LOCAL

Nearly News
District Literacy Goal High
City Receives Top Financial Rating
City Commission Approves Measures To Aid Struggling Conference Center
Legion Post 14 Busy In Recent Holidays
AmTryke Demonstration Available From AMBUCS

Nearly News

Parents of eighth and ninth grade students are encouraged to attend an enrollment meeting tonight at the Howell Auditorium at 5:30 p.m.

District Literacy Goal High

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The district has taken on the goal of literacy among all students attending Ponca City Schools. The goal was proven effective after each principal gave comments regarding the implementation of the goal at a Site School Improvement Plan meeting Monday night.

Several reports were heard throughout the evening on the status of the local schools. Garfield Academy utilizes the arts to help with reading. Two programs of interest are the HOST (Helping One Student To Succeed) Program and the Josten Curriculum, both of which provide 80 minutes a week in reading.

The HOST Program has received an award for the second year in a row, which proves that reading is a top priority at Garfield. Next year the school plans to update their computer labs.

Liberty has used their Title IX funding to purchase library books for all classes, provide teacher assistants and implement the STAR Program. By implementing the program the students can receive guidance for which books to read.

Lincoln Elementary has had success this year with Accelerated Reader, which ties in with their Phonics Program. Most teachers at Lincoln are trained in Literacy First and Great Expectations. The library circulation is up 40 percent and 60 minutes a day is spent on reading. Next year the school hopes to have more tutors and better prizes for reading competitions.

Roosevelt Elementary has placed an emphasis this year on Great Expectations. All but three teachers have gone to the Great Expectations training programs, and the parents were introduced to the concept last year at a watermelon feed. The school has reported fewer discipline problems and more response in the classrooms.

Trout Elementary has had success in reading by using the “Johnny Can Spell” Program, which places an emphasis on spelling, writing, reading and phonics. Trout has also had success in using parents tutor students one-on-one.

Union Elementary has also placed an emphasis on reading this year. The school has football and basketball players tutor some of their students in reading and test scores in reading have also improved. Union has also had success in enrichment and technology. The school is using mini-labs in each classroom and hopes to add more labs and laser printers next year.

Washington Elementary has started a new Reading Recovery Program, which helps students that fall behind in reading. The library circulation has increased 25 percent and plans are to add new classroom books and expand parental involvement. Washington has also had success in extending the school day for some students so they can stay and work in the labs.

Woodlands Elementary reported that their number one success this year has been literacy. The school provides 80 minutes of reading instruction each day and also provides one-on-one tutoring. Some of the programs that have helped with literacy are the Rotary Tutoring Program, Book Buddies and the STAR assessment, which accesses student progress. In the future the school hopes to have grades 3-6 work on word skills and renew their commitment to Great Expectations.

Ponca City Middle School has also had success in reading and being able to access a student five times during the year in reading. Over 7,000 accelerated reader tests have been taken and passed. The students have also improved on reading tests. Next year the school plans to purchase lower-level reading books for the library.

Students at the Mid-High read silently every day and also participate in the Accelerated Reading Program. Criterion Reference Test (CRT) scores have risen six percent over the last two years. The school has restructured the Parent/Teacher Conferences and the Homework Hotline to help the parents. Progress reports are also sent out to every parent.

Po-Hi has had success this year working with the staff to put together a plan for moving the ninth graders to the high school next year. Emphasis has been placed on improving the school climate (school attitude, etc.) and making sure each student has an education plan. A focus has also been made on reading and reading comprehension at the Alternative High School. The students now spend 15 minutes in each of the five classes reading.

City Receives Top Financial Rating

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The audit report on the city’s financial statements was music to the ears of city officials, the city finance director and taxpayers too.

“This is as good as you can get, and I commend the staff for that” said Doug VanMeter of the independent accounting firm of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson who conducted the audit.

After City Commissioner Lyn Boyer asked how Ponca City compared with other cities, the kudos kept coming in .

“I have been working in this job for six years and audit five to six other cities and this city rates the highest among them and I am not just saying that,” VanMeter continued. “This is the best report issued in this city and you honestly can’t get any better than this.

The accountant told the commissioners that many of the suggestions and recommendations that had been made to city staff have been implemented.

“This is a very conscientious staff,” he said of the finance department.

The city financial report for the second quarter ending Dec. 31 was just as positive. Finance Director Marc LaBossiere made a presentation on the highlights of the city budget before making several closing comments.

“In conclusion the local economy is strong, the high sales tax revenue indicates that the city is continuing to benefit from low unemployment, high wages and neighbors are coming to Ponca City to spend their dollars, insurance continues to be a concern and the Ponca City Utility Authority is strong and uniformly positive,” he said.

A copy of both financial reports are available at the Ponca City Library.

Due to police concerns city commissioners tabled a request from the Ponca City Main Street Authority to block Grand Avenue from First Street to Thirteenth Street June 4 for “Classic Cars” to cruise the main street.

City commissioners also approved an increase in the rezoning fee from its 1956 rate of $25 to $150 so that the “rezoning fees in Ponca City are comparable to surrounding communities.”

An update, showing the success of Westside Community Project, was given during the meeting. It was also announced that the program had received state recognition and would be receiving a $1,000 award from the Department of Human Services during an awards presentation April 12 in Oklahoma City.

Among those items approved as a part of the consent agenda were:

•The purchase of a warning siren for the Emergency Management Department from American Signal Corporation in the amount of $10,934.

•Acceptance of award for the Small Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Phase II of the improvements and repairs to Lake Ponca Dam.

•The purchase of a hydraulic slide gate operator for the City Garage division of the Public Works Department from Mid-America Fence Door Co. in the amount of $12,484.

•A $50,721 contract with Cardinal Pools of Oklahoma, Inc., for the filter tank replacement and pool heater at the Community Pool.

•An employment contract with Pam Glennan as a part-time consultant to perform professional services in the identification of federal, state and nonprofit organizations grants-in-aid and to provide research consultation and advice for the City of Ponca City.

City Commission Approves Measures To Aid Struggling Conference Center

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

A one-year moratorium on rental payments from Monumental Enterprises, Inc. (MEI) to the City of Ponca City for the Marland Conference Center was approved by city commissioners during Monday evening’s meeting.

“They have worked their fingers to the bone and we should give them a break in the last year,” Commissioner Lyn Boyer said as he made the motion to approve the new lease.

What the new lease means is that the conference center might continue to operate for at least the next year. Lack of revenues and continued expenses have plagued the local company that in the last three years has operated the convention center, saving it from a possible fate of “bulldozing.”

“For 20 years the City attempted to operate the conference center and MEI has done a better job than we did, but they continue to have difficulty in making ends meet,” City Manager Gary Martin told the commissioners. “Under the new lease we will continue to receive revenue from the restaurant operations.”

The new one-year lease replaces the five-year-lease which would have lapsed in 2001 and which required rental payments based upon percentage of profits of operation.

In addition to the elimination of rent, the new lease agreement requires the City to bear the cost of the elevator maintenance to the tune of $3,000 a year.

However the mayor viewed the loss of city revenue and additional cost as the welcomed price of doing business.

“I fully expect that this is the boost they will need. They are close to breaking even and hopefully will soon turn a profit,” Tom Leonard said. “David Myers told me that he expected to operate at a loss for awhile but not forever.”

The new lease was seen not only as a positive move but a move which also showed the city’s compassion for the cause.

“I am every pleased that the city understood the very difficult financial situation we are facing — we are and have been losing a substantial amount of money,” MEI President and Chief Executive Officer David Myers says. “We basically took on the losses the city had on the property and so anything is a step forward towards solving some of the problems.”

Late last year weight of the continual and mounting financial losses caused MEI to take what they term as “drastic reductions” in staff.

Although the past has been bleak for the family-run management company, Myers remains optimistic about the future.

“Attendance and occupancy rates are much higher and we are hopeful that these improvements will help us to turn the corner and recognize a profit,” Myers says. “We put a lot of time and effort into this center and like the mayor said it is a vital part of the community. We’re not getting any salary so we really see what we are doing as a community service and one that we hope we can continue to do.”

Legion Post 14 Busy In Recent Holidays

Huff-Minor Post 14 of the American Legion was busy during the month of December with the annual Children’s Christmas Party, the Christmas Dance and New Year’s Eve dance and breakfast.

Santa distributed sacks of candy and goodies to the children who attended the Christmas party. Over 40 adults and children were in attendance, and they enjoyed singing Christmas carols.

Burt Pruitt entertained at the annual Christmas dance for over 200 Legion members and guests, who enjoyed a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres and dancing.

Sonny D and the Invisibles played for the New Year’s Eve dance and breakfast. The house was packed, and breakfast was served upon the arrival of 1999.

AmTryke Demonstration Available From AMBUCS

This month, AMBUCS announces its goal to place free AmTrykes, the therapeutic tricycle, in demonstration sites in all 50 states. This project is part of the AmBility program, a national project adopted by AMBUCS at their National Conference in July.

According to Scott MacDonald, PT, 1998-1999 National AMBUCS President, “AMBUCS declares its goal to provide free placement of AmTrykes in rehabilitation units, children’s hospitals and pediatric clinics in all 50 states.

The AmTryke is a hand- and/or leg-driven tricycle for children with disabilities that increases muscle strength and balance. It also builds self-esteem by giving children with disabilities a chance to ride outdoors along with other children their age.

These demonstration sites would allow therapists and parents access to try out the AmTryke in order to decide if it is appropriate for a particular child. Not only are these AmTrykes a source of fun for the children, but they also serve as an aid to a child’s current therapy.

Local AMBUCS chapters, through a matching grant program from the Alan Eakle Fund, provide funding for this project. The Alan Eakle Fund is a $100,000 fund donated by AMBUCS’ member Alan Eakle, chairman of the AmTryke Team. Eakle expressed the importance of the AmTryke in stating “The mere sight of the AmTryke excites these children (with disabilities), for in their minds, they know what it is, and how to use it. Those bright little eyes just melt my heart on the spot.”

AMBUCS is currently taking applications for placement of AmTrykes in demonstration sites. Applicants must agree to allow therapists, parents and clients access for evaluation purposes. If you would like to apply to become a demonstration site, or if your organization would like to sponsor the placement of an AmTryke, please call William Stuever, president of the Ponca City Noon Chapter, at (580) 762-5700 or Patricia Boyd, president of the Vision Chapter, at (580) 762-5372. Deadline for applications is April 30. Sites will be announced in late May and can be found on the National AMBUCS’ web site at www.ambucs.com.

AMBUCS is a national service organization dedicated to creating independence and opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information regarding National AMBUCS, contact AMBUCS Resource Center at (336) 869-2166.

DEATHS

Mary Sue Heagy
Marie Rose Black
Leona Serrato
Joe Daniels
Kirby M. Roberts Sr.

Mary Sue Heagy

PAWNEE — Mary Sue Heagy, Ponca City resident died Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999, in Ponca City. She was 77.

A graveside memorial service has been set for May 8, 1999, at the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Arrangements are under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.

Mary Sue (Staton) Staggs Sneed Heagy was born May 8, 1921, in Osage County to James and Dora (Leamon) Staton. She was first married to Onis Staggs and later to Calvin Sneed, who both preceded her in death. She had lived in Ponca City for several years and served as manager for Meadow Village for 14 years.

She was married to Emmett Heagy in January 1969, in Ponca City, and the couple made their home in Springfield, Ohio. After the death of her husband in 1988, she moved back to Ponca City. Mrs. Heagy attended the Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Lillian McDaniel of Duncan, Ariz., Eva Beyer of Ponca City and Geraldine Martin of Fairborn, Ohio; one brother, Gen. William Staton; two sisters, Leatha Dixon and Nadine Glaze; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her three husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, three half-brothers, and two half-sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Heagy’s name to a charity of choice.

Memorials

Kirby M. Roberts Sr.

Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Kirby M. Roberts Sr. to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Fairfax, 333 South Eight Street, Fairfax, OK 74637. Mr. Roberts, a longtime Fairfax area resident died Jan. 22, 1999. His funeral was held at 10 a.m. today at the church under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Funerals

Wednesday

Marie Rose Black

Funeral to be held at 10 a.m. in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City. A committal service will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Stroud (Okla.) Cemetery. An Indian prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Services Pending

Leona Serrato

BURBANK — Leona Serrato, Burbank resident, died early this morning, Jan. 26, 1999, at the Fairfax Nursing Home in Fairfax. Survivors include a son, Gus Serrato of Burbank. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

Joe Daniels

FAIRFAX — Joe Daniels, Fairfax area resident, died this morning, Jan. 26, 1999, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 67. Survivors include his wife, Charlene of Fairfax. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

NEWS BRIEFS

Telephone Retired Members — Telephone Retired Member Club will meet Wednesday at Golden Corral, 2300 North Fourteenth, at 11 a.m.

Camera Repairs previously at Graham Photo, now at Creative

Photography. Call (580)767-1433.

adv.

Vandalism — At 7:53 a.m. Monday vandalism to a sign in the 100 block of East Brookfield Avenue was reported to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Clean Carpet. Top of line equipment. Best trained people.

Quality service. Reasonable prices. Call Floorcraft. 762-8383.

adv.

Accident — A vehicular accident at East Hartford Avenue and Fairview Avenue was reported at 8:22 a.m. Monday.

Remodeling Sale 60% off Pants sets, dresses and miscellaneous.

R&G Style Shop. Newkirk. adv.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 9:53 a.m. Monday Locke Wholesale, 1900 North Union Street, reported vandalism to a vehicle. A police 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 call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 21-year-old woman at 10:06 a.m. Monday from Enid on a city warrant for failure to obey.

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.

Vandalism — At 10:38 a.m. Monday vandalism at Kmart, 2608 North Fourteenth Street, was reported to police.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced

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

Central. adv.

Beer Theft — At 11:09 p.m. Monday police were alerted to a beer theft at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue.

Arrest — Police arrested a 25-year-old man at 2:37 a.m. Tuesday from South Birch Street and West Ponca Avenue for driving under the influence, no driver’s license, transporting an open container and failure to yield.

Accident — At 1:45 p.m. Monday police were informed that a semi-tractor trailer had jack-knifed at Academy Road and East Hartford Avenue.

Dry, Winter skin? Free sample of facial moisturizer to fit

your skin type from Estee Lauder or Clinique at John’s Apparel,

downtown Ponca City. 762-2763.

adv.

Forged Check — A forged check was reported at Albertson’s Food and Drug, 2005 North Fourteenth Street, at 2:03 p.m. Monday.

Arrest — A 24-year-old man was arrested at 2:24 p.m. Monday from South Ash Street and West Otoe Avenue for driving under suspension.

Counterfeit — At 3:52 p.m. Monday police received a report of counterfeit at Buy for Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street.

Tire Vandalism — A man in the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue contacted police at 4:06 p.m. Monday regarding two vehicle tires being slashed Sunday morning.

Break-In — At 5:42 p.m. Monday a woman in the 1600 block of Hudson Drive reported that her vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Beer Theft — Police were advised at 7:43 p.m. Monday of the theft of several 12-packs of beer from Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue.

Minor Accident — An accident in a parking lot in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported at 7:59 p.m. Monday.

Subject Held — An accident on Kygar Road south of Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Communications Ceter at 8:59 p.m. Monday. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded along with three Ponca City police officers. One subject was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries and a 62-year-old man was held for DUI and careless driving.

LIFESTYLES

Little News
Minding Minerals

Little News

Ruben and Tonya Poncé of Neosho, Mo., announce the birth of their daughter, Emily Isabel, at 2 p.m. Jan. 12, 1999, in Joplin, Mo. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long. She has a sister, Brittany, 8.

Grandparents are Bernie and Marilyn Jackson of Ponca City, and Jose and Imelda Poncé of Michoacan, Mexico. Great-grandparents are Jack and Gloria Kubik of Pond Creek.

Luke Christian John was the name selected by Dean and Lee Maniatis of Ponca City for their son born Dec. 31, 1998, at 11:42 a.m., at Stillwater Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long. He has two brothers, Matthew and Jamie.

Grandparents are Ann Strickland of Ponca City, Pete and Tula Maniatis of Denver, Colo., and the late John Strickland Great-grandparents are Gracie McGaughey of Pooler, Ga., and the late James McGaughey.

Minding Minerals

Milk and cereal offer more than just a “quick bite” to start your day off right. Research from Harvard links a diet high in potassium, magnesium and fiber with reduced risk of stroke, particularly for people with high blood pressure. The authors also note that previous research has linked higher calcium intakes with a decreased risk of stroke. Milk’s nutrient package includes both potassium and magnesium, in addition to calcium and other essential nutrients.

BUSINESS

City Sales Tax Collections Up For November
Chamber Board Members Hear School Bond Election Report
State Economic Growth To Be Slower This Year
New TV Production Studio Set To Open
Credit Union Planning New Office
Dunham Named Guest Speaker For Banquet

City Sales Tax Collections Up For November

Ponca City sales tax returns from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during November was up considerably compared to the same time period last year. Ponca City coffers received a total of $946,334 up from $712,684 for the same time frame in 1997.

Marc LaBossiere, finance director for the City of Ponca City, notes that when comparing year-over-year sales tax collections, the recent voter approved dedicated 1/2 cent sales tax to renovate and expand the No. 1 Fire Station must be considered. This tax equates to 14.29 percent of total collections, or $135,190 in the current month. This tax went into effect Dec. 1, 1997, and will expire on Nov. 30, 1999.

Factoring out the new dedicated tax, and comparing year-over-year collections on retail sales, total sales tax collections in the current month have increased from the same period of the prior year by 13.8 percent.

This is significant increase in collections and is obviously good news to the City, and reflects that positive activity is occurring in the local economy. The Finance Department will analyze Tax Commission reports by SIC code in an attempt to determine which sectors are experiencing growth, as soon as reports are received later this month, according to LaBossiere.

No Use Tax collections were received for the third consecutive month, due to a credit filed with the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

The disbursement of sales tax collections to 486 cities and towns by the Oklahoma Tax Commission totaled $74,593,143 for an increase of $6,741,340 from the $67,851,803 distributed to 486 cities and towns in November a year ago.

City Sept. 98 Sept. 97

Barnsdall $10,357 $9,662

Bartlesville 1,059,261 972,783

Billings 11,055 8,777

Blackwell 85,596 89,245

Braman 1,560 1,418

Burbank 331 386

Deer Creek 1,198 997

Enid 1,215,828 1,172,172

Fairfax 13,836 14,044

Kaw City 1,917 2,403

Lamont 1,712 1,769

Marland 807 914

Medford 17,865 10,078

Morrison 5,252 5,026

Newkirk 23,008 22,749

Pawhuska 52,309 52084

Pawnee 32,126 36,144

Perry 74,082 42,674

Pond Creek 7,821 7,494

Ralston 917 1,087

Red Rock 613 1,162

Shidler 2,855 2,378

Stillwater 1,042,268 1,022,851

Tonkawa 37,329 40,222

Chamber Board Members Hear School Bond Election Report

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Meeting in the new Commons area of Ponca City High School Friday, the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Board heard a report on the Feb. 9 school bond issue election.

Chamber Chairman Craig Myers called on Chairman-elect Barry Bickle, who is heading up the community campaign to pass the bond issue, for a report.

Bickle predicted that the turnout will be good because of the school board election slated for the same date. He asked for volunteers to help stuff envelopes to send out mailers and also to man a telephone calling bank to get the voters out.

The proposal for Excellence Phase III will seek voter approval for a $9.95 million school bond issue for Ponca City residents to invest in quality educational facilities and programs.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent of schools, and Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent, hosted the event. White said he has spoken to about 35 organizations explaining the bond issue proposal.

Myers said, the Chamber supports the bond issue because a strong education system and facilities are necessary for economic development. He also urged more community support for high school sports.

The chairman reported on meeting with investors for building affordable rental housing in Ponca City. He also reported meeting with the chancellor of the Oklahoma Regents of Higher Education, Hans Brisch, and Dr. “Skip” Porter, secretary of technology for Oklahoma. The group toured the available lab space and the learning center sites at Conoco.

Myers said Oklahoma has an opportunity to be a terra bite test center using the OneNet system. Reviewing the Oklahoma Outlook, Myers said Oklahoma will follow the national trend and the economy is expected to slow in 1999.

A new member of the Chamber Board, Dr. Joe Kinzer, told about the University Learning Center planned at Conoco’s North Tower. Kinzer said he had visited with Pioneer Technology Center and the public school systems about additional classroom space.

Jan Jarrett, Chamber CEO and Economic Development executive, said that he had arranged for Ponca City to be a part of the cost-of-living survey which is normally reserved for towns of a large size. The report will be given quarterly.

Jarrett announced that the Governor’s Conference on Small Business is set for Wednesday and urged to board members to attend. He also announced that Howard Barnett, head of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, will be visiting Ponca City in mid-February.

Karen Furman, head of Business and Community Development, reported on a meeting with the Marketing Committee of the Economic Development Advisory Board. Members of the Committee met in Oklahoma City with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and developed a framework for cooperative marketing plan with the department.

Myers announced that Paul Seeley will head up the Chamber’s Reaccreditation effort. The Chamber was first accredited 25 years ago.

The treasurer’s report was by Jim Lindsay.

State Economic Growth To Be Slower This Year

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

OKLAHOMA CITY — Economic growth will be slower this year — but Oklahoma’s employment rate is expected to remain above the national average, according to Dan Rickman, Oklahoma State University economist.

Rickman predicted “Oklahoma’s economy will not be as adversely impacted by the Asian economic problems as the U.S. economy. Oklahoma exports proportionately fewer manufactured goods to Asia. The state’s largest export destination is Canada.”

The result is that manufacturing employment is forecast to decline only slightly in the state because of the slowing national economy.

In the area of employment the state forecast is expected to increase 1.8 percent, which is above the 1.4 percent forecast for the nation.

Energy will be the trouble spot in Oklahoma’s 1999 economy, due to economic laws of supply and demand which are responsible for depressed oil prices, Rickman said. Ponca City has felt the brunt recently in oil related industries.

“Slowing world economic growth has reduced the demand for energy and, coupled with increased growth in world supply, prices had to fall,” Rickman said, “So employment declines are forecast for the energy sector.”

A factor affecting employment and income is new residents in Oklahoma. Between July 1, 1997, and June 30, 1998, more than 5,000 new residents came to Oklahoma from other states, while over 4,000 immigrants arrived during the same period. Ponca City has experienced growth in this area.

Dr. Gerald M. Lage, associate dean and professor of Economics, OSU, told that the U.S. economic outlook will experience slowing of growth in 1999 — “but maybe not much.” Lage based this outlook on several key assumptions. These included domestic economy remains strong; world economy grows by only two to two and a half percent with industrial nations slowing; Southeast Asia stabilizes: Japan eventually straightens out economy; European growth continues; oil prices nearly flat in 1999 and the impact from reduced interest rates grow.

Entrepreneurship Growing Trend

Keynote speaker for the Economic Outlook Conference was Harold P. Welsch, DePaul University. Welsch’s topic was “Entrepreneurship Trends in Education and Economic Development.

Welsch told that the fastest growing segment of education relating to business is entrepreneurship. He told that now major universities are offering graduate level entrepreneurial programs. He said there are now 200 endowed chairs in the nation entrepreneurship.

The speaker indicated that education had been slow in this field and that “universities should be leading the charge instead of following it.”

The program at DePaul University operates as a resource center for small businesses and entrepreneurs, with a partially government-funded Small Business Institute offering help preparing business plans, loan packages and marketing strategies.

“Hot Zones” for entrepreneurs are listed in order of anticipated growth, computer goods associated; computer software; electronic products; telecommunications equipment and services; food products; furniture; personnel services; home audio/video products; leisure and recreation services and computer systems.

At the beginning of the conference Dr. Gary L. Trennepohl, dean of the OSU College of Business Administration told the Economic Outlook Conference had been going on for 20 years. The outlook is developed by the OSU College of Business Administration. The Oklahoma Tax Commission provides financial support for the state forecast.

Trennepohl noted that several unforeseen factors had happened in 1997 that had affected the economy. He listed the 15 percent market decline, impeachment of a president, currency prices and the price of oil declining to $10 a barrel as factors affecting Oklahoma’s economy.

New TV Production Studio Set To Open

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Local programming and commercials will be the primary products of a new video production studio being opened through a partnership of two local businessmen.

Pioneer Productions is slated to hold a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin doing the honors. The business office is located at 727 North Fourteenth and the production studio is next door.

The new venture is a partnership between Ron Gales and Brian Harpster.

Gales said the operation will start producing television shows of local interest to telecast on cable. At this point it is uncertain whether the programming will be aired on channel 11 or 66, Gales said.

One planned weekly production will feature Mayor Tom Leonard. Political issues will be discussed. A sports talk show with local coaches is also planned. The programs will be taped and there will be no live news reports, but a news magazine is planned.

Gales says there will be entertainment shows connected with the school system. He has been associated with the school system putting out the “Our Future” newsletter.

Also planned for television airing is some type of “Saturday Night Live” comedy. Locally produced commercials to run on cable will also be produced. Julie Ray is the production manager. She was employed at Cable One as a video production assistant for seven years.

Gales has been in the car business here for about eight years and has been in the insurance business and credit insurance business where he sold products to a national market.

Gales and his wife LeEllen have lived in Ponca City since 1990. Mrs. Gale is the former LeEllen Bennett of Ponca City. The couple have three children, Zack, Nathan and Kaycee.

Credit Union Planning New Office

Cherokee Strip Credit Union recently took a historic step by signing documents to purchase property located at 1508 East Prospect, which is just east of Peter Pan Cleaners. This location is to be the future site of the Credit Union’s main office facility, according to Howard Sissel, president.

“We have grown significantly and have great expectations of continued growth. Also, over the past few years, the membership of the Credit Union has become more diversified, with many of our members working outside of the Conoco complex. Our Board of Directors agreed that one of the best ways to improve service to our members is to provide more convenient locations. In addition to this location, the Credit Union will continue to maintain offices within the Conoco complex as well as the facility located at Hartford Avenue and Waverly Street,” Sissel said.

ABE Corporation from St. Louis, Mo., has been selected as the building contractor because of their building experience in the financial industry.

“They have built over 1,500 credit unions, many of them in the state of Oklahoma. We were very impressed with their emphasis on up-front planning before a board is ever nailed. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 1999 with completion expected in the first quarter of 2000,” Sissel explained.

In the newsletter to customers Sissel said, “We hope that you will share our excitement as we begin to plan and construct your new facility. We will continue to provide more details as they develop.”

Dunham Named Guest Speaker For Banquet

Guest speaker for the annual Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet set for March 12 will be Archie Dunham, president and CEO of Conoco Inc. The announcement was made at the Friday Chamber Board meeting by immediate past Chamber Chairman Richard Severance.

SPORTS

Cat Cagers Resume League Play Tonight
Mavs Open League Play
Warrior Tops Lady Mavs Win

Cat Cagers Resume League Play Tonight

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

With two different tournaments safely behind them, the Po-Hi cagers return to face a familiar Frontier foe on the friendly floor of Robson Fieldhouse, tonight.

The Po-Hi cagers will jump into the second half of their conference season, hosting Jenks. The Trojans are 6-3 (9-6 overall), while the No. 10 state ranked Lady Trojans are 7-1 (10-4 overall).

The Cats will tip off at 6:15, with the Lady Cats starting at 7:45.

Comparatively speaking, tournaments have actually been a boon for the Lady Cats — and just as cruel to the Wildcats. Though both teams went 1-for-3 in their weekend forays, the ladies had a pair of outstanding showings, while the guys — though they played well all three days — suffered two, agonizing, 1-point losses.

Both teams ended substantial losing streaks (six for the Cats, five for the Lady Cats), but it’s the Lady Cats who emerged with the momentum.

Jenks Trojans (6-3, 9-6) at PC Wildcats (3-5, 5-9)

Early in the season, the Cats won four of their first six games with tiny victory margins. But the Cats have now lost 7-of-9 — five of those in crunch-time heartbreakers. Four have been by less than five points, while their last two — at the Valley Center Tournament in Wichita — were by a scant one.

The Cardiac Cats are suddenly snapping down the stretch. Why? Why has crunch time — once the sole province of the Wildcats — become lunch time for the opposition?

“There’s no short explanation, and there may not be a long explanation,” says coach Ron Arthur. “But the quick explanation is we’re not getting the job done. We gotta make free throws, we gotta secure the ball, and we gotta make the defensive stop.”

On Saturday, the Cats were 0-for-3 on those objectives. They missed their last three free throws, turned the ball over late and gave up an easy basket with eight seconds left to fall to Enid, 41-40.

Still, to Arthur, a lack of execution isn’t indicative of a lack of confidence, nor do the losses rest solely on the Cats’ shoulders.

“You gotta look at the other side, too,” he says. “(The opposition) is making the plays. And it’s not like we don’t have the confidence in what we’re doing; we’re not going in thinking we’re going to lose. We’re still 3-and-4 in (really close) ball games.”

Tonight, the Cats will likely have to rediscover that 11th hour magic. Though the Trojans have fallen out of the 6A Top 15, and rank a lowly (for Jenks) third in the Frontier Conference (behind Union and Sapulpa), they still pose a formidable threat.

“They’re very good fundamentally, and their system is such a good system,” says Arthur. “They play great defense (47.5 ppg), they’ll push you out and they’ll be aggressive. We just have to be aggressive back.”

Wildcat Notes — Justin Roye leads the Trojans in scoring, with 13.9 ppg, and had 15 in Saturday’s 47-44 win over Tahlequah in the Jenks Invitational. The Trojans were 2-1 and placed fifth...Jenks averages just 50.1 ppg on offense (next to last), while the Cats average 58.4 — but give up a league worst 63.2...the Trojans beat the Poncans 66-45 in the Cats’ season opener, Dec. 1...Tom Engle had the most steals of any player in the Wichita tournament.

No. 10 Jenks Lady Trojans (7-1, 10-4)

at PC Lady Wildcats (0-8, 3-11)

Momentum has been in short supply for the Lady Cats this season. Their three wins have come in two tournaments, their shooting runs hot and cold, and they have yet to win a conference game.

After a devastating loss to undefeated and No. 1 Tahlequah in round one of the Jenks Invitational, in which the Lady Cats scored just 19 points, they might have been forgiven for giving up on what looked to be a season of futility and frustration.

But they didn’t. Not by a long shot.

“They had a team meeting after the Tahlequah game,” coach Dana Pulley relates. “They decided to start their season over.”

It’s a little psychological trick that worked for Arthur’s Wildcats last year, and thus far it seems to be working for the Lady Cats.

In day one of Season Two, the Lady Cats played a solid three quarters to nearly upset 5A No. 8 Bixby, 56-50. Saturday, after playing a solid four quarters, they prevailed against 5A No. 13 Washington, 48-44. In two games, the Lady Cats averaged nearly 50 points and shot a total of 40 percent from the field.

While not exactly on fire, the Lady Cats are as hot as they’ve been all season.

“We’re 1-1 now,” Pulley says, and adds with a laugh, “actually, we’re 3-1, because they decided to add the wins from Ada after the loss to Bixby...”

Okay, so reinventing your season isn’t hard science. But if it works, it works, and the Lady Cats will definitely need some inspiration tonight.

The Lady Trojans are ranked No. 10 in the state, and trail only Union in the Frontier Conference. Defensively, the Lady Trojans will likely put the newly prolific Poncans to the test, as they give up a wee 43.1 ppg.

Lady Cat Notes — The Lady Trojans went 2-1 in the Jenks Invitational, topping Edmond Memorial, 55-48, for third place...Jenks’ Kim Chicones is averaging 10.7 ppg...Desiree Cries For Ribs moved up to fifth place among conference scoring leaders, with 11.8 ppg.

Mavs Open League Play

MIDWEST CITY — The Mavericks of NOC kicked off their conference season with a big road win, knocking off rival Rose State, 88-83, Monday.

The Mavs are now 17-4 overall, and 1-0 in the Bi-State West.

“We’re feeling kinda good about it,” said coach Mick Weiberg, whose team also concluded a four-game road swing. “Anytime you can beat Rose on the road, it’s a good game. It’s a big rivalry, and the gym was full.”

Behind some hard-nosed defense and an aggressive transition game, the Mavs bolted out to a 20-point lead in the first half. Sophomore guard Josh Regnier finished with 23 points to lead the Mavs, while Ryan Williams chipped in 14.

“That was about the best we’ve done in transition,” said Weiberg. “And we just got after them, defensively.”

Up 45-30 at halftime, the Mavs did falter a bit, allowing the Raiders to close within six, with eight minutes left to play. With three starters in foul trouble, Weiberg put his deep bench to the test, and — for the most part — they responded.

Though the Raiders got a couple of late, easy buckets to narrow the score, the Mavs held on for the win.

“We were a little tired, and mental errors hurt us,” Weiberg says. “But depth is the key on this team. We passed the hat to several kids and they responded.”

The Mavs shot 30-of-55 (55 percent) from the field, and had 23 turnovers, while the Raiders were 29-of-61 (48 percent) and had 18 turnovers. “We could have played that game with 10 (turnovers),” says Weiberg.

The Raiders, who knocked the Mavs out of the Juco Top 20 last season, are also the only team this season to have an upset against Region II leading and No. 6 ranked Bacone.

Ron Banks had 14, Sherman Rochell 12, Jeff Newby 9, Larry Reid 6, Latarvis Norman 4, and Shere-Khan Jones 2. Newby also had a trio of 3-pointers.

“He’s continuing to get the job done for us,” said Weiberg, of Newby. “Not just offensively, but defensively as well. And Regnier had a really good game.”

The Raiders were led by Duncan Ogilive, with 24.

The road weary Mavs will finally return to their home floor, Thursday, hosting Eastern.

Warrior Tops Lady Mavs Win

MIDWEST CITY — Ponca City’s Lyndsey Warrior had a career high 19 points as the Lady Mavericks of NOC opened conference play with a win, sailing past Rose State, 63-49, Monday.

The Lady Mavs (1-0, 7-12), took the lead early in the first half and never looked back. Down by 11, 35-24, at halftime, the Lady Raiders did make several stabs, pulling to within eight at one point, but the Lady Mavs held on for the win.

“We kept some calm,” says coach Greg Krause. “That’s a big first win for us. Now we have to win a couple in a row, build some confidence, and get some momentum.”

Though Krause didn’t have exact statistics, he estimated Warrior to have about 10 rebounds and four blocks to go with her huge offensive output.

“She was the key inside,” he says. “She was posting up and hitting the high percentage shots.”

Kacey Whitworth had 12, Chenise Robinson 9, Ritha Moro 6, LaTonya Douglas 5, Jessica Garner 2, while Shaneta Lewis and Jennifer Williams had 2 each.

Shelly Young had 14 for the Lady Raiders, while former NOC player Stephanie Stovall had 10.

After a grueling 4-game road swing, the Lady Mavs will return home on Thursday to face Eastern — 74-29 winners over Murray State on Monday. The Lady Mavs will also play a solo game on Saturday, taking on Crowder College.