LOCAL

PC Teachers Cast Wary Eye At Pay Hike
Ward 7 Seat Graves Seeking Spot On PC School Board
Burbank Couple Dies in Auto Crash
Buy a Brick
Letter - Bring Back Wichita’s Channel 3
Letter - Tonkawa Resident Casts Vote for Channel 3
Letter - What About the Advisory Period at Po-Hi?
Letter - We Need a Solid Nuclear Deterrent
School Board Candidates Respond to Questions
Amelia Earhart Film at Poncan Theatre
Alice On Stage At Poncan
Byron Berline Due Back Feb. 18
Board Members To Refill Ward 6
School Calendar
College Credit Programs Working for PTC Students
School Menus
Union Elementary Choir To Be Heard Nationwide
GOP Meeting Change
Crimestoppers Tip Tags Two Suspects
‘Intimate Partner Violence’ Not Just a Woman’s Worry
Royal Neighbors To Meet Monday
Tallgrass Prairie Overview Set
Create A Cookie, Can Ya?
Board OKs Teletechnet Program
Square Dance Set Next Sunday
Free Pregnancy Tests Offered
City Calendar
‘Ear Hair’ Research May Help Fight Hearing Loss
Playhouse Needs Uniforms
Hospice Volunteering A Gift from the Heart

PC Teachers Cast Wary Eye At Pay Hike

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The recent proposal from Democratic legislators for a $3,000 across-the-board pay hike has received enthusiastic support from local teachers.

However, Republican Gov. Frank Keating’s final proposal for a $2,000 increase — based on stipulations — leaves some teachers outraged.

When the governor’s proposal is trimmed of its excess, not every teacher in the state will receive a raise. According to the proposal, raises could be based on merit.

West Middle School teacher Jan VanBuskirk said the original proposal is a nice place to start. “[The government] can’t fix our problems by a one-time $3,000 pay raise. They must focus on this for several years, and we have to become a priority,” she said.

VanBuskirk, a teacher for 32 years, says Keating’s plan will not help public school teachers. “Our insurance costs are going up. $2,000 divided by 12 months doesn’t hardly pay the increased costs.”

She said, “Keating’s proposal with the whole merit pay thing really scares me. I’m not totally against the idea. I guess I just don’t know how that will work.”

One possible stipulation of Keating’s merit pay system includes raises based on test scores. However, many Oklahoma teachers work in low-income areas where test scores are not always high.

VanBuskirk also says the merit system could divide teachers instead of uniting them.

“I believe his proposal could cause teachers to become competitive against each other instead of banding together,” she suggested. “I don’t think that’s fair or equitable.”

VanBuskirk says lagging teacher salaries have caused many qualified educators to move to leave the state in search of better pay. In Texas and Kansas, starting salaries can be more than $10,000 higher than Oklahoma’s.

“I recently had a student teacher who was wonderful. She was planning to take a job with Edmond until Dallas Public Schools offered her a $31,000 starting salary, plus a $2,000 bonus for teaching math and a $2,000 signing bonus,” VanBuskirk said.

The drastic difference in salaries between Oklahoma and Texas bothers VanBuskirk. “She will start off making what I currently do. No wonder teachers are leaving the state.”

The husband of Rene Hall, a second-year English teacher at West, will earn his bachelor’s degree in May. Hall says she will probably look for a job in another state when he does.

“My husband will have a degree in education,” she said, “but he’s looking at an occupation possibly in computers where he has some experience. He could make $12,000 more a year in a computer job than teaching school.”

Hall says she stayed in Oklahoma because of family ties. “It’s definitely not for the money. The Democratic legislators have to do something and Keating’s proposal is ‘just not fair.’”

Pat Lutz, a fourth grade teacher at Washington Elementary, is in her 27th year of educating children. She agrees that something must be done to raise teacher salaries, but believes the government must continue to fund education.

“Oklahoma used to receive 60 percent of the budget for education — we now get 56 percent. I think if the percentage were brought back up, that might help,” she offered.

Lutz believes the government needs to show Oklahoma teachers it cares.. “I don’t think Gov. Keating has ever been very supportive of teachers,” she said.

A recent off-hand remark by the governor angered some educators, Lutz among them.

Speaking at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, the governor was asked how to handle an Oklahoma education union. Keating paused, grinned and said, “Homicide.”

“That really upset me,” Lutz said. “He needs to think before he acts.” Keating later said he was kidding and apologized for the remark.

From an educators’standpoint, Lutz believes elementary teachers work just as hard as other teachers. She does not think merit pay will work for Oklahoma teachers.

“Those teachers that work in low-income schools spend just as much time in the classroom as I do — even if the students’ test scores don’t show it,” Lutz reasoned.

She knows it’s hard to convince the public that teachers deserve a pay raise because they only work nine months.

“I get to school early and sometimes I grade papers at night until 10 p.m.,” she said. “I know a lot of teachers who have to get a part-time job in the summer months to supplement their income.”

Angela Parks, a sixth grade teacher at Trout Elementary, used to teach in Wichita Falls, Texas.

She says the difference between the two states’ salaries is staggering.

“I have been back in Oklahoma for four years and I now make what I started off making when I lived in Wichita Falls a few years ago,” Parks said.

She said her sister and brother-in-law both teach in Plano, Texas, and that the technology differences between Oklahoma and Texas are widening.

“My brother-in-law is a PE teacher and he has a computer in his office. My sister is a first grade teacher and she has access to things we don’t,” Parks explained. “We lag way behind Texas in that.

“As far as the districts go we are pretty much in comparison with each other. State government priorities are not even close though,” she added.

The across-the-board teacher pay plan, expected to cost about $170 million, will be the Legislature’s first order of business when the session begins Monday.

Ward 7 Seat Graves Seeking Spot On PC School Board

Tuesday marks the annual school elections.

Vying for Ward 7 on the Ponca City Board of Education are Vicki Graves and Mike Joosten. Incumbent Kyle Keffer is not running for reelection. Joosten was feautred in last Sunday’s edition of The Ponca City News.

Graves is a former Miss Ponca City and a 1979 Ponca City Senior High School graduate. She attended Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma State University, majoring in accounting.

She is a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and holds licenses in the fields of general investments and securities, insurance and financial planning. Graves has been in the investments and securities industry for 16 years.

Graves and her husband, Howard, are co-owners and operators of Kids Kastle. They have three children: Jakeb, an eighth grader at East Middle School; Taylor, a fourth grader at Woodlands School; and Allie, a kindergartner, also at Woodlands.

She is an active member of Second Baptist Church, a 1993 graduate of Leadership Ponca City and a member of its alumni.

She serves on the board of the Ponca City Main Street Authority and is its vice-chairman. She is also a member of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Education Committee, Mentoring Program Advisory Committee and Ponca City Alliance for Youth-Drop Out Task Force.

Other community involvements include being a HOST Mentor for Garfield Academy.

She and her family are Wildcat Booster members and season ticket holders for all of the local sports programs. She is active in the Parent Teachers Association and is currently serving on the Ponca City East Middle School PTSA board.

Graves is a long-time supporter of the Ponca City Soccer Association and was commissioner of the Under-10 Boys for many years.

In addition, she has serves the Ponca City United Way on its Allocations Committee and as a Loaned Executive. She has also served on the boards of the Child Development Center and the American Red Cross.

Graves says her primary reason for running for the school board as the need to insure our educational community has all the tools necessary to help elevate every student to maximum learning potential. In order to do this, she believes we must maintain a positive attitude, be open-minded and effective listeners.

“The health of our education system in Ponca City is vital to the growth of our community,” Graves says.

“When businesses look at us to relocate or expand, they look hard at our system. What does it offer their employees children? Does it meet their expectations? Is it competitive [in scholastics, arts/electives and sports]?

“The answer needs to repeatedly be a solid ‘Yes’. As a member of the business community, I expect support for this forward economic thinking from my colleagues.”

Additionally, Graves feels there must be continued encouragement for the involvement of parents. It takes a team effort with goals focused on success for the students to succeeed, she believes.

“We should regularly examine our available resources (finance, properties, curriculum) to take advantage of buying opportunities and cost saving measures,” Graves says.

“This would include providing a clean, safe and inviting atmosphere where our educators can teach and our students can learn.

“And, finally, we say that we want accountability. The board gives the district direction — [it], in turn, should take the action. We need to show respect to our education community and empower them to do their jobs.”’

Burbank Couple Dies in Auto Crash

By The Associated Press

Two people were killed and three were injured in a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 75 in Ramona, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.

The crash occurred about 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The patrol said Robert L. Benham Jr., 31, and his wife, Tammy Sue Benham, 26, both were killed in the crash. Their 14-month-old son was injured in the crash. The family was from Burbank.

Another passenger in the car driven by Benham was injured as was the driver of a pickup truck.

The patrol said the accident occurred when Benham’s car failed to yield at an intersection and struck the side of the pickup truck. Seat belts were not in use by the Benhams. Their child was in a child restraint.

Buy a Brick

Now is your opportunity to become a permanent part of the historical beauty and architecture of Ponca City High School by engraving bricks with important information embedded in the Commons Patio area.

Bricks can be engraved for graduation classes, memorials, historical events, veterans, clubs, friends, social occasions, businesses, yourself, loved ones, family trees, birthdays and anniversaries.

Bricks with two lines of print cost $30 each with three lines of print costing $35 each. Duplicate bricks are also available for home or office decor for $20.

This brick project is sponsored by the Po-Hi Science Club. The proceeds will go to the Po-Hi Robotics Team in their quest to attend a robotics competition in Orlando.

For further information contact Tonya Scott at 767-9555, ext. 1534. You can also fill out an order form placed in today’s paper.

Letter - Bring Back Wichita’s Channel 3

I also, along with many of my friends, wish the Cable One Co. would bring back Channel 3 — Wichita. It helps to see the northern station for weather and other related news. Cable One seems to be addicted to Q.V.C. programs.

I’ve been suggesting every time I pay my “rising” bill to give us the golf channel. There are a lot of golfers in this area. Newkirk and Ark City receive it free. Thanks.

Bob Oswalt

Letter - Tonkawa Resident Casts Vote for Channel 3

Thank you Mr. Sylvester for your letter in Sunday’s Ponca City News. I agree completely with everything you wrote. I have felt the same way ever since turning on the television Jan. 1 to discover the last Wichita television station had been removed without any notice from the cable company in regards to what the paying subscribers wishes might be.

I called the Cable One office on Jan. 3 to express my dismay at the change and ask why, but didn’t get any sensible answer. I was told, more or less, that if I didn’t like the change that was my problem. I also spoke to two officials of the City of Tonkawa, which has the “contract” for our cable system, but nothing has come of those conversations.

Here in Tonkawa we are on the same cable system as Ponca City, a change that happened much to the dismay to many, many residents of Tonkawa. We had no say in the change, even though a community meeting was held, after the fact, and the voices of the subscribers were completely ignored. The cost for the basic cable was increased tremendously, and the loss of several of the stations that people in this community wanted was not welcomed. But we had no choice ... we either paid it or put up an antenna.

Prior to having Cable One serve Tonkawa, we did not receive any of the Tulsa stations and getting them was not so bad with the new system, but now to lose Channel 3 to a shopping network, of all things!! I don’t think people should have to pay for a shopping network as part of the basic package.

The keeping of three Tulsa stations and no Wichita station, in my opinion, is a bad decision. Wichita television gives this area a much better weather forecast; ask the members of the Tonkawa Fire Department (which controls the weather warning system for our city) which channel they watch when bad weather is threatening; it’s my understanding that they relied on Wichita television because it told of approaching weather, not weather that had already gone by this area. By the time the weather system is west of Tulsa ... goodbye Ponca City and Tonkawa. Oklahoma City’s television weathermen are too busy with their metro area to care about us up here 25 miles from the Kansas border.

At the community meeting held with Cable One personnel, they “assured” us that we would not loose the weather warning system that we got via the Blackwell-Tonkawa Emergency Warning System. This past summer I recall only one time that the Ponca City emergency weather warning system broke into programming to warn of approaching severe weather, and it was located “east of Tonkawa!” Lot of good that did us! And now we can’t even tune to Channel 3 to see what is approaching from the north or northwest out of Kansas.

Who at Cable One makes the decision to change the stations on the system? Do they not care what their subscriber’s desire?

I wish I had the time to circulate a petition requesting the return of Channel 3, if that would do any good, but I work full-time and just can’t do it. Anyone else out there willing to, for whatever good it might do? If so, please contact me, I’ll gladly be the first to sign!

We need to call the Cable One office, get past the receptionist, and voice your opinion, send cards and letters on an individual basis, who knows, just maybe, someone will listen to what we want, not what “they” want.

Barbara Wood

Tonkawa

Letter - What About the Advisory Period at Po-Hi?

An article in the Jan. 28, 2000, edition of “The Poncan” (the Po-Hi Student newspaper) entitled “Trimester Brings Changes to Po-Hi” by Lacy Weaver stated that “there will not be an advisory every day.” Po-Hi currently has an advisory period every day.

Have our administrators decided that the advisory period is not of value? If so, why have our children spent time in this activity for the past few years? Did the school board approve this change?

John D. (Dave) Lewis

Letter - We Need a Solid Nuclear Deterrent

I must respond to the Jan. 26 letter from Rick Ewing.

He stated that Senators Nickles and Inhofe, “drunk with hatred,” refused to “ratify the nuclear test ban treaty and help make the nation safe from nuclear attack by rogue nations.”

Mr. Ewing, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I want something more than a thin piece of paper signed by parties of questionable merit to protect me. I’d much rather depend on a solid nuclear deterrent controlled by us.

Patricia J. Beall

School Board Candidates Respond to Questions

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Campaigning for the school elections will cease Tuesday after area residents go to the polls to elect their chosen board candidates.

Locally, Vicki Graves and Michael Joosten are vying for Ward 7 of the Ponca City Board of Education. Incumbent Kyle Keffer is not running.

Pioneer Technology Center candidates are incumbent Fred Haub and Robert Howard.

All district voters are eligible to vote in the elections Feb. 8.

The Ponca City News has asked each board candidate three questions pertaining to education and community concerns. The following are their responses.

Ponca City Board Candidates

1. Now that trimester scheduling has been approved, what actions should be taken to make sure the students adjust to the new schedule?

Vicki Graves — Since their beginning, our kids have lived in a world which changes much more frequently than many of us have ever experienced personally. They do rise to meet the expectations in front of them. We need to trust in them. Assuring the students adjust to this new schedule is the responsibility of the site management at the high school. Parents need to be positive in their involvement without this change. They need to support the educators and their students. This will be a true test of teamwork.

Michael Joosten — The Po-Hi administration and staff are currently working on plans to ensure an efficient and effective implementation of the trimester. I recently attended an information meeting for Po-Hi teachers. They displayed enthusiastic support of the trimester. Conveying this enthusiasm to the parents and the students will assist the students’ adjustment. Looking forward to change by viewing it as an opportunity is always better than dreading a change. The biggest adjustment for the students will be the additional 20 minutes of seat time in each class. With this additional time, teachers have the opportunity to transition into alternate teaching styles, which reinforce the concepts presented in lecture. Used effectively, the increase in seat time can greatly enhance the learning process.

2. Do you think the change (trimester scheduling) will help with the higher graduation requirements?

Graves — Yes. With the change we will have 12 more high school credits than the standard; 60 rather than 48. Students will be able to meet their core study responsibilities and not be penalized for wanting a well-rounded education by way of personalized electives, be it with athletics, instrumental or vocal programs, or language arts.

Joosten — Actually, the new state graduation requirements have just recently caught up with the 23 unit graduation requirements that Po-Hi had in place until 1999. The 23 units were achieved with a seven-period day. According to the minutes of the Jan. 7, 1999, board meeting, the Po-Hi graduation requirements were reduced from ten to eight required electives to allow several students to graduate on time due to the implementation of a six-period day with an optional seventh period. Traditionally, Po-Hi students have always exceeded state graduation requirements. The trimester provides additional class opportunity since 30 units are possible in four years. However, so do other traditional scheduling systems without introducing such issues as broken classes and teacher/student changes every 12 weeks. Managing such issues will determine how successful the trimester will be in helping achieve the graduation requirements.

3. Are you for the proposed teacher pay raise for Oklahoma teachers by Democratic legislators and Governor Keating?

Graves — Yes, and this cannot be a one-time deal. Education has got to take a first priority with our state. Our educators desire and are expected to elevate our students to success in education. But, if we do not respect and reward them other states will benefit from their professional knowledge and expertise.

Joosten — Oklahoma is near the bottom of the states in teacher pay. The Democratic legislator has proposed a $3,000 across-the-board raise. Governor Keating unveiled a $2,000 raise, but with the stipulation that a merit pay plan must be in place. To fund the raise the Governor has suggested such methods as cutting school administration, cutting food service, and raising class sizes so fewer teachers are required. The Governor has also stated that he will sign any teacher pay legislation that includes funding measures. I endorse a pay raise for the teachers that have earned it. I just hope that funding methods will not be such a bitter pill that everyone loses.

Pioneer Technology Center Board Candidates

1. What are your thoughts about the recent complaints about hiring and firing practices at the vo-tech?

Fred Haub — I do not recall any complaints about the hiring and firing practices. If this question refers to me anonymous letter sent to the newspaper that alleged 101 employees have been fired or forced out, then I strongly feel that truth needs to prevail. It was absolutely a false statement. Due to attrition some have resigned or retired, a few positions have been outsourced, and two jobs were eliminated due to greatly reduced state funding for these programs. The board has not fired even one person, to my recollection, in the past five years. Also, the board has received very few resignation letters that showed an employee was disgruntled. I simply do not know how the board could give any credibility to this anonymous letter when we have documented proof through board minutes that this statement is a falsehood. This is only my opinion. I do not speak for other board members.

Robert Howard — I know what I have read recently in the Ponca City News is very disturbing. I have also heard people talking about this problem recently and in the past. There seems to be concerns regarding employee dissatisfaction, un-fair treatment, and high turnover rates at the vo-tech. It appears to me that these concerns are not being addressed at the present time. It sounds like a good opportunity exists to improve this situation. The problem needs to be addressed, a plan needs to be put in place and action must be taken on this matter. One of my suggestions is to create an environment that allows each person to complete an anonymous survey. This way, the probability of receiving honest answers will be high as no one will worry about repercussions. The advantage of using written surveys is that possible sources of perceived inequity can be identified. If done through the superintendent or through group interviews, the probability of receiving honest answers will be low, as unfortunately, the employees may be in fear of losing their jobs.

2. Do you feel that a committee should be implemented to look at these complaints?

Haub — Implementing a committee certainly should not be the first step. It is the board’s primary responsibility to review current policies to see if revisions or additions need to be made. At our next board meeting we will be reviewing several policies relating to employees, including a grievance policy. I strongly feel that an organization’s policies are the foundation in which to make solid decisions. However, the policies should be reviewed annually to see if they need to be revised or another added so that the board can make fair and consistent decisions. A board member acting alone cannot implement a committee. This idea must be discussed by the board members at a board meeting. If the board voted that implementing a committee was the best approach. I can assure you that I will support any decision made by the majority of the board.

Howard — Yes, on many occasions I have proposed that an Advisory Committee be set up, made up of students, parents, and employees. The purpose of this committee should be to improve communication and to allow each person to express their concerns. Most employees expect to be treated fairly and justly in all aspects of their work. Another option is to create a human resources position for reporting and reviewing confidential complaints that report directly to the Board of Directors.

3. What programs at the vo-tech should be expanded to meet the changing demands of our society?

Haub — The decision about adding programs needs to be based on the needs of the business and industry. Since these needs change constantly largely due to technology, a priority for Pioneer Tech is to have a process in place to determine the needs which we do through surveys, industry specific focus groups, and Advisory Committees. Another priority is to have a flexible and fiscally sound system in which we can add programs for emerging or changing occupations as needs arise. Having a good rapport with industry is essential in meeting their needs, and we feel one good example of this was when a hospital administrator came to us last year to request a Respiratory Care program, which we now have. Other programs being considered are Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer, heating and air conditioning, and medical lab tech. I feel that in addition to adding programs, we need to seriously consider the method of delivery. Adding courses over the Internet and via telecommunications needs to be targeted as a priority if we are to meet our residents’ changing need for more flexibility in their being able to receive credit at Pioneer Tech.

Howard — To name one, I would like to see the highly regarded program in nursing expanded so that more people can benefit from the very knowledgeable staff. Courses in leadership, team building, goal setting, problem solving, and decision making would be a nice addition. As a vo-tech school, it is important to survey all area companies as well as potential companies to determine their needs and then work together to accomplish these needed goals and expansions. As a result, the entire community benefits and it certainly develops an improved environment for economic development.

Amelia Earhart Film at Poncan Theatre

Free Show 9 a.m. Thursday

The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company will present “Amelia Earhart” at the Poncan Theatre at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, for all Ponca City fourth and fifth graders.

This production tells the life story of one of America’s fascinating heroines. A curious reporter begins to uncover the story of Earhart’s mysterious disappearance, grabbing the audience’s attention in the first few moments asking the compelling question, “What happened to Amelia?”

The script from Dramatic Publishing presents the story in a very theatrical way through headlines of newspaper stories, remembrances, flashbacks and monologues by Earhart as she flies across the Atlantic.

Prior to the “Amelia Earhart” production, the company will entertain and educate the children about theater etiquette.

The actors will perform a humorous skit that illustrates the appropriate behavior in a live theater setting. They will explain that the audiences need to act differently when they are watching a live play than if they are watching a movie in a theater. Live actors can hear the audience’s laughter and applause as well as when they talk to their neighbor. And their responses — appropriate or not — really do affect the actors’ performance. The end line is — How would they want to be treated if they were up on the stage?

During the show, there will be times that the audience members will be encouraged to participate ... and the cast will lead them through the etiquette of this as well. There are various situations where the actors will ask questions or ask the children to use their imaginations and pretend they are animals, trees, or people.

The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company performs in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The company is professional in every facet, complete with storybook sets, costumes and props appropriate for each production.

This is a rare chance for the young people of Ponca City to see this historical profile of an adventurous and daring American. The presentation is offered free and is sponsored locally by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco, and the Oklahoma Arts Council, with additional funding from the MidAmerica Arts Alliance, a regional affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Alice On Stage At Poncan

Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council will present The Wichita Children’s Theatre production of the well-known tale of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Poncan Theatre 7 p.m. Thursday. Admission to the performance is free; no tickets are required for admission.

Patrons are encouraged to bring children and grandchildren for this professional presentation. The show promises to be fun, sparkling, and exciting, capturing the joyful spirit of the young and the young at heart.

The new musical version of “Alice in Wonderland,” written by Kevin Reese, is adapted from the book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” written in 1865 by Lewis Carroll. “Alice in Wonderland” is a classic story with such beautiful imagery that it has also been the subject of many films. The silly shenanigans that go on help children and adults realize that rules and common sense are very important things to have in the real world.

The performance of “Alice in Wonderland” in Ponca City is made possible by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco, and Oklahoma Arts Council, with additional funding from the Kansas Arts Commission and Mid-America Arts Alliance, a regional affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Byron Berline Due Back Feb. 18

Byron Berline, a three-time national fiddle champion, returns to the Poncan Theatre at 7:30 on Friday, Feb. 18, as part of the Ponca City Arts and Humanities series. Berline also brings the Berline Band.

The performance, which is also sponsored by Conoco and the Oklahoma Arts Council, is free to the public; no tickets are necessary.

In October, Berline was one of the honorees at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and he was also one of the featured entertainers for the Ponca City millennium celebration. Famous for traditional bluegrass music and western swing, he has become one of the most popular fiddlers in the music business, according to a spokesperson with the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council.

Board Members To Refill Ward 6

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

A new board member for Ponca City Schools will be selected at a special meeting Monday night, 6:30 p.m.

Four candidates — Norris Frederick, David Kinkaid, Kathy McLemore and John Pangburn — all submitted their names for consideration to fill Ward 6, previously held by Steve Stalcup.

Stalcup, who was a board member since 1994, moved out his specified ward boundaries. Under state law, he had to resign from his post.

At the December meeting of the Ponca City Board of Education, board members decided to fill the board position by fielding qualified candidates.

During the meeting Monday night, each candidate will be allowed to make a three to five minute opening statement, followed by a question and answer period from the board. The candidate will then be allowed to give a one-minute closing statement.

Board members will then appoint a new board member to fill the seat until Feb. 2001.

If no decision can be reached at the meeting, or a majority vote on any one candidate does not occur, the board will then have the option to call a special election to fill the vacancy.

The interviews will take place during open session.

Also on the agenda Monday will be accepting a bid on the East Middle School Project.

Bids were received Feb. 3. A bid tabulation sheet will be presented to the board members.

A pre-bid meeting was held on Jan. 24 and 10 general contractors and nine sub-contractors showed interest in the project. As of Friday, six general contractors were still interested in bidding the project.

The meeting will be held at the Administration Office, 111 West Grand. The public is invited to attend.

School Calendar

Po-Hi

Feb. 7

Ninth grade boys and girls basketball at Woodward, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity and varsity basketball at Tulsa Union, 4 p.m.

Feb. 8

Vo-Tech testing for sophomores at 8 a.m.

Langston University representative, Conference Room, 10 a.m.

Ninth grade boys blue basketball at Waller, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade girls blue basketball at East School, 4 p.m.

Feb. 9

ASVAB test at Howell Auditorium, 8:10 a.m.

Feb. 10

Sophomore basketball against Stillwater, 6 p.m.

Junior varsity wrestling at State Tournament.

Feb. 11

Junior varsity and varsity basketball at Sapulpa, 4 p.m.

“Bye Bye Birdie” at Howell Auditorium, 8 p.m.

Junior varsity wrestling at State Tournament.

Varsity wrestling at Dual State Tournament.

Swim/dive meet at Stillwater.

Feb. 12

ACT testing at MSB Building, 7:45 a.m.

“Bye Bye Birdie” at Howell Auditorium, 8 p.m.

Varsity wrestling at tournament.

Swim/dive meet in Stillwater.

Feb. 13

“Bye Bye Birdie” at Howell Auditorium, 2 p.m.

College Credit Programs Working for PTC Students

For the past few years, students at Pioneer Technology Center have had the opportunity to earn free college credit through articulation agreements with surrounding colleges.

Articulation, the process which links a vocational-technical and college course to help students avoid experiencing a delay in or duplication of learning, has been available to students for three years.

Currently, PTC has articulation agreements through Cowley County Community College (CCCC), Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee campus, and Northern Oklahoma College.

The articulation agreement between PTC and CCCC allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree through completing general studies at CCCC and the vocational/technical training at PTC. When course requirements are met, students have the opportunity to earn up to 46 hours of free college credit.

“This is really a wonderful opportunity for students and parents,” said Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey. “Not only does it encourage enrollment in both high school and post-secondary education, but it also provides an incentive for students to continue their education. For both students and parents, this is a tremendous savings in both time and money.”

The PTC programs approved for the CCCC college credit include Business Technology, Child Care, Cosmetology, Construction, Food Services, Health Science Technology, Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing, Electronics, Welding, Machine Tool, Transportation Technology, Marketing, Horticulture, and Respiratory Care.

CCCC awards the 46 hours of college credit after completing one of the PTC daytime programs and 12 credit hours at their campus. This agreement applies to PTC adult or qualified high school students.

The CCCC connection also offers a ladder degree plan that transfers to Pittsburgh State in Wichita (the satellite campus) where students have the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to the new Respiratory Care program that offers an associate’s degree through NOC, the Business Technology program offers coursework that applies to an associate’s degree at NOC. Through the Business Technology and NOC agreement, approximately 10 students per semester are taking advantage of the college credit.

The OSU-Okmulgee campus also offers college credit through certain coursework and programs at PTC.

In an effort to expand this offering to students, articulation agreements with other higher education institutions are currently being pursued in Kansas and Oklahoma.

For more information contact the school at 762-8336.

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

Monday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Pancakes with syrup and bacon or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Chicken fry with hot roll or barbecue brisket, rosy pears, mashed potatoes and gravy, sunflower seeds, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Cheeseburger or mini corn dogs, tater tots, lettuce and tomato salad with ranch dressing, sliced peaches, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken nuggets with hot roll or pizza, pineapple, mashed potatoes and gravy, wacky cake, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hot pockets or rug rat soup and crackers, scalloped potatoes, fruit, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Macaroni and cheese with hot roll or fiesta burrito, peas and carrots, mexi beans, cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Donut rings or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Ham and cheese biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Pancakes with syrup and bacon or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Cinnamon raisin biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

East Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Cinnamon rolls or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

West Middle School

Lunch

Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway.

Monday — Chicken fry with hot roll, fruit, mashed potatoes and gravy, pudding, sunflower seeds, crackers, pickle spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Mini corn dogs, lettuce and tomato salad, fruit, tatter tots, corn, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken nuggets with hot roll, fruit, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, wacky cake, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potatoes with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hot pockets, fruit, salad with ranch dressing, sour apple slime, scalloped potatoes, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Fiesta burrito, mexi beans, cheesy Mexican rice, cookies, saltine crackers, pickle spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

East Middle School

Lunch

Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway.

Monday — Chicken fry with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit, tossed salad, sunflower seeds, raisins or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Mini corn dogs, tatter tots, vegetarian beans, fruit, lettuce and tomato salad with ranch dressing, dill spears, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken strips, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit, corn, salad with ranch dressing, wacky cake, dill spears, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hot pockets, scalloped potatoes, fruit, salad with ranch dressing, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Macaroni and cheese hot roll, peas and carrots, fruit, salad with ranch dressing, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

High School Lunch

Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts.

Po-Hi Campus Mart

Monday — Teriyaki chicken or egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce, oriental vegetables and rice, pineapple rings, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Macaroni and cheese with roll, Italian blend vegetables, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Burrito with chili and cheese or frito chili pie, corn, tossed salad, mexi rice, frozen peaches, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Fried chicken with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Nachos with queso or nacho with meat and cheese, refried beans, cheesy rice, tossed salad, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuit with sausage, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Rice, toast, juice and milk.

Thursday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — Ham patty, toast, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Hot dogs with relish and mustard, tator tots, applesauce, cookie and milk.

Tuesday — Charburger, fries, pickles, onions and lettuce, applesauce, cookie and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken noodles, potatoes, green beans, sliced strawberries and milk.

Thursday — Stromboli, lettuce salad, pineapple and milk.

Friday — Mini corn dogs, fries, dill spear, orange wedge, cookie and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Pepper steak with rice, honey orange chicken or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Chicken fried steak, chicken stir fry or catch of the day with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Thursday — Grilled steak, sweet and sour pork or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

The cafeteria will be open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Union Elementary Choir To Be Heard Nationwide

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Ponca City’s Union Elementary has been selected to be spotlighted in the 16th annual World’s Largest Concert.

The 125-member choir was one of only 25 schools selected nationwide to appear in the concert set for March 9 at 1 p.m. EST.

The concert is sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (MENC), and will be broadcasted on national television on PBS.

Superintendent Dr. Bill White says it’s a great honor the choir was selected. “It is a great virtue that Union was selected to sing for all of America in this concert. The elementary music program in the Ponca City schools has long been recognized for excellence in music education.”

Nancy Taylor, director of music at Union, said, “It was a lot of hard work but it was well worth it.”

She said, “The kids poured their hearts and souls into it. We feel that music truly enriches the lives of children in so many ways. It is a great honor to share with the rest of the nation our Midwestern heritage and pioneering spirit.”

This year’s concert for third- through sixth-grade honor choir students will take audience members and participants on a musical journey through American history.

The choir traveled to Dewey Kelley’s ranch south of Ponca City, for the taping. Those in attendance were Taylor, Principal Jean Hastings, several Union teachers, and the 100-plus members of the choir.

A third-generation ranch, Kelley’s pasture consists of buffalo, cattle and horses. Cable One taped the students performing Home of the Range. Cowboys, cowgirls, Indians and pioneers were portrayed singing around a wagon with ropes, hay bales and saddled horses.

Created by MENC, the World’s Largest Concert is a one-of-a-kind, annual, nationally-televised event featuring America’s kids making music to focus attention on music in our nation’s schools.

The 2000 theme is “Make Music, America 2000.” The WLC is a highlight of the nationally celebrated Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) in March.

“Celebrating MIOSM is a great way to bring the importance of school music to the attention of people in the community,” said Dr. John Mahlmann, executive director of MENC.

“We hear from our members, who are music teachers, that when they participate in the WLC, student enrollment in choral programs increases the following year. There’s a lot of new research showing that learning music helps kids in their other studies by increasing spatial I.Q. The WLC, because it gets kids involved in their school music programs, is an important education event,” he said.

The WLC includes a performance taped at “American Gardens Theater” in Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort with additional videotaped segments of young performers from schools around the world. Union’s taped segement will feature in this portion of the program.

On the day of the broadcast, students gather in their school choir rooms, assembly halls, gymnasiums, lunch rooms, and classrooms all across America to sing along with the concert.

GOP Meeting Change

The GOP precinct meeting location for Precincts 400, 412, 414 and 415 has been changed to the residence of Robert Cartlidge at 2300 East Coleman Road. Meeting time is 7:30 p.m. Monday. Telephone is 765-0165.

Crimestoppers Tip Tags Two Suspects

A Crimestoppers tip received last week led to the arrest of two subjects wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting that had occurred recently in Arkansas City.

Ponca City police officers, acting on information received from a Crime Stoppers tip, searched a residence in the 1100 block of South Fourth Street just after 10 a.m. Wednesday. One subject was found at the residence, hiding in a closet. The other subject had left the residence prior to the officers arriving and was located shortly thereafter.

Both were taken into custody without incident, police said.

The two subjects are brothers, ages 16 and 17, and were Arkansas City residents. The pair was held for a short time here and then released to Arkansas City investigators.

‘Intimate Partner Violence’ Not Just a Woman’s Worry

Many women refuse to admit that they are victims of domestic violence, especially intimate partner violence (IPV), for a variety of reasons, including fear and embarrassment. Yet, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the American Medical Association report that battering is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15-44 in the U.S., exceeding rapes, muggings, and motor vehicle crashes combined.

According to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation statistics, the number of domestic violence reports in Oklahoma rose by 42 percent from 1989 to 1998. In 1998 alone, there were 21,435 incidents of domestic violence reported to police. Of these, 55 were for murder, 317 for sex crimes, 5,609 for assault, and 15,454 (72 percent) were for assault and battery. Nearly 88,000 Oklahoma women and children sought shelter or crisis intervention from 1993 to 1997.

“Intimate partner violence is a public health issue because it affects the individual, children, entire families and communities,” said State Health Commissioner J.R. Nida, MD. He said the OSDH has received a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct IPV injury surveillance in Oklahoma. “We’re hopeful that this program will help us determine the prevalence of IPV in Oklahoma and the extent of injuries resulting in hospital treatment.”

About 95 percent of victims of domestic violence are women. Nationally, an estimated two million to four million American women are battered by their husbands or intimate partners each year; about 25 percent of women visiting hospital emergency rooms sustained injuries as a result of domestic violence.

Beginning July 2000, the OSDH will collect data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, hospital medical records departments and emergency departments for persons treated in Oklahoma City metropolitan hospitals or who died as a result of IPV injuries. The number, types, and severity of injuries; circumstances; and demographic factors will be documented and monitored. The surveillance program will also include a self-report telephone survey conducted by the OSDH Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to determine the rate at which IPV occurs in the general female population.

“These data will be analyzed to identify ways that health care professionals and others can effectively intervene to help persons suffering from domestic violence,” Nida said.

As part of the program, the OSDH will begin providing training in April this year to hospital staff on such issues as: Screening for IPV in emergency departments, recognizing IPV injuries, and assessing patient safety. Registration for these training conferences will be free. For more information, contact Sheryll Brown, Injury Prevention Service, 405/271-3430.

Royal Neighbors To Meet Monday

Royal Neighbors of America will meet for lunch and a program on Monday, Feb. 14, at 12:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral. Visitors are welcome.

Tallgrass Prairie Overview Set

Just 17 miles north of Pawhuska in Osage County, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve thrills visitors from around the world with spectacular vistas of the Osage Hills, beautiful wildflowers and a bison herd now numbering over 1,000 animals.

Learn more about this nearby nature preserve on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Ponca City Library meeting room.

The National Geographic Explorer video, “Fire and Thunder,” filmed at the Preserve in 1993, will be featured, and Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and explain the purpose of this unique 38,600 acre preserve.

In 1999, more than 11,000 people signed the guest register at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in northern Osage County. They hailed from all 50 states and 54 other countries. Visitors to the preserve not only enjoy panoramic vistas, but can hike the nature trails, view the bison herd, have a picnic, and visit the new visitors center at the headquarters area.

Tuesday’s event will also provide information about volunteering opportunities at the Preserve. Trained volunteers, known as docents, talk with visitors at the Visitor Center and/or guide hikes on the trails at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Anyone interested in learning more about these volunteer opportunities should plan to attend.

The preserve, purchased in 1989 by the non-profit, private conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy, is one of the largest remnants of a functioning North American tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Too rocky to plow, the Flint Hills of Kansas and Osage Hills of Oklahoma contain the most intact pieces of this nearly extinct ecosystem. At the preserve, controlled burns, combined with the region’s native grazing animal (bison, or buffalo), are allowing this prairie remnant to function as it has for hundreds of years.

For more information about the event, or about volunteering at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, contact Mary McIntyre Coley, Director of Education and Outreach, Oklahoma Chapter of The Nature Conservancy at 918/585/1117.

Create A Cookie, Can Ya?

First United Methodist Church Women are sponsoring a double contest: a baking/cooking contest for adults and a visual art contest for youth. In both contests, the participants must use Girl Scout cookies.

For the adults, they must create a recipe that uses any one of eight Girl Scout Cookies as one of the ingredients and then bring the food item to First United Methodist Church on Sunday, Feb. 20 by 1 p.m. to be judged.

Two fifty dollar shopping sprees, one from Buy for Less and one from United, are part of the prize package. There will be prizes given for the best tasting and best appearance.

Beginning at 2 p.m. until 3 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 20, the public is invited to come taste these Cookie Creations. Admission is $3 to taste all the various desserts.

The youth contest will be a visual contest. Each group may make their entry out of any medium they wish, but they must be decorated with Girl Scout cookies. The cookies can be in any form: crushed, whole or fragments. Other decorating items can include frosting and candy.

The base for the creation can be, but not limited to: cardboard, plastic, toys, legos, poster board. You are only limited by your imagination and size: no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’.

Each youth group must also provide their own container to collect donations.

Prizes for the youth contest will be awarded to the two groups that raise the most money in their collection jars. The winning younger group will get a party at Kid’s Kastle. The winning older group will get a pizza party.

Entry forms must be sent to Suzi Lenhart by Wednesday, Feb. 16. Entry forms will be available at the First United Methodist Church office, at the Girl Scout office on Chestnut each Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Buy for Less and United Food Stores, at the Asbury United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, Albright United Methodist Church, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Board OKs Teletechnet Program

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Exploring the opportunities offered by Old Dominion University’s Teletechnet program was given approval Monday by the University Learning Center Advisory Board.

Old Dominion is located in Virginia and has a lot of experience in distance learning, according to Dr. Brenda Stacy. The Board may consider bringing in distance learning from Old Dominion in areas that Oklahoma universities are not interested in providing.

The University Learning Center offers courses and programs for those with 60 hours of college or those with an associate’s degree.

A liberal studies class report was given by Wanda Sheehan, assisted by Pat Zehr. The class had developed some marketing directives and ideas for advertising the center.

Dr. Stacy gave a report on he Oklahoma State Regents meeting here in December. She also reported thee 54 students enrolled in the Spring 2000 classes. She also told about the renovation of the classrooms.

The board was presented a job description for another employee that will be office manager/advertising coordinator. This job would be a 40-hour-a-week job and would include some evening or weekend hours.

Jerry Evans, vice chairman, appoint Gary Bracken to chair a committee for goal setting. Also serving on the committee will be Dr. Joe Kinzer, Bob Caine and Bill O’Connor. The next meeting is slated for March 8.

Square Dance Set Next Sunday

The North Central Square Dancers are holding the sixth annual Kay County Heart Fund Dance from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue.

There will be square dancing and line dancing with callers donating their time. A silent auction will also be held with all proceeds going to the Heart Fund; all donated items for the auction are greatly appreciated.

Callers will be Dick Manning of Oklahoma City, Cecil Burton of Okmulgee, and Larry Reams and George McElroe of Stillwater.

Dancers and spectators are welcome. Admission will be a donation to the Kay County Heart Fund.

Square dance clubs involved in the fund raiser are Pioneer Squares and Chikaskia Valley Clubs of Ponca City, Kaws and Squaws of Kaw City and Wagon Wheels of Stillwater.

All moneys raised will go to the Kay County Heart Fund.

Free Pregnancy Tests Offered

In less than 30 minutes, the course of a woman’s life can change forever with the result of a pregnancy test. However, not all women have access to convenient, affordable and reliable testing.

To keep expectant mothers and their babies healthy, the Osteopathic Founders Foundation (OFF) is funding free pregnancy testing at the OSU Women’s Health Center in Tulsa. Located at 23rd and Southwest Boulevard, the center now offers free pregnancy screens Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“If we can get women tested early in their pregnancy, there is a better chance the child will be healthy,” says J. Martin Beal, D.O., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Recent studies show that early pregnancy detection can increase prenatal care by as much as 80 percent.

Focus on quality prenatal care and education is what encouraged OFF to take action. “Depending on pregnancy results, OSU Physicians can either help women throughout their pregnancy or guide them in future family planning,” says Sherri Wise, OFF executive director.

To receive a free pregnancy test, patients much check in at the Women’s Center where they receive a coupon for the test. Results are available within minutes along with counseling.

“We urge women to come for pregnancy testing and care because we know early diagnosis and treatment can improve pregnancy outcomes,” sayd Jimmie Sue Hill, D.O., director of the center. “Our goal at the OSU Women’s Center is healthy mothers and healthy babies.”

City Calendar

Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.

Anytime

FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).

Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street.

Sunday through Feb. 28

Ponca City Art Association Annual Membership Show, Art Center, 819 East Central, judge will be Judith A. Dwornik, Oklahoma City.

Monday

Osage County Republican meeting for Precincts 305 and 305 at 7 p.m., 3215 Kelley Road (home of Steve and Renee Kellert), Ponca City. For more information, call 765-9705.

Church Women United Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m., St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh Street.

Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Tuesday

Annual School Elections.

Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Commissioners Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center, Ponca City.

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library.

Rural Water District No. 1 Annual Board Meeting, 8 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. Three board members will be elected, followed by regular board meeting.

Wednesday

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., Cann Garden Home. Program entitled, “Come and Relax.” More information, 762-9866 or 718-0314.

Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue.

Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Board Meeting, 7 p.m., District Pump House, Perch Lane, Sandy Park Estates.

Thursday

Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue.

Annual Valentine Salad Luncheon sponsored by First Lutheran Women’s Guild, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, adults $5, pre-school $1.50, tickets available from guild member or church and school offices.

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’.

East Middle School PTSA, 6:30-7:30, East Middle School Library.

American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City.

Alice in Wonderland musical production, 7 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre, sponsored by the Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council. Free Admission, no tickets necessary.

Friday

Twentieth Century Club meeting, 1 p.m. at Ponca City Cultural Center. (Board meeting at 12:15 p.m.)

Friday-Saturday

Po-Hi Presents Bye, Bye Birdie, 8 p.m., Howell Auditorium, tickets at the door $5 adults, $4 students.

February 13

Po-Hi Presents Bye, Bye Birdie, 2 p.m., Howell Auditorium, tickets at the door $5 adults, $4 students.

February 14

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow.

February 15

Kaw Lake Association 2000 Board Meeting, noon, Golden Corral.

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Program Room, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand Avenue.

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome.

DAV, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street.

February 16

Ponca City School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library.

Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

February 17

Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

February 18

Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Commissioners’ Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Byron Berline Band, 7:30 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre, sponsored by the Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council. Free admission, no tickets necessary.

February 18-19

Drama/Debate Department Speech Tournament, Ponca City High School, more information 767-9500, extension 132.

February 21

Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Lori White, 767-1668 for more information.

United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., June Parsons, LPN, retired ostomy nurse, Baptist Hospital, Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.

February 23

Ponca City Public School Foundation, 12 noon at the Ponca City Library.

February 24

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (in cafeteria), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City.

February 28

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow.

March 4

American Legion pancake and sausage feed (all the pancakes you can eat), from 6:30 to 10 a.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City. Adults $3.50. Children under 12: $2. Children under 6: free. Proceeds will go to children and youth activities.

March 14

State Primary Election, includes City Commission Election.

March 15

Ponca City Public School Foundation, 12 noon at the Ponca City Library.

March 31

Howard Hanger Jazz Fantasy, 7:30 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre, sponsored by the Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council. Free admission, no tickets necessary.

April 1

American Legion pancake and sausage feed (all the pancakes you can eat), from 6:30 to 10 a.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City. Adults $3.50. Children under 12: $2. Children under 6: free. Proceeds will go to children and youth activities.

April 6

Ponca City Noon Lions present the Plummer Family Country Music Show, 7:30 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, North Fifth and Overbrook. For tickets call 580-765-5676.

‘Ear Hair’ Research May Help Fight Hearing Loss

The discovery of mechanisms that affect the structure and function of the ear’s outer hair cells could result in new treatments for hearing loss.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston have discovered that electromotility, the pumping motion of the outer hair cell as it works to amplify sound waves, alters the cell’s membrane.

“Our findings indicate that as the outer hair cell pumps up and down, the cell’s membrane ripples, much like the pleats of an accordion as it is played,” said Dr. William Brownell, lead investigator of the study that appears in the Jan. 28 issue of the journal Science. Previously, the membrane was thought to be a smooth surface.

“Such dynamic changes have never before been demonstrated in any type of cell or membrane,” said Brownell, a professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Sciences at Baylor.

The research team pinpointed the changes in membrane rippling while subjecting outer hair cells to a variety of mechanical, electrical and chemical stimuli.

"Understanding the process of outer hair cell electromotility is the key to understanding the loss of hearing associated with aging,” said Dr. John Oghalai, an otolaryngology resident at Baylor. “In addition, the techniques we used might be applicable to investigations of membrane and protein interactions in other cells such as skeletal or heart muscle cells.”

The researchers believe that this discovery could narrow the search for the gene that controls the “motor” within the outer hair cell. This motor enables the cell to lengthen or shorten in response to sound waves.

“Further study of the motor may allow the development of drugs capable of protecting outer hair cells from damage. This might be a treatment for patients who have begun to experience hearing loss,” Oghalai said.

Humans have roughly 12,000 cylinder-shaped outer hair cells in each ear. According to Brownell, the outer hair cell is essentially a micromachine that acts as an amplifier within the inner ear, enabling us to hear very quiet sounds and discriminate between sounds of different pitch. These delicate hair cells are vulnerable to disease, aging and environmental stress ranging from antibiotics to persistent loud noise.

More than 28 million Americans suffer from impaired hearing, usually the result of the deterioration of the outer hair cells. Currently, these individuals have limited options: a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. Although these devices can help with speech perception, sound quality is much different than normal hearing.

“Our discoveries might one day point the way to extending the cell’s natural lifetime or developing new types of devices to help patients. For example, microelectrical machines, or bionic outer hair cells, might be able to replicate the pumping actions of the outer hair cell,” Oghalai said.

Hong-Bo Zhao, an instructor at Baylor, and J. Walter Kutz, a Baylor medical student, also contributed to the study, which was funded by the Jake and Nina Kamin chair and research grants from the Deafness Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Playhouse Needs Uniforms

“The Ponca Playhouse now has a few good men - what we need are a few good uniforms!”

Cheryl Mauk, Ponca Playhouse producer for its next show A Few Good Men is sending out the call for Navy and Marine uniforms. If you have one you are willing to give or loan to the Playhouse, she is asking that you call her at 767-1609, or phone the Playhouse office at 765-5360.

The play, which features 19 men and one woman, is the story of a Marine court martial in 1986. Specifically needed are Marine fatigues, combat boots, Naval officer uniforms, including one for a WAVE commander, and Marine officer uniforms.

“We plan to rent the uniforms which we can’t borrow,” Mauk said, “but that is pretty expensive, so it will be a big favor to the Playhouse if you can help out.”

A Few Good Men plays in the Poncan Theatre the first two weekends in March.

Hospice Volunteering A Gift from the Heart

“When I decided to go through Hospice volunteer training, I knew that I wanted to work with patients — but I was afraid of saying the wrong thing and offending someone, or just getting in the way. After experiencing the life and loss of two Hospice patients, I realize now one of the greatest gifts you can give a patient and their family is your presence,” says Toni Hollingsworth, Patient Volunteer of the Year for Hospice of Ponca City.

Hollingsworth encourages anyone who has thought he/she might want to be a Hospice volunteer to take the upcoming training. She adds, “Not only do the staff and volunteers teach you how to talk with someone who is seriously ill — and how you can be of most help — they also address any fears you might have concerning working with dying patients.”

Volunteer training for Hospice of Ponca City will begin Tuesday, March 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. and continue for eight weeks. Training is held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, East Hartford Avenue and Pecan Road in Ponca City.

Sessions will include an introduction to hospice philosophy, dealing with issues in death and dying, communication and listening skills, basic physical care and infection control, and grief. Most of the training sessions are taught in a discussion format with videotapes as additional material. Several panels will also present information. Training is coordinated by Tamie Barnes, Volunteer Coordinator, with much of the training conducted by Claudia Barnes, RN, CHPN, Clinical Director of Hospice. Hospice volunteers provide patient care and support, bereavement care, clinical support, and provide transportation. Volunteers work with patients and families in a variety of ways — relieving family caregivers, being a special friend, writing letters, running errands, whatever might help out the family.

Hospice is a concept of compassionate care for the terminally ill that allows them to live an alert, pain-free life, at home or in a nursing home. Hospice staff provide nursing, social service, and spiritual care, but the volunteers play a vital role in the program. Hospice is not just for people who are close to death, but for anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Most hospice patients are able to be up and moving about. With their symptoms controlled, hospice patients are able to pursue a quality lifestyle at home with their family and friends.

“I feel like I’m making a difference,” says one Hospice of Ponca City volunteer. “Working as a hospice volunteer involves doing things you would do for your neighbor. A lot of people think working at hospice is depressing, but it’s not. Your help makes a difference in people’s lives.” Volunteers who can help during the day are particularly needed as are people who live outside Ponca City — Tonkawa, Blackwell, Newkirk, Fairfax, and Red Rock.

For information about Hospice of Ponca City volunteer training, please call Tamie Barnes at 762-9102 or 800-814-9102.

DEATHS

Margie O. Hinz
Virgil O. Mornhinweg
Cleo M. 'Pat' Fritz
Inez Matthews
Sylvester Steven Spore
Michael Scott Gelmers
Darrell W. Smith
Ann Rosko Thomas
Evelyn B. Parker
Monica S. Sherrod
Vaughn O. Nelson

Margie O. Hinz

CLINTON — Margie O. Hinz, a former resident of Ponca City, died on Friday, Feb. 4, following a brief illness at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 88.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the Kiesau Memorial Chapel in Clinton, Okla. Burial will be next to her husband in the Bergthal Cemetery, northwest of Corn, Okla.

Margie O. Hinz was born in Datto, Ark. on Sept. 28, 1911, the daughter of Henry Nathan and Orabel (Cheek) Rawlings. Her family relocated to Faxon, Okla. and she graduated from Lawton High School in 1930. While at Lawton High School she was noted for playing forward for the Women’s Basketball Team and as a sprinter on the track team.

She served as a Civil Service secretary until her marriage to Emil W. Hinz on Sept. 21, 1943 at Walters, Okla. They made their home on a farm near Corn, Okla. Mr. Hinz preceded her in death in 1967. Following his death she continued to live on the farm until 1986, when she moved to Ponca City to live. For the past year, she had resided at Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City.

Mrs. Hinz was a faithful member of the First Baptist Churches of Cordell and Ponca City, and for the last year, a member of the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. Her favorite pastimes included Sunday School activities, the American Legion Auxiliary, solving crossword puzzles and playing games with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Hinz is survived by her son, Dr. W. Dean Hinz of Edmond; one sister, Rachel Pemberton of Tampa, Fla., and two grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and a sister, Lois Gomez.

A memorial fund has been established in her memory on behalf of the Flora Dean Martin Center at Epworth Villa, 14901 North Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

Virgil O. Mornhinweg

PERRY — Virgil O. Mornhinweg, resident of Perry, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000 at 4:45 a.m. in the Green Valley Nursing Home in Perry. He was 92.

The funeral will be Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at 2 p.m. in the Ceres Christian Church, Ceres, Okla. under the direction of Brown-Sisson Funeral Home, Perry. Pastor Gary Hill will officiate. Burial will follow in Ceres Cemetery under direction of Brown-Sisson Funeral Home, Perry.

Virgil O. Mornhinweg was born June 8, 1907 in Ceres, Okla., the son of Allen P. and Mae (Sullins) Mornhinweg. He and Elsie Zavodny were married Dec. 24, 1926, in Winfield, Kan. Mornhinweg was a farmer in the Ceres community, moving to Perry when he retired from farming. His father was a pioneer in the area and made the Run of ’89.

He was a member of the Ceres Christian Church. His hobbies were hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie, of the Perry home; two grandsons, a granddaugher, eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; also a brother, Bernal Mornhinweg of Bartlesville. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, O.V. Mornhinweg and two brothers, Bill Mornhinweg and one who died in infancy.

Casket bearers will be Jeff Mornhinweg, Paul Mornhinweg, Gary Mornhinweg, Marty Williams, Tony Mornhinweg and Arland Mornhinweg. Honorary bearers will be Mindy Williams and Megan Williams.

Memorials may be made to the Ceres Christian Church Building Fund through Brown-Sisson Funeral Home, 1010 North Seventh, Perry OK 73077.

Obituaries

Cleo M. 'Pat' Fritz

Cleo M. “Pat” Fritz, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 96.

A graveside service will be held Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor of Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Pat was born Oct. 22, 1903, in McRae, Ark. She was the daughter of William Hiram and Zona (Cook) Adair. She came to Indian Territory in 1905 with her family and attended schools in Caney and Stringtown and graduated from Wardville High School in 1919. Pat then attended Draughn Business College and Lewis Hotel and Restaurant School.

In 1938, she came to Ponca City and along with her husband, S.J. “Pappy” Fritz, who owned Fritz Café for 28 years prior to his death in 1972. Pat also worked in Perry-Maple Insurance, Roy Stephenson and S.B. Crawford Real Estate and Insurance offices, for 25 years.

Pat was a member of Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ and was active in Christian Women’s Fellowship. In addition, Pat was a member of Eastern Star, Artaban White Shrine and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She also participated in book reviews for various organizations. She loved reading her Bible. She also enjoyed making dolls and crocheting.

She is survived by two nephews, Gary Thibault of Oscoda, Mich., and Bill Adair of Texas; and one niece, Susie Adair of Texas. In addition to her parents and husband, a daughter, Mildred, two brothers, George and Joseph W. Adair, and sister, Juanita Thibault, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 2109 W. Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Inez Matthews

Inez Matthews, Ponca City resident, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 97.

The funeral service will be held Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jack Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Inez (Fyala) Matthews was born Jan. 25, 1903, in Thomas, Okla. She was the daughter of Joseph and Bessie (Borek) Fyala. She grew up in Yukon and graduated high school there. She then attended Mt. Carmel Academy in Wichita.

In 1922, she married Jack P. Matthews in El Reno. He preceded her in death in 1942. Mrs. Matthews was employed as a clerk with the Federal Reserve Bank in Oklahoma City for over 35 years. She came to Ponca City in 1976.

Mrs. Matthews enjoyed traveling and had visited many places all over the world. She also enjoyed planting flowers and watching birds. She loved animals.

She is survived by a sister, Eunice B. Keeler of Ponca City; a grandson, Kevin Allen Silver and his wife, Laurie, of Bartlesville; and a great-granddaughter, Samantha Amanda Silver. In addition to her husband, a daughter, Mary Margaret Silver, preceded her in death.

Casket bearers will be Charlie Jackson, Sonny Taylor, John Gower, Gene Cockriel, Pat Scott and Guy Anderson.

The family will be at 1620 Trio Lane.

paid obituary

Sylvester Steven Spore

NEWKIRK — Sylvester Steven Spore, longtime Newkirk area resident, died Saturday morning, Feb. 5, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 78.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2000 in the Newkirk First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Craig Ortwein, minister of Christ’s Church in Newkirk, will officiate. Mr. Spore’s eight grandchildren will serve as casket bearers. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

A memorial fund has been established with High Impact Student Ministry. Contributions may be made through Bank of Oklahoma, 110 South Main in Newkirk 74647.

Sylvester Steven Spore was born June 18, 1921 in Newkirk, the son of Joe and Katherine (Schussler) Spore. He grew up in the Newkirk area and attended Banner Rural School and Newkirk High School, graduating with the Class of 1940.

On April 13, 1941 he and Veva Joe (Lucksted) DeBard were married at Stillwater. They established their first home in Wichita where Mr. Spore started working for Cessna Aircraft Plant. After the war the couple moved back to the Newkirk area, and the house where he was raised, to raise their five children. He was employed at the Blackwell Smelter. In 1946 he started his own business, S.S. Spore Roofing. He never completely retired from that business.

He was a member of Christ’s Church in Newkirk. He was an avid fisherman and devoted father.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Veva Joe, of the home; five children and their spouses, Vester Joe and Mary (Miller) Spore of Ponca City, Steve and Barbara (Ditmore) Spore of Eureka, Kan.; Jay and Debbie (Stoodle) Spore of Espanole, New Mexico, Kim and Debbie (Komma) Spore of Newkirk, and Kay (Spore) and Jerrold Dark of Braman.

Grandchildren are Todd, Scott, Marci Jo, John, Mark, Candace, Rachel, Eric, Nicholas Haley, Camille, Kailie, Travis and Lisa. Great-grandchildren are Tyler, Seth, Logan, Ethan, Caleb, Joshua, Jesica and Ariole.

He has been quoted as saying “If I was an architect of life, I would not change anything about mine.” He was loved and respected by everyone who met him. He had a multitude of friends, young and old, and he will be greatly missed.

paid obituary

Michael Scott Gelmers

NEWKIRK — Michael Scott Gelmers, 41, of Wichita, died unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Joseph Campus, Wichita.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in Newkirk Cemetery with the Rev. Ernest Quillen, minister of St. John’s Lutheran Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. There will be no public viewing.

Michael Scott Gelmers was born May 15, 1958 at Wichita, the son of J. Martin and Patsy G. (Long) Gelmers. He grew up in Wichita and attended Holy Cross Lutheran School in Wichita and Ponca Military Academy in Ponca City. After leaving school he worked at several different jobs.

On Aug. 23, 1984 he and Sherry Marie Plugge were married in Wichita. They established their home in Wichita where he lived until his death. In 1992 he opened Gelmers Lawn Service which he operated until he was forced to retire due to a severe back injury in 1997.

He had been baptized into the Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing, and he loved animals, especially his dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry, of the home; his parents, Martin and Patsy Gelmers of Wichita; and two brothers, David Gelmers and John Gelmers Jr., both of Wichita; an uncle and aunt, Lloyd and Louise Gelmers of Ponca City, and an uncle, A.P. Farr of Houston; and his mother-in-law, Donna Rabideau of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hank and Lydia Gelmers; an uncle and aunt, Wayne and Genevieve Gelmers; and an aunt, Rosa Farr.

A memorial fund has been established with the Wichita Children’s Home. Contributions may be made directly to the home at 810 North Holyoke, Wichita 67208.

paid obituary

Funerals

Monday

Darrell W. Smith

Memorial service 10 a.m. Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor Sunset Baptist Church, officiating.

Services Pending

Ann Rosko Thomas

Ann Rosko Thomas died Saturday morning, Feb. 5, 2000 at the Tender Heart Health Care Center. She was 93.

Survivors include her son David Thomas and his wife NaDean of Ponca City.

Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later.

Evelyn B. Parker

Evelyn B. Parker, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000, in Albuquerque, N.M. She was 92.

Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.

Monica S. Sherrod

Monica S. Sherrod, resident of Blackwell, died Saturday morning, Feb. 5, 2000, at her home. She was 54.

Survivors include a daughter, Janet Baker.

Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later.

Vaughn O. Nelson

Vaughn O. Nelson, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2000, at his home. He was 79.

Local survivors include his wife, Lorene of the home.

Funeral arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

YMCA Leader Programs. Calling all teens — the YMCA wants you! If you are interested in being a teen leader and kicking off the YMCA new teen programs, plan to attend the upcoming meetings. The Y is developing a Teen Council that will plan and coordinate fun and exciting programs geared just for teens. The meetings are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 7 and 14, at Grand Central Station. For additional information call Stephanie or Tara at the YMCA, 765-5417.

50- 75% off. New and used kids clothes, shoes, and maternity. Bearly New. adv.

Driver Arrested — A 44-year-old man was arrested at 7 p.m. Friday for driving under the influence and driving left of center following a minor traffic accident in the 2100 block of North Ash.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

For sale: Hammond organ, excellent condition, lots of sheet music. Also roto tiller, eight horse power, two speed with reverse. After five call 765-3542.

adv.

Accident and Arrest — A 23-year-old woman was arrested at 9:40 p.m. Friday for driving under the influence and another person was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center following an injury accident in the 700 block of South Waverly Street.

Wal-Mart free local Valentine delivery, order now through February 13, deliver 13-14. adv.

If You saw the woman fall at Braum’s Saturday Jan. 29th Please call 762-6561 or 762-7957. adv.

CASH AND CARRY sale R&G Style shop, Newkirk 50 to 70% off winter merchandise. adv.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Soccer Sign-up starts Sat., Feb., 5th 9-1. Feb 7th, 8th, & 9th, 4-8pm. 4 1/2 years and up. Quantum Computers Systems. 312 East Grand. Call 762-9056. adv.

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. 765-

9689. adv.

Cute Collectible monthly snowmen. Now at Carla’s Hallmark.

405 East Grand, downtown. adv.

Look Younger in one hour. Hair stylist JoAnn Watkins is working on Fridays. Call for appointment. 765-5055. adv.

Kids Review now accepting spring/summer childrens consignments. adv.

Little Dance Smoke Shop. Marlboros $21.00 carton. GPC $17.50 carton. Gunsmoke $12.00 carton. open 7:30 to o 7:30 Sunday 9 to 6. 3 miles South on Hwy 177. 762-7071. adv.

Betty’s Boutique further reduction on winter merchandise to 75% off. adv.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

Valentine Gifts and Decorations. Crafter’s Mall, 318 East Grand. adv.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

20% Off all items! We’ve moved to Ponca Plaza, come see us! Mrs.

Brown's Attic. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Teacher Marks 50 Years of Service
Valentine Salad Luncheon Set Feb.10
Downtown Merchants Holiday Event Considered Successful
AAUW Slates Event To Honor Area Women
Tall Grass Prairie Wildflowers Topic for Local Garden Council
AARP Meeting Slated Feb. 7 at Local RSVP Office
Valentine Postmark from Loveland
Lookin’ With Lou
Medical Minutes
Variety of Programs Recently Presented For International Club
Engagement Is Announced for Kastendick and Christian
Festival Showcase Slated Feb.13
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
White, Winkle Discuss School Reform During Recent Kiwanis Club Meeting
Wheatheart Nutrition
Jamie Elizabeth Miller Bride Of Jesse Emerson Beck
1975 PCHS Class Begins Search For Classmates
Elizabeth Barr Is Celebrating 98th Birthday
1950 PCHS Group Needs Addresses For Classmates
Sage, Rosemary, Thyme Garden Club Will Meet
90th Birthday Event To Fete Lela Simpson
Professionals Today Sign Sponsors for Fall Cook-off
Singles Network Calendar Listed
Nicole Lockhart Bride-Elect
Box Aerobics Offered at Y
Kay County Democratic Party Slates Meeting
‘Great Expectations’ Title of Presentation For Century Club
Wessel Addresses Garden Club Members
Begleys Celebrate 50 Years
Laurie King and Robb Taylor Are United in Marriage Here
Quilt Show Slated At Lawton Annex
Ponca City Happenings

Teacher Marks 50 Years of Service

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Sister Mary Clare Doebel, second grade teacher at St. Mary’s School, was honored recently for her 50 years of teaching service.

A reception was held in her honor on Jan. 30. Mayor Tom Leonard also signed a proclamation that day to add to the celebration for her many years of service.

Doebel said she was honored with the gifts and thoughtfulness of students, parents and the community. St. Mary’s students also presented her with a sculpture.

“I will treasure what Mayor Tom Leonard and the students have done for me. I am already writing thank you notes to them,” she said.

She has been teaching at St. Mary’s for the past eight years with the previous 42 years spent teaching in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Her family moved to St. Paul, Kan. when she was in the sixth grade. “Kansas become my ‘home’. I guess that’s why I’ve mainly taught here [in Oklahoma] and in Kansas.”

Doebel attended Sacred Heart College, St. Mary of the Plains College, Emporia Teacher’s College and Pittsburg State. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education.

Some of the areas in Kansas she has taught at include Newton, St. Paul, Parsons, Iola, Cathedral (in Wichita), Blessed Sacrament, Derby, Pittsburg, St. Patrick’s (in Wichita), and Hutchinson.

Doebel says she has taught for 50 years because she loves children. “I love to see my students change — not only in my classroom, but after they grow up. I have never thought about changing occupations.”

She says she will probably start to slow down now. “I might retire soon. I haven’t really made too many decisions about that. There’s so much that I can do — tutoring and maybe working part-time.”

Valentine Salad Luncheon Set Feb.10

Members of the First Lutheran Women’s Guild are sponsoring a Valentine salad luncheon. The annual event will be held Thursday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church fellowship hall.

Funds from the event this year will be used for improvements in the church kitchen and fellowship hall. The Aid Association for Lutherans, Branch 961, provides matching funds for this project.

Hot chicken salad will be served along with a variety of vegetable, fruit and dessert salads. Adult tickets cost $5 and tickets for pre-school age children are $1.50 each. The tickets may be purchased from guild members, in the church office or at the door of the fellowship hall.

The Women’s Guild is a service group for the church providing assistance in altar care, funeral and fellowship meals, and in visiting the sick and homebound. Locally, the guild has supported Lifeline, Helpline, and other groups.

Downtown Merchants Holiday Event Considered Successful

Over 20 downtown merchants participated in the Grand on Grand promotion sponsored by the Ponca City Main Street Authority prior to Christmas. The promotion entitled, “Win a Grand on Grand,” generated a great deal of interest from shoppers in Ponca City and the surrounding communities.

“We were very pleased with the participation from the merchants and shoppers,” said Glenda Phillips, chairperson, PCMSA. “We look forward to sponsoring another event next year.”

During the event customers received a “punch card” from participating merchants. Once the customer had filled his/her $200 card (filled in increments of $10), they were able to turn their card into the drawing. Over 2,700 completed cards were submitted for the drawing, indicating $540,000 in sales for participating downtown merchants alone. That figures to approximately $43,000 in sales tax for this event. These amounts do not include cards that may not have been completely filled up by patrons.

Customers were required to provide their name and address when submitting their card for the drawing, as they were not required to be present to win. From this information, a mailing list will be compiled to alert shoppers to other special promotions in the downtown area in the future.

The drawing for the $2,000 in prize money was held New Year’s Eve in conjunction with the millennium activities. Winners and the amount of Main Street money they won included Mary Alice Sinton, $50; Connie Clement, $150; Kendra Hubbard, $300; Mrs. C.H. Massie, $500; and Fred Balduff, $1,000.

For more information about the promotion, or to learn more about the Ponca City Main Street Authority, contact Michele Jean, at 763-8082.

AAUW Slates Event To Honor Area Women

Area women who have made outstanding contributions to various local organizations will be honored at the annual American Association of University Women’s “Women’s Day” banquet slated March 2 at the Ponca City Country Club.

The annual event features an outstanding woman as a guest speaker and is designed to honor outstanding women from numerous area organizations. This year’s speaker is Dr. Dona Scovill, a local physician who volunteered many hours to Hospice of Ponca City and the community clinic.

Organizations interested in honoring their “Woman of the Year” should contact Nadia Salama, treasurer, or Grace Chism, president, by Feb. 18. Dinner cost is $12 per person. Reservations should be made and a check enclosed to Mrs. Salama, 2505 Wildwood. Ponca City, OK 74674.

Participating organizations should have a group representative, who will make a two or three minute presentation for the honoree. Groups are also invited to have a show and tell.

Any individual who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is eligible to join AAUW. For more information call 765-3519. The Ponca City branch meets the third Saturday of the month September-May at the Ponca City Country Club.

Tall Grass Prairie Wildflowers Topic for Local Garden Council

Rosalie Majors, president, opened the meeting of the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs at the Cann Memorial Home Feb. 2. Members read the Gardeners’ Creed in unison. Jan Durano, a guest, was welcomed.

Cheryl Smith, vice-president, presented the program on wildflowers. This past year she had participated in several programs on wildflowers at the Tall Grass Prairie, Pawhuska. There are two trails open to the public, one being about a 30 minute walk and the other much longer. She brought a stem of the tall grass to show the height it attains, saying it can be up to 10-12 feet high and has roots just as deep as it is tall.

Also mentioned was the wildflower workshop held at Stillwater, sponsored by Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Inc., ODOT and OSU Botany Department, Stillwater Daisy club and Oklahoma Native Plant Society last year. The next wildflower workshop is May 19-20 in Tahlequah. Cheryl distributed drawings of the Oklahoma’s State Wildflower — the Gaillardia — and 12 others found in Oklahoma.

Norma Jean Nulik, secretary, read the minutes, and Mavis Robison gave the treasurer’s report. Marcia Davis, president of the Four O’clock club, advised the group about for their guest day on March 22. Guest speaker will be former Miss Oklahoma and Miss America Jane Jayroe. She is Director of Tourism for Oklahoma and will be announcing her tourism plans for the New Millennium. All garden club members are invited.

Linda Sparks, Garden Pilgrimage chairman, told the group about the trip to the Wichita Lawn and Garden show March 3 with a closing date of Feb. 18 to make reservations.

A new evening garden club will meet Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Cann Memorial Home to choose a club name, elect officers and a regular meeting date. Helen Widner, Master Gardener, will present the program. Any one interested is invited to come and be a charter member.

Vincie Paisley, Litter and Pollution chairman, reported the O’Riley Auto accepts hazardous waste item. Recycling began in 1918 according to an article she found in Oct. 4, 1918, newspaper. The Red Cross was asking people to save peach, plum and prune pits and nut shells at that time. They were to be turned in clean and dry in a container. The Red Cross sent them to be processed so they could be used to treat soldiers exposed to mustard gas, which was used by the German Army.

Members were asked to remember to prepare for the May 6 “Plants for Pleasure” sale held the weekend of the Iris Festival. The March 1 program on “Metal Tool Sculpture” will be presented by Linda Sparks from Angel Central.

AARP Meeting Slated Feb. 7 at Local RSVP Office

Members of the American Association of Retired Persons, Ponca City chapter 432, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the RSVP office on North Fourth.

The organization’s meetings will take place in the evening for a three month period to allow members and interested residents to attend. A presentation on prepaid legal services will be the featured program for February.

F.G. Williams, chapter president, and Fifth District Congressional representative for AARP, is attending a workshop conducted by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. The workshop concerns plans for use of the Tobacco Suit Settlement money.

Also attending the event is Ed Carthel of Newkirk, Silver-Haired legislature senator, who has done considerable research concerning the Older Americans Act. Marge Hadley Howe conducted an extensive survey about senior citizens’ reaction to the bill. Carthel has completed a paper on staffing ratios in Oklahoma nursing homes.

Valentine Postmark from Loveland

Just in time for Valentine’s Day a unique website, at www.lovelandvalentine.com, provides information on the history of St. Valentine, Valentine’s Day customs, as well as the history of the Loveland, Colo. Valentine re-mailing program.

Many historians believe Valentine’s Day can be traced to the ancient Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia, held on Feb. 15. Some scholars link Valentine’s Day with an old English belief that birds chose their mates on Feb. 14. Other historians connect the event with one or more saints of the early Christian church.

According to one legend, St. Valentine was imprisoned for his religious beliefs. In prison, St. Valentine restored the sight of his jailor’s blind daughter through prayer. Emperor Claudius ordered him beheaded and on the day of his execution, he sent a farewell note to the daughter signed “From Your Valentine.” Another theory believes that St. Valentine secretly married young soldiers (against the Emperors orders) and was thereby executed. St. Valentine then became the patron saint of lovers.

Have your Valentines re-mailed from Loveland, Colo., “The Sweetheart Town of the Nation” with a unique postmark and cachet. The Loveland Valentine re-mailing program dates back to 1947. . Each year a new postmark and cachet are created.

Lookin’ With Lou

By Louise Abercrombie

Oklahoma-Style Opera Trendy?

The television entertainment channel recently touted the resurgence of the popularity of opera. That’s right- opera not Oprah. There are now 123 locations where folks can enjoy “highbrow” entertainment.

In fact, Dallas has one of the more active opera companies. But then, why would that be a surprise? Because the more folks who die in the opera plot — the better. And, after all, everyone knows J.R. of the television soap opera “Dallas” was shot at nearby South Fork.

Don’t you just love the idea of those affluent Texans going to the opera in tailored western tuxes, handmade cowboy boots and big hats, and looking down their noses at the youthful jean-clad crowd? That’s right, according to A&E TV, one doesn’t have to dress up to go to the opera — so the crowds are getting younger.

Now, my feeling about the opera is that it is kind of like attending a funeral. You know you should go — but you’re sure glad when it is over.

Before all you opera fans start calling in, let me give you a preview of The Santa Fe Opera opener “Rigoletto” slated for July and August.

“Women are but playthings to the Duke of Mantua. Even court jester Rigoletto is helpless to preserve the honor of his daughter, Gilda. Plans for revenge misfire when Gilda innocently sacrifices her life for the Duke.”

The plot sounds a lot like current TV soap operas doesn’t it? But, after all, opera was the forerunner of television without the high tech aspect.

Through the ages, murder, mayhem, lust, and, of course, greed all spell success. Television’s Oprah herself is a testimony to this as the richest woman in the nation.

For all you Italian speaking folk out there in opera land USA, there will be a slight nuisance as “Rigoletto” will also be sung with an English translation. But then music is a universal language right?

And opera is educational too. Did you know that prima donna means first or principal female singer of an opera company? Course it also means a vain, temperamental person who expects privileged treatment.

Oklahoma Has Experience

Oklahoma is not without opera experience. Since Oklahoma City’s E.K. Gaylord owns the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, we have piped in our own brand of cultured entertainment. Amazing enough, it is sometimes staged at a horse barn, also known as the Lazy E Arena at Guthrie.

Seems a far stretch that opera could be making inroads here in the hot bed of country music, where Garth Brooks, Reba McIntyre, Vince Gill, and the late Woody Guthrie reign.

But then, such notables as Pat Boone and Brooks have tried their luck for a short time as rockers. Why not try opera if it’s the “hot” ticket as A&E claims?

Visualize this — Garth’s high tech sound, staging, lighting and costuming transforming the set of Venus and Adonis into a television wonderland and thousands of fans shouting — not “bravo!”— but “ahh-ha.”

Tailgate parties before hand could feature Budweiser and barbecue instead of French champagne and Russian caviar.

Medical Minutes

Helping Children with Grief

By Dr. William C. Hamilton

When a family member dies, children react differently than adults. Preschool children usually see death as temporary and reversible — a belief reinforced by cartoon characters who “die” and “ come to life” again. Children between five and nine begin to think more like adults about death, yet they still believe it will never happen to them or anyone they know.

Adding to a child’s shock and confusion at the death of a brother, sister or parent is the unavailability of other family members, who may be so shaken by grief that they are not able to cope with the normal responsibility of childcare.

Danger Signals

Parents should be aware of normal childhood responses to a death in the family, as well as danger signals. According to child and adolescent psychiatrists, it is normal during the weeks following the death for some children to feel little immediate grief or persist in the belief that the family member is still alive. But long-term denial of the death or avoidance of grief is unhealthy and can later surface in more severe problems.

A child who is frightened about attending a funeral should not be forced to go; however, some service or observance is recommended, such as lighting a candle, saying a prayer or visiting the gravesite.

Once children accept the death, they are likely to display their feelings of sadness on and off over a long period of time, and often at unexpected moments. The surviving relatives should spend as much time as possible with the child, making it clear that the child has permission to show his or her feelings openly or freely.

The person who has died was essential to the stability of the child’s world, and anger is a natural reaction. The anger may be revealed in boisterous play, nightmares, irritability, or variety of other behaviors. Often the child will show anger towards the surviving family members.

After a parent dies, many children will act younger than they are. The child may temporarily become more infantile, demanding food, attention and cuddling, and talking “baby talk.”

Guilt Feelings

Younger children believe they are the cause of what happens around them. A young child may believe a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister died because he or she had once “wished” in anger that the person would die. The child feels guilty because the wish “came true.” Some danger signals to watch for:

*An extended period of depression in which the child loses interest in daily activities and events.

*Inability to sleep, loss of appetite prolonged fear of being alone.

*Acting much younger for an extended period.

*Excessively imitating the death person; repeated statements of wanting to join the dead person.

*Withdrawal from friends.

*Drop in school performance or refusal to attend school.

These warning signs indicate that professional help may be needed. A child and adolescent psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed counselor can help the child accept the death and assist the survivors in helping the child through the mourning process.

Variety of Programs Recently Presented For International Club

The Jan. 26 meeting of International Club was held in the home of Nadia Salama with 16 members present. Co-hostesses were Beth Barton, Sonja Engster and Marina Mayer.

Guest speakers, Sally Nieman and Angie Bradley, explained the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program called “New Beginning” based at Pioneer Technology Center. The mission of this program is to remove barriers that stand in the way of students achieving success in their training program and in employment.

After the program, a baby shower was held for member Nancy Durrani and her new son.

The annual silent auction and games were the program for the December meeting held at the Albright United Methodist Church. Theory Chiu and Maxine Manering were hostesses, Juliana Faulk and Bette Lee served as co-hostesses with 15 members present.

The November meeting, hosted by Allison Graham, was held at St. Joseph Hospital with 22 members present. Sandy Gearhart gave a history of the hospital and the creation of the St. Joseph Medical Foundation, Inc. Members were given a tour of the Birth and Family Center following the program.

The next meeting of International Club will be Feb. 23. Anyone interested in more information about International Club, is asked to contact Anna Razowski, 767-1468.

Engagement Is Announced for Kastendick and Christian

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Kastendick of Fort Smith, Ark. have announced the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Jennifer Suzanne, to Ryan Dale Christian, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Christian of Ponca City. They will exchange vows April 1 at the Marland Mansion Estate at 2 p.m. An open invitation is extended to family and friends to attend the ceremony.

The bride-elect is a 1995 graduate of Ponca City High School and a 1999 graduate of the University of Tulsa with a degree in elementary education. She is currently employed at McKinley Elementary school in Tulsa.

The prospective bridegroom graduated in 1995 from Ponca City High School and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999 with a degree in Physical/Health Education. He is currently employed with Tulsa Public Schools.

Festival Showcase Slated Feb.13

The Mozart Music Club will hold its third meeting on Sunday, Feb. 13, in the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand. This will be a Junior Music Festival Showcase.

Those students who are enrolled in the music festival in Primary 1, 11 or 111 will perform between 2-2:45 p.m. Primary IV and above will perform from 3-3:30 p.m. All members will have refreshments from 2:45 until 3 p.m. Information for the National Music Week poster contest will be handed out at the meeting. Students from Haydn and Schubert clubs may perform after 3 p.m. according to their festival classification.

Feb. 19 is the date for the Junior Music Festival which will be held at the First Baptist and First Methodist churches. The final meeting will be April 16 and will highlight various types of ensembles as well as solos.

Families are always welcome to attend Mozart Club meetings which are an opportunity to see and hear many students perform. If you have questions about Mozart music club or the Junior Music Festival call Suzi Lenhart, 762-9895.

TOPS Chapter Members Meet

TOPS OK 308 chapter met Monday. Ann McCool called the meeting to order and gave the devotional “Teach Us To Love.” Donna McCoy led the group in repeating the TOPS pledge, and Jewel McFarlin led in the KOPS Kreed.

Natalie McCoy called the roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Wanda Headrick won the Ha Ha Pot, and Ruth Garroute was the best loser.

Diana Smith was welcomed as a new member. Potato chips were listed as the forbidden food of the week. The program was a discussion of upcoming events for TOPS members.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is 6-6:45 p.m. Monday. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is 6-6:45 p.m. Monday. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448.

White, Winkle Discuss School Reform During Recent Kiwanis Club Meeting

Ponca City Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bill White, outlined some of the plans to reform the school district when he spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Ponca City recently. Dr. White, now in his sixth year as superintendent, reminded Kiwanians that physical plant needs have occupied much of his time and effort up to this point.

Bids to renovate East, the West remodeling project, and the future renovation of Washington Elementary are upcoming projects that voters have already approved.

Now that the physical needs are being addressed, Dr. White indicated that the next issues to address are “curriculum issues and schools not accomplishing the academic goals that the community expects.” Dr. White said that “graduation rates are distressing.” While using statistical slides to prove his point, White said, “out of a freshman class of 500 only about 350 will actually continue through to graduate. The best rate yet is the current junior class that has around ninety percent still in school, but that class still has a year and a half till graduation.”

Providing quality alternative educational programs, such as the Alternative School and Teen Moms, is part of the reform package the School Board put in place to reverse the drop out rate and keep young people in school.

Increasing ACT scores is another goal, according to Dr. White. The importance of the scores is that they represent what has been learned — not only facts but analytical skills as well.

The ACT core classes require 4 years of English, 3 years each of math and science, 3 1/2 years of social studies, 1 year of technology, and 1 more year of a core subject. Adopting the more strenuous ACT core plan and requiring passage with a C grade or better will give students a stronger background. Even students, or maybe especially students, not planning to go on to college need this stronger base for success. This part of the reform package positions Ponca City well regardless of what the state adopts.

“Requiring that many more academic classes necessitated a rethink concerning scheduling,” said Dr. White. The planned trimester schedule answers the need to rethink scheduling to meet higher academic requirements and still allow involvement in extra activities.

“There is a strong correlation in the success of students involved in extra-curricular activities and academics, and since Ponca City has a strong tradition in the arts, we encourage students to be involved.” Ponca City High School will be the first high school in Oklahoma to go to the trimester schedule, but many other high schools in the nation successfully use the trimester plan.

Jerry Winkle, Ponca City High School principal and a member of Kiwanis, assisted Dr. White in presenting the trimester schedule. Between August and May, the school year will be spent in three separate units of August to November, November to February, and February to May, instead of the current two units.

Each day will be five periods of 75 minutes each. Teachers will move from the proven ineffectual 55-minute lecture to more hands-on learning. Students should find it even easier to schedule the classes they want because they will have the opportunity for 15 units a year instead of just 12.

“Eliminating social promotions is another part of the reform package,” according to Dr. White. While promoting students with their class, regardless of academic progress, has long been accepted. Society is paying the price with high school students and adults who can’t read and function in an increasingly demanding world. Dr. White closed by saying that we must “raise the expectations that children must learn.”

Chuck Rager, Kiwanian of the day, thanked Jerry Winkle and Dr. White for the program. Chuck Heyer introduced his guest, Mike Joosten. Men and women interested in community service are invited to visit Kiwanis meetings each Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m., at E.W.’s restaurant.

Wheatheart Nutrition

For Wheatheart Nutrition Menu information call 767-1620. Volunteers are needed to deliver noon meals to the elderly homebound. Menus for this week are as follows:

Monday, Feb. 7: Spaghetti and meat sauce; buttered broccoli/cauliflower; cinnamon apples; garlic bread with margarine; chocolate chip cookie.

Tuesday, Feb. 8: Oven fried chicken; mashed potatoes with cream gravy; buttered mixed vegetables; whole wheat roll with margarine; tinted pears.

Wednesday, Feb. 9: Goldwater beans; double orange gelatin; crackers with margarine; applesauce cake.

Thursday, Feb. 10: Hamburger patty with barbecue sauce and pickles; tomato juice; potato chips; baked beans; bun with margarine; ice cream with cookie.

Friday, Feb. 11: Ham loaf; candied sweet potatoes; buttered peas; whole wheat roll with margarine; tropical fruit mix.

Jamie Elizabeth Miller Bride Of Jesse Emerson Beck

Jamie Elizabeth Miller became the bride of Jesse Emerson Beck in a Jan. 22, 2000, ceremony at the Foursquare Gospel Church. Their double-ring vows were solemnized by the Rev. Blaine Herron in a 7 p.m. ceremony.

A brass archway and candelabra were decorated with ivy and burgundy bows. Other decorations included arrangements of potted white chrysanthemums accented by burgundy bows.

The bride is the daughter of J.E. and Mary Miller of Ponca City, and the bridegroom is the son of Elizabeth Bessler Beck of Kansas City, Mo. and Dale Beck of Mission, Kan. Grandparents are Lester and Dorothy Neal of Arkansas City, Kan. and Ladine Beck of Wichita, Kan.

Soloists were Lori While and Diane Campbell. The musical program included “I’ll Be There,” Pachabel’s “Canon in D,” “Candle on the Water,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” and Handel’s “Allegro.” Caroline DeLodge and Ida Jones served as candlelighters. Susan Haines attended the guest book, and Sarah Bowen was the flowergirl, with Marcus Miller serving as ringbearer.

Cindy Widell of Tonkawa was Matron of Honor. She wore a floor length Navy blue fitted dress with a semi-fitted jacket. Identically attired to the honor attendant were the bridesmaids: Elizabeth Rogers of New Orleans, La., Marley Miller, Caroline DeLodge, and Ida Jones, all of Ponca City. Each carried three long-stemmed Calla lilies and three long-stemmed roses accented with ivy and burgundy ribbon.

Brian Boxwell of Raytown, Mo. served as Best Man. Groomsmen were Chris Koolifay of Rolla, Mo., Joel Kraft of Kansas City, Mo., Darrell Turner of Rolla, Mo., and Toby Morriss of New Orleans, La.

The bride wore a designer gown with a long-sleeved lace bodice adorned with pearls. The bodice Sweetheart neckline was complemented by a dropped waistline and full skirt with semi-cathedral length train. Lace cutwork and pearl beadwork detailed the skirt. The double-tiered veiling was hemmed with pearls and secured by a headdress of silk roses, pearls and beadwork. She carried a bouquet of Calla lilies, roses and ivy. Following tradition, she wore something old, her grandmother’s pearls; something new, her gown; something borrowed, a silver ankle bracelet from her sister; and for something blue, a ribbon.

Following the ceremony the reception was held at the American Legion. Music was provided by Jerry Wilson, saxophonist. The couple resides in Ponca City. The bride is a booking officer with the Ponca City Police Department, and the bridegroom is a recent graduate from Rolla.

Out-of-town guests included Angela Fields of Tulsa, Adrianne Nicholson of Rensslear, Ind., Corena Beck of Kansas City, Mo., Denise Gruider of Oakwood, Amelia Wilson of Sand Springs, Jack Shaw and Sarah Grimes of Kansas City, Mo.

1975 PCHS Class Begins Search For Classmates

The Ponca City High School graduating class of 1975 is in the process of planning their 25th reunion to be held June 30 - July 2.

Planning committee members are in need of help to find some “missing classmates.” If anyone knows the whereabouts of the following people, please contact Liz Fels Solorio, 765-6379, or Mary Moriarty Sanders, 765-9964, or mail the address to Liz Fels Solorio, 2236 John, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Addresses are needed for: Kurtis Bales, Vance Bates, Evelyn Appleman Bellinghausen, Lesa Brownfield, Janet Brooks Brown, Willis Buffington, Charla McPherson Cady, Shari Dagg Cloud, Gail Jamison Counter, Lynette Fisher Cummings, Kathy Melnick Davis, Dale Ealey, Roger Evans, Roger Ferrel, Leslie Toepfer Gartrell, Pete Hartness, Kim Knowles, Kim Meisinger Jensen, Kathy Landers, Katherine McSmith, Sandy Lawson Meier, Kay Leftwich Moore, B