LOCAL

Some Sixth Graders Will Move to Lincoln
Guidelines for Letters to the Editor
Kaw City Exhibit Depicts Indian Life During Month of February
Pay Raise Response
Ponca City Students Taking Initiative To Be Smoke Free
Heather Roth Accepted At Medical School
West School Announces Honor Rolls for Semester
Marine Corps Reunion Scheduled
Flu Season Hits Public Schools
Commissioners Schedule Regular Meeting Monday
KLVV Radio Offers Family Program
East School Presents Enrollment Information
Proposed Skate Park on Agenda
Kildare School
City Calendar
Parent/Teacher Conference Dates, Times Scheduled
OEA’s Read Across America Brings Joy of Reading to Many
Social Security Retirement Benefits Continue After Work
School Menu
First Lutheran School Lunch Menu
Ponca City Happenings
Labyrinth Committee Works on Plans
Local Dentist Earns State Recognition

Some Sixth Graders Will Move to Lincoln

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

With construction under way at West Middle School, allowing additional classrooms, some sixth graders may be headed there this fall.

The five rooms should be ready by Aug. 1, 2001. However, all renovation at West may not be complete.

The board will have three options to move the sixth graders this fall. The first option will be to move one school, the second will be moving two schools and the third will be the moving of three schools.

Superintendent Dr. Bill White said parents of the three schools considered (Washington, Trout and Liberty Elementary) are not in favor of moving their students. He will recommend Monday that the students from Liberty Elementary sixth grade attend school at West this fall.

White said that will bring the enrollment of sixth graders to 130 students with six teachers with an average class size of 22. He further recommends that the district develop plans for all sixth graders to be in a middle school setting by the fall of 2002.

Oath of Office, Elections

Craig Myers and Norris Frederick will take the oath of office Monday night. Myers will replace veteran member John Young for Office 3. Young will be presented a plaque and certificate for his years of service. A reception will also be held for the members before the meeting at 6 p.m.

Frederick will maintain Office 6, a four-year term. Frederick beat David Kinkaid last Tuesday during the annual school elections.

Following the oath of office, an election for president, vice president, clerk and deputy clerk will be held. Don Nuzum currently serves as the board president.

Contracts, Change Orders

A bid will be awarded on the Lincoln Elementary School addition project. Bids will be received and opened Monday. At a pre-bid conference held Wednesday, there were four prospective bidders that met at Lincoln to clarify any issues prior to bidding the project.

The project is for four additional classrooms on the west side of Lincoln, with an alternate to have a fifth classroom, and the project includes a cafeteria/multi-purpose room on the east side. The architect has indicated that

(See SCHOOL BOARD, Page 2A)

he has confidence in the prospective bidders’ abilities to complete the project in a timely and workmanship manner.

Board members will also vote on a change order totaling $3,690.15 at West Middle School. Most of the items requiring additional expense are due to the remodeling project. Additional labor and equipment must be used on the project. Additional electrical needs and construction items are also needed.

Other Items

A resolution declaring March 2 as Read Across America Day will be decided. The Ponca City Association of Classroom Teachers (ACT) is asking the board to sign the resolution. Read Across America is a national celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday that promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of our students.

Administrative contracts will be discussed during executive session. Contracts for renewal include Jeff Denton, chief financial office and director of child nutrition; Dr. John Scroggins, deputy superintendent; and Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of operations.

Discussion topics include reports on energy management, upcoming dates, enrollment and Read Across America activities.

The February Employee of the Month and Friend of Education Awards will be presented to Marta Maril, Certified Employee of the Month; Rosemary Hartman, Support Employee of the Month; and Susan Henning, Friend of Education.

Guidelines for Letters to the Editor

Dear Letter Writers:

From time to time issues arise that prompt numerous letters to the editor. Usually, emotional issues or current events bring letters from those who aren’t regular letter writers. Sometimes novice writers don’t know the guidelines for the letters. Here is the stated policy, published periodically on the Opinion page of The News (usually page 4A):

The News invites and encourages letters to the editor. Letters appearing in The News do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of The News.

Letters will be accepted only with written signature and must include address and phone number of writer. Unsigned letters will be discarded.

All letters submitted become the property of The News. No letter will be returned.

The News reserves the right to reject or to correct letters considered unsuitable. Letters may be edited to conserve space. Letters for or against candidates for office will not be accepted.

Additional suggestions for publication include:

— Keep letters short and to one point (usually 300 words or no longer than one typewritten page)

— E-mailed letters are accepted, with the same guidelines as hand-delivered or mailed letters. E-mail address is secondary identification.

Thanks, The News

Kaw City Exhibit Depicts Indian Life During Month of February

KAW CITY — Scenes from Indian life approximately 100 years ago are on exhibit through the month of February at the Kaw Nation's Kanza Museum in Kaw City. American Indian Realism: Images from Oklahoma, The Territorial Era is the second in a series of traveling exhibits displayed at the Museum. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Western History Collections of the University of Oklahoma, the exhibit features 30 photographs developed from glass plate negatives from the Western History Collections.

These historic photographs cover the period from 1890 to Oklahoma's statehood in 1907. Photography was a new and popular trade at that time, and photographers sought to capture the traditional lifestyles of the American Indians who had been removed into Indian Territory from all corners of the American nation. The photographers tried to focus on people who still wore traditional dress and lived in traditional homes. Despite the upheaval of their forcible relocation, the Native Americans portrayed reflect a feeling of pride in family and dignity.

Included in this photographic series is Washunga, last chief of the Kaw Tribe. Also depicted is Geronimo as he prepares to travel with Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show. Some images are posed studio portraits; others depict tribal members with their traditional lodges, tipis, or brush arbors. Included are two Potawatomi girls in traditional dress, with elaborate ribbonwork and woven sashes, a Pawnee family portrait, a Cheyenne boy posed with his father's bow and arrow, and a Ponca girl in front of the family's brush arbor. While the subjects’ names, tribes, and locations frequently are absent from the records, clothing, types of dwellings, and the locations of the photographers' studios provide invaluable clues to identifying the photographs.

American Indian Realism may be viewed at the Kanza Museum, 648 Grand View Drive, Kaw City, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the month of February. A special program will be presented on Tuesday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m. Chester Cowen, Oklahoma Historical Society photographic archivist, will narrate a slide presentation, "Did It Really Look Like That? Photographic Images from Indian Territory".

He will demonstrate how the camera documented the landscape, communities, rural life, and economic development, creating a powerful drama. Mr. Cowen's presentation is made possible by a Territory Speaker grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Admission to both the exhibit and Mr. Cowen's program is free. For further information, or to schedule group visits, contact Kanza Museum Director Crystal Douglas at (580) 269-2552.

Letters

Pay Raise Response

As the wife of a Ponca City firefighter, I have read many statements and letters both pro and con on the issue of the 10 percent raise to be voted on by the citizens of Ponca City on March 6 .

I’m sure the rest of the public would appreciate a fact-based view and not one that is written from emotion, with inaccuracies and just a hint of martyrdom. I am speaking of the letter written by Ms. Angie Case, Office Specialist, Public Works, published in the Feb. 11 edition of The News.

She insinuates that the fire department has positioned themselves above and beyond all other city employees. She mentions the police in particular. I imagine that many police officers would take exception to being included in a letter of such narrow mindedness. The only thing Ms. Case’s letter made a point of is making this a case of firefighters vs. all other city employees. Both the city and the firefighters each selected an arbitrator and those two arbitrators selected one without bias to either side to represent this issue. This unbiased arbitrator conducted salary surveys of cities, rural and urban, of similar size and found Ponca City firefighters are substantially underpaid. And, after reviewing the current firefighter’s salaries and the city’s current financial status, this arbitrator concluded that the firefighters should be granted a 10 percent raise.

Ms. Case mentions city employees who work “well into the night” or “around the clock” to see that city functions are carried out properly. Well, thank you for making the firefighter’s point. They work “around the clock” as all shifts are 24 hours away from family. That means they work “well into the night.” My husband has come home after a 24-hour shift where he has not slept for having one call after another.

Ms. Case is under the mistaken impression that her “Office Specialist” position might be in jeopardy. Again, if she had done her homework, she would have found that the arbitrator has stated that the pay increase would not result in increases in taxes or fees or result in the elimination of other city positions. The arbitrator found that the city is financially able to meet the criteria for the pay increase.

Ms. Case also mentions that police duties “also involve community welfare, and are lifesavers too.” This is true. But she failed to point out that all firefighters are trained as emergency medical technicians (EMT) at the basic level and many are at the intermediate and paramedic levels. Being such a “cheerleader” for the city, I would think she reads the City Newsletter and has seen issues in which citizens have been so appreciative of the fire and paramedic services, not to mention are living today because of such services, that they felt the need to make their gratitude public. Firefighters participate in the Toys for Tots program each Christmas and the annual “boot drive” for charity. They are also mentors for children at the grade school level and sponsor many fire safety programs. They also give countless tours of the fire department to educate in fire safety. It should also be noted that to be hired as a firefighter, you must be an EMT at the basic level and that all those at the intermediate and paramedic levels have done so on their own time, with no compensation and without any financial gain in salary upon completion.

Ms. Case insinuated that firefighters can’t seem to live within their means and that they need to make adjustments if they can’t make it on their current salary. She also insinuates that the firefighters want this increase at the expense of others. It takes a lot of nerve to make assumptions about things you clearly know nothing about.

I work on the days that my husband doesn’t so that we don’t have to pay for childcare. We have very little debt, yet we own one car. And when our second child was born with short-term medical problems, we had to go on Medicaid to help pay the medical bills. Even with our insurance, our two children still qualify for Medicaid. We also qualify for the WIC program. We live in a small two-bedroom house and still live from paycheck to paycheck. I can’t help but wonder where Ms. Case suggests we make our “adjustments.”

In addition to all of the above, one of the most important issues to remember on March 6 is that the firefighters are not against any other city employee and do believe that it takes all civic subdivisions to run a productive city. The firefighters simply want to be compensated not only for their skills and responsibilities, but also equally to their peers in similar size communities.

Bryn Eldridge

Wife of Ponca City Firefighter

Ponca City Students Taking Initiative To Be Smoke Free

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a statewide youth effort to create a tobacco-free generation in Oklahoma.

Through education, training, media, activism, and participation, the group will take a stand against an addiction that kills. The group represents strong-willed individuals and ambitious leaders who won’t let Big Tobacco companies target them anyone.

New SWAT members are Jennifer Arner, Anita Bilyew, Sunita Chahar, Brandi Combes, Allison Ford, Mindy Gray, Robin Maril and Amanda Shelton.

Smoking is a serious problem in the United States. The Surgeon General, David Satcher, has called it the single most preventable cause of death. Each year cigarette contributes to more than 430,000 deaths in this country. Not all of these victims are smokers either. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) also called passive smoke or second-hand smoke accounts for 37,000 deaths every year related to cardiovascular diseases.

Nearly 50 million Americans smoke. About 4.4 million of them are teenagers. Estimates are that about 3,000 teenagers start smoking and 2,000 of them are young women, every day. Young people usually start to face pressures to smoke between the ages of 11 and 14. This is the time where they’re separating from their family and becoming closer to their friends. Peer pressure is a major reason why they start smoking.

The average age of first use of tobacco is now 11-15 years of age. The younger a person begins smoking the more likely he/she is to become a heavy smoker. The younger a person is when he/she begins smoking, the less likely she/he will be able to quit later.

Among smokers ages 12-17 years old, 70 percent already regret their decision to smoke and 66 percent state that they want to quit. Each year, children consume between 516 to 917 million packs of cigarettes and 26 million cans of spit tobacco.

The relevance of smoking among young people has failed to decline or more than a decade. Recently smoking has begun to rise among children. The SWAT group youth ages 12-18 goes through a SQUADS process which offers the youth a step by step process for building skills.

Youth can enhance their verbal, communication, telephone and leadership skills. It also helps them design and create materials, solicit community support for ideas, and helps them meet people with similar interests.

To learn more bout the recruitment process or for more information, contact Allison Horner at 765-0592.

Heather Roth Accepted At Medical School

Heather Roth, a 1997 Ponca City High School graduate, has been accepted at the University of Oklahoma Medical School.

She will begin her M.D. studies in August at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. She is the daughter of Jim and Marlene Roth.

Roth graduated summa cum laude in December from Oklahoma State University with a degree in microbiology. At OSU, she achieved many high honors such as Outstanding Junior in the Microbiology Department, President’s Distinguished Scholar and President’s Leadership Council Facilitator. She was also selected to several honor societies such as Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medical Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma and Golden Key.

Heather was also chosen to Mortar Board, an honor society for the top 40 seniors on campus, in which she held an executive position.

While attending OSU she was active in activities such as president of Microbiology Club, Orange Peel Steering, Student Alumni Board, Homecoming and the OSU Women’s Club Volleyball Team. She was also an executive in Arts and Sciences Student Council and received the 2000 Outstanding Member Award. Heather was also a member of Phi Beta Phi sorority.

She also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was the director for the campus community service project, The Big Event.

West School Announces Honor Rolls for Semester

Honor rolls for the first semester at West Middle School have been announced. Students on the Principal’s Honor Roll received a 4.0 grade point average while a 3.00-3.99 grade average places students on the Faculty Honor Rolls.

Sixth graders named to the Principal’s Honor Roll were Shawnte Blais, Cassandra Deboard, Lindsey Gonzales, Kenet Morgan, Austin Neahring, Nicholas Pollard, Travis Pollard, Kelly Williams and Tachena Winterhalter.

Seventh graders on the Principal’s Honor Roll were Zane (Eric) Bailey, Carrie Blumert, Erica Bonavida, Colby Bunch, Holly Catlin, Michelle Chao, Melodie Cooper, Vanessa Copple, Ashley Daniel, Rebecca Emmons, Shannon Fischer, Elise Hagood, Ashley Hampton, Andrew Harrison, Danielle Hays, Chas Herbert (Littlecook), Randyl Holmes, Kayla Hover, Jordan Jamison, Kristin Jennings, Danielle Jorgensen, Mathavi Jothimurugesan, Lauren Liles, Calah Lynes, Apryl McConnell, Alexander McCumber, Cassi Palmer, Lisa Proctor, Alyssa Reiss, Leslie Sanders, Nicholas Schiltz, Heather Smith, Katie Southard, Kari Taylor, Ashely Walters, Stephen Whiting, Chelsie Williams, Jessica Woods and Micah Wright.

Sixth graders on the Faculty Honor Roll included Abbieanne Baldwin, Kyle Baldwin, Marco Barragan, Devan Benton, Magen Besen, Savana Bonner, Kimberlee Burgess, David Chamberlain, Crystal Counselor, Theresa Delamar, Deidra Elliott, Jade Frederickson, Timothy French, Julian Gamboa, Ignacia Garcia, Andrew Garza, Devin Gray, Racqanna Hall, Daniel Hays, John Holley, Brittanie Howard, Michelle Hutson, Alan Jackson, Karen Jones, Kristina Jones, Marissa Koehn, Blake Lawson, Lakan Linder, Kandy Morfin, Stephanie Morris, Christopher Mouton, Jacques O’Connor, Marc Pineda, Rashawna Pollard, Jesse Powell, Maribel Rojas, Jessica Schiltz, Alicia Shoptese, Jeremy Simerly, Rachael Stanton, Constance Ullery, Laura Valadez, Wacee Walker, Taressa Wood and Abigail Zoski.

Seventh graders on the Faculty Honor Roll were Lacey Allen, Jaron Anderson, Lea Arbona, Anthony Baldwin, Amber Barclay, Crystal Bennett, Morgan Bishop, Steven Bradley, Ashley “Nikki” Brock, Joshua Bruner, Katie Busby, Justin Caffey, Stacy Caffey, Stephanie Caffey, Lauren Caughlin, Mark Chaney, Brady Clark, Jerryd Clinton, Steven Collogan, Matthew Cook, Bradley Council, Denny Creamer, Kody Crowell, Travis Denny, Scott Didericksen, Hutchison Didlake, D.H. (Dale) Dilbeck, Michael Dixey, Vanessa Donaldson, Andrew Dorman, Kayla Doughty, Justine Dyer, Ace Engle, Sarah English, James Fishburn, Amanda Fletcher (Bordovsky), Gerald Floyd, Jason Ford, Kieondrae Fox, Ian Freeman, Jennifer Gaddis, Elizabeth Gallegos, Jennifer Gammill, Levi Garrison, Holly Gibson, Lindsay Giddens, Chelsea Gilliam, Daniel Gilliland, Jonathan Gilliland, Shealyn Golay, Andrew Gray, Lynette Guess, Teresa Hain, Nicholas Hall, Mitchell Harrell, Brittney Hatton, Candace Hill, Alex Hodges, Timothy Hraban, Brooke Hunter, Thomas (T.J.) Huston, Chase Ingram, Edward Johnson, Heather Johnson and Joshua Johnson.

Also, Lyndsie Johnson, Jessie Jones, Justin Jump, Kyle Kassen, Anthony Kent, Jason Kephart, Jordan Kepka, Kimberly Kirby, Justin Kugelman, Sarah Lane, Matthew Larimer, Lynnette Lena, Teara Lewis, Phillip Major, William Marshall (Akers), Kyle McCool, Justin McCubbin, Jamie McGaughey, Sheena McMahan, Jeffry McPherson, Jeremy Merz, Curtis Metzger, Gray Mongold, Crystal Moore, Teal Morris, Jake Munyon, Erin Neely (Carlson), John Nimmo, Lisa Otto, Rashawn Parker, Alisa Parks, Austin Peresko, Stephanie Pierce, Destiny Pollak, Taryn Postman, Sarah Powell, Stuart Powell, Jonathan Powers, Clayton Reusser, Kelley Reynolds, Sean Rhodes, Patricia Rogers, Denisse Sandoval, Sarah Sanford, Jessica Satterfield, Kelli Schickram, Jeremy Schnack, April Scott, Andrew Scribner, Jacob Smith, Jason Smith, Michael Smith, Taylor Smith, Tacy Sneed, John Springer, Brandon Standifer, Allison Steele, Heather Stewart, Rebekah Stoddard, Travis Stone, Ryan Stout, Sarah Swain, Tyler Taber, Holly Taylor, Jaedra Thomas, Joseph Tollison, Tisha Trepton, Gena Vancuren, Brook Walker, Todd Walling, Lorie Walls and Rebecca Ward.

Others were Kara Waters, Brittany Wedel (Chapman), Lauren Weingart, Whitney Welborn, Austin Wentroth, Karianne Wiles, Robert Wingender, Sarah Wood, Bartlend Wright, Chase Wright and Caleb Wynn.

Marine Corps Reunion Scheduled

Marines from Ponca City and the surrounding area will hold their second annual Marine Corps Iwo Jima Day remembrance reunion at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the American Legion Post 14, 407 W. South Avenue.

Last year a large number of marines attended the reunion of which three actually made the Feb. 19, 1945, Iwo Jima landing, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

A number of collectors will be displaying Marine Corps items including uniforms, medals, web gear, weapons and war souvenirs from World War I to the present. Veterans are asked to bring any items of interest they might have and would like to share with fellow marines. Tables will be provided on which to display the items.

Last year, marines came from Arkansas City and Peru, Kan., Bartlesville, Blackwell, Fairfax, Newkirk, Pawhuska, Pawnee, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Shidler, and Morrison. Over a 150 letters will be sent to area marines reminding them of the reunion. Those that attended last year and who left their name and address should be receiving one of the letters.

Approximately 50 percent of those attending last year were World War II veterans. People are asked to be sure marines are aware of the reunion and have a ride.

Supper will be served at 6:30 p.m., and the main hall will open for visiting at 6 p.m. A couple of “short” speakers will pass on some straight scoop and the “geedunk” stand will be open for refreshments. For additional information, call the legion at 765-9073 or Chuck Gregg at 761-6585.

Flu Season Hits Public Schools

The flu and cold season has hit the Ponca City Public School district. The district had 356 sick leave days utilized by employees in the month of January.

In order to ensure a more complete recovery for students and to help control the spread of communicable diseases at school, it is necessary to keep a sick child at home for twenty-four (24) hours after fever or other abnormal symptoms have subsided. For example, if a child has a fever of 100.6 at 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday morning he/she does not have a fever, but it has not been 24 hours, they should stay at home until Friday. Tylenol will reduce a fever for two to four hours, but it will return.

Ponca City Schools is asking for cooperation from parents in this matter.

If you have any questions, you mat contact the nurse at your child's school.

Commissioners Schedule Regular Meeting Monday

NEWKIRK — Kay County’s Board of Commissioners are scheduled for a regular session at 9 a.m. on Monday at the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk.

Commissioners can expect a light agenda for the meeting. Then, at 9:30 a.m., there will follow a meeting of the Trustees of the Kay County Home Finance Authority.

Highlighting business at the meeting, county commissioners will consider and vote on a court fund claim for lease of the Ponca City satellite office for March 2001 in the amount of $3,000.

Members will also consider and vote to transfer appropriations to the general fund for the election board travel to part-time salaries in the amount of $500 and the Emergency Management Agency cash fund for maintenance and operations to capital outlay in the amount of $1,400.

KLVV Radio Offers Family Program

Nearly 35 million Americans are age 65 and over, according to United States Census Bureau November 2000 estimations.

With more people living longer comes the responsibility of taking care of the elderly, namely one’s own parents. In Focus on the Family’s special program, “The Sandwich Generation,” veteran caregiver Grace Chavis offers nine practical suggestions for caring for elderly parents including assigning tasks, accepting conflict as inevitable and allowing independence as long as possible.

Tune in to KLVV Monday at 6 and 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to hear this program.

KLVV is a nonprofit radio station broadcasting on 88.7 FM in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas with translator stations at 98.3 FM in Enid, 106.7 FM in Stillwater, and 97.3 FM in Guthrie. More information is available at website www.KLVV.com.

East School Presents Enrollment Information

Ponca City High School counselors presented pink Curriculum Guide books and enrollment forms to East Middle School students on Feb. 14. Parents are asked to discuss the Curriculum Guide with their student and fill out the Course Selection form with the appropriate courses.

The Course Selection form and Student Information sheet are due back to each student’s English teacher by Feb. 22.

On Feb. 19 there will be a parent meeting in the auditorium at East Middle School from 6 to 7 p.m. The ninth grade counselor, Claudia Todd-Sonnichsen, will be presenting information about Ponca City High School requirements, Accelerated classes and Pre-AP classes. A sign up sheet for sports will also be at that meeting.

If students are going to be in any sport in high school, and they are eligible, parents or guardians may sign them up for the sport during the meeting. The sign up sheet will also be available at parent/teacher conferences on Tuesday, Feb. 20 and Thursday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. both nights.

On March 5, 6 and 7, Ponca City High School principals and counselors will be at East Middle School to finalize enrollment for near year’s ninth grade students. Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend at their student’s scheduled time. Notes will be sent home through English classes the week prior to the dates.

If you plan to attend with your child, please sign and return the note to his or her English teacher by Friday, March 2. Enrollment will be held in the library from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Proposed Skate Park on Agenda

Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners are scheduled for a regular work session on Monday at 2 p.m. in the Public Safety Center’s commission chambers, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Topping the agenda at the meeting, commissioners are expected to discuss alternative for a proposed skate park, followed by a possible bus tour of potential sites.

Commissioners are also expected to hear a report from Jan Jarrett, Economic Development director, on economic development projects.

Kildare School

Kildare School

Breakfast

Monday — Waffles, fruit and milk.

Tuesday — Scrambled eggs and toast, hash browns and milk.

Wednesday — Toast and jelly, sausage, fruit and milk.

Thursday — Muffins, fruit and milk.

Friday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Chicken pot pie, lettuce salad, fruit, hot roll and milk.

Tuesday — Goulash, corn on the cob, breadstick, fruit and milk.

Wednesday — Baked ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, fruit, hot roll and milk.

Thursday — Charburger, baked beans, fruit, pickle, dessert and milk.

Friday — Chili dog, tater tots, fruit, pickle and milk.

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).

First Monday

Lions Vision Group meets the first Monday of the month, with the exception of holidays, at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, using the Thirteenth Street entrance. Refreshments are served at 9:45 a.m. For a ride call 765-4370. The meetings are open to visually impaired residents.

Every Tuesday

Kiwanis, Noon-1 p.m., Apple Cart Restaurant.

Every Wednesday and Friday

Elks Lodge Food Night, 6-8 p.m., Elks Lodge, 3612 Lake Road.

Every Friday during February

Senior Pitch, 6 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Monday

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

Po-Hi Class of 1976 Reunion Committee meeting, 6 p.m., Elks Lodge, 3612 Lake Road.

United Ostomy Association Inc., Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, Open Discussion: “My Favorite Thing,” 7 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.

Multiple Sclerosis Society; Dr. Krishna Vaidya, speaker, Westminster Village Chapel, 1601 Academy Road. Call Lori at 767-1668 for further information.

Tuesday

Kaw Lake Association, noon, Hero’s, Ponca City.

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate, 901 Monument Road.

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

Wednesday

Cultural Affairs Commission, 8:30 a.m., Sun Room of Marland’s Grand Home, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce office.

The Marine Corps Annual Reunion, 6 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City.

Thursday

Congressman Ernest Istook Town Hall Meetings: University Learning Center, 105 South Pine Street, 10 a.m.; Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, 102 South Fifth Street, 3:30 p.m.; Kay County Electric Co-Op, 300 W. Doolin in Blackwell, 5:30 p.m.

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by.

Password, 12:30 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings, 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.

Rosario Andino, pianist, concert, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, free admission.

Friday

Bingo, with paper products prizes, 12:30 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Friday-Saturday

Labyrinth Workshop, 2-4 p.m., Pioneer Woman Museum, 701 Monument Road, free, open to the public, for information Gael Hancock, 762-6244.

Saturday

St. Joseph Medical Foundation’s “Think Spring Fling” annual event, 7-11 p.m., Marland Mansion, tickets $35 per person, available at Pioneer Bank & Trust, Home National Bank, Bank of America, Cherokee Strip Credit Union, or by calling St. Joseph Medical Foundation, 763-0872.

February 26

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.

Grief Support Group, 7 p.m., Hospice Office, 1904 North Union Street.

February 27

Join Fun, Celebrate Shrove Tuesday “Fat Tuesday” with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at Rose Stone Inn, 4:30 -7 p.m., eat pancake supper with sausage, fruit and drinks in the typical Mardi Gras festive decor, adults $4, children age 5-10 $3, call Helen 767-1076 for advance tickets.

March 1

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by.

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., National Guard Armory, West South Avenue, public welcome, for more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

March 2

“An Evening With ... Legacy Five,” one of Southern Gospel’s Finest Quartets, 7 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, advanced tickets $10, tickets at the door $12, ticket location Master’s Touch, 115 North Fourth Street.

March 3

Christian Motorcycles Association, 8:30 a.m., Conestoga, I-35 and U.S. 60.

March 5

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

March 6

Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Municipal Court Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

March 7

Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

March 8

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

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

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by.

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest Meeting Room, Western Sizzlin.

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

March 10

American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds go to the children and youth programs.

Seventh Annual WBBZ/Ponca City News Spring Expo to include more than 70 local and area businesses with displays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, admission free.

Conoco Retirees Association Social “Spring Fling,” 1:30 p.m., Conoco Atrium Cafeteria.

March 12

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

March 13

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

AARP, 12:30 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

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

March 14

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., Cann Memorial Gardens, East Grand Avenue, for more information call 762-9866 or 718-0314.

YMCA/Community Pool Committee, 12:30 p.m., YMCA, 702 East Grand Avenue.

The Navy and Coast Guard Annual Reunion, 6 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue.

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

March 14-15

Conoco Retires Association 55 Alive Driving Course, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse.

March 15

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by.

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

Disabled American Veterans McKnight-Printz Chapter 47, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln.

The Hughes Brothers from Branson, Mo., sponsored by the Ponca City Noon Lions, 7:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, tickets call 580-765-5676.

March 16

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

March 17

National Symphony Orchestra, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, 7 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.

March 19

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

United Ostomy Association Inc., Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Medical Center Conference Room B (ground floor), Ponca City.

March 20

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate, 901 Monument Road.

Kaw Lake Association, 6:30 p.m., Shidler.

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

March 21

Cultural Affairs Commission, 8:30 a.m., Sun Room of Marland’s Grand Home, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce office.

March 22

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings, 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.

March 24

Semi-Annual Western Memorabilia Show of the 101 Ranch Collectors Association, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, free public admission, donations accepted and appreciated.

March 26

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

March 29

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by.

April 7

American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds go to the children and youth programs.

Parent/Teacher Conference Dates, Times Scheduled

The dates and times for parent/teacher conferences for Ponca City students have been scheduled. Students will be out of school on Friday, Feb. 23 for the conferences.

All conferences, except East Middle School, are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22 and Friday, Feb. 23. East conferences will be on Tuesday, Feb. 20 and Thursday, Feb. 22.

— Garfield Academy will be on Thursday from 3:45 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon;

— Liberty Elementary will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m.;

— Lincoln Elementary conferences will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon;

— Roosevelt Elementary will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday;

— Trout Elementary conferences will be on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11:15 a.m.;

— Union Elementary will be on Thursday from 3:40 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon;

— Washington Elementary will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon;

— Woodlands Elementary conferences are Thursday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon; and

— West Middle School will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11:30 am..

Conferences for East Middle School will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20 and from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22.

OEA’s Read Across America Brings Joy of Reading to Many

Green Eggs and Ham breakfasts, Dr. Seuss birthday parties and reading oaths are just a few of the activities scheduled around the state during the Oklahoma Education Association’s Read Across America celebration Feb. 26-March 2.

The Cat in the Hat, Sam-I-Am and other Seuss characters will be visiting thousands of children in Oklahoma schools as part of two caravans traveling across the state beginning Feb. 26.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, one of the caravans will make a stop at Ponca City’s Garfield Academy at 9:30 a.m.

The week-long celebration will culminate with two events in Norman on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

Read Across America, now in its fourth year, is a joint project of the National Education Association, the Oklahoma Education Association and local organizations to promote literacy, encourage parent involvement in reading to children and develop a love of reading in children.

“Research indicates that children who read more at a younger age perform better in the classroom,” OEA President Carolyn Crowder said. “Read Across America is a fun and rewarding way for our members to encourage in children the most fundamental, yet essential, skill in learning.”

Last year, more than 25 million children, adults and celebrities shared in reading books together for Read Across America. University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops is this year’s honorary chairman for Read Across America in Oklahoma.

The first Norman activity on March 2 will take place at the train depot station at 9 a.m., where students will await the Cat’s arrival on the Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City for a special celebration.

The Cat-in-the-Hat and other dignitaries will ride two miles to the University of Oklahoma’s Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History for a second celebration beginning at 11 a.m. Transportation to the museum will be provided by a team of Clydesdale horses.

In addition to the Seuss celebration, participating students will receive free educational tours of the museum, courtesy of the Sam Noble Museum. OEA will donate books to each of the schools that attend the March 2 events.

“The support we receive to present Read Across America activities grows every year,” Crowder said. “It means so much to our schools to see this growing list of people who care enough about our children to give their time and money.”

Social Security Retirement Benefits Continue After Work

By RICHARD BLACK

District Manager

Social Security Administration

If you’ve reached “full retirement age” (that’s 65 for people born before 1938), you don’t have to quit working to start getting full monthly Social Security retirement benefits.

Yes, that’s true. Because of a law enacted last April, you can keep on working after reaching full retirement age and not lose a penny of your Social Security retirement benefits. It’s almost like having your cake and eating it too.

But, as you know, it’s not a perfect world. Because of the additional income, you’ll most likely have to pay more income taxes. And we want you to enjoy getting Social Security benefits while you choose to work. We don’t want you to find you owe more taxes than you expected when it’s time to file your annual tax return.

That’s why we’re reminding you to be prepared to pay extra taxes if you’re working while getting full retirement benefits. You can do that by having more deducted from your pay; filing a quarterly tax return; or having taxes withheld from your Social Security benefits.

To have taxes withheld from your benefits, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to get a form W-4V, or visit SSA’s Internet website, www.ssa.gov, to print a copy of the form.

You'll have to pay taxes on your benefits if you have substantial income in addition to your Social Security benefits. For example, if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your total income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay taxes on 50 percent of your-benefits. If you and your spouse have a combined income that’s between $32,000 and $44,000. If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefit is subject to income tax. Combined income is your (and your spouse’s) adjusted gross income as reported on your Form 1040 plus nontaxable interest, plus one-half of your Social Security benefits.

Even though you have to pay more income taxes, that’s not all bad. There’s always the “flip” side to consider. When you continue working you could be increasing the amount of your monthly benefits. Each year, we’ll review your earnings record. If you’re eligible for a higher benefit because of your additional earnings, we’ll send you a notice telling you what your new benefit amount will be. If you need more information, check out our website at www.ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security Office. You also can call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.

School Menu

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 — French toast styx with syrup or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — No school

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Pepperoni pizza or taco pocket, mexican beans, tossed salad with ranch dressing, applesauce, crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken chunks with hot roll or queso and chips, mashed potatoes and gravy, cookies, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or teriyaki chicken salad, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili pie or chicken patty on a bun, corn on the cob, mixed fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Steak fingers with hot roll or bean burrito, mashed potatoes and gravy, sour apple ooze, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — No school

West Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Scrambled eggs with bacon and biscuit, pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

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

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

Thursday — French toast with hash browns or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — No school

West Middle School

Lunch

Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway. Available everyday is Dominos and Taco Bell burritos.

Monday — Pepperoni pizza, corn, tossed salad with ranch dressing, fruit, pudding, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad with dressing, fruit, cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili pie with lettuce and cheese, mexican rice, salad with dressing, fruit, mexican beans, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potatoes with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Steak fingers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, sour apple ooze, salad with dressing, dill spears, saltine crackers or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — No school

East Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Egg, sausage and cheese biscuit or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

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

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

Friday — No school

East Middle School

Lunch

Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Taco Bell burritos. Subway is available on Tuesday and Thursday.

Monday — Cheese styx with marinara sauce, broccoli with cheese, Curious George snack, fruit, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, pasta with fixings, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes with gravy, Jello, glazed carrots, dill spears or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cheeseburger, french fries, baked beans, lettuce and tomato slice, dill spears, cake with chocolate frosting or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, juice and milk.

Thursday — Lasagna with hot roll, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Jello, fresh fruit, seasoned green beans, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, juice and milk.

Friday — No school

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 Taco Bell burritos everyday and Subway on Tuesday and Thursday. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts.

Po-Hi

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Breakfast burrito or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Pancake on a stick or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Egg omelet with sausage and toast or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — No school

Po-Hi Campus Mart

Monday — Cheese filled pizza styx, broccoli with cheese, tossed salad with ranch dressing, corn, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Burrito with chili and cheese, lettuce and tomato salad, mexi beans, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken chunks with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Barbecue beef on a bun, tater tots, tossed salad with ranch dressing, fruit, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — No school

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and gravy, juice and milk.

Tuesday — French toast sticks, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Thursday — Ham patty, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — No school

Lunch

Monday — Pizza, cole slaw, okra, orange wedge, frozen fruit bar and milk.

Tuesday — Goulash, hot roll, carrots, mixed fruit and milk.

Wednesday — Turkey, potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, hot roll and milk.

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

Friday — No school

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Pepper steak, honey orange chicken or ham and beans with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Chicken fried steak, baked ham or fried catfish with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Thursday — Grilled steak, sweet and sour pork or cabbage rolls 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.

First Lutheran School Lunch Menu

First Lutheran School

Lunch

Monday — Baked potato with chili and cheese, breadstix, fruit and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit, bread and milk.

Wednesday — Pepperoni pizza, salad, corn, brownie and milk.

Thursday — Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit, hot roll and milk.

Friday — Corn dog, tater tots, fruit, cookie and milk.

Ponca City Happenings

Sunday

Pioneer Woman Museum, open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays.

Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Marland’s Grand Home, 10th and Grand. Home of Indian exhibit, 101 Ranch collection, and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 767-0427.

Marland Estate and Mansion, 901 Monument Road. National Historic Landmark with 55 rooms and 10 acres. Guided tours daily at 1:30 p.m. plus 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., sunday 1-5 p.m. Available for receptions, weddings, meetings, parties. 767-0420.

11th Step AA meeting — open, 11 a.m.; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Monday

Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Domestic Violence Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Programs for women and children of family violence. Babysitter provided. For information call 76A-BUSE.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets the fourth Monday of each month at the First Baptist Church parlor. For information contact Betty, 762-9776, or Vivian, 765-8871.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Westminster Chapel. For more information contact Lori White, 767-1668. There will not be a July or August meeting of the group.

Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, American Legion.

Simple Steps AA — closed, noon; AA Step Study — closed, 8 p.m.; Harmony House, 212 South Third.

TOPS OK 308 members weigh-in time is 5:45- 6:15 p.m. on Mondays. For information call Betty Flower at 765-5448

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

Pioneer Area Quilter’s Guild meets the first Monday of each month at Community Christian Church on West Grand. Business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. The July and September meetings are held the second Monday of those months.

Lions Vision Group meets the first Monday of each month, with the exception of holidays, at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, using the Thirteenth Street entrance. Refreshments are served at 9:45 a.m. For a ride call 765-4370. The meetings are open to visually impaired residents.

Tuesday

The American Family Support Group will meet 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 1105 West Highland. The topic will be Child Welfare Services and child abuse.

Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts building (south entrance) Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information call 765-6829, 628-5026, or 762-2885.

Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Apple Cart Restaurant.

New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).

AA Discussion meeting at noon; AA Big Book Study — closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Freedom Group of AA; Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Study Discussion of “As Bill Sees It” and other AA approved literature. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Darron, 765-0021.

Parent Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to nonpunitive parenting styles.

Preschool storytime for 4-, 5-and 6-year-olds, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Ponca City Library.

The Pioneer Water Garden Society meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Cann Garden. Those interested in water gardens are welcome to attend. For more information call Marsh, 765-8249, or Ray, 762-7806.

Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.

Fanchon Chapter 53, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand.

Free pregnancy test is kept confidential at Birth Choice, 700 West Broadway, Hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday; 1-3 p.m. Wednesday; 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Call 765-9689.

The Vision AMBUCS meet at 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Raindrops Support Group, for parents who have lost children, meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Hartford and Pecan. For more information call Lisa Lewis, 765-3972.

Pioneer Sams, a chapter of Good Sam Camping Club, meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Motor Bank, fourteenth and Lake Road. For more information call 765-7825.

Tuesday Review Book Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in the home of Betty Thompson, 1720 Christmas Tree Lane. Nada Fetrow will review “Miracle at Sea” by Eleanor Anderson about a missionary family traveling to Africa. Jo Garten will host the March 20 meeting.

Wednesday

Deadline for Happenings and items for Sunday’s edition of Lifestyles is 5 p.m. Wednesday. For Happenings include name of organization, time and day of meeting, place, and telephone number for information.

Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, R&D East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests welcome; public invited. For additional information, contact Bob Ennis, 767-5946.

Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. For location call 765-5695 or 762-5529.

Simple Steps AA meeting; Step Study — closed, noon. AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Wednesday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Storytime for 2 and 3-year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes.

Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs meets at the Cann Center on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested in gardening, flowers, birds, butterflies, conservation, historic preservation, landscape design or environmental education, is welcome to attend. For more information call 762-3695, or 762-3555.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

Noon Lions Club meets at noon each Wednesday at the American Legion.

Four O’Clock Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

Chapter FC of PEO will meet at 1 p.m. with Susan Nickles. Co-hostesses will be Del Kotarski and Gerry McFadden. Lillian McReynolds will give the program concerning state and local chapter by-laws and standing rules.

Chapter EL of PEO will meet at noon Feb. 21 at the home of Carolyn Renfro. Co-hostesses will be Polly Edwards, Pat Evans and Irma Goldenstern. The program will be presented by Maj. Clayton Johnson from the Ponca City Police Department about his experiences in India.

Thursday

AA Discussion meeting, noon; AA discussion meeting, 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting the last Thursday of each month for birthdays. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Darron, 765-0021

Model Railroad Club, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Stephenson Building, 113 North Third. For information call 762-8687 or 765-7996.

Parent Support Group, 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, copying techniques and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.

Ponca City Newcomers Club meets the third Thursday of each month at the Ponca City Country Club. For more information and to make reservations call Joyce Fox, 762-9578.

Story hour for school-aged children Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

American Legion Post 14 meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Huff-Minor Post home, 407 West South Avenue.

Disabled American Veterans meet the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 401 South Lincoln.

Overeaters Anonymous group meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Pioneer Motor Bank, Fourteenth and Lake Road. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” For more information call Mike, 718-2850.

Friday

Simple Steps AA — open, noon; AA speaker meeting — open, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance). Smoke-free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.

Pioneer Rotary Club meets at noon on Fridays at Westminster Village.

Saturday

AA Discussion meeting at noon Saturday. AA Discussion meeting at 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.

Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.

Overeaters Anonymous group meets 10-11 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” For more information call 762-2161.

Labyrinth Committee Works on Plans

The Community Labyrinth Committee is working to have a labyrinth on the ground in Ponca City by early summer, but today one can find hundreds of labyrinths on Ponca City walls. A special exhibit “Labyrinths for Peace: 2000” is on display through the end of March, divided up among three locations, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Home National Bank and Conoco.

The exhibit, with its 153 photos depicting 120 different labyrinths, 40 illustrations and an original work of art, hung in the Canon Rotunda of the House of Representatives last spring. At the same time, Washington, D.C., residents and guests could walk labyrinths of different designs and construction that had been laid out on the east lawn of the U.S. Capital.

After leaving the Canon Rotunda, the exhibit went to the Charles Sumner School Museum, also in Washington. It was part of a larger exhibit, “Common Ground: Labyrinth Designs, Past and Present,” that featured the works of several artists.

The exhibit in Ponca City features information on Labyrinths Worldwide; Classic, Chartres and Concentric Labyrinths and a new panel that chronicles the “Labyrinths for Peace: 2000” event. It was created by two artists, Marilyn Larson and Sandra Wasko-Flood for The Labyrinth Society. This is an international organization dedicated to preserving and constructing labyrinths and serving as an international network of labyrinth builders, researchers and aficionados.

“I have observed people viewing the exhibit and it is really quite interesting,” said Gael Hancock, project coordinator for the Community Labyrinth Committee. “I think people are initially drawn to the large, dominating images of the labyrinths, then they find themselves caught up in the narrative. There are some truly beautiful images in this exhibit and some surprising ones, like the photo of the horse galloping around a huge turf labyrinth. It’s something I hope everyone will try to see.”

The exhibit is available here in Ponca City thanks to the generous support of Pioneer Bank and Trust. People wanting to donate to the Community

Labyrinth Committee may send their checks to P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74602. Groups wishing to have a talk on labyrinths may contact Gael Hancock, 762-6244.

Local Dentist Earns State Recognition

Dr. John Streight, a Ponca City dentist, was recently awarded Juror’s Merit Recognition for a photograph entered in the 17th annual five state photography competition held in Hays, Kan. The competiton and exhibition, co-sponsored by the Hays Arts Council and The Kansas Arts Commission, is open to photographers from the five state region of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Missouri and this year included over 400 entries from the representative states.

Dr. Streight’s winning photograph entitled “Hope” features long shafts of sunlight streaming through dark clouds during a violent thunderstorm. It also won Best of Show at the Ponca City Art Center Photography competition held in April 2000. In addition to the winning photograph, Dr. Streight had three others that were also accepted for exhibition at the Hays gallery. The exhibition runs through March 16.

DEATHS

Joe Eldon Byers
Voleta Bell Miller
Mary Elda Summers
Betty Lou Wilson
James W. Wright
Edna Mae Martin Elbe
Leona Faye Evans
William McDonald Conklin
Etta Koch

Joe Eldon Byers

TONKAWA — Joe Eldon Byers, longtime Tonkawa resident, died Thursday afternoon, Feb. 15, 2001, at his home. He was 72.

A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday afternoon at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center in Tonkawa.

Burial was under the direction of Anderson Ridgeway Funeral Home of Tonkawa.

Joe Eldon Byers was born Feb. 8, 1929, the son of Lonnie and Dora Smilie Byers, on his grandparents farm between Tonkawa and Lamont. He grew up and attended school in Tonkawa. On Oct. 5, 1946, at the age of 16, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in the U.S. and the Panama Canal Zone before his discharge in August 1949.

He married Louise Walker on July 30, 1955, in Blackwell and they made their home in Tonkawa. He owned and operated a service station for 10 years and was employed by the City of Tonkawa for 21 years.

His hobbies included fishing and camping and he was a member of both the American Legion and the VFW in Ponca City.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; one daughter, Dora Ellen Osborn of Tonkawa; one son, Steve Allen of Ponca City; one sister, Geneva Smith; one granddaughter; and four step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Bill, Russell, Lonnie and Gene Byers; and one son-in-law, Max Osborn Jr.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Ponca City or the Medical Research Heart Division. Donations may be sent in his name in care of the Anderson Ridgeway Funeral Home 505 Thunderbird Road, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653.

Voleta Bell Miller

BLACKWELL — Voleta Bell Miller of Blackwell, died Friday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2001, in the Blackwell Nursing Home. She was 96.

The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gale Izard officiating.

Burial will follow at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Voleta Bell Miller was born Jan. 14, 1905, on a farm south of Fairview, the daughter of Andy and Lola (Ford) Quick. She grew up on the farm and attended rural Fairview schools. She married Walter Miller on Jan. 14, 1923, in Fairview. In 1953 they moved to LaJunta, Colo., where she was a homemaker. They later returned to Oklahoma. Her husband preceded her in death in 1975.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell.

Survivors include one son, Adelbert “Andy” Miller of Blackwell; three granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one step great-great-granddaughter.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Albert Louis Miller; four sisters, Alta Lankard, Ethel Abbott, Ruth Gifford and Thelma Hawkins; and a brother, Linton Wyant.

Casket bearers will be Vernon Garwood, Jim Galloway, Pete Reese, Jervy Millemon, Ed Humble and Glenn Terrell.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Blackwell in care of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Paden, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Services Pending

Mary Elda Summers

Mary Elda Summers, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, Feb. 17, 2001 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 89.

Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Betty Lou Wilson

Betty Lou Wilson, former Ponca City and Wichita resident, died Saturday morning, Feb. 17, 2001, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 64.

Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Obituaries

James W. Wright

James W.“Jim” Wright, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. He was 80.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Tom Schacher, pastor, officiating. A private family committal will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Jim was born Sept. 1, 1920, in Broken Bow, Okla. Following his high school graduation, he attended Southeastern State University in Durant for three years and played on the football team. On Feb. 7, 1942, he married Billie James in Durant.

Jim entered the U.S. Army-Air Force and served as a B-17 pilot during World War II. He flew missions over Germany and was proud to have never lost a crewman. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Oklahoma to complete his college education. In 1948, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma and began a career as an accountant with Conoco in Ponca City. Other than a two-year period in New York, Jim served his career in Ponca City. After returning to Ponca City from New York, he worked in the controller’s department, retiring in 1985 as manager of financial accounting.

Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and deacon. He enjoyed gardening and working crossword puzzles. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and walking several miles a day. Jim was an avid OU fan. He had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun. He enjoyed his family most of all.

His family includes his wife, Billie of the home; a son, Ron Wright and his wife, Nancy, of Muskogee; two daughters, Becky O’Dea and her husband, Terry, and Melanie Wright both of Norman; and five grandchildren, Seth Wright, Tom Wright and his wife, Britta, Sara Wright, Ryan O’Dea and Molly O’Dea.

In addition to his parents, Samuel Jackson Wright and Lillian (Hollingsworth) Alston, two sisters, Edith Pate and Lois Elizabeth Lewis, preceded him in death. Contributions may be made in his memory to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, OK 74602.

Paid Obituary

Edna Mae Martin Elbe

Edna Mae (Martin) Elbe, 86, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 16, 2001. She was a resident of the Ponca City Nursing Home.

The funeral service will be Monday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. in the Central Baptist Church with the Rev. John Waterloo, pastor, and the Rev. Mike Haley, co-officiating, assisted by the Rev. Carl Bush. Burial will follow in the Tonkawa I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Edna Mae Elbe was born Dec. 14, 1914, at Bliss to Robert Earl and Lucille Agnes Powell Martin. She attended schools at Marland and graduated form high school in 1935. She married Walter L. Elbe on July 22, 1939, in Ponca City. The couple lived in Manchester and Wichita before returning to Ponca City in 1945 where they made their home. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1999.

She was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served on the food community. She was a homemaker who loved sewing clothes, taking care of plants and flowers, and traveling with her husband. The couple hosted many visitors to their home, including missionaries.

Mr. Elbe died Dec. 31, 1999.

Surviving are three daughters, Georgene Morris, Ponca City, Lorene Waters and her husband the Rev. Bazil, Statesboro, Ga., and Diane Haley and her husband the Rev. Mike, Fort Worth; one son, Lawrence Elbe and his wife Barbara, Redding, Calif.; nine grandchildren, Troy Morris, McEuen, Tenn., Lori Poole, Statesboro, Ga., Theron Elbe, Redding, Calif., Shonda O’Neal, The Colony, Texas, Mark Vaughn Waters, Statesboro, Ga., Melissa Litke, Westcliff, Colo., Jonathan Haley, Fort Worth, Michael Haley, Pueblo, Colo., and Amy Haley, Fort Worth; and 13 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lucille Cherry; two brothers, Lawrence and John Martin; a granddaughter Diane Waters; and a grandson Noel Elbe.

Casketbearers will be Troy Morris, Michael Haley, Billy O’Neal, Jon Haley, Robert Litke, and the Rev. Mike Haley. Honorary casketbearers will be Jim Garrett, Andy Biddinger, Joe Underwood, and Tommy Brookshire.

Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 618 East Central, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Paid Obituary

Leona Faye Evans

NEWKIRK — Leona Faye Evans, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Friday morning, Feb.16, 2001, in Newkirk at the home of her daughter. She was 64.

Faye was born Jan. 2, 1937, in Duck, West Virginia. The daughter of Norman Wade Ramsey and Delcie Emma Graham, she was the fourth of six children born in her family. She was reared in that same area and was educated in the Clay County, West Virginia school system.

On June 11,1952, Faye was united in marriage to James Franklin

“Shorty” Evans in Dill, West Virginia. They were married on a summer afternoon on the porch of the preacher’s house. The couple made their first home in a house that Mr. Evans had built on his family farm near Birch River, West Virginia. The couple were blessed with the births of six children during their life together, four daughters and two sons.

Throughout their marriage, they lived in West Virginia and Ohio, coming to Kay County in September 1970.

During Faye’s life as a young wife and mother, she stayed at home to raise her children. When they were grown she worked in restaurants in Newkirk such as Jean’s Café and the R&M Café. She also worked in housekeeping at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. After her husband’s death, she was employed by Furr’s in Ponca City from 1990 to 1997.

Faye was a devout Christian and a member of Kildare Baptist Church. She was a doting mother and grandmother. She also enjoyed reading the Bible, reading western novels, crocheting, and spending time with her family.

Faye leaves behind to cherish her memory six children and their spouses, Sandra (Evans) Bonner of Sapulpa, James F. and Becky Evans of Las Vegas, N.M., Vicki Evans of Newkirk, Randy and Karan (Evans) Cranford of Ponca City, Eddy Evans of Hominy, and Lynn and Sharold (Evans) Krall of Lebanon, Pa. She also leaves behind two brothers and their spouses, James and Betty Graham of Tuckasegee, N.C. and Larry and Sue Ramsey of North Ridgeville, Ohio.; nine grandchildren and their spouses and children, Mitchell and Melissa (Bonner) Coleman, Nautica, Mitch and Whitney, of Sapulpa, Jimmie Bonner of Sapulpa, Heather Evans of Las Vegas, N.M., Clint and Rachel (Evans) Locke and Blane of Ponca City, Andrew Cranford of Ponca City, April Bannister of Elizabethtown, Pa., Bill Bannister of Dexter, Kan., Michael Bannister of Lebanon, Pa., and Audra Bannister of Lebannon, Pa.

Faye was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, James “Shorty” Evans on Aug.11, 1990. Also by her parents, Norman and Delcie; two sisters, Hazel Graham and Maxine McPeak; and one brother, Eugene Graham.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, in Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Graber, minister of Kildare Baptist Church and The Rev. Mike Sweewater, Chaplin of Hospice of Ponca City, officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The casket will be open for viewing at the funeral home Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. The family will be at the funeral home Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. to visit with friends and otherwise at 325 North Maple in Newkirk.

Grandsons serving as casket bearers will be Andrew Cranford, Clint Locke, Bill Bannister, Michael Bannister and Paul Graham, and a special family friend, Donnie Locke. Honorary casket bearers are the members of the Kildare Baptist Church.

A memorial fund has been established with Hospice of Ponca City. Contributions may be made through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647 or directly to Hospice at 1904 North Union, Ponca City 74601.

Clouds are clearing

Angels are nearing

Voices are singing low,

A beautiful hymn

In praise to Him

As evening shadows glow.

Paid Obituary

William McDonald Conklin

William McDonald “Bill” Conklin, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday evening, Feb. 15, 2001, at the Ponca City Nursing Home. He was 62 years of age.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, 2001, at Grace Memorial Chapel with his nephew, Rev. Richard Leonard, presiding. Interment will be at the Grandview Cemetery, Kaw City, under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Bill Conklin was born June 19, 1938, in Oklahoma City. His parents were Glenwood Guy and Madelyn (Clubb) Conklin. He attended school in Kaw City and graduated from Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore. Following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years with assignments in San Antonio, Texas, and later in Alaska. After his military service he became a radio announcer and disc jockey for several stations in Texas and Colorado. He later attended auctioneer school in Kansas City, Mo., and continued in that occupation until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, horse back riding and horse races. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

He is survived by his father, Glen Conklin, Ponca City; three sisters, Annette Pittman and husband, Charles, Ponca City, Glenda Sue Noval, Ponca City, and Cynthia Lee Carter and husband, Dr. Jerry Carter, Bartlesville; one uncle, Hugo Conklin and wife, Jane, Harlingen, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Madelyn and an infant brother, Jimmy Glen.

Casket bearers will be Charles Pittman, Jerry Carter, Bill Thomas, Grant Rutledge and Richard Leonard.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.

Paid Obituary

Etta Koch

Etta Koch, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2001, at Shawn Manor Nursing Center. She was 89. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Leland Horton officiating. Arrangements were with the Trout Funeral Home.

Etta was born Feb. 18, 1911, in Texas County, Mo., the daughter of William and Perlina (Williams) Tyrrell. She graduated from high school in Texas County and as a teenager she moved to Cogar, Okla. She married Willie Henry Church and he preceded her in death. She later moved to Oklahoma City and married Jacob Koch. They made their home in Oklahoma City where she lived for 35 years. She moved to Ponca City in 1995. She was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, crocheting, cooking, canning and sewing.

Survivors include her son Billy Church and his wife Darla of Ponca City, one sister Anna Willoughby of Del City, two granddaughters, Debra Church of Georgia and Donna Malone of Ponca City, one great-grandson, Corey White; a great-granddaughter Kari White; one great-great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; and nine brothers and sisters.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at 4670 North Waverly, Ponca City, Okla. 74601

Paid Obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Fire Run — A woman reported a residential fire in the 500 block of North Palm Street to the Communications Center at 7:33 a.m. Friday. The woman also said she believed there may be a child in the house. All units with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. The fire was out upon arrival. Firefighters advised there was not a child in the house, it was a stuffed bear on a stove, and no one was injured.

Fuller Brush, Watkins and Vision for Life products available at 300 West Highland, (Ponca Glass building). 762-6522. adv.

Theft — A woman in the 1700 block of Little Lane reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 9:18 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Meeting Postponed — The regular meeting of the Osage Tribal Council is postponed until Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. There will be no meeting on Feb. 21. Although there will be a lease sale at 10 a.m. on that day.

Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer consignments. Spring open, Saturday February 17th. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, minor backing in the 2800 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 11:12 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Oak Street was reported to Ponca City police at 12:08 p.m. Friday. One subject was reportedly receiving treatment in the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries he sustained in the accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Water Meeting — Rural Water District No. 3 will hold its annual meeting Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the McCord School Library.

Texas Sweet Onion and five other varieties of plants. 99 cents a bundle. Onion sets, strawberry plants, five varieties of seed potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and collards. Bulk seed and burpee seed. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Burglary — A man at Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash Street, reported to Ponca City police at 3:51 p.m. Friday someone broke the back window of a vehicle and stole a digital camera. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A woman in the 700 block of North Osage Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 3:57 p.m. Friday that someone had taken her son’s toy wagon from her residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Barely New. Buying Spring and Summer clothing. 2010 North 14th. Monday through Saturday 10-5:30. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 5:29 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years, no mess. 762-8883. adv.

Fraud — A woman in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported a forged check to Ponca City police at 6:21 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Maytag washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges. Scratch/dent sale at Copeland’s. 315 East Grand. adv.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West

Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported a woman was taken into custody on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear at 7:31 p.m. Friday.

V.F.W. & Auxiliary #1201, Valentine’s dinner February 18 at 1:00 pm. at Post Home. Chicken will be meat dish. Members and guests are to bring a covered dish to compliment the meal. adv.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Union Street reported a 22-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for possession of marijuana at 10:46 p.m. Friday.

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

Accident — An accident involving a semi-truck pulling a cattle trailer at mile marker 208 on I-35 was reported to the Communications Center at 12:29 a.m. Saturday. The call was transferred to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

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

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Waverly Street reported a 43-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 2:42 a.m. Saturday.

LIFESTYLES

Patrick Gray, M.D. To Give Program For Heart Month
Wheatheart Nutrition Menu
Democrats Meeting
Informational Program Enabled
Tamara Sherrill Bride-Elect
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets
Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority Program for Lions
Lookin’ with Lou
Meals on Wheels Menu Announced
Singles Network Plans
Red Rose Garden Club Members Hold Meeting
Class of 1971 Plans Reunion
Mindy Pameticky Becomes Bride of Dee Jay Linn
Tammy Wallis Weds Stephen McCauley
Wedding Plans Announced
Support Group Slates Meeting
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Scholarship Available For Descendants
Staffords Celebrate 65 Years
Kathy Cripps Recital Feb. 25
Event Planned for Ogans
Area Women Invited To Attend PCCWC Luncheon, Program

Patrick Gray, M.D. To Give Program For Heart Month

In recognition of American Heart Month, St. Joseph Wellness will sponsor a free program titled “Heart Health,” to be presented by internist Patrick W. Gray, M.D., on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in Conference Room “C” at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of American men and women each year and it is estimated that over 60,000,000 Americans have one or more type of this disease.

By decreasing and controlling coronary risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity, chances of death or disability from this disease are reduced. Risk factors such as heredity, age, and sex cannot be changed, but other factors can be controlled by you and your physician through behavior modification and becoming more aware of those risk factors which you can control, said a spokesperson.

Free blood pressure checks will be provided at 6:30 p.m. preceding the presentation. There will be time for questions following Dr. Gray’s presentation.

Wheatheart Nutrition Menu

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. 19: Holiday

Tuesday, Feb. 20: Dinner franks; buttered mixed vegetables; sauerkraut; hot dog bun; easy chocolate cake.

Wednesday, Feb. 21: Fish nuggets with tartar sauce; cottage cheese salad; Harvard beets; hush puppies; cookie.

Thursday, Feb. 22: Ham; beans and onions; spinach casserole; cornbread with margarine; double orange gelatin with topping.

Friday, Feb. 23: Chicken fried steak with gravy; mashed potatoes; stewed tomatoes or breaded tomatoes; whole wheat roll with margarine; mixed fruit.

Democrats Meeting

The Kay County Democrat women will meet on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7:00 pm in the PACE Hall located at 1202 West Ponca Avenue in Ponca City. For more information please call Donna Swope at (580) 767-8354.

Informational Program Enabled

In an effort to better meet the needs and concerns of the residents it serves, the Ponca City Police Department reminds residents of its Elderly Informational Sign-up Program.

Officials says the program, established back in 1991, is entirely voluntary, and designed to help officers better assist elderly residents in the event of an emergency.

Officials also say the information you provide to the department — such as your age, names of your next of kin, your family doctor, current medication and who to contact in the event of an emergency — will remain confidential and will only be used in the event of an emergency.

“Our goal is to be able to help you as quickly as we can,” explained Sherry Bowers, police information officer. “Many times we are not able to respond to your needs as quickly as we could if we had only been provided with some additional information.”

“Sometimes you are unable to tell us about yourself,” she continued, “and precious minutes are lost while we are trying to secure this basic information.”

Bowers stresses this is not an attempt to pry into anyone’s personal life. “It’s only a way that we, as your police department, may better serve your needs,” she said.

Bowers says it is evident residents are living longer and the population, in general, is becoming older. Many residents over the age of 60 live alone, and some even have relatives who live elsewhere or they have little contact with friends. Because of this, she recalls there have been times in the past when the department has been called upon to assist elderly residents with things like illness, loneliness or even to just provide information.

For more information about this program, or any other program provided by the police department, call Bowers at 763-8011. This and other information is also available on the city of Ponca City’s web site at www.poncacityok.com.

Tamara Sherrill Bride-Elect

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sherrill of Newkirk, announce the engagement of their daughter, Tamara Brooke to Cody Deen Golay, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon (Butch) Golay of Shidler. Their wedding will be Aug. 4 at Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City.

The grandparents of the bride-elect include JoAnn Sherrill of Ponca City, Mr. and Mrs. Gaines of Lawton, and the late Jim Sherrill, and the late J.B. Crawford. The grandparents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. W.N. Salyer of Shidler, and Mary Golay of Ponca City, and the late Charles G.D. Golay.

Miss Sherrill is a 1998 graduate of Newkirk High School. She has received an associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Oklahoma College and will graduate in May from NOC with an associate’s degree in Agriculture. The prospective bridegroom is a 1999 Shidler High School graduate and will also graduate from NOC in May with an associate’s degree in Agriculture. He is employed part-time at Wilhelm Construction Company in Shidler.

Both plan to continue full time studies in the fall at Oklahoma State University working toward their doctorates in Veterinarian Medicine.

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets

The Feb. 15 meeting of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was called to order by Doretta Jackson, president, in the home of Nida Austin. Phyllis Pledger, secretary, called the roll, with 13 members present, and read the minutes of the previous meeting.

Judy Watt showed a thank you card from Judy Mallory, and gave the treasurer’s report.

The City Council report was given by Cassandra Kifiak. Jackie Hall, program committee, announced that the next meeting would be March 1in the home of Francie James and Mrs. James will have the program.

Mrs. Hall, Social co-chairman, also reported that there would be a St. Patrick’s party in March. Lila Logan, historian chairman, announced a committee meeting Feb. 20 at her house.

Valentine Queen, Melva Keen, thanked the group. Preceding the next meeting, the chapter will meet at the Amarillo Grill for a dinner to honor its “Keen Queen.”

Mrs. Jackson reported about the executive board meeting, announcing that the chapter will change banks due to increased maintenance fees, and a standing rule regarding meals to members was reworded. Terri Whiting gave a report on the Founder’s Day Banquet to be held April 26 at the American Legion. The menu was discussed. The Friendship Basket provided by Dottie Johnstone was won by Mrs. Jackson.

Following the meeting, Nida Austin led a discussion about the movie “These Old Broads” which the group watched Monday evening.

Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority Program for Lions

When the Ponca City Noon Lions met Feb. 14, Max Speegle from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority gave the program on the effects of deregulation of the electrical suppliers. Speegle, an Edmond resident, has held many offices in Edmond including City Manager, City Attorney and City Judge.

He is a Vietnam Veteran, a member of Rotary, and has taught political science at the University of Central Oklahoma. According to Speegle the move to “deregulate many industries including airlines, banking, electricity suppliers, natural gas suppliers and trucking began in 1980 with Ronald Reagan’s drive to get government influence out of our lives.”

He stated that by 2002, “Oklahomans would have a choice of electrical services, and that until deregulation is enacted …that the power authorities operated as legal monopolies with a captive market in exchange for being regulated by a board.”

In Ponca City the city commissioners are the decision makers. Ponca City currently has rates that are very low in comparison to other locations, according to the speaker. In general, Oklahoma is ranked eighth (lowest) in the nation. Considerations other than prices to customers are tax issues (which fund some Oklahoma school districts) and environmental issues.

Guests were Lisa Hutson, Terri Sherbon, Ann Kennedy, Adonna Glover, Brian Jackman, Jim Payne, Jack Branstetter, David Myers, Marilyn Andrews, Phillip Johnson, Juanita Buerger and Barbara Mieir. Student Leos were Jared Brashear and Tara Cries For Ribs. Jack Mason gave the invocation, and Ted Matson was song leader. Introduced as a new member was Henry Tebrinke.

The Ponca City Noon Lions Club, which was founded by E.W. Marland, is the oldest service organization in Ponca City. They meet each Wednesday at the American Legion on South Avenue. Their focus worldwide is to eliminate all preventable blindness.

Lookin’ with Lou

by Louise Abercrombie

Oh, Those Unwritten Rules!

The subject today is unauthorized, unwritten — but too true — rules of life known as the “if you” syndrome.

A “for sure” rule is — if you drop your earring on the floor, or a button sails off your sports coat, it hides in the hardest place to reach by any method.

If you wear a new white blouse or shirt the mustard from your hamburger will stain it with one big yellow glob and nothing short of cutting a hole out of the material around the spot will remove the blemish.

If you need to rush your mail to pay a bill on time the Post Office holds it for ransom for a few extra days. If you have several letters in your mailing plan and one of them doesn’t have a stamp on it — that will be the one you failed to put a return address on.

If you fill your car with gasoline in the evening, the price drops five cents a gallon the next morning.

If you want to know about the weather — don’t use the television remote to check it out because the forecast will change from station to station. But on the positive side you can get any type of weather forecast you want if you click long enough.

If you buy a new car, a “jacked-up” truck will park beside you and give you a door ding that can only be removed professionally.

If you ate liver and onions out for lunch, your spouse will prepare the same delicacy for dinner.

If you profess to be knowledgeable on geography and tell folks that the Canary Islands were named for the bird — some wiseacre will correct you — touting the fact that the Romans named the islands “insulae canariae,” which means the “islands of the dogs,” or “doggy isles,” because wild dogs were more populous than the canaries on the islands.

If you get in the right lane at a stop light and want to turn right, the car in front of you either wants to go straight or waits until the light turns green to turn right. It’s okay to turn right on red unless a posted sign says “no right turn on red.”

If you have only one dollar bill to put in the vending machine, the machine doesn’t like its DNA and chunks it back.

If you select your favorite candy bar in the vending machine, it will catch on the push-out spindle and hang there taunting you. The first reaction is to kick the apparatus and shake it until it yields YOUR candy.

If your children are watching the machine abuse, it could be a problem explaining to them that it was not a violent act. Of course, you could explain that it is a form of machine massage and you’re just following government regulations to encourage the vending contraption to use those new gold dollar coins.

Meals on Wheels Menu Announced

Meals on Wheels are delivered at noon Monday-Friday by volunteers. The meals are prepared at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and special diets can be prepared with a written order from a physician. Meals are available to persons 65 years of age and older.

Those younger than 65 may receive meals if disabled or for two weeks following dismissal from the hospital. Cost is $2.50 per meal, and adjustment is made for financial need. For more information call 762-4707 or 765-0331. Substitutions may be made by SJRMC if necessary.

Monday, Feb. 19: Meat loaf; mashed potatoes with gravy; buttered cut corn; marinated asparagus; apple crumb cobbler.

Tuesday, Feb. 20: Maple-glazed ham; baked sweet potatoes; green beans; red fruited jello salad; gingerbread.

Wednesday, Feb. 21: Beef stew; lemon-buttered broccoli; biscuit or dinner roll; fresh orange slices; iced pound cake.

Thursday, Feb. 22: Savory chicken; buttered lima beans; stewed tomatoes; Waldorf salad; orange cake.

Friday, Feb. 23: Breaded pork chop; seasoned mashed potatoes; brown gravy; cauliflower and peas; dinner roll; tossed salad with dressing; chocolate pudding.

Singles Network Plans

Activity schedule for the Singles Network has been announced. On Feb. 18 the group will meet at Mazzios at 4 p.m. for dinner. A VCR party at Paul’s is slated Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. and those attending should bring snacks and call Paul. The group will eat at Cobbs on fourteenth at 6 p.m. Feb. 21, and a card party will be held at Phil’s at 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Those attending should bring snacks to share.

Red Rose Garden Club Members Hold Meeting

The Red Rose Garden Club met at the home of Rosalie Majors for the February meeting with Rosalie Bolene and Ruth Lindsay as co-hostesses. The house was decorated in a Valentine motif.

Jannie Ross opened the meeting with the Gardeners Creed, which was followed by the roll call, which was answered by naming the plants “you have in your garden to attract butterflies.”

Committee reports were given by Linda Sparks concerning the Garden Pilgrimage, and by Maxine Manering, who told about the point system in plantings. Allison Graham gave the Garden Council Report, reviewing the program about orchids which can be grown in Oklahoma.

Announcement was made that The Salvation Army needs money to buy trees to plant. Under new business, a committee was selected to present the new by-laws. Members of that committee are Jannie Ross, Maxine Manering, Fran Mathews and Barbara Younger.

The March 12 meeting will be at the home of Allison Graham, who will be assisted by Jane Worstall and Marian Gibson. The program will be given by F. G. Williams, Master Gardener.

Class of 1971 Plans Reunion

The date of the 30 year reunion of the Ponca City High School Class of 1971 is drawing near. The reunion is scheduled for the weekend of May 25- 26.

A Friday night mixer will include members of all Po-Hi classes. Registration will be Saturday morning and a casual dinner/dance will be held Saturday evening.

The committee organizing the reunion is still in need of information about the whereabouts of classmates. Anyone with information concerning the current addresses of class members is requested to mail the information to Po-Hi Class of 1971, c/o Debbie Whitener, 3624 Wellington Road, Ponca City, OK 74604, or e-mail at: “http://www.pohi71@hotmail.com

For more information you may visit the website at “http://www.pohialumni.com or contact Whitener at 767-1698.

Mindy Pameticky Becomes Bride of Dee Jay Linn

A December ceremony united Mindy Ann Pameticky and Dee Jay Linn in marriage at Community Christian Church. Their double-ring vows were officiated by the Rev. Tony Pameticky, uncle of the bride.

The bride is the daughter of Jeff and Glenda Pameticky of Ponca City, and the granddaughter of Mildred Pameticky of Ponca City, the late Ed Pameticky , and the late Verle and Florence Muret. Parents of the bridegroom are John Aaron and Burdettya Linn of Red Rock. Grandparents are H. A. and Katherine Linn of Red Rock, Aylene Garvie of Morrison, and the late Burdette Garvie .

The altar was decorated with Christmas greenery and mauve poinsettias, and accented by double wedding ring candelabras. Candles were lit by the fathers of the couple, Jeff Pameticky and John Aaron Linn. The family unity candles were lit by the bridal couple’s mothers, Glenda Pameticky and Burdettya Linn.

Melanie Williams, pianist, presented the musical program, and sang “The Lord’s Prayer,” preceding the ceremony. The traditional Bridal Chorus from “Lohengrin” by Wagner was played for the processional. During the ceremony Red Akin’s “More Than Everything” was played, and Rick Travino’s “I’m Here for You” was played during the lighting of the unity candle. The recessional was the Wedding March from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Mendelssohn.

The bride was given in marriage by her parents and escorted to the altar by her father. The bride wore a floor-length white satin gown styled with a sweetheart neckline, and a lace-embellished fitted bodice adorned with pearls, sequins, and beads. The fitted long sleeves were fastened with covered satin buttons at the wrist. Covered satin buttons also detailed the back closure of the dress around the heart-shaped open back, which was accented with pearl strands. The chapel-length train featured matching lace, pearls, sequins, and beads, and was attached at the waist by a satin bow. The chapel-length veil of white tulle was trimmed with white satin, pearls, sequins, and beads, secured by a pearl comb.

She carried a bouquet of white and fuchsia roses, small white and blue flowers, navy, fuchsia, and snowflake streamers, created by Amy Pameticky, sister-in-law of the bride. The bride wore a traditional blue garter; and something new was pearl earrings and necklace; something old and borrowed was her mother’s bride’s Bible.

Jodi Schieber, Maid of Honor, wore a floor-length semi-fitted navy satin gown accented with a navy lace jacket with a scalloped neckline and tapered long sleeves. Identically gowned were bridesmaids Jennifer Pameticky, sister of the bride, and Molly Buchanan. Each carried a bouquet of fuchsia and white roses with navy, white, and snowflake streamers. Morgan Schiever, the flower girl, wore a floor-length fuchsia satin gown trimmed in white lace, and carried a. decorated basket of rose petals.

Mitch Schiever was the Best Man, and groomsmen were Matthew McGuire and Jeremy Williams. They wore black tuxedo jackets, vests, and bow ties with black Wrangler jeans, and black western boots. The ringbearer was Keller Elwood.

The guest book was attended by Tonja Pappan and Kalen Krenn. Guests were seated by Nolan Grant, Justin Schiever, Justin Petty, and Todd Pameticky, brother of the bride

Following the ceremony, the couple greeted their guests in the fellowship hall of the church. Serving at the tables were Sarah Pameticky, Mariah Laughlin, Joanna Kerr, Tonja Pappan, and Kalen Krenn.

The couple plans a wedding trip in the spring. They have established their home south of Ponca City. The bride is a senior at Oklahoma State University, and plans to graduate in May. The bridegroom is employed in farming and ranching.

Tammy Wallis Weds Stephen McCauley

Tammy Wallis and Stephen McCauley were united in marriage Feb. 14, 2001, in a 6 p.m. ceremony at 1404 Coronado. Their vows were officiated by Kaye Jeanine McCauley. Navy blue and cream colors were used for decorations.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. G. Dale Sibel of Midwest City, and the granddaughter of Gene and Dutch Wallis and Opal Moore, all of Midwest City. The bridegroom is the son of Clyde McCauley and Sharlotte Short, both of Ponca City, and the grandson of Raymond and LaDonna Steiferman of Ponca City.

The bride was attired in a floor-length navy blue satin dress with white accents.

The newlywed couple resides at 331 South Lake. The bride is an administrative assistant with OMA and the bridegroom is employed with the City of Ponca City.

Wedding Plans Announced

A March 10 wedding in Marland’s Grand Home, formerly known as the Ponca City Cultural Center, is planned by Tricia Ann Buerger and Bryan Keith Ross. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the 1 p.m. ceremony and the reception following.

Parents of the couple are Pamela Buerger of Ponca City, Maxine and Gaylard Ross of Ponca City, and the late Richard Buerger.

Miss Buerger is a 1999 graduate of Ponca City High School and is employed by the Ponca City Public School system. Ross, a 1994 PCHS graduate, is employed with Banks Construction.

Support Group Slates Meeting

The Kay County Diabetes Support Group will meet Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Regional medical Center Conference Room “C.” This is a change from the regular meeting date and location.

Dr. Patrick Gray will present the program “Heart Health.” Blood pressure checks will be given beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 763-0868 or 762-4479.

The Kay County Diabetes Support Group meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month, September-May. Interested persons are invited to attend the meeting.

TOPS Chapter Members Meet

TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday with Wanda Headrick in charge of the meeting. Mary Dexter gave the devotional. Donna McCoy led the TOPS Pledge, and Natalie McCoy called the roll. Betty Flower gave the weight report, and Loretta Riley was named best Loser. Wanda Headrick won the Ha Ha pot. Forbidden food for the week is milk shakes.

Announcement was made that there will not be a meeting Feb. 19 because of the observance of President’s Day. The program was a presentation of awards to state winners. Acknowledged were Mary Dexter, first place, division 3; Pat Meller, second, Division 3; Joanna Gary, first, Division 4. Betty Flower was honored for 14 years as a KOPS, and Joan Hendrickson for achieving the status of KOPS. Each was presented a red rose.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encourage to develop individual exercise programs. Contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is from 5:45-6:15 p.m. each Monday and meetings begin at 6:15 p.m. For more information contact Betty Flower at 765-5448.

Scholarship Available For Descendants

Applications are now being accepted for the Glow Austin-Bruce Harms Memorial Scholarship for the 2001-2002 academic year. This annual scholarship is presented by the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia in Memory of Glow Austin and Bruce Harms, charter members and past presidents of the organization.

The $500 scholarship is presented at the annual All State Meeting in August to a descendant of a German from Russia. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2001. For additional information or to request an application contact Freddie Baker, P.O. Box 163, Cashion, OK. 405-433-2778.

Staffords Celebrate 65 Years

Madison and Alma Stafford, former residents of Ponca City, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a small family gathering. Feb. 4, at their home in Oologah. The family planted a dogwood tree to commemorate the occasion, and cake and ice cream was served. Both will celebrate a 90th birthday this year.

Those attending the celebration were their daughter and her husband, Wilma and Robert Rush of Talala, a granddaughter and her husband, Laura and Brett Allen, and great-grandchildren, Brittani and Derek Allen of Glenpool.

Kathy Cripps Recital Feb. 25

Kathy Cripps, a 1997 Ponca City High School graduate, will present a recital on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Worship Center, Fifth and Central streets. Currently, she is a student at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, planning to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Piano Emphasis and Vocal Certificate.

The daughter of Ray and Karen Cripps, Kathy has been the children’s music intern at First Baptist Church, an Arts Adventure apprentice, a performer in the millennium ‘100 Years of Broadway’ musical event, as well as a community collaborative pianist. She is also a former drum major and accompanist of the PCHS Band and Chorale.

A 1997 winner of the Ponca City Music Club-Ruth Minor Memorial Scholarship, she has been a soloist at Ponca City Music Club Silver Teas, a participant of the National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Music Festivals for many years, and winner of the 1997 Senior Piano Playoffs in Ponca City. This past summer she participated in the Ponca City American Reads Challenge as an AmeriCorps VISTA Associate.

Miss Cripps studies piano with Dr. Ron Lewis, Professor and Keyboard Coordinator at OBU, and voice with Norma Partridge, assistant professor of Vocal Studies. Some of her college honors include principle flute in the 1999 Oklahoma Collegiate All-State Band, a NATS semifinalist in the 2000 Texhoma Regional Vocal Competition, and a piano performer at the 2000 OMTA Collegiate Artists Winners’ Recital in Stillwater.

She has recently been selected to make her second appearance as a featured soloist in the 2001 OBU Concerto-Aria Concert on Feb. 19. Kathy is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Delta Pi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Pi Kappa Lambda, and is vice president of OBU’s Student Education Association as well as a student participant in OMTA and MENC.

Her former teachers include Sandra Meyer, Kathleen Wimberley, Cathy Byard, Charlotte Williams, and Suzi Lenhart. The selections to be performed will include piano works of Beethoven, Liszt, Muczynski, and Scarlatti as well as vocal songs and arias by Barber, Bliss, Brahms, Hue, and Mozart. OBU Instructor of Music and Staff Accompanist, Keith Whitmore, will assist her.

There will be a reception following the recital in the Assembly Center sponsored by the First Baptist Church Adult Choir. The concert is free and open to the public. All area friends, family, students, teachers, and music lovers are cordially invited to enjoy the music of this talented musician.

Event Planned for Ogans

W.T. and Chris Ogan, long-time Ponca City residents, are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Bill Ogan and Chris Hansen were married Feb. 19, 1941, in Pawhuska, with the Rev. George Boston officiating. A celebration is planned for Saturday, Feb. 24, 4-8 p.m.,at the Marland Estate Carriage House, 901 Monument Drive. The occasion will be also mark Bill’s 80th birthday. Friends are invited to attend the event.

Ogan worked for a short time as a cowboy on the Donaldson Ranch near Burbank. The Ogans then moved to Tulsa where he worked for Safeway. In 1943, the couple moved to Ponca City and he was employed at Conoco. He entered the U.S. Army Calvary in 1944. During the war he served in the Philippines and in Japan. After his discharge in 1946, the Ogans moved to Burbank where he owned and operated a grocery store.

In 1948, the Ogans returned to Ponca City and he went to work for Conoco. During his more than 20 years with the company, Mr. Ogan also operated a farm. Now retired from Conoco, he is still active in the farming business. Mrs. Ogan is a homemaker and farm finance manager.

The couple’s family includes two sons. Ron, and wife, Sharon, live in Carrollton, Texas; Bill (W.C.), wife, Evelyn, and two grandchildren, live on a ranch in Osage County. Bill and Chris Ogan have five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Area Women Invited To Attend PCCWC Luncheon, Program

All area women are invited to come to an “Everything’s Coming Up Sweetheart Roses” luncheon on Feb. 21, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. Sponsored by the Ponca City Christian Women’s Club, the cost is $8.50. Call Jeanette at 765-8427 to make reservations for the luncheon and childcare. It is necessary for reservations to be honored, canceled or used by a friend.

Special music “Rhapsody of Roses” will be presented by Patty Curl, local recording artist. Patty, married to husband Spencer for 37 years, travels extensively throughout the year, singing and speaking. She has appeared on many radio and television programs over the years, and appeared recently in Branson, Mo., and is booked to appear there for another week in October. She has three music releases, including a recent CD/Tape entitled “He Set My Life to Music.”

“American Beauty” Margolyn Woods, a former Rose Bowl Queen and actress, will share how she traded the “good life” for the “best life” and shares her personal testimony of hope for marriages and mending relationships. Margolyn, a native of Canada, has shared her personal testimony to countless groups across the United States as well as many radio programs and most recently on the 700 club.

She is a speaker on the Christian speakers circuit, addressing retreats, mother-daughter banquets, conferences and Christian Women’s Clubs. Margolyn resides on a farm outside of Oklahoma City with her husband, Roy, and three of their five children. Margolyn is also the author of six books.

SPORTS

Cats Sending Five to State
Senior Night Cant Help Cat Cagers
Mavericks Pop Northark 94 to 56
Lady Mavs Shut Down Pioneers
Wentz Forming Team for Series
Cowboys’ Bid Runs Out With Baker Out
Sooners Rebound To Pound Baylor
JV Girls Tip Bruins

Cats Sending Five to State

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

JENKS — Ponca City wrestlers won all three of their championship finals matches and took one of two consolation championships in the Class 5A Regional Championships here Saturday.

Thus, the Poncans, who were batting four fourth place in the team standings, will advance five grapplers to the state tournament at the Fairgrounds Arena in Oklahoma City this weekend.

Shawn Lee (119 pounds), MiMi Miller (125) and Jasper Lockett (152) were crowned regional champions. Matt Littleton (145) came back from being upset in the semifinals Friday to take third place while Roman RedLeaf (140) finished fourth, just where he was seeded.

Lee, Miller and Lockett also lived up to their top seedings but it wasn’t always easy.

Lee and Miller had relatively easy wins Saturday night — Lee blanked Russell Fiske of Jenks, 3-0, and Miller topped Stillwater’s Luke Elmore for the fourth time this season, 11-3.

Lockett’s match with Sam Brackett of Broken Arrow. Was somewhat closer.

The Wildcat junior carried a slim 3-2 lead into the third period and let Brackett escape to tie the score. Chasing Brackett for most of the period, Lockett finally caught him with just 21 seconds left to win, 5-3.

Littleton’s win was even closer. He and A.J. Aamendaiz of Choctaw were tied 3-3 after two periods in the consolation finals. Aamendaiz escaped to start the final period for a 4-3 lead.

The two traded takedown attempts as the buzzer neared, but Littleton came up with a peak-out with under two seconds left for the 5-4 win.

RedLeaf lost to Chad Headrick of Edmond Memorial, 7-0.

But the Poncan may have left something on the mat in the consolation semifinals. Trailing Bartlesville’s Brandon Benson, 1-0, Littleton got a takedown with 20 seconds remaining in the match to decide who would secure a spot in the state tournament. He turned Benson to his back as time ran out for a 4-1 win.

Miller was dominating throughout the tournament, not giving up a single takedown. He pinned Nick Perkins of Muskogee in the first round in 1:59, major decisioned Daniel Ross of Choctaw, 14-5, in the quarterfinals and stopped Broken Arrow’s Chris Sagely, 8-4, in the semifinals.

Lee, who came back from an injury last year, didn’t have a really close match in the entire tournament.

He opened with a 18-4 major over Chris Clemens of Tulsa Memorial, shutout Travis Dunn of Sapulpa, 6-0 and collected his second major decision, 16-5, in the semifinals over B.J. Harlin of Muskogee.

Lockett got a first-round bye, pinned Matt Neal of Sapulpa and had his first close call of the tournament — getting a takedown in the third period to edge David McIntosh of Union, 3-2.

Littleton lost a 9-5 decision to Muskogee’s Lawrence Payne in the semifinals when Payne caught him on a whip-over for a five-point move in the first period. Littleton was never able to catch up, chasing the Rougher through most of the third period.

Wildcat 130-pounder Steven Windler just missed a trip to state. After a 17-5 loss to top-seeded Brian Dixon of Broken Arrow in the semifinals, Windler’s final bid fell short in the consolation quarterfinals, 7-3, to Antonio Ramirez of Enid.

Broken Arrow was running off with the team title — and threatening to set a record for points in a regional tournament. The nationally ranked Tigers were sending 12 wrestlers in a bid for another state championship.

Senior Night Cant Help Cat Cagers

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

Ponca City thanked the Wildcat and Lady Cat seniors and their parents on the floor of Robson Fieldhouse Friday. The players presented their mothers with a rose, then escorted their parents onto the court as they were introduced.

The seniors are Katie Homp, Tara Cries For Ribs, Jena Birdsong, Lyndsi Frederick, Tim Frick, Kris Upchurch, James Anno, Josh Pitts, John Abel, Billy Broughton, Blaine Petrie and Jared Brashears.

The ceremony took place after the Lady Cats lost to Broken Arrow by 11 points, 59-48, and before the Wildcats lost by the same margin, 76-65.

The Lady Cats played a good, close game during the first half that featured six lead changes in the second quarter.

Broken Arrow took a 14-11 lead into the second period. Sophomore Melissa Fore scored the first four points of the second quarter to give the Lady Cats the lead for the first time at 15-14.

The Lady Tigers took the lead for good with 2 minutes remaining in the first half, 21-20. Broken Arrow scored six more points to end the half, 26-20.

Coach Jamie Burtner said the Lady Cats came out flat in the third period.

“For the first time all year we were playing scared,” Burtner said. “I think it being senior night and playing their last home game had a lot to do with it.”

“We have new girls handling the ball at point guard. And, this was the first team to run the 1-3-1 defense against us and put full court pressure on us.”

Broken Arrow scored the first six points in the third quarter. Ponca City didn’t score for the first 2:55 when senior Tara Cries For Ribs scored on a field goal. By the time the quarter ended, Broken Arrow scored 19 and Ponca City scored seven.

Trailing 45-27 going into the final period, the Lady Cats put up a good effort. The Lady Cats scored 21 points, but it was too little, too late as the Lady Tigers put in 14 points.

Jamie Prado led the Lady Cats with 12 points, including 6-of-10 from the free throw line.

“We made 12-of-19 from the foul line,” Burtner said. “If there is a bright sport, then that’s it.”

Tara Cries For Ribs had 10. Jena Birdsong, 8; Amanda Summers and Kristina Huddleston, 3; Lyndsi Frederick, 2 and Janna Green, 1.

Jodi Agee scored 19 points for Broken Arrow. Brooke Hayden, 13; Kayci Smith, 10 and Anna Snedecker, 8.

The Broken Arrow Tigers trailed 10-8 in the first quarter, then embarked on an 11-1 run and ended the first quarter with a 25-11 lead.

The Wild