From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, February
8, 1998
LOCAL
School Mills, State Question Separate Issues
Final Days of Campaigning Highlighted at Friday Forum
Parts of East Walnut Closed for Repairs
Editorial
City Calendar
Area Legislators Against Casino Issue
School Lunch
School Calendar
Construction Project Information On Board of Education Agenda
'Dance For Heart' Set Here Feb. 15
Stroke Victim Recovering With Quick Working TPA
Arts Adventure Dates Set
Citizen's Police Academy III Gets Information on Details
Many Local Veterans Not Aware of Available Benefits
Commission Agenda Lists Several Reports
West Side Neighbors Meeting Set Tuesday
New Look, Equipment at Howell Auditorium
Edwin Fair Center Names Employee-of-the-Quarter
Village Collectors Elect New Officers
Horsefeathers, Applesauce Auditions Set
Ponca Playhouse Presents Comedy 'Anything Goes'
Pioneer Tech Offering New Dropout Recovery Program
Dressage Beginning Upswing
Where To Vote Tuesday
DEATHS
Ruby M. Feathers
Patricia Ann Hamby
Timothy Cletus Duggan
Obituaries
Thelma M. Dawson
Helen Isabel Sterling
Services Pending
Nicholas Porter
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Ponca City Happenings
Herb Festival Plans Made
Emily Elizabeth O'Neill Bride of Bryan Mouser
Kay Whitlock Will Address Support Group
Bobby Cole Wins Awards in Tulsa
Combined Gala For Knights And Shriners
Wheatheart Nutrition
Newkirk Church Ceremony Unites Couple in Marriage
Cattlemen's Association Conducts Survey About Beef
Engagement Is Announced
Lucy Wideman Will Celebrate 80th Birthday
Porsche Reimer Bride-Elect
Merle Rozell Observing 80th Birthday
TOPS Chapter Plans Contests For Members
Singles Network Slates Events
Bits and Pieces
Pair Marks 60th Anniversary
Local Librarian To Give Program For 20th Century
AARP Changes Meeting Place Once a Month
Museum Expansion Progressing
Pioneer Quilter's Guild Lists Plans
Cooking School In Arkansas City
Country Club Elects Coates
February is AMBUCS Awareness Month
Over The Fence
SPORTS
For Eddie Sutton Starting Gottlieb Pays Off
Redskins Show Cats No Mercy
Lady Cats Lose One By 'Inches'
Ex-Ponca Coach To Get Award
Junior High Basketball
Homecoming A Sweet One For Frontier
Union Whips Wildcat JV
Sophs Cruise Past Blackwell
Junior Baseball Signups Now
The Diesel's About to Hit the Road
Golf Notes
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The annual school mill levies and State Question 672 are separate issues! They are not related, and neither would involve a tax increase, according to Gov. Frank Keating in a recent letter to the local patrons.
These two issues have been causing confusion not only to Ponca City residents, but to residents of Oklahoma, because many think the two issues are related.
School officials are urging registered voters to vote these issues separately. Both issues, along with filling the vacant board of education positions, will be on the ballot Tuesday during the annual school elections.
Mill Levies
School millages are distinct to each local school district. These millages are renewed each year by a vote of the patrons of each local district and make up a significant portion of the operating budget for local schools.
The current levies for Kay County are 10.22 for local, 5.11 for emergency and 5.11 for building. These numbers are compared to 10.00 local levies, 5.00 emergency levies and 5.00 building levies in Noble and Osage Counties.
The difference in the numbers is due to Kay County residents voting to eliminate personal property taxes. After this happened, the levies increased to offset the loss of personal property tax.
The passing of these levies will not result in a tax rate increase for the support of local schools. The tax rate is the same approved for the past several years.
School millages are local funds, but they are accompanied by state funds, so schools lose both local and state funds when millages are defeated. Taxes will not go down if the school millages are defeated. All that will happen is that the school district will have to hold another election before the end of the fiscal year, which will cost the district money. If a school district's millages are ultimately defeated, the State Board of Education has the authority to annex the district to another district. The taxes would then be paid to that school district and people would lose local control of the district.
If the mill levies were voted down on Feb. 10, the Ponca City Board of Education would call for a second vote on April 7, 1998. If the levies were not passed by July 1, 1998, the Ponca City School District would then be forced to make several reductions in educational programs for children.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, said, "I am confident that Ponca City patrons know the difference between school levies and State Question 672. For the schools to survive, citizens must pass the mill levies."
The emergency and local support levies pay for teacher salaries, transportation, books and other supplies. This generates almost $2.5 million. The building fund levy is used to repair buildings and pay for utilities. This levy generates approximately $750,000.
"If these levies do not pass, we are looking at a $3.5 million budget cut," said White. "Passing these levies simply says that people want to continue the levies."
State Question 672
Gov. Keating has also called the State Question 672 to be on the same ballot with all of Oklahoma's annual school elections. Question 672 is a measure that would legalize casino gambling in limited locations in Oklahoma.
Some school officials have expressed their concern that the combination of these two separate issues may confuse some voters. The letter to local patrons from Gov. Keating said, "Voters in every precinct in Oklahoma will decide the fate of State Question 672. Your school millages are distinct to your local school district. These millages, or property tax levies, are renewed each year by a vote of the patrons of your district."
"Some school officials have also expressed concern that voters who are opposed to the casino gambling issue may confuse these issues and also vote to reject the school millage levies. I want to encourage you to take the time to address these unrelated issues on their own merits. The annual school millages make up a significant portion of the operating budget for your local schools. They don't involve new taxes, and they have nothing to do with the casino gambling issue."
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The Feb. 10 annual school election is Tuesday and with it the campaigning will soon end.
But before residents could make their decisions on which board candidates they wanted to elect, a Friday Forum was held for candidates of the Ponca City Board of Education and Pioneer Technology Center to voice their opinions on education.
Ponca City Board Candidates
Candidate Ann Kinsinger for the Ponca City Board of Education says she has a genuine concern and interest for the kids. "First off, I would like to say that no one asked me to run for the board. I had concerns and decided to run. I am very concerned about the high dropout rate, teenage pregnancy, juvenile crime and students leaving our schools without receiving the basic skills necessary to life in the world. We need to try a new approach and re-instill discipline in the classrooms. We also need to go back to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. We have a community that is very giving and I feel that we should reestablish education as a priority in Ponca City," said Kinsinger.
Incumbent Mike Kruck said we have gradually seen a decline in education in Ponca City. "Why?" asked Kruck. He feels it's because parents have left it up to the schools to raise their children. "I think it's up to the parents and students to take advantage of the opportunities given to them. There is a lack of parental support. We need to get the parents involved again on a day-to-day basis. I also believe that we are doing a great thing in Ponca City by implementing the Great Expectations program in three of our elementary schools. It's a great program that simply goes back to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. I have often been called a 'dinosaur' because I believe we should go back to the way things used to be." Kruck commented.
When asked about how the candidates felt about teacher tenure in the public schools both agreed that they have problems with anyone being guaranteed a teaching position and that every teacher should be accountable for responsibility in their classrooms.
Both candidates also addressed the alternative education programs. "Our alternative education programs have become successful because of community involvement," said Kruck. "The TEEN-PEP Program for teenage mothers at First Baptist Church is successful. The first year the program served 20 students. The program has now been expanded this year to accommodate almost 40 students. I know this is a painful thing for many people to think about, but that's what's going on in our society. I think this is a way to break the cycle."
Kinsinger said that she loves the idea of alternative schools. "It's important though that we look at why the students left their schools in the first place. We need to go back and create solutions for why the students left. I don't believe we are going to break the cycle of teenage pregnancy by having a separate school for them," she commented. She also added that we should go back to the younger grades and discipline morals and standards so the kids can be successful.
PTC Board Candidates
Incumbent Mary Rigdon for PTC said that she balances the board and brings to it leadership, experience and determination. "I have only served on the board for 1 1/2 years and I feel like my job isn't finished yet. This is a great school with many wonderful people. We have started many new programs at PTC that we are all very excited about. There are many opportunities for students here. We have started a dialog with the Native American community on how we can help Native American students," said Rigdon.
"I don't feel like there is a reason to replace me. I make it a priority to attend meetings and activities. I share the vision and goals of PTC and feel like a valued and respect board member."
Zane Barham, running against Rigdon, said, "I have a desire to serve, lend my skills and see all the communities prosper. To be a leader, you must be a servant. I have served on several boards, including Northern Oklahoma College and Peachtree Landing, and I would greatly enjoy serving on the board at PTC," Barham said.
"I went through quite a process at NOC while serving on the board. We had a rise in our enrollment and the state asked us to cut our budget. Our challenges were met and we even made great uses of the technology at NOC. It has become one of the top community colleges in Oklahoma. We invest a lot as taxpayers in PTC. We deserve a return of investment and see the community grow. Technology is constantly changing and I bring over 15 years of experience in technology to the board. Education provides an opportunity for people to change their lives."
Other Area Candidates
Other board of education positions in Kay, Osage and Noble Counties which will be decided Feb. 10 are:
- Mary Cordell and Timothy B. Bradfield for Blackwell I-45 Office No. 3 (five-year term).
- Allen Miller and Dale Luce for Braman I-18 Office No. 3 (five-year term).
- Rexford Tautfest, Dennis Williams and Geary Watson for Frontier I-4 Office No. 3 (five-year term).
- Gary D. Madison and Gayle Edwards for Woodlands I-90 Office No. 6 (four-year term).
- Francis A. Murphy and Sheila Fields for Shidler I-11 Office No. 3 (five-year term).
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Sample ballots of all Tuesday's election issues on Pages 2A, 8A, 10A, 11A and 8C)
Two sections of East Walnut Avenue will be closed during the week for maintenance work, according to Steve Shea, City of Ponca City Engineering Department.
Work will be done on the 200 block of East Walnut Avenue, between Second Street and Third Street; and on the 900 block of East Walnut Avenue, between Ninth Street and Tenth Street.
Motorists will need to avoid the two areas, since the streets will be closed.
Don't Confuse Issues
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday in Ponca City and throughout Oklahoma for the annual school elections.
This year's local school board races have been spirited, with each candidate speaking to the issues in lively debate. It is reassuring to have four qualified candidates - incumbent Mike Kruck versus Ann Kinsinger for the Ponca City Public school board opening and incumbent Mary Rigdon versus Zane Barham for the Pioneer Technology Center position.
As is The News policy, we endorse no candidate and leave it to the voters to study the available campaign material and make an informed choice.
Also on the ballot are the annual school millages. These are essential to the day-to-day maintenance of our schools and are voted each year. The News urges voters to continue that support.
NOT to be confused with the local school issues is the state-wide vote on casino gambling - State Question 672.
Whether or not you support casino gambling should have no bearing on your vote on the local school issues. Sometimes it is the tendency to vote no on everything if opposed to one issue, or yes on everything if in agreement.
Remember, the casino issue is not related to the local school concerns.
Be sure to vote Tuesday, support local school issues and let your conscience be your guide on the issue of casino gambling in Oklahoma.
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
Today
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Tuesday
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Thursday
Friday
Saturday
February 15
February 16
February 17
February 18
February 19
February 20
By RALPH SEWELL
Daily News Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - Without exception, Ponca City-area legislators - Democrat and Republican - say they're against the permitting Casino gambling in Oklahoma. Voters will decide the issue in a special election Tuesday.
Also, they believe their views match those of their constituents.
Why do all think the initiative petition's a loser? Rep. Larry Ferguson of Cleveland, who is the House Republican leader, put it this way:
"It's withered on the vine," Ferguson said. "It didn't get enough water or fertilizer." (By that Ferguson meant backers of the proposal were not able to raise enough money to conduct a winning campaign for public support.)
The DeBartelos, owner of Remington Park track in Oklahoma City, withdrew financial support for a media campaign. They originally had backed the idea.
Sens. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, also said they plan to vote against casinos gambling question, as will Reps. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City; Jim Reese, R-Nardin; Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland; and James Hager, D-Pawhuska. Here's what your legislators say:
Muegge: "I've never been for it and think voters will defeat it."
Harrison: "I'm not in favor of it. I don't think it will pass."
Newport: "My vote will be no. I hope it doesn't pass."
Reese: "I'm against it and think voters will reject the proposal." Reese thinks most original supporters backed off after realizing there's only a fixed amount of gambling money in Oklahoma. Thus, casinos could draw gambling dollars away from horse tracks or bingo games.
Hager, a candidate for governor, is against it and hopes it will lose. He says he can't see anyway casinos would benefit the state economically.
The feeling of Ponca-area legislators is shared by most other lawmakers. But few are willing to predict with certainty the outcome of any election before the votes are counted.
No Shortage of Bills
As the second year of Oklahoma's 46th state legislature opens, most Ponca-area legislators are offering bills they hope a majority will approve.
Newport is author of HB 2547, which would regulate body-piercing, which he says is a growing and dangerous fad of youngsters. He's not talking about use of earrings - but about attaching ornaments to other parts of the body.
As now written, HB 2547 would not only require parental consent but also a parent to be present when such surgery is performed on a child.
Newport also is sponsoring HB 2549, which would make it a crime to write a bogus check to pay for a service performed by a repairman - such as a plumber. He points out buying goods with a hot check already is a criminal offense. But the law doesn't cover bogus checks paying for services.
Newport also wants to straighten out a kink in the driver license law. His HB 2299 would help a spouse who has been out-of-state with her military husband. Present law excuses a serviceman from repeating tests to renew his license. But it doesn't give the same break to the spouse. She must repeat tests to get a new Oklahoma license.
The Ponca legislator also is House author of SB 857 - a holdover - which would forgive the gross production tax on some marginal stripper oil wells. Newport says it's an effort to keep such wells from being abandoned.
Reese will push legislators to enact his HB 2208, a bill aimed at cutting Oklahoma's near-record divorce rate. It topped 21,000 last year.
Ever since Oklahoma passed a "no-fault" divorce law, the rate has been climbing, Reese says. If passed, HB 2208 could slow it down.
HB 2208 is patterned after a Louisiana law for covenant marriages. It would require a couple to seek counseling by a clergyman or marriage counselor 15 days before the wedding. The couple also must vow to seek additional advice if the marriage appears to be failing.
A covenant marriage also would limit grounds for divorce to adultery, child or spouse abuse, year-long absence from the home, the couple living apart for 18 months, or fraud in entering into the marriage contract.
Hager will be busy most of the time with education legislation. He heads the House Education committee. But he also will push legislation designed to rehabilitate drunk drivers and help them avoid subsequent offenses.
Busy With Livestock Issues
Muegge, as chairman of the Senate Agriculture committee, will be in the middle of the current controversy over big hog and poultry factories and how they affect the environment.
He will sponsor Senate bills affecting both industries and will have a lot of input on any other bills - House or Senate - in those areas.
"We'll have greater environmental protections on Oklahoma's lawbooks," Muegge predicted. "The public is demanding something be done to prevent any possible environmental disaster that concentrated animal feeding operations might cause." He said lawmakers will meet those demands.
Like Muegge, Harrison wants to protect the environment. But he tags himself as a conservative and wants to see how pending bills are to be changed before he commits himself to any specific bill.
In his speech opening the legislative session last week, Gov. Frank Keating said the big hog and poultry farms provide Oklahoma jobs and help the economy. But he also urged legislation to protect water supplies.
Republicans and Democrats reacted as you'd expect to Gov. Keating's message opening the legislative session. Newport, Reese and Ferguson all voiced support. Democrats were critical. Muegge and Harrison said they did see how the governor could cut taxes and yet finance the new programs he listed.
Hager view is that Keating used the state-of-the-state speech as a bid for re-election - a campaign speech. He said jobs the governor claimed he created actually came before Keating returned to Oklahoma to run for governor.
Re-Election Possibilities
Senators serve 4-year terms, with half the seats at stake in every general election. Both Muegge and Harrison are in districts where seats will be filled this year. All House members face votes in every statewide election. All current incumbents except Hager will see re-election. Hager has declared he will seek the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
Senate Republicans sought to enlist Reese as a candidate to oppose Muegge. Reese's House district fits pretty much in parts of Muegge territory. But Reese says he'll try to retain his seat in the House.
All area legislators say they're satisfied with the way highway money is being spent in their districts. Of course, they note it's too early for much actual construction to be under way. All happily mention the widening of U.S. 177.
Ferguson voiced fear that the massive highway construction program voted last year may itself drive up costs. He figures there are so many projects contractors may not worry so much about getting work. He thinks contractors may not bid as low as they might otherwise, figuring they will get a different piece of work, anyway.
The Rogers University-State Regents for Higher Education argument over how to best supply Tulsa-area education needs gets only cautious comment from are senators. Rogers University is backed by their leader, Claremore's Stratton Taylor. But it also could siphon dollars from other institutions.
Muegge's response reflected that fear. "You know," he said, "I've got a junior college (Tonkawa) to think about."
Area representatives were not so reluctant. Hager says he believes the so-called Rogers University problems are exaggerated. He says he's talked to Rogers' students. They favor the Rogers' plan for Tulsa.
Newport, Reese and Ferguson like the plan pressed by Higher Regents to serve Tulsa's needs. It would be an expanded program run by OSU to offer more courses than is done now. OU, OSU, Northeastern and Langston would continue to participate. Degrees would come from the separate institutions, which are accredited already.
Ferguson recalled he voted against the bill creating Rogers University last session. Newport and Reese said the present consortium directed by Higher Regents seems to fit Tulsa's needs better than Rogers.
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School
Lunch
Mid-High
Lunch
High School Lunch
All American
Training Table
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
Mid-High
Feb. 10
Feb. 12
Po-Hi
Feb. 9
Feb. 10
Feb. 11
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Feb. 14
Feb. 15
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Accepting change orders for the Howell/Commons construction project, and approval of a contract with Warren Peacock's consulting services for engineering and supervision services for the high school track project will be discussed Monday night at the Ponca City Board of Education's regular board meeting.
When the board approved the contract with Lambert Construction Company for the Howell/Commons construction project, architect Troy Lewis explained that a number of cost saving items had been considered in order to meet the projected budget. He explained several alternates that would, in some cases, increase the costs and others that would reduce costs. This change order reflects the efforts of the contractor, subcontractor, school staff and the architect in the initial "value engineering" cost reductions.
Joe Surber, assistant superintendent, will present Warren Peacock's consulting services proposal for the track and field rehabilitation project at the Ponca City High School. For a fee of six percent of the construction cost, Peacock would provide the needed consulting services for the project.
Lease Purchases
Approving low quotes for the lease purchase of vehicles will be discussed. Recommendations given by the Property Committee are:
- Accepting quotes from Midwest Bus Sales for two mini-buses, taking the trade-in for one bus for a total amount of $66,470.
- Accepting the quote from Pemberton for two suburbans with diesel engines and base trim for a combined total of $58,908.
- Accepting the quote from Bowker Ford for two 1998 Taurus cars for a total of $29,826.
- Accepting the quote from Bowker Ford for the XLT model for a quoted price of $27,454.
The committee also recommends accepting the quotes from Safety Vision for some 21 MVP units for a total of $21,924. This amount is from the 1998 bond issue for transportation that was approved for $200,000.
New Course Additions
The Senior High School would like to make several course additions to the curriculum offerings for the 1998-99 school year.
If approved new additions would be:
- Statistics - a new semester course, with Algebra I as a prerequisite; the class will be offered both semesters.
- Competitive History - This elective course will require a GPA of 3.0, teacher permission and is for highly motivated students. Students will have the opportunity to participate in national history academic competitions.
- Chemistry III - This will be an independent research class offered as an elective both semesters. Prerequisites include General Chemistry I and II, or Honors Chemistry I and Ap Chemistry.
- AP Music Theory - The class is designed for the advanced music student as an introduction to college level music.
- ACT Review - This is a class offering to all sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students will become familiar with the format of the ACT.
- Remedial Reading/Writing - This course offering will be for all students needing extra confidence and performance skills on reading and writing criterion referenced tests.
Other Items
Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy, along with the Arts Advisory Council, is recommending expansion of the programs offered at Garfield Academy for the 1998-99 school year.
Renewing the contracts of Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and development; Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent; and Jeff Denton, finance division administrator; will be discussed after executive session.
Discussion will also be held during executive session concerning bids received for purchasing the old Lincoln Elementary, now known as Lincoln Center, located at 700 West Broadway.
Other Business
Raj Phansalker and Dick Stone, Ponca City Rotary Club, will address the board regarding reading literacy. Craig Rupert, Association of Classroom Teachers, will also address the board regarding a discipline survey.
An award will be given out Monday to Sandy Pendergraft for her selection of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
February Employee of the Month and Friend of Education Awards will be presented to Jeranold Jones, Certified Teacher Award; Toni Crabtree, Support Award; and Sharon Clark, Friend of Education Award.
The fourth annual "Dance For Heart," sponsored by area square dance clubs is scheduled to be held again this year on Feb. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Club House, 407 West South Avenue.
"We invite all citizens to come and watch the square dances, maybe join a dance or two, enjoy some refreshments, and win some great door prizes," says Don Crawford, chairman of the annual fund raiser for the American Heart Association.
Participating in the 1997 Dance For Heart project were 24 dancers from Kaw City, Ponca City and Stillwater. The groups formed six squares and performed square dances and line dancing for those who came to watch and enjoy the music.
Dancers also provide refreshments, several merchants provide door prizes and the American Legion donates the Club Room for the dancers use.
Callers will be Dick Manning from Oklahoma City and Bob Collyar from Kaw City. Callers provide their own taped or recorded music to accompany them as they "call" the dances.
"The dancers donated $465 to the American Heart Association in the 1997 'Dance for Heart,' event, while doing the thing we enjoy most," says Crawford. "We hope to increase our donation by a considerable amount this year," he said.
Admission is a donation to the American Heart Association and all proceeds will be donated for research in heart and cardiovascular disease research. Heart disease is American's No. 1 killer, and touches almost every family in Ponca City.
February is designated "Heart Month," throughout the United States by the American Cancer Society.
At 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, 79-year-old Ponca City resident Eileen Ravella was having trouble talking. She felt dizzy. She couldn't move the right side of her body. Eileen was having a stroke or "brain attack."
Her family called an ambulance to take Eileen to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's emergency department. The attending neurologist, S.V. Vaidya, MD., working in conjunction with P.W. Gray, MD and B.A. Mackey, MD, diagnosed Eileen as a stroke victim. A cat scan was performed to make sure she had no active bleeding in her head. When her cat scan came up negative, it was decided that she was a candidate for tissue plasminogen activase or TPA. By 10:30 p.m., she had received a dosage of TPA; and by 11:30 p.m., she was talking again.
"Time is the most critical element when determining if a patient may benefit from TPA therapy," Dr. Vaidya and D.J. Cassidy, MD, Emergency Department physician, agreed. "Getting to the Emergency Department as soon as symptoms are noticed is the first step and most important step."
TPA is a relatively new type of drug therapy for acute ischemic stroke victims. Using the therapy within three hours after the stroke occurs improves neurological recovery and reduces the incidence of disability. Because of her family's quick thinking, Eileen received treatment for her stroke within the three hour window.
Other guidelines include patients must be age 18 or older, must not have had a major surgery in the past two weeks, and must not have evidence of bleeding in the brain.
Stroke or brain attack occurs when a clogged or ruptured artery cuts off blood flow to the brain. It is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of serious disability in the United States. The southern region of the United States has a 10 percent higher rate of deaths from strokes than the national average. More than two-thirds of all victims of strokes are 65 years of age or older.
With this new treatment therapy, stroke victims have an increased chance of returning to their normal daily activities. With the support of her family and the use of the new therapy, Eileen looks forward to returning to her normal lifestyle.
The Arts Adventure board of directors met recently to install new officers and board members, and set the dates for the 1998 program.
Arts Adventure '98, a two-week camp for students who have completed the fifth through the ninth grade at the end of the current school year, is set for July 20-July 31.
The program was established in 1992 to bring master artists to Ponca City to offer students not only new perspectives in the arts they are familiar with, but also offer an introductory experience in areas where students might not be familiar.
Sessions are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday of each week. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to three different arts areas during the camp.
Registration for Arts Adventure '98 will begin April 1, with a Registration/Placement Day set for April 25, at the high school.
Purpose of the placement day is to answer questions students may have about the programs offered, and to get an idea of the level of experience of the students so the guest artists can gear their instruction to the student.
Seven areas of the arts will be featured at this year's camp. The arts areas and the chairperson coordinating that area are: Creative Writing, Suzanne Robinson; Dance, Fran Norris; Drama, T.L. Walker; Piano, Kathy Wimberley and Katy Tucker; Strings, Teresa Baugh; Visual Arts, Jimmie Eatherly; and Vocal Music, Dana Nesslerode. Arts Adventure has commitments from seven artists to date from across the United States. The goal is to have a total of 10 to 12 artists at the two-week camp.
Enrollment has averaged 130 students per year over the seven years the program has been presented. This year, the program hopes to attract 150 students. Cost for the two week camp is $125 with partial and full scholarships available based on financial need. Arts Adventure has provided up to 40 percent of its students with partial scholarship support.
Financial support for Arts Adventure is provided through various funding including the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Artists in Residence program, Conoco Inc., the Jim Throop Foundation, and numerous individuals and businesses throughout Ponca City and Kay County.
Officers elected for this year's Arts Adventure program are: Brian Hermanson, president; Patty Ladd, vice-president; and Chuck Van Cleave, secretary/acting administration coordinator. Other board members are Patty Lundeen, Brian Harpster, and the arts area chairpersons.
For more information regarding Arts Adventure '98, contact any of the arts chairpeople or Chuck Van Cleave at 762-9684.
The second session of the Citizen's Police Academy III met Thursday night and heard about Police Hiring and Training, Patrol Functions and Domestic Violence.
Capt. Jerry Neville, a 24-year veteran of the department, detailed the Police Hiring and Training Procedures. The psychological and agility testing prior to hiring were highlighted and an explanation of the continuous training of the police officers during employment was offered by Neville. Types of training discussed were: firearms, safety, self defense, field sobriety, emergency vehicle operation, OC spray and breathalyser/intoxilizer.
Lt. Kevin Ormand explained the functions of the patrol division. The primary function, Ormand detailed, is the protection of life and property. He then continued with the explanation of preventive patrol, crime prevention, initial investigations, traffic accident investigations, the regulation of certain business activities such as bars, clubs and retail stores. In addition Ormand spoke about the area of citizens concerns and acting as a community resource. In conclusion the 15 year officer, currently assigned to the Drug Task Force, talked about the value of referrals patrol officers make to the Major Crimes Unit Task Force and to the Department of Human Services.
Patrolman Dale Henshaw was the evening's speaker, explaining the criteria and complexity of domestic abuse issues. Henshaw explained there is an average of 12 arrests for domestic abuse each month. The calls received by the Communications Center reporting domestic abuse average nearly 76 each month, and without signs of physical injury, Henshaw explains the difficulty in achieving an arrest. The lack of follow through by the victims was also cited as a necessity for prosecution.
Last week, the participants took a tour of the Public Safety facility including both Police and the Communications Center. Major Clayton Johnson spoke about police personnel and the organizational chart.
The Citizen's Police Academy began two years ago and many of the past graduates have formed an active CPA Alumni Association.
"A large number of area Veterans are not aware of available benefits," says Chuck Gregg, Commander of the Ponca City American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14. "We are trying to make those veterans in the Ponca City area aware of possible untapped benefits for which they may be eligible. We will be hosting a program about the various benefits followed by a question and answer time beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Post home, 407 West South Avenue. We encourage all Veterans to attend.
John Cloud, administrator of the Claims and Benefits Division of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs will speak to veterans, spouses and family members to explain who is eligible and how to apply claims. He will be accompanied by Don Haden, service officer for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, who is available every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon to help Veterans file claims. A question and answer period will follow the program.
Cloud says, "A number of Veterans assume they are not eligible for benefits because they did not serve overseas, were not injured during their military service, etc. This is not true.
"To be eligible for most benefits a Veteran must have served during a time of war or conflict such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada/Lebanon, Panama and the Persian Gulf. The key words are 'served during a time' of war or conflict. It is not required that the veteran served out of the country."
Many benefits and the amount of benefits are determined in part by the Vet's income, health, net worth, ability to pay, the amount of "in home care" required, and other factors.
"Let the Veterans Administration determine your eligibility," says Haden. "Don't assume you have no benefits coming. In some cases, spouses of deceased Veterans are also eligible for some benefits," he concluded.
An update on the new Veterans Out-patient Care Facility coming to Ponca City will also be given, said Gregg.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Reports, reports and more reports. The City Commissioners will be receiving several different reports during Monday night's city commission meeting.
The "official" update on the renovation and remodeling of the No. 1 fire station is among one of the reports that will be given.
Both the City Engineer, Randy Lauritsen and the Architect, Troy Lewis will be presenting the status report. A tentative schedule for the project will also be given at that time.
Voters approved the passage of a half cent sales tax increase in November to fund the renovation project. It has been projected that the tax will generate an estimated $3 million and more than adequately finance the $2.7 million renovation of the fire station.
The 1997 Annual Inspection Report on the Lake Ponca Dam will also be heard Monday night. The report is required by the Oklahoma Water Resource Board.
On hand to present the findings will be Chad Morris from Chapman, Gill and Associates who conducted the inspection and prepared the subsequent report. The Director of Public Works Ken Parr and the Director of Parks and Recreation Jim Sindelar will also be present.
The final report is one on the Eastside Sewer System Evaluation (I/I) Study and Report. The report will address the sources of inflow/infiltration that was found within the east side wastewater collection line and the cost associated with repairing the identified problems.
The inflow leakage is rainwater that the comes through the top of manhole covers during heavy rainfalls while infiltration deals with the seepage of storm water coming through the underground sewer lines themselves.
According to Ken Parr the report was required by the EPA because of ongoing problems associated inflow/infiltration in the city.
"The report was based upon a field investigation and will identify the exact location of the problems," Parr explained. "In order to correct the problem we must first identify the exact nature of the problem."
The report will be presented by both Parr and the consulting engineers, FHC, Inc.
There will be at least one other item on the agenda that will not be a report. Commissioners will be considering a resolution approving petty cash and drawer cash accounts in order to facilitate the daily operations of several city departments.
As the Ponca City Utility Authority the commissioners will be voting on the authorization of the Electric Utilities to proceed with repairs of the diesel generator unit No. 7 at the diesel plant - the cost of such repairs not to exceed $40,000.
It was discovered, during a routine inspection, that the engine of the unit failed to properly regulate its speed and the generator turned too fast causing damage to it.
West side neighbors living west of the railroad tracks, to the east side of Ash Street and from South Avenue to Highland Avenue are invited to an "involvement" meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue.
The purpose of the meeting is for the neighbors to meet Ponca City Police Officer Brad Fultz, the officer assigned to the area and share ideas and concerns with him as part of the newly implemented West Side Program.
"This is a new and exciting program for the Ponca City Police Department," Fultz says. "A program that will only work with the involvement of concerned neighbors."
A survey prepared by OSU revealed that neighbors living in the area were concerned about adult educational opportunities.
And so in response Barbara Brown of the Adult Literacy Council will be this month's guest speaker. In addition Major Clayton Johnson of the Ponca City Police Department will be in attendance.
For questions concerning the upcoming meeting contact Fultz at the Lincoln Center at 763-8069 or the Ponca City Police Department at 767-0370.
Things are looking and sounding great at Ponca City High School these days! The Howell Auditorium has taken on a new look and with the installation of new equipment, fine art productions will have a new sound.
The stage floor has been painted black, allowing for more aesthetically pleasing visual stage productions. "The stage has been needing refinishing for a while and we have held off getting it done to wait for specific notification about money and staff being available to get it done," said Dr. Don Sjoberg, principal. "We have contacted various organizations, including Tulsa Community College and Northern Oklahoma College, to find the best way to bring better quality to the high school auditorium. The painting of the stage is a direct result of those conversations."
The purchase of the new sound equipment is a "dream come true," according to Sjoberg. "Two years ago, a major effort was made to raise money for a new audio system," he said. "That effort, with the help of several community members led by Suzanne Kem, resulted in a new focus on Fine Arts at the high school. We all had a dream two years ago that we would one day have a top grade sound system installed in the auditorium. It is very rewarding to see that dream being realized. I want to thank every person who donated their time, efforts, and/or money to this cause."
Norma Hurd has been chosen as employee-of-the-quarter at the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center for the fourth quarter of 1997. Bob Hefley, executive director, presented Mrs. Hurd with a $100 cash award and a plaque at the January board meeting. In addition, Mrs. Hurd's name will be added to the traveling plaque and the plaque will hang in the Ponca City office during the next quarter.
Mrs. Hurd is the Center's Title XIX Coordinator for the five-county service area, with her home office in Ponca City.
Mrs. Hurd was nominated for this award by fellow staff members. Her nominator cited the findings of the recent Health Care Authority audit and said, "her work is likely to save the Center a significant amount of money. She displayed an excellent attitude and fine work in responding to the audit."
An employee of Edwin Fair Center for the past 26 years, Mrs. Hurd resides in Ponca City with her husband. The couple has two children and three grandchildren.
A new collector's club "Department 56 Village Collectors," organized in March 1996, recently elected new officers for 1998. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month and its membership is open to all village collectors in the Ponca City area.
The club organized March 12, 1996, and has already doubled its membership. The Club is a member of the National Council of Clubs, supported by Department 56.
Members exchange ideas about how to display their collections; keep abreast of current values and retirements of their collections; learn about available seminars and conventions; view videos; study secondary markets; learn about internet information; and more.
Annual family membership is $10 and includes membership in the National Council of Clubs and a local club newsletter.
Ponca City village dealers who sponsor the local organization, by providing door prizes and other needed support, include Christy's, Dwyers Hallmark, and The Gift Shoppe.
New officers recently installed are Pat Purkey, president, Betty Hibbs, vice president, Mary Cantrell recording secretary, Nannette Hill corresponding secretary, Hank Hull, treasurer, and Jody Sanford, newsletter editor.
The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. For more information call 762-6207 or 765-4538.
Winfield, Kan. - Auditions and interviews for the 1998 Southwestern College Horsefeathers and Applesauce Summer Dinner Theatre company will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, in Messenger Recital Hall. Saturday auditions are from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday auditions are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The company is composed of theatre enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels-theatre, music, and dance faculty and students, non-equity professionals, and community members-who join together as an ensemble company during the months of June and July. Actors, directors, designers, supervisors, stage managers, choreographers, interns, high school apprentices, and more positions are available.
Horsefeathers summer productions begin with a community and company presentation of "Peter Pan" June 5 - 7, and 11 - 13. The regular season package features "Guys and Dolls" June 18 - 21, and 25 - 28; a Moliere farcical comedy July 2, 3, and 9 - 12; and "Showboat" July 16 - 19, and 22 - 26.
Auditioning actors are required to perform a contemporary monologue plus a song, or two monologues plus sixteen bars totaling approximately five minutes in length. Directorial and technical interviewees must bring a resume, photographs and drawings as appropriate. Members of the company will live on campus from May 30 - July 29.
To reserve an audition time, or for more information, call Lou Tharp at the Horsefeathers and Applesauce box office at (316) 221-7220 or (800) 846-1543 ext. 272.
Established in 1885, Southwestern is a private, four-year liberal arts college with enrollment of about 825 students. With a main campus in Winfield, it also has locations in downtown Winfield and in two sites in Wichita. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Ponca Playhouse opens its charming boy-meets-girl musical "Anything Goes," Friday. Director for this seagoing comedy is Nancy Vunovich, choreographer is Fran Norris and orchestra director is Mel Arner. Corporate sponsors for the event are Commercial Federal Bank and Crown and Rose English Pub.
Performances for "Anything Goes" are Feb. 13-15 and 20-21, at the Poncan Theatre. Curtain times are 8 p.m. for the evening shows and 2 p.m. for the matinee.
"Anything Goes," is an amusing story wrapped around the magical music of Cole Porter. In this story, true love is put to the test when complications arise out of a shipboard romance.
The hero and heroine, Billy Crocker (Micah Carroll) and Hope Harcourt (Kelly Haikin) meet at an overcrowded party on a hot summer night in the early 30s. They part without knowing each other's name, but find each other again on the Ocean Greyhound "America" bound for England, where all the action takes place.
Of primary interest to publicity hounds, Tommy Crouch and Cheryl Mauk, who routinely cover ocean-liner crossings, is Reno Sweeney (Dana Nesselrode), famed evangelist. She has her four angels Chastity (Lisa Worley), Purity (Peg McDaniel), Virtue (Erin Rutherford), and Charity (Melisa Young), with her.
Another celebrity aboard is very much under wraps for the trip. Moonface Martin (Kent Carbough) a onetime ships' gambler and "Public Enemy No. 13" is hiding out on board. The "13" has brought him a succession of bad luck and he is determined to move up to the "11" or "12" public enemy spot.
Our hero Billy, wins Moonface's friendship by getting the FBI off his trail, and Moonface joins Reno's efforts to help Billy win Hope away from her fiance' - the pleasant but lame-brained English baronet, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Dave Hart).
Billy has just a few days to win Hope, whose mother, Mrs. Harcourt (Vicki Poulson) is all for the baronet. Meanwhile ships' officers, the Captain (Robert Nesselrode) and purser (Ivery Allen) are searching the ship for a man who is the occupant of another famous gangster's cabin.
Billy results to a variety of disguises that include Moonface himself. Two sailors Kevin Goldman and Nathan Wells also dress like Chinese converts to help out. Other romantic entanglements include Elisha Whitney (Jose Cervantes) and Bonnie (Christy Kelly).
Additional colorful characters include The Drunk (Nathan Wells), Girl One (Christy Gonterman), Girl Two (Alana Cervantes), and Bishop Henry Dobson (Jim Halbrook).
Rounding out the cast are children; Lonnie and Rudy Carbaugh and Zack Mauk; sailors, Kevin Stauffer, Ivery Allen, Tommy Crouch, Nathan Wells and Kevin Goldman; Society Debs, Erin Sylvester, Donya Gartside, Lisa Phelan, Cyndy Miller, Christy Gonterman, and Alana Cervantes; and Society Ladies, Larri Ann Halbrook, Marlys Cervantes, Melanie Longmore, Landra Gukeisen and Linda Shindler.
Tap Dancers for the production are Shawna Kelley, Leslie Jones, Mackenzie Fender, Nicole Lambert, Meredith Inselman, Blair Turney, Stacy Hayes, Kristina Kirsch, Katrina Kirsch, Jordan Flett, Mandy Bacher, Megan Dickey, Maddie McDaniel, Amanda Choats, Shannon Love, Samantha Dockey and Savanah Morin. The trio is comprised of Annette Hunt, Linda Cowley and Robert Nesselrode.
Production staff is led by Karen Rivers as producer, Vickie Hart as stage manager and Sheryl Mauk as assistant stage manager. Light design is by Pete Shields and techs are Vickie Dailey, Ivery Allen, Joe Cervantes. Light board operators are Vickie Dailey and Joe Cervantes. Spotlight operators are Iris Jorgensen and Michelle Roberts.
Sound design is by Dave May, sound tech and sound board operator is C.R. Rupert. Props are done by Diane Malone and Loretta Wilson.
Costumes are provided by Ruslyn Hermanson, assisted by Chris Rupert, Sheryl Goldman, Kristina Rich-Splawn, Marilyn Inselman, Gweneth Thompson, Mike Hansen, Betty Radcliff, Diane Malone, Loretta Wilson, Sandy Bishop, Eva Byer, Denise Jones, Mackenzie Fender, Marilyn Bacher and Marika Kirsch.
Set design is by Nancy Vunovich. Set construction crew for the show includes Warren Rivers, Robert Griffith, Billy Bransford and Jim Halbrook. Set dressers are Larri Ann Halbrook and Kris DeYoe.
Tickets are now on sale for "Anything Goes." To make reservations call the Ponca Playhouse Box office (765-5360) weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Friday and Saturday tickets will be available at the Poncan Theatre Box Office (765-0943) from 6 to 8 p.m. and from 1 to 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.
While making plans to attend the show, theater patrons may also want to audition for "The Solid Gold Cadillac" at 7 p.m., Feb. 23-24, at Playhouse rehearsal hall. The cast needs 12 men and four women for the play to be directed by JoAnn Muchmore. Perusal scripts are available at the Ponca Playhouse business office by calling 765-5360.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Due to the escalating dropout rate in Kay County, Pioneer Technology Center is implementing a new Dropout Recovery Program for individuals ranging in age from 16 to 19. The program will provide the opportunity for students that have left the educational environment a chance to earn their high school diploma. This program has been given a $100,000 grant with the assurance of another $300,000 over the next couple of years.
According to Steve Waldvogel, Dropout Recover Program Coordinator, "The program will be implemented in phases, beginning with Phase I which is the identification and selection of dropouts for the program. Phase II and III will include the development of an academy housed at PTC. The academy will allow for academic instruction as well as vocational training to take place in the central location. Students will attend academic courses, math, science and language in the morning and receive vocational instruction and training in the afternoon."
According to Waldvogel, 45 high school students can start this program in August. Students from the Kay County area are eligible for this program, with the exemption of students attending Ponca City High School. Requirements for participation in the Dropout Recovery Program requires accepting of School-to-Work (STW) funds. The Ponca City Board of Education voted not to accept the STW funds at an October board meeting.
The dropout program plans to include several areas unique to the student. A student will receive personal counseling, life skills training, and assessment to meet their academic needs and their vocational interests.
"The majority of the students will have social needs that will need to be addressed in order for them to learn effectively," said Waldvogel. "I am currently looking for individuals from the community and business and industry leaders that will be willing to mentor and provide support for these students."
Waldvogel added that in a report from the State Department of Education, Kay County has the fourth highest dropout rate in Oklahoma, with Ponca City ranking sixth in the state. In 1995, 160 students left the Ponca City school system and an additional 140 dropped out in 1996. Tonkawa school system recorded a nearly 10 percent dropout with Blackwell at 6 percent.
"We are excited about the opportunity that this dropout recovery program will provide," said Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of PTC. "Our efforts will be with Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell and Braman communities. We hope that Ponca City Public Schools will realize the importance of this effort and what it means to the students identified. We hope that they will become a part of this effort real soon."
Waldvogel is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and holds a master's degree in Trade and Industrial education. He was an instructor for seven years at the Skills Center in Lexington. "Most of my students were inmates from the Department of Corrections," said Waldvogel. "The pattern usually began by dropping out of school, slowly starting to get in trouble and committing crimes in their own hometowns. My students said if they had only stayed in school they probably would have never gotten into trouble."
For additional information concerning the program, Waldvogel will have an information booth at Pioneer Technology Center's Open House, Feb. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Dressage, a horse and driver/rider training technique, is on the upswing in Ponca City. Members of the Oklahoma Dressage Society have organized a local chapter named "North Central Chapter of the ODS."
The local chapter is open to anyone interested in dressage or learning about dressage and horsemanship. According to officers and members, NCC has a full calendar of activities planned for the year.
An exercise class and riding class will be presented by guest clinician Sherry Guess of Porter, Okla., on Friday and Saturday. Guess is an accomplished dressage rider and will present "The Body Shop," designed to provide the dressage rider with better fitness for the sport. This class will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at the OCAW Union Hall at South Franklin Street and West Ponca Avenue.
Guess will also present a dressage riding clinic on Saturday at the Little Bit of Heaven stables in Newkirk. While the riding sections are full, anyone wanting to audit may do so.
Members of the NCC will hold their monthly meeting Feb. 16 at Dougan's Bar-B-Q Restaurant. The meeting begins with a social from 7 to 7:15 p.m., followed by a business meeting and program. Pam Rawlins, local member will present the monthly meeting program on "The Dressage Arena." Visitors and guests are welcome.
For more information about Dressage, the North Central Chapter, or any of the events, contact Rainee Junkin at (580) 362-2177 or Pam Rawlins at 767-1860.
Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday for the annual school elections.
Where to vote:
Kay County
Precinct Locations
Newkirk
Tonkawa
Blackwell
Rural
Ponca City
Osage County
(Ponca City Area only)
Ruby M. Feathers, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, at her home. She was 77.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Doug Scott officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Monday.
Ruby May (Bricker) Feathers was born Aug. 12, 1920, in Jenks, the daughter of Jack and Ida (Mathews) Bricker. She grew up and attended schools in Stilwell.
On Aug. 20, 1935, she married Henry Feathers in Stilwell and the couple made their home in Nowata before moving to Ponca City in 1943. Mrs. Feathers was a homemaker. She enjoyed caring for her family and home and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are two sons, Jim and Elmer, both of Ponca City; two brothers, Bill and J.D. Bricker, both of Ponca City; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in June 1961; one son, Lee Roy Feathers; her parents; one sister and one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Feathers' name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart Research, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
MIAMI, Okla. - Patricia Ann Hamby, mother of John Hutto of Ponca City, died Thursday afternoon, Feb. 5, 1998, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. She was 69.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, Miami, Okla. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, Kan.
Patricia Ann Hamby was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Meeker. She had lived for several years in Derby, Kan., and worked in the offices of Boeing Aircraft Corp., in Wichita, Kan. Mrs. Hamby moved to Miami, Okla., in the 1970s. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness in Miami.
Survivors include one son, John Hutto of Ponca City; one daughter, Marcia Fairchild of Pittsburg, Kan.; two sisters, Kathleen Williams of Prague and Sara Hill of Yacama, Wash.; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and four sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hamby's name to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, c/o Derfelt Funeral Home, P.O. Box 367, Galena, KS 66739 or to a Humane Society of choice.
DERBY, Kan. - Timothy Cletus Duggan, father of Jeamme Specht of Ponca City, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, in Derby, Kan. He was 82.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m., Monday at Smith Mortuary in Derby, with the Rev. Lloyd Burd officiating. Burial will be in the Cedar Vale (Kan.) Cemetery.
Timothy Cletus Duggan was born Jan. 17, 1916, in Cedar Vale, Kan. the son of Cletus C. and Rosa Jane (Hensley) Duggan. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was married to Betty L. Cowan. The couple made their home in Derby, where he was employed in maintenance.
Survivors include his wife Betty, of Derby, Kan.; four sons, Timothy Duggan of Derby, Ray Hainlen and Bill Hainlen, both of Wichita, Kan., and George Hainlen of Fort Worth, Texas; four daughters, Nina Quam of Wichita, Debbie Phelps of St. Louis, Mo., Janet Lewan of Tulsa; and Jeamme Specht of Ponca City; one sister, Vaunetta Johnson of Shidler; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Thelma M. Dawson, 736 East Albany Avenue, died Saturday, Feb., 7, 1998, 12:10 p.m. at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 75.
The funeral service will be graveside Monday, 1 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor, Community Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born May 30, 1922, at Jenks, Okla., she was the daughter of Virgil and Mamie McMahon Peek. She was raised in Jenks and Siloam Springs where she also received her education.
On March 15, 1946, Thelma married Robert Wayne Dawson at Coffeyville, Kan. The couple made their first home in Tonkawa before moving to Ponca City in 1947. Mrs. Dawson was a longtime member of Community Christian Church. She had served on various committees in the church, was a member of the C.W.F., and had served as a deaconess. In her spare time she enjoyed flower gardening and serving as an Avon representative.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Jerry Dewey, 1021 North Seventh Street; a sister, Elma Cassady, Blackwell; four grandchildren, Lori Hall, Chad Wilkinson, Andrew Dewey, and Carolyn Dewey; and nine great-grandchildren, MaKyla Hall, Shelby Hall, Scott Hall, Camilla Chapman, Brett Wilkinson, Lane Wilkinson, Kara Purcell, Kurtis Dewey, and Sidney Dewey.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 27, 1989, her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and a daughter.
Memorials may be made to the Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 1021 North Seventh Street.
paid obituary
LODGEPOLE, Neb. - Helen Isabel Sterling, mother of Bob Sterling of Ponca City, died Monday, Feb. 2, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas, after a long illness. She was 85.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Holechek Funeral Home in Sidney, Neb., with the Rev. Gary Aten officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery north of Lodgepole, Neb.
Helen Isabel (Ewing) Sterling, was born Dec. 5, 1912, in Lincoln, Neb., to Orpheus Quinton and Ruth (Fawcett) Ewing. She was married to James Sterling in 1947 and the couple had made their home in Lodgepole, Neb. They later moved to Corpus Christi, Texas.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, James Sterling of Corpus Christi, Texas; one son, Bob Sterling of Ponca City; one daughter Gayle Clark of Corpus Christi; one sister, Elizabeth E. King of Ponteverdra Beach, Fla.; one brother, Richard Ewing of Sacramento, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Scott and Shauna Sterling, Chad Anton and Jon Clark Jr., and Amber Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents and three uncles.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sterling's name to the Nancy Fawcett Memorial Library, c/o Holechek Funeral Home, 1212 Tenth Avenue, Sidney, NE 69162.
paid obituary
Nicholas Porter, former Ponca City resident, died Friday, Feb. 6, 1998, at Edmond (Okla.) Regional Hospital. He was 34. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Salad Luncheon - A salad luncheon is being hosted by the First Lutheran Women's Guild Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event at the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1101 North Fourth. Tickets are available at the door or from guild members, the church or school offices, with a cost of $5 per adult and $1.50 for children pre-school age and under. For more information call 762-1111. Proceeds will go toward church lighting projects. A variety of salads, including hot chicken salad, will be available.
Softball Parent Meeting - The Ponca City High School Girls Softball Parent Association will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Fourth Street Clubhouse.
Primetimers - Reservations are being taken for Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" scheduled March 15. Primetimers are asked to call 762-5651 for details.
Royal Neighbors Plan Social - The Royal Neighbors of America will meet on Wednesday, at 2 p.m. at the Ponca Nursing Home for a social gathering, honoring Eva Neely. Punch and cookies will be served, and all members are urged to be present.
Fashion, Makeup Coming to KLVV - With Valentine's Day this Saturday, everyone wants to look their best. On Tuesday, from 5 to 6 p.m. full image (from head to toe) consultants Vicki Lessert and Judy McClung will be at KLVV 88.7 FM to take phone calls regarding fashion and makeup. The phone number is 580-767-1400. All calls are free, confidential, and not aired.
High School Play - The Drama Department at Ponca City High School will present the comedy "Harvey" Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Howell Auditorium. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students.
Valentine Visions - Send your valentine a special surprise. Personally designed yard sign with candy and balloons to be delivered on Saturday. Send your order to Vision Ambucs, P.O. Box 863, Ponca City, OK 74602 or call 767-1980 for more information. Proceeds will help Vision Ambucs fund scholarships for therapists.
Annual Meeting - The Rural Water District No. 1 Kay County, will have its annual meeting at Enterprise School Building, Tuesday starting at 8 p.m. with the board meeting to follow. Two board members will be elected and all water district members are invited to attend.
Arrest - A 24-year-old woman was arrested at 7:32 a.m. Friday from South Fourth Street on a city warrant
Stolen Toy - A woman in the 600 block of East Walnut Avenue reported at 8:29 a.m. Friday that a battery operated car had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Bike Found - At 8:44 a.m. Friday police received a report of an abandoned bike in the 700 block of North Palm Street.
Minor Accident - A minor accident in the 100 block of East Grand Avenue was reported at 10:08 a.m. Friday. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 78-year-old man at 11:30 a.m. Friday on North Eleventh Street for domestic assault and battery.
Vandalism - A report of vandalism in the 200 block of North First Street was taken at 11:43 a.m. Friday.
Fraud - At 12:46 p.m. Friday Burger King, 2908 North Fourteenth Street, reported credit card fraud. A report was taken.
Bomb Threat - At 2:12 p.m. Friday the Mid-High School was evacuated after a bomb threat was made. All fire stations responded however a bomb was not found.
Arrest - A 19-year-old man was arrested at 2:35 p.m. Friday from South First Street and Oklahoma Avenue for grand larceny, knowingly concealing stolen property, possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Minor Accident - A minor accident at North Fourteenth Street and Glenside Avenue was reported to police at 2:49 p.m. Friday. A report was taken.
Appliance Fire - At 2:50 p.m. Friday fire engines were called to the 700 block of South Tenth Street for a fire. The cause was determined to be old wiring and receptacle in the residence.
Arrest - A 26-year-old man was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Friday on a city warrant, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hit and Run - A woman reported a hit and run accident at North Union Street and Hartford Avenue at 4:03 p.m. Friday. A report was taken.
Stolen Wallets - At 4:17 p.m. Friday police were notified that several student's wallets were stolen from the weight room at Ponca City High School. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 17-year-old woman at 4:23 p.m. Friday from South First Street and Oklahoma Avenue for obstructing an officer.
False Alarm - At 5:16 p.m. Friday all fire units were called to Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, for a reported fire. However it was determined that an employee had accidentally tripped the alarm.
Gate Stolen - At 5:35 p.m. Friday a resident in the 1600 block of Donald Avenue reported that someone had stolen a chain link drive through gate from rental property on South Ninth Street. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 20-year-old man was arrested at 6:19 p.m. Friday from North Fourteenth Street and Shirlee Avenue on a Kay County warrant.
Grass Fire - Two fire units responded to the 1400 block of Bradbary Lane for a reported grass fire at 6:31 p.m. Friday. The fire was extinguished.
Fire - At 8:06 p.m. Friday all fire units responded to a reported fire in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street. However it was determined that smoke was caused by the heater in the ceiling overheating.
Stolen Beer - A clerk at Ronny's Westbury Market, 2911 North Union Street, reported at 10:56 p.m. Friday that several 30 and 18 packs of beer had been stolen. A report was taken.
Vehicle Vandalism - At 11:51 p.m. Friday a woman in the 300 block of Virginia Avenue reported that the tires on both of her vehicles had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 36-year-old man at North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road at 12:47 a.m. Saturday for driving under the influence, speeding, no insurance and expired driver's license.
Curfew Violation - At 12:49 a.m. Saturday two girls were cited for curfew violation and then released to their parents.
Sleepwalker - At 1:11 a.m. Saturday police received a call from a woman in the 400 block of North Lake Street that there was a boy that she did not know on her porch crying. A 6-year-old boy was found at the location and it was determined that he had been sleepwalking and belonged on West Broadway Avenue was taken there.
Arrest - A 47-year-old man was arrested at 1:50 a.m. Saturday from North Ash Street and Overbook Avenue for driving under the influence.
Arrest - At 2:05 a.m. Saturday police arrested a 22 year-old man from Oak Street and West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Beer Stolen - At 2:47 a.m. Saturday a clerk at E-Z Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, reported a 30 pack of beer stolen. A report was taken.
Break-In - At 3:20 a.m. Saturday a man in the 3500 block of Springwood reported that a man had broken into his residence and tried to force his wife to leave with him. Officers responded but the man had left. A destruction of private property report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - At 5:26 a.m. Saturday a $14.30 gas drive-off was
reported at the Conoco, 1613 South Avenue.
LIFESTYLES
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Plans for the fifth annual Ponca City Herb Festival are well underway. Applications for this year's festival have been sent to 125 prospective crafts people, herb growers and food vendors. The festival will take place June 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Cann Memorial Gardens.
Among the items to be offered for sale will be herbs, herbal crafts and products. Free seminars and demonstrations on aromatherapy, potpourri, herbal vinegars, growing, drying and cooking with herbs are a few of the activities planned for that day.
The Herb Festival is sponsored by the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club. For more information contact Mary Anne Potter, 767-1957.
Emily Elizabeth O'Neill and Bryan Mouser were united in marriage at First Free Will Baptist Church in McAlester recently. The Rev. Ernest Harrison Jr. officiated at the double ring ceremony.
Parents of the bride are Jim and Pauline O'Neill of Ponca City and the bridegroom is the son of Jack and Darlene Mouser of Krebs.
Lisa Lawson, organist, played traditional wedding music. John O'Neill of Milwaukee, Wis., brother of the bride, began the ceremony by reciting a wedding prayer. Shannon Bernhardt sang "The Lord's Prayer" during the lighting of the Unity Candle.
Serving as Matron of Honor was Sally O'Neill Smith of Arlington, Texas, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Jennifer O'Neill of Edmond, sister of the bride, and Mary Anne Kessler of Bartlesville.
The attendants were attired in Hunter green floor-length crepe gowns. The lace bodices of the princess style dresses featured off the shoulder necklines. Each attendant carried a small bouquet of yellow roses. Taylor O'Neill, niece of the bride, served as flower girl. She wore a dress of Hunter green crepe with a white lace bodice and carried a basket of yellow silk roses.
Serving as Best Man was Blane Mouser of Krebs, brother of the bridegroom. Groomsmen were Jim Miller and Allen Bernhardt, both of McAlester. The groom and the groomsmen were attired in black tuxedos with satin lapels and black bow ties and each wore a yellow rose boutonniere. William Higgins, Doyle Blankenship, Johnnie Blankenship, Joey Duvall, and Clint Brannon, all of McAlester, served as ushers.
The bride wore a princess style gown of white satin featuring a fitted empire bodice with a popover of cutout Battenberg lace covered with clusters of pearls. The top was trimmed at the rounded neckline and the waistline with bands of satin, as were the three-quarter length sleeves. Lace, trimmed with iridescents and pearls, edged the skirt and semi-cathedral length train. The bride wore a double-tiered fingertip veil of illusion edged with white ribbon and secured by a circlet of handmade satin roses and sprays of pearls and iridescent beads. The veil was designed and created by the bride's sister, Sally Smith, who originally wore it in her own wedding. She also created the blue garter worn by the bride.
The bride carried a white lace handkerchief sent to her grandmother from Belgium during World War II. She also wore her mother's pearl necklace and her pearl earrings were a gift from the bridegroom. The bride's bouquet was fashioned from 11 yellow roses, one for each of the months the couple had known each other.
A reception was held in the Family Life Center following the ceremony. Following a wedding trip to Cancun, Mexico, the couple has established a home in Krebs. The bride is employed as the Human Resources Director of McAlester Regional Health Center and the bridegroom is a Diagnostic/Cath Lab Tech at MRHC.
Out of town guests included Laura Mitchell of Eufaula, grandmother of the bridegroom; Brian O'Neill, brother of the bride, and Bridget Holdman, both of Pond Creek; David Smith of Arlington, Texas; Roberta Shirk of Claremore, great-aunt of the bride; Peggy and Mike Madden of Bartlesville; Rose Marie Bain of Ponca City; Libby Long, Sharon Ross, Elizabeth Ross, all of Sedan, Kansas; Teresa Bowman of Pawhuska; JoAnn O'Neill and Karen Meyer of Ponca City, and Michelle Meyer of Edmond.
Kay Whitlock, Herbalist and proprietor of Just Yesterday, 314 South Fourteenth, will present a program to the Fibromyalgia Support group on Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Parlor.
Ms. Whitlock will bring her "knowledge, as well as, her love of herbs" to the group. She started out in home gardening and expanded this into a business. She will share her own personal knowledge and use, as well as, the healing power of herbs.
The speaker is a member of the National Herb Association, the Herb Growing And Marketing Network, and the National Food Association. She has been studying herbs for over 10 years and has attended meetings and classes with noted medical herbalists.
Ms. Whitlock states "herbs are used as nourishment to the body and as a holistic approach to wellness. Herbs are not a cure-all."
To learn more about this meeting or future meetings contact Vivian Cross 765-8871, Lilly Freeman 762-9027, or Martha Long 762-5572.
Bobby Cole, 11-year-old son of Michael and Catherine Cole of Tulsa and grandson of Bill and Mary Joan McCann of Ponca City, received a certificate of congratulations in Tulsa Jan. 29. The certificate was presented by Mayor M. Susan Savage during an awards ceremony.
In a competition begun in September at Carl Sandburg Elementary School in Tulsa students were challenged to complete a "T-Town Trek." This course of study involved a visit to each of the almost 100 historical sites in Tulsa, a picture of the student taken at each site and the completion of a written profile of each visit. The project began as an adjunct to the Centennial Celebration of the founding of Tulsa.
Other awards presented to the fifth grade student were a Tulsa Historical Society Commendation, First Place "T-Town Trek" award and the Tulsa School Board presentation of "Tulsa-A-Z" history book. Dr. John Thompson, superintendent of Tulsa Schools; Bobbie Gray, school board, and Robin Gooldy, Historical Society, presented the various awards. Also included in the presentation were 13 gifts or certificates to various Tulsa attractions and events.
On Mar. 14 at 6:30 P.M. the Shriners of India Ambassadors and the Knights of Columbus are having a joint St. Patrick's Gala. This St. Patrick's Gala will be held at the India Shrine Temple at 3601 N.W. 36th Street, Oklahoma City. This is the first time that a joint social event has been held in Oklahoma with the Shriners and Knights of Columbus.
The agenda includes food and hors d'oeuvres, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; guests will be introduced, 7:30-8 p.m. and a dance is planned for 8 p.m.-midnight.
Any Shriner or Knights of Columbus who is interested in attending may secure tickets from Frank Richardson, 2101 Sandra Drive, Midwest City, Oklahoma 73110-2349. Telephone: (405) 737-8542. Cost is $30 per person or $55 per couple. Dress is formal attire. There will also be door prizes awarded.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, Feb. 9: Meatloaf with Creole sauce; seasoned green beans; mashed potatoes with gravy; whole wheat roll with butter; chilled peaches.
Tuesday, Feb. 10: Enchilada casserole; refried beans; tomato juice; Mexican cornbread with butter; tinted pears.
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Pimento cheese; vegetable beef soup; cabbage slaw; crackers; apple crisp.
Thursday, Feb. 12: Chicken fried steak with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered carrots; biscuits with butter; pineapple upside down cake.
Friday, Feb. 13: Macaroni and Cheese with ham; cinnamon apples; buttered broccoli; muffin with butter; pudding with whipped topping.
Christ's Church in Newkirk was the setting recently for a marriage ceremony uniting Natalie Lynn Varner and David Paul Dick. The double ring vows were solemnized by the Rev. Craig Ortwein.
Parents of the couple are Lynn and Deanna Varner, 740 North Fourth, and Bill and Nancy Dick, 1301 N.E. Longwood Road.
Church decorations included holiday wreaths, greenery and poinsettias. The altar was accented with an arrangement of candles, white mini-carnations, roses, miniature orchids, fern and ivy enhanced with gold sheer ribbon and wide lace streamers. Linda Reed was organist and Kari Jo Bell was flutist.
The bride wore a tea-length red gown complemented by a matching jacket detailed with satin and beaded lace. She wore pearl jewelry and a sixpence in her shoe and carried a cascade of white and red roses, ivy and white satin ribbon.
Pam Gaskill of Deer Creek was Matron of Honor. She wore a tea-length Hunter green dress and carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet. Flower girl was Ariel Dick, daughter of the bridegroom. She wore a Hunter green velvet dress trimmed with plaid taffeta and carried a nosegay of roses and carnations. Earl Watkins served as Best Man.
Immediately following the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride's parents. Assisting were Joleen Bell, aunt of the bride; Debbie Dick and Karen Ross, sisters of the bridegroom. The bride is a Computer Technician at Sykes and the bridegroom is an officer with the Ponca City Police Department.
Among the guests attending were the bride's grandfather, Owen Rozell, and Glennys Rozell of Newkirk; Clifford and Kate Rozell of Derby, Kan.; Marilyn and Dwaine Baccus of Bartlesville; Karen and Brad Ross and family of Perry, Ga.; George and Hazel O'Mealey, great-uncle and great-aunt of the bridegroom.
People order burgers more often in the summer according to a survey by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Also people who eat burgers go out for one about 3 times every 2 weeks.
Did you know over 50% of burgers consumed in restaurants in the U.S. are eaten in just three regions: the Pacific States (Washington, Oregon and California) 16.2%, Great Lakes (Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin) 18.5%, and the South Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida) 17.9%.
Ground beef dishes account for 41% of all in-home fresh beef eatings. Burgers account for 13% of in-home fresh ground beef eatings followed by other ground beef dishes - excluding meatloaf and meatballs (9.7%), spaghetti (6.6%), meatloaf (5%), Mexican dishes (4.4%), and chili (2.7%).
Beef is the type of meat most often cooked on the grill. Steaks and burgers are the two most popular beef choices for the grill. Steaks account for 50% of beef cooked most often on the grill while burgers account for 39%.
Almost 72% of households have ground beef on hand in the refrigerator or freezer.
Hamburger Dishes
Ground beef is versatile, quick cooking and economical. To cook ground beef for use in any of the following recipes place in skillet and brown over medium heat, 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink; stir occasionally to break up beef. Pour off drippings, if necessary. Stir to break into "crumbles" of the size needed for recipe.
Sloppy Joes - Brown 1 pound ground beef and 1 small onion, chopped, over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Pour off drippings. Season with salt and pepper to taste; stir in 3/4 cup prepared barbecue sauce and heat through. Serve in hamburger buns or over combread squares.
BBQ Wrap - Add favorite prepared barbecue sauce to cooked ground beef crumbles and heat through (mixture should be thick). Spoon deli coleslaw into large flour tortillas; top with beef mixture and fold enchilada-style.
Spaghetti Sauce - Brown 1 pound ground beef and 1 small onion, chopped, over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Pour off drippings. Stir in favorite prepared spaghetti sauce and heat through. Choose from the variety of sauces available - vegetable, roasted garlic, mushroom, basil, etc. Serve over spaghetti or other pasta.
Easy Nachos - Arrange tortilla chips in single layer on baking sheet; mix cooked ground beef crumbles with prepared tomato salsa; spoon over chips and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeo peppers. Place in 400°F oven to melt cheese; serve with sour cream, additional salsa, sliced ripe olives and pickled jalapeño slices.
Easy Ground Beef Stir-Fry- Brown 1 pound ground beef, 1 small onion, chopped, and 1 clove garlic, crushed, over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink; remove from skillet with slotted spoon. Pour off drippings. Add favorite frozen vegetable mixture (defrosted) to skillet and stir-fry until crisp-tender. Return beef to skillet. Stir in prepared sauce to taste (honey-Dijon barbecue sauce, prepared stir-fry sauce, etc.) and heat through.
Ground Beef Pilaf or Couscous - Prepare packaged, seasoned pilaf or couscous mix according to package directions; stir in cooked ground beef crumbles and garnish with sliced green onions.
Mr. and Mrs. David Stevens of Tulsa announce the engagement of their daughter, Carrie Jan Stevens, to Christopher Thomas Kelly, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Kelly of Ponca City. The couple plans a March 7 wedding at the Harvard Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa.
Miss Stevens is a 1992 graduate of Jenks High School and received a bachelor of science degree in Human Resource Management and Management Information Systems from Oklahoma State University in 1997. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. The bride-to-be is presently employed as an Application Development Analyst at WorldCom in Tulsa.
Kelly, a 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School, received a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University in 1996. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He is currently employed as an Accounting Analyst at WorldCom in Tulsa.
An 80th birthday celebration for Lucy Wideman of Blackwell has been planned for Valentine's Day. She was born Feb. 14, 1918 at Asher, Ark., a daughter of Roscoe and Mollie Davenport.
A reception is planned for 1-4 p.m. at the Top of Oklahoma Historical Society banquet room, 303 South Main, Blackwell. Friends and relatives are invited to attend and no gifts has been requested. The family asks that participants bring a handwritten "memory" to hang on a Memory Tree. Cards and letters may be sent to 309 North Fifth, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.
Mrs. Wideman moved to Blackwell in 1942 with her husband and four oldest children. Hosting the celebration will be her children: Ethel Kelly of Blackwell, Virginia Frost of Fayetteville, Ark., Mary Wideman of Oklahoma City, Charles Wideman of Garland, Texas, Carol Mason of Haysville, Kan., Judy Meritt of Lubbock, Texas and Betty McNett of Andrews, Texas.
Porsche Ann Reimer and Thomas James Keese are planning a March 13 wedding at 7:30 p.m. at Community Christian Church. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend. Parents of the bride-elect are Glenn Reimer and Ms. Barbara Reimer, both of Ponca City, Parents of the future bridegroom are Ms. Tina Cullerton of Enid and James Keese of Newman, Ga.
Miss Reimer is a graduate of Ponca City High School and is currently attending Northern Oklahoma college. She is employed at Quality Pools and Spas.
Keese graduated from St. Lawrence Central High School in Brasher Falls, N. Y. and has attended NOC. He is presently studying "electricity" at Pioneer Technology Center, He is employed at Lowe's.
An open house honoring Merle E. Rozell on the occasion of his 80th birthday is planned today from 2 until 5 p.m. at the home of Monty and Barbara Rozell, 2300 Eagle Road. No gifts are requested but cards would be appreciated. Friends are invited to stop by and wish Mr. Rozell Happy Birthday.
Merle E. Rozell was born Jan. 30, 1918 on a farm near Kaw City. His family moved to Hardy where he attended grade school. He graduated from Newkirk high school in 1936 and began working at the Kay and Kaw Mercantile. On July 3, 1937 he and Mary Elizabeth Hayden were married in Newkirk where they were active in the Newkirk First Christian Church.
They moved to Washington D.C. in 1939 where he worked for the War and Navy Departments and was hired as a statistician for the newly organized Lend Lease Administration in 1940. They returned to Newkirk in 1943 and he started working at Continental Oil Company as a training supervisor in the Controllers Department. He entered the U. S. Navy in 1944, returning to Conoco and working in Ponca City for 35 years and in London, England for three years.
While living in Ponca City he was active in civic and church activities, being a member of the Noon Lions Club, Ponca City Housing Authority Chairman when the Senior Citizen Housing was built, and Chairman of the Ponca City Christian Church Steering Committee that planned and built the Ponca City Woodland Christian Church. Mr. Rozell was Woodlands' first Chairman of the Board. He retired from Conoco in London Dec. 31, 1981.
Since retirement he has filled temporary vacancies as Treasurer of the City of Newkirk and Director of the Newkirk Housing Authority. In 1983 he built Rozell's Pizza on South Street in Newkirk. After retiring from making pizza he worked for the Eastman National Bank where he organized and directed the Eastman Explorer Club for Bank customers. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Newkirk Library Board, Newkirk Lions club, and the Main Street Authority. He retired again in 1997.
His family includes wife, Mary, and two sons and their families: Terry and Nancy Rozell of Kansas City and Monty and Barbara Rozell of Ponca City. His family also includes four grandsons: Randy Rozell of Stockton, Calif., Michael Rozell and his wife, Susie, of Kansas City; Andy and Joey Hatcher of Ponca City, and a granddaughter, Michelle Rafferty and her husband, Marc, of Ada.
TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. The devotional was entitled, "How Do I Pray?". Audrey Garroutte led the TOPS Pledge and Betty Flower led the KOPS Kreed.
Delpha Clemens called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Angel of the month for January was Larry Grantz. Larry was also best loser for the week. Natalie McCoy won the "Ha-Ha" pot.
President Donna McCoy read the February TOPS Newsletter and also gave the program which was a game called "Kitchen Confusion". It was announced that elections are coming up in March. Winners of Natalie McCoy's "Piece of My Heart" Valentine contest were Audrey Garroutte, Donna McCoy, Jewell McFarlin, Loretta Riley and Ruth Garroutte.
Natalie McCoy announced a "Shamrock" contest and Donna McCoy announced a "Sticker" contest. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to Iose or maintain weight. It neither sells nor endorses products. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss.
Brief programs are presented each week and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 and meetings are at 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Delpha clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults who are divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the group is not a dating service.
Interested persons may call Betty, 762-9776, or Dorothy, 765-1403, for more information. Plans for this week include:
Sunday, Feb. 8: 6:30 p.m., Discussion Group at First Presbyterian Church with snacktime at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10: 6 p.m. eat at Furr's.
Thursday, Feb. 12: 6:30 p.m. General meeting at Pecan Place Clubhouse with a "Potluck" dinner. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish. Following the meeting will be Phil's slides of Peru.
Saturday, Feb. 14: 6 p.m. Eat at Chinese Dynasty at Econo Lodge.
Shawnee Reunion
The 1988 graduating class of Shawnee High School is planning a 10-year reunion for this summer. If you are a graduate of this class or know the addresses of classmates please call 918-492-9518 or email Rhonda806@aol.com
Garden Club
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club will meet Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Georgia Cline. Members are invited to bring items for the Serendipity Table being taken care of by Helen Widner, Georgia Cline and Mary Anne Potter.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson John Miller, 4204 East Hubbard Road, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 9. Miller and the former Johnie Lavelma Onan, both of Newkirk, were married on that date in 1938.
In 1942 they moved to Ponca City and he went to work for Conoco in March, volunteering to enter the U. S. Army in September. He served 37 months in the Army Air Corps at Foster Field, Victoria, Texas where he was a P-47 mechanic. During that time Mrs. Miller ran a cafe in Victoria.
Following World War II the couple returned to Ponca City and Conoco where he retired in 1969 after 27 years of service. Mr. and Mrs. Miller purchased a farm northeast of town in 1957 where they still reside. He ran a cattle and hog operation, assisted by his wife.
The couple has historical ties to Oklahoma with Mr. Miller's grandfathers homesteading at Billings in 1893 and Mrs. Miller's grandfather homesteading in Caddo County in 1901. The couple belongs to Second Baptist church and both are musicians. They have played "oldtime and country" music at music clubs, nursing homes and benevolent societies in Oklahoma and Kansas, retiring from playing in 1993.
Holly LaBossiere, director of the Ponca City Library, will give 20th Century Club members an update on the library when the group meets Feb. 13 at the Cultural Center at 1 p.m. She will discuss "what is going on at the library and where she envisions it to be in the future."
Ms. LaBossiere graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1990. She earned a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in l991. She came to Ponca City in 1992 as an adult services librarian and two years later was hired for her present position.
Her professional and academic memberships include the American Library Association, The Oklahoma Library Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and the Public Library Director's Council. Last year she served as Chair of the Oklahoma Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee. This year, she is serving as Program Chair for the Oklahoma Library Association.
Her community interests include volunteering at the Poncan Theatre. Currently, she serves as secretary of the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and is a member of Pioneer Rotary. She is a graduate of Leadership Ponca City.
Members serving as greeters at the meeting will be Mrs. Winston Lindsay, Mrs. William Majors, Mrs. Carter Mathews, Mrs. Edwin Loosley, Mrs. William Martin and Mrs. Ted Matson.
Chapter 432 of the American Association of Retired People met on Tuesday at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center, 319 West Grand. Chapter President Ellis Oster called the meeting to order. After the flag salute and repeating of the AARP Creed, Lottie Etzel, treasurer, gave a report.
Vice President F. G. Williams, vice president, read the minutes. A new secretary for the chapter was voted in to replace the past secretary who had retired. Dorothy Smith has served the Chapter on several committees and she and her husband were active last fall in helping the Fire Prevention Committee collect the fire prevention posters from the schools. Michael Kruck gave a talk on issues facing the school board for the coming year.
The group voted to hold one meeting every quarter at a location other than the Wheatheart Nutrition Center for a covered dish dinner and after the guest speaker and business meeting that pitch games would be played.
The birthdays for members that have occurred since Jan. 1,1998 will be celebrated at the March meeting with the cakes to be furnished by the chapter. The March meeting will be held at the Conoco Fourth street Clubhouse South Room, noon-3 p.m. A covered dish dinner is planned and those not wishing to play pitch can engage in a game of dominoes or checkers.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Pioneer Woman Museum Advisory Board met with Oklahoma Historical Society officials this week for an update on the progress of the Pioneer Woman Museum and to target a tentative opening date.
The museum is currently in the process of being expanded to more than double the 3,000 square-foot of the old museum. The contractor is Guy LeMonnier Construction, Ponca City, and Rand Elliott of Elliott and Associates of Oklahoma City is the Architect. Casey Tharp is the local architect manager. Ground was broken for the expansion in January 1997.
Tenative Moving Date
Jan Prough, manager, reported that she had talked with the construction company and the tentative date for starting to move into the facility is sometime this month. Currently the Pioneer Woman Museum personnel, including Mrs. Prough and Amy Goss, are being officed at Evans and Associates, where the artifacts have also been stored.
Prough also noted that the new lighting of the statue allows for night viewing of the Pioneer Woman Statue. A circle sidewalk has been constructed around the statue and another new sidewalk leads directly into the museum. Several parking places have been added to the circle drive not far from the museum entrance.
Rand Elliot's concept that the Pioneer Woman Statue would reflect in the door of the museum is coming about. The entrance to the museum, which is covered in copper, is Elliot's idea of a bonnet, which symbolizes the pioneer woman and her struggle to rear her family in a new land. "I know no boundaries," is a theme that will be reflected on the exterior entrance floor. The primary focus of the museum will be on women pioneers in all walks of life.
The Advisory Committee determined that a number of things will need to be accomplished before the grand opening of the museum. Exhibits will need to be organized and constructed and the gift shop must be arranged and stocked.
Blake Wade, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), and Kathy Dixon, Museums Director, met with the advisory board, which is chaired by Warren Jensen.
September Opening Possible
After discussion the group came to a consensus that it would be best to hold off the grand opening for a time. Agreement was reached that the advisory board and OHS would target the grand opening celebration for sometime in September. This would also mark the 40th anniversary of the opening of the first museum. The first museum was built in 1958 with funds raised from the community.
The feeling was expressed that rather than rush the opening for sometime in the summer it would be better to wait and "do it right," Wade said. Also it was pointed out by John Maker that it will be cooler and the grass should be well sodded by then.
A report was given on opening activities by Jayne Detten, celebration chairman. At this time invitations are being issued to high profile women as guest speakers. Detten had also mentioned funds will be needed for the opening celebration. A two-day event is a possibility with a number of government officials participating.
It was reported that 100 percent of the pledges made by the people in Kay County for the expansion have been paid. Wade said this was remarkable, that this had never happened before. He commended the community.
Mrs. Prough had reported earlier that a proposal is being presented to the Oklahoma Historical Society to have its 1999 four-day meeting in Ponca City.
Wade said it would be an excellent opportunity to show the rest of the state all of the historical assets that Ponca City has to offer. The event would bring about 250 persons to Oklahoma.
In addition to galleries for permanent and traveling exhibitions, an educational room and offices, there will be a gift shop area. Plans are to stock the gift shop with unique and interesting items. Money from this operation would be returned to the museum. This is what the OHS has done at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton and is working well, Dixon said.
The financial drive to expand the museum was headed by David Mills, president of Ponca City's Home National Bank. Co-chairmen were Madalynne Peel and Vivian Mertz. The cost for the museum expansion is $997,114. A total of $809,910 has been raised. This includes the bond money designated by the Oklahoma Legislature.
About $187,204 is needed to complete the existing contracts. Dixon reported that she has proposals going out to eight foundations for grants, and another five are pending. Wade reported that he is going to ask the legislature for another $105,000 bond request.
The land the museum and Pioneer Woman Statue is located on was given to the state by E.W. Marland, who instigated the creation of the statue by Bryant Baker. The statue was dedicated on April 22, 1930, with Will Rogers as the speaker.
The Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild met Feb. 2 at Community Christian Church with Cindy Wilson, president, presiding at the business session. There were 82 in attendance with one new member and five guests. Hostesses for the day were Lois Gray, Charla Viehe, Mary Butler, Rachelle Burleson and Emmi Lockard. Colleen Miller was the greeter.
Jean Buskirk, Fundraising chairman, announced that the guild would be participating in the Herb Festival i