbara Kegler was the co-hostess. Roll call was answered with each member stating her favorite bird and Marlene Roth said she "lures little blue birds with peanut butter and suet to the feeder."
Plans for Ponca City's fifth annual Herb Festival were discussed. Helen Widner, Herb Festival chairperson, reported that Country Gardener Magazine received and will publish festival information in the April calendar section. Chairpersons for 11 committees were selected and plans are already underway for an Herb Festival T-shirt to be designed by club members Barbara Kegler and Jean Buskirk. Anyone volunteering to help at the festival will be able to purchase a T-shirt at cost to wear the day of the event.
Missy Moreland of Ponca City Tourism received 500 festival flyers to distribute at upcoming tourism trade shows. Mary Anne Potter reported that so far 117 vendors from Oklahoma, Texas. Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas have been contacted.
Aline Heartsill reported on council events including a trip March 6 to the Wichita Home and Garden Show. Those participating will leave the Cann Garden Home at 7:30 a.m.. Reservations and $10 fee should be remitted to Mavis Robison by Feb. 16. The District Garden Convention will be held in Ponca City on March 28. Ms. Heartsill also warned members of the danger of "fungal infections if gardening without gloves.
Michiel Landers will be ordering seeds and members need to submit orders to her. The group voted to contribute 10 cents each to World Gardening. Discussion of the progress at the Cann Garden water fountain was held. The fountain is funded partially by last year's Herb Festival proceeds. Jannie Ross reported the Christmas Wreath made for the Art Center showing is still on display and it was decided to leave it until a buyer is found or storage arrangements made.
The Feb. 11 meeting will be held at the home of Georgia Cline and will feature guest speaker Larry Fleck, Director of the Kay County Extension office. Volunteers are still needed to help with the Herb Festival June 6. Anyone in the community who wishes to be a part of the event may contact Helen Widner, 767-1076 or Mary Anne Potter, 767- 1957.
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matthew 25:35-36. (King James version.)
This scripture is what Church Women United is all about. They were first called the National Council of Federated Women, later the Oklahoma Council of Women, and in 1951, the organization became Church Women United - but their mission has always been about helping those who needed help.
Organized to provide an opportunity for Christian worship, fellowship and service for women of all denominations, the organization elects officers from this representation. They hold four general meetings each year, and have just held their Annual Meeting for 1998, installing new officers.
Other meetings during the year will include World Day of Prayer on the first Friday in March; May Fellowship Day, second Friday in May and World Community Day, first Friday in November.
During the years since 1949, the organization has been led by the following presidents: Mrs. George Suit, Mrs. Joe Williams, Lesta Brush, Madge Vorheis, Lillian Branch, Dixie Page, Florence Ott, Mrs. John Marshall, Laura Beighle, Mrs. Ross Floyd, Enid Bozarth, Charlene Morris, Mildred Kemper, Lois Ellison, Eunice Siler, Olive Harden, Joan Mason, Jane Enzbrenner, Velma Ealick, Mrs. John Marshall, Doris Eby, Jean Pickard, Joyce Appleman, Fay Paisley Cook, Marjorie Cortright, Betty Pollard, Lorene Gingerich, and Eloise Palmer for last year and this year.
Through the years, the organization has sent health kits to IOA Ranch for Boys in the 1950s, clothing to Church World Service in the 50s, 60s and 70s and in 1972, 4,400 pounds of clothing was donated to those in need.
They observe Blanket Sunday in their churches each year and in March 1966, 81 good used blankets and $168 were collected. Fifty-one new blankets were sent to India that year.
All contributions on Blanket Sunday, which is observed here annually, go to Church World Service to be used for disasters caused by nature and war.
Esteleene Maxwell, public relations chairman, points out that two of the projects sponsored by Church Women United are Meals on Wheels and the Child Development Center. Each project has its own executive board.
Back in the '60s it was the dream of Beth Masters and Charlene Norris that made it possible for Church Women United to initiate a program for the Golden Age group and Child Care for children of low income families. After many meetings and much planning, the Child Development Center became a reality on Jan. 16, 1967, and was originally located in a two-story house on the corner of Fourth and Cleveland.
The facility was later moved to Attucks school, and in 1998 to the former Jefferson school building. It provides care for children of low income families - infants through six years of age. Tuition rates are done on a sliding scale, and each church is responsible for a classroom, providing craft supplies and other needed items, help with special events, and assistance to the teacher when needed.
Several years later - in 1973 - Meals on Wheels became a reality, organized for those 65 years of age or older who are physically or mentally handicapped. One well-balanced meal is delivered five days a week. The food is prepared at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and delivered by volunteers. A fee is charged if the recipient is able to pay.
This is an all-volunteer program with no government funding, it was pointed out, and until 1996, a flea market was held at the Ponca Plaza parking lot on Sundays to help with costs for the program. Jack Bowker and James Buttram provided the parking lot.
Money making projects have been held through the years - one year an antique show and the First Presbyterian Church sponsored a Doll Show to provide funds for the Child Development Center. There have been several doll shows since that first one, and plants were sold to help with expenses. The name Spring Fling was used beginning in 1984. There were booths for craft items and baked goods, and all items sold were handmade. Some of the rules changed through the years, but there was always a concession stand and all proceeds went to the Child Development Center.
The history of Church Women United points to a productive year of service in Ponca City for 1998.
The Ponca City Christian Women's Club invites all area women to an "In With the Old" luncheon Jan. 21 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. The cost is $8.50. Reservations for the luncheon and for childcare may be made by calling Cindy at 762-2151 or Karen at 765-9835. It is important that reservations be honored, cancelled or used by a friend.
"Dated Do-Dads" will be the special feature as Connie Long of Grand Avenue Antique Mall shows us what is "new" in antiques. Ms. Long is originally from Portland, Ore. and has lived in Ponca City for one year. She had been an antique dealer for eight years before forming a partnership with Tamara Yohn. Ms. Long's interests include antiquing and reading.
"Nostalgic Notes" will be the special music by Sherry Palmer. Mrs. Palmer is originally from Albuquerque, N. M. and graduated from the University of New Mexico. She and her husband, John, have three children. Before moving to Ponca City one year ago, Mrs. Palmer and her family lived in Saudi Arabia for two years where she was a member of a folk music group. Her interests include sewing, crafts, reading and children. Annette Williams will provide the background music.
"Old Fashioned Wisdom" will be presented by the guest speaker Sandy Carter from Edmond. Mrs. Carter was born in Pueblo, Colo. and attended college in New Mexico and California. Married to her high school sweetheart, she set aside her show business aspirations to raise her two children. She describes herself as a poet, songwriter, busy wife and mother.
Styrofoam snowmen and ceramic figurines decorated the tables for the January covered dish luncheon for the Christian Women's Fellowship of the first Christian Church.
Ethel Jorgenson, CWF president welcomed members and guests: Mary Bohannon, Norma Erner, Cliff Schilling, Russell Wallace and the church staff.
Following lunch Patty Curl sang several selections for the group including "Amazing Grace," "My Favorite Things" and "To God is the Glory." Lorraine Shiflet, program chairman, introduced Betty Whetstone, a member of Grace Epsicopal Church and co-chairman of the Guild of the Christ Child for that church. She spoke to the group about the guild which began as the St. Barnabas "Infant and Toddler" program with the Poteau Hospital the first recipient of layettes for newborn babies. The Guild's goal is to provide layettes to impoverished mothers of newborns. The Guild is located in Antlers and layettes and materials are sent there for distribution throughout the state of Oklahoma.
While the group sang "Morning Is Breaking" and "Count Your Blessings," led by Maxine Schneider and accompanied by Sue Laird, the offering was received and the meeting closed with prayer.
The Ponca City Area Branch of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association met Jan. 12 at the home of Frances Thompson with five members present. Ms. Thompson gave the secretary-treasurer's report.
Plans were finalized for a piano workshop Feb. 21 to be given by Mary Sallee, piano instructor from Norman. Her topics for discussion will be "Where's the Beat?" and "Getting Your Students To Think Harmonically." The workshop will be held in the home of Roberta Motz, 2100 El Camino.
Kathy Wimberley, president, and Ms. Motz, vice president and state MTNA Foundation Chair, will represent the local association at the state OMTA board meeting in Harrah on Jan. 17.
Following the business meeting members viewed a video by Maurice Hinson on "Performance Practices in Baroque Keyboard Music." The next regular meeting will be at the home of Katy Tucker on March 9.
The first meeting this year for members of the Ponca Prairie Pleaters is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at 725 East Albany. Members and non-members are invited to attend a free class to teach beginning steps for smocking. For more information call Cindy, 767-1289, or Cheryl, 762-9618.
The engagement and approaching marriage of Katie Elizabeth Thomasson and Harold Patrick Hutton has been announced by her parents, the Rev. Richard and Belinda Thomasson of Tonkawa. Hutton is the son of Harold and Carol Hutton of Tonkawa.
Miss Thomasson is a 1997 graduate of Tonkawa High School and has attended Northern Oklahoma College. She will pursue a dental career in Oklahoma City.
Hutton is a 1995 graduate of THS. He is currently a junior at the University of Oklahoma and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is pursuing a degree in Health and Sports Science.
The couple will reside in Norman. The wedding is planned for 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the First Baptist Church in Tonkawa and an open invitation is extended to friends and family of the couple to attend the event.
A Feb. 14 wedding at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is being planned by Toma Lynn Burgess and Jason Colin Foster. The future bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy L. Burgess of Ponca City and has a son, Chase F. Burgess. Foster is the son of Sandy Foster of Ponca City and Terry Foster of Euless, Texas.
A graduate of Pawhuska High School, the bride-to-be is a medical receptionist for Dr. Robert Howard. Foster, a graduate of Ponca City High School, is a computer technician at Sykes.
By Marjorie C. Decker
News Staff Writer
After ten years with Golden Villa Adult Day Care in Ponca City, seven of them as administrator, Glenda Brown is stepping down to enjoy retirement.
Glenda, who came to Golden Villa in 1987 at its inception, has seen the facility grow and outgrow its building on West Grand. The board of directors now has plans to build a new and larger facility in the near future.
Brown took over leadership of the facility in 1990 and has operated the geriatric care facility with "unconditional love, unconditional care and unconditional acceptance."
Aside from managing the operation of the Day Care Center, Glenda is active in Adult Day Care throughout the state. In 1995 she was named vice president of the Oklahoma Geriatric and Adult Day Care Association. During 1996-97 she was in charge of marketing and publicity. This organization shares information about adult care service, encourages high standards of practice in day care services, participates in appropriate planning services, develops technical assistance and educational resources, supports research, and provides public education about the benefits of adult day care.
In March 1997 she was appointed by Gov. Frank Keating to the Long Term Care Facility Advisory Board for a term expiring Jan. 14, 2000. This board reviews the laws pertaining to nursing homes, residential care, assisted living and adult day services. Glenda is currently serving as secretary-treasurer of this board.
This past November she was recommended by Dr. John Carmichael of Woodward for membership on the Committee on Continuum of Care and Assisted Living for the State Health Department, and will be serving in this capacity until 2002. This committee will advise the State Board of Health on creating licensing for so-called assisted living homes and a license for "continuum of care." Brown pointed out that the concern of this committee is that they "do not want any regulation to force an individual into a situation beyond his or her actual needs."
In addition to her continuing work with Adult Day Care as a private citizen, Brown is an active communicant of Grace Episcopal Church, where she belongs to Daughters of the King; is a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and is currently serving as president of the local Sertoma.
She and her husband, F. Clarke Brown, who recently retired from Conoco, plan to do some traveling in the near future. They are the parents of three grown children, Brett, who resides here, and two daughters, Sherrie and Lisha, both of Oklahoma City.
The First United Methodist Church in Tonkawa was the setting Dec. 27, 1997 for the wedding of Debra Dawn Riddle and Michael Reese Keil. The double ring vows were officiated by Dr. Brian Kovacs. Mrs. Betty Davis of Tonkawa was organist and Mrs. Donna (Riddle) Hoffman of Enid sang "O Holy Night." Parents of the couple are Ted and Glenda Riddle of Red Rock and Jim and Judy Keil of Tulsa.
The bride wore a designer gown of white brocade designed with a modified Queen Anne neckline, dropped waist and long sleeves that formed a point over each hand. White decorative buttons accented the bodice and sleeves and the gown was complemented by a chapel length train. Her fingertip veil was secured by a satin headband and she carried a bouquet of holly, berries, pine and other Christmas greenery tied with gold ribbon. Following tradition she wore something old, new, borrowed and blue. Her pearl necklace belonged to her grandmother, the late Mary Little, and was divided into three separate strands which were worn by the bride, her mother and sister. Her pearl earrings were borrowed from the Matron of Honor and her garter was something blue with her gown as something new.
Donna (Riddle) Hoffman of Enid served her sister as Matron of Honor and Julie Green of Stillwater was Maid of Honor. Their gowns of Hunter green crushed velvet were accented with organza ties and each carried a white rose with cedar greenery and gold ribbon. Crystal Moody of Wichita, cousin of the bride, was candlelighter and Lee Ann Bolay of Stillwater kept the guest book. Bryan Keil of Tulsa was Best Man for his brother and usher was Mike Hoffman.
Following the ceremony the bride's parents hosted a reception at the church. Mrs. Janet Vincent was reception hostess. Assisting with the event were Mrs. Jean Manley of Billings, Mrs. Glenda Green of Red Rock and Lee Ann Bolay. The bridal cakes were created by the bride's mother.
Among the guests attending were the bride's grandmother, Anna Riddle of Tonkawa; Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Leonard of Fort Scott, Kan., Mrs. Lila Mann of Oklahoma City, aunt of the bride; Ms. Leah Little of Oklahoma City, aunt of the bride; Ms. Armentia Beese of Edmond, Great-aunt of the bride; Mrs. Tracy Munn of Phoenix, Ariz., sister of the bridegroom.
The couple left the church in a carriage pulled by two Belgium horses. The bride is counselor at the Caney Valley School in Ramona and the bridegroom is owner of Applied Computer Enterprises in Inola. Several pre-nuptial events were held honoring the couple including one at the church, one in Tulsa and a community party at the Homestead Bed and Breakfast.
Mr. and Mrs. Garold Richmond, 2020 North Osage, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 20. They were honored at a reception at the home of a daughter and son-in-law, Charles and Sondra Martin of Blackwell. Assisting was another daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Mike Guinn of Ponca City.
Garold F. Richmond and the former Ruth E. Steele were married in El Reno on Dec. 20, 1947. He is the son of the late T. F. (Floyd) and Bertha Richmond and she is the daughter of the late Oliver and Bertie Steele.
Mr. and Mrs. Richmond made their first home in Blackwell, moving to Ponca City in 1952. Mr. Richmond served with the United States Army during World War II with most of his tour in the Trinidad Islands.
At the time of their marriage he was employed at Moss Motors in Blackwell and retired from Conoco in 1981 after 33 years of service. Mrs. Richmond is a homemaker.
The couple has five grandchildren: Charles Martin Jr. and wife Tammy of Ponca City; Tawyna Martin of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jeremy, Ethan and Aaron Zaitshik of Ponca City. Among the guests attending the reception were Mrs. Richmond's sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Shorb of Irving, Texas, and Mr. Richmond's sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Hamlett of Derby, Kan.
An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the 3 p.m. Feb. 7 wedding at First Baptist Church for Ginny Rebecca Sherrard and John Joseph Mashburn. Mothers of the couple are Ms. Carol Sherrard, 941 North Pine, and Ms. Imogene Mashburn of Fairfax.
Miss Sherrard is the granddaughter of George Shelton of Ponca City, Don and Mildred Sherrard of Winfield, Kan., and the late Marjorie Shelton. Mashburn is the grandson of E. L. Mashburn of Fairfax and the late Helen Mashburn.
The bride-elect is a 1997 graduate of Ponca City High School and the prospective bridegroom is a 1994 graduate of Woodland High School in Fairfax. He is employed with D&P Tank Service of Ponca City.
Bridget K. Holdman and Brian A. O'Neill are planning a Feb. 7 wedding. A reception in their honor will be held at the Rose Stone Inn Feb. 21 with friends and family invited to attend.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Cynthia Vetter of Ponca City and Jon H. Holdman of Tulsa. O'Neill is the son of Jimmy and Pauline O'Neill of Ponca City.
Miss Holdman is a graduate of Newkirk High School and Ponca City Beauty College with certification as a Nail Tech. She currently resides in Pond Creek where she runs a home licensed child care facility. The prospective bridegroom is a graduate of Ponca City High School and graduated from Okmulgee Tech as an Electronic Engineering Technician. He resides in Pond Creek and is employed at Koch Hydrocarbon in Medford.
Leanne Marie Smith and Stephen Keith Parr were united in marriage in a 7:30 p.m. ceremony on Dec. 27, 1997 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rev. John Michalicka officiated at the double ring ceremony. The church sanctuary was decorated with red and white poinsettias, Christmas trees and Christmas wreaths decorated with white lights and red velvet ribbons. The Unity Candle and two globe candelabra were adorned with fresh ivy, Christmas greenery and gold and white ribbons.
The bride is the daughter of Leland and Beverly Smith, and the bridegroom is the son of Gary and Patricia Parr, all of Ponca City. Grandparents of the bride are Arthur and Mildred Kirchmeyer of Ponca City and the late Otis and Bertha Smith. Grandparents of the bridegroom are Horace Clark of Chickasha, the late Marie Clark, and the late Keith and Hallene Parr.
Preceding the ceremony, Cathy Brewer sang "Ave Maria" as the mothers were seated. Caroline Hook, organist, played "Trumpet Tune" by Clarke as the Maid of Honor entered and "Prince of Denmark's March" by Clarke as the bride was escorted to the altar by her father. The recessional was Handel's "Hornpipe." Lori Thomas read the first reading followed by Marshall D. Grant singing "The Earth is Full of Beauty" as the responsorial psalm. Lee Ann Cavener delivered the second reading, followed by the "Alleluia" gospel acclamation led by Cathy Brewer.
The bride wore a full length gown of silk peau de soie with an overskirt of embroidered silk organza accented with sequins and pearls. The gown's scalloped Bateau neckline was embellished with reembroidered silk organza roses accented with opalescent sequins and seed pearls. The gown was fashioned with a Basque bodice, chapel length train and long, close-fitting sleeves which extended into petal points over the hands. Designed and made by the bride's grandmother, Mildred Kirchmeyer, the gown was worn by the bride's mother, Beverly Smith, at her wedding April 8, 1961. The fingertip length veil of silk illusion was secured by a headband encrusted with pearls. She wore pearl and diamond earrings and matching pendant and the traditional something old, new, borrowed, blue and a sixpence in her shoe. The bride carried a cascade bouquet of white roses and calla lilies accented with ivy, Christmas greenery, and loops of gold and ivory ribbon. She also carried her Grandmother Kirchmeyer's rosary brought from Africa by her grandfather.
Attending the bride as Maid of Honor was her sister, Kristin Smith of Ponca City. Her floor length, fitted gown of Hunter green velvet featured a scoop neckline and long sleeves. Her bouquet was a smaller version of the bride's bouquet made of white roses and calla lilies tied with gold and ivory ribbons.
The bridegroom, best man and ushers wore traditional black tuxedos with black ties and cummerbunds. Serving as best man was Jay Stephens of Wichita, Kan. Ushers were Michael Powers, nephew of the bridegroom, and Donnie Bohon. Their boutonnieres were white roses with Christmas greenery and fresh ivy.
Stephanie Powers, niece of the bridegroom, attended the guest book. Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Marland Mansion. The bride's satellite cakes, ornamented with white basket weave frosting, were decorated with cascading gold and ivory ribbons and bows connecting the layers. The bridegroom's table featured strawberry, Irish cream, and chocolate amaretto cheesecake. The heirloom cake knife and server of Dutch silver were used at the bride's parent's wedding reception.
Assisting with the reception were Sherri Parr-Powers and Pam McGehee, sisters of the bridegroom; Betsy Easley and Michaela Cavener. Music for the wedding reception was provided by a string quartet composed of Ponca City High School students: Sarah Armstrong, Molly Baugh, Lance Johnson, and Robert Maril.
Following a wedding trip to Dallas then San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl, the couple now resides at 321 Virginia. The bride is an English teacher at Ponca City High School and the groom is President of Mid-America Fence & Door Co.
Special and out-of-town guests attending the wedding were Mildred and Arthur Kirchmeyer of Ponca City, grandparents of the bride; Horace Clark of Chickasha, grandfather of the bridegroom; Gary Kirchmeyer of Kansas City, Mo., uncle of the bride; Sherri Parr-Powers, Michael, Stephanie, Patrick, Jonathan, Christopher and Nicholas of Ponca City, sister of the bridegroom; David and Pamela McGehee, Ann and Richard of Washington, sister of the bridegroom; Steve and Kelly Smith, Tanner and Trent, Bob and Mary Ablah, Bill and Connie Graves, Karl and Risë Schaefer, Gwyn Evens, all of Oklahoma City; Thomas Maloney and Rick Maloney of Cushing; Barbara Kierl and Jessie of Edmond; Margaret Anne Ditmore of El Paso, Texas; Deborah Cahill, Jennifer and Catherine, Lisa Barnett, all of Plano, Texas.
Also Jorge and Anne De La Chapa and Julian, Linda and Marshall Grant, Phyllis Grant, all of Tulsa; Sharon and Ken McKee of Snyder; Alison Anthony, Austin and Hana of Manford; Jan Gifford and Mike McGlone, both of Dallas, Texas; Jim and Roberta Fehrenbach of Tonkawa; Scott and Dana Dempewolf of Somerset, Ky; Tim and Kathy Burton, Belt