LOCAL

Area Legislators Aid Holiday Spending
Letters to the Editor
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Available to Area Landowners Again
City Calendar
Planning Group To Consider Annexation Plot
Peckham VFD In ‘Open House’ For Fund Raiser
Frontier Easter Egg Hunt Set
County Agenda Includes Project On Clean-Up
City Officials Union Debate 10 Percent Raise
Leonard and Lampe and Carter Vie for PC Mayor Tuesday
Tips for Making Your Vote Count
Severe Weather Season Upon Us
Argus Hamilton
Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats To Perform at Community Concert
School Menus
Ponca Playhouse Auditions Set For ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’
School Calendar
First Lutheran School Menu
Ponca Citians Help Devastated Area With Clean Up Activities
PTC Staff, Students Showcase Before Legislators

Area Legislators Aid Holiday Spending

By RALPH SEWELL

News Capitol Correspondent

OKLAHOMA CITY — Peeping Toms shouldn’t — if the House has its way.

That’s what Oklahoma’s House decided last week. By a vote of 96-1, it passed HB 1204 — authored by Rep. Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, and co-authored by Reps. Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, and Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax. Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, also voted for the bill.

A high school coach (male) not only peeked, but videotaped his girl players in their dressing room, said Ferguson.

The bill was requested by the Osage County district attorney, the legislator said.

If the bill becomes Oklahoma law — which is likely — it would make it illegal for a person to lewdly view another without the second person’s consent if that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

And — if the person is a school-age child, the crime would be a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Senate Plays Catchup

Senators were trying to outdo each other last week passing bills to provide sales tax holidays on back to school clothing this summer.

The Senate last week unanimously passed three bills to exempt from state sales taxes items of clothing or shoes offered for less than $100 during an August weekend.

SB 16 also would permit cities and counties to waive their taxes on the same items during the same weekend.

Another — SB 488 — passed the Senate 41-0, with the title off. It would make the sales the final weekend in July, earlier than Texas. Still another — SB 163 — passed 42-0. It specifies the second August weekend.

The Senate was playing catchup. A week earlier, the House passed similar legislation, but added so many sweeteners, it’s doubtful it will become law.

An early House amendment extended the holiday to 7 days and also cover school supplies. The House then got more generous — it added words to make the sales period last all of August.

Reality set in. A motion to strike the enacting clause carried, 53-43. Overburdened HB 1002 then went to the Senate.

Here’s how Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa; Rep. Jim Reese, R-Nardin; Harrison, Newport, Ferguson and Sweeden cast floor votes on several bills:

—HB 1083 passed the House 96-1. It would add conviction of sexual abuse of a child to offenses which would be non-bailable to the person appealing his or her conviction for such a crime. Ponca-are representatives voted yes.

—HB 1191, which passed the House 96-1, would let Oklahoma become part of the Southern Dairy Compact, which the author said is trying to stabilize prices of milk and other dairy products. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted in favor.

—HB 1252 passed the House, 55-44. It would require Oklahoma state and local agencies to buy supplies, equipment or services from a person or firm holding an Oklahoma sales tax permit. Foes said this in effect would require agencies to buy only from Oklahoma firms. Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Newport and Reese no.

—HB 1381, which passed the House 77-20, would raise to $7,500 the sum of a claim which may be settled in small claims court. It’s now $4,500. Newport, Reese and Sweeden voted yes; Ferguson no.

—HB 1439, which the House passed 100-0, would cut from $5 million to $2.5 million the selling price of aircraft eligible for excise tax credit. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 1084, which passed the House 98-1, would tell courts to deny bail to a person while appealing a manufacturing drugs conviction. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes.

—SB 8 passed the Senate 45-0 and the House, 92-0, making the Department of Veterans Affairs exempt from paying sales taxes. Ponca-area legislators all voted in favor.

—HB 1602, passed by the House 94-4, would make it a misdemeanor for a state officer to get a family member a job with state or local government. The punishment could be a fine of up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes.

—HB 1896, approved 100-0 by the House, would — starting next year — allow state income taxpayers to take a credit of up to $2,500 a year for money put into a college savings account for each named beneficiary. Newport, Ferguson, Reese and Sweeden voted in favor.

—HB 1007 passed the House 97-4, would divorce the State Aeronautics Commission from the Department of Transportation. Ponca-area legislators all voted in favor.

—SB 2, which passed the Senate 38-1, would require railroads and planes to buy a $100 annual Oklahoma license to sell alcoholic beverages. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—SB 25 passed the Senate 38-5. It would divert sales taxes collected by Oklahoma colleges to support women’s athletic programs. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—SB 407, which passed the Senate 32-14, would let counties charge a sales tax on lodging. A Senate author said it is intended to give counties with state lodges, like the ones at Quartz Mountain and in Southeast Oklahoma, money for local government. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—SB 115, passed the Senate 29-16. It would let county trusts they set up to hire private prison operators to house county prisoners. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—SB 53 would divert a small part of the tax on aviation fuel to support the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. It passed 45-0. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

—HER 1019, passed 93-7 by the House, would ask voters to earmark 20 percent of money received after June 2002 from tobacco companies be paid the Teacher Retirement Fund to retire the unfunded liabilities. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes.

Riot Redevelopment Funding

—HJR 1028 passed the House 53-47, but the emergency clause failed to get a majority, even though the author had removed the title. It proposed using tax money to redevelop the Tulsa area damaged in the 1920 Tulsa race riot. Sweeden voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson no.

—HB 1178, also about the 1920 race riot, would authorize a memorial design commission to accept funds, voluntary or appropriated, to help design and build a suitable memorial. The bill passed 63-37. Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes, Newport no.

— HB 1295, which passed the House 72-26, would allow a district attorney to defer prosecution of a bogus check charge for two years if restitution to the victim is promised. The limit now is 6 months. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

—HB 1382 passed the House 89-9. It would declare quail may be hunted east of the Indian Nations Turnpike and south of I-40 from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Newport no.

—HB 1466, by Ferguson, was approved 98-0 by the House. It would require a person convicted of driving under the influence and ordered to use an interlock device to pay a fee ranging from $5 to $100 to the arresting law enforcement agency. Other Ponca-area representatives also voted yes.

—HB 1673 was rejected 43-57 by the House, but the author wants another chance. It would tell the state pardon and parole board to consider clemency for non-violent offenders who have made restitution. Sweeden voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson no.

—HB 1840 would encourage state schools to schedule all-day kindergarten programs, by promising $5 million in funding. It passed 62-39. Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Newport and Reese no.

—SB 397, which would toughen laws against drunk driving by setting the allowable blood-alcohol level at .08 percent, down from .10 percent, passed the Senate 32-10. Harrison voted yes; Muegge missed the vote.

—SB 119, which passed the Senate 40-0, would lower the gross production tax on crude oil, if the price falls below $14 a barrel. It’s now well above that. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.

—SB 46, passed by the Senate 37-4, is an attempt to combat violence in schools. It would make it a felony offense to assault a teacher, employee or a student. Schools would be required to post warnings. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.

—SB 3 by Muegge, passed the Senate 43-0. It would require one buying special vehicle license plates to prove entitlement on first purchase, but not repeatedly. Harrison also voted yes.

—SB 580 was rejected by the Senate 18 in favor to 27 against. It would have ended the requirement the legislature approve tuition and fees charged by the Oklahoma higher education system. Muegge and Harrison voted no.

—SB 131 passed the Senate 36-4. It would allow cities to ban smoking in facilities they control. Muegge and Harrison missed the vote.

—SB 120, which passed the Senate 42-0, would divert $850,000 each year from tax collections to maintain or expand rail passenger service. Muegge co-authored the bill. Harrison also voted yes.

Letters to the Editor

Answering Questions

A letter from Dean Horner on Monday requested answers to several questions about City firemen. As the City’s Personnel Director, I am the person who can most accurately respond to Mr. Horner’s questions. Union President Skip Jump has made radio ads with information that finally crossed the line of merely twisting the truth about what occurred. So I feel obligated to respond to that as well. We absolutely offered a 5 percent pay increase. I know; I was on the City’s negotiation team. They absolutely rejected it.

The following information is based on the salary survey I did before arbitration. The Union’s salary survey was done by a Del City fireman. He used old salary information for Ponca and current information for all other comparative cities. It was an incredibly poor study. We repeatedly challenged his inaccuracies at arbitration. The Union challenged none of our salary data; ours was accurate.

Answers to Mr. Horner: Ponca City Firefighters rank number 1 in total compensation, compared to cities similar in size (Stillwater, Enid, Bartlesville, Shawnee, etc.) and compared to the smaller cities around us. Our Assistant Fire Chiefs ranked fourth out of the 11 cities — and we will give them an 8 percent pay increase if the City wins the election. We have virtually no turnover in the fire department, other than retirements. We have many people who want to be hired there, unlike many other City departments, where we can’t find qualified employees. Someone recently resigned and moved to Texas, where he will be closer to family and able to focus on his medical work rather than firefighting. Of the last four Firefighters hired, 3 came from towns around Ponca City. Of the ten similar sized cities we compare against, only Muskogee has more firemen per capita than Ponca City. We have 66 firemen for a City of roughly 26,000. In comparison, Stillwater has 39,000 people, but only 65 Firemen.

Of the cities similar in size, Ponca City firemen are the only ones who pay zero for medical, dental and vision coverage for their entire families. As for whether benefits are transferable at retirement, we don’t know, because the Union withdrew from the City’s health insurance at arbitration in the last contract. They didn’t want to pay anything for their family coverage. We still pay 100 percent of their rates.

Their retirement is based on years of service. So if a fireman retires after 30 years, for example, he would be eligible to draw 75 percent of his pay at that time, regardless of his age.

One final thing I’d ask citizens to consider: What does City management have to gain in taking this issue to a vote? We like and appreciate our fire employees and it would have been so much easier if we had just caved in to the union’s demands. But we’ve done that for too many years and this union already gets much more than other employee groups. Will we gain anything personally if we win? Of course not. We have taken this issue this far because it’s the right thing to do. We’re being prudent with tax dollars; we’re trying not to deplete the City’s financial resources. The easy thing to do would be to buckle under the weight of the powerful Firefighter Union. We’ve chosen not to do that.

Debbie Fralix

Personnel Director

Reviews Election Issue

I did not choose to be involved with the Firemen vs. City Raise issue but after all the half truths I have been reading about by Firemen Supporters I decided to clarify some of it. I am a retired Ponca City Fireman and I will receive a pay raise along with the active duty Firemen, therefore I should be for their 10 percent raise request, but I am not. I am also a past two (2) term Ponca City Mayor (1986-1992) and probably no one is more familiar with past Fireman negotiations than I am. During my term as Mayor there were times when the city was not able to give city employees raises but anytime other city employees got a raise all the firemen were granted a raise.

One of the ways Firemen are given raises is through advancement by Titles. If I read the paper correctly there are only Five (5) Firemen on the City payroll and all other Department members have titles which entitles them to higher pay.

If you could read their Union contract you would see many perks that relate to their job that makes it difficult for supervisors to give adequate work requests. For instance, their contract states that they do not have to wash windows at the stations but once every six (6) months. This but one example.

While I was Mayor we renovated and added space on two (2) of the outlying stations, as well as remodeling the other one. With the new No. 1 Station, which I voted for, and all the new vehicles and equipment they are now well equipped, including city paid for dress uniforms and work clothing.

The Ponca City Fire Department has wages equal to or better than almost all Fire Departments their size in Oklahoma and certainly better than surrounding Fire Departments. Whenever the City can grant raises to City Employees the Fire Department should also receive a raise, but not twice what other City Employees receive. Whatever this raise is determined to be it will be retroactive to 1 July 2000, so they will not be penalized any pay as has been alluded to in some Letters to the Editor.

Please join me in doing what is right for the Fire Department as well as other departments in the City and vote “City Offer” on Tuesday.

Carl Balcer

Retired Ponca City Fireman

And Former Ponca City Mayor

Regarding Pay Raise

As a citizen of Ponca City, not associated with the City government or the Firefighters, I would like to make the following observations regarding the ten percent raise question.

1. I do support the Firefighters! The ones I have met are nice people and they do good work. However, we, collectively, must decide this question as their employer, not their buddy. There is a difference. One always likes to see a buddy get a big raise, but an employer must evaluate that raise in terms of its impact on present and future budgets, and how it affects all his other employees.

2. I know the Arbitrator decided that the Firefighters should get a ten percent raise. However, he does not live or pay taxes in Ponca City, and I doubt that he is an expert on our city finances. I prefer to make my own decisions, not rely on someone else to decide for me.

3. There is really only one question to ask to determine if a pay scale is too low. Does the employer find it hard to hire and keep good, competent workers? Apparently, we have a lot of applications for every fireman opening, and very few resignations. Doesn’t appear to be a problem does it?

4. There are two sides to this question. One is being presented by the Firemen, who have an obvious motive in asking for a raise that is three times the current rate of inflation. The other side is our City Commission, which consists of people whom we elected, serving without pay.

Is this really such a hard decision?

John Bohannon

Urges Citizens To Vote

In recent weeks, our community has been torn in an often bitter battle over an upcoming election issue concerning firemen wages. The city commission voted for this issue to be taken to a vote of the people. My own personal concerns over that vote have become reality. We are now a community divided.

On Tuesday, March 6, I urge each citizen to exercise their rights as citizens and come together as a community to vote.

It is difficult to forgive an insult or to take back unkind words. Many have felt the stress of this campaign — families, friendships, fellow workers — they have all suffered. It is time for both sides to accept responsibility and reflect on what might have been done different to resolve this conflict.

To quote Abraham Lincoln, “... I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided.” On March 7, I challenge each citizen to put their energies to work for the common good of Ponca City and its future. This city stands poised before a period of potential growth and prosperity. We cannot afford to jeopardize these grand dreams with a self-inflicted internal strife. Instead we must move forward with fresh beginnings and high hopes to build a “character city” that is committed to a bright future of growth and prosperity for all its people.

Pam Johnson,

City Commissioner,

And Private Citizen

Let’s Vote on Buildings

Reading the letters in the paper to the Editor has restored my belief that we do have some responsive thinking citizens. However, it is doubtful if we will have a 50 percent turnout next Tuesday for the silent majority to make their mark.

It seems one sided when we can vote for a wage adjustment and Mayor; when we are not permitted to vote on keeping four million dollars worth of buildings at the Marland estate. We voted to buy the property with tax dollars and now tax dollars will be used to destroy useable stone buildings. These buildings cost the Felician sisters in 1950’s around five million dollars. Since 1975 the city has spent over two million dollars of trust and loan money on these buildings.

It is evident the city cannot show profitability or break even of the Marland property and it should be brought to a vote to sell or use more tax dollars for its support.

Sincerely,

John Carpenter

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Available to Area Landowners Again

Landowners will have the opportunity to sign-up for cost-share assistance through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) March 5-23, according to Richard Zetterberg, district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

WHIP is a voluntary conservation program for landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitats on private lands. It provides technical assistance in developing a wildlife habitat plan and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to help establish fish and wildlife habitats.

“Oklahoma has approximately $1.1 million available for this year’s sign-up,” says Zetterberg. Funding for the program was not available in 2000 following two successive years of funding in 1998 and 1999. Congress included an appropriation for the WHIP in the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000.

The program has been very popular with Oklahoma landowners with application requests exceeding the available funding each year.

Applications for the program can be made at local NRCS and conservation district offices. Examples of conservation practices available for cost-share funds include tree and shrub plantings, freeze-proof tanks, prescribed burning, native grass plantings, conservation buffers and fishpond management. Practices must be a part of an approved wildlife habitat management plan.

Landowners sign agreements with the USDA generally lasting a minimum of 5 years and not to exceed 10 years from the date it is signed. The landowner agrees to maintain the cost-shared practices and allow the USDA to monitor the effectiveness of the practices. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will assist in the ranking of applications and the development of the habitat plans.

City Calendar

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

Anytime

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

First Monday

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

Every Tuesday

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

Open AA Meetings, 7 p.m., Ponca Tribal Affairs Building, all welcome.

Every Wednesday and Friday

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

Every Friday during March

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

Tuesday

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

PC56er’s, the club for Department 56 collectors, 7 p.m., Albright Methodist Church, anyone interested in collecting Department 56 products invited.

Wednesday

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

Thursday

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

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

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

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

Kay County Democrat Party precinct caucuses, 7 p.m., all Ponca City precincts plus rural precincts 413, 414, 415, 419, 420 and 421, Ponca City Library, contact Garland McWatters, 580-765-7690 for other county locations.

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

Friday

“Treasure” Bingo, 12:30 p.m., Ponca City Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Saturday

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

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

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

March 12

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

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

March 13

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

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

Covered Dish Dinner, 5 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand, with special music, bring a dish and join the fun.

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

March 14

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

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

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

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

March 14-15

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

March 15

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

Hospice Grief Support Lunch Bunch, 11:30 a.m., Pizza Hut.

Grief Support Group, 4 p.m., Hospice of Ponca City Office, 1904 North Union Street.

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

The Singing ChurchWomen of Oklahoma free concert, 7 p.m., Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, more information 765-2404.

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

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

March 16

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

March 17

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

March 19

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

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

March 20

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

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

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

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

March 21

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

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

St. Francis Guild of St. Mary’s Catholic Church sponsoring salad luncheon and card party, noon-3:30 p.m., Parish Hall, door prizes given during the St. Patrick’s theme event, tickets $5 per person, purchased through Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496; Beverly Smith, 762-2695; or Joan Slovacek, 762-5953.

March 22

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

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

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

March 24

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

March 26

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

March 29

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

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

March 31

Present and Past Staff Members from East Middle School invited to staff reunion, call 762-2093 for information.

April 6

Chikaskia Valley Square Dance, Pre-rounds at 7:30 p.m.; Squares at 8 p.m. with caller Dick Manning, V.F.W. Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect Avenue.

April 7

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

April 8

“The Promise” Easter pageant, 6 p.m., Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, free admission, more information 765-2404.

April 9

“The Promise” Easter pageant, 7 p.m., Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, free admission, more information 765-2404.

April 20

Friendship Feast Fund Raising Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30-7 p.m., Fellowship Hall, First Christian Church, North Fifth Street at East Cleveland Avenue, $6 adults, $3 children.

Planning Group To Consider Annexation Plot

Ponca City’s Planning Commission is expected to consider and vote on annexing the new Fox Run Estates edition into the corporate city limits during a regular meeting Thursday evening. The final plat for this edition was approved by city commissioners last month.

This meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Center’s commission chambers, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Also at the meeting, members are expected to consider and vote on the site plan for the Skyline apartment complex north of the 1400 block of Queens Avenue, and consider an ordinance closing a portion of the alley behind 211 North Sixth Street.

The government of the city of Ponca City encourages participation in city activities by all interested persons.

If your participation at this meeting is not possible due to a disability, you are asked to notify the City Clerk’s office, 516 East Grand Avenue, at 767-0304 prior to the meeting time so any necessary arrangements can be made.

Peckham VFD In ‘Open House’ For Fund Raiser

The Peckham Volunteer Fire Department will hold an “Open House,” along with a Chili Supper fund raiser, 5:30 -8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10. Frito Pies, as well as Chili Dogs will also be served, along with dessert and drink. All members are invited to attend, as well as all others interested in seeing the new building and assisting the rural volunteer fire department.

The new 40’ x 100’ building was erected across the street in the empty lots donated by Clifton Gray and Peckham Christian Church, west of the church. The pad and building was constructed by a local construction company and the PVFD Board and a few dedicated members completed it.

Frontier Easter Egg Hunt Set

RED ROCK — The annual Easter Egg Hunt has been scheduled for Frontier residents on April 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the area north of the east parking lot.

The hunt is open to children of the Frontier School District for infants through age 12, and to visiting guests of local residents. The hunt has grown from about 30 children to 150. Jana Potter organized the first hunt and has continued to play an important part in it.

Each year the Easter Bunny is present for pictures and candy. Community Education rents the bunny costume and a volunteer is needed to wear it. Contact Marian Shiever if you are interested.

The success of the hunt depends on the donations that are received, both by individuals of the community and businesses in the surrounding towns. Individually wrapped candy, toys, and games will be needed for the hunt. Feel free to send donated items or send money to help purchase the needed items.

Volunteers are needed to collect merchandise and stuff the eggs for the hunt. If the items are too large for plastic eggs, stuff them in plastic bags. The items will be age appropriate for all groups.

Dates have been set for stuff the eggs and bags. The dates are March 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., April 4 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and April 11 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Meet in the Community Education Room.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lieb will furnish hot dogs for a picnic following the hunt. This is their way of saying “thank you” for their contributions following Lalita Lieb’s accident. Attendees are encouraged to bring chips or drinks.

In other school news, Frontier Community Education has approval from the Learn and Serve Department to have a year-long AmeriCorp VISTA to work at Frontier School. AmeriCorp is the Peace Corps in America. Each month they will receive a living stipend and at the end of the year will receive a tuition waiver for higher education. For more information contact Marian Shiever at 723-4582 (day) or 723-4271 (evening).

County Agenda Includes Project On Clean-Up

Kay County’s Board of Commissioners are expected to discuss the clean-up project during a regular session Monday morning. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk.

Commissioners are also expected to discuss and possibly approve a plan for the proposed county bridge project, project No. BRO-13D(029)CO.

A third item to be discussed at the meeting is the possible approval of a District Attorney’s maintenance reimbursement claim in the amount of $2,200.

Members will also discuss and possible approve a resolution allowing Kay County to participate in “Less Frequent Inspection” as part of the county bridge inspection program.

Unfinished business at the meeting is any business pertaining to capital expenditures, juvenile detention, the Juvenile Block Grant agreement, flood mitigation project, beautification project, new Health Department facility or any other unfinished business.

City Officials Union Debate 10 Percent Raise

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Representatives from the city of Ponca City and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local Union 2479 debated the question of whether Ponca City Firefighters should get a 10 percent across-the-board pay raise at a special forum on Feb. 15.

During the debate, held at Pioneer Technology Center, each side was allowed to present their party’s views before the final decision goes to a vote of the people during the March 6 general election.

Following the planned portion of the forum, moderated by Raj Phansalkar, each party entertained several written questions from the audience. At the end of the program, 13 of these questions remained unanswered due to a lack of time.

Because of the nature of this issue and the amount of interest it has generated over the last several weeks, the remaining written questions were submitted to both parties to allow their selected representatives to further address this issue before the election as a service to the residents of Ponca City.

The following is a list of these questions and each parties responses. Mayor Tom Leonard responded as the city of Ponca City’s representative, while the firefighters union’s views will be listed generically as “firefighters.”

Question 1 — Will the firefighter’s union bring in outsiders to help promote the firefighter’s view of this issue? If so, who will they be?

Firefighters — Both sides have brought in outside consultants throughout the entire process, beginning with negotiations. The city’s chief negotiator, their chief counsel, their interest arbitrator and their two financial experts were all outside consultants. Shouldn’t the firefighters have the same rights as the city? Remember, any outside consultants brought in by firefighters have to be paid for by the firefighters, while the entire outside consultants brought in by the city are paid for by the tax payers.

Leonard — As Mayor, I can only speak for the city. There will only be local residents working and local dollars spent on the city’s side of the campaign. Last Saturday, firemen from as far away as Claremore were in town distributing the IAFF brochure.

Question 2 — How will this raise affect Ponca City’s outside funding activities?

Firefighters — It will have no affect. The financial director of the city, Marc LaBossiere, testified in the arbitration hearings that there was $3 million in available revenue to fund the pay increase, without any new taxes. Remember, this testimony is sworn testimony.

Leonard — At this point we can only speculate. However, 5 years ago when the city budget was reduced by nearly $1 million, outside funding activities were significantly reduced. Transfers to Domestic Violence, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and Main Street have been reduced or eliminated. Ten percent of our workforce has been cut by attrition. There isn’t much room left, therefore we will have to look at increasing user fees, utility rates or taxes. Another alternative is to pull down our emergency and contingency funds which is bad financial policy.

Question 3 — How much has the city lost in revenue because the mayor has stopped the city from getting an ALS license in the past 15 months?

Firefighters — The amount of the lost revenue varies depending on the study done. However, all studies indicate significant revenue loss to the city. A very conservative study written by the city estimates that in the last fiscal year the city has lost over $500,000 in gross receipts for the ambulance service due to not charging the insurance companies and Medicare at the advanced life support level. This lack of action and attention could have reduced patient cost and have provided a higher level of medical attention to the patients.

Leonard — This issue has not been fully explored. It needs to be discussed outside of union contract negotiations. In year 2000 the union wanted $8,450 per man, per year, for advanced certification. Long-term cost would have been $557,000 per year. Now they say they want to do it for free. Preliminary studies also had significant flaws, and as a result, neither the mayor nor any of the city commissioners have asked for a vote on the issue. Getting an ALS license alone would not raise revenues. We would first have to raise ambulance fees from $350 per run to $500 to $600 per run. Many people do not have insurance or only partial coverage of ambulance runs. I believe that ambulance rates are already high and such a drastic raise would be unreasonable and unacceptable.

Question 4 — Why do city officials say they paid $305,000 for an ARFF truck when most of the money was given to them through a grant for the airport?

Firefighters — The aircraft rescue and firefighting truck was purchased by the airport director Don Nuzum with 90 percent matching federal funds and is used and maintained for the airport and has nothing to do with fire department operations.

Leonard — No one has said that we “paid” $305,000 for the special fire truck at the airport. It was through our efforts, however, that the grant application was made and that the city commission approved the matching portion of the grant.

Question 5 — Does the fire department’s $35,700 per year pay average include chiefs, assistant chiefs, etc., or only union-represented employees?

Firefighters — Yes, the average salary stated at $35,700 is reported to also include the chiefs, assistant chiefs and other command salaries. But, even with non-union salaries included, the reported average is not a true average. Those numbers presented were artificially inflated with overtime pay from a prior year that had to be paid to maintain minimum staffing levels in the contract with the firefighters agreed to by the city and the mayor. These higher overtime salaries were caused by the mayor’s actions in the previous year in failing to replace retired firefighters in violation of the city’s contract with the firefighters. A fairer snapshot of firefighter wages could be found by looking at the previous year’s figures, which was paid at the current pay rates. Remember, a neutral arbitrator agreed to by the city reviewed all salary levels before making his decision on selecting the 10 percent pay raise.

Leonard — The fire department’s $35,700 per year pay average includes only the 66 union represented employees. The chief and deputy chief are not included. I believe this is not only a reasonable average pay, but also the highest for cities our size, especially since those union employees work 318 hours (13.5 shifts) per year less than most fire departments. That same average fireman only works 7.75 days a month after taking out reduction days, vacation time and average sick leave.

Question 6 — Did either of the speakers ever encourage firefighters to sue the city for hearing loss? If so, when and why?

Firefighters — Absolutely. Tom Leonard, the attorney, openly solicited firefighters to file workman’s compensation cases against the city for hearing loss. He advised them to do it quickly because he planned to run for mayor.

Leonard — Before I was elected to the city commission, I was asked by the IAFF union president to speak to a group of firemen about hearing loss. Two or three of them had compensable loss, and they filed workers’ compensation claims. After my election to the city commission, I immediately withdrew from the cases and received only reimbursement of my expenses and a token attorney fee.

Question 7 — What is the service level of the ambulance department?

Firefighters — We are licensed as a basic life support service. That is the minimum level allowed to operate an ambulance. We have 12 advanced life support medics with more in training. One of our paramedics recently left for a higher paying job in another city in order to practice his skills properly. As mentioned above, for the cost of a $350 license upgrade our ambulance revenue would have increased a half million dollars last year alone at no cost to the customer.

Leonard — The city is operating at a basic level. However, firemen assert that those who are ALS certified are performing at higher skill levels.

Question 8 — Why was the issue of the firefighter’s wages taken to a vote of the people, when it had already been decided by a neutral arbitrator, while a very controversial and expensive issue like the demolition of the Marland Mansion’s Civic Center, chapel, breezeways and E.W.’s Restaurant was decided by the city commission?

Firefighters — That’s a good question. The neutral arbitrator was an economics professor mutually agreed upon by both sides. Both sides presented good cases to a three-member panel. Arbitration is just like a court proceeding. The arbitration panel found in favor of the firefighters. The process was costly to both sides, with the union expending about $3,000 and the city expending about $27,000. The city could have avoided the costs of an election and abided by the decision of the arbitrator they helped select. The firefighters, on the other hand, are bound by the arbitrator’s decision. Most cities abide by these decisions and avoid further expense.

Leonard — We wouldn’t be having this election if the firemen had taken the five percent raise just like everyone else, including the police. An election is just the last step that is required by state law. As to building removal, which has nothing to do with union contract negotiations, the city commission followed the unanimous advice of two committees who studied the issue over a period of two years. It was a very difficult decision, but it will result in a long-term cost reduction for the city. It now appears that the cost of demolition will be less than the cost of immediate necessary repairs to the buildings. Attempts to operate the Conference Center have resulted in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last 20 years (that was even before gas prices tripled). We estimated that it would cost $42,000 a year to simply mothball the facilities as they continue to deteriorate.

Question 9 — What is the city of Ponca City’s insurance rating, and how does the fire department affect that rating?

Firefighters — The city of Ponca City’s ISO rating is a 4, and is a very good rating resulting in lower insurance rates for a community. Communities are rated in three areas, the fire department being given 50 percent weight, (with the other two areas being) communications and water distribution. A recent study found that there was little the fire department could do to improve our rating. The weakest area for the community was water distribution. Of course, that study assumed we had an operable ladder truck, which has never been in service.

Leonard — Ponca City’s fire insurance rating is ISO 4. There are many factors that enter into the independent determination of that rating. The lower the rating, on a scale of 1-9, the lower the relative cost of fire insurance. The primary factors are water pressure and water flow, 40 percent, and emergency dispatch, 10 percent. The fire department portion includes the following: Staffing at the scene of a fire, 15 percent; types of equipment, 11 percent; quality of training, 9 percent; ladder company, 6 percent; pumper capacity, 5 percent; location of stations, 4 percent. ISO has nothing to do with ambulance service.

Question 10 — If the city buys new ambulances every year, then why are these ambulances 1999, 1998, 1996 and 1992 models?

Firefighters — The citizens of Ponca City should visit the fire stations, look at the equipment, and determine the truth for themselves.

Leonard — There are only 3 ambulances in service at a time. The department has not returned proper bids for the 2000 ambulance that was budgeted by the city commission.

Question 11 — Does the mayor anticipate bringing in private ambulance services?

Firefighters — Yes, he first mentioned his intentions in a letter to the editor (in The Ponca City News) almost three years ago, and the subject continues to remain a topic of his in less public forums.

Leonard — During the arbitration, we were compared to the five cities smaller and the five cities larger than Ponca City. I realized for the first time that there is only one other city in that group that has a city operated ambulance service: Stillwater. Enid, Bartlesville, Muskogee, Shawnee, Del City, Ardmore, Yukon, Duncan and Altus all have private ambulance services. When the election is over, isn’t it prudent and fiscally responsible to ask why? I have never heard a single complaint about quality of service in those cities, and I understand that they do not subsidize the service, whereas in Ponca City our ambulance expenses exceed revenues by $300,000 per year.

Question 12 — Considering that 1) firefighters are trained to give advanced life support and the ambulances are almost completely equipped, 2) Medicare would reimburse each run $250 instead of the present $89 if advanced life support were approved, and 3) the only other options available for bringing advanced life support to Ponca City would be to bring in a private ambulance service, which charges $1,000 per run instead of the current $500 per hour charge, why won’t the mayor approve advanced life support services for Ponca City ambulances?

Firefighters — These are questions for the mayor to answer. He says the three or four studies already completed on this subject simply aren’t enough. The mayor is not going to find a study that says ALS is not a good option.

Leonard — Wage increase is the only issue in this election. The statements in this question are very misleading. For example, ALS service would not result in a $250 reimbursement from Medicare for every ambulance run. Blue Cross/Blue Shield says higher payments will only be allowed when higher services (paramedic type) are provided. Therefore, with the higher ambulance rates, $500 to $600, cost to the patient will go up dramatically.

Question 13 — Is the issue of a 10 percent pay increase for the local firefighters’ union a bonus for firefighters, or will the city have to pay that amount every year from now on?

Firefighters — The 10 percent increase will be for the current contract period and will be re-negotiated for future years. It is not a bonus; it is a wage increase. In three previous years firefighters got no pay raise while other city employees did. The neutral arbitrator ruled that based on the best evidence in the hearing, firefighters were behind in pay compared to other city departments and similarly sized fire departments like Stillwater, Enid and Bartlesville.

Leonard — The 10 percent demand, $250,000, is an annual expense that will have to be paid every year, year after year, from now on. Remember that the IAFF union only represents 16.5 percent of the total city of Ponca City workforce.

Leonard and Lampe and Carter Vie for PC Mayor Tuesday

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City voters will have the chance to decide who will be their next mayor Tuesday during the city’s municipal election. The three candidates on this year’s ballot are incumbent Mayor Tom Leonard and challengers Estle Lampe and Bret Carter.

A second hot issue to be decided by voters during the election is whether or not Ponca City firefighters should get a 10 percent across-the-board pay raise, which was the local firefighters union’s last best offer before the issue went into arbitration last September.

The other choice on the ballot will be the city’s last best offer, which was a raise that differentiates between ranks, ranging from a 2.6 percent pay raise for firefighters, to an 8 percent raise for assistant chiefs. The total impact to the city’s budget for the union’s last best offer is $2,672,438, which is a $242,544 or 10 percent increase over last year’s budget. The total impact for the city’s offer would be $2,523,627, or a $93,732 increase over last year’s budget.

Incumbent Mayor Tom Leonard, 54, who was first elected to the office in June of 1998, says Ponca City deserves a “hard-working mayor,” and that he believes that mayoral choice is him.

“It is important to our community that we continue the projects and economic progress we have witnessed in the last three years,” said Leonard. “I want to be the elected leader who helps make those things happen.”

Leonard, who received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma, has served on various boards, including the YMCA and the Kay County chapter of the American Cancer Society, and is a member of AMBUCS. Additionally, he has served as both the city attorney and as assistant district attorney.

Estle Lampe, 57, the owner of Lampe Heating and Air Conditioning, says his 17 years of experience as a businessman makes him “the candidate of choice” for Ponca City.

“I’ve got a lot of common sense and a lot of compassion for the people of Ponca City,” Lampe said. “I live on respect, that’s the way I was brought up.”

Bret Carter, 40, a technician at Conoco and active community volunteer, says he is running for mayor to “offer a new tone of civility” to that office.

“I will lead from the office of mayor to bring city employees and citizens together to turn our possibilities into realities,” he said.

According to Carter, who has been employed at Conoco since 1982, in addition to his formal education at NOC, where he studied business administration, he has studied independently neighborhood development, principle-centered leadership and non-profit leadership and organization.

This training, couple with his experience in community related activities, including being vice-chairman of the Ponca City Main Street Authority, chairman of the Main Street Design Committee and chairman of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, makes him the ideal candidate for mayor.

Voters who want to cast absentee ballots for the election can still do so at the Kay County Election Board Office in the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk on Monday. A two-member, bipartisan absentee voting board will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist these voters.

Kay County Election Board officials also remind citizens that they must reside in the corporate city limits of the city of Ponca City to vote in this election.

Tips for Making Your Vote Count

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday for the Ponca City municipal election, and Kay County Election Board officials offer voters these tips on how to make their votes count.

According to Carol Stafford, secretary of the Kay County Election Board, a valid marking — a filled in arrow — is shown on posters at the polling places and inside the voting booths. If voters make mistakes on a their ballots, Stafford advises they should not try to correct those errors. Instead, they should return the spoiled ballot to the precinct official, who “will destroy it and issue a new one.”

Stafford also urges voters to take their voter identification cards with them when they vote. “That voter identification card is like an insurance policy,” explained Stafford. “If we in the election system have made errors, and your name is not in the precinct registry, you can vote on the strength of that voter ID card.”

A third piece of advice offered by Stafford is that voters who want to get through the line quickly should vote mid-morning or mid-afternoon, because those are usually the two slowest periods for voting during the day. “Anyone who is eligible and in line at the polling places at 7 p.m. on Tuesday will be entitled to vote,” she added.

Poling sites for the Ponca City municipal election are:

503 — Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford Avenue

504 — Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth Street and Grand Avenue

507 — Sunset Baptist Church, 915 West Greenwood

516 — Conoco’s Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street

517 — St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 408 South Eighth Street

523 — Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand Avenue

527 — Church of Christ Hartford Avenue, 1905 Joe Street

530 — Pioneer Area Vo-Tech, 2101 North Ash Street

532 — Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodlands Road

533 — St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect Avenue

534 — Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan Road

According to Stafford, precinct officials at the following rural polling sites will require voters to show where they live on a city map before issuing a ballot. These polling sites are:

413 — Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth Street and Grand Avenue

414 — Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road

415 — Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road

419 — Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand Avenue

420 — Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department, 3454 South Ranch Drive

The polls will stay open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Severe Weather Season Upon Us

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Today is the beginning of National Tornado and Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Because of this, Tom Montgomery, Ponca City’s emergency manager, reminds residents that knowledge is the best defense against becoming a victim of severe weather.

According to Montgomery, this knowledge of “what to do and when to do it” during a severe thunderstorm is the key to avoiding becoming a victim. One of the ways of doing this is to know the difference between a storm “watch” and a storm “warning.”

A second way for residents to stay better prepared during a severe thunderstorm, is to be aware of the changing weather conditions in their area as they happen. This can be done either through local radio and television outlets, or by using a Tone Alert NOAA weather radio. A tone alert radio will sound to alert you to changing weather conditions “which may pose a risk to you.”

“This year tornadoes have already ripped through communities in the southeastern sections of the United States, leaving death and destruction in their wake,” noted Montgomery. “Even Ponca City has already had its first severe thunderstorm of the season on Feb. 24.”

The severe weather season for this area is mid-March through June, with May, on average, seeing the most severe weather-related events recorded for the season. “With the frequency and severity of these thunderstorms increasing over the next three-and-one-half months,” severe weather preparedness becomes extremely important “now,” rather than when a severe thunderstorm is approaching, he explained.

Montgomery lists the weather hazards during severe thunderstorms as flooding, hail, lightning, wind and tornadoes.

To be better prepared, the first thing residents need is a family or business emergency plan, including a disaster supply kit. “The plan, which should include your pets, will outline the steps you, your family, employees and/or customers will take to avoid becoming victims,” he explained.

For more information, or if you are interested in a program for your civic club or business, contact Montgomery at 767-0380.

Argus Hamilton

Pushing the Button

BEVERLY HILLS — Happy Sunday, Oklahoma, and how’s everybody? President Bush urged Congress Tuesday night to appropriate billions for a missile defense system. As commander-in-chief, he now controls the nuclear button. Every time he pushes it, a buzzer wakes up Dick Cheney.

Rap star Puffy Combs agreed to testify Thursday at his New York trial for possession of a gun and firing it in a nightclub. He felt no need to take the Fifth. Apparently, he never donated a dime to the Clinton Library.

President Bush’s daughter Jenna bailed a boyfriend out of jail Sunday after he was arrested at a TCU fraternity party for public drunkenness. Her parents wept when they heard. It reminded them so much of their first date.

Bill and Hillary will spend Easter with her brothers Hugh and Tony and Roger Clinton. They have a family ritual at all holiday dinners. After they sit down, they hold hands, close their eyes, and get their stories straight.

President Bush visited the Natural History Museum in Atlanta Thursday. He stood in front of a dinosaur skeleton as people cheered what he had to say. One of the few things he knows is that oil comes from dead dinosaurs.

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee grilled three former White House aides Thursday about the Clinton pardons. What a show. It’s the first circus in history where the elephants had to clean up after the clowns.

Republican Congressmen shouted questions at Democrat Beth Dozoretz at the hearings knowing she had to take the Fifth. It looked pretty bad. The next morning at the U.N., the Taliban protested the GOP’s treatment of women.

House Oversight Committee staffers studied White House visitor logs to see if Bill Clinton and Denise Rich had a personal relationship. She has a 42-inch bust and $350 million.

Her Secret Service code name was Miss Right. Dan Burton’s staffers suspect that President Clinton had affairs with Democratic donors Denise Rich and Beth Dozoretz.

It can’t be proved because they’re both too old to know how to use e-mail like Monica did. They think Yahoo is everyone who lives between the Hudson River and Palm Springs.

President Clinton’s pardon of four New York Hassidic Jews followed the Hebrew community’s voting for Hillary by 1,400 votes to 4 in November. Imagine how many Italians would have voted for Hillary if Bill Clinton had pardoned John Gotti. All of them, if they know what’s good for them.

Al Gore was seen at a Manhattan restaurant Thursday surrounded by his security detail. It’s no mystery why the Secret Service was there. Bill Clinton could be impeached at any moment and Al Gore would be ex-president.

E-Toys will shut down its web site and file for bankruptcy. The company once told their investors they would clean up selling toys over the Internet. Someone should have told them clean toys aren’t the ones that sell.

Seattle’s mayor says his city has held its last Mardi Gras. On Tuesday night there was rioting, looting and destruction, and Wednesday morning they had a 6.8 earthquake. Mardi Gras is a French phrase meaning Lakers Win.

————

Readers can contact Argus at ArgusJokes@aol.com.

©2001 by Argus Hamilton

Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats To Perform at Community Concert

The Ponca City audience will thrill to the action of the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats at Community Concerts on Thursday. The 7:30 p.m. show will be held at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium and feature 20 performers.

For more than 27 centuries, Chinese acrobats have been thrilling audiences, making it the “longest running” folk art form in history. In China, acrobats are revered in much the same way prima ballerinas and opera singers are in the West.

The 20 performers of the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of this honored tradition, mixing award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes and ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.

The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats have become the world’s leading Chinese acrobatic troupe, performing more than any other company. Director of the troupe, world-renowned impresario for Chinese acrobatic Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine their expertise, love of their art, and life-long discipline in producing tours for the CGDA. Their dedication has brought their company around the world to over 65 countries on five continents, including performances at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Germany’s Elspe Festival, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City, and the Seattle Children’s Festival.

In 1997, they marked their fourth consecutive season at Sea World in Florida where they have consistently received park attendees Best Attraction votes (in numbers second only to Shamu!).

With performers trained in the rigorous art of Chinese acrobats since early youth, the CGDA has garnered international acclaim. The group counts among its awards the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Entertainer of the Year Award for seven out of the last 10 years, plus the Campus Activities Today’s Performers of the Year Award.

Community Concerts is a subscription series with membership renewal each spring. Membership for the 2001-2002 season will go on sale later this month. For purchase information, call Leslie Rardin at 765-3971 or Mary Lois Nield at 762-5156. Season ticket prices are adult $30, student $15, family $75, single parent family $45. Tax-deductible contributions are also accepted to support the season.

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Corn dog or cheese pizza, baked beans, tater tots, applesauce, dill spears, crackers, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Meat and cheese nachos or hot pocket (cheeseburger), refried beans, mexi rice, apricots, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken and noodles with hot roll or pizza pocket, bacon and cheese potatoes, carrot sticks, mixed fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Burrito with cheese sauce or hot pocket (pepperoni), lettuce and tomato salad, cotton candy, Jello, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese filled pizza styx with marinara sauce or Taco Bell fiesta burrito, mexi rice, fruit, cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

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

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

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

Thursday — Biscuit and sausage gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Egg omelet with hash browns and biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

West Middle School

Lunch

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

Monday — Corn dog, baked beans, french fries, lettuce and tomato salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Meat and cheese nachos, refried beans, mexican rice, lettuce salad with ranch dressing, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, teriyaki chicken salad, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pizza pocket, carrot sticks with ranch dressing, bacon and cheese potatoes, lettuce and tomato salad, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Burrito with cheese, mexi beans, lettuce and tomato salad, fruit, Jello, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, teriyaki chicken salad, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese filled pizza styx with marinara sauce, mexi rice, lettuce and tomato salad, cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, teriyaki chicken salad, chef salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk.

East Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuit and sausage gravy or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

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

Wednesday — Scrambled eggs with bacon and toast or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

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

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

East Middle School

Lunch

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

Monday — Burritos with chili and cheese, cheesy rice, lettuce and tomato salad, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Steak fingers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, Jello, fruit, seasoned green beans, dill spears or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Submarine sandwich, chips, carrot and celery sticks, pudding, fruit, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Pizza styx, corn, Jello, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, dill spears or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Mini corn dogs, tater tots, baked beans, fruit, cookies, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches and salads, juice and milk.

Po-Hi

Breakfast

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

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

Wednesday — Scrambled eggs with bacon and toast or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Biscuit sandwich with hash browns or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Friday — Breakfast casserole or cereal, assorted 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

Lunch

Monday — Teriyaki chicken or egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce, oriental vegetables, oriental rice, pineapple, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Hard or soft tacos with lettuce and tomato, refried beans, mexi rice, jalapenos, salsa, fruit and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken nuggets with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, seasonal fresh fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chili dogs, tater tots, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Jello, seasonal fresh fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Ham and cheese croissants, chips, baked beans, seasonal fresh fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Rice, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Muffins, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

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

Friday — Pancake with sausage, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Barbecue sandwich, fries, dill spear, pineapple slices, cookie and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken noodles, potatoes, blackeye peas, strawberries and cake and milk.

Wednesday — Corn dogs, tater tots, dill spear, orange wedge, cookie and milk.

Thursday — Grilled cheese and ravioli, green beans, mixed fruit and milk.

Friday — Hamburgers, fries, lettuce, pickles, onion, apple slices, cookie and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Chicken pot pie, chicken kiev or meat loaf with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Cafeteria closed.

Thursday — Stuffed bell peppers, turkey and dressing or beef stroganoff with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

The cafeteria will be open to the public Tuesday and Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. The cafeteria will be closed on Wednesday.

Ponca Playhouse Auditions Set For ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’

Auditions for the Ponca Playhouse production of “Cheaper by the Dozen” will be held at the Playhouse rehearsal hall March 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.. This final play of the season will be directed by Christina Rich-Splawn. The play, dramatized by Christopher Sergel, is drawn from the book by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.

“Cheaper by the Dozen” has delighted audiences for generations. The story, set in 1924, tells of a large and unique family whose father is one of the great pioneers of industrial efficiency.

Mother and Father apply their somewhat unorthodox methods to running the family. While the situations are often uproarious, there’s a serious reason behind all this organizing. Father has a heart condition he’s keeping secret. Family conflicts arise, but in the end there is emotional awakening for the family.

Cast and ages needed for the production are Father (Frank Gilbreth, Sr.) 50s; Mother (Lillian Mollie Gilbreth) 40s to 50; Mrs. Fitzgerald, the cook, 60s; Dr. Burton, 50s; Miss Brill, a teacher, 30s; Joe, 16 to 18; Larry, 16 to 18.

The children are Anne, 16 to 18; Martha, 13 to 15; Bill, 10 to 11, Lillian, 9,10; Fred, 8, 9; Dan, 7, 8; Jackie, 5 to 7; Ernestine, played as an adult, 40s and Frank played as an adult, 40s.

For those auditioning 13 and up and adults, monologues are available at the Playhouse office located at 301 South First. Office hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monologues are available March I through March l2. Monologues need not to be memorized.

Children 12 and under need not bring prepared material; acting exercises will be used in their initial auditions. If a child has a poem or recitation he or she would like to do, that is also acceptable in addition to the exercises.

A special need for “Cheaper by the Dozen” is a medium to large well-trained dog. The dog should be calm, good with children, able to learn set behaviors and not be frightened by audiences. Anyone who has such a pet may call 765-7801.

As always, with all regular-season Playhouse productions, casting is based upon auditions open to everyone. Rehearsals begin March 26. Production dates are May 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19. For more information call 765-5360.

School Calendar

March 5

Varsity girls golf, Owasso, 9 a.m.

Junior varsity tennis at Po-Hi, 10 a.m.

Ninth grade baseball against Sapulpa, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity, varsity baseball at Perry, 4:30 p.m.

DECA at the State Conference in Oklahoma City.

March 6

Varsity girls and boys tennis at Po-Hi, 8 a.m.

Junior varsity, varsity baseball at Perry, 4 p.m.

DECA in Oklahoma City.

March 8

Oklahoma Blood Institute in the girl’s gym, 8:30 a.m.

Varsity girls golf at Guthrie, 9 a.m.

Junior varsity, varsity boys and girls tennis against Bartlesville, 2 p.m.

Ninth grade and varsity baseball against Stillwater at Po-Hi, 4:30 p.m.

Junior varsity baseball at Stillwater, 6:30 p.m.

March 9

Ninth grade baseball against Guthrie at Po-Hi, 4:30 p.m.

Junior varsity, varsity soccer against Bartlesville at Sullins Stadium, 4:30 p.m.

Drama/debate at Tulsa Community College.

March 10

Boys and girls track at Jenks Invitational, 9 a.m.

Ninth grade baseball at Owasso, noon.

Junior varsity, varsity baseball at Owasso, noon.

Drama/debate at Tulsa Community College.

Junior varsity girls soccer at Muskogee Tournament.

First Lutheran School Menu

First Lutheran School

Lunch

Monday — Baked potatoes, ham and cheese, sour cream, breadstix, fruit and milk.

Tuesday — Hamburger, tater tots, lettuce, pickle, rice krispie bar and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken enchilada, rice, mexi beans, fruit and milk.

Thursday — Ham and cheese stromboli, salad, peaches, cake and milk.

Friday — Hot dog, french fries, corn on the cob, pickled okra and milk.

Ponca Citians Help Devastated Area With Clean Up Activities

In the truest spirit of community and neighbors helping neighbors, last week United Way/AmeriCorps members put on their boots and work gloves and headed to Wilburton. The December ice storm devastated many parts of our state, and one hard hit area was Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton.

The first day began with a visit and tour of the Little Dixie Community Action AmeriCorps program at Kiamichi Park near Hugo. This project brought together the State Parks Department with AmeriCorps members to redevelop two depleted and abandoned state parks in a low-income, high-poverty tri-county area of southeast Oklahoma. Service activities included building trails, cabins, camp facilities, installing erosion control features and developing a “Friends of the Park” resource network. After the tour, the members traveled to Wilburton for the clean up effort.

Robbers Cave State Park has become a tourist attraction and an economic boon to the area. The destruction from the ice storm closed the park and put the possibility of opening this spring in question. Ruslyn Hermanson, program director of the United Way/AmeriCorps program, asked her members if they would be willing to help with park cleanup. After a resounding yes, Hermanson went to Lowe’s, who donated safety glasses and work gloves for the members.

Last week, Hermanson, Eric Edwards from Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, and 10 AmeriCorps members, along with Hugo/Beavers Bend members and Parks Department employees, worked for two days clearing hiking trails, hauling dead branches and burning brush piles to get the park ready for visitors. Edwards, Hermanson and several United Way members were also in charge of meals for the more than 45 volunteers.

“It was a great coming together,” said Hermanson. “The AmeriCorps motto is ‘Getting things done for America’ and we provided that extra muscle to get things done in Wilburton.”

AmeriCorps members that participated were Tessa Mitchell, Valerie Packhorse, Annette Hunt, Amy Mowrar, Tiara Walls, Jonathon Poff, Rita White, Brenda Warrior, Cody Bemo and Tammy Miller-Oates. To be part of a great team and help get things done in Ponca City, call Ruslyn Hermanson at 718-0288.

PTC Staff, Students Showcase Before Legislators

Pioneer Technology Center staff and students spent part of the day recently showcasing new programs and technology to area legislators. “Experience CareerTech” was part of a statewide effort to provide an opportunity for legislators and vocational educators to get acquainted, discuss issues, and “experience” Technology Centers' classrooms.

Rep Jim Reese and Sen. Paul Muegge visited program areas and experienced the NOVA Net, PTC's new online learning environment used to help students with academic and CareerTech Enhancement, Palm Pilot Training in Business and Industry Services, Respiratory Care overview, and an update on the two new programs, Information Technology and Mechanical Maintenance, that are being added next fall.

PTC students assisting with CareerTech included Chad Ake , Welding Technology; LaDella Dowell, Business and Computer Technology; Justin Johnson, Machine Tool Technology; and Julie Horinek, Cosmetology.

“Experience CareerTech” day was part of Oklahoma’s first ever Career and Technology Education Week since the state’s vo-tech system officially changed its name to CareerTech through legislative action on May 19. Other activities held during the CareerTech week included an Open House, Feb. 11.

DEATHS

Ida Ruth Elizabeth Hatch Fredricks
Everett T. Staggs
Walter Ray Tanksley
Margaret Edgington

Obituaries

Ida Ruth Elizabeth Hatch Fredricks

Elizabeth Hatch Fredricks died Friday, March 2, 2001, at Westminster Village. She was 103.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2001, at Longwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Stevenson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Elizabeth was born June 25, 1897, in Protection, Kan., to Dwight Verni Hatch and Mary Jane Kroager Hatch. Her parents; her husband, Robert Owen Fredricks; her two brothers, Jesse Clarence and Richard Verni; and her five sisters, Dora Jane, Ettie May, Bertha Lena, Sarah Martha, Iva Isibell; and her son, Marion L. Fredricks Sr. preceded her in death

Elizabeth was three years old when she traveled in a covered wagon with her family to “settle-up” 160 acres in the Cherokee Outlet. Located 16 miles west of Alva, her family experienced the hardships, sorrows, and good times of the pioneers. Her fondest memories were the times of community gathering on Saturday evenings at the community school. There the people would recite poetry, sing and share dreams. It was there where she developed a love for great poetry.

Her father, Dwight, died when she was seven.

At age 10, Elizabeth hired out to help a neighbor family, which included doing the laundry on a washboard, chopping wood, caring for two small children, feeding calves and field chores. It was there that she learned to read and, at age 15, she attended public school in Alva for the first time while working for her room and board. In 1915 she entered high school for one term before going on to Northwestern Normal (now Northwestern State University). The following July Elizabeth earned a third grade teacher’s certificate and was hired to teach school at Coy for $50 per month. She also attended Peabody College in Nashville, working on a graduate degree.

Elizabeth was married to Robert Owen Fredricks on March 31, 1920. They later moved to Minneapolis, Kan. In 1926 they moved to Ponca City. During the Depression years in the 1930s, the family lived in Osage Heights. Her husband began working for the Marland Oil Company and retired from Conoco in 1963. Robert died in 1974.

Her three sons enlisted and served their country during World War II.

Elizabeth was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years and helped organize the Osage Heights Baptist Church in the 1930s. She was currently a member of Longwood Baptist Church.

She was an avid gardener throughout most of her life. She canned large quantities of food for her family, friends, and others in need.

Always interested in the plight of our country, she was politically active for many years and has been awarded numerous certificates of recognition and appreciation from congressmen and U.S. presidents. She always believed that one should participate in community and government affairs.

Elizabeth had created humorous, spiritual, and time-relevant poetry since her early days on the farm. She is a published author of a book of poetry, and one of her poems about the space voyage of John Glenn, “Go,” was published in Travelers magazine. For the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration, she wrote a poem entitled “For Americans” which was placed in a time capsule to be opened in 2076.

Elizabeth was a member of the Centurion Club of Oklahoma and qualified for the Trio-Centurion Club of Oklahoma.

In her long and interesting life, Elizabeth had remained a dedicated Christian with a positive outlook on life. Bright and cheerful, she had always found a way to encourage and be helpful to others. She taught adult and children’s Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School. Elizabeth was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years and helped organize the Osage Heights Baptist Church in the 1930s. Before moving to Westminster, she was an active member of Longwood Baptist.

Surviving her are her two sons, Robert V. Fredricks and his wife Lucille of Stillwater and Ilet H. Fredricks of Hong Kong, China and her daughter-in-law Dene Fuller Fredricks of Ponca City; her 10 grandchildren are Robert E. Fredricks and his wife Norma of Edmond, Vernie I. Fredricks of Dallas, Adele E. Shackelford and her husband David of Hockessin, Del., Merrill G. Fredricks and his wife Jana of Ponca City, DaMetra I. Vap and her husband Michael of Newkirk, Shawn E. Koivisto and her husband Mark of Ponca City, Marion L. Fredricks Jr. and his wife Mary of Ponca City, Dennis L. Fredricks Sr. and his wife Geneva of Sacramento, Calif., Rhonda Layman and her husband Gary of Moore, and Brenda S. Fuller of Wilmington, Del.; her 22 great-grandchildren are Michael Shean Brown, Richard Chad Brown, Joshua Cole Brown, Roblee Elizabeth Fredricks, Ruben Robert Fredricks of Edmond, Ryan Todd Fredricks, Courtney Lynn Fredricks of Ponca City, Benjamin Michael Vap, Emily LaVone Vap, Michael Anthony Vap, Matthew Gene Vap of Newkirk, Mason Gene Koivisto, Chance Robert Koivisto of Ponca City, Brian L. Fredricks and his wife Bethany of Ponca City, Kerry J. Carter and her husband Ronnie of Ponca City, Dennis L. Fredricks Jr. and his wife Nichole of Parsons, Kan., Kathy I. Hanes and her husband Frank of Hinton, Robyn L. Pollman and her husband Todd of St. Petersburg, Fla., Jennifer B. O’Rourke of Wilmington, Del., David W. Baxley-Layman, Cherish R. Layman and Kandi M. Layman of Moore; and seven great-great-grandchildren are Kelli Glenn Fredricks, Dale Eugene Fredricks and Katey Jannelle Fredricks of Parsons, Kan., Lyssa Rene Hanes, Franklin Dexter Hanes, and Kaylee Isabella Hanes of Hinton, and Trevor Wayne Carter of Ponca City.

Great-grandchildren will serve as casket bearers.

Memorial gifts may be made in Elizabeth’s name to Longwood Baptist Church, Building Fund, 2206 Kyme Drive, Ponca City, OK 74604.

The family will be at 1805 Meadowbrook.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Everett T. Staggs

Everett T. Staggs, resident of the Ponca City area, died Friday evening, March 2, 2001, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 52. Survivors include his wife, Sherry of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Funerals

Monday

Walter Ray Tanksley

Walter Ray Tanksley — Funeral at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater with burial to follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.

Tuesday

Margaret Edgington

Margaret Edgington — Memorial service at 2 p.m. in the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City under the direction of Hayhurst Funeral Home in Broken Arrow.

NEWS BRIEFS

RWD 1 Board Meeting — Rural Water District 1 will hold its monthly directors meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Enterprise School Building, Lake and Enterprise Road.

Rides To the polls provided to any citizens. Call 762-8810, 762-8869, 762-0114. adv.

Wildcat Afghans — Po-Hi Wildcat Afghans are for sale from the Dugout Club. They make great gifts for students, parents, friends, or any Wildcat Fan! Cost is $40. To purchase one call 762-8523 or 765-2727 or send your name and phone number to the Dugout Club, P.O. Box 2577, Ponca City, OK 74602.

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

Disturbance — A caller reported to Ponca City police at 8:47 p.m. Friday a domestic in progress in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street. Two officers responded to the scene and a 36-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery.

Cemetery Single lot in Odd Fellows, Ponca City. Section 5, Row 15, Lot 75. Discounted from $500 to $300. Phone 762-3266. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 500 block of South Eleventh Street reported an 18-year-old woman was taken into custody on an Osage County warrant at 10:37 a.m. Friday.

Daylily Society — Nancy Fernandez, Dutch Forest Garden, Edmond, will be the guest speaker at the Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society meeting at 7:30 p.m. March 5. Her garden is nationally recognized by the American Hemerocallis Society and was on tour for the national Daylily convention as well as the national Iris Society convention in Oklahoma City. She has an extensive collection of daylilies and iris and is a water garden enthusiast. The public is invited to attend the meeting. For more information contact Lillian Williams, 762-3796, or Carol Goldsberry, 765-2390.

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

Accident — An employee with Oklahoma Natural Gas advised the Communications Center at 9:43 a.m. Friday that someone had struck a gas meter in an alley in the 1200 block of North Pine Street.

Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the 2700 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 2:17 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 20-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to pay at 2:21 p.m. Friday.

Fire Run — A man advised the Communications Center at 10:30 a.m. Friday that he smelled smoke in a building in the 100 block of West Central Avenue. All units with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Firefighters advised it was a light fixture.

Riddles Drive-Thru. Burgers, Chicken Fillets, Onion Rings, baked German Sandwich, request free drink/purchase. 217 North 14th. 765-5188. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of South Fourth Street and East South Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 11:11 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Subject Held — A Kay County Sheriff’s deputy reported to Ponca City police a 26-year-old man was being held in county jail on a city warrant at 2:10 p.m. Friday.

Accident — A minor accident in a parking lot in the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 3:27 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A non-injury accident at the intersection of Hartford Avenue and Monument Road was reported to Ponca City police at 5:27 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Narcotics Violation — An employee at a business in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue reported several subjects were in the business purchasing several methamphetamine ingredients to Ponca City police at 3:04 p.m. Friday. A description of the subjects and their vehicle were given to police. Two officers responded to the scene and the vehicle was located. A 19-year-old man, and two 24-year-old men were taken into custody for manufacturing a controlled and dangerous substance and conspiracy to manufacture a controlled and dangerous substance.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 200 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 5:38 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and the suspect vehicle was located in the 800 block of Monument Road and a citation was issued to the owner. A report was taken.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T Short Stop No. 5, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported a gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 7:50 p.m. Friday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Seventh Street and East Chestnut Avenue reported a 29-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop at 2:12 a.m. Saturday.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1400 block of South Seventh Street reported a man was taken into custody on a city warrant at 6:36 a.m. Saturday.

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LIFESTYLES

‘Power in a Velvet Glove: Women and Influence, 1890-1907’
St. Francis Guild Sponsors Event
Wheatheart Nutrition Center Menu
Calie Coatney Bride-Elect
Osage County AARP Elects, Installs New Slate of Officers
Wedding Plans Announced
Jill Hendrix, Barton Varner Wed in Methodist Church
Community Labyrinth Topic For Vision Ambucs Program
Pioneer Genealogical Society Plans Meeting
PCHS Class Of 1981 Plans 20 Year Reunion
Singles Slate Events
MEGS To Mee
Newkirk Church Is Site For Miller-McBride Wedding
Engagement Is Announced
Lions Club Members Hear Program About Regents
Couple Plans March 17 Vows
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Focus for the Month of March
Janet Robinson Will Present Program for Pioneer Guild
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Meets
Kalen Camille Krenn Engaged
‘The Importance of Laughter’ Study for Laureate Phi Group
Courtesy Begins at Home
Florida Lighthouse Setting For Couple’s Feb. 14 Vows
Jo Ann Muchmore To Review Book
Aqua Jog With June Co-ed Workouts Slated for Spring
Reception To Honor Couple
New Study Group Forming For Discussion of Politics
Lowes Observe Anniversary
Zimmermans Mark Silver Anniversary
YMCA Fitness Classes Listed For Spring Season
Beta Sigma Phi Honors Several
International Club Meets
Governor Appoints Rose Mary Shaw To State Board
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Dinner Honors Melva Keen
Kelly Diane Howell Becomes Bride of Kelly Ryan Murphy
Ponca City Happenings
Meals on Wheels Menu

‘Power in a Velvet Glove: Women and Influence, 1890-1907’

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

A variety of activities saluting Women’s History Month in Ponca City has been planned for the Pioneer Woman Museum. The theme is “Power in a Velvet Glove: Women and Influence, 1890-1907.”

A special event will be the addition of the late Shirley Bellmon’s portrait to the Pioneer Woman Museum’s Wall of Fame for Women. Mrs. Bellmon was twice the first-lady of Oklahoma.

The Bellmon event is slated for 7 p.m., March 24, as a part of the day-long celebration. The Bellmon family will be on hand for the reception and the unveiling of Mrs. Bellmon’s portrait as it takes a place of honor on the “Women’s Wall of Fame.” The public is invited.

Mrs. Bellmon created the Oklahoma Beatification campaign “Don’t Lay That Trash on Oklahoma,” the Oklahoma Alliance for Home Based Businesses and the U.S. Senate Wives Club.

Her businesses ventures included a line of clothing sold under the ShirLee label, a doll manufacturing company in Billings, Ok., known as the First Lady Doll Collection, and she operated the First Lady Cafe. She spent much of her time working with a group to organize a library in Billings commemorating her husband Henry’s career in politics.

Mrs. Bellmon organized the Bellmon Belles, women working for the election of her husband Henry as governor of Oklahoma. He was twice governor of Oklahoma and also served as a U.S. Senator. During her time in Washington D.C., Mrs. Bellmon and other Senator’s wives spent their time refurbishing historic homes.

Mrs. Bellmon was a recipient of the Pioneer Woman Award, presented by the Marland Mansion, and the George Shirk Award for Historic Preservation.

Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month began as Women’s History Week in 1978. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating National Women’s History Week. In 1987, the California-based National Women’s History Project (www.nwhp.org) successfully petitioned Congress to expand the national celebration to the entire month of March.

Women’s History Month 2001 officially began with a resolution from the City of Ponca City, signed by Mayor Tom Leonard, designating this special month to recognize women in history.

Special Displays

Special displays have already been placed in the educational room featuring women in politics in the early 1900s, according to Valerie Haynes, museum director. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m., to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Other activities slated for March 24 include a luncheon set for 11 a.m., featuring the changing roles of women in the early 1900s. The luncheon will feature a fashion show of clothing of the 1900s by the Friends of the Guthrie Museum Complex.

Tickets for the event, which will also feature a speaker, are set at $10 and can be obtained at the Museum. Seating is limited.

Tea and Fashions

At 2 p.m., there will be a tea, and the historic fashions are to be presented again. The cost is $5 to attend this event.

Events of the day, featuring two decades of change for women in social reform, will climax with the reception, when Mrs. Bellmon’s portrait is to be presented. The Pioneer Woman Advisory Board will furnish refreshments.

The days events have been underwritten by Conoco.

The Conoco Women’s History Month Committee was formed in 1999. The members are Shanley Wells, chairman; Amy Arrott, Marla Benyshek, Ramona Carr, Susan Farhar, Brenda Hansen, Laura Hopkins, Rhea Howard, Paige Larson, and Donna Lessert.

This year the group decided to partner with the Pioneer Woman Museum for the history month celebration. Non-Conoco members working with the committee are Jayne Detten, Pioneer Woman Museum Advisory Board chairman; Patty Ladd, Ponca City schools; Louise Abercrombie, Ponca City News; Valerie Haynes, museum director, and Karen Ley, Pioneer Woman Museum staff.

In 1999, the Conoco committee sponsored “Discovering Women in Science, Math and Technology,” an essay contest for Ponca City seventh graders.

In 2000, they sponsored “Discovering Women in the Arts and Sciences,” an essay contest for Ponca City seventh graders and a poster contest for sixth graders.

A reception was held at the Pioneer woman Museum for student’s parents, teachers and Conoco’s Diversity University students. Guest speaker was Jane Morris, United Airlines pilot.

St. Francis Guild Sponsors Event

On Wednesday, March 21, the women of Saint Francis Guild , Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, will host their 31st annual Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon and card party in the Parish hall of the church. The events will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Saint Francis guild members began sponsoring their fund raising event on March 17, 1970. Proceeds from the spring luncheon have been used by Guild members throughout the years to benefit many local agencies, charities and worthy causes. A few of those agencies receiving funds from the project have included Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, Peachtree Landing, Transitional Living Center, birthright, the Child Development Center, Ponca city welfare, and the Drug Free Youth Program. Since 1977, the event has been co-chaired by Marilyn Sharp and Rachel Taylor, who will coordinate the luncheon and card party this year also.

Featured as door prizes at the event will be a reversible denim throw and four sets of seasonal-themed napkins crafted by Jan Neylon. Mary B. Hunt of Tulsa, a former Guild member, has contributed a “Mary Hunt Original,” hand knit sweater vest to the event.

All salads, casseroles and desserts for the luncheon will be made by guild members. The traditional poppyseed Parmesan rolls served at the event will be made from ingredients donated by United Supermarkets.

Saint Francis Guild invites all adult members of the community to attend this event. Tables will be available for “luncheon only” for those who prefer not to play cards. There will also be “take-out” orders available from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 per person and may be obtained by calling Joan Slovacek, 762-5953; Beverly Smith, 762-2695; or Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496. When ordering tickets, please specify purchase is for “lunch only.” The guild also welcomes men of the community to attend the luncheon. When ordering tickets please specify if purchase is for “lunch only.” Tickets for “take out” orders only will be available at the door.

Saint Francis Guild officers for the 2000-2001 club year are Maureen Danielson, president; Mary Ann Foster, vice president; Mary Catherine Detten, secretary; Alma Reinert, treasurer; Ann Stuever, program chairman; Millie Huth, publicity chairman; Theresa Bohon, telephone chairman; Emily Leterle, card and gift chairman; and Helen Quilling, parliamentarian.

Committee chairmen for the luncheon are Rachel Taylor, Marilyn Tharp, Deanna Nicholas, Joan Slovacek, Ann Stuever, Joyce Johnson, Rosemary Ramsey, Pat Courtney, Pat Love, Theresa Bohon, Mary Dimond, Marge Sullivan, Jeanne O’Meilia, Mary Joan McCann, Jan Neylon, Auril O’Brien, Emma Bray, and Sue Lawson.

Wheatheart Nutrition Center Menu

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

Monday, March 5: Hamburger steak with beef gravy; mashed potatoes; tossed salad with dressing; biscuit with margarine; mixed fruit.

Tuesday, March 6: Beef cabbage casserole; blackeyed peas; buttered carrots; whole wheat roll with margarine; applesauce gelatin.

Wednesday, March 7: Chicken patty; buttered broccoli; scalloped potatoes; bread with margarine; iced raisin peanut butter spice bar.

Thursday, March 8: Swedish meatballs; Calypso rice; tomato juice; seasoned green beans; whole wheat roll with margarine; fruit cocktail cake.

Friday, March 9: Ham; beans; tomato relish; cornbread with margarine; pineapples/bananas.

Calie Coatney Bride-Elect

The north lawn at the Marland Mansion estate will be the setting May 19 for the wedding of Calie Marie Coatney and Wesley Shane Riggs.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Cal Coatney of Ponca City and Kim wood of Hot Springs, Ark. Riggs is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Riggs of Pocola.

Miss Coatney, a 1995 graduate of Ponca City High School, plans to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is currently employed with the Baggerley Funeral Home in Edmond.

The prospective bridegroom graduated from Pocola High School in 1994, and plans to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Osage County AARP Elects, Installs New Slate of Officers

Pawhuska — The annual banquet and installation for Osage County American Association of Retired Persons, Chapter 3571, was held Feb. 20 at the IGA banquet room. President Cecil 0. Wood Jr. presided. Elmer Shacklette gave the opening prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance was given.

Jack Shoemate, vice mayor of Pawhuska, was the installing officer. He stated the AARP motto is “To Serve, Not To Be Served.” Officers installed were: President, Cecil 0. Wood Jr.; vice-president and program chairman, Rollins Swan; secretary and reporter, Dee Easley Rogers ; treasurer and membership chairman, Juanita Keeney; and nominating chairman, Gertie Reynolds. Board of directors installed were Blanche Whited, Allene Morse, Wendell Dickerson, Retta Barnes, and Connie Wood. The officers are also board members. Board members Pearl Mae Wallace and Billie Norwood were unable to attend.

Wood stated that Allene Morse was selected “volunteer of the year” for submitting the report of community service volunteer work. She will receive her certificate in April, which is “Volunteer Month.”

There were 21 attendees at the banquet. Juanita Keeney, membership chairman, stated new members present were Jack and Dean Shoemate, and Irene Copenbarger. Anyone age 50 and over may join.

The chapter congratulated Cecil Wood for being elected to serve as “AARP silver-haired legislator” for year 2001. He will attend a session this week and they will review many new bills being considered for the benefit of senior citizens. “ Sandi Perrigo , photographer for Pawhuska Journal Capital, was thanked for her services. Members were urged to go to the capital April 20 for Senior Day. There will be a bus to transport seniors to the event.

The next meeting will be at 10:30 a.m. March 20 at Pawhuska Senior Citizen Center. Rollie McCartney American Legion Post 97 and Auxiliary Unit 97 will meet March 12 to celebrate the American Legion birthday. Dinner is at 6:30 at the Post Hut, 224 East Sixth, Pawhuska. Dessert and meat will be furnished, the rest is pot-luck.

Wedding Plans Announced

A May 5 wedding in the First United Methodist church in Oklahoma City is being planned by Michelle Reneé Melin and James Allen Nickles II, both of Shawnee.

Ms. Melin is the daughter of Buford and Linda White of Shawnee and Richard and Vera Melin of Hot Springs, Ark., and the granddaughter of Dorothy Tyler of Shawnee, Betty Melin of Yukon, the late Robert Tyler and the late Carl Melin.

Nickles is the son of James and Janie Nickles of Tulsa, and the grandson of Coeweene Nickles of Ponca City, the late Robert Clair Nickles, and the late Cleo and Corky Hutchison.

The bride-elect is a 1990 graduate of Shawnee High School, a 1992 graduate of St. Gregory’s University, and a 1995 graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in family relations and child development. She earned an early childhood education certification from OSU in 1997. A former teacher at the Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, she is currently a substitute teacher in the Shawnee public school system.

Nickles, a 1989 graduate of Bishop Kelley High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in management from OSU in 1994. Formerly affiliated with the Baldwin Steel Company in Tulsa, he is presently a management associate at Buford White Lumber Company.

Jill Hendrix, Barton Varner Wed in Methodist Church

Jill Hendrix and Barton Varner were united in marriage Feb. 3, 2001, in a 3 p.m. ceremony in the First United Methodist Church. Their double-ring vows were officiated by the Rev. J.D. Ward.

The bride is the daughter of Gary and Audrey Hendrix of Ponca City, and the bridegroom is the son of Lynn and Deanna Varner of Ponca City. The bride is the granddaughter of George and Millie Hendrix of Lexington, and the great-granddaughter of Gene and Lucille Richardson of Ponca City. The bridegroom is the grandson of Owen Rozell of Ponca City.

Amber Hendrix attended the guest book, Sidney Fawcett was the flowergirl and J.J. Foreman was the ringbearer. Christie Barnett served as the honor attendant, and bridesmaids were Michelle Ledford and Sarah Fawcett.

Matt Bishop served as the Best Man, and groomsmen were Adam Snyder and Kevin Dunn. Guests were seated by Ricky Trussell and Travis Wiggins.

The reception was held in the fellowship hall. The newlywed couple resides in Oklahoma City.

Community Labyrinth Topic For Vision Ambucs Program

Gael Hancock, volunteer coordinator for the Community Labyrinth Committee, presented the program at the Feb. 27 meeting of Vision Ambucs. A labyrinth is flat — either painted on a surface or set in stone — and has only one path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends like a maze. Walking the path involves taking the winding path to the center and back out again. The walk helps reduce stress and focus the mind, said Hancock.

The Community Labyrinth Committee is working toward building a permanent brick labyrinth in Ponca City at the Standing Bear Native American Park. This will be the first permanent outdoor public brick labyrinth in Oklahoma. The goal is to have fundraising completed by the end of March and the labyrinth built by the end of June. For more information about the project, contact Hancock at 762-6244.

Ramona Elliott was welcomed as a new member. She works at the American Legion Childrens’ Home. February activities were making Valentine treat bags for children at the Domestic Violence program and Union School special needs students.

Upcoming activities include the District Social at Ody’s on March 17 and Spring membership drive during March and April.

Vision Ambucs meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and on the first Tuesday at noon for lunch at different locations. The members are women who share interest in community service, personal growth, making friends, and making business contacts. For information about Vision Ambucs contact Lisa McGee, president, 765-0840.

Pioneer Genealogical Society Plans Meeting

The Pioneer Genealogical Society will meet Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the program room in the basement of the Ponca City Library. If anyone is having a problem with their research, they are asked to bring it to the meeting. Visitors are always welcome to come and join “us in our search for our roots,” said a spokesperson.

PCHS Class Of 1981 Plans 20 Year Reunion

The Ponca City High School Class of 1981 is planning their 20-year class reunion and the planning committee needs to locate some of its classmates.

The 20-year reunion is planned for Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31- Sept. 2. Friday night begins the event at the Poncan Theatre, followed by Saturday night at the Marland Mansion, and Sunday afternoon, a picnic at the Evan’s Picnic Grounds. The Class of 1981 also has two websites: www.geocities.com/pohi81.and pohi81@yahoo.com

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the following class members is asked to mail their address to: P.O. Box 861, Ponca City, OK 74602, or call (580) 765-2987.

Information is needed for: Vicki Aday, Pat Alexander, Mary Arbona, Lorenzo Arrendondo, Eddie Bechtel, Dave Berry, Ted Boles, Jr., Deborah Lee Boyer, Tracie Marie Brown, Leigh Ann Buford, Wade Childers, Tim Clement, Steve Coffman, Bruce Cornell, Debbie Cravens, Russell Crawford, Lance Crowe, Sharon Dennison, Lesa DeRoin, Lagwenda Derr, Deanna Duncan, Don Edwards, Byron Epperson, Kelly Foy, Fay Fry, Nora Fry, Kyle Godsey, Loretta Hiser, Kerstin Hochheim, and Christopher Dale Jones.

Also Robert Jordan, Lisa Keeler, Lou Ann Kimbrel, Clark Klinger, Tammy Langfeldt, Diane LeClair, Vada Lesueur, Janelle Lewis, Alice Liegerot, Cinda Lockhart, Tammy Lowry, Shawn Mackey, Thomas Max, Kevin McDaniel, Bill McGuire, Lawna McQuirk, Mark Mills, Jerry Morris, David Myers, Lora Myers, Jeff Nelson, Sherry Oldfield, Dennis Page, Debbie Parker, Jimmy Payne, Evelyn Gail Peres, Randy Pflaser, Earl Phelps, Mark Preston, Michael Pruett, Betty Jo Rabb, Deadra Reed, Cliff Rice, William Robert Rick, Robin Robbins, and Debbie Robinson.

Also Stewart Saunders, Cinthia Jean Schwartz, Lisa Shorter, Vickie Sires, Debby Smith, Ken Sober, Roland Spencer, David Standefer, Dana Jean Stutzman, Karen Swartz, Kim Taber, Jeff Vincent, Alfredia Walkingsky, Patty Walkingstick, Cheryl Warrior, Mike Webb, Kari Wells, Debra White, Joe Whitestar, Tim Willerton, Ellen Wittmer, and Natalie Lynn Wooley.

Singles Slate Events

Singles Network activity schedule for March 4-10 includes game night at Paul’s at 6:30 p.m. March 6. Bring snacks to share and call Paul, 765-9958. On March 7 the group will eat dinner at Enrique’s at the airport at 6 p.m. On March 8 members will help set up a garage sale at 5:30 p.m. at Phil’s. The sale will be held 7:30 a.m.-noon March 10.

MEGS To Meet

The Marland Estate Guides regular meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Lydie’s Cottage/Carriage House. The group will watch a presentation mansion tour that had been created by the now deceased Paul Prather. A question and answer time will follow with Kathy Adams present.

Newkirk Church Is Site For Miller-McBride Wedding

The First United Methodist Church in Newkirk was the setting in late December for a double ring ceremony uniting Natalie Miller and Glenn McBride in marriage. Their vows were officiated by Danny W. Cornish. The sanctuary was decorated with green garland intertwined with crystal lights. The altar was accented with white rail candles and twin candelabra adorned with cranberry satin bows. The pews were marked with cranberry and cream satin bows.

The bride is the daughter of John and Pamela Miller of Newkirk, and granddaughter of Nona Miller of Enid. Parents of the bridegroom are Virgil and Barbara McBride of Ponca City.

The guest book and gift table was attended by Melissa Colvin, cousin of the bridegroom. Ushers were Bill Peeper and Dan Peeper, cousins of the bride.

Sue Lippert, organist, presented music for the ceremony and the reception. Recorded vocal selections included “When You Say Nothing At All” by Keith Whitley, “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery, “Grow Old With Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter and “I Knew I Loved You” by Daryle Singletary.

The candles were lit by Amy Wood and Katie Wood, cousins of the bride. The family candles were lit by both sets of parents. The attendants entered to “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. Vanessa Miller, serving her sister as Maid of Honor, was attired in a long, strapless navy blue taffeta sheath with a matching wrap. She carried a colonial nosegay of miniature burgundy carnations encircled with million star gypsophilia, ming and galax leaves, trimmed with double satin edged sheer ribbon. She wore gypsophilia in her hair.

Lori Kelly, sister of the bridegroom, served as bridesmatron and Brittni Kelly, the bridegroom’s niece, was junior bridesmaid. They wore matching tea length cranberry colored dresses with butterfly sleeves. The bodice of each dress was complemented with a cranberry lace overlay. Mrs. Kelly carried a colonial nosegay of million star gypsophilia, miniature burgundy carnations, ming and galax and tied with satin-edged sheer ribbon. The junior bridesmaid carried a smaller version of the bouquet. They wore gypsophilia in their hair.

Jeremy McBride served as his father’s Best Man, and groomsman was Brandon McBride, nephew of the bridegroom.

Escorted to the altar by her father as to Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary” was played, the bride was given in marriage by her parents. She wore a candlelight satin designer gown fashioned with a sweetheart neckline and basque waistline. The off-the-shoulder lace sleeves were accented with rum pink ribbons and rosettes. The bodice was trimmed with Alencon lace and pearls. The skirt was enhanced with Alencon lace and pearls in front. The chapel-length train was embellished with rum pink ribbon and lace inlays with rosette centers. Her satin-edged veiling was secured by a circlet of candlelight and rum pink rosettes. The bride carried a cascade of Sabrina cream sweetheart roses, white carnations, coffee-tipped carnations and ming tied with a brocade and sheer double satin mixture.

Following tradition, for something old, the bride wore her late Grandmother Stahl’s gold locket which was worn by both her grandmother and mother at their weddings; something new was her gown; and for something borrowed, she wore her mother’s ring, which had been her Grandmother Stahl’s wedding ring; and her garter was something blue. She also carried a penny in each shoe signifying the year the couple met and the year they married.

During the ceremony, the bride presented the bridegroom’s son with a ring as a symbol of unity in beginning their lives together as a family. The recessional was “Psalm 19” by Marcello.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the church fellowship room. Assisting with the event were Autumn Peeper, Christie Peeper and Jennifer Burnette, all cousins of the bride. The bride owns and operates A Touch of Class Hair Studio in Ponca City and the bridegroom is employed by Air System Components of Ponca City.

Engagement Is Announced

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Craig of Ponca City announce the engagement of their daughter, Jecole Kiernan, to Joseph Thane Holick, son of Ed and Teresa Holick of Ponca City.

The grandparents of the bride-elect include Mr. and Mrs. Grover Craig of Enid, and Mr. and Mrs. L.A. McCord of Norman. Grandparents of the prospective bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holick of Ponca City, and Mr. and Mrs. Thane Emmons of Ponca City.

The couple plans to graduate from the Cornerstone Community Christian Academy this year. Holick also attends Pioneer Technology Center machine class.

Lions Club Members Hear Program About Regents

When the Noon Lions met Feb. 21, Carl Renfro, CEO of Pioneer Bank and Trust, gave a brief program about the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for Higher Education. Renfro stated that the board was founded in 1941 to provide quality control in administering the funding for state colleges, universities and community (then junior) colleges.

The board is comprised of 57 members and a chancellor. Currently, there are two members from Kay County, Renfro and Ike Glass of Newkirk. The members are appointed by the State Legislature to serve a nine-year term.

Renfro gave the year 2000 enrollment numbers for both OU and OSU, along with the enrollment for the regional schools and both medical schools and technical schools. Renfro said the tasks of the regents included determining standards for admission to state schools, securing funding, setting fees and tuition, administering the guaranteed student loan program. They also oversee The OneNet Telecommunications, Oklahoma Tuition Aid and the Endowments.

Renfro also stated that the goals of the Regents were “to improve efficiency of the whole state program, raise testable scores of students, increase the total number of Oklahoma students attending college and to stop the ‘brain drain’ of outstanding Oklahoma scholars being recruited out of state and to hit the goal of ‘Brain Gain 2010’ by doubling the number of degree holders by 2010.”

He told of a little known opportunity for all Oklahoma eighth, ninth, and tenth graders in the state. With the OHLAP (Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program), all student in these grades qualify for free tuition at any Oklahoma college, university, or community college. The restriction on this free tuition program include: The family income must not exceed $50,000 per year at the time of application (it can increase in the following years without penalizing the student), the student must maintain at least a C average and must not get in trouble with the law.

There are also programs available for free housing and books for Oklahoma students. For more information on these programs call Carl Renfro at 762-5651.

Guests were Sharon Connally, Paula Coppock and Kristy Myers. Announcements included that the Newkirk Lions 50 Year Anniversary was attended by Vic and Marilyn Andrews, Russ Allen, and Susan Ladner. Cathy Ferguson announced the Art Train will be in Ponca City March 5-7, and she asked Lion members to volunteer. Rick Myers announced there would be a diabetes screening at First Baptist Church on Feb. 27 from I I a.m. to 6 p.m. Kathy Turner announced the Vision Support Group will meet on March 5.

The Noon Lions meet every Wednesday at The American Legion on West South Avenue. The local club was founded in 1922 by E.W. Marland. Lions are known internationally as Knights of the Blind and their motto is “We serve.” Men and women in the business community are invited to visit a meeting any Wednesday.

Couple Plans March 17 Vows

Andrea Nichole Rhoades and James Lee Siler are extending an open invitation to friends and family to attend their wedding at 3 p.m. March 17 in Osage Heights Baptist Church.

Ms. Rhoades is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Rhoades of Marland, and Siler is the son of Bruce and Marsha Siler of Ponca City.

The bride-to-be is a 1996 graduate of Frontier High School and is employed in the shipping department at Air System Components. Siler has attended PCHS and is a forklift driver at ASC.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Focus for the Month of March

The American Cancer Society joins a major national public awareness campaign in March to recognize National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is intended to generate widespread awareness about colorectal cancer and prompt people to take action by learning more about preventing the disease.

Colorectal cancer, unlike other cancers, is a highly preventable disease and one that can be detected early through screening. In support of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society is encouraging people to use its resources — a toll-free information line (1800-ACS-2345) and web site (www. cancer. org) — to get accurate, unbiased colorectal cancer information and support.

The American Cancer Society is committed to saving lives from colorectal cancer by providing information about the disease and encouraging people to talk with their doctor to understand risk factors and colorectal screening options.

“The American Cancer Society’s toll-free information line is one of the resources we offer to help people make informed decisions about their health,” said Dr. Gerald Woolam, president of the American Cancer Society. “It is the only national cancer help line offering comprehensive information about cancer and local resources to callers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The American Cancer Society’s web site also offers information on a variety of cancer-related subjects written by medical professionals.”

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. In 2001, it is estimated 135,400 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 56,700 will die from the disease.

The diagnosis of colorectal cancer in high-profile individuals, such as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and baseball players Darryl Strawberry and Eric Davis, helped generate awareness of the disease. Yet, despite the recent national attention on colorectal cancer people often are reluctant or embarrassed to talk about the disease.

“Even though the exact cause of most colorectal cancer is not known, it is possible to prevent many colon cancers through regular screening and a healthy lifestyle,” said Jefrina Johnson, director of detection and treatment of the American Cancer Society.

“We hope that as more people speak publicly about this disease, it will encourage others to address the issue of colorectal cancer leading to recommended screenings, early diagnosis, and ultimately more lives saved.”

The American Cancer Society is the largest private, not-for-profit source for cancer research funds in the United States. Research and scientific efforts funded by American Cancer Society grants provide significant contributions to the knowledge, treatment, and testing of colorectal cancer. Currently, the American Cancer Society is funding 92 grants pertaining to colorectal cancer totaling over $27.2 million.

For more information on colorectal cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer.

Janet Robinson Will Present Program for Pioneer Guild

The Pioneer Area Quilters’ Guild will hold its March 5 meeting at the Community Christian Church. Janet