LOCAL

Governor Calls for Rebirth of Idealism
Strategic Plan for City Lists Priorities
District Court
Smokeless Poster Contest Under Way
Via Christi Health System Honors Six From Ponca City
Congregational Health Ministry Would Meet Community Needs
Fewer Units To Graduate Slides Through Board Vote

Governor Calls for Rebirth of Idealism

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Newly inaugurated Gov. Frank Keating has called for a rebirth of idealism to bring Oklahoma good things in the next millennium, but is waiting until Feb. 1 to give specifics of his agenda.

That’s when Keating, who was sworn in Monday as Oklahoma’s 25th governor, will give his state-of-the-state speech to the Legislature.

In a 15-minute inaugural address, Keating paid homage to the state’s forefathers and called for change to improve Oklahoma’s economic position.

‘‘Our new Oklahoma must include a Renaissance — a rebirth of that idealism that calloused our hands and enabled our spirits to fashion this wonderful place we call Oklahoma,’’ the Republican governor told 2,200 people who gathered on the Capitol steps on a windy, sunny day.

‘‘Our second century must begin with the pride and idealism of our first century. We expect our place in the sun,’’ said Keating, only the second Oklahoma governor to win back-to-back terms. The other was Democrat George Nigh.

The 54-year-old governor said the Democratic-dominated Legislature had ‘‘contributed significantly’’ to success made in his first term. But he said much needs to be done to meet the challenges of the new century.

In his speech, Keating set a series of long-range goals that go beyond when he will be in office.

Later, Keating said he was saving details of how to begin accomplishing those goals until his speech to a joint session of the Legislature next month.

But he said his program would again include tax cuts designed to bring more businesses to the state, plus education reform and more changes in the workers’ compensation system.

Keating said he had an open mind on a truth-in-sentencing bill, which is in limbo after the 1998 Legislature delayed its implementation. But he said because of a lower crime rate and less demands on the prison system, ‘‘there is less need now than ever before’’ for the measure.

Spokesmen said Keating wrote his inaugural speech, in which he said Oklahoma was a 20th Century success story. ‘‘No other state went from frontier to the modern era so quickly, or with such energy,’’ he said.

On the other hand, he cited a loss of population — which is expected to cost Oklahoma a congressman — and a wide range of social problems plaguing the state.

‘‘The success of our fathers is not a legacy for early retirement,’’ he said. ‘‘Our challenge is to be up: to build our cities, to save and restore our farms, to improve our highways, to diversify and enrich the economy so that our children and their childrens’ children will not be forced to leave and work elsewhere.’’

Keating said his first four years as governor saw a decline in the crime rate, taxes, welfare rolls and the size of state government.

‘‘We have invested in education and the future of our children. Life is better for our people. We have slowly turned into the wind.’’

Now, he said, Oklahoma must ask itself ‘‘what accident of fate or bad policies’’ led to the state having one of the lowest per capita incomes in the nation and facing the loss of a congressman.

‘‘What missed opportunity, what indifferent political leadership brought us to this point?’’ he asked.

Referring to how Oklahoma citizens rebounded from the Murrah Building bombing in 1995, he asked: ‘‘What part of our soul could show the world how a good and caring people can triumph over the worst evil to face our land but at the same time endure the levels of family breakup, out of wedlock births, drug abuse and violence that threaten us?’’

He called for a series of goals, including the state equaling the nation’s per capita income by 2025, but gave no specifics on the programs he would promote to accomplish the objectives.

By 2005, Keating said the state’s ACT scores should exceed the national average and by 2010, one of three of the state’s citizens should have a college degree.

‘‘Let us raise the bar, redream our father’s dreams, build a greater state, be true to our purpose and to our people and as Abraham Lincoln proclaimed in his second inaugural, ‘Finish the work we are in.’’

Strategic Plan for City Lists Priorities

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

In grand fashion, the mayor presented his “baby” — his strategic plan, during Monday evening’s City Commission meeting.

During the presentation Mayor Tom Leonard stated “during the last campaign for Mayor, Commissioner Stone and I consistently agreed on one very important point. If the City Commission is going to lead this community into the 21st Century, we must think ahead lest we get bogged down in the past. Or as I sometimes say, ‘If we do what we’ve always done, we’ll get what we’ve always got.’

“After the election he and I, along with Commissioner Lyn Boyer, Commissioner Chris Hand and Commissioner Kenneth Ray committed ourselves to developing and implementing a long-term strategic plan for our community. At this time it is my privilege to present to the citizens of Ponca City our vision, our plans and a glimpse at the next steps towards implementation of these long-term goals.”

Listed in the order they were presented, the high priority goals of the city according to the Strategic Plan are:

1. Create a long-term plan for capital improvements.

2. Develop long-term projections of City revenue needs and sources with defined strategies for the achievement of funding of the City’s goals.

3. Complete Civic Center Complex (Including fire station and City office complex).

4. Continue to implement the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) program and goals.

5. Implement an orderly plan of growth management for Ponca City.

6. Ensure that public safety remains a top priority item for the Ponca City community.

7. Revitalize the downtown area.

8. Provide a service delivery system deemed to be excellent by your customers.

Those categorized as “medium” priority goals are:

9. Develop a recreation complex.

10. Establish and maintain a city-wide telecommunications system.

11. Develop and communicate a plan to maximize a competitive and profitable electric utility or develop an electric utility exit strategy.

12. Participate in partnership with public and private groups to foster community relations and well-being.

13. Assure that Ponca City becomes a community of inclusion for all people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

It was a campaign promise come true and the accomplishment of an important personal and professional goal for Leonard and he took the time to savor the moment.

“We can now look at the future through the eyes of our strategic plan. And perhaps now many of you can see our community as we see it, as I see it — a premier city that values families, character, and diversity.

“With this plan I now see a community that values the legacy of the past and will leave a legacy for those yet to come. I see city services provided through performance-based departments that are dedicated to continuous improvement. I see a safe community that respects to opinions and differences of its citizens. But most of all I see a community of energized citizens working together because their elected leaders have given them a clear vision of the future.

“In closing, I hereby pledge to Ponca City on behalf of myself and the City Commissioners that this plan will be a dynamic, evolving document, which will guide our action over the next five years. A positive plan which we will consult on every major issue.”

There Was Other Business

In other city business the city commission approved a resolution regarding a change in the city charter. If approved by the public during the April 6 general election the change would modify the election dates for city officers. Currently held in April with the run-off in May, elections would then be held a month earlier.

A quarterly report on the dedicated one half cent sales tax for the renovation of the No. 1 Fire Station was also given. As of Dec. 31 total revenues were $1,488,040 and disbursements in the form of architectural fees and construction costs were $295,752. The total cash on hand is $1,192,287.

Revisions to standard operations policy regarding automobile and vehicle policy for city employees was approved.

City commissioners approved an appraisal proposal from Inskeep Company to conduct an appraisal and land acquisitions for property fronting Hartford Avenue from the alley east of Joe Street to a block east of Fourteenth Street.

The mayor’s nomination of Larry McPeak to the Planning Commission to fill an unexpired term until May, 2001 was approved.

Also passed were a lease with BigSky Transportation doing business as BigSky Airlines as well as a loan agreement between the Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority to refinance an existing promissory note.

Among those items contained on the consent agenda which passed were:

• The purchase of two city vehicles from Jack Bowker Ford. One is the purchase of an administrative vehicle for the Fire Department in the amount of $20,239 and the other is the purchase of an administrative vehicle for the Public Works Department in the amount of $20,162.

• The execution of the contract and appointment of Cowboy Concrete and Construction, Inc., as purchasing agent for the street maintenance project, and concrete street patching.

• The partial disbursement for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2 in the amount of $155,561.46.

• Authorization of release of funds from revenue bond proceeds to KC Electric Company, for the Northwest Substation, in the amount of $19,402.74.

District Court

Newkirk

Marriage Licenses

Michael Duane Roady, 39, and Donna Jean Hadden, 34, both of Ponca City.

Jean Perre Sanzberro, 59, and Karen Kay Newbold, 47, both of Pawnee.

James William Bellamy, legal age, and Joanne Vivian Anderson, legal age, both of Ponca City.

Arthur Rudolph Briseno, 35, and Margaret Talahina Wendie Green, 25, both of Iron River, Mich.

Richard John Vesneski, 50, and Patricia L. Strong, 45, both of Ponca City.

Harold E. Rutherford, 51, Omaha, Neb., and Loretta Jane Meyer, 41, Ponca City.

Aaron Joseph McLain, 19, and Ruth NeDale Garza, 19, both of Blackwell.

Steven Paul Turner, 23, and Lisa Diane Schierlman, 20, both of Ponca City.

Rodney William King, 27, and Melissa M. Middlebusher, 20, both of Ponca City.

Anthony Wayne Bales, 37, and Diana Margaret Jamison, 37, both of Ponca City.

Murl Eugene Turner, 23, and Della Lynn Fleming, 22, both of Blackwell.

Christopher Michael Tippett, 24, Austin, Tex., and Sara Elizabeth O’Neill, 22, Ponca City.

Darren Wesley Mounts, 21, and Erinn Le Eberle, 21, both of Stillwater.

Darrell Ray Robertson, 51, and Dawnette Lynn Stephenson, 31, both of Ponca City.

Daniel Eugene Gray, 37, and Ruth Ann Ramage, 34, both of Pawhuska.

David Wayne Thomas, 29, and Carolynn Wahl, 37, both of Ponca City.

Rodney Herman Daubert, 50, and Marsha Sue Baldwin, 47, both of Ponca City.

Robert Eugene Robbins, 41, and Sherri Lea Robbins, 39, both of Ponca City.

Ted Lloyd Riddle, legal age, and Linda Janell Love, legal age, both of Tonkawa.

Divorces Sought

Tatum Nicole Sisco vs. Will Emerson Sisco.

Divorces Granted

Lynette Kay Harper vs. Danny Wayne Harper.

Leroy Leland Vernon vs. Danelle E. Vernon; defendant restored to former name Danelle E. Laughlin.

Civil Petitions

Ford Motor Credit Company vs. Louis V. Knight; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,413.15.

Greenwood Trust Company vs. Jenni McPeak and Jerrod Gray; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,173.14.

Sallie Mae Servicing Corporation vs. Timothy R. Blanton; plaintiff seeking judgment for $39,402.63.

Service Collection Association, Inc., vs. William McClarnon; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,707.

Commercial Federal Mortgage Corporation vs. Donald L. Streeter, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $43,455.34.

Sears, Roebuck & Company vs. Steve F. Moore; plaintiff seeking judgment for $4,972.26.

The CIT Group/Sales Financing Inc. vs. Janet L. Knight; plaintiff seeking judgment for $8,072.56.

Ponca City

Divorces Sought

Brenda Denise Purdy vs. Kenneth Ray Purdy.

George Lee Merritt vs. Deborah Sue Merritt.

Marcelles Manuel Eagle vs. Franceska Eagle Littlewalker.

Marcie L. Butler vs. Jesse W. Butler.

Alice Marie Riggs vs. Aaron Don Riggs.

Stoney Lee Golay Sr. vs. Regina Kay Golay.

Divorces Granted

Clara J. Rockett vs. Rudy R. Rockett.

Kelli Dawn Waggerman vs. Anthony Ray Waggerman.

Jimmie T. Price vs. Janice E. Price.

Angela M. Daniel vs. Dan C. Daniel.

Brenda K. Kilgore vs. Michael Eugene Kilgore.

Brent A. Loney vs. Delia J. Loney.

Randy Lee Jenks vs. Jennifer Crawford Jenks.

Judy K. Haynes vs. Tim Haynes.

Cyd J. Stoner vs. Ken B. Stoner.

Kevin B. Herren vs. Tina Herren.

Bobbie Jo Mederos vs. Steve Ramon Mederos; plaintiff restored to former name Bobbie Jo Kendrick.

Kerry N. Smith vs. James V. Smith.

Horst Kannenwisher vs. Patricia A. Kannenwisher.

James M. Hamil Jr. vs. Cassandra A. Reid Hamil.

Karen Sue Davis vs. Ricky Glen Davis; plaintiff restored to former name Karen Sue Jones.

Civil Petitions

Jimmy L. Stevenson, d/b/a Stevenson Refrigeration vs. Clement Collogan; plaintiff seeking judgment for $28,510.25.

Dayna Boitel vs. Allstate Insurance Company; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

Smokeless Poster Contest Under Way

“The Dangers of Kids Using Tobacco” is the theme for the Smokeless Oklahoma Project’s poster contest that begins this week for Ponca City students in grades 1-6. The theme includes smokeless tobacco and second-hand smoke.

All students in grades 1-6 can participate and each student may submit one poster. Category 1 is for grades 1-3 and Category 2 is for grades 4-6. There is an open entry category for private school and home school students. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in each category.

A short “kick-off” presentation will be given at each school this week by the local Smokeless Oklahoma grant committee. Open entry participants may register at the Kay County Health Department at 1201 East Hartford and submit their completed poster to the health department by noon Jan. 29. Completed posters will be judged on Jan. 29 by the grant committee.

The top three posters in each category from each school will be displayed in the school’s Partners in Education corporate sponsor location and will be judged by the employees during the week of Feb. 1. The open entries will be judged by the grant committee.

On Feb. 11, the grant committee will select and announce the overall winner from the top posters. The overall winner will receive a $100 savings bond. The poster will then be duplicated and distributed to local schools and businesses to support a smokeless Oklahoma message for the community.

There are four contest rules: (1) entry must be submitted on the poster paper distributed by the grant committee; (2) regular crayons (not fluorescent or sparkle) or markers may be used; (3) the poster must be completed by the student; and (4) the students name, grade and school must be placed on the back of the poster.

Any questions can be directed to Janet White, 765-0594, or Erika Macy, 762-1641.

This contest and other local activities were made possible by a $3,000 grant from the Smokeless Oklahoma Project to help curb teen smoking. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation granted $2,500 and the American Cancer Society awarded $500. The grant ends March 31, 1999.

Via Christi Health System Honors Six From Ponca City

Six St. Joseph Regional Medical Center employees were recently honored by Via Christi Health System of Wichita Kan., for exemplifying one or more of the system’s core values — community, competence, service, human dignity and vision.

Myra Dufek, Lab Office Coordinator (vision); Mary Kay Liston, CSJ, Vice President for Mission Services (vision); Mary Perez, CCU Nurse (competence); and Sherryl Perry, Jackie Hunsucker and Brenda Peters, Coordinators for the S.A.N.E. Project (service), were all honored.

Four other SJRMC employees were nominated: Bettylou Hanks, Volunteer Services; Svetlana Mayer, Nutrition Service; and Dale and Chris Orr, Volunteer Services.

Nominations were submitted from across the entire health system, which includes healthcare facilities in Oklahoma, Kansas and California. SJRMC is a member of Via Christi system.

Congregational Health Ministry Would Meet Community Needs

For more than a year, the possibility of organizing a parish nurse program in Ponca City that would help meet the holistic health needs of the community, by using volunteer nurses in local churches, was explored.

Last November, a parish nurse program in Ponca City became a reality with the establishment of the Congregational Health Ministry of Northern Oklahoma. The program was spearheaded by Sister Mary Kay Liston CSJ, Vice President for Mission Services at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and will be coordinated by Karen Shiflet, RN, MSN. Shiflet has been involved for much of her life on a variety of levels.

“Karen brings the ideal background to the coordinator position,” Liston said. “She is a seasoned nurse of 20 years, who has taught, worked in administration, and lived with chronic illness in her own family. Most important for the coordinator role, Karen is a women of deep faith.”

After graduating from Northern Oklahoma College with a nursing degree, Shiflet worked at SJRMC on the ICU unit for eight years. She later earned her masters degree in nursing from Wichita State University. While working on her post-graduate degree, Shiflet worked part-time at the medical center as a relief house supervisor. Upon graduation from WSU, Shiflet taught nursing at NOC for five years. In 1995, she became the Director of Nursing at the Blackwell Regional Hospital, where she worked until accepting the congregational nurse coordinator position. Her main task will be to help local churches establish a nurse in their congregations. The volunteer nurse will serve members of the congregation in a variety of roles including educator, health counselor and advocate.

“For instance, they might discuss health concerns, or explore the relationship between values and lifestyle. They might counsel someone about a chronic illness and possible treatment options,” said Shiflet.

Shiflet said the parish nurse will also act as a coordinator of volunteers and as a referral agent in the church.

“Ponca City has many wonderful services available to people in the community that everyone is not always aware of” she said. “Our health and wellness and spirituality are always going through different cycles. As certain needs become apparent, the parish nurse can refer to appropriate programs that are available in the community.”

Regionally, there are thriving congregational nurse programs in Oklahoma City and Wichita. Via Christi Health Systems in Wichita established its program nearly two years ago and now has 80 churches involved.

“Many of us in the hospital will be able to contribute our talent to the program as it grows,” Liston said. “Staff nurses will have the opportunity to volunteer time through their churches. Others may be called upon to offer their expertise to the parish nurse volunteers. All of us can pray for the success of this program. Ultimately the parish nurse program will assist people in viewing their spiritual values as a powerful resource in the healing of body, mind and spirit.”

The program has been welcomed with open arms. Nine area churches plan to implement the program in their congregations and several more have expressed interest, according to Shiflet.

Parish Nurse ministries developed out of a holistic healthcare program started by Granger E. Westberg, D.D. in the Chicago area in the early 1970s. The original model was supported in part by the Illinois Schools of Medicine and Divinity. Holistic healthcare centers were established in area churches to deliver total family care. Those centers eventually closed for a variety of reasons but they were followed by a revision developed under the guidance of Lutheran General Hospital in Parkridge, Ill. through its Congregational Health Partners program. This is the model that established parish nurse roles as they are today.

Funding for the program has been received from Associated Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City, St. Joseph Medical Foundation and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Local participating congregations are also making contributions toward the program’s support. Contributions to the program can be made through the St. Joseph Medical Foundation, 765-0301.

If you are interested in learning more about the congregational nurse program Shiflet can be contacted by calling 765-0476 or by e-mail, kshiflet@via-christi.org.

Fewer Units To Graduate Slides Through Board Vote

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Students in the class of 2000 will be able to graduate with 21 units instead of the current 23. The decision to change the number of required elective units for graduation from 10 to 8 was decided by a vote of 4-3 at the regular board meeting of the Ponca City Board of Education.

Those opposing the decrease in electives were board members Steve Stalcup, John Young and Mike Kruck. Kruck told board members that they need to be realistic. “I struggle with this. I think we need to increase the number of opportunities for students,” Kruck said. Stalcup told board members that this would set a bad precedent of lower standards and that the average student would only take the bare requirements to graduate.

Bob Becker, Academic Council, said this change would allow flexibility for some students to attend college, increase the graduation rate, and improve the number of dropouts.

Becker also reminded board members that several years ago the number of electives required for graduation from Po-Hi was increased because the number of hours in the school day was increased to seven. The school day has changed to require six hours and offer an optional seventh period. Fewer required hours, but no fewer required classes, create a problem for some students.

Board members also accepted a proposal for Po-Hi to offer a Certificate of Distinction for qualifying graduates in the class of 1999 who meet or exceed the criteria as defined by Senate Bill 1406.

Senate Bill 1406 allows all district Boards of Education to issue a certificate of distinction, beginning with the 1998-99 high school graduating class who have met or exceeded the following criteria by the end of their senior year in high school with at least a 3.25 grade point average on a 4.0 scale:

* earned four units of English, math, social studies and science;

* earned two additional units in the areas of technology, the humanities, or the arts;

* earned two units in a foreign language; and

* achieved a score of satisfactory, or its equivalent, on all 12th grade criterion referenced tests.

Softball Lights

The bid for the middle school’s girls softball lighting project was accepted from K.C. Electric Company of Enid. Bids were received and opened on Dec. 29 with five electrical companies making bids. The low bid of $49,818 was accepted.

The Property Committee plans to examine a “valued engineering process” after the contract is signed to reduce some equipment and work which would lower the project cost.

Other Items

Change order three for $8,186 to the elementary school remodel projects of Trout, Liberty and Woodlands was unanimously approved. The new contract amount is $1,867,440.

Also approved was reducing the building fund reserve from $400,000 to $250,000 to be used on capital expenditures on the school buildings. The bond interest money will be used for the physical plant and the building fund money used for building repairs.

Approval was also given to the 1999-2000 curriculum guide for Po-Hi.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bill White, superintendent, reported on the schedule of important upcoming dates. No school will be held in Ponca City on Jan. 18 for Professional Day and Jan. 22 for Parent/Teacher Conferences. A special dinner board meeting was set for Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

White said the current enrollment is at 5,712, which is 147 higher than this time last year. He also commented that the dropout rate is lower this year and that some of the alternative programs must be working.

Awards were presented to Marilyn Leming and Diane Ketchum, Certified Employees of the Month; George Johnson, Support Employee of the Month; and Ponca City Noon Lions Club, Friend of Education.

Several people addressed the board during public comment in support of Todd Kimrey, head football coach.

DEATHS

John Edwin Akers
Celeste Marie Brown
Glen L. Strange
Cleota Mae Pingry Horn
George Wilson Brien
Barbara A. Pyne
Herman Sindorf
Joseph Merwyn Fager

John Edwin Akers

BLACKWELL — John Edwin Akers, Blackwell resident, died Sunday evening, Jan. 10, 1999, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. He was 94.

The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery with the Rev. Don Martin, Braman Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 1 p.m. Wednesday.

John Edwin Akers was born Jan. 2, 1905, in Caldwell, Kan., to Racine Kellog and Nancy Louella (Wadsworth) Akers. He grew up in Caldwell attending schools there. He then began farming in the Braman area.

He was married to Dorothy Marie Burgett on Dec. 1, 1933, in Wichita, Kan., and the couple established their home in Braman, where Akers continued to farm. They moved to Blackwell in 1954 and he later began employment with International Milling company in Blackwell, retiring in the 1970s. He was a member of the Methodist Church in Hunnewell, Kan.

Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Ann Grell of Braman and Loretta Luella Smith of Tulsa; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife on Nov. 5, 1983; his parents; two sisters, Georgia Gibbs and Ruth Shelgren; and one grandson.

Casket bearers will be Dale Dewitt, Harold LeValley, Rick Grell, Garrett Dewitt, Josh LeValley and Danny Rowe.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Akers’ name to the Braman Methodist Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Celeste Marie Brown

Celeste Marie (Miller) Brown, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday afternoon Jan. 9, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 92.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with Mr. Larry Keirn, minister, Grand Avenue Church of Christ, officiating. Burial and committal service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Altoona, Kan., Cemetery.

Mrs. Brown was born June 4, 1906, in Copan, the daughter of John Russell and Loretta (Friend) Miller. She attended school and grew up in Altoona, Kan.

She was married to Salem Brown on Nov. 10, 1922, in Fredonia, Kan. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Grand Avenue Church of Christ and enjoyed crocheting and reading.

Surviving are several grandchildren including Teresa Ferguson, of Ponca City; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Katherine Russell, of Walla Walla, Wash.; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and a daughter-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband in April 1942; two sons, Salem Wallace Brown, who died at birth, and Harold Dean Brown Sr.; her parents; and two sisters, Esther Goodger and Alice Williams.

Casket bearers will be Aomi July Ferguson, Harold Dean Brown II, Lee Pickel, Kenneth Corns, Darrell Lampe, and Jake McNiece. Honorary casket bearers will be Mike Filson, Chris Filson, Kyle Filson, and Clint Filson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mrs. Browns, memory to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Grand Avenue Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at 119 North Birch to receive family and friends.

Glen L. Strange

TONKAWA — Glen L. Strange, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Monday, Jan. 11, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 83.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 1999, at the Tonkawa First Methodist Church with Dr. Brian Kovacs officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.

Glen L. Strange was born May 10, 1915, in Ringwood, to William Minor and Eunice (Harmon) Strange. He graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1936 where he captained the football team and was active in other sports.

In 1937, he married Doris Mildred Furber. Strange enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard and was activated in 1940. He attended Officers Candidate School where he graduated in 1942 and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant. He assumed command of the Headquarters Company of 27th Armored Infantry Company, 9th Armored Division. He was promoted to Captain and became an S-2 intelligence officer in 1942.

After further training he sailed on the Queen Mary to England. He served in three major battles in the European Theater receiving a battlefield promotion to Major. In 1945, he was wounded by German machinegun fire, but the 27th Battalion subsequently captured the Remagen Bridge across the Rhine River after the Battle of the Bulge. Strange was awarded the Victory Medal, French and Belgian Croix de Guerre with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Luxembourg Victory Medal.

After World War II he graduated from Northern Oklahoma College and Central State University. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him Tonkawa Postmaster, where he served until retirement in 1975.

Strange was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Elks, Masons, Kiwanis and the National Association of Postmasters of the United States. He has served as president of the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and the Oklahoma Association of Postmasters. Strange was an active member of the First Methodist Church and had served as municipal judge. He enjoyed fishing, cards and sports.

He is survived by his wife Doris, of the home; two daughters, Gloriana St. Clair of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Darla Comeaux of Houston, Texas; a sister, Mary Alice Kahle of Newkirk; one brother, Kenneth Strange of Land of Lakes, Fla.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Strange’s name to the First Methodist Church of Tonkawa, c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.

Cleota Mae Pingry Horn

Cleota Mae (Hamrick) Pingry Horn, longtime Ponca City resident died Friday, Jan. 8, 1999, in Ponca City. She was 79.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, at the Blackburn (Okla.) Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home.

Cleota Mae (Hamrick) Pingry Horn was born June 22, 1920, in Blackburn, to Flint Harry and Lillie Alyse (Farris) Hamrick. She graduated from Blackburn High School in 1937. During World War II she drove a bus in Wichita, Kan.

She was married to Howard Allen Pingry on Oct. 12, 1946. She worked as a beautician for many years and had worked as a cashier in the retail business in Ponca City.

Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Conway of Moore; one son, Dean Pingry of Glenpool; six grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Glendora Omohondro and Ruth Barnard; and one brother, Shorty Hamrick.

George Wilson Brien

MASHAM — George Wilson Brien, Masham area resident, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 1999, at Pawnee. He was 69.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Masham Baptist Church with the Rev. Virgle Calvert officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home.

George Wilson Brien was born May, 11, 1929, in Masham to Arthur and Faye (Lockwood) Brien. He was married to Marjorie Williams and they were the parents of two children, Jerry and Patti Brien. He later married Barbara Dilbeck who was the mother of Ricky and Rodney Dilbeck.

On Oct. 24, 1985, he was married to Joanne Lewis in Miami, who is the mother of Dale Brown and Becky Lewis. They made their home in the Masham area. Brien was a carpenter by trade. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and farming.

Survivors include his wife, Joanne Brien of the home in Pawnee; one daughter, Patti Novotney of Pawnee; three stepsons, Dale Brown of Ponca City and Ricky and Rodney Dilbeck; one stepdaughter, Becky Luis of Ponca City; three brothers, Robert, Thurman and Lynn Brien; four sisters, Roberta Tucker, Katheryn Grote, Rose Venable and Betty Tatum; five grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Jerry Brien; his parents; two brothers, James and Jack Brien; and one sister, Beulah Ball.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Brien’s name to the Pawnee County Hospice, c/o Pawnee Municipal Hospital, P.O. Box 467, Pawnee, OK 74058.

Obituaries

Barbara A. Pyne

Barbara A. Pyne of Ponca City, died Sunday Jan. 10, 1999, at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 61.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Relief Society room. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 13, 1999, also at the Church. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Barbara was born Nov. 17, 1937, in St. Louis, Mo., the second daughter of Peter Dietrich and Mary Barbara Schmidt. She attended school at Roosevelt High School and then business college in St. Louis.

She was married to Thomas O. Pyne in St. Louis, Mo., June 22, 1957. She lived in St. Louis most of her life until moving to Ponca City three years ago to be closer to family.

She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1957. Mrs. Pyne had served as president of the church women’s service organization and the Relief Society at both the local and regional level on numerous occasions. She had been a teacher, a leader and a counselor to many. A gifted, caring person, with a beautiful smile and lively sense of humor, she was a hostess to all, but she was most proud of her accomplishments as a mother.

She is survived by Thomas, her husband of 41 years; her three children, Thomas H. Pyne of Denver, Colo., Mark R. Pyne of Seattle, Wash., and Emily L. Hagood of Ponca City; her sister Dorothy Pyne and her mother Mary Dietrich, both of St. Louis, Mo. She was the beloved grandmother of 13 grandchildren: Nathalie Pyne, Alyssia Pyne, Elise Hagood, Skyler Pyne, Thomas Pyne, Kevin Hagood, Rachel Pyne, Julianna Pyne, Stephanie Pyne, Hannah Hagood, Hunter Pyne, Stephen Hagood and Matthew Pyne.

She is preceded in death by her father Peter Dietrich and one grandchild, Nathalie Pyne.

Casket Bearers will be Herbert J. Pyne, Herbert S. Pyne, Daniel Yates, Jerry Dickison, Terry Leavitt. Robert Stolt, and Roger Didericksen.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Herman Sindorf

NEWKIRK — Herman Sindorf, Newkirk resident, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 12, 1999, in Arkansas City Memorial Hospital. He was 68. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.

Funerals

Wednesday

Joseph Merwyn Fager

Funeral at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Ponca City. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Vehicles Burglarized — The Communications Center received a report at 7:08 a.m. Monday from a woman in the 900 block of North Third Street that her vehicle had been burglarized. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and reports were taken on three different vehicles being burglarized in the block.

WCW/NWO Souled out coming to Pay Per View. Sunday, January

17th at 7 p.m., $29.95. Call Cable ONE at 762-6684 and get ready to

rumble!!! adv.

Business Vandalized — A man from the 3000 block of Turner Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:37 a.m. Monday that his business had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please all 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Vehicles Burglarized — An employee at Champion Motors reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:47 a.m. Monday that several of the vehicles had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Tyson is back! World Heavyweight event, Tyson vs Botha

coming to Pay Per View. Saturday, January 16th at 8p.m., $45.95.

Call Cable ONE or your ring side seat 762-6684. adv.

Grass Fire — One unit of the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle a report of a grass fire one mile west of U.S. 177 on Gates Road at 1:48 p.m. Monday.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-

8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:59 p.m. Monday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 19-year-old man was held for petit larceny.

Open House- Please join us January 13th. Back on the Rack!

adv.

Vehicle Burglarized — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:16 p.m. Monday that a report was taken concerning a vehicle that had been burglarized while in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue.

Every Wednesday đ price clothes, shoes except priced

items. Check our daily specials.Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Subject Held — A 34-year-old man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:36 p.m. Monday to turn himself in on a city warrant for destruction of private property. Authorities of Municipal Court handled the situation.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call from the 5400 block of South Union Street at 3:05 p.m. Monday that a grass fire was burning. One unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to handle the fire and the Kay County Sheriff’s Department reported a possible suspect setting the fires. Information was logged on the identity of the vehicle.

Window Broken — A man from the 300 block of South Lake Street requested extra patrol at 3:01 p.m. Monday after a window had been broken. The information was logged.

Residence Burglarized — A woman from the 1700 block of Princeton Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:11 p.m. Monday that her residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Items Missing — An employee at Wal-Mart requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 3:18 p.m. Monday concerning some missing inspection stickers. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Business Vandalized — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:15 p.m. Monday that his business had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of West Summit Avenue at 6:37 p.m. Monday that a 23-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Subject Held — A man reported to the Communications Center at 10:23 p.m. Monday that he was following a vehicle that had hit his earlier. The vehicle was stopped at Oklahoma 11 and U.S. 77. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded to the scene and a 40-year-old man was held for DUI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and failure to stop at a stop sign. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Disturbance — An employee at Friendly Bar in the 700 block of North Osage Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 10:33 p.m. Monday as a result of two people fighting inside the business. Two officers were assigned and information was logged on an assault and battery.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Cleveland Avenue and North Oak Street at 5:44 a.m. Tuesday that a 39-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having an expired tag, and having no insurance. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

LIFESTYLES

Reducing Heat Loss Through Windows
Growing Begonias Topic of Garden Council Program
Xi Beta Tau Plans Fund Raisers

Reducing Heat Loss Through Windows

By READER’S DIGEST BOOKS

For AP Special Features

Windows make a room bright and inviting. But in winter, they lose a lot of heat to the outdoors after the sun goes down.

The loss becomes serious for houses with large picture windows and glass doors. It is also a problem for passive-solar designed houses, which depend on large south-facing windows for their operation.

Glass transmits heat by convection and conduction. To offset these effects, homeowners have traditionally installed storm windows for the winter. More recently, permanent double — glazed windows have become popular. The latter work better than storms because they don’t leak around the edges.

A typical double-glazed window has two pieces of glass. The two layers of glass are sealed along the edges, trapping air between them and creating a dead airspace that is usually one-half to three-quarter-inches thick. The space also contains a drying agent to absorb any moisture. Glass itself doesn’t insulate well, but trapped air does. Most double-glazed windows also have a reflective coating that keeps out heat on sunny days, and keeps it in on cold days. As a result, sealed double-pane windows save more on fuel bills than single-pane windows, and save slightly more than single-pane windows with storm windows.

However, if double-pane windows become cracked, or if they have been improperly manufactured, moisture will form between the double glazing. This can’t be removed. When this happens, the windows have to be replaced.

If you have single-pane windows, an inexpensive way to reduce heat loss is to cover the windows with drapes, shades or shutters each evening before going to bed. This works well for south-facing windows, but is less effective for north-facing ones.

On average, south-facing windows, which are natural solar-collectors, gain heat during the day. North-facing windows do not; they lose heat around the clock during the winter. So you will have to keep them covered or shuttered all winter long, or use double glazing. East and west-facing windows fall in between.

Window coverings work more effectively when they include built-in insulation and are made as airtight as practical. They should also include a vapor barrier, otherwise condensation will collect on the cold window behind them.

As an example, insulated drapes stitched like bed quilts or pleated panels save more heat than conventional drapes. A valence cover at the top retards air flow up the space behind the drapes. To further reduce flow, the bottom of the drapes should be weighted and rest on the floor. The side edges should press snugly against the wall. This is best accomplished with magnetic or Velcro strips sewn to the side hems and attached to the wall.

Conventional shades, blinds and drapes are almost negligible as insulators. They are also too loose to prevent large convective losses by drafts that pass unimpeded through the spaces between them and the windows.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that they can save heat by affecting our behavior. Standing near a window on a cold night, we feel cold because heat radiates directly from our bodies to the cold surface of the glass. If we cover the glass, the effect is diminished.

This simple fact may offset the natural urge to raise the thermostat because of exaggerated perceptions of low air temperatures in the house. Heat savings produced in this way — psychological rather than physical in origin — may be hard to measure. But such savings can be substantial.

Growing Begonias Topic of Garden Council Program

The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs met Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the Cann Memorial Gardens. Aline Heartsill, president, opened the meeting with the Gardeners’ Creed.

Gene and Ann Salisbury from Tonkawa were welcomed as guests, and Gene presented the program on “Growing Begonias for a Hobby” Both are past presidents of the American Begonia Society. During their terms as president, they have cemented six new branches into the American Begonia Society.

Begonias are grown in all part of the world with over 1400 species known and consist of five groups — Cane, Shrub, Fixed Stem, Simple Florins and Rhizomatous. The begonias are easy to grow, and some are quite large, and many varieties can be grown outside. In the greenhouse, they will bloom for about three months.

The Salisbury’s brought the members copies of The Begonian magazine and would like to see a branch of the ABS established in this area. They were this year’s winners at the ABS Special Awards of the Eva Kenworthy Gray Award.

Aline Heartsill, president thanked the decorating committee for their work and the clubs for their participation and help with the Garden of Gifts sale.

Mavis Robison read the minutes and gave the treasurer’s report. Helen Spore, bird chairman, reported on recent bird sightings and the upcoming Kaw Lake Bald Eagle Tours. Copies of the 1999 Winter Bird Survey for Jan 14 through Jan 17 were provided for the club members participation. Maureen Danielson, ways and means, reminded everyone to start preparing for the “Plant for Pleasure” sale the first of May during the Iris Festival, She also reported the Garden of Gifts at the December Open House was well attended.

The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs voted to participate in the “Care” program to help feed the hungry in the world by providing seeds, equipment and education.

President Heartsill announced the Nominating Committee consisting of Charlotte Lembke, Four O’clock; Vincie Paisley, Iris; Mary Anne Potter, Sage Rosemary and Thyme; Peggy Keith, Lilac; and Mavis Robison, Red Rose. They will select new officers to be installed in June.

The February program will be Larry Klumpp, Kay County 4-H agent of Oklahoma State University Extension Office.

Xi Beta Tau Plans Fund Raisers

Members of the Xi Beta Tau chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Cindy Wardlow for the December meeting with Sammie Coats, president, leading the Opening Ritual. Roll was called and the minutes read by June Miller, secretary.

International Communication were donations to the scholarship and endowment funds through Beta Sigma Phi. Also received were order forms for ritual pins and Beta Sigma Phi gifts. Other Communication was the annual Stay-at-Home dinner for the Youth SheIter.

Treasurer’s report was given by Cindy Wardlow, and Sammie Coats contributed birthday pennies according to her age.

City Council minutes were reviewed by Sammie Coats, chapter representative. City Council needs to have a head count of those attending the Valentine Dance to determine the cost of tickets.

Cindy Wardlow, ways and means chairperson, outlined fund raisers for the chapter. Fund raisers being considered are a crafts booth at Oktoberfest ‘99 with members making birdhouses and angel pins; a cleaning detail whereby services are bid on with members volunteering their time; and a celebrity auction with various celebrities donating autographed pictures.

Service project for this month was donating cooking skills and time to the Outreach Program affiliated with the New Hope Church of Fairfax.

Unfinished business were the final details of Lois Coats’ pledge ritual, which will take place on Jan. 25.

Election of a Valentine Queen was new business, and Cindy Wardlow was elected.

Cindy Wardlow presented the traveling basket to Lois Coats. Lois Coats and Jan Ellison won mystery gifts.

The members stood and recited the Closing Ritual and Miz Pah to end the meeting. Members then had a luncheon and opened Christmas gifts exchanged by secret sisters.

BUSINESS

Oklahoma Population Increasing
Small Business Conference Set for Jan. 27 at Tech Center
Miles Music Innovation Brings Music To Elderly
PTC Offering Family Farm Assistance
Leadership Key Issue For Tribal Development
Nickles Employees Honored for Service

Oklahoma Population Increasing

Oklahoma City — The Census Bureau has released revised population estimates for the nation, individual states and regions. The new numbers reflect recent 1997-98 year growth for Oklahoma as it enjoys its highest population and some of the largest labor force numbers since statehood.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau population estimates indicate California was the largest western state benefactor of growth, while some other states in the region slowed. The numbers released by the Census Bureau are used to assist in research regarding trends and forecasts, needs for and distribution of services, targeting of labor pools, demographic compositions and a broad spectrum of other vital and necessary information. Local, state, regional and federal government agencies, as well as private sector companies use the estimates.

During the year ending July 1, 1998, Oklahoma’s population grew .76 percent, while the nation grew .95 percent, and the region grew 1.45 percent. Over the period from 1990 to 1998, Oklahoma’s population grew by 6.39 percent, while the US grew by 8.66 percent and the region gained 13 percent.

According to Jeff Wallace, director of the State Data Center at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, steady growth may be a good indicator for the state. “Extremely rapid growth — while it means new jobs and new and expanding companies in the state — sometimes brings social and infrastructure issues with it,” said Wallace.

“Because we are at all time highs in terms of population and labor force, and our growth over the last two years has been healthy, we are certainly not disappointed with the Census Bureau’s new estimates.”

Wallace said one of the positive indicators in the new estimates is Oklahoma’s immigration of population from other states. The Census estimates show the state’s domestic migration at 17 percent, meaning more people are moving into Oklahoma from other states than are leaving for other states,

“While Oklahoma is not among the top domestic migration states in population gain, we are experiencing gains that some others cannot claim,” Wallace commented. The District of Columbia, Hawaii, New York, North Dakota and Alaska experienced some of the largest population losses due to domestic migration.

According to estimates, Oklahoma is ranked 27th in 1998 population and 21st in percent change in population from 1997 to 1998.

Wallace said the state’s total population is currently estimated at 3,346,700 and the Oklahoma labor force numbers 1,645,100.

Small Business Conference Set for Jan. 27 at Tech Center

More than 98 percent of all Oklahoma businesses have fewer than 100 employees. Thus, the future of Oklahoma’s economy and that of Ponca City are closely connected to small businesses of all kinds, according to Jan Jarrett, Chamber CEO.

Meeting the needs of small businesses and helping them to grow and prosper is a critical link in the future of our area, Jarrett said.

Developing the right kind of environment in which business can be successful is tied closely to legislative action. Through state laws, companies can either be supported and assisted, or penalized and discouraged.

On Jan. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Ponca City will serve as the site of the Governor’s Conference on Small Business. The event will be held at Pioneer Technology Center and is aimed at creating a unified voice of Oklahoma small businesses to have a positive impact on legislative action. All business owners and operators are encouraged to attend this important session and voice their concerns and suggestions regarding what can be done by the Oklahoma Legislature to improve and enhance the local business climate.

Objectives of the conference will be to: Identify and document small business legislative issues; develop strategies for support of identified issues; voice opinion on previously identified legislative issues; identify gaps; establish relationships with legislators to educate them on small business issues and to learn other business ideas on issues. The overall goal is to unify small business interests for the common cause of small business development in Oklahoma and Ponca City.

Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin will be present during the conference and will lead discussions which will identify key legislation which is needed to protect and enhance small business.

Fallin stated, “Since the governor appointed me as Oklahoma’s Small Business advocate earlier this year, we have continued to work in the interest of those businesses which truly drive our state’s economy.

“The Ponca City Conference will be an excellent opportunity for business operators in Ponca City to let their attitudes and ideas be known. I hope that local business owners and managers will recognize the importance of this meeting and take the time to be a part of the process rather than to assume that someone else will take care of it for them.”

Results of the Ponca City Conference will be transmitted to members of the Oklahoma Legislature during a special “Small Business Day at the Legislature” on Feb. 24 in Oklahoma City. Representatives of small business from all across the state will converge on the Legislature to emphasize the needs of small business, and ask for support in addressing needed legislation.

In addition to the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, which is serving as host for the conference, the chambers of commerce in Blackwell, Tonkawa and Newkirk have been invited to participate in the event.

Jan Jarrett, president of the Ponca City Chamber, noted that: “Our effort to unify the business agenda for needed legislation is county wide in nature. We strongly encourage all businesses in Kay County to be a part of this effort by attending the meeting and expressing your views.”

A light luncheon will be served during the conference. Reservations for the event are $5 per person, which includes lunch. Those who plan to attend should call the Chamber of Commerce in their community to reserve their space by Wednesday, Jan. 20. Ponca City reservations may be made by calling the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce at (580) 765-4400.

Miles Music Innovation Brings Music To Elderly

Assisted living facilities nationwide have adopted a successful approach to musical entertainment through the assistance of Miles Music.

When Frank Chappell, institutional sales manager for Miles Music Wichita, was asked to submit a bid for pianos for Sterling House Assisted Living Facilities, he convinced the purchasing manager to consider an alternative to conventional pianos.

Working with a music therapist, Miles Music developed a musical entertainment package designed to entertain the elderly and involve them in the music.

A digital piano, which looks, sounds and plays like a conventional piano, was designed and produced exclusively for Miles Music by Samick Piano Co. The piano has the capability to operate as a conventional piano or any of over 100 instruments, and can even operate as a player piano using standard floppy discs instead of paper rolls.

As the piano plays, words to the songs are displayed on a screen so the clients can sing along. A microphone allows them to sing through the piano speaker system and the rest of the residents can follow along on tambourines, rhythm sticks and a variety of other instruments designed especially for them

Many of the instruments have Velcro straps to enable individuals with poor hand coordination to better grasp their musical instruments and shakers are used to stimulate arm movement and encourage involvement.

What began as a small trial purchase has blossomed into the largest single account ever serviced by Miles Music. More than 150 digital pianos have been delivered across the United States to Sterling House facilities, including the one here in Ponca City. Although many are scattered throughout the Midwest, the majority of deliveries are to Florida, Ohio, Washington and Oregon.

When Sterling House merged with Assisted Living Services and Claire Bridge Assisted Living Centers, both of those corporations began purchasing digital pianos and conventional player pianos from Miles Music. An additional 200 pianos are scheduled for delivery over the next two years as new facilities open across the United States.

Making deliveries across the country is nothing new for the Miles family, which operates six stores in Oklahoma and Kansas. The Miles have been selling from coast to coast and in six foreign countries for the past 30 years.

The large number of pianos involved in this sale does, however, require a team effort. Keyboard Carriage of Kentucky delivers many of them, but a large portion are personally installed by Jerome Orange of the Ponca City store or Gary Miles and son Luke.

“Although we spend a lot of time on the road, it is a great opportunity to see a lot of country and meet a lot of people. Luke has had the chance to talk to hundreds of senior citizens who all have a story to tell and who all love music,” according to Miles.

“He has also been called upon to be a dance partner on numerous occasions. A 90-year-old in Texas tossed her cane on a chair and proceeded to teach Luke the Charleston (dance) while the music played on the new piano,” Miles said.

Miles has compiled a selection of discs with all the old favorites of the 1920 to 1945 era in addition to old standard hymns, which the residents especially enjoy.

In addition, special requests can be played here and sent on discs or simply downloaded from the Internet at the Sterling House locations and replayed on their piano. This ensures that every resident can listen to their favorite type of music, even if they can’t play.

The goal is to get the people actively involved in music and to help the enjoy themselves. Digital piano technology has made that job easier, according to Miles.

PTC Offering Family Farm Assistance

Pioneer Technology Center is co-sponsoring free Farm Family Assistance meetings via teleconference. The seminar will be held Jan. 14, 21, 28 at Pioneer Tech’s Business and Industry Services building.

The teleconferences will feature: talk-back sessions beginning with Dr. Mike Hardin discussing ways on “Minimizing Your Tax Burden.” The Jan. 21 conference will feature Steve Ramsey discussing “Dealing with Stress.”

The last session will be conducted by the Farm Service Agency, Farm Credit Agency, and the OSU Extension Service. The group will focus on “Planning for Retirement” as well as other farm related topics.

Other sponsors for the seminar include, Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech, Oklahoma Vo-Tech Agricultural Business Management, Oklahoma Agricultural Mediation Program and Oklahoma, State University Extension Service.

For reservations or additional information, contact Erwin Anderson at (580) 762-8336, ext. 240 or Sandy Graves at ext. 222.

For reservations or additional information, contact Erwin Anderson at 762-8336, ext. 240 or Sandy Graves at ext. 222.

Leadership Key Issue For Tribal Development

TONKAWA — Leadership quality from elected officials to community leaders is an essential ingredient for tribal economic development.

“A sign of good tribal leadership is a high degree of governmental stability, responsiveness and professionalism in dealing with citizens and outsiders,” said Dr. Joe Conner, co-director of the Native American Leadership Institute located at Northern Oklahoma College.

Most tribal economic development efforts begin with the search for capital, investors and industry. While these are all a part of increasing opportunities for tribal communities, they are important only if the tribal leadership and work force can attract, keep and expand vital economic enterprises. To accomplish this task, education and skill development at all levels of tribal leadership is essential.

The institute provides courses designed to expose current and prospective tribal leaders and employees to the professional expertise and technical skills necessary to work for and on behalf of tribes.

According to Dr. Carol Conner, institute co-director, a major goal of the institute is to prepare students for work in the public sector of tribal government. “In my experience, working for or administering tribal government is considerably more complex than that of most other public sector jobs. Tribal employees must often secure operating money for their programs; be familiar with federal, state and tribal laws;. work skillfully with culturally diverse groups; supervise family and maintain personal balance between traditional and modem work cultures.”

Both Indian and non-Indians are encouraged to take the Institute’s classes and special seminars. “Many non-Indians, such as state, county or private industry employees who work with tribes take these classes; and, of course, those who may wish to work for a tribe will also find them very useful,” said Conner.

The Institute offers a two-year Associate of Arts Degree in Native American Leadership through Northern Oklahoma College. Beginning this week three classes are being offered: Tribal Planning, a course that concentrates on writing grants; Tribal Leadership, taught by former Chief and President of the Osage Nation, George TallChief; and an introductory course in Native American Culture.

Persons interested in taking any of these classes must enroll at Northern no later than Jan. 15. Students do not need to be enrolled in the degree program to take one of the classes. For more information or to enroll contact Dr. Joe or Dr. Carol Conner at (580) 628-6358 or come to the Registrar’s office.

Nickles Employees Honored for Service

Thirteen employees of the Ponca City Nickles Industrial Manufacturing Corporation facility were recognized with service awards at the recent Christmas celebration. The awards represented 72 years of service with the company.

Russ Pendleton received the award for the most years with the company logging 30 years of service. Don Spore was next with 20 years and Earl Troutman, Delbert Moses and Sam Bagg, each received 10-year awards.

Leonard Lefebur received a five-year award. Those receiving one-year awards were Andrew Hoskins, Dave Johnson, Donnie Johnson Jr., Larry Blunt, Terry Stephen, Terry Sneed and Jeremy Williams.

SPORTS

Cats, Lady Cats Return Home Tonight Against Owasso
Cats To Finish District Duals
Too Many Misses Cost Mavs
Lady Mavs Fall Hard to Connors

Cats, Lady Cats Return Home Tonight Against Owasso

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

Life on the road can be grueling, and after grinding out three games in three days in Ada’s East Central Oklahoma Classic, the Po-Hi basketballers have come home.

After an encouraging third place showing for the Lady Cats, and a decent, fourth place effort from the Wildcats, both teams are hoping to get their 1999 conference calenders kick-started with wins against Owasso, tonight, in Robson Fieldhouse.

And, though conference records are rarely leading indicators of team talent in the fast and furious Frontier, they do mean something. The Rams are 0-5 in conference play (2-6 overall), while the Lady Rams are 1-4 (2-6 overall). Also, both teams have played just one game since the Christmas break (both lost), which could give the well-seasoned Poncans an advantage.

The boys will tip off at 6:15, while the girls’ game starts at 7:45. WBBZ’s Phil Turney will be covering the wrestling match in Edmond, so there won’t be a basketball broadcast.

Owasso Rams (0-5, 2-6) at PC Wildcats (3-2, 4-4)

Though they didn’t haul home any trophy case material from Ada, the Cats did have a decent showing, nipping Broken Bow in a first round thriller, 66-61, while getting nipped by Carl Albert in a third round thriller, 60-52. In between was a 58-42 loss to Lawton, in which the Cats’ bench — after a slow start for the starters — scored all but 15 of their points. The Cats won the second half of that game, 24-22.

While a 1-2 finish denied them the first place hardware they’d set their sights on, to coach Ron Arthur, there was much to be encouraged about.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t win it,” he says. “But I’m definitely happy with our effort. I don’t think you can doubt this team’s effort — in wins or in losses.”

Tonight’s match up will likely come down to who puts forth the better defensive effort, in that both teams have been prolific on the scoring end. The Cats are second in the conference, with 57.8 ppg, while Owasso is third, at 54.5.

The Poncans are coming off a dismal shooting performance against Carl Albert on Saturday, however. Though they outrebounded the Titans 27-12 on the offensive boards, and took an unbelievable 77 shots from the field, they went good on just 17 of those, for 22 percent.

To Arthur, the Cats’ standing as an elite offensive team means nothing if the shots aren’t falling.

“You can have the best offense in the world, but if you’re not shooting the ball well (in one game), you’re equivalent to the worst. We’re going to have days where we’re not hitting our shots, so we’ve always gotta be ready to guard. You always have to be ready to play defense.”

Though Arthur says he was fairly pleased with the defensive effort in Ada, the Cats currently trail the conference in points allowed, giving up 65 a game. Owasso gives up just 52, even after playing the likes of Frontier front runners Union and Sapulpa.

They’re a better team than their record indicates,” Arthur says. “They’re fundamentally sound, they’re good shooters, and they control the ball well. We’ve gotta start out fast and be the aggressors, because an 8-point deficit to Owasso is like being down 16 (to other teams).”

Owasso also has a pair of scoring leaders in 6-5 junior Richard Hardman, who averages 18.0 ppg, while 5-10 junior Wisdom Ledgerwood averages 15.8. For the well-balanced Wildcats, seniors Paul Broome (11.0) and Tom Engle (10.2) also cracked the Tulsa World’s list of scoring leaders this week.

Wildcat Notes — What’s up with the kids these days? While they didn’t get a round chunk of plexiglass in Ada, the Cats surely deserve the as-yet to be awarded Good Citizen Trophy. Assistant coach Joe Matlock was told by a woman staying at the Best Western that the boys from Ponca were the best, most well-behaved kids she’d ever seen. Arthur also relates an instance in an Ada restaurant when several members of the team rushed to help a waitress clean up a spill...Stat-master and all-around good citizen Craig Vannest did his weekly good deed on Saturday by turning the other cheek (though unshaved) in the face of an imminent attack by rabid fans. A nasty, minority faction within the Carl Albert contingent unleashed a torrent of verbal abuse against the WBBZ broadcaster, who was simply trying to clear up an error on the scoreboard, late in the game.

Owasso Lady Rams (1-4, 2-6) at PC Lady Cats (0-5, 2-6)

Though they headed to Ada with a big, fat zero on the left side of their record, the Lady Cats returned with two wins, a trophy, and a wealth of new-found confidence. Ironically, though their wins were good, their loss — in the second half, at least — may have been the best of all.

For wins, the Lady Cats demolished Broken Bow in round one, 47-28, and surged past Idabel, 38-30, in round three. Though they took a beating by state class 4A powerhouse Ada, 70-48, in round two, the Poncans had a season best shooting effort, burying a full 37 percent, including a whopping 48 percent in the second half. Through three games, they shot 62 percent from the line, up from a dismal 40 percent going into the tournament.

“If we play like we did in the second half against Ada, (almost) no one can beat us,” says Lady Cat coach Dana Pulley. “Shooting 50 percent makes a big difference.”

Hopefully, the Lady Cats won’t need that kind of herculean effort against the Lady Rams. Owasso is currently keeping company with the Lady Cats at the bottom of the Frontier Conference standings, averaging just 41.6 ppg. Though they were contenders for the state title last year, the Lady Rams lost a pair of scoring dynamos in 6-2 All-stater Jessica Bates and 6-1 Sarah Reese. Last season, the duo combined for an average of 21 points apiece through two games with the Lady Cats.

“They’re a totally different team than we saw last year,” says Pulley. “As a coach, you adjust your plays to your players, and last year they’d just go inside to Bates and Reese. This year they’ll have more of an outside game.”

That should bode well for the chronically, vertically-challenged Lady Cats. Though Owasso still brandishes a pair of 6-footers, the rest of their roster matches up well with the sub 6-foot Poncans. The Lady Rams also have just one player posting a decent average — 6-2 tower Brooke Long, with 9.1 ppg.

“They’re a very beatable team,” says Pulley. “If we go in and play our game, we should win.”

The Lady Cats also host Bartlesville on Thursday, currently 0-3 in the conference. While Pulley is counting on a successful week, she’s still taking it one day at a time.

“I’m really expecting two wins this week. We have the athletic ability (Bartesville and Owasso) have, and more. The girls expect it, too. We just have to put four quarters together.

“But any team can be beaten on any given night; we can’t overlook anyone.”

Lady Cat Notes — Kami Schieber held a shooting clinic in Ada, dumping in 9-of-12 shots through the first two games before twisting her ankle early in Saturday’s match up against Idabel. Though she made a valiant return to practice on Monday, the 5-11 senior rolled her ankle again, and Pulley lists her as “hopeful” for tonight...it’s not official, but Desiree Cries For Ribs should make the ECOC All-tournament team, having scored 10, 15, and 17 points through three games, respectively...Laura Sudbury also had a good tournament, scoring 21 points in three games...in the stir-crazy at the Holiday Inn category: the Lady Cats gave the annual initiation rite to three sophomores over the weekend, putting Kool-Aid in their hair, adorning them with Silly-String, lipstick and tape, and then taking pictures. “It was all in good fun. Everyone was laughing,” says Pulley. Here’s hoping none of the Lady Cats ever decides to run for public office.

Cats To Finish District Duals

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City’s Wildcat wrestlers go into their final district dual of the year at Edmond Santa Fe tonight with hope, but little else, of gaining a piece of the district title and a berth in Dual State.

Since its inception in 1989, the Cats have been in the Dual State Tournament seven times. They won four straight district titles from ‘89 through 1992. Since then they’ve been district champions every other year.

Unless a small miracle occurs, they will miss this year’s event after a close and controversial, 35-31, loss to Edmond Memorial in December. The Poncans sailed past Enid, 45-30, last week and will be favored to beat Santa Fe tonight. But by that same token, it appears unlikely they’ll get any help from either of those two teams in their battles with Memorial.

“Edmond Memorial is a good team,” Ponca City coach Todd Steidley said. “From the scores I’ve seen, they’re wrestling real well right now. For them to lose (to Enid or Santa Fe) they would all have to come down with the flu or something.

“But all we can do is keep winning and — like Florida State in football — put ourselves in a good position.”

Not a lot is known about Santa Fe. The Wolves are just 1-1 in duals and have attended two tournaments, Putnam City and Oklahoma City Western Heights, where they finished seventh and eighth.

“I do know they have some very good young wrestlers,” Steidley said.

Santa Fe coach Kirk Willis confirms he has a young team.

“We have four or five freshmen, a couple of sophomores, five juniors and two seniors,” he said of his lineup. “We’ve managed to win a few matches in our duals.”

Things appear to have become more settled for the Wildcats’ lineup.

“We’ll use the same lineup we used against Blackwell (last Thursday),” Steidley said. “I believe this is the first time we will have the same lineup for two duals in a row.”

Following tonight’s dual, the Wildcats are scheduled to travel to Bartlesville Thursday and enter the Sand Springs Tournament Friday and Saturday.

That tournament will give the Poncans a good look at where they stand in the region.

“There won’t be all that many teams at Sand Springs,” Steidley said. “But it is a very tough tournament. Four of the top 10 teams in Class 5A (Broken Arrow, Muskogee, Mustang, and Sand Springs) will be there along with Bristow, No. 1 in Class 3A, and Sperry, No. 6 in 2A.”

The other teams include Bartlesville, Collinsville, Salllisaw, Sapulpa and Tahlequah.

Too Many Misses Cost Mavs

WARNER — The Mavericks of NOC suffered a rare loss, Monday, falling to the Connors State Cowboys, 70-74.

Though they fell behind in the early going, 21-10, the Mavs (14-4) roared back into the game to take a 1-point lead at halftime, 33-32. A basket-for-basket battle in the second half came down to the final 24 seconds, when the Mavs — with the score tied — missed a pair of free throws that would have given them a 2-point lead. The Cowboys (13-3) then ripped of four unanswered points to take the win.

“It was a hard fought game, a game you’d expect between these two teams. But we missed too many easy shots,” said NOC coach Mick Weiberg. “We missed probably five, easy, point-blank put-backs, and those late free throws killed us. It just wasn’t our night.”

The Mavs shot just 39 percent from the field on 24-of-61 shooting, compared to a season mark of 48.5 percent. Though the athletic Mavs can usually offset an off-night with rebounding and turnovers, the Cowboys — contenders this season for the Region II title — shot 55 percent (29-of-53), and equaled the Mavs on rebounds, with 32. Turnovers weren’t much of a factor, as the Mavs had 11, to the Cowboys’ 16.

Weiberg did note that his team’s defensive effort was excellent, as they forced two shot-clock violations from the Cowboys.

Larry Reid and Ron Banks led the Mavs with 18 points each, while Ryan Williams chipped in 17. Josh Regnier, the Mavs’ third leading scorer at 11.9 ppg, finished with no points.

“When Regnier doesn’t score, I think it shows we’re not shooting the ball well,” said Weiberg. “Sometimes you just think there’s a lid up there.”

Sherman Rochell had 11, while Tyler Barnard and Jeff Newby had 3 each.

The Cowboys were led by preseason All-American Kenny Dye, with 24, and 6-11 Mike Harmon, with 16.

The Mavs continue their 4-game road swing on Saturday, taking on the homecoming Carl Albert Vikings.

Lady Mavs Fall Hard to Connors

WARNER — Though they came close to an upset back in November, the Lady Mavericks of NOC fell hard to the Top-5 ranked Connors State Cowgirls, 90-55, Monday.

Aside from the opening minutes, when the Lady Mavs took a 9-7 lead, the Cowgirls owned the game, running to a commanding, 48-21 lead at halftime.

“I told them in the locker room (at halftime) that I wasn’t concerned about the score or the outcome,” says NOC coach Greg Krause. “I wanted them to treat the second half like a separate game. And they did look a little tougher. They settled down and played with their heads up.”

That improved effort led to a scant, 42-34 advantage for the Cowgirls in the second period.

LaTonya Douglas led the Lady Mavs with 18 points, followed by Jessica Garner with 6, Kacey Whitworth and Chenise Robinson each had 5, Suzi Eisenhauer had 4, while Shaneta Lewis had 3.

Krause was also impressed with 6-1 freshman Ranada Collins (3 points), and the improving play from Ponca City sophomore Lyndsey Warrior (1 point).

The Lady Mavs travel to Carl Albert, Saturday.