LOCAL

One Day Training Session April 6 For Caregivers
The City Spring Clean Up Set For April 8 thru15
Homelessness Informational Meeting April 4
Ponca City Tomorrow Advisory Board Meets Wednesday
Area Legislators Split on Race Riot Issue
SMART Camp Po-Hi Summer School Programs Designed to Meet Needs
Ponca Citys Claim to Erin Brockovich
Main Street Authority Wins State Recognition
Free Health Screening Set Next Weekend
Farmers Market Officers Elected at Saturday Event
Need Help To Complete Census Form?
Letters to the Editor
Congratulations to Po-Hi Robotics
We Need to Clean Up Local Voting Process
City Calendar
Legal Aide Council Program Planned At Wheatheart
Howard Hanger Jazz Fantasy Here Friday at Poncan
Po Hi Robotics Team Highest as Rookies
Crime Stoppers
Community Concert Membership Drive Kicks Off Here Monday Night
Fifth Congressional District Candidate Sets Public Event
Frontier Chooses Two for Girls State
Local Businesses Become PIE For Ponca City School System
Oklahoma Illustrator Here To Speak at Local Schools
School Menus
School Calendar
Commission Will Discuss IAFF, FOP Negotiations
Pizzazz at the Poncan Offering Variety of Talent During Show

One Day Training Session April 6 For Caregivers

Caregivers 101, a one-day training session for caregivers, will be held Thursday, April 6, at 9 a.m. on the Northern Oklahoma College campus in Tonkawa. The class is sponsored by Northern Oklahoma Department on Aging.

Training topics for the day include bathing, grooming, feeding, transferring, bed changing, and range of motion techniques. Participants will receive instruction and have an opportunity to do hands-on training.

Instructors will be the graduating nursing students and the NOC Division of Nursing instructors.

There is no charge for the training, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call Judy Rupp, NODA AAA, at 580-237-2236, or 800-749-1149. Each person attending the training will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training.

The City Spring Clean Up Set For April 8 thru15

April 8 through April 15 has been designated as this year’s annual Spring Clean Up for Ponca City residents. According to Ken Wilson, Solid Waste Superintendent, the special pick up charge for refuse will be waived for all residents, during this time. The special pick up charge is usually $25. Anyone with questions concerning what can and cannot be picked up, call 580-767-0411.

Residents are encouraged to clean up their property and place items next to their locations of regular refuse pick up. Refuse should be containerized if possible.

Grass scalping will be collected through Spring Clean Up. At the end of Spring Clean Up, no grass scalping or grass clippings will be collected except by special pick up.

City Solid Waste crews will pick up all residential household items, except for large tree trunks, concrete, construction, and demolition.

As a result of EPA regulations, the City can only collect refrigerators and/or air conditioners if they have been certified free of Freon by a licensed technician.

City residents will also be allowed to take items at no charge to the City Landfill, April 8 through April 15. Upon arrival at the landfill, residents will need to show their utility receipts for refuse services and drivers license, as proof of residency. The landfill is located southwest of Ponca City.

Homelessness Informational Meeting April 4

Homelessness is not just a big city problem. Individuals and families can and do become homeless in Oklahoma’s small towns and rural areas.

Anyone interested in working to improve the situation is invited to a public informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the Conoco Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street. Other meetings will be held in Pawnee, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Community Action Program, 501 S. 6th, and in Sapulpa at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the Early Head Start Program, 1205 East Dewey.

The purpose of this meeting is to share information and obtain input for the development of a continuum of care plan for a multi-county area including Kay, Osage, Noble, Pawnee and Creek Counties. The plan is necessary to apply for federal funds to fill gaps in the locally developed system to assist homeless persons to move to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. The community planning process should include participation from nonprofit organizations, banks, neighborhood groups, housing developers, businesses, foundations, service providers, homeless or formerly homeless persons, and government agencies.

Public officials and community leaders are urged to attend.

Ponca City Tomorrow Advisory Board Meets Wednesday

The Ponca City Tomorrow advisory board will be meeting at the No. 1 Fire Station training room at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Diane Anderson, chairman of the board.

Agenda items include presentation of a new advisory board, an education report, Main Street reorganization, tree project 2000 and recreational complex progress report.

Other items include a resumption of roundtable discussions, set quarterly; All-American City application-Oklahoma Century 2000 project application, new business including an overview of the advisory board structure and terms of members.

Additionally, the board will take up any old business that needs to be dealt with, or new business if there is some presented.

Area Legislators Split on Race Riot Issue

By RALPH SEWELL

News’ State Capitol Bureau

OKLAHOMA CITY — Ponca-area legislators split along party lines when it came to extending the life of a commission to examine Tulsa’s 1921 race riot.

The Democrats — Sens. Paul Muegge of Tonkawa and J. Berry Harrison of Fairfax and Rep. Joe Sweeden of Pawhuska — voted to continue investigating.

The Republicans — Reps. Jim Newport of Ponca City, Jim Reese of Nardin, and Larry Ferguson of Cleveland, think it’s been investigated enough.

But all probably will hear more about HB 2468. Senate amendments will return the bill to the House, which passed it 56-38 in February.

The bill would authorize continuing the commission investigation and also consider designing a memorial to the riot, which occurred June 1, 1921.

In it, more than 85 persons were killed and hundreds injured. Thirty blocks of Negro homes were wiped out by fire, leaving thousands homeless.

The riot began after a Negro man was arrested, charged with assaulting a white woman. As rumors spread he was about to be lynched, 500 armed Blacks met at the courthouse, where the accused was held.

Police threw a cordon around the building, and Blacks began shooting. By dawn the next day. Whites invaded the Negro section and the riot began.

Two other amendments to HB 2468 were rejected by senators. One said no state funds should be used to build or maintain a memorial. Senators tabled it, 25-18. Muegge and Harrison voted to table.

The second amendment proposed that any possible reparations be paid by the city of Tulsa. It also was tabled, 22 to 21. Muegge and Harrison voted with the slim majority.

Muegge said his votes were only to keep the bill alive.

Committee Work Heavy

Most of last week’s legislative activity was in committees as they prepared the other house’s bills for floor consideration.

The Senate Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee rejected HB 2192 which would give prosecutors right to seize automobiles of drunk driving repeat offenders who also had no driver license because they failed to take treatments.

A 7 to 6 committee vote against the bill followed arguments forfeiture of a car can hurt the rest of a family as well as the offender. The House passed the bill 54-42 after hearing similar arguments.

Also sent for a floor vote by the Senate Finance Committee was HB 2204 which would let retailers suspend collecting the 4 1/2-cent state sales tax on clothing selling for $100 or less for a weekend in August.

The committee eliminated a House approved provision that would allow cities and counties to suspend their sales taxes during the same weekend.

Here’s how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden cast their votes on other bills:

—SB 1496 was amended to make any adult who makes a firearm available to a child responsible if others are harmed as a result. The bill then passed the Senate 40-6. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—SB 1541, to increase electrical license fees double or more, failed to pass the Senate 13 in favor to 29 against. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—SB 1133 passed the Senate 30-17 after failing 22-19 on an earlier try. The title is off the bill. It would forbid discrimination in prices packers pay farmers for livestock. Muegge voted yes; Harrison no.

—HJR 1019 would ask voters to approve increasing homestead exemption amounts for owners 65 or older. The resolution passed 74-25 and moved to the Senate. Newport, Reese and Sweeden voted yes; Ferguson no.

What a Change on This One

—HB 2584 started off being a bill to exempt hearing aids from sales taxes, but was enlarged to become a Christmas tree of tax benefits. An amendment would exempt taxes on pension benefits received by lower income persons 65 or older. The bill passed 95-0. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 2432 passed the House 95-0. It would prohibit non-cemetery burials of humans within 100 feet of a property line, within 300 feet of another home or within 300 feet of a water well. In addition to fines or jail terms, the remains could be disinterred. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 2493 to promote art in public places, passed as a floor substitute 52-42. Sweeden voted yes; Newport. Reese and Ferguson no.

—HB 1462, which passed the House 97-0, seeks to protect workers from workplace violence by having courts issue protective orders similar to those it may issue to ban domestic violence. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes.

—HB 2113, passed 97-0, seeks to encourage preservation of courthouses by helping pay for any such work. It also would seek donations. The title’s off the bill. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 2521, as a floor substitute with the title off, failed 48-47, The bill purported to be aimed at providing competitive electric service. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes, Sweeden no.

—HB 1863, without title, says it’s the intent of the legislature that Oklahoma contribute $265,000 to a national World War II memorial — or $1 for every Oklahoman who served — if the money is available. It passed the House 92-0. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 2546, which passed the House 96-1, would divorce the Aeronautics and Space Commission from the state Transportation Department. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted in favor.

Action Would Go To People

—HJR 1034, without a title, would amend the constitution to require that when government takes private property, it also shall compensate for any lost business profitability. It passed the House 95-3. If the legislature approves, it would go to a vote of the people. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 1936, which passed 84-13, was amended to ask a 12-man legislative group study the relationship between farm equipment manufactures and dealers. The bill originally wanted to invalidate cancellation of a dealer’s franchise by a supplier. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 1967 would create a state Workforce Investment Board and contemplates local boards will be named and seek federal dollars to build local labor pools. It passed the House 92-5. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—SB 740 won final legislative approval. The 42-0 Senate vote completed legislative action. The bill would let Greer County turn over property to the Department of Health. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—HB 2395 was passed by the Senate 46-0 and the House 95-0, all in one day. It would allow the State Insurance Fund to temporarily transfer funds from one account to another to let them pay workers compensation claims. Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes.

SMART Camp Po-Hi Summer School Programs Designed to Meet Needs

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

With only two months until summer vacation, Ponca City schools are gearing up for a busy summer of activities.

Two of the main programs this summer will be the SMART Camp Summer School at Union Elementary and summer classes at the high school.

The SMART Camp (which stands for summer, math, arts, reading and technology) is back by popular demand for the second year. The camp is designed to meet the needs of students in third through sixth grades.

SMART Summer Camp will run at Union School, 2617 North Union, from June 5-30. This day-long, four-week program will focus on math, the arts, reading and technology.

Students will enjoy thematic units of study, learn to use technology, enrich their basic skills, sing, create art projects, share books and play organized games.

Students will also receive free breakfast and lunch with breakfast served at 7:45 a.m.

Limited busing will be available from each school site with enrollment determining the need.

Brochures containing enrollment applications will be distributed to all elementary students this week.

Enrollment dates for SMART Camp are scheduled for April 10-14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Administration Offices, 111 West grand. There will be a $50 deposit required at enrollment.

Tuition for the camp is based on a sliding scale with scholarships available to those who qualify.

For additional questions contact Jean Hastings, Union Principal, at 767-8035.

High School Enrollment

High school students planning to take summer classes can pick up enrollment forms at the main office at the Mid-High or in the Howell building at Po-Hi.

Enrollment for classes will be held Wednesday, May 3 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Po-Hi Commons Area.

Classes will run daily from 8 a.m. to noon.

The first session runs from June 5-30. The second from July 3-28.

Class dates, times, fees and other information will be given on the pre-enrollment forms.

Also being held this summer at the high school will be drivers education.

Pre-enrollment is very important for regular summer classes and mandatory for drivers education classes.

Eighteen students must be enrolled in a class (not including drivers education) for the class to be offered during the summer months.

Classes with low pre-enrollment may be dropped before enrollment.

A school counselor should be consulted before enrolling in any summer class.

For further information on summer school, call the high school at 767-9500, ext. 142, or Peg Jordan at 767-9513.

Ponca Citys Claim to Erin Brockovich

Po-Hi Grad’s Daughter Is Basis for Blockbuster Movie with Julia Roberts

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City can almost make a claim for fame with the title character in the blockbuster movie Erin Brockovich.

The film, based on a true story, has a strong local connection. It stars Julia Roberts as a single mom/legal secretary ... who in real life is the daughter of a 1942 Ponca City High School graduate.

Brockovich exposed a powerful corporation that was hurting people with toxic waste, providing the story line of the film. The film is too late for this year’s Academy Awards, which are being presented tonight, but Roberts is considered a shoo-in for a best actress nomination in 2001.

Erin's parents are the former Betty Jo (B.J.) O'Neal and Frank Pattee of Lawrence, Kan.

Giving her personal review of the film, B.J. said, “We’ve seen the movie a couple of times and plan to see it again. Julia Roberts is incredible and a wonderful actress not imitating, but representing, Erin and what she is like.”

Frank said of his daughter, “Erin has always had empathy for people down on their luck.” Now retired, Frank was an industrial engineer for 15 years, then worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation for two decades.

The movie relates how Erin’s investigation of the pollution of water wells with toxic waste by Pacific Gas & Electric in the desert region of California not only harmed people, but hurt animals as well.

Erin personally gathered samples from the wells, checked water board documents and interviewed hundreds of residents. She also called on farmers and learned of the harm the water was doing to livestock and fowls.

It is interesting how Erin got connected with Danny DeVito's film company, which made the movie.

It happened by chance. Erin's older sister, Jodie, mentioned the story to her female chiropractor. The chiropractor thought it would make a good movie and told another patient, one who was employed by Jersey Films — DeVito’s movie company.

An interview was arranged and after four hours of conversation, an agreement was in the offering. Not only did Erin have the satisfaction of seeing megastar Roberts play the lead part, but she had a cameo role herself as a waitress.

According to Newsweek, Roberts reportedly received $20 million for the film.

In real life, that would only have been a pittance as to what the people of Hinkley, Calif., received as a result of Erin’s dogged persistence in personally investigating the matter. The total settlement for the class action suit was $333 million. As a result of her work, the law firm where she was employed awarded Erin a bonus of $2 million.

Irish Name

Asked about why she named her daughter Erin, B.J. said, “After she was born in the hospital, she kept opening her mouth like a little wren. So Erin seemed a natural name and it is Irish.”

It was a sentimental choice for B.J., who is of Irish descent herself.

B.J., daughter of the late Tom and Vern O'Neal, said she was thrilled that her hometown newspaper, The Ponca City News, wanted to know about Erin's story.

Her parents — Erin’s grandparents — operated O'Neal Grocery at 611 West Grand. While in high school B.J. was an editor of the high school paper. She also was a “runner” for The News when Clyde Muchmore was editor.

While at the University of Kansas, she maintained her journalism ties by working on the student paper and for years edited the university alumni publication.

Grew up in Lawrence, Kan.

According to the Lawrence newspaper, Erin graduated from high school there in 1978.

She was not a scholastic standout, but was curious, outgoing, well-organized and loved animals. Later, it was learned she was dyslexic, which probably accounted for her average grades.

At age 18, she moved to Manhattan, Kan., where she studied liberal arts and admits to being a party-goer.

Later she attended a private school in Dallas that prepared students for the fashion business. She took a job in California as an electrical design engineer assistant. Her hobby was beauty pageants. In the movie, Roberts tells her boyfriend, “I was Miss Wichita” and shows off her tiara.

The real Erin got a divorce, received custody of her son and daughter and was pregnant. She received no child support and was broke. On her way to apply for a job, she had a automobile accident. She sued and lost the suit. She bullied her lawyer, Ed Masry (played by Albert Finney in the movie) into giving her a job as a secretary.

Pro Bono Case

In just her first months on the job, Brockovich discovered the information that resulted in the lawsuit against PG&E on behalf of 635 Hinkley residents. Hinkley is a town of about 700 in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

Erin began interviewing the towns people and found common ailments among them.

As she began uncovering more and more lies, Brockovich eventually put a book together on the matter. The book served as groundwork for the class-action lawsuit handled by the attorneys at her firm.

B.J. says that Erin is still with Masry’s firm and working on eight or nine other environmental cases.

Erin Brockovich, rated ‘R’ for strong language, is playing at the North Park Four theaters.

Main Street Authority Wins State Recognition

Ponca City Main Street Authority recently won state recognition for one of the activities developed in the past year.

The Christmas promotion, “Win a Grand on Grand” was one of the top three best retail promotions in the state in 1999 identified by the Oklahoma Main Street Program. Ponca City’s promotion will be highlighted at the 11th annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet, set for Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Over 244 nominations and 826 slides were reviewed this year. In addition to the best retail promotion, nine other nominations were submitted for the annual competition by PCMSA. Those categories and the nominations were Community Education/Public Awareness — Grand Avenue Times Newsletter and The Grand Tour slide presentation; Premier Special Event — Downtown Halloween Event and The Great Grand Strip Off; Best Interior Design Project — The Daily Grind/Gentleman’s Humidor; Best Building Facade Renovation under $10,000 — Copeland’s Appliance, Best Building Facade Renovation over $10,000 — Fire Station Renovation; Outstanding Design Efforts - Ponca City Main Street Design Committee and Board Member of the Year.

In the winning nomination, over 20 downtown merchants participated in the promotion. Customers received a “punch card” from participating merchants and filled his/her $200 card (filled in increments of $10). After the cards were filled, they were able to turn their card in to the drawing. Over 2,700 completed cards were submitted for the drawing, indicating $540,000 in sales for participating downtown merchants alone. That figures to approximately $43,000 in sales tax for this event. These amounts do not include cards that may not have been completely filled up by patrons,

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

If interested in attending the Oklahoma Main Street Program Award’s Banquet, or if you have other questions about PCMSA, contact Michele Jean at 763-8082 or e-mail pcmainst@poncacity.net.

Free Health Screening Set Next Weekend

Free health screening for Ponca City residents will be available next weekend.

The colorful Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit, featuring murals of Oklahoma outdoor scenes, will be located on the east side of the Wal-Mart parking lot Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Local Lions will be assisted by medical volunteers and will conduct free screenings for glaucoma, diabetes, hearing, visual acuity and high blood pressure. The health screenings are available to all of the public, including minors. Those under 18 must have parental consent.

Glaucoma and diabetes are two of the major causes of blindness. Often these two problems are not discovered until irreversible damage has occurred. Many others suffer from undetected hearing loss or high blood pressure.

The Lions will provide screenings only — not diagnoses. If an irregularity is discovered, the person being screened will be referred to local doctors or health care providers.

The visit of the Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit is a community service project of the Ponca City Noon Lions Club. Vision and hearing have been projects of Lions Clubs all over the world, following a challenge issued to them at a national meeting in 1925 by Helen Keller to become “Knights of the Blind.” Ms. Keller, famous author and speaker, was blind and deaf from early in life.

Since its debut in May of 1998, the $200,000 Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit has visited numerous locations throughout Oklahoma and has screened an average of more than 100 persons per day, 175 to 200 days a year. The screening unit is a joint project of the state’s 246 Lions Clubs and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Each has made generous financial contributions to its annual operation.

The unit is owned by the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation which is a non-profit organization. The unit was purchased and equipped with grants from various sources, including the world-wide Lions Clubs International Foundation. Various Lions Clubs, companies and individuals donated services, equipment and supplies to make the $200,000 unit a reality.

Freightliner Trucks of Oklahoma City and Tulsa helped with the truck purchase and provide storage and maintenance for the unit. OTC Truck Driving School of El Reno helps train unit managers/drivers.

Farmers Market Officers Elected at Saturday Event

The Ponca City Farmers Market held its spring meeting Saturday morning at the Ponca City Country General to elect officers and get organized for the spring and summer season.

Guest speaker for the occasion was Nina Mays of the Osage Nation WIC Program, who shared information about the Farmers Market WIC Program. This program gives qualified persons $20 in vouchers to be used at participating farmers markets. This program encourages senior citizens and also mothers to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables into their families’ diets. Several members of the Farmers Market committed to become involved in the program.

New officers for this year were elected, as follows: Mrs. Chris Ann Johns, president; Mrs. Maurita Grimm, treasurer; Mrs. Betty Hensley, director (3 year term), Barry Harrison, Director (2 year term) and Chet Haworth, Director (1 year term).

Members also voted on homemade crafts to be a part of the Farmers Market. This was passed with limitations — only active members who sell homegrown fruits and vegetables may sell homemade craft items.

It was also agreed by the members that other organizations (such as the Master Gardeners of Kay County) may have fund raising plant sales. This was agreed upon under certain terms, such as advance notice and a one-time fee that would be determined.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Ponca City Farmers Market, should contact for additional information: Chris Johns, Ponca City, 762-3489 or Chet Haworth, Newkirk, 362-2187. Membership is $10, then $1 each market day attended. To be a member you must reside in Kay, Osage, Grant or Noble counties, and you must grow your own produce. During the growing season the Farmers Market meets on the Country General Parking lot, at Prospect and Fourteenth Streets, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 a.m.

Need Help To Complete Census Form?

Help is available at several locations in Kay County for completing this season’s census forms.

Trained volunteers are available to assist with confidential help, with large print forms and with language assistance in 40 different languages.

Questionnaire assistance centers include one at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program office at 113 North Fourth Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Locations also include an office at Ponca Tribal Headquarters at No. 20 White Eagle Drive from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at the Kaw Nation Building, 698 Grandview Drive, in Kaw City from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Census officials say it is important to be counted in the census because many decisions regarding roads, schools, housing, job programs and other federal assistance are based on the census figures compiled every 10 years.

After the 1990 census, Oklahoma lost a Congressional seat based on census numbers that many felt were well below actual population. This year, it is possible that Oklahoma could lose another Congressional seat because of undercounting.

Officials say if you have lost your form or believe you may not have received a form, contact one of the questionnaire assistance centers. The centers can also assist with answering questions.

Letters to the Editor

Congratulations to Po-Hi Robotics

My wife June and I attended the First Robotics Regional Competition heldrecently in Houston, Tx. It was exciting to observe the conduct and performance of the Adidarons, our H.S. science club, who participated in this competition. They are a group to be very proud of.

A “special thanks” to Tonya Scott the H.S. teacher who did a magnificent job of sponsoring the Adidaron team. Without her enthusiasm and hard work this project would not have developed.

Also, we thank each business and person who had a part in assisting with and funding this project. We believe it is projects like this that creates enthusiasm for learning and the importance of teamwork. We are sure that observing the large variety of robots will enhance each students awareness of technology, increase awareness of the many different ways of accomplishing a task, and certainly the necessity of working together in developing a strategy.

The Adidarons will be competing in National Competition in Florida on April 6, 7, & 8 and I am sure they would appreciate any contribution toward their expenses.

—Fred Haub

We Need to Clean Up Local Voting Process

March 14, election day, I went to my assigned precinct to vote. I was given a ballot to vote in the presidential primary, plus a ballot to vote for a city commissioner. I stated to the election volunteers that I was not eligible to vote for a city commissioner since I did not reside within the city limits. Later my husband went to the same precinct to vote and was also handed a ballot to vote for a city commissioner.

The Kay County Election Board had to hold additional elections to correct the problem of ineligible voters at the last city mayor’s race. It appears they have not corrected the problem. I wonder how many ineligible citizens voted in the city commissioners race.

There is a very serious flaw in the election board’s voting procedures.

—Helen Quilling

City Calendar

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

Anytime

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

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

Monday

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

Tuesday

Library Preschool Programs Out Like a Lamb, ages 4-7 at 10 and 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library.

Kim Doner, award winning children’s author/illustrator, autographing, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, 2205 North Fourteenth Street.

Wednesday

Library Preschool Programs Out Like a Lamb, for toddlers ages 2-3 at 10 and 10:30 a.m., Ponca City Library.

Lou Dean autographing Angels in Disguise and Osage County Kids, 6 to 8 p.m., Brace Books and More, 2205 North Fourteenth Street.

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Saturday

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

Christian Motorcycle Association, 8 a.m., Western Sizzlin’.

WBBZ Spring Expo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, free admission.

The Platters with The Marvelettes, 7:30 p.m., the Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, for tickets, call the Poncan Monday through Friday between 1 and 5 p.m. 580-765-0943.

Saturday-Sunday

Oklahoma Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit, sponsored by the Ponca City Noon Lions, east side of Wal-Mark parking lot, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, offering free health screening for glaucoma, diabetes, hearing, visual acuity and high blood pressure.

April 3

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

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

April 5

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

April 6

Tree Sale by the Kay County Conservation District Office, 115 S. Maple, Newkirk, 8 a.m. to noon, seedlings available, minimum order 200 in bundles of 50, variety of species available, forestry officials available for advice.

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

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

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

April 6-7-8

KLVV’s annual Sharathon Fund Raiser on 88.7 FM, call 767-1400 to volunteer or pledge.

April 8

Rummage Sale, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty Avenue, proceeds to missions.

April 8-15

Solid Waste’s Annual Spring Clean-Up.

April 9-30

Photograph Competition and Exhibit, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday of those dates, Ponca City Art Center.

April 10

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

April 10-11

Safe Boating Skills Class, sponsored by Off-the-Job Safety Committee taught by Oklahoma Lake Patrol Division, free, seating limited, RSVP Paul Waffle 580-767-6309 or Wes Barton 580-767-4300 during the day, 6 to 9 p.m. each evening, South Fourth Street Clubhouse.

April 11

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

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

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

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

Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Monthly Directors Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School building, Lake Road and Enterprise.

April 12

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., more information, 762-9866 or 718-0314.

Cultural Affairs Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

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

April 13

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

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

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

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

April 13, 14, 15, 16

Annual Easter Pageant presented by First Baptist Church, “No Name Under Heaven ... Jesus!” 7 p.m. nightly, Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, tickets free but necessary and available at First Baptist Church office, Pioneer Bank and Trust, the Master’s Touch, and KLVV in Ponca City, Guy Lyall Insurance in Tonkawa and Eastman National Bank in Newkirk.

April 14

Spring Salad Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, East Hartford Avenue and North Pecan Road, adults $5, children $2, cookie bouquet centerpieces for sale.

Friendship Feast Fund Raising Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Fellowship Hall of First Christian Church, $6 for adults and $3 for children, meal consists of spaghetti, sauce, home-baked bread, salad, home-baked cookies and lime sherbet. Loaves of Kay Motz bread available.

April 15

Lake Ponca Clean-Up.

April 16

The Sanctuary Choir of Northeast Baptist Church presents “The Promise”, 6:30 p.m., free admission and child care for children three years old and younger, Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road.

April 17

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

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

The Sanctuary Choir of Northeast Baptist Church presents “The Promise”, 7 p.m., free admission and child care for children three years old and younger, Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road.

United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., business and election meeting, Stillwater Medical Center Board Room.

April 18

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

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

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

Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street.

April 19

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library.

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

Tomie dePaola, internationally famous children’s author/illustrator, autographing 5-7 p.m., Brace Books and More, 2205 North Fourteenth Street.

April 20

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

April 21

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

April 24

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

April 27

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

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

April 28

Taste and Tasteless, fund raiser, 6:45 p.m. Poncan Theatre.

May 3

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

May 4

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

May 5-6-7

Iris Festival (Many Activities)

May 6

Christian Motorcycle Association, 8 a.m., Western Sizzlin’.

Victorian Chocolate Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Central Station, lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., French pastries, chocolate and specialty food booths.

May 9

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

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

May 10

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., more information, 762-9866 or 718-0314.

Community Pool Committee, 4:30 p.m., YMCA, 702 East Grand Avenue.

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

May 11

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

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

May 15

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

May 16

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

Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street.

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

May 17

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library.

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

May 25

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

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

June 3

Seventh Annual Ponca City Herb Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cann Memorial Gardens, Fourteenth Street at East Grand Avenue, fresh herbs, demonstrations, samples and seminars, herbal crafts and products, food, live entertainment and lots of thymely advice.

Gary Lewis and The Playboys with Mitch Ryder, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., the Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, for tickets call the Poncan Monday through Friday between 1 and 5 p.m. 580-765-0943.

Legal Aide Council Program Planned At Wheatheart

Legal Aid of Western Oklahoma’s Advisory Council will meet at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheatheart Nutrition Site, 319 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

The advisory council is a citizens group interested in identifying important legal issues and assists Legal Aid in educational efforts. Meetings are held quarterly to discuss legal issues on a particular topic.

Judy Clay, senior citizen’s paralegal, will present a special program, Planning For The Future. The presentation will cover documents often used in estate planning, wills, durable power of attorneys and advance directives for health care. This presentation is especially designed for senior citizens. Copies of Oklahoma Senior Citizens Handbook will also be distributed.

The meeting is open to the public and will last about an hour. Anyone wanting more information should call Judy Clay, at Legal Aids’s Stillwater Law Center (800) 256-9601. Legal Aid of Western Oklahoma is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low income individuals and senior citizens.

Howard Hanger Jazz Fantasy Here Friday at Poncan

The Howard Hanger Jazz Fantasy performs at the Poncan Theatre on Friday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. Hanger and his group present blues, traditional standards and contemporary jazz. The concert is sponsored locally by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, and admission is free.

Hanger and his group of musicians relate their music to all ages, and it has been said that Hanger has a special gift of “people magic.” His energy and zest for living translates through his music. He plays at over 50 elementary schools and public concerts every year and has written hundreds of musical arrangements from kids songs to a full symphony. His newest albums are Dog Breath and Other Mind-Boggling Hits for Kids and Be Still My Soul.

Musicians appearing in Jazz Fantasy include Dave Copenhaver on the bass, James Keys on drums, Earl Hefley on saxophone, and Howard Hanger on the keyboard.

The Howard Hanger Jazz Fantasy is also sponsored by Conoco and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Po Hi Robotics Team Highest as Rookies

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

It’s a first for Ponca City Senior High.

The Po-Hi Robotics Team placed fourth out of 38 teams at the Lone Star Regional Robotics Competition March 16-18 in Houston. The team was the highest ranked rookie team.

The group also won a special Honeywell Leadership in Control Award, which singles out the robot that has the best control apparatus and honors the team members.

Team members build their robot (named ADIDAR — All Day I Dream About Robotics) in six weeks. The group was also mentored by engineers from the Ponca City area.

The team consists of approximately 35 students and sponsors. High school teacher Tonya Scott is the team manager.

Po-Hi’s team will leave for the national competition on April 3, which is held at the Epcot Center during April 6-8 in Orlando.

For more details about the national competition visit the website at www.usfirst.org. Ponca City’s website is http://adidar.homestead.com/HOME.

Scott was thrilled with the team’s award and happy about how Ponca City rallied around the team.

“The educational opportunity that the robotics project provides to young people is astonishing. We plan to have the robot on public display for everyone to come see what our robot can do,” she said.

During the Houston Competition (Lone Star Regional), the Po-Hi team gathered with students from Jenks and sang “Oklahoma!” at least twice a day in the “pit” area, and also from the stadium area every time one of the Oklahoma teams had a victory.

Scott said it was quite a ride home because students were all voiceless from singing and cheering so often.

The Jenks Robotics Team, also representing Oklahoma, placed eighth. This is the fifth year the team has competed from Jenks.

Scott said her goal as the team sponsor is to increase the Ambassadorship from Oklahoma. “It would be a wonderful thing if our team members had Oklahoma items to hand out during the national competition. It is a commonplace for the teams to bring hand-out items as team spirit awards are based partially on how the teams interact with each other and the “goodies” they hand out,” she said.

She also said the team would like to have an Oklahoma Flag that has flown over the state capitol.

“In our ‘pit’ area, we have a frame constructed of PVC pipe that holds our school flag, our team banner, and would also display an Oklahoma state flag. We feel very strongly about representing our state. The students in my care at the competition are learning about loyalty in the most positive way — by practicing it,” Scott said.

The robotics project began last December when NASA Johnson Space Center awarded Ponca City with a $6,000 grant to offset entry fee costs to the Houston competition. The group paid an additional $4,000 for the National Competition entry fee.

Scott traveled to Manchester, New Hampshire, with an engineer, on Jan. 8, 2000, to attend the “kick-off” meeting that was aired live via NASA TV.

She was then given two 70 pound crates of robotic parts (motors, wires, etc.) which she brought back from the trip.

The team had to design a robot and construct it out of the parts in the crates in a six-week period. All robots had to be shipped to competition on Feb. 22, 2000, ending further construction.

Students learned how to plan, design and complete an intensive project within given guidelines; such as size and time limitations.

Also important during this time period was raising thousands of dollars for the team’s travel costs.

Scott said the students held car washes, dinners, commemorative bricks, expo booths, bake sales, etc.). “They had worked very hard in all aspects of this competition. Over 1400 man hours were worked on the robot during the six-week period in the evenings and on weekends,” she said.

If you would like to help students attend the National Competition, please send your tax-deductible contributions to Ponca City High School Science Club, 927 North Fifth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Crime Stoppers

Help Solve Two Robberies

This week’s feature details two strong-armed robberies and Police need your assistance in solving them.

The first robbery occurred on Saturday, March 4, about 8 p.m. A 59-year-old victim reports that he was in the back yard of his residence located in the 1200 block of South Twelfth Street when he was assaulted and his wallet containing cash was taken from him. The victim describes his assailant as a black man between the ages of 30 and 35 years of age, approximately 6-0 tall and having a medium build.

The second robbery occurred on Monday, March 6, just after 9 p.m. A 73-year-old victim reports that he was sitting in the living room of his residence located in the 1000 block of East South Avenue when someone approached him from behind, put a gloved hand over his mouth and demanded money. The victim briefly saw his assailant. He describes him as a black man 20-35 years old, approximately 6-0 tall with a medium build. At the time of the robbery, the assailant was wearing black gloves and dark clothes. A small amount of cash was taken.

Anyone with information regarding these strong-armed robberies, or any other crime, please call the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers at 762-5100. The caller will remain anonymous and may receive a reward of up to $1,000.

Community Concert Membership Drive Kicks Off Here Monday Night

Community Concert membership drive kicks off the 2000-2001 season with a worker’s dinner on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Norma Casad is chairperson for the dinner. Leslie Rardin is membership drive chairperson.

Sheila Gallagher, Community Concert New York representative, will be here to present an outline of the current artists that are scheduled for the coming season. Each worker can pick up his packet at the dinner.

Captains for the membership drive Include Joy Asbury, Marsha Baldridge, Mary Jane Barraclough, Mary Sunshine Cogman, Mary Lou Ferguson, Stan Hoffmeyer, Richard Jacobsen, Marta Maril, John Minor, Roberta Motz, Robert Nesselrode, Mary Lois Nield, Barbara Radd, Betty Sandy, Mark Southard, Vicki Stokke, Charles Thompson, Cindy Wigley, and Virginia Starks. More workers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call Leslie Rardin, 765-3971, or Mary Lois Nield, 762-5156.

Current members will receive their 2000-2001 season’s artist brochures with membership forms in March. The six concerts presented will be The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats; Rodrick Dixon, tenor; Jennifer Frautschi, violinist; Thuringer Salon Quintett; Richard Glazier, pianist and narrator; and the Alborada, Baptista Family Andean Show. Mark Southard, president, announced that all new memberships will receive a bonus concert on April 13. The bonus concert will be Douglas Webster, baritone, performing at the Poncan Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Tax deductible contributions are accepted in the following categories to support the new season — Conductor, $500 — $1000; Benefactor, $250 — $499; Sustaining Contributor, $100 — $249; Patron Contributor, $50 — $99; Supporting Contributor, $25 — $49.

Fifth Congressional District Candidate Sets Public Event

The public is invited to a reception for Fifth Congressional District candidate, Garland McWatters of Ponca City Wednesday from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand.

The come and go event is designed so the public can visit informally with McWatters about his candidacy and his platform of economic renewal for Oklahoma. McWatters will be challenging incumbent Ernest Istook.

“This election is about bringing real representation back to Oklahoma and going to work for the citizens of this state for a change,” McWatters said.

McWatters and his wife, Lori Young, chose to move to Ponca City nearly two years ago. They came on a sight-seeing trip, decided to move here, and began seeking employment. Lori, an attorney, affiliated with Baumert, Cummings, and Hiatt. McWatters is a management consultant and presents seminars on business and professional development topics.

They have become involved in the community through the Rotary Club and various volunteer activities. McWatters is a member of the Leadership Ponca City 2000 class.

McWatters is focusing his campaign on three principles. First, Oklahomans deserve real representation in Washington, D.C. that puts Oklahoma’s needs above self-interest.

Second, the duty of a congressman is to get results for his district and state. McWatters says he will have an “Oklahoma first” agenda to revive the economic development momentum. Third, meaningful reform is desperately needed in many areas including taxes, education, and campaign financing, McWatters says.

Frontier Chooses Two for Girls State

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Two Frontier School students — Jennifer Prucha and Stephanie Lee Ann Stallings — have been chosen to represent Frontier at the Oklahoma Girls State in Ada May 20-27.

Prucha, who will be the delegate, is the daughter of Dan and Renae Prucha of Red Rock. She is actively involved in the academic team, FFA, band and class chairperson.

She has received the Presidential Leadership Award, ITBS Gold Medal for test scores, Academic All Conference Team and placed in the NOC Scholastic Tests.

Prucha is listed on “Who’s Who of American High School Students,” named most valuable player of the Frontier Academic Team, received ratings at District Music competition and nominated as an Ambassador of Music Competition.

She placed second in an agriculture mechanics project at the Tulsa State Fair and first place in the Noble County Fair in ag mechanics.

She is also a teen volunteer at Perry Memorial Hospital and assisted her FFA chapter paint the Marland Baptist Church.

Stephanie Lee Ann Stallings, daughter of Steve and Betty Stallings of Ponca City, was chosen as this year’s alternate.

She is a member of the Wah-Pe-He, academic team and art club. Other activities include the baseball manager and keeping stats for the basketball and softball teams.

She received an Outstanding Student Award in computers and mathematics in 1996-97, is on the Principal’s Honor Roll and junior class president for this school year. She was also named Outstanding Student for competitive academics for 1997-98.

Stallings is a certified scuba diver and recently attended swing, ballroom and Latin dance classes.

During last summer, she worked at a day care center in Ponca City where she was a teacher’s assistant for six toddlers. She still volunteers for the center on Fridays.

Delegates for Oklahoma Girls State must be selected for their high moral character, leadership, cooperativeness, physical fitness and interest in government.

Selections are made from a list of qualified girls secured from the high school by the Girls State Chairman of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit.

Local Businesses Become PIE For Ponca City School System

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Ponca City schools receive help each year from local businesses with school activities, classroom materials and other donations.

These unsung heroes of our schools are called PIE Partners (Partners in Education).

In late February, a Partner in Education meeting was held at the Fourth Street Clubhouse to receive updates from the school year on each of the school sites.

Woodland Elementary’s PIE partner is Buy for Less, Bank of America and Rotary.

Buy for Less is providing M&M’s for each student on their birthday. They also supplied the refreshments for a basketball tournament. In return, the students display their projects on the bulletin boards at the store.

Bank of America had just renewed their partnership with Woodlands and had donated money to buy supplies for the reading efficient act.

Members of the Ponca City Rotary Club meet weekly with students for tutoring.

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Union Elementary’s PIE partners are HIT, McDonald’s, Smith International and K-Mart.

Horizon Internet Technology, Inc. contributes 20 percent of all Internet accounts to Union.

McDonalds hosts a “stay at home and read” program where each child receives a coupon for free food for reading with their parents.

Smith International and K-Mart joined forces to host the “Back to School” Night and K-Mart had donated batteries to the school.

Conoco has also donated money for a reading intervention program.

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Trout Elementary’s PIE partner is Home National Bank.

HNB had donated $2,500 toward a new copy machine for the school and are working with the at-risk students.

Home National just completed a month-long art show that was displayed at the bank. The first graders have been displaying self-portraits, and the sixth graders have displayed their metric designs.

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Pioneer Bank and Trust is Roosevelt Elementary’s PIE partner.

Pioneer Bank has been working for 12 weeks with students on their reading. A treat that the bank employees enjoy is having the chorus class come to the bank and sing during the holidays.

The bank also sponsors a “Trick of Treat” Night for Halloween.

Cash donations have also been made.

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Garfield Academy’s PIE partner is Conoco.

Garfield teachers were asked to make a wish list of items that they would like from Conoco. Each teacher was given a printer or $187 to spend on school supplies.

Conoco has also contributed the supplies for the dark room and continues with the “Lunch Buddies” program.

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United Supermarkets is the PIE partner for Washington Elementary.

The two continue to host the job shadow program, where once a month sixth graders can job shadow at United. The students receive a name badge just like the employees.

United has a bulletin board with pictures of student demonstrating good citizenship.

United has also contributed chili for a founder’s night, a chicken dinner and candy bars for each student’s birthday.

They also help with the celebration party at the end of the year for reading.

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Liberty Elementary’s PIE partner is Sykes.

The two partner together during the holidays to sponsor a four-year-old program float during the Christmas Parade. Sykes has also borrowed Liberty’s popcorn popper for an event at Sykes.

On Friday’s, Liberty has volunteers from the community who come to work with the children.

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PIE partners for Lincoln Elementary are Evans and ONG.

This year, Santa visited Lincoln where 535 kids received a gift. Their partners have also made it possible to host Kim Doner, a child’s author and illustrator for a day.

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West Middle School’s PIE partner is Albertson’s.

Albertson’s worked the Middle school to provide supplies and cake decorating equipment for an Enrichment Day.

They also provide donuts and juice weekly for meetings. The store has also judged a poster contest and has worked with the school on social studies units.

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Although the Alternative School does not have a formal partner, they have worked with Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, Evans and Mertz.

Lowe’s helps each spring to provide students with information on what their needs are for employees.

Wal-Mart helps the Alternative School with their “Back to School” party.

Evans, Mertz and Lowe’s have been working with parents from the school to develop a volleyball and basketball court.

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Ponca City Senior High’s PIE partner is St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

The hospital has just completed a job shadowing day and are working on a Medical Explorers Post with 60 kids. SJRMC helped host a mentoring reception for the job shadow program.

Conoco and Mertz have also helps the Robotic Team build their robot.

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East Middle School’s PIE partner is Lowe’s, which worked with the school to provide door prizes for the school’s picnic and donated plants for the Christmas program.

Lowe’s also provides monitors for testing.

Oklahoma Illustrator Here To Speak at Local Schools

Several PIE Partners are making is possible for Kim Doner, an illustrator from Tulsa, to speak at several local schools.

Doner, who received the Oklahoma Book Award for Best Illustrated Book in 1995 for her book, Green Snake Ceremony, will be at Brace Books on Tuesday, March 28.

The reception will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

PIE partners who helped sponsor the event include Buy for Less, Conoco, Evans and Associates, Home National Bank, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Smith International, Sykes and United Supermarkets.

Doner is scheduled to visit several elementary schools including: Roosevelt on March 29, Garfield on March 30, Washington on April 17, Woodlands on April 25, Trout on May 8, Union on May 10, and Liberty on May 11.

She already spent a day with Lincoln Elementary last month.

Doner is an active member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators, the Graphic Artist Guild and on the boards of the Center for the Book and the Center for Poets and Writers.

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

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

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

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

Thursday — Sausage and egg biscuit or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

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

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Chicken ringers with hot roll or hot pocket, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, fruit, Curious George snack, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Hot dog on a bun or pizza, California vegetables with cheese, tatter tots, corn, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese nachos or mini corn dogs, refried beans, cheesy rice, Oreos, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Taco bell chili and cheese burrito or spaghetti with meat and garlic bread, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Jello, broccoli with cheese, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Hamburger on a bun or queso and chips, tater tots, rosy pears, pinto beans, cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

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

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

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

Thursday — Sausage and egg biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Breakfast burrito with salsa or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

East Middle School

Breakfast

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

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

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

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

Friday — Jelly donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

West Middle School

Lunch

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

Monday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Pizza, tater tots, corn, pudding, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos, refried beans, cheesy rice, tossed salad with ranch dressing, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Taco Bell chili and cheese burrito, tossed salad with ranch dressing, broccoli with cheese, Jello, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Queso nachos, mexican beans, lettuce and tomato salad, cookies, fruit, cake, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

East Middle School

Lunch

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

Monday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, tossed salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad and milk.

Tuesday — Pizza, corn, pudding, tossed salad, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos, refried beans, cheesy rice, tossed salad, Jello, dill spears, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hamburger, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, vegetarian beans, pudding, fruit, Jello, or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Burrito with chili and cheese, tossed salad, mexican beans, cookies, saltine crackers, raisins, dill pickles or baked potato, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

High School Lunch

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

Po-Hi Campus Mart

Monday — Chili dog, tater tots, broccoli with cheese sauce, cookies and cream pudding, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Pizza, corn, Jello, tossed salad, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

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

Thursday — Indian taco, mexi beans, mexi rice, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Steak fingers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Rice, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Thursday — Ham, egg and cheese bar, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — Donuts, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Sloppy Joe, french fries, dill spear, pineapple slices, cookies and milk.

Tuesday — Pizza, cole slaw, okra, orange wedge and milk.

Wednesday — Fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, corn, peaches, hot roll and milk.

Thursday — Hot turkey sandwich, potatoes and gravy, carrots, pineapple and milk.

Friday — Chicken fajitas, salad, refried beans, corn, Jello and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Beef stew, fajita grilled chicken with white bean sauce or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Savory swiss steak, pork stir fry or catch of the day with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Thursday — Beef Diane, chicken cordon bleu or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

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

School Calendar

Po-Hi

March 27

Varsity boys golf at Midwest City, 8:30 a.m.

Varsity girls golf at Cushing, 9 a.m.

Boys and girls junior varsity tennis at Bartlesville, 1 p.m.

Varsity baseball at Tulsa Union, 4 p.m.

Baseball for junior varsity at Enid, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade boys and girls golf at Bartlesville.

March 28

ITBS testing (freshmen) starting at 8:05 a.m.

Varsity girls golf at Edmond, 9 a.m.

Junior varsity and varsity soccer at Edmond Memorial, 3 p.m.

Junior varsity baseball against Tonkawa, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade baseball at Sapulpa, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade boys tennis against Stillwater, 4 p.m.

Cheerleading tryout clinic at RFH, 4:30 p.m.

Po-Hi Stepper parent meeting at Howell Auditorium, 5:30 p.m.

March 29

ITBS testing (freshmen) at 8:05 a.m.

Cheerleading tryout clinic at RFH, 4:30 p.m.

Tip-Off Club banquet at Commons, 6 p.m.

March 30

ITBS testing continues.

Ninth grade tennis against Ark City, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity and varsity soccer at Midwest City, 4:30 p.m.

Cheerleading tryout clinic, 4:30 p.m.

Ninth grade baseball against Cushing, 5 p.m.

Junior varsity baseball at Guthrie.

Varsity baseball at Norman.

March 31

Junior varsity boys and girls tennis teams at Muskogee Tournament, 8 a.m.

ITBS testing for freshmen, 8:05 a.m.

Junior varsity baseball at Newkirk, 4 p.m.

Cheerleading clinic continues.

Po-Hi Steppers at Nationals in Denton, Texas.

Junior varsity baseball at Guthrie.

Varsity baseball at Norman.

April 1

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

Boys and girls tennis at Shawnee, 8 a.m.

Special Olympics at Sullins Stadium, 8 a.m.

Boys and girls track at Stillwater.

Junior varsity baseball at Guthrie and varsity baseball at Norman.

Commission Will Discuss IAFF, FOP Negotiations

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

An executive session to discuss negotiations with the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Fraternal Order of Police will be held by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday.

The session will follow activity by the Ponca City Board of Commission, the Ponca City Utility Authority and the Ponca City Development Authority. Those sessions will begin at the Public Safety Center at 5:30 p.m. Any action will be taken after the commission resumes the regular session.

During the regular session of the commission, consideration will be given to increase the fees for copies of public records. The last time the commission acted on any fee structure of copying public records was in 1988, and costs now indicate that the fees should be increased.

The commission will also decide on a resolution that would establish a restricted equity in the insurance fund. The proposal would be for setting the amount of $750,000, and directing the city manager to implement the terms of the resolution.

A resolution is on the agenda that would suspend the food and alcohol catering guidelines for rental of buildings on the Marland Estate. That is a recommendation from the Marland Estate Commission.

Other agenda items include action necessary on a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Advisory Board to approve the ground and facilities rental policies.

A committee report on the Lew Wentz Golf Course rates for 2000-2001 fiscal year will be reviewed and action taken if necessary.

Commissioners have a lengthy consent agenda as well, including items that would allow the Marland Estate Commission to accept a $1,000 grant from the Oklahoma Endowed Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Also on the consent agenda is an amendment to the capacity lease agreement with the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority.

A change order amounting to $7,085.57 and the final payment amounting to $33,110.87 to Ron Clark Construction for work done at two railroad crossings, Prospect Avenue and Grand Avenue is on the consent agenda.

The consent agenda also includes a construction contract for exterior repairs of the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand Avenue, amounting to $17,136. That award would go to Sooner Construction Company of North Central Oklahoma, Ponca City.

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board has several recommendations on the consent agenda including fee increases for Cann Gardens, fee increases for Unity Gym, and fee increases for Wentz Camp and Pool.

Other items on the consent agenda is a request of a contract extension for the 1998 Community Development Block Grant Small Cities grant for repairs to Lake Ponca Dam, a resolution declaring the City of Ponca City’s support of the Ponca City Main Street program, and authorization for the mayor to sign a letter of intent to provide in-kind services amounting to $30,000 to Pioneer Transit in fiscal 2001 subject to appropriation.

Also a letter of intent from the city to Jerry Evans. It would note the city would follow standard city policy regarding the construction of mains and sub-mains for water distribution and waste-water collection systems for new subdivisions, primarily concerning Prentice Estates.

Commissioners will also meet as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority, with items on a consent agenda including a change order amounting to an add-on of $11,343.41 to the contract and the final payment amounting to 421,205.91 to Bluestem Construction Inc. for work completed on the Overbrook Avenue sanitary sewer repair project.

As members of the Ponca City Development Authority, commissioners will take up a proposed settlement agreement with trustee of bankrupt estate of Thorn Apple Valley in settling the soil remediation claim.

Pizzazz at the Poncan Offering Variety of Talent During Show

Where can one find opera, ballet, tap, and jazz dance, trick roping, country swing music, gospel music, old time movie stars, a ventriloquist act, and characters like John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Rocky, Mary Poppins, Will Rogers and Humphrey Bogart under one roof and in one show?

Pizzazz at the Poncan will offer all of the above and more. They will even have a kissing horse to bid you goodbye.

Pizzazz at the Poncan will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 9. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and can be purchased at all local banks and the Chamber of Commerce.

The show is a Revue-Z-Cal and will feature show people, movie personalities and acts that at one time have been on stage or on the silver screen at the Poncan Theatre. The director, writer and choreographer for the production is Suzanne Kem. Co-director and stage manager is Shana Rutz, a faculty member of Oklahoma City University.

Three “spirits” of the Poncan will narrate the program and show off their vocal talents. Brenda Stevenson, Tatia Collins and Julie Garrett will represent the Poncan spirits.

The opening production number Reflections depicts old-time movie characters and 101 Ranch stars. Actors are Cindy Watson, Steve Huston, Patrick Powers, Mary Sanders, Jessica Hisey, Vicki Poulson, Melissa Arambula, Elisa Massey, Rebecca Stephen, Julie Adams Tapken, Todd Rivers, Chelsey Hill, Christie Hill, Alisa Parks and Kari Taylor.

Vaudeville talent will include Kristyn Pickering, Julie Wheeler, Amanda White, Mike Mott, Eric Chambray, Kensie Alexander, Melissa Arambula, Mandy Bacher, Robin Maril, Alyce Phelan, Rebecca Stephen, Sarah Strecker, Meghan Williams, Savanah Morin, Beth Rady, Julie Garrett, Christie Hill, Marta Maril, Vicki Poulson, Mona Sage, Mary Sanders, Cindy Watson, and Gillian Ressler from Oklahoma City.

Early Day Movies

Early-day movie characters will be portrayed by Kimberly Evans, Julie Adams Tapken, Patricia Bodman, Julie Garrett, Christie Hill, Marta Maril, Robin Maril, Vicki Poulson, Mona Sage, Mary Sanders, Cindy Watson, Melissa Arambula, Elisa Massey, Maddie McDaniel, Amanda Moore, Savanah Morin, Kristyn Pickering, Beth Powell, Mary Powell, Julie Wheeler and Amanda White.

The Big “V” Ranch and the 101 Wild West shows will be represented by Beth Rady and Mark Jordan.

Country vocalists Cynthia Crowe, Larrell Birdsong, Bruce Evans, Bill Kem and Randy McDaniel will entertain.

Gospel singers include Tim Muniz and The Forgiven, Kris Johnson, Lynda Johnson, Mark Brooke and Mark Green. Elisa Massey will perform a ballet dance on pointé to a gospel selection.

Additional dancers Melissa Bacher, Casey Cashon, Sarah Holmes, Evan Jordan, Mackenzie McDaniel, and Ashley Payne will perform.

Leslie Goldman, an operatic soloist, will perform, Shannon Love will be a featured vocalist, and Christina Rich-Splawn will make a cameo appearance as an actress.

Richard Heinrich is added to the list of guest artists. He is a trick roper from Romona and his credits include Will Rogers Follies in Broken Arrow, Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show and many rodeo performances.

Hooray for Hollywood is a large ending production number staring six Golden Girls, Anna Heagy, Christie Hill, Marta Maril, Robin Maril, Halli Martin and Marcie Wilkinson.

The Hollywood cast includes Clark Monsour, Dave May, Susie Cashon, Bill Kem, Julie Adams Tapken, Mary Sanders, Bayard Casey, Caleb Stevenson, Cheryl Mauk, Todd Rivers and Christy Gonterman.

DEATHS

Earl Wayne Vick
Jesse C. Beal
Services Pending
Alma A. Hedberg
Verda Mae Crabtree

Obituaries

Earl Wayne Vick

Earl Wayne Vick, age 62, died March 21, 2000. Earl was born in Kingston, Okla. on Jan. 23, 1938. He married Wanda Cooper in Oklahoma City in 1961. They moved to Ponca City in 1966 where Earl was employed as Youth Director at the YMCA. He later taught Physical Education at Roosevelt School until he accepted the position of director of the Ponca City Housing Authority. Later he moved to Oklahoma City where he retired from Rainbo Baking Co.

While living in Ponca City, Earl was very active in youth sports programs and served at least two years as President of Kids, Inc.

As Earl entered Heaven he was welcomed by his parents, Earl and Ludie Beth; son, Jerry Thomas, and granddaughter, Jennah Hayes.

Looking forward to being with him again are his wife, Judy; sister, Betty Willoughly; children, Sabrena Vick, Kathryn Schein, Robert Vick of Ponca City, and Jason Thomas; grandchildren, Rhiannon, Cory, Chandler, Cole, Kristyn, Clayton and Kaylin. Also his stepmother, Cid Vick and her children, Kathy Ellis, Donna Gales, and Greg Vick.

Services were held March 23, 2000, at 2:30 p.m. at Eastern Avenue Baptist Church in Moore with Pastor Monte Judah officiating. Services were under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home and Chapel in Moore.

If Earl’s friends would like to contact the family, his son, Robby lives in Ponca City at 200 North Flormable, telephone 762-1811.

(The family regrets the obituary did not appear in the Ponca City News prior to the funeral, due to an error in communication.)

paid obituary

Jesse C. Beal

Jesse C. Beal, longtime Ponca City resident, went home to be with his Lord early Friday morning, March 24, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 84.

The funeral service will be held Monday, March 27, 2000, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Worship Center with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Jesse C. Beal was born Sept. 5, 1915, in Keirsey, Okla., near Durant. He was the son of Jesse B. and Myrtle Armontrout Beal. He came to Ponca City in 1925, and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1934. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during World War II as a Radar Bombardier in the Theatre of Operations in China, India and Burma. He received numerous awards to include the Purple Heart.

On March 30, 1941, he married Nettie Wallace at First Baptist Church in Ponca City. Following the War, Mr. Beal returned to Ponca City and began a career with Conoco. He worked briefly in the refinery before taking a job in Retail Credit, retiring in 1980 after more than 43 years.

Mr. Beal was for several years a member of the First Baptist Church where he was active in his Sunday School class, holding various offices. At one time, he also worked with young adults in the church and was a Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and watching all sports. One of his favorite pastimes included spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Nettie of the home; daughter, Mary Jane Barraclough and her husband, Stanley, of Ponca City, and two grandsons, James and Charles Barraclough. Additional survivors include a sister, Oweta Dagg and her husband, Gene, of Ponca City; a sister-in-law, Frances V. Beal of Ponca City, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, three brothers, Bert Jr., Clyde B. and Julian H., preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the home, 2801 Kingston Road.

The family will receive friends at the Trout Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2000.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Alma A. Hedberg

Alma A. Hedberg, Ponca City resident, died Friday, March 24, 2000. She was 95. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2000 in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later. The family will greet friends at the Trout Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2000.

Verda Mae Crabtree

Verda Mae Crabtree, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, March 25, 2000 at Westminster Village Nursing Home. She was 79. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Schatz Reunion — The families of George W. and Effie Schatz will hold a reunion Sunday, April 9, at Lake Ponca shelterhouse No. 3. For more information call 580-765-8727, 762-4038, 765-2407, 765-9655. This is the first reunion in 40 years for the group.

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

Threats — A man from the 400 block of West Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:47 a.m. Friday that a subject had threatened him. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Intricate Designs of Ponca City, experienced professional wall papering by Leramy Kizziar, free estimates. 762-2089. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received calls at 8:01 a.m. Friday that a one-vehicle injury accident had occurred five miles east on Oklahoma 11. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded but no one was taken from the scene in an ambulance.

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

Disturbance — A clerk of a business in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:01 a.m. Friday that two subjects were in the store arguing. Two officers were assigned and a man was told to stay off the property and the 19-year-old man was also held for assault with a deadly weapon.

Open Sunday 1-5. Two cubic foot cypress mulch $2.49 each or 10 for $22.50. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Injury Accident — The Communications Center received calls at 10:30 a.m. Friday that a one-vehicle injury accident had occurred at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue. Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded as did two officers from the Ponca City Police Department. A report was taken and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Property Stolen — A man from the 500 block of North Third Street reported to the Ponca City Police department at 1:29 p.m. Friday that a 24-foot ladder had been stolen from some rental property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Cow on the Roadway — The Communications Center received a call at 11:56 a.m. Friday that a cow was on the roadway in the 3600 block of North Union Street. Animal Control was notified to handle the situation.

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

Fire Run — The Communications Center received a call at 12:40 p.m. Friday from the 1200 block of East Hartford Avenue that a vehicle was smoking. The Ponca City Fire Department handled the situation.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Pedestrian Hit — The Communications Center received calls at 2:26 p.m. Friday that a pedestrian had been hit in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded as did two officers of the Ponca City Police Department. The pedestrian was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. A report was taken.

Affairs To Remember, wedding rentals and gifts has moved

to 212 North Third. adv.

Dog Gone — The Communications Center received a call at 3:30 p.m. Friday from the 700 block of North Oak Street that a dog had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

25 Cents a gallon drinking water. Pure Water Wagon 1717 North 5th. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:55 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Vandalism — A woman from the 500 block of Foster Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:36 p.m. Friday that a subject had thrown beer bottles at her car. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Ladybug, Bumble bee and frog rain boot and umbrellas for kids. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a motorist at the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Birch Street at 1:18 a.m. Saturday. Another officer responded and a 43-year-old man was held for DUI, having no insurance, and driving left of center.

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

Vehicle Stolen — A woman from the 1600 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:41 a.m. Saturday that a vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and information was logged.

Becky Gearhart. Perm only $25. Hair Etc. 762-4247. adv.

Requests Assistance — A woman from the 200 block of South Fourteenth Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 4:49 a.m. Saturday concerning an assault. Two officers were assigned and a 56-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.

Replacement Windows, vinyl, aluminum or wood. We sell and install. Ponca Glass, 300 West Highland and Pine, 762-6522. adv.

Deer Hit — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported to the Communications Center from the 2000 block of Lake Road at 5:58 a.m. Saturday that his unit had hit a deer. Another officer responded to the scene and a report was taken.

Sandi Gore Evans 2000 line has arrived! Come see it 1st! Carla’s

Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Don’t Feed our animals! They’re already stuffed! Biggest selection in town. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

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

Open Sunday 1-5. Jumbo six pack pansies, $.59 pack. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Virgil Sneed Barber Shop. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Only. adv.

News Briefs Help — Need to announce an event or special item for sale? Call 765-3311 to see if it qualifies for the News Briefs column of The Ponca City News.

LIFESTYLES

Diamonds in Your Own Backyard
Treva McClung Tells Lions About Habitat for Humanity
Iris Festival Seeks Vendors
Lookin With Lou By Louise Abercrombie
Lori Dawn Sloan Engaged
Wedding Plans Announced
Couple Will Marry April 8
Oklahoma Happenings
Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis Governor Visits Ponca City
Engagement Is Announced
Kathryn Werling To Wed
Kristi Rinehart Bride-Elect
Bits and Pieces
Oklahoma Historical Society
Jonathan Peck Will Perform Recital at OBU
Patty Landreth Marries David Harold Bessler
Diana Gardner Becomes Bride of Michael Bushman
Couple Observes 45 Years
85th Birthday Party To Fete Lou Penoi
Event Will Honor Keelers
Wheatheart Nutrition Menu Announced
Ponca City Happenings
TOPS Chapter Members Meet

Diamonds in Your Own Backyard

Jane Jayroe, executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department for Oklahoma, was the featured speaker for the guest day luncheon sponsored by Four O’Clock Garden Club members on March 22 at the Ponca City Country Club.

Carol Bouldin, program committee member, introduced Jayroe, who is a former Miss Oklahoma and Miss America. During Jayroe’s address, she included descriptions of Oklahoma tourist attractions. Utilizing a theme of “Diamonds in Your Own Backyard,” Jayroe said tourism is economic development and gave several suggestions for marketing local tourist attractions. In keeping with the tourism, Bouldin presented Jayroe with a bronze bust of Standing Bear. The bust was contributed by Carl Renfro, chairman of Pioneer Bank and Trust.

The guest day luncheon was chaired by Four O’clock Garden Club president Marcia Davis. During the dessert course, guests were introduced. They included members of other garden clubs in Ponca City and Newkirk, as well as members of the Tall Grass Prairie Association

Table decorations included tall floral topiaries accented with gold filigree ribbons. Each place setting was marked with a chocolate assortment and a rolled, ribbon-tied parchment giving a brief biography of Jayroe.

Following the luncheon, Bouldin and Davis accompanied Jayroe on a brief tour of Ponca City’s tourist attractions. The tour included the Pioneer Woman Museum, with Jan Prough, manager, directing the building tour. The tour of the museum included a view of the Hall of Fame, where Jane Jayroe, as Miss America, is portrayed.

At the Marland Mansion, Kathy Adams, Marland Mansion Estate director, guided the group, pointing out the ceiling art work. She also opened the Art Studio and Lydie’s cottage for view.

On Grand Avenue, areas of interest included the Ponca City Cultural Center, Art Center, Civic Center, and library. Stopping at the Poncan Theatre, Larry Buck gave a brief tour and history of the renovation.

At Standing Bear, T. L. Walker, executive director, related the story of Standing Bear and the day of dedication. Jayroe said she was “impressed with the minimal amount of money that was spent for certain projects; for instance, the Bryant Baker exhibit and the Poncan Theatre restoration. With the financial support of Conoco and private donations, and with the help of volunteers, costs were considerably lower than usual.”

Treva McClung Tells Lions About Habitat for Humanity

At the March 22 meeting of the Ponca City Noon Lions Club, Treva McClung, vice president of the board for Habitat for Humanity, gave the program. Treva reported that Habitat had recently received a donation of a building on Pine Street that will be remodeled and used for an office and much needed storage.

At the present time, Habitat for Humanity has 10 homes in Ponca City. They are remodeling their No.1 home and adding some space for a new family. Habitat has just completed their second “from the ground up” house in Ponca City. It is located on Eighth Street.

In order for a family to be eligible for a Habitat for Humanity home, the family must have the ability to assist with the home project and put in 350 hours in “sweat equity” as well as have the ability to show they have sufficient income to make the monthly mortgage payments, said McClung. Houses are sold on a 20-year note, and Habitat for Humanity is the mortgage holder.

Ms. McClung told the Lions members that Habitat has been in Ponca City since 1990. Their funding comes mainly from donations from the community and from the monthly mortgage payments. Habitat for Humanity has several fundraising efforts including the Flea Market held at Ponca Plaza each weekend. Habitat has also received funds from estates and wills and donated properties. There are no salaried employees or staff at Habitat for Humanity. They are governed by a volunteer board of 15 members.

Guests at the noon meeting included Bill Johnson and Box Axtell. Announcements were made concerning the Lions Mobile Screening Unit to be held at Wal-Mart on April 1, 2. Bill Stuever said he needed three more volunteers to work the screening unit.

Susan Ladner reported that the club had received a certificate and banner patch from the Leader Dogs for the Blind program thanking the Noon Lions for their monetary donation. Bill Thomason, president, announced the results of the nominating committee for upcoming officers. The slate of officers nominated include Susan Ladner, third vice president; Larry Williams, secretary; John Bohannon, treasurer; Jay Stafford, Lion tamer; Lilly Strickland, membership chairman; Monte Evens, Kathy Turner, Harry Gartside, board members; Rick Myers, Johnnie Hollingsworth, Bill Schula, tail twisters; and Vic Andrews and Dick Balfanz, alternate tail twisters.

Mark Craddock, membership chairman, reminded the members that March is membership month. He encouraged each member to bring a guest to the next meeting.

The Ponca City Noon Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the American Legion on South Avenue. The members are businessmen and women in the community who have a desire to help and serve others. The motto is “we serve.” The worldwide focus of Lions International is prevention of blindness and providing eyeglasses and other vision aids for needy individuals.

Iris Festival Seeks Vendors

Iris Festival 2000 is the place to be for all arts and crafts, antique, food and children’s activity vendors this year, says a spokesperson. In its 12th year, the festival is billed as one of Ponca City’s premier events.

Set for Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., the festival will fill several streets downtown. Grand Avenue will be filled with booths featuring unique items.

“We hope this year’s booths will line the streets from Second to Fifth Street,” said Iris Festival 2000 co-chair, Helene Schwartz. “The more the merrier!”

This year’s Iris Festival will include a Cinco de Mayo celebration Friday evening. The Ponca City Hispanic Alliance will host a street dance during the evening at Centennial Plaza.

Vendors will begin set up Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Those booths will then be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other events for the day include Trail of Tails, Dachshund Dog Race, United Way Bed Race, Victorian Chocolate Festival, New Car, Boat and RV show, Ethnic Food Fair, local entertainment, Children’s Festival and Iris Garden Tours.

Also scheduled that day are the Northern Oklahoma Iris Society Show and the Community Iris Show.

All those interested in reserving booth space are encouraged to contact the Ponca City Main Street Authority office for registration forms. Call 580-763-8082, or come by the office at 307 1/2 East Grand Avenue.

Lookin With Lou By Louise Abercrombie

Are We Becoming Road Kill On the Information Highway?

The more advanced society becomes — the more we lose to machines which are doing our jobs. Are we becoming road-kill on the information highway?

How long has it been since you had a fast-food employee who waited on you and counted your change back to you? It’s a good thing that the electronic cash register tells them how much change to return, that is, if they can tell which coins are which.

How long has it been since you had a service station attendant that checked the air in your tires? And when have you seen a tire tester anyway? The antique folk tell me that these gauges are sought after as collector treasures.

In this fast-track society, we’ve given up human control and opted for the quickness of electronics, such as the swipe of a credit card or some other electronic convenience device.

How long has it been since you chatted about the weather or a ball game score with the service attendant? Now the fuel pump asks you to pay by credit card or pay inside. More and more we isolate ourselves from human contact. Whatever happened to having a real person saying "have a nice day?”

The more this “do it yourself” society relies on electronics and machines, the more skills we lose. Is this a good thing or do the machines have the control?

How long has it been since the man of the house changed the oil in the family vehicle? This used to be a chore for REAL men. Course, it might take 30 minutes or an hour. But today one can get that fast oil change in ten minutes — faster but not cheaper. Same is true with the car wash.

The change in the makeup of the family structure is probably responsible, since women often head the family. As always, the merchants have figured out a way to capitalize with a needed service.

How long has it been since you baked a cake from scratch? Why bother to keep a lot of ingredients in the cupboard when a box mix only asks for a couple of ingredients.

How long has it been since you chopped wood for heat? Why make the effort when you can buy packaged wood to burn at the grocery store? Most is used for mood setting anyway as the fireplace is not the primary source of heat.

How long has it been since you washed dishes by hand? This is an art that once gave siblings a chance to converse — a closeness if you will. But today youngsters are in so many organized activities — baseball, football, cheerleading, dancing, and on and on — that the family rarely gets the chance to eat together. Most of the togetherness is in a vehicle going to these organized events. Even then the CD player often gets more attention than conversation.

The convenience of fast food on the way to the games have added inches to the waistline and so now we need a personal trainer to stay fit. Of course our chores are less physical — so we walk — not because we have to do so to get somewhere — but because we need exercise to stay healthy.

How long has it been since you wrote a letter? With the convenience of phones on our hips and in our purses and e-mall on our computers, it is so easy to skip the hand-written message. Never mind that the hand-written letter could be kept. How romantic can a collection of e-malls be?

With banking, clothes shopping and even buying caskets conveniently available online, are we losing the human touch?

Even playing chess on the computer with an unseen foe has its disadvantages. Wouldn’t you like to put your game face on and look your opponent in the eye instead of playing a faceless wonder?

In the quest for information and conveniences, are we losing the game to machines?

You be the judge because I have an e-mail to answer.

Lori Dawn Sloan Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Don Sloan of Ponca City are announcing the engagement of their daughter, Lori Dawn, to Travis Lee Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Lewman of Newkirk and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Patterson of Arkansas City, Kan. The July 1 wedding will take place at the Albright United Methodist Church.

Grandparents of the bride-elect are Wilma Davidson of Ponca City, the late Dean Davidson, and the late Elbert and Vivian Sloan. Grandparents of the future bridegroom are Maxine Cravens, and the late Charles Cravens, and the late Fred and Vivian Lewman. Great-grandmother is Daisy Pappan.

The bride-to-be is a 1992 graduate of Ponca City High School. She graduated for Northeastern State University in 1998 with a bachelor of science degree in speech pathology. She plans to graduate in May from NSU with a degree in special education.

Patterson graduated in 1996 from Arkansas City High School. He plans to graduate in May from Northeastern with a bachelor of science degree in safety management/environmental safety.

Wedding Plans Announced

Jill Irene Petryshyn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Petryshyn III of Hollywood, Fla., and Brett Bond Paden, son of Joe and Charlotte Paden of Ponca City, are planning a May 20 wedding at the Nativity Catholic Church in Hollywood, Fla.

The bride-elect attended Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., graduating in 1990. She attended college at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English in 1994. She currently works for Mountain View, Calif.-based Mayfield Publishing Company as a senior sales representative.

Paden graduated from Ponca City High School in 1991. He also attended Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy/political science in 1995. The prospective bridegroom is the director of technology for Minneapolis-based eBody.com and is active in Minnesota state politics.

Couple Will Marry April 8

An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the 5 p.m. April 8 wedding of Lacy Fields and Brian St. Andrews at the Brookfield Wesleyan Church. Both are employed for J.H. Kelly.

The future bride is the daughter of Charley and Darlene Fields of Ponca City, and the granddaughter of George and Lila Meyer of Ponca City. St. Andrews is the son of Don and Cherie St. Andrews of Wellston, and the grandson of Ron and Lois Johnson of Ponca City.

Oklahoma Happenings

April

Fairs, Festivals, Celebrations and Cultural Events

1 — Ardmoredillo Chili Cookoff, Ardmore;Old Fashioned Fun Daze, Watonga

1,2 — Spring Arts and Craft Festival, Davis

1 through 30 — Azalea Festival, Muskogee

1 through June 1 — Garret Historical Home Tour: Commanding Officers’ Residence, Fort Gibson

7,8 — Dogwood Days Festival, Idabel

7,8,9 — Medieval Fair, Norman; Rattlesnake Hunt, Waurika

8 — Strawberry Festival, Muskogee; Little Dancer Powwow, Tahlequah

8,9 — “Art Under the Oaks” Indian Market, Muskogee

8 through 15 — Cimarron Territory Celebration, Beaver

10 through May 10 — Azalea and Rhododendron Festival, Grove

11 through 15 — American Indian Symposium, Tahlequah

13 — The Bridge Cross-Cultural Festival, Muskogee

14 — Sergeant Major Celebration, Cheyenne

14,15 — Old Fort Days Heritage Festival, Fort Gibson; Year 2000 Old Time Music and Craft Festival, Harrah; Stomp Dance and Contest Powwow, Norman

15 — Tulips A Bloom Festival, Blackwell; Hobo Dinner and Pie Auction, Checotah; Choctaw Intertribal Powwow, Durant; Homestead Fair, Edmond; 89er Day, Norman; An Herbal Affair and Festival, Sand Springs; Run for the Arts Fine Arts and Jazz Festival, Stillwater

15 and 22 — Prince of Peace Easter Pageant, Lawton

17 — Bus Tour Through the Black Towns, Muskogee

18 through 23 — 89er Day Celebration, Guthrie

20,21,22 — 89er Celebration, Lexington

20 through 24 — Indian Festival and Powwow, Talihina

21,22,23 — Easter Weekend, Ardmore; Lake Texoma Resort Park’s Easter Weekend, Kingston; Dogwood Tour, Rose

22 — 89ers Day Celebration, El Reno

22,23 — Kenton Easter Pageant, Kenton

23 — Easter Sunrise Service, Heavener

23 — Easter Sunday in the Park, Wagoner

25 through 30 — Festival of the Arts, Oklahoma City

27 through 30 — Tumbleweed Calf Fry, Stillwater

28,29 — SpringFest, Eufaula

28,29 — Pioneer Days, Okemah

28,29,30 — Crystal Festival and Celebration of Birds, Cherokee; Shortgrass Rattlesnake Derby and Flea Market, Mangum

28 through May 7 — Pioneer Days, Guymon

29,30 — Oklahoma Hills Art and Craft Fair, Sallisaw; Rattlesnake Hunt, Waynoka

Art, Craft, Antique

and Hobby Shows

1 — Arts and Crafts Festival, Disney; “Southern Living” Gardening School, Oklahoma City

2 — Arts Festival, El Reno; Cherokee County Outdoor Recreation Show, Tahlequah; Orchid Show and Sale, Tulsa

2 through 23 — Art of Ben Harjo Jr., Norman

7 through May 8 — Contemporary Quilters Art Show, Oklahoma City

7,8 — Porcelain Artists Art Show, Muskogee; Quilters Guild Spring Show, Muskogee; Plant and Garden Sale, Oklahoma City

8 — Corvette Car Show, Enid

8,9 — ABWA Arts and Crafts Show, Muskogee; Okie Whittlers Woodcarvers Show, Muskogee; Spring Garden Market, Tulsa

8 through 16 — Muskogee Art Guild Art Show, Muskogee

9 through 19 — Graphic Design Portfolio Exhibition, Stillwater

14,15,16 — Watchable Wildlife Weekend, Kingston

15 — Tatting Workshop, Kingfisher; Arts and Crafts Show, Mooreland; Spring Art Show, Sand Springs; Cherokee Cruisin’ Classics Car Show, Tahlequah

15,16 — Local Artist Clothesline, Quilt and Art Show and Sale, Muskogee; Garland Arts and Craft Show, Shawnee; Spring Garden Tour, Tulsa

17,18,19 — The Perfect Setting, Tulsa

22 — Watchable Wildlife Weekend, Arcadia; Herb and Garden Festival, Jenks; OBGA Spring Garden Show, Stillwater; Volunteer Breeding Bird Count, Watonga

23 through June 27 — Needle Art of Oklahoma Exhibit, Tulsa

29 — Prairie Chicken Celebration, Buffalo

30 through May 21 — Symphony Decorators Show House, Oklahoma City

Exhibitions, Music

and Theater Performances

1 — The Platters with The Marvelettes, Ponca City

2 — Oklahoma State Fiddlers Convention, Oklahoma City

4 — “Edgar Allan Poe - Once Upon a Midnight,” Edmond

6 — “Radio Days,” Tahlequah

6,7,8 — Redbud Jazz Festival, Tonkawa

6 through 9 — “Not Now Darling,” Drumright

6 through 9, 13 through 16 — Oklahoma Festival Ballet, Norman

7, 8 and 13 through 16 — “Steel Magnolias,” Broken Arrow

7,8,9 — “Carmina Burana,” Tulsa

7,8,9 and 13,14,15 — “Of Mice and Men,” Shawnee

8 — Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert/Jam, Midwest City

8 and 9 — Pianist Andreas Klein in Concert, Enid

8 through 30 — “Art Under the Oaks” Gallery Exhibit, Muskogee

9 through 30 — Photograph Competition and Exhibit, Ponca City

11 through 16 — “Show Boat," Oklahoma City

14,15,16 and 21,22 — “Saturday Night Live Review,” Yukon; “You Can’t Get There From Here,” Sapulpa;

15 — Sandy Duncan, Tahlequah

16 — Festival of Spirituals, Norman

20,21,22 — Far West Fiddlers Spring Fiddlin’ Convention, Elk City

20,21,23 and 27 through 30 — “The Time of Your Life,” Norman

21 — Oklahoma “Days of Percussion” Clinics, Lawton

25 — Muskogee High School Spring Concert, Muskogee

28,29,30 — “Beehive,” Muskogee; “Bus Stop,” Cushing; Spring Bluegrass Festival, Duncan

29 — Pioneer Day Country Western Concert, Guymon; Tulsa Opera “Tosca,” Tulsa

29,30 — Symphony in the Park, Stillwater

30 — Central Oklahoma Concert Series, Edmond

Horses and Rodeo Events

1 through June 10 — Park Quarter Horse Racing, Oklahoma City

4 through 8 — State Holstein Cattle Show, Stillwater

6,7,8 — SWOSU Collegiate Rodeo, Weatherford

7,8,9 — Triangle Horse Sales. Shawnee

21 and 22 — 89er Days PRCA Rodeo, Guthrie

22 — Paint Horse Club Futurity & Maturity Races, Oklahoma City

23 — New Hope Rodeo, Oktaha

28,29,30 — Duvall Champion Steer Wrestling Jackpot, Checotah

30 — EQUUS Charity Grand Prix, Tulsa

Sporting Events

13,14,15 — Bronco Tennis Tournament, Edmond

15 — Azalea Run & Bike Ride, Muskogee; Honor Heights Walk, Muskogee

18 — March For Parks, Eufaula

22 — Fore Charity Golf Tournament, Muskogee; Warriors Children’s Run, Pawnee

22,23 — OBRA Boat Races, Stigler

29 — Oklahoma Firefighters Memorial Fun Walk/Run, Oklahoma City

29,30 — Mesa Spring Spin, Kenton

Texas Oklahoma Kiwanis Governor Visits Ponca City

Randy DeLay visited the local region of Kiwanis and met Ponca Citians Paula Coppock, Jody and Tom Sanford, Chuck and Jane Rager, and Russell Shields during the recent local Kiwanis meeting. Gov. DeLay’s theme is “Now Is Forever.”

Now Is Forever is the tagline chosen to encourage all 10 clubs in Division 16 to “rediscover the passion in helping others and not just pass the time.” DeLay advised members to keep in mind that the “only thing any of us can keep is the service we’ve freely given away.” DeLay said that Kiwanis may not be number one in membership numbers among service organizations, but “we are first in the number of service hours contributed worldwide.” When these service hours are matched to the Kiwanis emphasis on children, the hours spent are especially rewarding and contribute to the theme that what we do Now Is Forever, said a spokesperson.

The Ponca City Kiwanis group received recognition for the increase in membership and the club bulletin and news articles. Jody Sanford provided copies of some general news articles about Kiwanis to the governor and the presidents of other clubs in attendance. Chuck Rager, a past lieutenant governor of Division 16, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Some service projects benefiting young people are the college scholarship given to at least one student from the area and Kiwanis’ sponsorship of a young man to Boys State. This year, Brian Coppock will be sponsored by Kiwanis. Brian is the son of Keith and Sherry Coppock. Cindy Gorrell is chairman of the Young Children: Priority One committee which plans to start a Terrific Kids promotion this fall to encourage school-age children to be better citizens and use good manners.

Irene Czaplinski reported on the advertising plans to announce the Carson and Barnes circus that Kiwanis will host in Ponca City on April 30 for two performances. Irene visited with The Ponca City News and the radio stations concerning announcements of the event.

Stillwater Kiwanis Breakfast Club visited Kiwanis in Ponca City. Dan Rasche, a member of Kiwanis from Columbus, Ohio, was also a guest.

Any men and women who are interested in community service are invited to visit meetings on Tuesday, noon to 1 p.m., at E.W.s restaurant at the Marland Estate.

Engagement Is Announced

Announcement has been made of the engagement of Mindy Dawn Johns and James Thomas Courtney by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dwaine Johns of Blackwell. Courtney is the son of Carol and Alvie Carruth of Edinberg, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. Norman Courtney of Blackwell. Their wedding will be at 4 p.m. June 3 in the First United Methodist Church in Braman. Friends and family are invited to attend.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Johns of Blackwell, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips. She will graduate with the Blackwell High School class of 2000.

The future bridegroom is the grandson of Doris Courtney of Ponca City, Ruth McKim of Barber, the late Jack Courtney, and the late Thomas Franklin Thompson. He is a 1995 graduate of Braman High School.

Kathryn Werling To Wed

The Grand Avenue Church of Christ will be the setting for the June 3 wedding of Kathryn Anne Werling and Lawrence Raymond Francis. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. William Werling, 116 Glenside, and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Francis of Stillwater.

Miss Werling is a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School and a 1998 graduate of Northern Oklahoma College. She is a junior student at Oklahoma State University and is employed at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

The prospective bridegroom is a 1995 graduate of Stillwater High School and has attended OSU. He is manager of the Blockbuster Video store in Bartlesville.

Kristi Rinehart Bride-Elect

A May 13 wedding in Community Christian Church is being planned by Kristi Leigh Rinehart and Troy Glyn Anderson. The announcement of their engagement and approaching marriage is being made by her parents, Everett and Jana Rinehart, 3617 Nottingham Circle. Anderson is the son of Felica Bales and Lloyd Anderson of Ponca City.

Miss Rinehart is a graduate of Ponca City High School and Northern Oklahoma College. She is employed at Albertson’s Grocery Store. The prospective bridegroom, a Po-Hi graduate, is general manager for Taco Bell.

Bits and Pieces

International Club

International Club members will meet March 29 at 7 p.m. in the home of Chayo Cobb. The program will be “Indian Interests” presented by Louis Headman. Contact Anna Razowski, 767-1468, for more information.

Singles Network

Singles Network activity schedule this week includes game night at Shery’s March 27 at 7 p.m. Those attending should bring snacks and call 762-1987. On March 30 at 6 p.m., dinner will be at El Patio.

Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae

Alpha Chi Omega alumnae will meet for a dessert at 7 p.m. March 28 in the home of Valorie Buss, 109 South Second, Tonkawa. Members are reminded to bring paper goods for donation to the Domestic Violence shelter.

Fibromyalgia Support

Members of the Fibromyalgia Support group will meet Monday at 7 p.m. at Curves for Women fitness center, 914 East Highland. Those attending are asked to dress comfortably and to bring a guest. More information may be obtained by calling Betty Wilson, 762-3768; Mary Beth Guy, 765-9894; Martha Long, 762-5572.

Family Reunion

The families of George W. and Effie Schatz will hold a reunion Sunday, April 9, at Lake Ponca Shelterhouse No. 3. For more information call 580-765-8727, 762-4038, 765-2407, 765-9655. This is the first reunion in 40 years for the group.

Oklahoma Historical Society

April

April 1,2 — Fort Washita Historic Site: Fur Trade Rendezvous continues, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 2; fee $3 per car; (580) 924-6502.

April 1 through 21 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Pompeii, 79 AD, traveling exhibit; regular museum hours with noon lectures by Glen McIntyre on April 5, 12 and 19; free; (580) 237-1907.

April 1 through Aug. 15 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Special Exhibits — “Say Have Your Heard the Story: An Exhibition of the All-Black Towns of Oklahoma;” and USS Oklahoma Battleship (continues indefinitely); regular hours; free; (405) 522-5248.

April 1 through June 30 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibit on colleges, universities; regular hours; (405) 744-2828.

April 3 through 25 — Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson: “The Image and The Word: The Exploration and Settlement of the American West,” traveling exhibit; regular hours and admission; (918) 478-4088.

April 3 through 22 — Pioneer Heritage Townsite Center, Frederick: “First Americans, First Oklahomans: Indian Peoples” traveling exhibit; regular hours; free; (580) 335-5844.

April 1 through May 24 — Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center: “Native American Games” exhibit; regular museum hours; free; (918) 962-2062.

April 5 through May 28 — George Murrell Home, Park Hill: “First Americans, First Oklahoman: Indian Peoples” exhibit; regular hours; free; (918) 456-2791.

April 6 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Oklahoma State University School of Architecture Awards Ceremony; 2 p.m.; free; (405) 744-2828.

April 14,15 — Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson: Old Fort Days Heritage Festival; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free; (918) 478-4088.

April 15 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek; 1 to 4 p.m.; free; (405) 375-5176.

April 15 — Frank Phillips House, Bartlesville: Frank Phillips Circus comes to Town on Phillips House lawn. To be presented by the Oklahoma Historical Society, Friends of Frank Phillips Home, Bartlesville Public Library and Bartlesville Public Schools; 2 to 4 p.m.; free; (in case of rain, will be moved to April 29); (918) 336-2491.

April 20 — Oklahoma Territorial Museum, Guthrie: Batter Up! An 1889 Baseball Game at Cottonwood Flats; 6:30 p.m.; free; (405) 282-1889.

April 20,21,22 — Altus Ramada Inn, Altus: Oklahoma Historical Society Annual Meeting, focusing on history of southwestern Oklahoma. April 20 — OHS Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting 9 a.m., registration noon to 5 p.m.; Historical Bus Tour, 1 to 5 p.m.; Dinner at Museum of Western Prairie, 6:30 p.m.; Fees: registration — members $12, non-members $15, guided tour $10; Dinner $10; Annual meeting chair, Mary Ann Blochowiak; (405) 522-5243.

April 21 — Altus Ramada Inn, Altus: OHS Annual Meeting continues. Registration 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sessions start at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Luncheon 12:05 p.m. OHS Membership Meeting 2 p.m.; Awards Banquet at Altus Air Force Base Officers’ Club 7 p.m.; Fees: Luncheon $12, Awards Banquet $16. Information: (405) 522-5243.

April 22 — Altus Ramada Inn, Altus: OHS Annual Meeting continues: Registration 8 a.m. to noon; Sessions start at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; (405) 522-5243.

April 23 — Pawnee Bill Ranch, Pawnee: Annual Easter Breakfast with “cowboy camp” scene by Friends of Pawnee Bill Ranch Association, 7 a.m.; $3 donation; (918) 762-2513.

April 24 through 28 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: “Blues on the Move,” performances by D.C. and Selby Minner at State Museum Auditorium; 11 a.m. each day; free; (405) 522-5244 or (405) 522-5248.

May

May 1 through 24 — Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center: “Native American Games” exhibit; regular museum hours; free; (918) 962-2062.

May 1 through 28 — George Murrell Home, Park Hill: “First Americans, First Oklahoman: Indian Peoples” exhibit; regular hours; free; (918) 456-2791.

May 1 through June 30 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibit on colleges, universities; regular hours; (405) 744-2828.

May 1 through Aug. 15 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Special Exhibits — “Say Have Your Heard the Story: An Exhibition of All-Black Towns in Oklahoma”; and USS Oklahoma Battleship (continues indefinitely); regular hours; free; (405) 522-5248.

May 6 — George Murrell Home, Park Hill: Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop by Luann Waters on George Murrell Home grounds; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; fee $25 including lunch; (918) 456-2751.

May 6 — Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry: Rural Heritage Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with “If Buildings Could Talk,” a special exhibit on Millennium Projects by Perry school students; free; (580) 336-2405.

May 4,5,6 — Redlands Community College, El Reno: 12th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference on “Taking America’s Past into the Future,” all day May 4,5 and 8 a.m. to noon on May 6. Three Series of programs: Tribal Preservation Programs and Issues; Preservation Means Opportunities for Housing and Economic Development on Main Street, and Preservation Toolbar. Guest Speakers: Lee Adler of Savannah, Ga., and George Horse Capture of Smithsonian Institution’s Cultural Resources Center; (405) 521-6249.

May 13 — Pawnee Bill Ranch, Pawnee: Blacksmithing Seminar by David Kroier; (918) 762-2513.

May 20 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek; 1 to 4 p.m.; free; (405) 375-5176.

May 20 — George Murrell Home, Park Hill: 1858 Lawn Social living history, noon to 4 p.m. with special drama, music, dancing, crafts; fees: $2 for adults, $1 for children 7-15; group tours $1, children under 7 free; (918) 456-2751.

Jonathan Peck Will Perform Recital at OBU

SHAWNEE — Oklahoma Baptist University student Jonathan Peck will perform his senior recital Tuesday, March 28, in Yarborough Auditorium, Oklahoma Baptist University. The recital will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. There is no admission charge.

Peck, a church music and mathematics double major, will perform selections for baritone by Arne, Purcell, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Hue, Debussy, Donizetti, Creston and Barber. He studies with Mrs. Norma Partridge, associate professor of music.

Peck is actively involved in the university as treasurer of the University Chorale, vice president of Mortar Board, and member of honor societies Omicron Delta Kappa and Pi Kappa Lambda. Peck has been listed on the president’s honor roll every semester and has earned the Hudson Church Music Award Scholarship and the Stith Church Music Award Scholarship. He is also a University Scholar, the highest award earned by OBU student.

He currently serves as minister of music at Crestview Baptist Church in Ponca City. Peck is the son of Al and Kathy Peck of Ponca City. After graduation, he plans to attend seminary.

Patty Landreth Marries David Harold Bessler

Nuptial vows for Patty Ann Landreth and David Harold Bessler were solemnized March 4, 2000, by the Rev. Dale Hinshaw. The 2 p.m. ceremony was held on the patio at 906 East Broadway. Peach and cream-colored balloons, tulle, and white wedding bells were used for decoration. A brass archway was adorned with English ivy, and peach and white ribbons. The processional was a taped rendition of “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain and Bryan White.

The bride is the daughter of Charlotte Smith of Benton, Kan., and the late Ralph Smith. The bridegroom is the son of Janet Bessler of Ponca City, and the late Al Bessler, and the grandson of Geri Davis of Casper, Wyo.

Tina Bogner, daughter of the bride, was the candlelighter, and attending the guest book was Kelly Bogner, daughter of the bride. “When I Said I Do” was played as the unity candle was lit. Kyle Bogner, son of the bride, was ringbearer. He held a white satin heart-shaped pillow. The wedding rings used by the couple had belonged to the bridegroom’s parents, given on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary.

Donna Roady served as Matron of Honor. She wore a mint green sheath and carried a silk bouquet of peach and white long-stemmed roses, peach and white carnations. She wore a comb decorated with peach and white roses and pearls in her hair. Michael Roady was the Best Man.

Given in marriage by her son, Phil Bogner, the bride wore a long white sheath with slim straps on the shoulders. She wore a hair comb decorated with peach and white roses and pearls and carried a bouquet of cream-colored English roses, peach roses, peach and white baby’s breath, greenery, pearls, peach and white ribbons. Following tradition, she wore something new, her gown; something old, her wedding ring; something blue, her garter. She also wore a diamond necklace and earrings. The bridegroom wore western attire.

Assisting with the reception were Janet Bessler, Kelly and Tina Bogner. The triple-tiered wedding cake was decorated in colors of peach and white and topped with silk peach and white roses and hearts. The table was decorated with white tulle, white wedding bells and peach and white balloons. Bottles of bubbles were given to guests, and several balloons were released.

The couple resides at 906 East Broadway. The bride is billing manager for Dr. S.V. Vaidya, and the bridegroom is assistant manager for Locke Heating and Cooling.

Out-of-town guests included Vicki Ballinger of Sylvia, Kan., Charlotte Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Marshall of Benton, Kan., Mr. and Mrs. Bob Booe of Wellington, Kan., Mr. and Mrs. Troy Arie and Matthew Bright of Oklahoma City, Abby Arie of Arkansas City, Kan., and Vicki Smith of Shidler.

Diana Gardner Becomes Bride of Michael Bushman

Diana L. Gardner, daughter of Betty Gardner of Wichita, Kan., and the late Robert Gardner, and Michael E. Bushman, son of Charles and Barbara Wood of Tonkawa, were united in marriage Feb. 20, 2000, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell.

The Rev. Tom Ramsey of First Lutheran Church in Ponca City officiated at the 3 p.m. ceremony. Rings used by the couple were the ones Diana’s parents had given to each other on their wedding day. During the ceremony, the bride presented a special “friendship ring” to Jessica Bushman, daughter of the bridegroom.

The bride was presented in marriage by her mother. Matron of Honor was Justine Mahon of Summerville, N.J., and Best Man was Bill Huff of Tonkawa. Louenda Nesbit of Ponca City, sister of the bridegroom, was part of the bridal party, and Janna Nesbit was the candlelighter. Luke Nesbit was in charge of the recorded music. Mike Gardner, brother of the bride, and Charles Wood, father of the bridegroom, lit the family candles, which were used to light the couple’s unity candle during the ceremony.

The reception was held in the fellowship room at the church. The couple has established a home in Wichita, Kan. The bride is an interior designer, and the bridegroom is a department head for The Home Depot.

Couple Observes 45 Years

George and Charlene Erickson, 704 Brentwood, will observe their 45th wedding anniversary March 27. Erickson and the former Charlene Miller were married on that date in 1955 at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City.

The couple made their first home in Shreveport, La., residing later in Altus, Oklahoma City, and Holloman, N.M., because of his service with the United States Air Force. He retired with the rank of tech sergeant in 1973. Mr. Erickson retired from Orr’s TV in 1986 and currently owns General TV Shop.

Mrs. Erickson retired from Security Bank in 1983 and currently cares for grandchildren. The couple is affiliated with the Grand Avenue Church of Christ.

Their children are John, Sharon and Mike Erickson of Ponca City, and Linda Clampitt of Langley AFB, Va. Grandchildren are Jeanne Erickson, Johnathan Smith, Cammi and Michael Clampitt, Caleb and Daniel Erickson.

85th Birthday Party To Fete Lou Penoi

The children of Lou Penoi are hosting an 85th birthday celebration in her honor Saturday, April 1, in the fellowship hall at First Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth and Grand Avenue. The “come and go” party will be from 2 until 4 p.m. An open invitation is extended to her friends to attend the event. Hosts will be Ms. Pam Iron, Mrs. Sharon Armstrong and Zandel Penoi.

The honoree was born March 31, 1915, in Randolph County, Ark., the daughter of Edgar and Lottie Bell Cooper. She graduated from high school in Anadarko and married Mark Penoi in 1936.

She is a member of Pioneer Genealogy Society, Presbyterian Women’s Association, and the Wah-Sha-She Homemakers’ Club. Mrs. Penoi was seriously injured in an automobile accident in 1998 while vacationing in Missouri, and has spent two years recovering.

Event Will Honor Keelers

Friends and family are invited to participate in a card shower and reception in honor of the 45th wedding anniversary for Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Keeler, 1415 South Seventh. A “come and go” reception is planned from 6 to 8 p.m., April 3, in the fireside room at Providence Baptist Church, 1301 Bradley.

Millard Keeler and the former Lenora Jean Cunningham were married April 8,1955, in Ponca City. Keeler was employed as an engineer for John Morrell Meat Packing Company in Arkansas City, Kan., retiring in 1983. He went into business with Keeler RotoRooter, retiring in 1999. He also farmed in Osage County.

Mrs. Keeler has been a dealer/manager for Tupperware for 21 years. She is a charter member of Southside Baptist Church, now known as Providence Baptist Church. She has served in various areas of the church, including 18 years as secretary/bookkeeper. She currently serves as Homebound and Outreach Sunday School teacher.

Still active in the community, Mrs. Keeler serves as Ombudsman at the Ponca Nursing Home and is on the family selection committee for Habitats for Humanity.

Mr. and Mrs. Keeler have two children, Allen Keeler of Prescott Valley, Ariz., and Rebecca Hawkins of Ponca City. Other family members include a son-in-law, Steven Hawkins of Ponca City, and four grandchildren, Jenny Keeler of Arlington, Texas, Ben, Andy, and Charity Hawkins of Ponca City.

Wheatheart Nutrition Menu Announced

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

Monday, March 27: Meatloaf with Creole sauce; seasoned green beans; mashed potatoes with gravy; whole wheat roll with margarine; chilled peaches.

Tuesday, March 28: Chicken enchilada casserole; beans; tossed salad with dressing; Mexican cornbread with margarine; sherbet.

Wednesday, March 29: Ham salad; vegetable beef soup; cabbage slaw; crackers; apple crisp.

Thursday, March 30: chicken fried steak with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered peas and carrots; biscuits with margarine; pineapple upsidedown cake.

Friday, March 31: Sliced ham; sweet potatoes or yam patties; buttered broccoli; muffin with margarine; pudding with whipped topping.

Ponca City Happenings

Sunday

Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Guided tours Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Special tour information, 767-0420.

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

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

Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 10th and Grand. Home of Ponca City Indian Museum, Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch Museum and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 767-0427.

Ponca City Tourism Office, 10th and Grand. Information about all tourist attractions and events in Ponca City and the surrounding area. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 763-8067.

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

AA Alano Group — 8 p.m., closed topic meeting: 603 South 1st.

Monday

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

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

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Betty Wilson, 762-3768; Mary Beth Guy, 765-9894; Martha Long, 762-5572. The group will meet this week at Curves for Women fitness Center on Highland.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. Call Beth Wright, 765-6738, for additional information.

Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, American Legion.

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

AA Alano Group — Noon, discussion; 603 South 1st.

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

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

Pioneer Area Quilter’s Guild meets the first Monday of each month at Community Christian Church on West Grand. Business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. There will not be a meeting in July.

Tuesday

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

Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts building (south entrance) Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information call 765-6829, 363-1643 or 762-2885.

Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Marland Mansion Conference Center.

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

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

AA Alano Group — Noon, Big Book; 8 p.m., closed, Step Studies with first Tuesday for Traditions; 603 South 1st.

Freedom Group of AA; Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Study Discussion of “As Bill Sees It” and other AA approved literature. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Chuck at 718-9253.

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

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

Ponca Prairie Pleaters meet the first Tuesday evening of each month with the exception of the summer months. For more information call Nathalia, 762-3820.

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

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

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

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

Kim Doner, award-winning children’s author/illustrator will be autographing books March 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at Brace Books and More on North Fourteenth.

Wednesday

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

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

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

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

AA Alano Group — Noon, discussion; 603 South 1st.

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

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

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

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

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

International Club will meet March 29 at 7 p.m. in the home of Chayo Cobb. The program will be Indian Interests presented by Louis Headman. Contact Anna Razowski, 767-1468 for information.

Lou Dean will autograph “Angels in Disguise” and ‘Osage County Kids” 6-8 p.m. March 29 at Brace books and More on North fourteenth.

Thursday

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

AA Alano Group — Noon, open, discussion; 603 South 1st.

Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting the last Thursday of each month for birthdays. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Chuck at 718-9253.

Jaycees, 7 p.m., first and third Thursdays. Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAV meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 401 South Lincoln.

Friday

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

AA Alano Group — Noon, open, Step Study with the first Friday for traditions; 8 p.m., open, discussion, last Friday for birthdays; 603 South 1st.

Pioneer Rotary Club, noon Friday, Golden Corral.

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

Friendship Feast fundraising spaghetti dinner will be held 4:30-7 p.m. April 14 in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church. cost for adults is $6 and for children, $3. tickets may be purchased at the door, from a board member or from local churches.

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Saturday

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

AA Alano Group — Noon, open, discussion; 603 South First.

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

Freedom group of AA; Closed meeting at noon at the Woodlands Christian Church, room 202 upstairs, Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free building. Study and discuss AA approved literature. AA traditions are studied and practiced. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Chuck at 718-9253.

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

Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” Fore more information call 762-2161.

TOPS Chapter Members Meet

TOPS OK 308 chapter met Monday with Ann McCool calling the meeting to order. Ann Steuver gave the devotional “The Buds of Springtime.” Edith Smith led the TOPS pledge, and Jewel McFarlin led the KOPS Kreed.

Natalie McCoy called the roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Best Loser was Mary Dexter, and Ann Stuever’s name was drawn for the HaHa pot. Forbidden food is ice cream.

Correspondence was read from Pat Meller. Wanda Headrick gave the rules for a new Easter egg contest. Charms for three months perfect attendance were presented to Natalie McCoy, Donna McCoy, Wanda Headrick, Loretta Riley and Ann McCool.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is 6-6:45 p.m. Monday. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448, or Delpha Clemens, 762-2844.

SPORTS

Frontier To Hold Benefit Games
Relatively Speaking
UConn Tour Steams Past Sooners
TUs Self Has Mental Tricks to Block Out NC Mystique
Cowboys and Gators Have Different Styles of Play

Frontier To Hold Benefit Games

RED ROCK — An evening of benefit basketball games will be held Saturday at Frontier High School Saturday.

Four grade school games are scheduled, starting at 5 p.m. with a Frontier men’s alumni game at 6:30 and a women’s alumni game at 8.

The admission is $1 for students and $2 for adults.

The proceeds will go toward the medical expenses of Carolee Bible, who was injured in an auto accident.

The Frontier concession stand will have hamburgers or cheeseburgers with all the trimmings and other baked goods.

Those wishing to play in the alumni games are asked to contact Bob Weckstein (580-723-4360) or Greg Jackson (580-723-4223)

Relatively Speaking

Former Ponca City resident Adam Bomb Wilson, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Wilson and Mrs. Rose Payne of Ponca City, recently placed third in the Texas 5A State Wrestling Tournament held in Austin.

“A Bomb,” wrestling at 189 pounds, placed first in both the district and regional tournaments. He finished his junior season with a 28-2 record and had 23 falls.

Wilson, who wrestled and played football in Ponca City through the seventh grade, is also a middle linebacker for the Katy High School Tigers.

He is the son of Dennis and Doris Wilson.

UConn Tour Steams Past Sooners

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The national championship or bust tour rolls on.

Top-ranked Connecticut got halfway to its goal of six women’s NCAA tournament victories and its second national championship in six years Saturday with a 102-80 triumph against Oklahoma in the third round of the East Regional.

It was a victory that featured 33 turnovers by the Sooners, 21 steals and 57 percent shooting by the Huskies, and it earned Shea Ralph and UConn a date with LSU on Monday in the regional final with a trip to the Final Four as the prize.

The third-seeded Lady Tigers beat Duke 79-66 in the first semifinal.

In the season after the Huskies’ hopes of challenging for a championship ending in the third round against Iowa State, nothing is taken for granted.

‘‘Everything is one step at a time,’’ Ralph said. ‘‘If we don’t win this game, then we go home and we don’t have three more to go. We’re going to enjoy this tonight and then we’re going to get back down to business tomorrow.’’

High expectations, often a trouble spot for some teams, are the rule at Connecticut, and coach Geno Auriemma said this team has handled it well.

‘‘All they’ve done is won a bunch of regular season games,’’ he said. ‘‘You keep pointing it out to them and they may get a little bit angry, but I don’t care.

‘‘If you’re a competitor, you want to win the national championship.’’

The Huskies (33-1) wasted no time taking control against the Sooners.

Trailing 9-6, UConn scored 18 straight points to take a 24-9 lead and used its relentless pressure to force 20 turnovers by halftime. They also hit 18 of their first 25 shots on the way to a 40-for-70 day, and got help from everyone.

In all, 11 Huskies scored, five in double figures.

‘‘There’s so many waves of people and they can play with such abandon,’’ Sooners coach Sherri Coale said. ‘‘They never have to worry about fouling because if somebody gets in foul trouble, they have someone else just as good coming in.’’

Oklahoma (25-8), which lost 84-68 to the Huskies on Dec. 29 in Norman, Okla., and played them even in the second half, had similar results this time. It trailed 57-42 at the break and merely kept it from getting really lopsided thereafter.

Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams led Connecticut with 16 points apiece, Svetlana Abrosimova had 15, Sue Bird 14 and Ralph 10. The Huskies scored at least 100 points for the ninth time this season and second time in the tournament.

‘‘They have a great team and they play so well together,’’ said Phylesha Whaley, who led the Sooners with 24 points in her final game. ‘‘You just have to guard them all the same. It’s just hard to guard a team like that that is that good.’’

Laneishea Caufield added 22 points and Stacey Dales 11 for Oklahoma.

The Huskies’ early blitz gave them a 24-9 lead after 6 1/2 minutes, about typical for a top-ranked team that outscored its opponents by an average of 31.9 points this season and features two first-team All-Americans in Ralph and Abrosimova.

The Sooners (25-8) never got closer than 17 points the final 15 minutes, but still finished with a school-record victory total only four years after coach Sherri Coale’s first squad went 5-22. It was their second berth in the final 16.

The highlight for Oklahoma, besides just being here, came in the last seven minutes before halftime. Trailing 46-24 after two baskets by Williams, the Sooners outscored the Huskies 18-11 the rest of the way with Caufield getting 10 points.

CONNECTICUT 102, OKLAHOMA 80

OKLAHOMA (25-8) 

Caulfield 5-14 11-14 22, Whaley 8-13 4-4 24, Hill 2-7 0-0 4, Hardeman 1-1 0-0 3, Dales 3-12 5-6 11, Cunningham 2-3 3-5 7, Seeley 4-8 0-0 9, Taylor 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 25-58 23-29 80.

CONNECTICUT (33-1) 

Abrosimova 5-12 3-4 15, Cash 3-6 2-5 8, Schumacher 4-7 0-0 8, Bird 6-12 0-0 14, Ralph 3-9 4-4 10, Jones 8-10 0-1 16, Hansmeyer 1-1 0-0 3, Johnson 2-2 3-3 8, Williams 7-9 2-2 16, Sauer 0-1 1-2 1, Rigby 1-1 1-1 3, Czel 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 40-70 16-22 102.

Halftime—Connecticut 57, Oklahoma 42. 3-Point goals—Oklahoma 7-16 (Whaley 4-5, Hardeman 1-1, Caufield 1-3, Seeley 1-3, Hill 0-1, Dales 0-3), Connecticut 6-14 (Abrosimova 2-3, Bird 2-7, Hansmeyer 1-1, Johnson 1-1, Ralph 0-2). Fouled out—Whaley. Rebounds—Oklahoma 40 (Hill 8), Connecticut 29 (Schumacher 8). Assists—Oklahoma 10 (Dales 5), Connecticut 19 (Ralph 8). Total fouls—Oklahoma 18, Connecticut 23. A—5,702.

TUs Self Has Mental Tricks to Block Out NC Mystique

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Tulsa coach Bill Self is pretty sure his team can handle the challenge of playing in its first regional final, even if it’s coming against a North Carolina program that has been this far 20 times before.

Still, he wants to be sure his players don’t suffer any stage fright Sunday. So he’s come up with a mental trick to calm their nerves that’s sort of like the public-speaking gimmick of viewing the audience as being naked.

‘‘We’ve got to take this game as if we’re just going shirts-and-skins and we’re playing guys in the park as opposed to playing the NC on their chest,’’ Self said.

While Tulsa (32-4) is trying to downplay its opponent, North Carolina (21-13) is being careful not to do that. The eight-seeded Tar Heels already have seen the seventh-seeded Golden Hurricane wipe out Cincinnati and Miami.

‘‘We have a lot of respect for Tulsa,’’ senior Ed Cota said. ‘‘They’ve had a great year — much better than we had. We’re probably the underdogs. We feel we have the pressure on us and have our hands full.’’

Both teams have gotten this far through solid fundamentals. They have had their share of offensive slumps, but weathered them by continuing to rebound, play tenacious defense and work the ball around the perimeter.

That formula sent Tulsa to a 7-0 start, a one-point loss to Oral Roberts, then a 13-game winning streak. Their last three losses were all to Fresno State and by a total of six points.

North Carolina didn’t snap to it as quickly. The Tar Heels were No. 2 just after Thanksgiving, then lost four straight in January and dropped out of the poll. They nearly missed the tournament by losing four of six coming into it, and some critics were calling for coach Bill Guthridge’s job.

‘‘I was questioning when were we going to get it together, when are these guys going to step up,’’ said Joseph Forte, who broke Sam Perkins’ school record for points by a freshman and will be the first freshman to lead the team in scoring. ‘‘Those questions were answered the first round against Missouri.’’

UNC stopped Missouri’s outside shooters, then shocked top-seeded Stanford by shutting down its inside game. The Tar Heels came back to beat fourth-seeded Tennessee on Friday night by limiting the Vols to one basket in the final 7:21.

‘‘Our team is more focused now,’’ said Cota, the team’s leader on and off the court. ‘‘Early in the season, I don’t think we were taking it as seriously as we should, we weren’t really responding to what coach wanted. But there couldn’t be a better time for us to get things going and pick things up.’’

Now that the Tar Heels are among the final eight, history says they’ll be in the Final Four. North Carolina has been in five of the last nine regional finals and won them all.

Stats like that can make a team wary, especially one that last season lost in the second round by 41 points to UNC’s neighbor and rival Duke.

‘‘We’re not scared,’’ said center Brandon Kurtz, who gives up two inches and 20 pounds to North Carolina big man Brendan Haywood. ‘‘We have played big-name teams this year and not once have we been intimidated.

‘‘If we weren’t this good, we wouldn’t be one of the last eight teams standing.’’

Still, it’s hard for the casual basketball fan to hear North Carolina-Tulsa and not automatically assume the Tar Heels are the better team.

After all, UNC produced Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Vince Carter. Tulsa’s best former players are Paul Pressey, Steve Harris and Shea Seals.

‘‘In a way, we feel like we’ve established ourselves, but I think we’ll always have that little chip on our shoulders,’’ guard Tony Heard said. ‘‘We always feel like we have something to prove. I think that’s why we’ve been so successful.’’

Cowboys and Gators Have Different Styles of Play

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Oklahoma State and Florida are quality, defensive-oriented teams playing for a berth in the Final Four.

Don’t bother looking any farther. There are no other similarities. Even the defenses are different.

The third-seeded Cowboys (27-6) have yet to play a team with a single-digit seeding. Their previous game, a 68-66 win over No. 10 Seton Hall Friday night, was their closest of the tournament.

Fifth-seeded Florida (27-7) started with its toughest game, a 69-68 overtime win over 12th-seeded Butler, then beat No. 4 Illinois and No. 1 Duke by an average of 13 points. The 87-78 victory over Duke in the East Regional semifinals was Florida’s first ever over a top-ranked team.

Oklahoma State has seven seniors, while Florida has one, along with 10 sophomores and freshmen.

Oklahoma State plays the traditional halfcourt defense, while Florida wears down opponents with a tenacious press.

Even the coaches are decades apart, as 64-year-old Eddie Sutton of Oklahoma State aims for his third Final Four, while Billy Donovan, 34, tries to get to his first.

‘‘The fact that stands out, besides their talent level, is that they have seven seniors,’’ Donovan said of the Cowboys. ‘‘The fact that they have seven seniors is huge, enormous. No guy on our team has been in this situation. The more experience you have in the NCAA tournament is usually a key.’’

Florida guard Teddy Dupay understands all the attention around the differences.

‘‘The questions drift to their seniors and defense which is the strength of their team just like the questions about our press which is our strength,’’ Dupay said. ‘‘Their defense has been their anchor all year and if their shots aren’t falling they’re still in games because their defense is so strong.’’

Florida’s press impressed the Cowboys.

‘‘It looks like on tape that Florida likes to run and jump press and they do a little zone trapping,’’ said Oklahoma State guard Doug Gottlieb, who has 29 assists and 10 turnovers in three NCAA tournament games. ‘‘They try and force the tempo of the game and that was the key from what I understand in the second half with Duke’s legs. It forced Duke to come down and take 3-point shots, take quick shots and made the tempo that they didn’t have their legs.’’

Sutton said there is no doubt about what the Cowboys will do against the press.

‘‘You must attack that press and try to make them pay the price for spreading their defense over 94 feet,’’ he said. ‘‘You make the ball all the way to the basket each time. That doesn’t mean you have to shoot every time, but you must go all the way to the baseline. You can’t be content with getting across the midcourt line. You’ve got to be careful. You’ve got to have good spacing. You have to attack.

‘‘If we don’t get the easy baskets, gear back and put it in a halfcourt game. The teams that have had success against Florida are the teams that have been able to do that.’’

Like Butler in the opening round.

The Bulldogs controlled the tempo and only a spectacular buzzer-beater by Mike Miller moved the Gators on to the second round.

‘‘We’ve been very successful after a loss and we treated that game like a loss,’’ Dupay said. ‘‘It refocused us and we’ve had good focus the last two weeks.’’

Oklahoma State is 12th in the nation in field goal percentage defense (38.6) and eighth in 3-point percentage defense (29.7). The Cowboys held Seton Hall to 7-for-34 shooting from beyond the arc Friday night.

‘‘They do a great job defensively,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘That’s coach Sutton’s style.’’

Donovan will be trying to take Florida to its second Final Four and become the sixth man to play and coach in a Final Four. He was one of the leaders of the Providence team that got there in 1987 under Rick Pitino.

The Cowboys have been to the Final Four five times, winning it all in 1945 and 1946. Sutton took Arkansas to the 1978 Final Four and led Oklahoma State there in 1995.

He beat a 34-year-old coach in Seton Hall’s Tommy Amaker and faces another of the same age in Donovan. Sutton showed his experience when Gottlieb reminded him of his promise early in the season to shave his head if the team reached the Final Four.

‘‘I tricked them,’’ Sutton said, a smile starting to cross his face. ‘‘I had my fingers crossed.’’