LOCAL

More Than 250 Veterans Attend Legion Post 14 Information Clinic
District Court
PCUA Approves Water Pump Bid

More Than 250 Veterans Attend Legion Post 14 Information Clinic

The American Legion hosted another Veterans Health Benefit Clinic with more than 250 in attendance. Don Haden, service officer with the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs, and David Carter, a leading authority on agent orange, provided information to a packed hall of veterans Thursday, Feb. 11. Prior to the meeting, a ham and bean feed was held with more than 200 veterans attending with donations given for the World War II Memorial Fund being built in Washington, D.C.

Carter opened the meeting with a talk concerning the effects chemicals have had on veterans from World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf Storm era and the lack of government acknowledgment that these chemicals were hazardous to the troops in the areas. Carter noted that thousands of veterans have died of cancer and other diseases caused by these chemicals, and little is being done to protect the future rights of veterans exposed during war time. Several articles regarding these problems are available at the American Legion for those interested in learning more on agent orange.

Veterans listened as Haden from ODVA reminded them that, although Oklahoma may not have benefits for veterans whose income exceeds approximately $28,000 (after some deductions), the Wichita VA center is still accepting these category “C” veterans. Eligibility for benefits has been misunderstood by veterans for many years, Haden explained. Basically, every veteran who served one day of active duty prior to September of 1980 is entitled to health benefits, regardless of when or where they served or the amount of income they have. Those with higher income are required to use the Wichita VA Center and would have a small co-pay.

Those veterans who are already enrolled with the VA and who desire to use the Ponca City Outpatient Clinic are required to have their records transferred to Ponca City prior to making an appointment at the clinic. The Ponca City Outpatient Clinic is located at 306 Fairview (765-2144).

If a veteran wants to enroll for VA benefits, they either have to go to the Oklahoma VA Center or the Wichita VA Center with their discharge papers, last years tax return and a copy of their present medical records (if possible). If a veteran is unable to go to the centers for registration, a relative or friend can register the veteran. The Oklahoma City VA Center is located at 921 NE 13th Street, (800) 694-8387, and the Wichita VA Center is located at 5550 East Kellogg, (800) 827-1000. Haden is at the American Legion Post 14, located at 407 West South Avenue in Ponca City, to help veterans every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Chuck Gregg, commander of Post 14, who has been responsible for putting together the last three VA Information Clinics, reminded veterans that, if they want to continue to have veteran benefits, they need to support their veteran organizations. Only through membership are veteran organizations able to continue their fight to protect veterans’ rights and benefits. With the loss of our World War II veterans, Gregg noted, membership nationwide is rapidly declining and many posts across the nation are having to close.

Post 14 is open Monday through Saturday, and those needing information may call the Post at 765-9073 or Gregg at 765-1367.

District Court

Newkirk

Marriage Licenses

Scott David Miller, 25, and Jennifer Marie Rogers, 23, both of Ponca City.

John Garnett Austin, 29, and Shana Patrice Thompson, 32, both of Newkirk.

Eugene Earl Sedam Jr., 17, and Stephanie Ann Bonner, 18, both of Ponca City.

Michael Wayne Byrd, 29, and Alvina Margrete Rhodd, 23, both of Ponca City.

Darren Michael Blackburn, legal age, and Crystal Dawn Robbins, legal age, both of Ponca City.

Toby Kirk Gose, 25, and Tina Louise Fine, 28, both of Blackwell.

Divorces Sought

Brian Andrew Counterman vs. Delana Joy Counterman.

Divorces Granted

Billy Lee Hiller vs. Phyllis June Hiller.

Civil Petitions

Stillwater National Bank and Trust Company vs. Professional Pools and Spas, Inc., et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $160,195.71.

PCUA Approves Water Pump Bid

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

A Ponca City firm, with the low bid, will provide the replacement of a high service pump for the water treatment plant at a cost of $55,500.

That decision was made Monday night by the Ponca City Utility Authority board following the regular Board of Commissioners meeting at the Public Safety Center.

The firm, Ratliff Inc. of Ponca City, had been one of five firms submitting bids for the work, and Ken Parr, director of public works, stated that the project is part of the upgrades at the plant as provided in the 1998-99 capital budget for the plant. The bid of $55,500 was $1,400 less than the next low bid, that of a Wichita, Kan., firm.

Other bids received were between $57,240 and $79,973 and were from three other Oklahoma firms.

Other items for the PCUA board were in a consent agenda and passed without additional comment as a result of them being from staff recommendations.

As a result, authorization was given to release funds from the 97C revenue bond proceeds to KC Electric Company for the Northwest Substation in the amount of $49,714.24.

Work on the substation at the southwest corner of the North Ash Street and West Prospect Avenue has begun, and the requested figure is for materials that have been used to date by the Enid firm for work at the site of the slightly more than $1 million project.

Another PCUA authorization was for the chairman, Tom Leonard, to submit the monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for work that had been accomplished through the use of an OWRB loan.

During the regular city commission meeting, concern was expressed by commissioners, on the recent developments at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center that came about over the moving of the kitchen to Blackwell.

“There are a number of people concerned with the situation, and we were quite honestly caught by surprise at the handling of it,” Mayor Leonard said.

He noted there was nothing new to announce on the situation, but city officials were trying to arrange some conferences with the officials of NODA (Northern Oklahoma Department Authority) Area Agency on Aging in an effort to find out if there is anything that can be done.

“We do understand that many agencies are strapped for funds, and this is some means for cutting down costs, however we want the public to know we are continuing to show concern for the situation,” Leonard said.

At a time for citizens comments, later in the meeting, Marge Hadley-Howe said, “We realize your concerns, and they are our concerns also. There are many activities at the center other than meals, and we’re looking for the kitchen facilities to be kept there and appreciate anything you can do to keep the kitchen in Ponca City.”

Law Enforcement

Action by the commissioners during the meeting resulted in approval of submitting a request for a grant from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office that would provide funding for overtime for police officers to emphasize enforcement in the areas of aggressive driving offenses and safety belt compliance.

There would also be a small amount, according to Assistant Police Chief Major Clayton Johnson, for overtime requested for civilian employees to perform safety belt surveys and also for the purchase of two portable hand held radar instruments.

The amount of the grant request would be for $49,090 and the applicant contribution $54,000 for a total of $103,090.

Approval was given also to have a Ponca City firm Roger A. Smith Co. to furnish labor and materials to repair lead guttering on the Marland Mansion in the amount of $12,450.

Marland Estate Director Kathy Adams noted for the commissioners that the price includes allowances for a 60-foot boom-lift and scissor-lift to repair the leaking guttering at the mansion by using solder and sheet lead where feasible to keep the original look.

A resolution was passed by the commissioners authorizing the Human Resources Director Debra Fralix to destroy PEOSH (Public Employee Occupational, Safety and Health) records more than five years old according to PEOSH regulations.

In another issue for the human resources director, commissioners approved a proposal of $8,000 for hiring Charlesworth & Associates to provide consulting services concerning group health and dental benefits for city employees.

Commissioner Dick Stone said, “I feel we may have caused some city employees some undue concern, but this city is not going to let them down. Our obligation is to get information for the best insurance that we can afford. It will not be a jerk-knee situation.”

Mayor Leonard said the loyalty to the city by the employees can not be overlooked.

Commissioner Chris Hand said he had some problems earlier with the situation, “but it has been explained that by going this route we can have some objectivity,” a statement that Commissioner Keni Ray also backed. The proposal passed 5-0, as did all of the other motions that were made by the full commission on board Monday.

Approved from the consent agenda were:

*Allowing Ponca City Tourism Authority to grant $700 to the K-9 Dog Training Club to be used for promoting and advertising the agility trials to be held in Ponca City June 5-6.

*Accepting a proposal from Asbestos Analytics Inc. to perform asbestos abatement for the Auditorium/Civic Center pipe tunnel in the amount of $1,900 as part of the No. 1 Fire Station project.

*Submit close out documents to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the emergency shelter grant for the Salvation Army.

*Extending the contract for Home Investment Partnership Grant funding.

*Appointment of three different firms as purchasing agents for three different projects in Ponca City. They were Cardinal Pools of Oklahoma Inc. on the community pool filter tank replacement project; Ratliff Inc. of Ponca City on the replacement of the high service pump at the water treatment plant; and Sober Brothers Inc. of Ponca City on water well line replacement projects.

DEATHS

Lt. Col Melvin O. Owens
Dennis L. Burton
T.H. Barnett
James L. Rhodes
Anna Anderson
Warren L. Jensen
Clarence E. Vaughn
Walter N. Shelton
Robby Kretz Cole
Charles G. Landis

Lt. Col Melvin O. Owens

VACAVILLE, Calif. — Lt. Col. Melvin O. “Mel” Owens (USAF RET) stationed in Ponca City during World War II, died Sunday Feb. 21, 1999, in Vacaville, Calif. He was 80.

No formal services were planned. Arrangements are cremation were under the direction of the Neptune Society of Northern Calif., Fairfield, Calif.

Melvin O. “Mel” Owens was born Feb. 26 1918, in Clinton County, Ky., and later lived in Rockford, Ill.

Owens was a highly decorated pilot, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force for 25 years in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He had also been involved in the Berlin Air Lift as a B-52 aircraft commander during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Owens received his pilot training at the Royal Air Force Flight Training School in Ponca City in the 1940s. He was one of only a few American pilots to receive both U.S. and Royal Air Force pilot wings. Owens had attended the last reunion of the flyers in Ponca City.

During his career he had been stationed at Travis Air Force Base in 1948, 1957 and again in 1963 and 1968. He had made his home in Placerville, Calif. for the last 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Wilson Owens of Placerville, Calif.; three sons, Jimmy Haug of Plainview, Minn., Dudley Owens of Vacaville, and Jeff Owens of Williamstown, Mass; one stepson, Bob Wilson of Whittier, Calif.; and one stepdaughter, Cherie Jewett of Carson City, Nev.

Dennis L. Burton

INVERNESS, Fla. — Dennis L. Burton, former Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999, at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Fla. He was 51.

A service was held Friday, Feb. 12. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness, Fla.

Dennis L. Burton was born Oct. 29, 1947, in Pontiac, Mich. to Durwood and Lucille Burton. He attended schools in Michigan. He was married to Patricia Jividen in Green Camp, Ohio on June 12, 1975. Burton was a master carpenter specializing in cabinet making and finishing work. While living in Ponca City he was employed at Conoco as a sub-contractor. He had also worked in Tampa before retiring in Inverness. He was a member of the Port Tampa Masonic Lodge 152.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia of Inverness, Fla.; three sons, Mark Alan of Inverness, Stephen Andrew and Thomas Grey, both of Ponca City; his parents, Durwood and Lucille Burton of Haslett, Mich.; four brothers, Jerry of Jackson, Mich., Alan of Livona, Mich. Nick of Milford, Mich., and Russell of Redford, Mich.; four sisters, Carol Sue Beaton of Canton, Mich, Mary Lou Trew of E. Lansing, Mich., Nancy Burton-DeWitt of Dallas, Texas, and Juanita Burton of Lansing, Mich; and four grandchildren.

Obituaries

T.H. Barnett

T.H. “Pete” Barnett, longtime Ponca City area resident, died Saturday evening, Feb. 20, 1999, at his home. He was 83.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles M. Heyer, associate pastor of First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Mr. Barnett was born Dec. 2, 1915, in Duenweg, Mo., to William A. and Mary Emma (Sigman) Barnett. He came to this area in 1929 from Ardmore.

On May 9, 1935, he married Sylvia A. Norman in Bartlesville. Mr. Barnett was employed as a certified welder and followed construction jobs all over the United States. He was a 50-year member of the Pipefitters Local No. 767 where he had once served as vice-president and on the executive board. Mr. Barnett loved music and played several instruments. He had a great sense of humor and could do about anything.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia A. Barnett of the home; one son, James Allen Barnett of Ponca City; four daughters, Sylvia Ann Davis of Yukon, Barbra Ruth Feeler of Towanda, Kan., Janice Marie Crompton of The Dalles, Ore., and Mary Lynn Cruz of Jamul, Calif.; two sisters, Abbie Lee Stoneking and Billie Lucille Stanbrough both of Ponca City; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and Pat Henry of Ralston. His parents and five brothers, Barney, Carl, Gib, Jack and Johnny, preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be his grandsons, Bob, Mark, Tim and Terry Davis, Jim, Andy and Darryl Barnett, Chuck Cruz, Rick Miller, and Michael Robertson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

James L. Rhodes

James L. “Jim” Rhodes, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Feb. 21, 1999 at his home. He was 71.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1999, at the First Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Larry Heslip, Minister of Education, officiating. Burial will follow in Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Jim Rhodes was born on May 16, 1927, in Fallbrook, Calif., to Charles and Emma (Hislop) Rhodes. He was raised in California and graduated from Sunland Schools. He moved to Ponca City in 1954 and worked for the Ponca City Public School System from 1956 to 1989 when he retired as manager of distribution.

He married Vivian Joyce Rowen on March 17, 1956, at Second Baptist Church. He enjoyed carpentry, building houses, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Vivian of the home; two sons David, his wife Rhonda, and their children Kortny, Sean, Rachel, and Abby, all of Ponca City, and Charles and his wife Judy of Tulsa; one daughter, Kathleen Brown, her husband James, and their children Jimmy, Katie, and Katrina, all of Ponca City; one brother, Paul “Bill” Rhodes of Ponca City; three sisters, Margaret Batten and Gertrude Haycraft of California, and Mary Lou Hammans of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Charles Jr., Warren, and Everett Rhodes, one sister, Helen Robbins, and one infant grandson, Justin D. Brown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Birth Choice of Ponca City, 700 West Broadway, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Following the service, the family will be at 801 North Birch Street.

paid obituary

Anna Anderson

Anna Anderson, resident of Ponca City since 1989, died Monday morning, Feb. 22, 1999, at the Tender Heart Health Care, Ponca City. She was 90.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday afternoon, at the McDonald Funeral Home Chapel in Beloit, Kan. The Rev. Bill Brazil, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Beloit will officiate. Burial will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit. Trout Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Born Dec. 12, 1908, in Beloit, Kan., she was the daughter of Clarence Henry and Ida Belle (Fisher) Hogan. She graduated from Beloit High School. Her first husband, Frank Kullman died in May 1930 in a farming accident.

On Oct. 6, 1930 she was married to Frank Anderson in Salina, Kan. The couple lived in Lincoln, and Chase, Kan., and then in Claflin, Kan. from 1963 until 1989. Mr. Anderson preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 1978. She moved to Ponca City in 1989 to be close to her daughter. Mrs. Anderson loved flowers and enjoyed gardening, belonging to garden clubs where she lived. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Beloit, Kan., and a member of the G.A.R. She had great love for the American Flag, displaying it often, and frequently wearing flag pins to display her patriotism.

Survivors include her daughter Mrs. Jim (Rosalee) Brunnemer, of Ponca City, her grandson and wife John and Carol Brunnemer of Stillwater, and granddaughter, Mrs. Steve (Jane) Daniel of Claremore. Additional survivors include her sister, Irene Jones of Beloit, Kan., six great-grandchildren, Julie McDaniels, David Brunnemer, Kami Houk, James Brunnemer, Jason Daniel and Ryan Daniel, and one great-great-grandchild Morgan Brunnemer. In addition to her husbands and parents, a brother, Lester Hogan, and two grandchildren preceded her in death.

Grandsons will serve as casket bearers.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Warren L. Jensen

Warren L. Jensen, retired Conoco vice-president, died at his home in Ponca City, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1999. Survivors include his wife, Norma. A private family service was held. No public service is planned. Arrangements were conducted under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Clarence E. Vaughn

Clarence E. Vaughn, husband of Marie Vaughn, 715 Monument, Apt. 43, died early this morning, Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Walter N. Shelton

Walter N. Shelton, Ponca City resident, died this morning, Feb. 23, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 77. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Wednesday

Robby Kretz Cole

Funeral to be at graveside at 10 a.m. at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Thursday

Charles G. Landis

Funeral at 2 p.m. at Northeast Baptist Church. Other arrangements are pending and will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Black History Celebration Set — Black History Celebration is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Outreach Church of God, South 12 Street in Ponca City. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Leon Davis of Sweet Home Baptist Church in Fairfax. Soul food snacks are planned following the service, according to the Rev. Sylvester Alexander, pastor. All are welcome.

Spring Soccer for boys and girls age four and one half and

up. Sign up Quatum Computer Service, 312 East Grand, February 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th. Every child must sign up during this time. Call 762-9056. adv.

Plummer Family Tickets — Plummer Family Show tickets are now on sale by phone, 765-5676. The show will be April 15 and is sponsored by the Ponca City Noon Lions Club.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of South Fifth Street at 7:26 a.m. Monday that a 20-year-old man was being held on two Kay County warrants for failure to pay.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please

call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv.

Graffiti — An employee at Washington School reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:44 a.m. Monday that some graffiti had been discovered on the southeast side of the school. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West

Broadway. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:10 p.m. Monday that some juveniles had set some leaves on fire in the drainage ditch at Sherwood Park. An officer was assigned but unable to locate the juveniles. Information was logged that leaves were smoldering.

Vehicle Burglarized — A woman from the 500 block of South Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:17 a.m. Monday that someone had broken into her vehicle and stole her purse. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 8:08 a.m. Monday that a 48-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Item Missing — A person from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:09 a.m. Monday that someone had stolen a decal off the car. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:44 a.m. Monday that a 26-year-old woman was being held for failure to pay.

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

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

downtown Ponca City. 762-2763. adv.

Arrest — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Industrial Boulevard and North Waverly Street at 10:57 a.m. Monday that a 27-year-old man was being held for failure to register as a sex offender.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of East Hartford Avenue and North Seventh Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:11 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Forgery — An employee at Mail Box Etc., 522 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:22 p.m. Monday that a forgery had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Graffiti — A doctor in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:24 p.m. Monday that some graffiti on the building had been discovered. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:01 p.m. Monday that a 39-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Checks Stolen — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:34 p.m. Monday that some checks had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Bicycle Stolen — A person from the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:09 p.m. Monday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An accident at the intersection of South Oak Street and West Central Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:45 p.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:34 p.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Former Young Life club members or those interested in starting a club for our High School Students in Ponca. Please call Vivian 762-1364, leave name and phone number. adv.

Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West Broadway Avenue and North Osage Street at 8:40 p.m. Monday that an 18-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension and having defective equipment.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance at 9:02 p.m. Monday with two subjects in the 600 block of South Fourth Street. Two other officers responded and a 24-year-old man was held for driving under suspension.

Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Central Avenue and South Twelfth Street at 11:15 p.m. Monday that a 19-year-old man was being held for DUI and not wearing a seat belt. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:08 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of West South Avenue and South Waverly Street. A private property accident report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Surprise Event Honors Linns
Women’s Health Spa Sets Events

Surprise Event Honors Linns

A surprise 55th Anniversary Party was held for H. A. (Cotton) and Kathrine Linn at the Red Rock Eastern Star on Feb. 1. The party was held after the regular meeting of the Eastern Star.

The serving table was decorated with a white tablecloth and red candles along with a “Happy Anniversary” Banner made for the couple by Marian Shiever. Anniversary cards which were brought for the Linns were used for decorating the table also.

The couple celebrated by enjoying a cake made in their honor with punch and ice cream. Serving the cake, which read “Happy 55th Anniversary Cotton and Katz,” was their granddaughter, JoDawn Parrish. Dee Jay Linn, one of their grandsons helped serve the punch.

H. A. (Cotton) Linn and the former Kathrine Pfeiffer were married Jan. 30, 1944. They have spent their married years in the area of agriculture, living in Noble County since 1946. They have lived in the Red Rock community since moving from Ada where he worked for W. E. Harvey, a hereford cattle breeder.

They have been active in the Red Rock Christian Church, as well as the Red Rock Eastern Star and the Red Rock Masonic Lodge. They continue to support 4-H Club and FFA projects throughout the county.

The Linns have two children that also reside in Noble County. Mrs. Dannie (Patty) Luter of Morrison and John Aaron Linn of Red Rock. They have four grandchildren, Ryan and Dusty Luter of Morrison, and JoDawn (Linn) Parrish, Billings, and Dee Jay (D.J.) Linn of Red Rock.

Those attending the event were June Evans, Lorraine Shiflet, Reitagae Wilkerson, Mindy Pameticky, all of Ponca City; Helen Ratliff, George Frances of Perry; Clara Wiseman, Arvella Luter, Kenny and Evelyn Sullins, Marian Shiever, D. J. Linn, John Aaron Linn, Burdettya Linn, Marge Sanders, all of Red Rock; Clara Jane Case and Maxine Tautfest of Marland; JoDawn Parrish of Billings; and Ester Selvey of Stillwater.

Women’s Health Spa Sets Events

Oklahoma City — Akia, Oklahoma’s affordable health spa for women, is ready to begin its 14th yearat its location at the edge of Chickasaw National Recreational Area in Sulphur.

The 1999 schedule has two hiking weekends, five spa sampler weekends, three five-day retreats, and two Akia-on-the-go retreats.

Akia offers sessions to women interested in walking, exercising in the park, and a low-fat, low- calorie, low-salt, high-fiber nutrition plan that they can live with.

One retreat will be held in Eureka Springs, Ark. at Heartstone Inn. The hills of Eureka Springs offer a special work-out.

The last retreat of the year will be held at Beaver’s Bend State Park near Broken Bow. The David Boren Trail will be the site for the exercise of the day.

“No one can undergo a complete metamorphosis in a few days,” Maguire, Akia director, said.

“However, a stay at Akia can be that necessary first step to change. We think of it as a jumpstart on a new you, a you living a healthy lifestyle, looking better, and feeling great.”

Sessions are scheduled from late February through November. For more information, call Maguire at (405)842-6269.

BUSINESS

Bonnie Wetzel To Manage Bank Location
Economic Development Important to Everyone
Credit Union Meets Thursday
110 Percent of Production Replaced by Conoco in 1998
PCTA Hears Reports On Trade Conferences
Strip Shopping Area Being Built

Bonnie Wetzel To Manage Bank Location

Commercial Federal Bank has named Bonnie Wetzel branch manager for one of its Ponca City. Wetzel will oversee banking operations and sales for the Ponca Plaza branch at 1417 East Hartford.

Wetzel brings more than five years of banking experience to Commercial Federal Bank. She previously served as banking center manager for NationsBank in Ponca City.

Wetzel is originally from Ponca City and has worked in the area for the past 10 years. She is a former vice president of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.

Commercial Federal is a $12.1 billion federal savings bank that operates more than 240 retail branches in the states of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota and South Dakota. In addition to retail and commercial banking, Commercial Federal’s services include residential lending, consumer financing, agricultural lending, trust services, insurance and stock brokerage.

Economic Development Important to Everyone

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

“Economic development touches everyone,” Howard Barnett, newly named director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, told the Economic Development Advisory Board.

In addition to attending the February EDAB meeting, Barnett was here to tour the Conoco research and development facility, which has been made available by the company for Economic Development.

Barnett said he had been a “private sector guy” all of his life and did not intend to become a bureaucrat. He said he planned to continue to think like a “private sector guy,” as he heads up the Department of Commerce.

He noted that there seemed to be a lack of cooperation and coordination between government agencies and he hopes to resolve some of this. Barnett said there are a number government funded organizations in Oklahoma doing some form of economic development.

Barnett told that in his new position he will be concentrating on “focus, leverage and strategizing.” “Oklahoma is a poor state and we can not afford our populous tendencies to diffuse the authority of resources to accomplish a task sufficiently so that nobody can put together a critical mass to get credit.

“We are trying to set ourselves up at the Department of Commerce to be the convener for various organizations to come around the table to become involved in particular areas of interest to us and help. And see from that maybe a process can emerge that might actually put together some kind of cooperation, some kind of plan and some kind of strategy and focus.”

He talked about the current Workforce Development effort that brings several agencies together. “There are 11 state agencies that spend state or federal money in training, work force development and adult education and we are attempting to affect some of coordination.

“They are now by statute required to come to the table but that does not mean that they have to cooperate. We will be coming back asking you (EDAB) how the state should be using its resources and then through some mechanism, which is not clear to me, we are supposed to do that.

“There is now an umbrella organization attempting to do it, but it does not have the authority to force an agencies to do whatever it is that we say we are going to do.”

Barnett said the Conoco space is a good “spec” building to be advertised by ODOC. He said this gives Ponca City “a leg up” on other communities.

On the matter of a different type of spec building being considered by EDAB, the construction will have to wait because funds apparently will not be forthcoming this year from the state due to budget cuts.

The EDAB Board was presented a copy of the proposed budget from July 1, 1999, to June 30, 2000. The budget of $115,000 will go to the City Commission for approval.

Under the existing business report the apartment complex in northeast Ponca City is apparently on go with construction slated for fall. Larry Buck is heading up the housing Committee.

The local industry council has been meeting and discussing the Large and Small Industry Awards of the Year to be given at the annual Chamber Banquet slated for March 12. The speaker is to be Conoco President Archie Dunham.

Linda Brown, EDAB chairman, declared the issue of child care had finished. The group had been working with local care providers and local industry. However only one industry showed interest in helping with funding.

Karen Furman, Marketing Committee chairman, reported on a trip to Oklahoma City to meet with the ODOC Marketing Committee.

Jan Jarrett, EDAB executive director, gave the New Industry report, saying he is working continuing to work with five or six industries locally that are wanting to expand. He said on the new industry end he is working with a company that has a German connection and also is continuing to work with the Kansas company that is considering moving her and also working with two other companies including one that would employ about 1200.

In addition to Barnett, Gerald Hall, Ponca City’s ODOC regional representative from Stillwater, was in attendance.

Credit Union Meets Thursday

The annual meeting of Cherokee Strip Credit Union and election of directors will be Thursday at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. The session begins with entertainment by Les Gilliam at 4:30 p.m. The business meeting will follow at 5 p.m.

Members attending will elect three directors and one credit committee member during the business meeting.

Nominees for the board of directors are Richard A. Flak from Smith International; Elmore Johnson, Conoco retiree; Phyllis Kennedy, Conoco retiree; Kim Mitchell from Pelton Co.; and Mickie Poynor, Conoco.

Frances Coonrod, CSC, is the nominee for the credit committee position. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. Members must be at least 16 years old to be eligible to vote or win a door prize.

“We look forward to seeing our members at the meeting each year,’” said Howard Sissel, CSCU president. “I hope everyone will plan to be there on Thursday.”

110 Percent of Production Replaced by Conoco in 1998

HOUSTON — Conoco and its equity affiliates added 234 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) to the company’s worldwide proved reserves in 1998, replacing 110 percent of the oil and natural gas produced during the year.

Reserves additions were mostly driven by drilling discoveries and extensions — amounting to 202 million BOE added. Of the drilling additions, 87 percent (or 175 million BOE) came from natural gas and gas liquids.

“This is the sixth consecutive year that Conoco has replaced more reserves than it produced,” said Archie W. Dunham, Conoco president and CEO. “Furthermore, 1998 was our most successful in 15 years in terms of commercial discoveries, and those expected reserves are not included in the 1998 proved reserves. I’m very optimistic that our future reserves additions will continue on an upward trend.”

The company’s 1998 year-end proved reserves increased to 2.62 billion BOE — the highest in nearly 20 years — up 21 million BOE from 1997. International proved reserves increased 1 percent; U.S. reserves remained almost unchanged at 711 million BOE versus 712 million in 1997. An increase in worldwide gas reserves — up 5.5 percent to 6.1 trillion cubic feet — is consistent ith the company’s strategy to emphasize natural gas.

Highlights “Conoco’s drilling additions were our best for the U.S. since 1980 — contributing 120 million BOE,” Dunham said. “The Lobo Unit in South Texas was very active with 220 wells drilled, 90 percent of which were completed for natural gas production.” Net reserves added by drilling in the Lobo Trend totaled 502 billion cubic feet of natural gas (or 83.7 million BOE).

“Other star performers included Conoco Canada, which added 12 million BOE in proved reserves, replacing 291 percent of their 1998 production,” Dunham said. “Norske Conoco AS, Conoco’s Norwegian affiliate, surpassed its 1997 all-time high and climbed to 442 million BOE in total proved reserves.”

Production Conoco increased production volumes for the fourth consecutive year in 1998. Dunham aid he expects the increasing production trend to continue as Britannia will have its first full year of production in 1999 and Petrozuata builds to its projected rate of 120,000 barrels of oil per day. Conoco’s 1998 production of 213 million BOE is about 4 million barrels higher than the previous year. Gas production reached 515 billion cubic feet, up 17 percent.

PCTA Hears Reports On Trade Conferences

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Missy Morland, coordinator for the Ponca City Tourism Authority (PCTA), reported on conferences coming to Ponca City in March through June during the quarterly meeting of the PCTA.

The State Arts Council is slated to meet here in early March, while the Oklahoma Historical Society’s annual meeting and Oklahoma Heritage Society Board meeting are slated for April, as well as the state TOPS convention.

In May the Commission on Marginally Producing Oil & Gas Wells Spring Trade Fair is set and in June the Oklahoma-Texas Meat Packers Association will convene here.

Morland reported that the budget process is coming up and that she and Chairman Chuck Rager will be working on budget. She invited other members to give input.

There were no action items on the agenda other than approval of the minutes. The hotel tax revenue, which funds the tourism operation, showed that $5,989 had been collected for January compared to $6,139 a year ago. The year-to-date hotel collection was listed at $67,204 compared to $63,902 for the same time frame a year ago.

Morland reported the gift shop is doing well and had met the goal of selling $3,000 in merchandise for the first year. She reported on various shows including the BankTravel Market place held in New Orleans, and the upcoming Dallas Glamer Show, Fort Sill Travel Show and the Wichita Boat and Travel Show.

According to the minutes of the January PTCA meeting, the Authority approved a grant for $700 to the Kay-9 Dog Training Club for a two-day event slated for June 5-6. The agility trial is expected to draw visitors from Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado and other areas of Oklahoma. Linda Higgins made the application presentation. The grant request was for $1,500.

Another grant request for $3,000 to the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council for Chautauqua. The request was denied on the basis that it did not qualify because it is an event for the community and does not draw visitors to Ponca City. Kathy Adams made the presentation.

Tourism Dollars

Sen. Paul Muegge recently released some figures on the tourism industry that shows visitors to the state spend more than $3.2 billion a year on transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, recreation and incidentals as they travel through Oklahoma.

Travel dollars support jobs for 62,000 Oklahoman s who earned a combined income of close to $1.2 billion. For every $51,696 spent in 1996 by travels in Oklahoma, there was one job created.

According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, travel spending in Oklahoma generates nearly $535 million in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments. Without that impact, Oklahoma residents would have paid an additional $500,000 per person in taxes in 1998.

Sales tax collected from tourism-related businesses grew three percent faster than sales tax collected from other retail businesses over the last four years.

Strip Shopping Area Being Built

Wal-Mart has sold off a strip of the property at the south side of the parking lot to a developer.

Southeast Building Concept, Longview, Texas, applied for the building permit for a “strip mall” on the property fronting on Prospect. The cost of the building is $500,000 according to code enforcement at the City of Ponca City.

The square footage is listed at 10,600 and the building will contain three or four shops.

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