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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, February 7, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALConoco Designer Building Digital Ponca City Conoco Designer Building Digital Ponca CityBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Dusting off the blueprints of revered Marland Mansion architect John Duncan Forsyth and rebuilding the 72-year-old landmark on computer is recreation for James York. Rebuilding all of the existing public use Ponca City buildings on computer by the year 2000 is the personal goal of York, a designer with the Facilities Group at Conoco. “The drive for me,” York says, “is that I’m working on top of a set of architectural prints that craftsmen and stone masons worked on to build the building. I’m looking at a drawing that they had in their hands at the conception of the building and now I’m building it again — electronically. To me that is really neat.” York is 90 percent finished with the Marland Mansion project and has also completed putting the floor plans of the Conference Center Chapel on the computer. He also is drafting a map of the Estate, which will be accurate to within a foot of the exact location of the buildings and other historic site treasures. Over the years he has had lots of experience with the Estate, having designed the space for the computer school Conoco held at Angela Hall a few years ago. For other Conoco functions he has planned a number of table setup designs for events at the Estate. Several years ago, even before he became a member of the Millennium Commission, York began zeroing in on this formidable task of computing the historic plans. The mission is a boon for the City of Ponca City, as far as safety, records and history are concerned. York had high praise for City Manager Gary Martin, Engineer Randy Lauritsen and Park and Recreation Superintendent Jim Sindelar. He said their assistance has been invaluable. York can also access information needed from Traffic Engineer Mike Lane’s office. Frequently York and city employees dig through the city safe containing the dusty archives looking for original plans for the civic buildings. In addition to buildings, the 101 Rodeo Arena drawing has been done. Safety First Both Conoco and DuPont are world leaders in the arena of safety and York has had years of practice guarding the well-being of employees and others. When and wherever Conoco functions are held in or around Ponca City, York checks out the safety of the facilities or sites. This involves designing setups for entire functions if Conoco is to be a player of one kind or another, either as a sponsor or with personnel involved. Special events are also under the wing of York, who is responsible for the electricity, tent setup, lighting, sound, seating, catering and many other details. Among the many major events in the community were the Pioneer Woman Museum grand opening and the Standing Bear Memorial Park dedication. York does not draw overtime and works these weekend events voluntarily. A Multi-Skilled Guy York comes to the job with a variety of skills. A graduate of high school in Chickasha, he attended school seeking a commercial artist degree. After two years he realized that commercial artists were plentiful and by this time he had a wife and child. So he entered the world of industry working on horse trailers. Due to the heavy lifting in the industry resulting in a back injury, York decided to change the direction of his life and enrolled at Okmulgee Tech. With his other courses he managed to graduate in five trimesters with a double major. York noted that he was the only engineering graphics technology graduate on the President’s Honor Role, mainly because the students just out of high school weren’t focused yet, but he was intent on future goals. After interviewing with six corporations, York went with Conoco, a decision he has not regretted. Twenty-one years ago he joined the company in central engineering as a draftsman in the architectural section. Spending the next eight years with architects who had been there 20 and 30 years was an enriching experience, York said. Architect Drafting to Facilities His career took another turn when he transferred to the Facilities Group. At Conoco the primary task of the facilities group is being a safe and efficient landlord. The group is responsible for the buildings, groundwork, landscaping, parking lots, security, food services, plumbing, electricity, air-conditioning, heating, cleaning, and recreational services. York meets with clients (other Conoco departments) and designs the offices for them “in a safe and harmonious work environment.” Other tenants at the complex include Computer Sciences Corporation and Farm Fresh. Special events on site are the responsibility of York’s group. This has led to the goal of doing the public use building floor plans. Conoco events on or off site run the gambit from Career Day for high school seniors, to family initiatives including a child care fair or safety fair. Another big event on site with community involvement is the Great Escape for graduating seniors. York will be working his ninth Great Escape coming up this year. “So far I’ve seen both my daughters, one graduating in 1992 and the other in 1997, through that activity. I go to participate as coordinator for the Conoco side and a volunteer as a parent. It works you pretty hard, but I enjoy it,” York explained. With most of the projects York is involved in there are a number of volunteers and he noted it would be impossible without the help of these devoted individuals. This year will mark his 14th Retirees Luncheon. One weekend he had the luncheon, the anniversary of the refinery, science and math teachers conference on site, plus an event at Lake Ponca and the Standing Bear Celebration. Another big event was the 1996 Chamber of Commerce Banquet in the Atrium Cafeteria. He helped design the setup and coordinated the sound and video. This year he will be responsible again for coordinating the Chamber banquet slated for March 12 at Conoco with Archie Dunham, CEO and president of Conoco as the speaker. Recently York has “picked up” several philanthropic events which Conoco supports. He now serves on the Marland Estate and the Millennium Commissions. Other public buildings already compturized are Hutchins Memorial, where the annual Conoco children’s Christmas party is held. This was another design by John Duncan Forsyth. From the bowels of the Poncan Theatre to the attic, the majestic structure has been scoped and is on the computer and ready to be printed out if necessary. Of particular pride is working to design the marquee on the grand old theater. The design of the scroll work was created for duplication on computer by York. He worked with Leland Smith and Maurice Casad. The details of Grand Central Station has been defined down to the color of the carpet. Other community events include the United Way Parade. York also has on file Grand avenue showing all the buildings. A mammoth project in the works for a possible big time millennium event on Dec. 31, 1999, is the computerizing of Sullins Stadium for the use of a “really big-time” performer. York has scoped out the seating for this event which could draw an audience from miles around. He even has the seating capacity figured, including folding chairs on the field. Naturally he has already developed the plan for the covered and heated stage. And whether this comes off or not, York has added another public use facility to year 2000 goal. Designed Eternal Flame With the assistance of Oklahoma Natural Gas personnel, York designed the cauldron for the Olympic Eternal Flame that was lighted here at the Conoco facility when the Olympic torch run came to town to stay overnight. The cauldron then went on to Owen Field at Norman for the opening of the Olympic festivities. Just recently he had a call from Florida Special Olympic officials requesting help on a design for their events. This expertise was used for the eternal flame at Standing Bear Memorial Park Plaza. The dedication of Standing Bear was a big project with York in charge of setting up area. Conoco President Archie Dunham had been scheduled to be a speaker. On safety, York is a stickler. When the European art exhibit was brought here to the Marland Mansion and Dino Nicandros, then president of Conoco, was coming to dedicate it, York noted that the artist had covered all the exits but one with plywood. He asked him to clear the exits and the artist informed him he was in charge. York told him he was coming back with Dino and if the exits weren’t cleared he’d bring a chain saw. And when York came back he brought the saw with him. Needless to say the artist cooperated. The exhibit was to go from Ponca City to Yellowstone National Park as a celebration of the 100th anniversary. A few days later a call came in from Conoco in Houston and said “Send James York up there to see they do it right.” So York spent a week in Yellowstone checking out the safety elements of the display. On his own time York has a business of his own designing for business, industry and residences. By the way he has most of the churches in Ponca City on computer and if anyone wants these the cost is minimal. At home, when television gets boring, York can be found at his computer playing with various layouts. York and his wife Jeanee, have two daughters, Jamie a 1998 graduate with a masters degree from UCO, and Jeri, a student in finance at UCO. Jeanee is employed with Conoco in the MaxLine for Employee Benefits. Standing Bear Trails on City Commission AgendaBy BOB PATTERSON New City Editor The Standing Bear Phase II trails enhancement project will be on the agenda of the Ponca City Board of Commission as it meets Monday in the Commissioner’s Room of the Public Safety Center. The session is expected to begin at 5:30 p.m. The item on the agenda is a transportation enhancement project agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation that 80 percent of the project be funded by the Federal Surface Transportation Program Funds. Remainder of the project, 20 percent would come from the Standing Bear Foundation (Conoco) amounting to $180,000 and the City of Ponca City ($20,000). The agreement would designate the sponsor of the project as the City of Ponca City. The item is one of three new business items that appear on the agenda. One of the other items includes a resolution that would amend the operating budgets of various city funds for the fiscal year 1998-99. Finance director Marc LaBossiere notes that one such amendment would approve money for the Police Department for a “Youth Police Academy” in the amount of $13,473. The other would be to allow funds for the trails enhancement project. Also on the agenda is a resolution that would authorize charges and fees for the recovery of costs from users of the city’s electrical system for enhanced services. An item of unfinished business from a previous meeting is a request by Classic Car of Ponca City to block Grand Avenue from First Street to Seventh Street from 6 to 10 p.m. on June 4 for a special event. An earlier proposal had indicated 13 blocks of the street would be blocked, but it was tabled to study the possibility that the area be shortened. The consent agenda includes a recommendation to accept material bids for the first six months of 1999. Also on the consent agenda is a change order on the heating and air conditioning project that would utilize the building of a wood platform level with existing curbs for the units to rest on at the Public Safety Center. The change order would amount to $1,280.32. Authorization is sought also to allow Mid-America Fence and Door to be an agent of the city to be exempt from sales tax on purchases made for the city garage hydraulic slide gate. Another item on the consent agenda is an agreement between the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management and the city, accepting a grant amounting to $28,581.17 for upgrade of equipment and various other needs of the city’s emergency management department. A request is on the consent agenda to renew the existing golf professional contract with Mark Hilyard, golf professional at Lew Wentz Municipal Golf Course, for a year to Jan. 31, 2000. The commissioners will meet as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority to consider implementation of a surge protection program with an initial expense of $10,596. Other items for the PCUA are on the consent agenda, and include: *A bid for two pickup for the motor reading division of the Water and Light Department. *Submitting a disbursement of funds on phase two of the wastewater treatment plant improvements amounting to $191,333.87. *A bid on a sludge dump truck for the wastewater treatment plant. *A bid for five transformers amounting to $22,840. Singles Group To Peel ShrimpThe Singles Connection will meet on Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Lounge of the American Legion for peel-and-eat shrimp. Following dinner the group will travel to the Rockin Horse, 1/2 mile east of 77 on Highway 11, for free country dancing lessons from 7 to 9 p.m. Singles Connection is an area-wide fellowship for single adults who are 55 and younger. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide a safe Christian environment where singles — whether by choice, by divorce, or by the death of a spouse — can gather for fellowship and support. For more information please call Diane at 765-4858. Nurse Practioner To Speak On Heart Disease to AARPSherry Kincaid, ARNP, will present a program titled “Heart Health” at Tuesday’s meeting of American Association of Retired Persons. The program will focus on coronary artery disease. Kincaid, a family nurse practitioner at Ponca Family Medicine, will cover several topics during her presentation, which is open to the public. The topics she will discuss include statistics on how coronary artery disease affects our population, risk factors, and prevention and lifestyle changes to help treat the disease. The presentation will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. at a cost of $1.75 or donation for those 60 and older and $3 for those under 60. Reservations can be made by calling 767-1620 and should be made 24 hours in advance. Kincaid received her associate degree in nursing from Northern Oklahoma College in 1976 and began her nursing career at Blackwell General Hospital. In 1985, Kincaid joined the staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as the director of the Recovery Room, Operating Room and Outpatient Surgery. While working at SJRMC, Kincaid earned her bachelor of science in nursing degree from St. Mary of the Plains. She received a master of science degree in health promotion from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1992. Kincaid entered the Family Nurse Practitioner masters degree program at the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and graduated in 1997. Kincaid also treats patients at the Newkirk Clinic and the Tonkawa Clinic. City CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street. Monday Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., First Methodist Church, 6th and Coolidge, Blackwell, program Luis Cantu, on AARP Social Security information. Young-at-Heart Dance, 7-10 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, music by Ken Wilson and Sunshine Playboys Band. Tuesday Veterans Awareness Day at the Capitol, Oklahoma City, leaving the American Legion Post 14 at 7:15 a.m. Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce, 420 East Grand Avenue. Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue. AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center. Rural Water District No. 1 Annual Meeting, two board members to be elected, all RWD No. 1 members invited, 8 p.m., board meeting to follow, Enterprise School Building on Lake Road. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60. Wednesday Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering. Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom. Senior Bingo, 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center. Thursday Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue. First Lutheran Women’s Guild Annual Valentine Salad Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, adults $5, pre-school $1.50, proceeds for church organ fund, AAL matching funds. All Veterans Bean Feed, 5-6 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. Veterans Health Benefit Meeting, 6:30 p.m., American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue. Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’. Friday Valentines Party and Birthday Bash, 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 219 West Grand Avenue. Byron Berline, Bluegrass Fiddler, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and Conoco, free admission. Saturday Gary Puckett Valentine’s Concert, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City. February 15 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, call Beth Wright, 765-6738 for additional information. United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, Speaker James Knight, Insurance and Medicare Issues for Ostomates, 7 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room. Young-at-Heart Dance, 7-10 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, music by Ken Wilson and Sunshine Playboys Band. February 16 Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, interested citizens encouraged to attend. Kaw Lake Association Board of Directors, noon, Golden Corral, Ponca City. Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center. February 17 Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering. Cards and Pitch, join in an afternoon of fun, 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. February 18 Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Courtroom, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. February 19 Historic Preservation Board Work Session, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, 400 East Central Avenue, Suite 305. Music Special with Pete Loshesky, good old-fashioned music, 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. February 20 Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to World War II Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C. February 22 Young-at-Heart Dance, 7-10 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, music by Ken Wilson and Sunshine Playboys Band. Tall Grass Prairie Preserve Slide Show, 7 p.m., downstairs Ponca City Library, public invited, more information Mary McIntyre 918-585-1117. February 23 The Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra and the Ponca City Civic Chorus combined concert, conducted by Dineo Heilmann and Marie Beyer, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City. February 24 Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room, 400 East Central, Suite 305. Senior Center Crafts, 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Ponca City Main Street Authority Inc. Board Meeting, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street. February 26 Senior Bingo, 1 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. March 1 Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35, U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, more information 765-3164. Quail Unlimited banquet, 6 p.m., Moose Lodge, 500 West Prospect. March 4 Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360. March 9 McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60. School MenuElementary Breakfast Monday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Blueberry muffins with bacon or cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Friday — No school Elementary Lunch Monday — Hot pocket or Fernando’s bean and beef burrito, refried beans, peach cup, saltine crackers, dill spears, Oreo cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken and noodles with hot roll or chalupa, whipped potatoes, steamed broccoli, strawberry Jello, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Wednesday — Barbecue sandwich or pepperoni pizza, tatter tots, mixed fruit, corn-on-the-cob, saltine crackers, dill spears, Valentine cake or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken stix with hot roll or chili with cheese, whipped potatoes and gravy, pineapples, saltine crackers, dill spears, pudding or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Friday — No school Middle School Breakfast Monday — Ham, egg and cheese biscuit or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuit and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Ham and cheese roll up or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Blueberry muffins or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — No school Mid-High Breakfast Monday — Biscuits and gravy or muffins or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Sausage, egg and cheese biscuit or donuts or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Ham, egg and cheese roll ups or cinnamon toast or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Biscuits and gravy or pancake and bacon or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — No school Middle School Lunch Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Domino’s Pizza. Monday — Hot pockets, scalloped potatoes, peach cup, carrot sticks with ranch dressing, saltine crackers, dill spears, chocolate pudding or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chalupa, refried beans, Mexican rice, jalapenos, onions, salsa, shredded lettuce and cheese, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Wednesday — Pepperoni pizza, green salad, fruit, corn, saltine crackers, dill spears, Valentine cake or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate, potato/soup bar, juice and milk. Thursday — Chili with cheese, french fries, applesauce, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Friday — No school Mid-High Lunch Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway. Monday — Fernando’s bean and beef burrito with cheese, refried beans, Mexican rice, salsa, onions, jalapenos, diced pears, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chalupa, cheese with broccoli, fruit, lettuce and cheese, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Wednesday — Pepperoni pizza, mixed fruit, corn-on-the-cob, salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken sticks with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Friday — No school High School Lunch Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. Training Table Monday- Friday — Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches and salads, seasonal fruit. All-American Line Monday — Stuffed crust pizza, tossed salad, Italian blend vegetables, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Tuesday — Frito chili pie, corn, dill spears, onion, salsa, jalapenos, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Wednesday — Super corn dogs, french fries, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Teriyaki chicken breast or egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce, oriental vegetables, steamed rice, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Friday — No school McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk. Tuesday — Pancake and sausage, juice and milk. Wednesday — Ham patties, juice and milk. Thursday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk. Friday — No school Lunch Monday — Chicken nuggets, potatoes and gravy, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. Tuesday — Lasagna, french bread, corn, peaches and milk. Wednesday — Beans and wieners, tator wedge, pineapple chunks, cornbread and milk. Thursday — Pizza, cole slaw, okra, applesauce and milk. Friday — No school Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Pepper steak with rice, grilled chicken with white bean salsa or spaghetti with meat sauce, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. Wednesday — Mexican casserole, fried chicken or barbecue grilled pork chop, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. Thursday — Grilled steak, smoked chicken or pork chop teriyaki, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. The cafeteria is open to the public from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Youth Art, Reading Emphasis Highlight School Board AgendaBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Deciding on a proclamation declaring March as Youth Art Month for Ponca City Public Schools is on the agenda Monday night when the Ponca City Board of Education holds its regular monthly meeting. Youth Art Month is an annual observance to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. The school plans to display youth art work all over the Administration Building for the entire month of March. The board would also like to have a “State of the Arts” address at the March board meeting giving an update on arts programs in the schools. The Association of Classroom Teachers (ACT) is also asking for the board to proclaim March 2, 1999, as “Read Across America Day.” “Read Across America” is a national celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday that promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of students. The proclamation states, “Ponca City Public Schools enthusiastically endorses literacy and recommits our district to engage in programs and activities to make Ponca City children the best readers in the world.” Other Agenda Items Awarding the bid for the Anderson Building Project will be made. Bids will be opened at 3 p.m. on Feb. 8. Seven contractors have indicated an interest in bidding the project. The funding for the project comes from building funds and interest monies accrued from the previous bond issues. Change order eight for the Commons/Howell Remodel Project with Lambert Construction Company and Change order four for the elementary schools remodeling project with Timberlake Construction Company will also be decided. Board members will vote on a permanent utility easement for the City of Ponca City at the Ponca City Middle School. This easement is the result of the new softball lighting at the Middle School. The City is requiring a utility easement in order to provide power to the lighting system. Consideration will be given to a contract with Southwestern Bell for phone systems. This contract is necessary to apply for E-Rate for the 1999-2000 school year. The contract is basically the same as the current one, but it has to be approved each year for E-Rate applications. Members will discuss the contracts of Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and development; Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of operations; and Jeff Denton, district chief financial officer and director of child nutrition. Dr. Bill White, superintendent, will present awards to Beverly Rehl, Certified Employee of the Month; Willma Robertson and Betty LaRue, Support Employees of the Month; and Rog Allen, Friend of Education. School CalendarPo-Hi Feb. 8 Pre-enrollment beginning at 10:10 a.m. Junior varsity and varsity basketball against Tulsa Union at 5 p.m. Dugout Club meeting, room F-103, 7 p.m. Feb. 9 Pre-enrollment continues. Junior varsity and varsity wrestling at Tulsa Union at 6 p.m. Student Council meeting, room 203, 7 p.m. Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra, room F-104, 7 p.m. Feb. 10 Career Fair in the Assembly Center at 9 a.m. Representative from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in the Conference Room at 1:30 p.m. Play rehearsal, Howell Auditorium, 7 p.m. Feb. 11 Faculty meeting in the Assembly Center at 7 a.m. ASVAB meeting, Assembly Center, 8 a.m. Play rehearsal continues. Pre-tryout clinic for cheerleading in the girl’s gym at 7 p.m. Symphony concert at Hutchins at 7:30 p.m. Student Council Valentine’s Day dance in the girl’s gym at 8 p.m. Junior varsity wrestling in Mustang. Feb. 12 No school. Junior varsity and varsity basketball against Sapulpa at 5 p.m. Drama/debate at Cascia Hall. Junior varsity wrestling tournament continues at Mustang. Principal of Garfield Earns District HonorBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy, has been named the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals District 4A Administrator of the Year for 1999. Dr. Ladd was one of four applicants that were screened for this honor from her district. The District Administrators were recognized at the OAESP Mid-Winter Conference in Stillwater in January. She will also be awarded at a special luncheon at the CCOSA Summer Conference June 3-4 at the Radisson Inn. When asked how she provides leadership at Garfield, she said that she’s accepted the challenge of being the principal of a “low performance school.” “Since I assumed the principalship at Garfield, our school has met academic and social goals. We have searched out the latest in instructional methods, techniques, and programs. Garfield was the first school in the state to use the Accelerated Schools model out of Stanford University for our school improvement process. Under this model we build a vision and set goals to improve climate, communication and academics.” She went on to say, “We have reduced discipline referrals by approximately 85 percent since I have been principal. Our academic scores are now near the national average. Community involvement has increased from virtually no volunteers to an active volunteer base of more than 200 citizens from the entire town. We led other schools in Ponca in offering school-wide enrichment programs. We were the first elementary school in this part of the state to use the Yamaha keyboard lab as part of our general music program.” Ladd commented that one of the many successes at Garfield is using all the resources available to them. “Perhaps the best example of being resourceful comes from our new Extended Day Program. Last year, we attempted to give all students in the magnet program classes in all the arts area offered. We found that did not work because too much time was taken from the core content. This year, we offered electives to the fourth and fifth graders so they could be empowered through choice of arts areas they most wanted to study. We could offer stronger arts classes since time was focused on three areas rather than five.” Dr. Ladd told The News, “I am very honored to receive this award. It’s always nice to be recognized by my peers. I was nominated by a peer and that means more to me than any award I could receive.” Senators Split Votes on Cuts for AgenciesBy RALPH SEWELL News Capitol Bureau OKLAHOMA CITY — Ponca City-area’s two senators split their votes last week when they voted in special session to cut agency budgets to match reductions in revenue from the gross production tax. The vote to send an amended HB 1001 back to the House was 37 to 10. Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax voted for it. Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, voted against. But both voted for HB 1003, the bill cutting the gross production tax, which passed the Senate 40 to 6. That bill had first passed the House 85 to 11, but senators made changes in it. A new House vote followed and Senate changes were accepted, 87-13 with all Ponca-area representatives voting for the bill. In the first House vote on HB 1001, Reps. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City; Jim Reese, R-Nardin; Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland; and Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, all had voted in favor. Muegge wasn’t all that enthusiastic about the bills that passed. The oil industry’s problem is overproduction overseas driving down prices. He said only Washington could give the industry real help. The industry would like import fees on foreign oil. Muegge doesn’t expect that to happen. There are only 17 oil-producing states, he observed, while there are 33 which only use the fuel. “It’s shortsighted, but they like the cheap gasoline,” he said. In the final debate, House Republicans objected the Senate version of the budget cuts hit departments headed by Republicans twice as hard as those headed by Democrats. Even so, Ferguson, former minority leader, predicted in advance both bills would pass — and they did. “Most will hold their noses and vote for them,” Ferguson said. HB 1003, as approved, would cut the gross production tax on oil by $29 million. HB 1001 reduces department budgets to compensate for the tax cut. More than 1,600 bills or resolutions have been introduced in the regular session of the legislature, which probably won’t end until the last Friday in May, when it must. Historically, not more than a fourth will become law. Muegge had introduced 10 bills when the regular session got under way. He doesn’t expect all of them to clear the governor’s desk when the session ends in May. But he hopes some of them will. His SB 41 would let anyone buy a special automobile license plate which would tell the world the buyer supports agriculture education. It would cost $25 and a regular license tag would be required, too. Muegge also has a bill that would boost from $9 to $50 a ton the fee for disposing of hazardous waste in approved dumps. He expects the industry to fight such an increase, but says Oklahoma’s charges are the lowest in the nation. So, he says we get a lot of such waste shipped in from other states. Still another Muegge bill would cut Oklahoma Worker Compensation Court from 10 judges to eight. Muegge says the state doesn’t have enough work load to justify 10 judges. The Kay County senator doesn’t think the state needs another bill to control pig-growing factories. He thinks that was done adequately last session. But he has a shell bill on the subject assigned to his committee — just in case there’s a need for one later. Newport has eight bills which have been sent to various House committees. He’d be pleased if all survive the committee process, but doubts they will. His HB 1059 would require schools to give pupils credit if they master courses in sign language. Newport notes most students are required to study a foreign language that few will ever use. “They’d be more likely to use a sign language,” he contends. Newport has three other bills affecting schools. One would allow schools to check juvenile delinquency records of their pupils. Another would let them teach character education in grades 1 through 6. A third bill would allow pupils to pledge good conduct. Still another Newport bill would allow county excise boards to veto funding requests of elected officials. Since excise board members are appointed, it will be surprising if this doesn’t raise someone’s hackles. Ferguson is author of 10 bills. One — HB 1638 — would have courts give sheriffs half the fines assessed for illegal dumping violations. He says since sheriffs must spend money on enforcement, it’s logical they should be rewarded. Still another Ferguson bill would require school districts to itemize in their budgets the amount of money they spend on athletic activities. Right now, most of the legislative action on bills will be in Senate or House committees. Floor action will be meager. On the Senate side, committee assignments are much the same as a year ago. Muegge chairs the Agriculture Committee and is vice-chairman of the Energy and Environment committee. He’s a member of the Finance and the Business and Labor committee and also the Finance committee. He was assigned to a new committee — Science and Technology. All senators are members of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. The sub-committee assignment of Muegge and also Harrison is Natural Resources. It matches Energy and Agriculture interests of folk in their districts. Before any bill introduced by a member can reach the floor for debate, it must be reviewed — they call it perfected — by an appropriate committee. Harrison’s other committee match last session. He chairs Sunset Review. That’s the committee that periodically reviews current value of an activity previously created by the legislature. Harrison also is a member of Muegge’s Agriculture committee, and of the Senate’s Transportation, Education and of the Economic Development committees. House members’ committee choices also reflect district interests. Newport was assigned to a coveted spot on the House Appropriations Committee. He’s also vice chairman of Corrections and, retains spots on the House Education and Energy-environment committee. He dropped last session’s seat on the House Transportation committee. Reese is starting his sixth 2-year term. He also is on the House Appropriations committee, and is a member of the House Education and Agriculture committee. Ferguson has been moved from last session’s fifth floor office of House minority leader to the third floor. Other Ponca-area Republicans — Newport and Reese — also office there. Ferguson, a state representative since 1985, retains his seats on the Appropriations, Rules, Agriculture, Transportation and Tourism committees. The new representative from the Ponca City-area is Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska. He replaced James Hager, who quit to make a race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Hager lost. Sweeden is assigned to the House committees on Agriculture, Education, Tourism and also Government Operations. First Americans Had Complex CivilizationsBy KENNIS WESSEL, Ph.D. Editor’s Note: The Ponca City Millennium Committee has stimulated a series of articles on the subject of “Life in the Year 999.” The articles are under the editorship of Dr. Kennis Wessel, Executive Director of the Poncan Theatre. They will appear monthly during the year 1999, anticipating the Second Millennium. This article is the second of the series. The First Americans were special people. In 999, they were amazingly diverse. Hundreds of languages were spoken in the “Americas.” Some people were aboriginal, and some had sophisticated cultures. Some lived on the Great Plains, often in small groups of 20 to 30 people. Some lived along the Mississippi in cities that rivaled the size of London in the same year. Other important civilizations were in the Southwest near the “four corners,” on the Northwest Pacific Coast, in the middle part of the continent in modern Ohio, and elsewhere. All across the Americas, the year 999 was pre-history. Since there was little writing in the Americas of 999, most of what we know is from archaeology. The extraordinary Olmec civilization of Central America had reached its peak and died some 900 years earlier. Teotihuacan, “The Place of the Gods” by name, had been one of the largest cities in the ancient world. But it, too, had died. The great civilizations of the Aztecs and the Incas were still in the future. Stone-Age Man in 20th Century At the beginning of our century, an amazing event happened. In 1911, a man came out of the high chaparral in California, hungry, exhausted, defeated. He was alone, more alone than you and I can imagine. His family, his friends, and all his people were dead. He was the last member of an aboriginal tribe. He was the only person on earth who spoke his language as a native. He lived as his people had lived for thousands of years. A famous linguist, Edward Sapir, was brought in to communicate with him. Sapir knew hundreds of Indian dialects, but it was very difficult to find the one this man spoke. Finally, Sapir hit upon an ancient word for “wood” and the man smiled. More words followed. The two men communicated with the ancient language of the Yahi. They exchanged much information. But there was one word in the man’s language that he would never say: his own name. The Yahi culture permitted other people to say his name, but he could not. Since Yahi was not a written language, Edward Sapir had no way to learn the name of this man from the chaparral. Sapir called him by the Yahi word “Ishi.” In Yahi, it meant “man.” Ishi was the man whose name was unspoken. By culture, Ishi could easily have lived in the year 999, or even much earlier. He was literally a man of the Stone Age. But Ishi was eager to teach his new 20th century friends. He knew hundreds of different plants. He knew the best uses for each. One plant gave superb fiber and was best to make clothing or cords. Another plant had medicinal value. Some were good for food. Ishi made his own wooden tools, and he knew which trees were best for each tool. He chose the juniper to make a bow. The hazel was best for arrows. He could make a perfect razor-sharp arrow tip in minutes, by chipping pieces of obsidian that he quarried from the mountain slopes. He knew how to make harpoons of bone. He had an uncanny ability to call wild animals. The man whose name was unspoken was a hunter. Developing Cultures in 999 Like Ishi in 1900, many people were still hunters in 999. But most were turning toward agriculture or toward a combination of hunting and agriculture. Historically, when people have turned to agriculture, civilization has usually expanded. Hunting is a nomadic life, but agriculture makes it possible to settle down and build more protected shelters. Crops were a more reliable provider than the hunt. And food could be stored for the winter months. With reliable food, more people survived. Families became just a bit larger. Even a small population growth, like one extra child between four or five families, was significant in just a few generations. In two hundred years, a population can double or triple in size. Cities are possible when people turn to agriculture. In 999, roads connected many different cultures across America. The Mound Builders of Ohio had built roads for hundreds of years. The Anasazi in the arid Southwest built interconnecting roads, most leading to and from Pueblo Bonito, a beautiful city. Trade routes brought many regional products across the Americas to be bartered and sold between peoples. Trade was extensive. We know that because in Oklahoma we sometimes find arrowheads made of stone that could only come from Pennsylvania. In Georgia, archeologists have found elk bone tools that had to have been transported from Wyoming. Many of these cultures were influenced by the art and religion of Mesoamerica, the area we now call Mexico, probably because of traders. Trade routes covered thousands of miles. Cultures of the Southwest Ishi was a real man who survived into the 20th century. But if he were alive in 999, we might ask him to guide us across Native America. If Ishi could guide us, he might take us first to the desert Southwest. As we pass through Arizona, we see a Hohokam settlement at Snaketown. Young men are playing ball in a large sports arena. In 999, it’s not new. In fact, it has been used for centuries. The surface of the field is dug out of the earth, with goals clearly marked out and a seating area for spectators. Farther along, some women are making beautiful decorated utensils. The Hokokam people understand etching. They etch artful designs in surfaces like shells and bone, hundreds of years ahead of European etching. But on the day Ishi passes through, most of the Hokokam people are busy tending their complex irrigation ditches, bringing water to crops in the desert. They even understand evaporation and design the ditches to minimize the loss of water. Moving on to New Mexico, Ishi takes us to Pueblo Bonito, the beautiful city. Approaching from the mountains behind the city, we see a formidable wall of slick masonry shooting straight up from the floor of the canyon, keeping intruders out. It may have been four or five stories high. The whole city is semi-circular. If you could look straight down from an eagle’s-eye view, the city would appear like a half moon. The rounded part is the tall wall. But as Ishi walks around to the front, he finds another, shorter wall, this one straight, that makes Pueblo Bonito a completely enclosed city. The Anasazi are extremely proud of their city. In 999 it is very new, begun within the memory of a few Anasazi elders. It marks a major advance in their culture. There are more than 600 rooms for families, and the city houses more than 1,000 people. The door is opened for Ishi, and he enters the beautiful city. As Ishi passes the gates, he sees two huge underground kivas where the shamans conduct rituals. Some kivas have elaborate wall murals with symbols of powerful religious themes. They demonstrate a complex and vivid ceremonial life. Above on the city courtyard, Ishi sees a group of women carrying beautiful black-on-white pottery, all balanced on their heads. Inside the pots are cornmeal and beans grown by the local farmers. The women also have incredible woven baskets and finely woven cloth sacks made of yucca. Some contain beautiful beads for trading. The city is a series of tiered lodges, all following the semi-circular plan. Some men are descending by a ladder into their rooms. There are a few doors and many windows overlooking the huge courtyard of Pueblo Bonito, but the usual entrance to a room is through the roof. Cultures of the Plains Soon Ishi has us on the road again, this time across the Great Plains. In Oklahoma, we find a dwelling that is common across the Plains. Here, by the Arkansas River in Kay County, Uncas Indian families live in semi-permanent homes, plant their crops, and raise their children. Like many Plains Indian dwellings, the floor of this home is dug a couple of feet into the land, with posts holding up a thatched roof. A fireplace in the center provides warmth and is used for cooking. At one corner is a working area where animal skins are cleaned and prepared for use.A skin might become a blanket to protect against the cold or a disguise for hunting. The sleeping arrangements put the marital couple together, with male children on one side and female children on the other. In the year 999, Indians of the Great Plains are still experimenting to improve maize. The new seed is more resistant to frosts and it matures much more quickly than earlier varieties. Indians have already developed hardier kinds of beans than had ever been seen before. For some 2000 years, Indians have known how to develop an improved strain of corn. The inventive men and women of the Plains essentially developed the bean that we know today as the Great Northern. Here in Kay County, we see men returning from the hunt. They have killed a deer, and they go through a religious ritual before they prepare to eat it. One disappears into his hut and returns with some eagle feathers. He places them on the deer and prays to it, giving thanks that the animal has yielded himself to them as food. He also asks the spirit of the animal for forgiveness. In some cultures, the hunter gives the food to his family and friends but will not eat of the animal he has killed. It is a sign of respect to the spirit of the animal. Some people pray to the invisible Hunt Master who guides hunters to the animal, and who will do so again if they are respectful. The Oklahomans are very respectful, because meat is not easy to come by. Some Indians follow buffalo migrations. But buffalo are difficult to hunt, because Indians have no horses. The only indigenous horses have been gone for 10,000 years, and the Indians will have to hunt bison on foot until after the Spanish re-introduce horses in the 1700s. In Oklahoma in 999, buffalo hunters usually either sneak into a herd wearing animal skins for disguise or they run the animals into an arroyo. In other areas, such as the rugged Texas panhandle, hunters stampede herds over a cliff to kill them. Such a trick was used for thousands of years, and it continued for hundreds more. Mississippian Cultures Ishi wants to push off. He wants to see the greatest city on the continent. Continuing east, he travels for three weeks before arriving at the Mississippi River. Across on the eastern bank Ishi can see a group of young men working on the high top of the tallest building in North America. In the year 999, a young Indian man is laboring with his friends, slowly moving thousands of pounds of rock and dirt in baskets to make a series of giant mounds. These mounds have flat tops and a series of tiers rising from the land below. On top of each mound is a huge building. One is the seat of governmental and religious authority. Smaller buildings are on each tier, denoting levels of hierarchy in the social structure. In 999, the young laborers are part of an ongoing tradition. Their fathers have been working on the city for a hundred years, and their children will be building it for 200 more. At its peak, the city may be the center of activity for as many as 40,000 people, with more than 10,000 in the city itself. This city, on land we now know as East St. Louis, is Cahokia. The Mississippian culture at Cahokia is highly structured, with a distinct aristocracy and peasant class. The highest class citizens adorn themselves with ornate headdresses. Their clothes often have thousands of shells for beauty. But the classes intermarry. The highest members of society are expected to marry lower class citizens, and the rules of inheritance and inherited power are very complex. Ishi arrives at Cahokia before the burial of a great leader, a man who may have even been worshiped by the Mississippians. He is buried in a robe with more than 12,000 beads forming the image of a giant bird. Nearby, six men and 53 women were sent to death with him in some great ritual. Probably they were servants and retainers, sent to tend him in the afterlife. There are signs that the Mississippians at Cahokia were unified under some single, powerful leader. Perhaps this man was that leader. The Mississippian culture extends inland, too. In Oklahoma, the famous Spiro mounds hold thousands of artifacts from this great culture. No one knows why the Mississippian culture collapsed. One possible explanation is disease. A major problem of new, large cities is the challenge of sanitation, and disease follows sanitation problems. Or perhaps the agriculture wasn’t adequate to support such a large population. When Cahokia collapsed, one of the great cities of North America disappeared forever. The man Ishi didn’t actually live in the year 999. He lived in the time of Einstein, the Titanic, and electric lights. But his culture was ancient. It was enduring, primeval, elemental. The culture was alive and well in 999, as it had been for a thousand years before. Ishi taught us about our ancestors and our heritage as humans. Through him and through the resources of archaeology, we gain a window to an amazing people, the First Americans. A millennium ago on this continent, they lived in diverse, highly complex cultures. ———— In following articles, we will look at daily life in the year 999. There will be one article per month. They will touch on such subjects as Family Structure, Clothing, Religion, Labor, Arts and Entertainment, and others. Next month, we will look at Cooking and Foods in 999. Copyright 1999 by Kennis Wessel Library Plans Valentine Drawings To Attract Card Holders, MembersThe Friends of the Ponca City Library will be sponsoring a special “Valentine” prize drawing Feb. 10-28, at the Ponca City Library. For each new Library Card with the check out of two items, or each new Friends of the Library membership received by Feb. 28, the patron’s name will be submitted for a drawing for the following prizes, first place, $25 gift certificate to Amarillo Grill; second lace, choice of $10 gift certificate to Amarillo Grill or Kids Kastle. Each eligible entry will receive a treat of a “Kiss” or a “Hug” via Hershey of course). The drawing will be held March 1 and you need not be present to win. To obtain a Library Card one must have proof of current address, which can be a driver’s license or recent mail received at current address. Children must be old enough to sign their name. Friends of the Library membership cards can be obtained at any service desk location in the Library. Membership fees are $1 for students, $5 for adults, $10 family, $25 per organization or patron. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (September through May). For more information on how to obtain a Library Card or Friends membership contact the Ponca City Library at 767-0345. Students To Perform Shakespeare ClassicSixty high school students auditioned for roles in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” set for Feb. 18 and 19. The lead roles will be played by Kevin Goldman as Romeo and Skye Howrey as Juliet. Ginger DuVal and Carolyn Betty are co-directors of the play. DuVal said, “We have been rehearsing since the beginning of this semester. We are so excited to be working with such talented young actors. This two act version beautifully recreates the classic love story using original Shakespeare language.” Berry further stated, “Students read the play in Freshman English class. Now they will be able to see it enacted on stage. We are very grateful to principal Jerry Winkle for his encouragement to present this great classic.” Other cast members are Shawna Roland, Narrator; Alex Kirby, Friar Laurence; James Cullin, Escalus, the Prince; Caleb Allison, Paris; April Wilham, Nurse; Ray Lahann, Mertcutio; Rustin Storie, Benvolio; Chase Kelly, Belthasar; and Johnathan Shea as Tybalt. Others are Paul Thomas as Capulet; Paula Hart, Lady Capulet; Kenny Crank, Montague; Robin Maril, Lady Montague; Nathan Keller, Friar John; Brandon Gurley, Servant; Adam Lake, Watchman I; Michael Proctor, Watchman II; Amar Bhakta at Watchman III; and Kelsey Griffith, Anna Stalcup, Morgan Mongold and Ashley Root at Gentlewomen of Verona. Original music for the production was written and will be performed by Jeremy Stillwell, 1998 Po-Hi graduate. Katie Salmons, Po-Hi senior, will accompany him on the flute. Period costumes are being provided by Oklahoma State University Department of Theatre. Students in the production are in grades 9-12. On Thursday, Feb. 18, Mid-High students will be bused to the Howell Auditorium for a performance. Friday morning, Po-Hi students will have an opportunity to see the show. A performance will be open to the community of Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the evening performance will be $3, available at the door. District CourtNewkirk Marriage Licenses Clayton Hall Murphree, 23, and Paula R. Prochaska, 27, both of Winfield. Jason Lee Nichols, 27, and Ginger Janae Bufford, 20, both of Blackwell. Kirk Alan Cross, 38, and Ethelene Morris, 37, both of Ponca City. Kevin Jim Murphy, legal age, and Lu Ann Murphy, legal age, both of Ponca City. Roger Daryn Butler, 20, and Kari Diane Harman, 21, both of Blackwell. Pete Glen Buffalohead, 29, and Jenny Eva Rush, 39, both of Ponca City. Donald Vance Key Jr., 37, and Krystal Lynn Carlson, 47, both of Winfield. Jose Torres Villanueva, 21, and Brandi Deann Montgomery, 19, both of Ponca City. Robert Lloyd Burris, 21, and Andrea Nichole Padgett, 18, both of Ponca City. Thomas Keith Tudor, 42, and Regenna Marie Roop, 43, both of Ponca City. Mark Allen Gatz, 22, Blackwell, and Crystal Lea Wright, 21, Tonkawa. Divorces Granted Andrea Lynn Jann vs. Dale Lindsey Jann; plaintiff restored to former name Andrea Thompson. Angella Jean Edgar vs. William Dale Edgar; plaintiff restored to former name Angella Jean Perry. Civil Petitions MBNA America N.A. — Probate Department vs. Sherry Tindel; plaintiff seeking judgment for $11,462.05. Chrysler Financial Corp. vs. Michelle R. Murphy; plaintiff seeking judgment for $6,801.39. Maynard Hinman vs. Wadie Bernell Looney, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000. Blackwell Divorces Sought Timothy J. Walton Sr. vs. Edith A. Walton. Brenda S. Moore vs. Billy Moore. Angel Marie Smithson vs. Brian Keith Smithson. Divorces Granted Emily Joyce Bovard vs. Winifred Glen Bovard Jr. Elsa Blair vs. Franklin Lloyd Blair; plaintiff restored to former name Elsa Venida. Teddy R. Rowe vs. Sally J. Rowe; defendant restored to former name Sally J. Lichlyter. Civil Petitions Creditors Recovery Corp. vs. Barry Joe Rhea; plaintiff seeking judgment for $5,586.35. Creditors Recovery Corp. vs. Virgil McBride Sr. and Barbara McBride; plaintiff seeking judgment for $3,405. J.B. Oilfield Services, L.L.C., vs. R.D. Bruner; plaintiff seeking judgment for $2,802.11. Local Poet’s Work To Be FeaturedPoems from Midwestern to inspirational will be read Feb. 20 when the Northern Oklahoma Wordsmith’s host a Victorian Tea and Poetry Reading. Local poet Janice Boies has been published in the romantic anthology, “The Dancing Rose.” The book, published by Full Moon Press is a combination of work by many new author’s and classic poet’s such as Percy Shelly and Robert Louis Stevenson. There will be a reading of a variety of poetry with several themes, including Midwestern and inspirational. Tea and refreshments will be served at the downstairs conference room at the Ponca City Library on Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-noon. Books will be available for purchase and the author will be there to sign immediately after the reading. Daffodils May Be Ordered To Help Combat CancerDaffodil Sunday has been set for Feb. 21 in Kay County, and the Kay County Unit of the American Cancer Society is currently taking orders for the bright yellow blooms through Feb. 13. “We are encouraging churches to order the cheerful yellow blooms for their altars; businesses might like to order the daffodils for customers; and families may want to order flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one who has had or currently is fighting cancer,” says project chairman, Debbie Weatherly. Daffodils are known as the “First Flower of Spring” and the “Flower of Hope.” “We believe they make the best flower to represent the American Cancer Society, because hope is the key in fighting cancer and surviving — and spring is a time of renewal,” says Weatherly. ACS volunteers will be bringing the beautiful blooms to residents of Kay County on as a major fund raising effort to kick off the annual crusade against cancer. Donations collected from the sale of the bright spring blooms will be used for cancer research, education and service programs both locally and nation-wide. Local programs include tobacco education programs for youth, as well as nutrition, breast care awareness, and skin care education. Patient services and free materials to physicians and individuals are also included in the local services. The daffodil orders will arrive in Ponca City Feb. 18. Buyers may order by the bunch or by the box. One bunch of 10 daffodils is $5 and a box (50 bunches) will be $250. Orders must be place by Feb. 13, by calling Debbie at 765-9913 or Brad Parker by 762-6614. The blooms may also be purchased Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19-20 at Wal-Mart in Ponca City. Board Field Candidates Questions on IssuesBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Campaigning for two Ponca City Board of Education seats will cease Tuesday when Ponca City residents go to the polls to choose their favorite candidates. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In the board race, incumbent Andrea Morriss will face Don Nuzum for Office 1, while incumbent Marvin Clark and Donna Larrison vie for Office 5. The News asked the four board candidates questions concerning the school board, the future of Ponca City Schools, and their thoughts and feelings on block scheduling and School-to-Work. Question: What do you expect to accomplish if elected to the school board? Andrea Morriss — After two terms on the school board, I am still optimistic about our schools, our continued progress towards excellence, and my ability to make a difference, but my expectations are more realistic. I know that one board member alone cannot make significant positive changes. One of the primary functions of the school board is policy development, broad guidelines that are put into day-to-day practice through administrative procedures. As part of the board, I will continue to set and maintain policies that best use our human and financial resources. I will also work to clearly focus on policy and leave the implementation to those hired to carry it out. I will continue to add to the climate of trust and openness that encourages more genuine communication both within the school system and among the schools, home and community. I will help oversee our progress toward safe, comfortable and welcoming schools. I will endeavor to maintain high standards and high expectations for all students, all school personnel and all board members. Don Nuzum — I can offer a fresh viewpoint when considering the options and tools used to educate our youth. It appears that the focus on athletics and arts had diminished over the last few years. I propose that we reevaluate these programs and take the course of action necessary to position Ponca City schools as a leader in these areas. I also think it would be beneficial to televise the school board meetings much like the City Commission meetings to make the information discussed accessible to everyone. Marvin Clark — Our community has generously voted to pay additional taxes to give the school board the money to build new buildings and repair the old ones. This process must continue till we have safe, clean and cheerful schols for all our children. There is more work to be done in this area before we have all schools ready for the 21st century. We can be much closer to this goal by voting for the bond issue next Tuesday. The school board needs to remain focused on the core issues of teaching, learning and providing the resources needed to allow all children to reach their intellectual and personal growth potential. To do this we must recruit and retain quality staff. We must support our faculty by providing the staff development needed for them to stay up to date within their profession. The Ponca City Public Schools must become the place where new teachers want to find a job and parents want their children to attend school. Donna Larrison — As a parent of two children in the Ponca City Public Schools, I am dedicated to providing quality education for all students. Two of my main objectives are to return accelerated classes to the secondary curriculum and to restore higher graduation requirements, both of which my opponent recently voted against. I want to restore the outstanding fine arts and athletic programs which have been a tradition in the Ponca City School System. Question: What areas do you see room for improvement? Morriss — A team effort is necessary to give each student the opportunity for a world-class education. The board needs to strive towar working as a team, to use our diversity as a strength. Both our Fine Arts and Athletics programs could use school/community collaborative planning to develop strong K-12 programs. To prepare our students for an ever-changing world, the 3 R’s, reading, writing and arithmetic, must be augmented with the 3 C’s — computing, critical thinking and capacity for change. As a district, we still need to work toward providing each teacher with resources and support necessary to meet the needs of all students. To narrow the gap between perception and reality, we need greater communication within the district and with parents and the community. We also need to connect learning and teaching with life outside of school. We need to use a variety of assessment tools to get a more authentic picture of student achievement. We need to empower students to take an active role in their own learning. Nuzum — We need to have better communication and working relationships within the school board “family.” Parents need to be encouraged to attend the meetings and voice their opinions and make their concerns known. It appears that a great number of people wait until after a policy has been implemented, then decide to voice their objections. It would be far more advantageous if those people would get involved in the decision-making up front and be part of the solution. Proactive strides are far more productive than reactive. Clark — There have been great improvements to the district curriculum plan under the direction of Dr. Scroggins over the last two years. The plan is not yet complete and many long hours are being spent to pull this together. Once this is completed we will have a basic plan that will allow all of our staff to work towards a common goal. This plan will be reevaluated continually to make sure that it meets the needs of our community. Last year the school board directed that there be an emphasis placed on literacy. Our staff has eagerly responded to this from the neighborhood elementary schools to the high school. All teachers are working towards improving literacy even in classes where you wouldn’t expect to see students reading. Many teachers and administrators have participated in training available through the state. We have made great progress toward the literacy goals. Literacy for all students is an ongoing goal that must be continued and supported. The technology plan must be implemented as laid out or even moved up. Ponca City had failed to keep up in the area of technology for many years. The school board and administration have been trying to get us up to where we need to be in this area. We still have a long way to go before we have the technology needed to give our students a 21st century education. Passing the bond issue on Tuesday will provide much of what we need to meet our technology goal. Our Gifted Program also needs to be expanded to provide challenges for our students that are working above their grade level. We need to recruit several teachers that are certified in Gifted and Talented curriculum. In addition to teaching gifted classes they can help other classroom teachers develop activities for the gifted children in their classes. Larrison — As Po-Hi PTSA president, I have learned that it is crucial to involve parents as participants in the decision-making processes that impact their children’s education. For parents to participate, communication is vital. Both participation and communication at the high school need improvement. Further expansion of the literacy programs and improvements in classroom discipline throughout the district are needed. I look forward to working with the teachers on these improvements. Question 3: What solutions would you offer to help with the high dropout rate? Morriss — We must stop planning for yesterday. The schools of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s or even the ’80s are not meeting the needs of today’s students. The solutions to lowering the dropout rate are as complex as the reasons individual students choose to abandon our schools. We need to attack this problem with both preventive efforts and intervention efforts. The alternative high school is one of our current intervention efforts. Comprehension exit-interviews with students who dropout would help establish the causes. Part of the prevention efforts must include the students’ perception that their education is important to themselves, to the school and to the community. We need to commit to our focus on literacy. Insuring students are successful in the early grades is essential. We need to continually tear down the barriers to success. We need to ease the transitions from school to school and from grade to grade. Students need support from the community with more mentors, tutors and student advocates. Students also need help with setting goals, with planning their future, with assistance in accomplishing their dreams. Making sure that what is taught and the way it is taught makes sense outside of school is also part of the solution. Strong co-curricular programs help to keep students in school. For example, we could provide tutors for athletes who are ineligible to play due to failing grades, so that those students who find success on the playing field, could find success in academics also. Nuzum — Obviously, we need to study the reasons why students are dropping out and find ways to keep kids motivated to stay in school. Strong disciplinary action needs to be implemented for both the student and the parents. We need to develop to meet the needs of all students without hindering the educational opportunities of the majority. Clark — This is a community issue as much as it is a school issue. The schools can’t solve all of the problems in our community that contribute to the dropout rate. To effectively address this problem we must all work together as a community of students, parents and concerned citizens. I am currently working on the Youth Summit Dropout Committee that is looking at providing mentors for fourth grade students. A primary key to preventing dropouts is early identification of “at risk” students. These students can usually be identified as early as third grade. There are a number of alternative programs that have been developed in the last few years that are serving many of the students that would probably have dropped out. These include the Alternative School at the Lincoln Center, the Teen Pep program at First Baptist, and classes offered in cooperation with Pioneer Technology Center. It is hoped that the four-year-old program will give students a good start as they move into kindergarten. If we can get students off to a good start we should see a reduced dropout rate in 10 to 12 years. Larrison — A back-to-basics focus is essential to achieving solid skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Without these skills the dropout rate will continue to increase. Financial support of teacher-initiated literacy programs should be encouraged. Strengthening the current cooperation between the police department, District Attorney’s office, and the school district administration should reduce truancy. In addition, continued support of the established alternative programs such as the teen mother’s program, the Alternative School, and the SHARE program is necessary. To further curb the dropout rate, I support the community partnerships such as the Westside Project and the Ponca City Youth Summit Taskforce committees. Question: What are your feelings on block scheduling and School-to-Work? Morriss — Considering our high dropout rate, it is the school district’s responsibility to be open to investigating opportunities for students to become active and interactive learners, and ways to connect learning with life-after-high-school. Block scheduling and School-to-Work are two highly emotionally-charged topics in school reform. Factions are polarized on both sides of the debate. The school board cannot please everyone, but we must aim to improve learning for all students. Since well over half our graduates enter the workforce within a year of graduation, more career awareness, planning and exploring seems like a responsible option to provide to our students. In a split vote, the school board vetoed the local School-to-Work partnership that includes almost all the other public schools in Kay County, Northern Oklahoma College and Pioneer Technology Center. The board also refused the $151,871 in federal monies that accompanied that effort. We are currently providing some career awareness activities. I think we need more opportunities to connect what happens in school with what happens in real life. Nuzum — With the information I have received and reviewed, I feel that in some situations block scheduling and School-to-Work may be beneficial. I do not believe it is the best solution for Ponca City schools at this time. If this is the course we decide to take, we need to gradually initiate the changes over a period of time and not plunge in head first. Some students may benefit from these programs, yet some will suffer if we implement them. There is no “right way” or “wrong way” — each parent, teacher and administrator needs to swallow his pride, open up his mind and look at all the options available and make decisions that will be in the best interests of all students, not just a select few. Clark — Block scheduling is a major issue in this race even though it is not currently under consideration. The high school Building Level Team (BLT) asked the principal to prepare a sample four-year-plan for a student under a flexible schedule. The team wanted to see how such as program would impact a student. The model plan was built showing a student that was involved in vocal music and athletics. No proposal, plan or scheme has ever been recommended by the BLT. School-to-Work or School-to-Career as it is known in Ponca City is not a new idea. There have been such programs in our schools for many years. I believe that the primary concern regarding School-to-Work is that students will be placed in vocational classes based on their test scores. If that were the case I would be a very vocal opponent of STW. Students are tested to determine their interests and to provide them feedback on career areas where they might want to do further research. What classes a student chooses to take is up to them and their parents. No one should ever be forced into a vocational program. Larrison — I support career awareness activities such as career fairs and Partners in Education (PIE). I believe in voluntary programs at the local level. Ponca City should not accept federal funds which are primarily for administrative costs and which involve federal mandates which could become unfunded mandates in years to come. Block scheduling is a tool to allow School-to-Work to function effectively. Under block scheduling, minimum competencies may be achieved but knowledge base is reduced because of lost instructional time. I believe in involving more parents in the planning stages of a schedule designed by our community for our community. Phase III on Ballots For PC SchoolsBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Ponca Citians will have an opportunity to vote on Phase III of the Ponca City Public Schools Bond Issue when they go to the polls Tuesday. The proposal would approve a $9.95 million school bond issue for Ponca City residents to invest in educational facilities and programs for students. This $9.95 million proposal is Phase III of the long-range plan to achieving excellence in Ponca City schools. The school says that by phasing in these new bond issues gradually as old bond issues are paid off, costs to the taxpayer are lower, and there is no steep increase in ad valorem taxes. If passed Tuesday the mill levies would go from 16.4 to 20 mills. That means about a $20 per year increase in property taxes on a $60,000 home. During the year 2000-2003 the mills would then go up from 20 to 22 mills (an increase of $.03 more cents per day). Board members have decided to move the ninth graders to the high school next year and to keep the eighth grade at the East facility and the seventh graders (plus sixth grades from Garfield and Lincoln) at the West facility. Construction will also start this winter at the Anderson Building, which will house the ninth graders. It is also anticipated that the entire sixth grade class will move to the West facility after renovations are complete. In 1999 a total of $2.5 million would be spent on renovating the Mid-High. Construction includes modernizing the electrical systems, modeling and relocating the Media Center, upgrade the cafeteria, renovating plumbing and restrooms, moving and upgrading the computer labs, adding an elevator and remodeling the gym with addition of HVAC units. A total of $1.5 million would be spent on renovating the Middle School. Plans are to construct a new Media Center, expand the dining and kitchen facilities and modernizing the electrical systems. Another $500,000 would be spent on renovation of the old gymnasiums and adding lockers for the Anderson and Howell Buildings at Po-Hi. Another $2.8 million would also be spent on technology leases until 2002. The year 2000 would see another $1.5 million on renovations at the Middle School to construct new classrooms for all sixth graders. $350,000 would also be spent on purchasing three 65-student passenger buses, purchasing one activity bus and purchasing one special education bus. In 2001 a total of $800,000 would be spent on renovating Washington Elementary. Construction would include window and door replacement, electrical upgrade, restroom renovation, heating and air conditioning of the gym, carpeting corridors, adding a sprinkler system for the basement area and upgrading the fire alarm system. Phase IV in 2003 will include the renovations of Roosevelt, Garfield and Union Schools. A $3 million technology lease will also be a part of that bond issue. Superintendent Dr. Bill White told The News that Phase III is critical to continuing the progress residents started in 1995. “We need everyone to vote for continuing the progress towards excellence. What we’ve accomplished in Phase I and II is a good indication of how we are striving to meet the needs of all students. The investments in technology will also help with the kind of education the students receive.” Richard Dale, principal of Ponca City Mid-High, said the bulk of the money will be used to upgrade the electrical and plumbing work. He commented that two or three times this year sewage has come into the basement where the boiler room is located. “The electrical work at the Mid-High is very old. We can’t put five or six computers in a room because the outlets are scarce. If the bond is passed we will wire all the classrooms with computers and the students will have Internet access.” He also said plans are to remodel the existing cafeteria facilities. “Plans are to decrease the kitchen area because all the meals will be fixed at the Middle School and bused over. We currently have four overlapping lunch periods where over 200 students are constantly in the cafeteria. This bond money would generate enough money to expand the dining facilities and have two lunch periods. “The Mid-High is a very old building and no major repairs have been made. If the electrical and plumbing work is not fixed, the building would have to be closed for safety reasons,” Dale commented. Also on the ballot Tuesday will be the annual local, emergency and building fund levies. The mills are currently at 10.22 for local, 5.11 for emergency and 5.11 for building. The bond issue must be passed by a 60 percent majority. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pioneer Tech Asking for Building Millage To Expand Facilities, Offer New ProgramsBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor When area residents will go to the polls Tuesday for the annual school elections on the ballot will be two building mills to expand and offer new programs at Pioneer Technology Center. This one-year-vote would generate about $415,000. Cost of the mills would mean about $.30 more per month in property taxes for a $25,000 home. The money would not be generated to PTC until the year 2000. In 1990, residents passed a $5.5 million bond issue to remodel PTC. That bond will be paid off in May of 2000. Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent, said, “Technical schools in Oklahoma are allowed to ask voters to approve annually as much as five mills in the building fund levy. However, this is the first time Pioneer Tech has asked for building mills.” Pioneer Tech is looking to add two new health programs (Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy) and housing a new Math and Science School. The new health programs will be called a 1+1 program, which means awarding an associate degree in physical therapy and occupational therapy. Students would attend PTC for one year and then attend Northern Oklahoma College for another year. The program would be a collaborative effort between the two schools. Enrollment numbers continue to climb at PTC leaving little room for growth. Numbers have shown that enrollment has more than doubled over the last five years and a tremendous demand is being made for students in the health fields. A new Math and Science School at PTC could also mean more growth to the already crowded facility. Accelerated Kay County students would be able to attend the school without having to move to Oklahoma City. Downey also added, “I would like to stress to the voters two very important points concerning this election. The first one is that the millage election is for one year only and no bonded indebtedness will be incurred. The second point is that the cost of this election to property owners that own a home valued at $60,000 will be approximately $.65 a month for one year only.”
The Ponca City News will help wrap up the 20th Century by publishing a pictorial history book of Ponca City. Tom Muchmore, publisher, has announced that The News will publish a library-quality, hard-bound collector’s edition featuring 128 pages of pictures and history of Ponca City. The book will be printed on acid free archival paper that will last for decades. Containing approximately 350 pictures, these volumes will be ready by fall of 1999. Muchmore said, “The trials, the character and the tradition of where we live and work will always be more important to us than any other place in the world. We hope that everyone will share in this rewarding experience in our own community.” The News is soliciting pictures from current and past residents of Ponca City. Photos may be mailed to The News or dropped by the office. Information accompanying the photos must include who, where, when and what is going on. Photo information forms will be available at The News office. Each photo should also have name, address and phone number of submitter so the photos can be returned after the book is published. It is not necessary to purchase a book to have a photograph published. A deluxe limited edition of the book will also be available. The limited edition will be a numbered copy with no more than 50 copies published. They will include authentication with a custom bookplate affixed to the inside cover and will be hand-numbered and signed by the author. Guided by the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, the limited edition will have a 100 percent leather cover. Copies of “A Pictorial History of Ponca City, Oklahoma,” may now be reserved. The standard version is $34.95 plus $2.80 tax per copy. Orders can be placed with a $10 down payment. The first 500 to order will receive a $10 discount, making the cost $24.95 plus $2 tax. The limited edition will be $75 plus $6 tax per copy. A sample copy of a similar publication is available for inspection at The News. EditorialVote Yes TuesdayAs the Ponca City Public Schools try to catch up with the physical and technical setups of other school systems our size, we should remember that we are also playing catch up with the funding levels of the other schools. Ponca City went through a long period when no bond issues were proposed even though our buildings were getting further and further out of date. During that time other schools systems passed bond issues and kept their tax rates fairly level but somewhat higher than we did. The School Board is wisely not trying to catch up all at once but rather they are gradually bringing Ponca City back to a level more nearly consistent with school districts our size. We don’t like taxes but we have public schools right now and they need to be funded properly to have a good and safe education available for our children. Our school buildings do need to be upgraded and brought up to reasonable standards. In particular the electrical systems are not capable of handling current technology much less that of the near future. Many of the buildings are not ADA compatible and the plumbing is old and worn out. Voting on taxes is never pleasant but the increases requested are reasonable and place our school district closer to the norm for 6A schools. There is a strong and well stated plan which clearly states how the funding will be used. It is time once again to approve the school bond issue as part of the move to bring our schools up to the standards we should demand. Study the candidates and vote for those you feel will do the best job, and don’t forget to approve this bond issue. TM LettersYes for ChildrenOur students will live their adult lives in the 21st Century. They need safe, well maintained schools and the best learning opportunities we can give them. Ponca City must continue the progress made the past four years. The three phases of the Capital Improvement Plan have been designed to rebuild many out-dated buildings, repair the plumbing and add electrical capacity so we could have the technology to educate our students for their future — not our past. The lease-purchase of $2.8 million in technology is only part of the equipment needed for all 12 schools. The lease-purchase arrangement allows our students to have the equipment now and holds down the cost to the taxpayer. John Carpenter’s letter pointed to the high school graduation rate of 70 percent, which is also the average for the state of Oklahoma. The good news is that with new programs, such as the alternative school with an enrollment of 134 students, we are on the verge of eliminating this problem. The current sophomore class, which will graduate in 2001, has an enrollment of 541. That is the largest enrollment in over 20 years. Our drop-out rate is decreasing, kids are staying in school, and the graduation rate will exceed 90 percent as the class of 2001 graduates. The Board of Education has designed the long range Capital Improvement Plan that goes well into the next century to fix every school. The plan will ensure that the basics are taught for all children. Yes, the property owners are asked to pay slightly higher school taxes, but by spreading out the sale of the bonds over four years, the tax on the average home in Ponca City will go up less than 9 cents per day. No one wants to pay taxes, but bond issues are the only method we have to remodel all of our schools. Your vote for school improvement is a step into a bright future for Ponca City students. Bill White Superintendent Ponca City Public Schools Vote Yes TuesdayHaving improved school facilities enhances local property value. When there is a modern school building in the neighborhood, houses are naturally more valuable in that area. Therefore, I encourage all Ponca City patrons to vote YES for the school bond issue on Feb. 9. Let us continue the excellence as we approve a $9.95 million proposal to provide much-needed technology in our schools and renovate the Mid-High and Middle School. An average of 9 cents a day is a small price to pay for better school facilities, so support our schools and our children with a YES vote on Feb. 9. Mark and Kimberlee Yeakley DEATHSLillard Houston Hurst Lillard Houston HurstLillard Houston “Hoot” Hurst, long time Ponca City resident, died Friday evening, Feb. 5, 1999 at the Tender Heart Nursing Home. He was 83. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 1999, at the Asbury United Methodist Church with the Rev. Steve Bredeson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Military graveside service will be presented by members of the U.S. Army, Fort Sill, Okla. Lillard Houston Hurst was born Oct. 18, 1915, at Wagoner, Okla., one of six children born to Isaac Denton and Winnie Belle (Walker) Hurst. The family moved to Blackwell in 1921. At the age of 12 he moved to Ponca City to work on the Big V Ranch. He was one of the last surviving of the original five cowboys on the ranch. He attended the Union School and graduated from there with honors. On July 19, 1941, he was married to Launa May Reaves in Newkirk, Okla. They made their first home in Hereford, Texas, moving to Ponca City that same year. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in the European Theater of Operations until receiving his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in 1945. Following his discharge he went to work for the City of Ponca City as a heavy equipment operator. He retired in 1972 due to ill health. Among his hobbies were bowling, hunting, traveling and leather work. He also enjoyed driving cars for several car dealers in Ponca City. Surviving are a brother, Isaac Hurst of Ponca City; a sister, Pauline Elizabeth Hanigar of Sand Springs, and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Launa Hurst; his parents, two brothers, Lee Hurst, buried in Cambridge, England, and J.B. Hurst; also one sister, Avis Griffin. The casket will not be opened following the service. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Lori Hodges, Pioneer Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74602. Casket bearers will be Larry Dye, Mike Carson, Dean Rheinhart, Lane Dye, John Ramey, and Bill Murphy. Honorary casket bearers will be Kirby Bricker, Dr. E.C. Yeary, Dr. Bob Gibson, Bob Banta, John Farris, Jim Crossland and Lloyd Howard. The family will be at the Larry Dye home, 8551 West Highland. Dale Wayne DavisDale Wayne Davis, long time Ponca City resident, died Friday evening, Feb. 5, 1999, at his son’s home. He was 54. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8, 1999, at the New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Doug Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Dale Wayne Davis was born Jan. 21, 1945, in Ponca City, Okla., the son of Arthur Lee Davis Sr. and Mary Margaret Pointer Davis. He received his education in Ponca City schools, and was united in marriage to Mickey Elva Lorene Thomas. The couple had three children, Dennis William, Sandra Gail and Deborah Lynn. Dale worked as a prison guard at Lansing State Penitentiary in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., from 1983 to 1987 before returning to Ponca City to work as a private law enforcement agent for Pinkerton Agency. Ill health forced his retirement in October 1997. He was a member of the New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church. His hobbies included spending time with his family, Bible study and fishing. He is survived by his son, Dennis William Davis of Ponca City; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Sandra Gai) Castleman of Vinegrove, Ky. and Mrs. Rickey (Deborah Lynn) Linck of Ponca City; three brothers, Arthur Lee Davis Jr. of Midwest City, Donald Davis of Phoenix, Ariz., and James Davis of Salem, Ore.; three sisters, Dorothy Crisp and Cathy Melnick, both of Phoenix, Ariz. and Mary Jones of Blackwell; also a special aunt, Pernina Weatherman in Newkirk; seven grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth Davis in October of 1998. Willard E. WoodardWillard E. “Woody” Woodard, Ponca City resident, died early Friday morning, Feb. 5, 1999, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 56. Arrangements for cremation are with Trout Funeral Home. The family will host a memorial service at a later date. Willard E. Woodard was born Oct. 26, 1942, in Rutland, Vt., the son of Clara Amanda Woodard and Willard Elmer Moffitt. He received training in furniture refinishing and upholstery and cabinet building. He and his wife, Shirley Ellen Herron of Brattle Boro, Vt., had been together since Dec. 31, 1972. In 1973 they came to Ponca City where they lived until returning to Vermont in 1988. They moved back to Ponca City in 1994 and Mr. Woodard was employed as a dairy farmer until retiring in August 1998. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed shade tree mechanics. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; two daughters, Ava Maria Woodard of Brattle Boro, Vt., and Cornelia Woodard of Ponca City; a son, Willard Woodard, Jr. of Rutland, Vt.; stepdaughter, Lesia Zornes of Chickasha; a grandson, and several aunts and uncles. His parents preceded him in death. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. Wesley WildaWesley Wilda, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 82. The funeral will be held Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1999, at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Other arrangements are pending and will be announced later. Local survivors include his wife, Johnnie of the home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. ObituariesKatherine TheobaldKatherine L. “Katy” Theobald, lifelong Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, 4:57 a.m., at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 71. The funeral service will be Monday, 1 p.m. at the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ with Mr. Don Huddleston officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Born Feb. 14, 1927, at Ponca City, she was the daughter of Louis and Mary Rouse Martin. She attended schools at Ponca City and graduated from Po-Hi in 1944. From 1970 until 1990 she was employed as a bookkeeper for Lindsay Manufacturing. Katy was a member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ. She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, and both playing and watching golf. On April 2, 1947, she married Joseph Larkin Theobald. Joe preceded her in death on July 18, 1996. She is survived by a son, Joe A. Theobald and his wife, Hollye, Ponca City; two daughters, Julie K. Stagner, and her husband Laile, Ponca City, and Janie A. Helling and her husband Steven, Colleyville, Texas; seven grandchildren, Hallie Theobald Tyer, Sally Gann, Cory Gann, Ryan Helling, Brent Helling, Whit Theobald, and Patton Theobald; and one great-grandchild, Kaleb Gann. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Casketbearers will be Cory Gann, Ryan Helling, Brent Helling, Whit Theobald, Robert Tyer, and Larry Murphy. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetic Association, 6465 S. Yale, Suite 423, Tulsa, OK 74136 or to the Opportunity Center for Retarded Children, 2225 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family will be at the home of Joe A. Theobald Jr., 2309 Woodthrush. paid obituary Julia Chloe RhoadsJulia Chloe Rhoads, formerly of White Eagle, died Thursday morning, February 4, 1999 at the Parkview Hospital, El Reno, Oklahoma. She was 67. Services will be held following the Traditional Noon Feast at the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Roughface officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Julia Chloe Rhoads, a full blood Ponca tribal member, was the daughter of the late Francis Eagle and Alice McDonald Eagle. She was the great-granddaughter of White Eagle, Hereditary Chief of the Poncas. She was also the great-granddaughter of Roughface, a Ponca Chief and granddaughter of Louis McDonald, who was a member of the elite “Da-Wanoshes” — a Ponca Buffalo Police society. Chloe was married to Arleigh R. Rhoads, a full blood Cheyenne tribal member. They were married 47 years as of Jan. 20, 1999. She was educated at the Fort Sill Indian School, a graduate of Chilocco Indian School, a graduate of Northern Oklahoma College, Ponca City School of Business Administration, and St. Gregory’s Junior College. Her work career included legal stenographer for a private law firm in Oklahoma City, secretary to the superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Pawnee Indian School. She was a stenographer for the State Department of Child Welfare, an appointment clerk for the Social Security Administration, secretary for the United States Indian Health Service Area Office, Branch Chief of Health Education. She worked as a clerk-typist, bookkeeper for the United States Department of Agriculture; Agriculture Conservation Service. She was the executive secretary of Atkinson Industries; executive secretary for the vice president of Allen Construction Inc.; Indian Community coordinator Title-IV-A, Shawnee Public Schools. She served two terms as treasurer for the Ponca Tribal Business Committee. She was also secretary for Indian Action Board of Directors, Shawnee, Okla. She was a volunteer worker for the Elderly Nutritional Program of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. She was also a volunteer coordinator for the Chilocco Indian School Journal. Later in life she became a columnist for The Ponca City News and Clinton Daily News. She became involved in the development of each of these curriculum guide books, Native American Curriculum, 1975-1976; Native American Community Involvement; Oklahoma Indian People, Images of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Some of her noted accomplishments include: 1949 Ponca Princess, 1950 45th Infantry Division Lifetime Princess, 1982 Outstanding Administrator of the Year for the National Indian Education Association, New Orleans, L. She was a member of the Hall of Fame National Chilocco Alumni Association. Honor Award-the-Eagle Feather Pin for the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women. Her last award, which brought great pride to the Ponca tribe, was the 1998 Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women “Woman of the Year Award.” Her organizational memberships include charter member of Oklahoma Council for Indian Education, president, two terms; Shawnee Headstart Board member, National Chilocco Alumni Association Board member, secretary, two years. She was a member of the Clinton Indian United Methodist Church. Her former home church was Ponca Indian United Methodist Church. She was a lifetime member of the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women. She is survived by her husband, Arleigh R. Rhoads of the home in Clinton, Okla.; daughter, Alice, Gary, Veronicah, and Sterling of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son, Arlen, Carlotta, Brady and Julia of El Reno, Oklahoma; son, Paul, Isaac, Augustus and Toby of Clinton, Oklahoma; adopted children, the Walker Family, James, Willard, Forrest, Lela, Mary Dora and Katherine of McCloud, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Alice Eagle of White Eagle, Oklahoma. Chloe discovered as a young girl her purpose in life, which was to serve the Lord. She spent her entire life striving to serve her purpose. She gave thanks to her Lord up to the last hours of her life, as she reminded us to never forget we can do nothing without God’s help and that we should all do that every day. paid obiturary Kerry Coleen Keith BondAfter a hard fought and courageous battle with breast cancer, Kerry Coleen (Keith) Bond finally conceded her body to this earth and her soul to Christ. Born in Enid, Okla. on March 1, 1961, Kerry was the youngest of four children born to Tom and Fredi Keith. While still an infant, the family moved back to Ponca City where Kerry attended all of her public school years, first at Garfield Elementary and later at Ponca City High School, graduating in 1980. She attended Central State University and Oklahoma State University. She met Richard N. “Rick” Bond in January 1981. They soon fell in love and began their lives together as husband and wife on Aug. 11, 1984. In 1995 they made their home in Ada with their sons, Tommy and Ryan, after living previously in Oklahoma City and Woodward. Kerry was an active member of the First Christian Church in Ada and was involved in all activities in which her sons participated. Her creative, artistic talents were a gift she used to add beauty to this world, touching so many lives with her delicate smile and gentle nature. Even in her final days, her strength and vitality were evident and will remain an inspiration to all who were blessed with knowing her. Kerry was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Alison; her paternal grandfather, Raymond Keith, and her maternal grandparents, Fred and Vida LaFountain. Survivors include her husband, Rick, and her sons, Tommy and Ryan Bond, all of the home; her parents, Tom and Fredi Keith of Ponca City; her grandmother, Lou A. “Peggy” Keith of Ponca City; a sister, Connie Keith Simpson of Little Rock, Ark.; a brother-in-law, Shon Simpson; a nephew, Drew Simpson; a niece, Tyler Simpson, all of Little Rock, Ark.; two brothers, Kelly Keith of Salem, Oregon and Casey Keith of Pearl City, Hawaii; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Neil and Elaine Bond of Newcastle; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Russ and Sandy Bond of Newcastle and her grandmother-in-law, Blynn Spearman of Oklahoma City. She also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends who will miss her greatly. The family wishes to thank all who have offered prayers, brought food, sent flowers and shared their time with us. Your gifts are much appreciated. Those who wish, may make memorials to The American Cancer Society Relay for Life, in care of First National Bank of Ada, P.O. Box 669, Ada, Okla. 74821. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999, at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church of Ada, 13th and Broadway. paid obituary Services PendingIvory Lee JonesIvory Lee Jones died Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Surviving is his father, John Jones of Bartlesville. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later. Mildred AllmonMildred Allmon, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, at Ulysses, Kan. She was 91. Funeral arrnagements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later. Sam HillSam Hill, resident of Ponca City, died Friday evening, Feb. 5, 1999, at his home. He was 41. Survivors include his mother, Luvina Hill of the home. Funeral service is pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later. NEWS BRIEFSVehicle Stolen — A person from the 200 block of North Sixth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:07 a.m. Friday that a vehicle had been stolen during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Cell Phone Turned In — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:13 a.m. Friday that a cellular phone had been turned into him at Ponca City High School by a student that found it several days ago. Subject Held — Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded to a request for assistance in the 100 block of South Elm Street at 10:59 a.m. Friday. An 18-year-old man was held on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Acoma and Northeast Woodland at 11 a.m. Friday that a 29-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension and expired inspection sticker. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of South Osage Street at 12:23 p.m. Friday that an 18-year-old man was behind held for possession of beer under 21, possession of drug paraphernalia and concealed weapon. A juvenile was issued a citation. Emergency Stop — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:41 p.m. Friday that two men were on the railroad tracks in the 700 block of East Prospect Avenue and that one had been sitting on the tracks forcing a train to make an emergency stop. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Requests Assistance — The Communications Center received a report at 1:13 p.m. Friday from a business in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue that a subject had been inside acting suspicious and had been hostile. An officer was assigned but the subject was gone upon arrival. A report was taken. Fraud — A business in the 200 block of North Fourteenth Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department concerning a fraud incident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fourth Street and East Oklahoma Avenue at 1:27 p.m. Friday that a 30-year-old man was being held on a Payne County warrant for failure to appear. Assault — A man from the 800 block of South Eleventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:42 p.m. Friday that he had been assaulted Thursday night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Bicyclist Arrested — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance from another officer at 3:32 p.m. Friday concerning a bicyclist that refused to stop. Another officer responded and stopped the subject in the 900 block of Poplar. The 38-year-old man was held for interfering with an officer, resisting arrest, failure to keep right, and riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:32 p.m. Friday that a 19-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant. Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of West Liberty Avenue and North Oak Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Abandoned Motorcycle — A person from the 100 block of North Twelfth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:08 p.m. Friday that someone had left a small motorcycle in the yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 5:09 p.m. Friday that a vehicle was on fire in the parking lot. One unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded but the vehicle was gone upon arrival. Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:10 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred in the 900 block of East Prospect Avenue. Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department and two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. A report was taken. Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:26 p.m. Friday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Odor of Smoke Investigated — A person from the 400 block of Fairview Avenue requested units from the Ponca City Fire Department at 5:41 p.m. Friday to check for odor of smoke in the building. Two units responded and information was logged that the problem was a light ballast. Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:48 p.m. Friday from the 700 block of South Twelfth Street that subjects had assaulted a juvenile and had taken a necklace. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:42 p.m. Friday that an adult was in custody for shoplifting. An officer was assigned and a 20-year-old man was held for petit larceny. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at the Conoco Convenience, 3305 North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:23 p.m. Friday that a subject had left without paying for $10 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vandalism — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:26 p.m. Friday that someone had broken the antenna off a vehicle while at J.C. Penney. The information was logged. Large Water Leak — The Communications Center received a 911 call from the 700 block of South Waverly Street at 8:29 p.m. Friday that a truck had run over the curb and caused a large water leak. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken. Water and Light Department personnel were notified of the leak and the Tonkawa Police Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified in an attempt to locate the vehicle that was last seen west bound on U.S. 60. Vehicle Burglarized — A person from the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:32 p.m. Friday that a vehicle was broken into and someone had taken money from a purse. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of Poplar Avenue at 8:51 p.m. Friday that a 37-year-old man was being held for domestic assault and battery. Juvenile Shoplifter — An employee of Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:06 p.m. Friday that a juvenile shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 15-year-old boy was held for grand larceny. Wallet Missing — A woman from the 1100 block of Princeton Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:25 p.m. Friday that her wallet had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Windows Broken — A person from the 2500 block of Honeywood requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 10:44 p.m. Friday as a result of some windows broken out of a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North First Street and Highland Avenue at 10:56 p.m. Friday that a 38-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear. Subjects Held — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 11:57 p.m. Friday that several carloads of subjects were in the area of West Oklahoma Avenue and South Osage Street getting ready to fight. Three officers responded and a 15-year-old girl was held for public intoxication, a 17-year-old boy was held for public intoxication and an 18-year-old man was held for actual physical control. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue at 12:13 a.m. Saturday that a 34-year-old woman was being held for DUI and having no insurance. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of West Broadway Avenue at 12:51 a.m. Saturday that a 19-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of West Broadway Avenue at 1:14 a.m. Saturday that an 18-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Curfew Violation and More — A person from the 3400 block of El Camino Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 1:43 a.m. Saturday after finding a juvenile male in a daughter’s bedroom. An officer was assigned, and information was logged that the juvenile was taken to another residence and a curfew citation was issued. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Lake Street and West Ponca Avenue at 2:05 a.m. Saturday that a 48-year-old man was being held on two Kay County warrants for distribution of cocaine. Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:37 a.m. Saturday from a man at the intersection of Third Street and East Grand Avenue for a man causing a problem including an assault on a woman. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department and an ambulance responded and a 22-year-old man was held for assault with a deadly weapon and possession of marijuana. The woman refused treatment. Fight in the Store — An employee at Citgo, 300 block of West Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:48 a.m. Saturday that a fight was occurring in the store involving a baseball bat. Two officers were assigned and a 19-year-old man was held for public intoxication. At 3:19 a.m., police received a report that a woman from the 800 block of North Oak Street was taken by private vehicle to the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries from the fight. Staggering Teen-Ager — A clerk at Citgo in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue reported at 3:48 a.m. Saturday that assistance was needed for a subject staggering in the parking lot. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took into custody a 15-year-old boy for public intoxication and curfew violation. Attempted Beer Theft — A clerk at Citgo in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:52 a.m. Saturday that a subject had just tried to steal some beer. The clerk recovered the beer but the subject ran behind the store. An officer assigned found the subject and a citation was issued to a juvenile. Vehicle in the Ditch — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 4:22 a.m. Saturday that a vehicle was in the ditch at the intersection of Edwards Avenue and South Eleventh Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and the vehicle was one that had been reported taken by the owner’s son. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 5:41 a.m. Saturday that a 36-year-old woman was held on two city warrants for failure to pay. AARP Meeting — The AARP meeting will be held Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Citizen’s Center, 319 West Grand. Sherry Kincaid, ARNP, will be speaking on “Heart Health.” Coffee and cookies will be served. The public is invited. Afghans Still Available — The Pioneer Woman Afghans make excellent gifts for any occasion and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, they are a great gift idea. The afghans are sold exclusively by the First United Women and are a fund raiser for missions. They are available in four colors — burgundy, hunter green, blue and navy. Call 762-1429 or 765-0157 to order for delivery or for more information. Arthritis Water Exercise — The arthritis water exercise class sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. at Conoco Pool. For more information call June at 762-0035. Attention World War II Veterans — For those who trained at Camp Fannin, Texas, there will be Reunion in Tyler, Texas, March 25-27 at the Radisson Hotel, 2843 Loop 323 NNW, Tyler 75702, Telephone (903) 597-1301. For further information contact A. David Wendt, president CFA, P.O Box 132024, Tyler, Texas 75713. Attention — Dennis Boyer, former Ponca City resident, has been hospitalized in Graham, Wash. All former friends can send cards to the Good Samaritan Hospital, Room 439, Graham, Wash. 98338 or they can call him at (253) 848-6661 or his mother, Marjorie Phillips, at 765-8938. Bus Trip — The OU Club of Kay County is sponsoring a bus trip to the OU/Texas A&M basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 13. The cost $35 and includes the bus ride, game ticket and drinks on the bus. Call Sue Lunsford at 762-0213 or 767-2003 to reserve your seat or get more information. Join the fun! Lost — The large Wildcat Soccer banner is nowhere to be found. If any former Goal Kick Club members, or anybody else for that matter, have seen this banner, call Martha at 762-7246. PrimeTimers — Do not miss Valentine Luncheon at E.W.’s Restaurant on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Call Kate at 762-5651 for details. Meals on Wheels — MOW delivers a hot nutritious meal at noon five days each week to persons 65 of age and older. Special diets are available with a written request from the recipient’s doctor. There is a small fee which covers the cost of the meal. If you are interested in the program or need further information for yourself or a family member, please call Nell Barnard at 762-4707. “Otello” at OSU — Verdi’s opera masterpiece “Otello” will be performed by Opera Nazionale Italiana on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Seretean Center on OSU campus in Stillwater. Tickets ($15 for OSU students, $20 and $28 for others) are available by calling (405) 744-7100 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information about preview and other activities included in the ticket price, call (405) 744 7509. Post 14 Meeting — The regular monthly meeting of the American Legion Buffalo Post 14 will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Julius Valdez building in White Eagle. Everyone is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be provided. One of the more important items scheduled for the meeting will be the upcoming election. Royal Neighbors Set Installation — The Royal Neighbors of America will hold a Valentine Party and installation of officers at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Community Christian Church. All members are urged to be present. RSVP Food Share Deadline — RSVP Heartland Food Share February order deadline is Friday. Volunteer two hours a month and qualify to purchase discounted foods. Orders accepted on Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RSVP office, 110 North 4th, or call 762-9412. Scottish Heritage Festival — The 4th Annual Scottish Heritage Festival is set for March 20 at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park ( located at East Reno and Douglas) in Midwest City. Some features include cultural and educational exhibits Scottish heritage information, live entertainment, special activities for children, sheep dog demos, athletic games, competitions in Highland dance, individual piping and drumming, and two traditional Scottish weddings. Tickets ($15) in advance are necessary for a Scottish Ceilidh planned for Friday evening, March 19 at the Midwest Community Center. Tickets for the festival ($6) will be available at the gate or in advance $4. For more information call (405) 737-4962 or www.oklahomascots.org. Singles To Dine — The Singles Connection will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m., in the Lounge of the American Legion for peel-and-eat shrimp. Following dinner the group will travel to the Rockin Horse, 1/2 mile east of 77 on Highway 11, for free country dancing lessons from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information please call Diane at 765-4858. Senior Center — Senior bingo, 1 p.m. Wednesday, 4319 West Grand. Genealogy Workshop — The Muskogee Genealogy Society will host an Everton Genealogy Workshop, March 13, at the Muskogee Public Library. The workshop will include studies on U.S. Vital Records, Immigration and Naturalization Sources, computer research, U.S. Genealogical Sources, note keeping, organization and more. Cost is $26 before March 1 or $31 at the door. Books and supplies available by Everton Publishers. Call (918) 682-6657, Ext. 257 for more information or to register in advance. Young-at-Heart Dance Set — The Young-at-Heart Dance is held every Monday at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue from 7 to 10 p.m. Snack and Hillbilly Night is held the first Monday of each month. Music by Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboy Band. LIFE |