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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March 25, 2001 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALArbor Day Celebration Monday To Feature New Tree Plantings Arbor Day Celebration Monday To Feature New Tree PlantingsBy KATHY ZEHR News Staff Writer An Arbor Day celebration and tree planting will be held in the Pioneer Woman Museum park in Ponca City at noon Monday. Families, school children and other citizens are invited to bring a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds and enjoy brief ceremonies and the planting of 10 new trees on the Pioneer Woman Museum grounds. Private citizens and corporate and municipal groups in conjunction with the ongoing Millennium 2000 Tree Project have donated the 10 new trees for the museum grounds. In addition to an Arbor Day proclamation by Mayor Tom Leonard, representatives of Ponca City Garden Council, Conoco Employees Environmental Action Committee, Master Gardener Group, Ponca City Parks and Recreation Department, Woodland School students, Ponca City Tomorrow, and the Millennium 2000 Tree Project committee will be present to assist with the festivities. Trees to be planted include a Redbud and White Redbud donated by Barbara Gough, a Maidenhair Genko donated by Jack Keathly and grandson Austin, an Atlas Cedar and a Caddo Sugar Maple donated by the Conoco Employees Environmental Action Committee, two Osage Oranges donated by Ponca City Parks and Recreation Department, and three Redbuds by the Millennium 2000 Tree Project committee. The Arbor Day Pioneer Woman tree-planting project is a part of an overall plan by the Millennium 2000 Tree Project committee to plant 1000 trees, compatible to northern Oklahoma, before Dec. 21, 2001. Trees help preserve a healthy environment for many years. They also add beauty to the area for the enjoyment of all citizens. Utility Line Permit Highlights AgendaNEWKIRK — Kay County’s Board of Commissioners are scheduled for a regular session Monday at 9 a.m. in the county courthouse, Newkirk. Highlighting this week’s agenda is the possible approval of a utility line permit application from Palm Oil and Gas Company for installation of a gas pipeline and saltwater disposal between section 3-25-2W and section 34-26-2W. Commissioners will also possibly approve an agreement between Eastman National Bank in Newkirk concerning interest and rates on Kay County accounts. A third item is the possible approval of an engineering contract from Brawley Engineering. Commissioners are also expected to hold a public hearing concerning a petition filed to close a portion of Canteen Road between Traders Bend Road and Longwood Road between section 33-28-R3E and section 4-27-3E. School MenusElementary Breakfast Monday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Pancakes with syrup or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Elementary Lunch Monday — Pepperoni pizza or queso and chips, mexi rice, tossed salad with ranch dressing, applesauce, crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken chunks with hot roll or taco pocket, mashed potatoes and gravy, refried beans, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef taco with lettuce and cheese or chicken patty on a bun, corn on the cob, mixed fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Steak fingers with hot roll or Taco Bell bean burritos, mashed potatoes and gravy, strawberry parfait, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Bread sticks with marinara sauce or pizza pocket, pineapple, carrot sticks with ranch, wacky cake, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. West Middle School Breakfast Monday — Donuts or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Pancakes with syrup or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Cinnamon toast 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 — Pepperoni pizza, corn, tossed salad, fruit, pudding, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad with dressing, cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, teriyaki chicken salad, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese taco, Mexican rice, salad with dressing, fruit, refried beans, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Steak fingers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, strawberry parfait, salad with dressing, apricots, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, teriyaki chicken salad, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Pizza pocket, french fries, salad with dressing, cake, 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 — Bacon, egg and cheese biscuit or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Pancakes with sausage or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Breakfast casserole 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 — Chili dog, tater tots with cheese, lettuce and tomato salad, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Pizza sticks, corn, Jello, lettuce and tomato salad, fruit, dill spears or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, fruit, pudding, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Burritos with chili and cheese, refried beans, cheesy rice, fruit, Jello, dill spears or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, juice and milk. Friday — Cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato slice, cookies, fruit, dill spears or pasta or potato bar, sandwiches, salads, juice and milk. Po-Hi Breakfast Monday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Breakfast burrito or donuts or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Scrambled eggs with bacon and toast or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Pancakes with sausage and syrup 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 — Cheese filled pizza sticks with marinara sauce, broccoli with cheese, tossed salad with ranch dressing, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Tuesday — Burrito with chili and cheese, lettuce and tomato salad, mexi beans, Jello, fruit and milk. Wednesday — Chicken with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, seasonal fresh fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Barbecue beef on a bun, tater tots, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Jello, seasonal fresh fruit, juice and milk. Friday — Spaghetti with meat sauce, french bread, seasoned green beans, tossed salad with ranch dressing, seasonal fresh fruit, juice and milk. McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk. Tuesday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk. Wednesday — Cinnamon toast, juice and milk. Thursday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk. Friday — Ham patty, toast, juice and milk. Lunch Monday — Hot dog, tater tots, mustard, relish, green beans, applesauce, cookie and milk. Tuesday — Goulash, french bread, corn, peaches and milk. Wednesday — Hot turkey sandwich, potatoes, carrots, mixed fruit and milk. Thursday — Tuna noodle casserole, green peas, pineapple slices, hot roll and milk. Friday — Tostados, lettuce, cheese, corn, pears and milk. Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Beefy macaroni, Monterey chicken, beef tips with rice, soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. Wednesday — Fried catfish, lasagna, almond chicken, soup, salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. Thursday — Tuna noodle casserole, grilled steaks, soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. The cafeteria will be open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. School CalendarPo-Hi March 26 Varsity boys golf at Enid, 8 a.m. Varsity girls golf at Cushing, 9 a.m. Junior varsity boys and girls tennis at Bartlesville, 11 a.m. Junior varsity baseball at Claremore-Sequoyah, 4:30 p.m. Varsity baseball against Tulsa Union at Po-Hi, 5 p.m. March 27 Cheerleading tryout clinic at RFH, 7:45 a.m. Junior, senior prom meeting at Howell Auditorium, 9:25 a.m. Varsity boys and girls tennis against Enid, 3 p.m. Varsity baseball at Tonkawa, 4 p.m. Ninth grade boys tennis against Stillwater at Po-Hi, 4 p.m. Junior varsity and varsity boys and girls soccer against Edmond Memorial at Sullins Stadium, 4:30 p.m. Cheerleading tryout clinic at RFH, 5 p.m. Po-Hi Stepper parent meeting at Howell Auditorium, 5:30 p.m. March 28 Cheerleading tryout clinic at RFH, 7:45 a.m. Band concert at Howell Auditorium, 12:55 p.m. Junior varsity boys and girls tennis against Blackwell, 2 p.m. Cheerleading tryout clinic at RFH, 5 p.m. Basketball banquet at Commons, 7 p.m. March 29 Cheerleading tryout clinic at 7:45 a.m. Varsity boys golf at Edmond Memorial, 7:52 a.m. Ninth grade boys tennis against Ark City at Po-Hi, 4 p.m. Ninth grade baseball against Claremore Sequoyah at Po-Hi, 4:30 p.m. Cheerleading tryout clinic at 5 p.m. Varsity baseball at Norman Tournament. Junior varsity baseball at Guthrie Tournament. March 30 Junior varsity boys and girls tennis at Muskogee Tournament, 8 a.m. Ninth grade girls golf at Morroney Tournament, 9 a.m. Pep rally at RFH, 9:10 a.m. Boys and girls track at Okmulgee, 9 a.m. Cheerleading tryout clinic, 5 p.m. Varsity girls soccer against Midwest City at Sullins Stadium, 6 p.m. Po-Hi Steppers at National Competition in Denton, Texas. Varsity baseball at Norman Tournament. Junior varsity baseball at Guthrie Tournament. March 31 SAT testing at MSB building, 8 a.m. Boys and girls varsity tennis at Shawnee, 8 a.m. Boys and girls track at Bartlesville, 9 a.m. Po-Hi Steppers in Denton, Texas. Varsity baseball at Norman. Junior varsity baseball at Guthrie. Lutheran School MenuFirst Lutheran School Lunch Menu Monday — Chili dog, corn, tater tots, pickle and milk. Tuesday — Macaroni and cheese with ham, green beans, fruit, cookie and milk. Wednesday — Pizza, french fries, salad, dill spear and milk. Thursday — Spaghetti, corn, fruit, hot bread and milk. Friday — Meat and cheese nachos, beans, fruit, birthday cake and milk. CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). 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 Fourth Tuesday Rough and Tumble Rock and Gem Club, 7 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, for more information 762-5287 or 765-5854. Every Wednesday and Friday Elks Lodge Food Night, 6-8 p.m., Elks Lodge, 3612 Lake Road. Every Thursday Overeaters Anonymous, 7-8 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room D. Every Friday during March Senior Pitch, 6 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Every Saturday Overeaters Anonymous, 10-11 a.m., Woodlands Christian Church, southeast door. Monday 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. Tuesday 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. Rough and Tumble Rock and Gem Club, 7 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, for more information 762-5287 or 765-5854. March 31 Present and Past Staff Members from East Middle School invited to staff reunion, call 762-2093 for information. April 1 “The Big Day!” Tailgate Party, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue, for information, 762-2729. April 2 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Regular Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioners Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. April 3 Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Municipal Court Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. April 4 Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. April 5 Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Lunch Bunch, 11:30 a.m., Pizza Hut. Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by. Grief Support Group, 4 p.m., Hospice of Ponca City Office, 1904 North Union Street. Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., National Guard Armory, West South Avenue, Ponca City, public welcome, for more information 762-9053 or 762-7360. April 5, 6 and 7 KLVV Christian Radio’s annual Sharathon Fund Raiser 88.7 FM, call 767-1400 to volunteer or pledge. 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. Christian Motorcycles Association, 8:30 a.m., Conestoga, I-35 and U.S. 60, west of Tonkawa. Rummage Sale, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty Avenue, Ponca City, proceeds go to missions. Charlie Daniels Band, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, 580-765-0943 for reserved seats, Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. April 8 “The Promise” Easter pageant, 6 p.m., Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, free admission, more information 765-2404. April 9 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. “The Promise” Easter pageant, 7 p.m., Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, free admission, more information 765-2404. Grief Support Group, 7 p.m., Hospice of Ponca City Office, 1904 North Union Street. April 10 McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. April 11 Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., Cann Garden Center, East Grand Avenue. YMCA/Community Pool Committee, 12:30 p.m., YMCA, 702 East Grand 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. April 12 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. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City. April 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. April 16 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Regular Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioners Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. April 17 Kaw Lake Association, noon, Hero’s, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City. Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate, 901 Monument Road. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome. April 18 Cultural Affairs Commission, 8:30 a.m., Sun Room of Marland’s Grand Home, 1000 East Grand Avenue. April 19 Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Lunch Bunch, 11:30 a.m., Pizza Hut. Ponca City Noon Ambucs, 12 to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come on by. 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. Disabled American Veterans McKnight-Printz Chapter 47, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln, Ponca City. April 20 Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. 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. Taste and Tasteless, Poncan Theatre. April 23 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. April 25 The Army Annual Reunion, 6 p.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. April 26 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. April 27 Community Concert, Hutchins Memorial. May 4-5-6 Iris Festival, flower shows, musical entertainment, food, crafts, new and antique cars, children’s games, walking tours, open gardens and much more. Helpline Spring Training Session Set for SaturdayHelpline will host its spring volunteer training session Saturday at the United Way office, 205 North Second. The day will begin at 8 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts. Classes start at 8:30 a.m. Topics covered for the day will be reflective listening, DHS services, chronic mental illness, depression, crisis intervention, children/youth issues and grief. Lunch will be provided by Subway. The classes will end by 5 p.m. Helpline is a 24-hour crisis intervention, information and referral hotline. According to executive director, Lori May, “Helpline is an excellent opportunity for people to volunteer. If you have as little as two hours a week, are good listeners, and care about people, then Helpline needs you!” May also said, “The training class is superior and would benefit anyone no matter what field they are in.” May encourages anyone interested in becoming a Helpline volunteer to call Helpline at 765-5551 for more information or to sign up, and join them for the training on March 31. Taking the class gives more information about Helpline and helps make the decision to volunteer to answer phones. Helpline is a United Way agency. Newport Offers New Business Tax Credit BillBy RALPH SEWELL News Capitol Correspondent OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, obtained 94-0 House support for an idea he admits is only a gleam in his eye. His HB 1674 would allow any new corporation formed after this year to claim up to 100 percent income tax credits for business done in this state for 5 years. Asked if he had any live prospects to take advantage of his bill, he said he doesn’t. But he thinks it would be good for economic development. He said it would apply statewide. Reps. Jim Reese, R-Nardin, Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, and Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, also voted yes. Reese won 75-24 House approval for HB 1379, which is a new attempt to promote stable families and discourage premarital hanky-panky. The bill aims to discourage bearing children out of wedlock by offering $250 if the parents attend marriage counseling classes. Across the Fourth floor rotunda, Sens. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, voted for a failed attempt to raise the state’s motor fuel tax from 16 to 21 cents a gallon. SJR 10 offered a trade off. It also would have repealed the state sales tax on food and beverages. The changes called for approval of voters before change would be effective. Calls for Votes Senators did approve several other measures calling for referendums. Each would be effective only if approved by voters. These were: —SJR 18, which passed 37-8. It seeks to buy technology equipment for schools — to be paid for by property taxes. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SJR 19 would raise a school district’s debt limit from 10 to 15 percent of real property assessed within the district. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SJR 20 would raise the cap from 5 to 10 mills school district voters can bond for building purposes. It passed the Senate 33-11. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SJR 21 also, passed the Senate 25-21. It would ask voters to amend the constitution to let a majority of school district voters — rather than the 60 percent now required. Muegge voted yes; Harrison no. Both senators did vote for SJR 12, which passed the Senate 26-12. It proposes a constitutional change needing voter approval. If a majority agrees, it would give constitutional protection to cockfighting. An initiative petition now pending in the supreme court would ban cockfighting. Bill Deadline A flood of bills passed by either House before last Thursday’s cutoff deadline for considering bills in the House of origin. Here’s how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden cast votes on some of them: —HB 1564, approved by the House as the Senate amended it, can only be killed by a gubernatorial veto. The bill contains emergency items and also basic appropriations for the next fiscal year. The latter was added by senators to make it unnecessary to get the two-thirds vote which doomed it in the House. Normally, without two-thirds approval, HB 1564 couldn’t become law until 90 days after legislative adjournment. But the bill now is effective July 1, start of the next fiscal year. The Senate vote was 31-15 and the House 58-42. Muegge, Harrison, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Newport and Reese no. —HB 1564, on the other hand, won final approval, 46-0 in the Senate and 100-0 in the House. It would let state agencies, school districts, colleges and Vo-techs cope with the increased costs of fuel to heat buildings. All Ponca City area legislators yes. —HB 1337, by Sweeden, has the title off and passed 99-0. It would buy more land for the James Crabtree prison. It was amended to appropriate $26.5 million to the prison system. Other Ponca City area representatives also voted yes. —SB 589 passed the Senate 38-7. It would earmark some funds collected annually from the tax on natural gas to a long-range Capital Improvement fund. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor. —SB 146, which passed the Senate 26-22, would require public utilities requiring a customer deposit to refund that deposit if the customer maintains a good payment history for a year or more. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SB 733 passed the Senate 31-17. It would require new group health insurance policies to include coverage for colon cancer screening. The bill lacks a title as the Senate passed it. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SB 578, to more than double motorists’ compulsory public liability insurance coverage, passed the Senate 30-15. Minimum coverage required is now $10,000 and $20,000. The bill would require $25,000 and $50,000 limits. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SB 571 passed the Senate 43-3. It would let state employees use the federal per diem rate for meals while traveling rather than present practice. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SB 91, by Muegge, with the title off, passed the Senate 36-9. It would make rural water districts comply with Environmental Protection Agency rules. Harrison also voted in favor. —SJR 10 failed 16 to 24 to win Senate approval. It proposed raising the tax on motor fuels from 16 to 21 cents a gallon and ending the state sales tax on food. Voter approval in a statewide election would be needed. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —HB 1288 was returned to the House Appropriations Committee by a 77-15 House vote. That raises the possibility it’s still alive this year. It would create a school anti-violence group. It failed to pass earlier 23-71, Sweeden voted for; Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted no. —HB 1149 passed the House 89-5. It would make the files of School Board lawyers confidential. Ponca City area representatives voted yes. —HB 1215, making “Oklahoma Hills” — a Woody Guthrie tune — “the Oklahoma folk song” passed the House 73-22. Ponca City area representatives voted yes. —HB 1377, which passed the House 78-19, would add trucks carrying oil field equipment to vehicles eligible for an overweight permit. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Sweeden no. —HB 1889 passed the House 93-1. It amends Worker Compensation law to provide that an injured worker may have to submit to an alcohol or drug test following the injury. Ponca City area representatives voted yes. —HB 1732, with the title off, passed the House 97-0. It would raise the standard deduction allowed Oklahoma income taxpayers from $1,000 to $2,200 or $2,400 for a married couple filing a joint return. It would be effective next year. After that, deductions would be linked to the Consumer Price Index. Ponca City area representatives voted yes. —HB 1693 would amend Oklahoma law governing abortions and minors. The title is off the bill. It passed the House 96-1 with 17 joining as co-authors. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes. —HB 1934, offered by a Negro member, seeks a committee to investigate the disproportionate number of Blacks sent to prison. It passed the House 71-28. Ponca City area representatives voted yes. —HB 1784, which passed the House 99-0, would ask voters to amend the constitution let a lieutenant governor who becomes governor appoint a successor if the legislature consents. Ponca City area representatives voted yes. —HB 1486 passed the House 69-27 after first failing 37-45. It relates to licensing motor vehicle dealers. Newport and Reese cast no votes for the first time but all Ponca City area representatives were aye on the second vote. —HB 1409 passed the House 72-26 with the title off the bill. It would change reasons for denying a driver license. It could not be denied if drivers could interpret signs displayed in international symbols. Newport, Reese and Sweeden voted yes; Ferguson no. —SB 756, an attempt to relieve prison overcrowding, passed the Senate 30-6. It would make the Corrections Department responsible for paying the cost of keeping those who have been sentenced but the prison system won’t take. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. —SB 752, after first failing 19-27, was revived and passed 25-18. It would further tighten state law restricting smoking indoors. Muegge and Harrison yes. Kaw Lake Association Making Spring PlansSHIDLER — Spring activities ‘in the Kaw Lake area were discussed at the March monthly board meeting of the Kaw Lake Association held at the Oklahoma Jubilee in Shidler. President Larry Weems announced that the Kaw Lake Association will be the organizing group for two events — the KawFest Kickoff Golf Tournament to be held Saturday, April 21, at the Arkansas City Country Club, and the eighth annual KawFest celebration June 8-10 at Sandy Beach on Kaw Lake. He noted that postcards are being mailed to area golfers arid this will be followed by a detailed brochure mailing and personal phone call. Those businesses interested in sponsoring holes or individuals interested in playing should contact Kathy Tippin at the Kaw Lake Association office, 580-762-9494 or 1-877-671-6985. Reporting for KawFest Chairman Jon Halling, Wes Barton, KawFest events chairman, reported some new events for 2001. These include four live bands starting noon-11: 30 p.m. and a Craft Show. He said Connie Pruitt has agreed to chair the craft show and Robin Worley has taken over as marketing chairman. Executive Director Kathy Tippin reported meeting with KLVV to plan the Friday night Contemporary Christian music concert on the beach. Kathy Tippin reported that both the Iris Festival and Winfield’s Kanza Days will be held the first weekend in May. Betty Rutz said Sun ‘n Fun will have a booth at the Iris Festival and would be glad to pass out Kaw Lake magazines. The board agreed to have a booth at Winfield’s Kanza Days pending volunteer availability. Other events planned in the area this spring include Easter egg hunts in Shidler and Ponca City. Bill Brown and Mollie Bivin of WildWest Territory also reported on the Lefty Frizzell Country Music Festival to be held in Pawnee at the Pawnee Bill Ranch on Oct. 13. In other business Creative Media Services played part of the video they’re revising and said the finished video plus radio arid TV ads would be ready for approval by Saturday evening. Anyone wishing to view them should stop by KIXR by Monday, March 26. Cable television and radio ads will run ‘in the southern Kansas and western Oklahoma markets April and May. John Sutton, Kaw Lake Educational Foundation chairman, reported that the first foundation meeting will be Tuesday at noon at Baskin Hadley. The purpose of the meeting will be to approve the application filing for 501 (c) 3 status and the by-laws. The foundation is being established to assist the application of grants for educational programs like the annual Eagle Watch. In new business, the matching funds claim was approved, the Oklahoma Weekend Travel Guide advertising opportunity was vetoed and the participation in the Oklahoman’s Destinations page was tabled pending additional information. The KOTV Soak Up the Fun Promotion was discussed. The board agreed to solicit KOTV as a KawFest sponsor in exchange, for the promotional package. In other business the board agreed to purchase a domain name for the web site and Creative Media Services offered to donate their services to update and maintain the web site. Red Carpet Country will be contacted regarding sharing in the purchase of magazine racks for display of both the Red Carpet Country and Kaw Lake magazines. Larry Weems mentioned that at the April board meeting the budget would be discussed and a committee set-up to put together the FY 2002 marketing plan and budget. That meeting will be April 17 at noon at Hero’s in the Holiday Inn in Ponca City. The mission of the Kaw Lake Association is to develop and market the Kaw Lake area with the goal of economic growth for area communities. Individuals who would like to become involved with the Kaw Lake Association should call Kathy Tippin at (580) 762-9494 or e-mail kawlake@kskc.net. Veterans Benefits To Be Explained By DAV OfficerDetailed explanations of the full range of benefits available to disabled veterans and their families will be presented at an upcoming Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office visit. Like all services provided by the nonprofit DAV, there will be no charge for this on-site counseling and claim filing assistance, which will be hosted by McKnight Printz Chapter No. 47. It will be presented at the Chapter Home, 401 South Lincoln, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 29. A National Service Officer from the DAV’s Muskogee office will meet with veterans personally. “This veterans’ benefits expert offers you the best counseling and claim filing assistance you and your family can get,” DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson said in a letter inviting local veterans and their families to visit the Mobile Service Office. That’s important, he said, because, “So many disabled veterans feel confused about benefits and services they’ve earned. There’s so much to know ... and so many changes from one year to the next.” Veterans and members of their families need not be DAV or DAV Auxiliary members to take advantage of this free DAV service. They should bring their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claim number and Social Security number and any other pertinent documentation to the DAV Mobile Service Office location. SJRMC Sounds Diabetes Risk AlertDespite improvements in treatment and years of research, diabetes remains a leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, 193,000 Americans lose their lives to diabetes or one of its complications. However, with early detection and proper treatment, many of these deaths could be prevented. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center joins forces with the American Diabetes Association this month in conducting the American Diabetes Alert, the ADA's annual nation-wide awareness campaign. The goal is to find people with undiagnosed diabetes by challenging the public to take a simple diabetes risk test. Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body either does not produce insulin or does not use it effectively. Insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, is needed to change the food we eat into energy. Insulin that does not function properly causes high levels of sugar in the blood. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes, the most common, typically affects adults and increases dramatically with age and obesity. Diabetes is a serious disease. High blood sugar over time causes blood vessel and nerve damage that leads to diabetes complications. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the third leading cause in some minority groups. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness in adults, and amputations. It is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Symptoms of diabetes may include: frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing, tingling in hands or feet, recurring skin, gum yeast of bladder infections, or unexplained weight loss. However, in many cases, diabetes has no symptoms. Many people may first become aware they have diabetes when they develop one of its life-threatening complications. The American Diabetes Association recommends that persons age 45 or older have a fasting laboratory blood test to check for diabetes at least once every three years. It may be necessary to check for diabetes more often and at a younger age in people who are overweight; have a mother, father, sister or brother with diabetes; are Native American, African American, Hispanic, or Asian American; have high blood pressure; or had a baby weighing more than nine pounds. The ADA estimates there are five million Americans who have diabetes and don't know it. Don't be one of those people. The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at SJRMC wants you to find out if you are at risk for diabetes now by taking the Association's risk test located at the Ponca City, Newkirk, and Tonkawa public libraries, at the front desk in the SJRMC main lobby and on the hospital's web site, www.sjrmcpc.com. The tests will be available beginning Tuesday, March 27. Those having questions concerning diabetes, may contact Pat Blubaugh, RN, certified diabetes educator, at 580-763-0868. Roustabouts Raising Funds for Cruise With Benefit Concert Saturday NightTONKAWA — The world-traveling Roustabouts of Northern Oklahoma College will appear in a benefit concert Saturday in the Northern Performing Arts Center on the Tonkawa campus. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for college students and younger. A special family price of $15 is available for two parents and their children. According to Dineo Heimlmann, director, the musical show troupe “will dazzle the audience with a fast-paced, colorful presentation of contemporary popular music.” From the opener “Larger Than Life” by the Backstreet Boys to the finale, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” the singers, dancers and instrumentalists project their energy and enthusiasm. Featured vocalists include Megan Kubik and Steven Springer, Enid; Martha Hayes, Wakita; Hunter Parker, Blackwell; Jerry Walker, Crescent; Karen Holt, Norman; Ryan King, Oologah; Travis Bond, Pawhuska; Tye Palmer, Perkins; Erin Sylvester, Ponca City; and Sarah Richardson, Guymon. New Roustabouts for 2001-2002, selected during tryouts earlier in the day, will be introduced during the show. The Roustabouts have accepted a performance contract with Carnival Cruise Line to perform on the MS Celebration I, cruising the Gulf of Mexico with ports of call in Mexico next May. Proceeds from their benefit show will go toward their cruise performance expenses. Founded in 1964, the Roustabouts serve as ambassadors of the college and have performed throughout Oklahoma, in several other states and overseas. They are directed by Dineo Heilmann, chair of the Northern Fine Arts Division, assisted by Dr. Michael Moore, Rick Edgington and Wilma Harman. Marriage Licenses, DivorcesKay County marriage licenses, divorce applications and final Divorce Decrees Granted in Newkirk and Ponca City for February 2001. Marriage Licenses Stephen Clyde McCauley, 33, and Tammy Don Wallis-McArthur, 28, both of Ponca City. Jose Eladio Palafax-Alfaro, 21, and Rosemarie Ann Little Thunder, 20, both of Ponca City. Richard Christopher Marek, 27, and Kendra Ann York, 23, both of Ponca City Christopher Matthew Davis, 26, and Misty Charmain Wood, 21, both of Ponca City. Levi Ernest Mills, 21, and Kaleen Renee Horne, 19, both of Ponca City. David Isaac Gallagher, 24, and Jimmye Paulette Wynn, 27, both of Newkirk. Max Wayne Hill, 49, of Ponca City and Beverly Ann Spencer, 41, of Wellington, Kan. Tomas Alvarez, 34, and Theresa Montenegro ,36, both of Ponca City. Chad Anthony Meyer, 24, of Ponca City and Lindsey Nichole Currier, 18 of Blackwell. David Lee Anderson,32, and Dondi Marie Fearnow 32, both of Ponca City. Walter Scot Allen, 22, and Martha Mae Smithson, 19, both of Blackwell. Casey Merle Wright, 24, and Vicky Lee Meyers, 20, both of Ponca City. Donnie Roy Bennett Jr., 28. and Kimetha Raye Mitchell. 27, both of Ponca City. Ricardo Martinez-Valenzuel, 23, of Wichita, Kan., and Tina Lee Mondragon, 30, of Ponca City. Omar Rivera-Bosquez, 23, and Maria Magdalena Cruz-Maldonado, 33, both of Ponca City. Herbert Laird Ingham, 80, and Mary Elizabeth Brooks, 80, both of Ponca City. Divorce Petitions Jean A. Akers versus Jimmie P. Akers Keri Deane Butler Versus Roger Daryn Butler Sheila M. Brookshire versus James L. Brookshire Christopher Cole versus Brandy Renee Cole Marilyus Dickerson versus William Dickerson Terry Leroy Dufner versus Sarah Marie Imes Dufner Rebecca A. Goad versus James L. Goad Kamie Dawn Greve versus Robert Dean Greve John William Hobbs versus Karen Lynn Hobbs Lacy Rana Huff versus Paul Michael Huff Elizabeth Ann Herrera versus David James Herrera Melvina Elaine Hensley versus Scott Kilmer Hensley Michelle Elaine Jackson versus Ronnie DeNoris Jackson Nancy Johnson versus Lynn H. Johnson Patricia H. Kennon versus Wade H. Kennon Wade H. Kennon versus Patricia Kennon Tracey D. Koeppen versus Michael D. Koeppen Sheryle Ann Keefe versus Eric Alan Keefe Katrina Sue Mears versus Noble Bruce Mears Jr. Katherine Moreau versus Casey C. Moreau Mary L. McDaid versus Daniel J. McDaid Kevin Gene Newlin versus Brooke Lynn Newlin Cecilia Joyce Nichols versus Max Allen Nichols Thomas D. Owsley versus Narhirue M. Owsley Patricia Joan Pennington versus Harold Neal Pennington Angel Hamilton Potter versus David Eric Potter Melissa B. Pollak versus Kurt L. Pollak Becky Jean Reeve versus Chad Thomas Reeve April Ropp versus Virgil Ropp Jan Juanita Rodriguez versus Jose Rodriguez Harry Lee Rohrs Jr. versus Frances Elaine Rohrs Ivah L. Stites versus Lloyd D. Stites Kimberly C. Snyder versus Richard C. Snyder Jackye Renea Thompson versus Richard Jess Thompson Christy R. Tarrant versus Mark T. Tarrant Elizabeth Ann Tannehill versus Kelvin Gene Tannehill Danny Ray Vickroy versus Leah Deanett Vickroy Jerry E. Weber versus Rita L. Weber Pamela Denise Walters Wilson versus Brian Daniel Wilson Robert Wayne Whittington Jr. versus Jessica Lyn Whittington Jessica Whittington versus Robert Whittington Donna Weigle versus Wade Weigle Ramon Zamarripa Jr. versus Teodora Zamarripa Divorce Decrees Granted Newkirk Court Donald M. Aupperle from Denise Louise Aupperle Roger Dean Sharp from Sheri Dawn Sharp Wayne Resor from Kelly Denice Resor Janelle D. Williams from Ty D. Williams Katrina Sue Mears from Noble Bruce Mears Shirley Rae Battles from Mark Lee Battles. Ponca City Court Jennifer Gonzalez from Daniel Gonzalez Susan D. Ingram from James B. Ingram Georgia Lynn Buellesfeld from Rick Joseph Buellesfeld Rae Dawn Shears from Jack Shears Patricia Ann Payton from Jack Russell Payton Christina White from Paul William White LeAnn Capehart from Christopher Capehart Lisa Marie Newman from Michael Newman Robin Leah Biddle from Anthony Marquez Krystal Lynn Shearer from Philip Rannel Shearer Angela Dee Osburn from Keith Allen Osburn Thomas E. Smith from Sandra R. Smith Lori Ann Dorsey from Charles Andrew Dorsey Vivian Marie Tackett from Billy Dewayne Tackett Danny Ray Vickroy from Leah Deanett Vickroy Quilt Bingo To Be Program For Patches-Pieces GuildQuilt Bingo will be the program for the P.M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild meeting Monday night at 7 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Members are asked to bring spring projects and quilts to share. Guests are welcome. The guild met Feb. 26 with 22 members and four guests present. Sue Roy, president, presided. Cleda Oertle was selected as the group’s representative to the AAUW Woman of the Year Award Banquet. Door prizes were won by Velma Paige, Mary Nutt, Phyllis Clark, Sue Roy, Colleen Patterson, Kathryn Edgar, Alice Rosewitz, Alice Wiederrich, Marlene Williams, Suzanne Robinson, Karen Shurts, Melody Lahann, Barb Kegler, Pam Williams, Cleda Oertle, Mary Bryant, Jan Browning, Margareta Rains, and Nancy Bright. Cleda Oertle presented a braid pattern as the February pattern of the month. She showed several examples of how she had used the pattern to create different looks. The handout gave instructions for making a Prairie Braid, Oriental Braid, Friendship Braid, and her own “Braid for Dummies.” Instructions were distributed for making this year’s president’s blocks. Officers were nominated for the coming year. They include Pam Williams and Peggy Krider, co-presidents; Karen Shurts, vice president; Colleen Patterson, secretary; and Melody Lahann, treasurer. Show and Share participants were Nancy Bright, Irene Suckley, Margareta Rains, Sue Roy, and Barb Kegler. The program featured Elda Martens of Fairview. Her husband and daughter assisted her with a presentation of quilts and personal anecdotes. Her stories and beautiful quilts were both entertaining and inspiring. A Crazy Log Cabin workshop will be held Saturday, April 7, at the Fourth Street Club House. Northern Volunteers Offer Income Tax Filing HelpTONKAWA — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteers are on hand at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa to assist students and community members in filing basic personal income tax returns. Northern accounting interns Nicole Morphew, Yale, and Tina Zweiacher, Ponca City, have completed a week of training under the supervision of Northern Division of Business Chair Judy Colwell, CPA, in the tax assistance program using materials and supplies provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Using TAXWISE software and a computer furnished by the IRS, the women are prepared to assist taxpayers in completing and filing Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and the basic 1040 and related schedules electronically or by mail. Volunteers can alert clients about credits to which they are entitled to reduce their taxes or to qualify for a refund. Filing electronically allows clients to receive refunds quickly. The IRS provides a special toll-free hotline to answer volunteers’ technical tax questions as they help taxpayers. From Monday, March 26, through Friday, April 13, Morphew and Zweiacher will be available during specified office hours and by appointment in Wilkin Hall Room 306 on the Tonkawa campus. Office hours are 9-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Wilkin 306 on the Tonkawa campus. On Wednesday, hours are extended until noon. Tuesday and Thursday office hours are 1-3 p.m. Clients may either fill out their forms in the office or leave the paper work and return later to check it before filing the return. The service is free. Although the VITA volunteers will assist anyone needing help with basic tax returns, the service is particularly geared toward individuals with low and limited income and/or disabilities and toward single parents and senior citizens. Those wanting help should bring this year’s tax package and/or label, all forms, W-2s and 1099s, information for other income, information for all deductions or credits and a copy of last year’s tax return. Approximately 15 colleges in Oklahoma serve as VITA sites. This is the second year that Northern has served as a VITA site. For more information about VITA assistance at Northern, call 580-628-6341. Pecan Road Project Will Force Detours in Area Until CompleteDuring construction, Pecan Road, from Lake Road to South Avenue, will be closed to all traffic, and motorists will be detoured on South Avenue to and from Fourteenth Street. At the north side of the intersection of Pecan Road and Lake Road, a temporary road will be in place to allow motorists, approaching from the north, east and west, to detour around the construction at the intersection. Signing and barricades will be in place to direct traffic around the construction site. Motorists are urged to observe all traffic signs and proceed with caution through the detour area. Construction of the intersection is expected to take approximately 45 days to complete, dependent upon the weather. Persons needing to access the Animal Control offices, at 2501 Eat Central Avenue, during construction, will need to come from Fourteenth Street on Central Avenue. The gates will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Any questions regarding this project may be directed to the contractor or to the City Engineering department at 763-8046. Taste and Tasteless Offers Fine Food, EntertainmentFrom seeing various local male “celebrities” in tutu’s to witnessing the infamous “Lawn Chair Brigade,” attendees at the upcoming ninth annual Taste and Tasteless will never be the same after this year’s event. Set for Friday, April 20, the annual fund raiser is a highlight for the spring social season in Ponca City. The event has two parts. In the “Taste” part, local restaurateurs provide samples of their delicious menus behind the theater beginning at 6:45 p.m. The “Tasteless” part provides a highly entertaining evening when local “movers and shakers” are roasted for their past year’s notoriety. “Being new to this event, I’ve only heard stories of how entertaining it can be,” said Michael Varnum, executive director for the Poncan. “We want Michael as well as the rest of the community to stand back in awe,” said one of the ever-elusive anonymous writers. “The level of expectation is always high for the show, and we always work to provide material that will reach a certain level.” This year’s title is “2001: A Spaced Oddity.” No subtitles are needed this year, according to the above mentioned anonymous writer. The Taste part will feature favorite dishes prepared by Ponca City’s best chefs. The list of restaurants, so far, includes Amarillo Grill, Deli-Icious Diner, Dougan’s Bar-B-Q, El Chico, Head Country Bar-B-Q, Hero’s Bar and Grill, The Lost Legend, Ponca City Country Club, Perkins, Pizza Inn, Rusty Barrell Supper Club, Schlotsky’s Deli, Subway and the United Supermarket Deli. Tickets to Taste and Tasteless are $25. The entire amount benefits the theater’s operations, according to Varnum. Tickets may be bought at any of the main Ponca City banks, from Poncan Theatre board members, or from the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand Avenue. The Poncan phone number is (580) 765-0943. Special Candlelight Event Thursday Highlights CASAThe Kay/Noble County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) will hold a special candlelight event on Thursday as part of a national movement to light a symbol of hope for the abused and neglected children who are currently under the jurisdiction of the county dependency court. The event, to be held at the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk beginning at 12 p.m., called Light of Hope, is being held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month beginning April 1. During the event, attendees will honor and remember all children who have been victims of abuse and/or neglect. At the end of the event, a special candle will be lit as a symbol of hope for the county’s abused and neglected children who are currently in the court system. This candle will remain lit within the courthouse lobby throughout the month of April. “Every day our volunteers work to bring hope in the lives of children. That is why we are lighting candles in courthouses across the country to remind all of us there is always hope for a child,” said Michael Piraino, of the National CASA Association. “Be there and help light a symbol of hope for all the abused and neglected children in our community,” said Cynthia Linthicum, executive director of the Kay/Noble County CASA. Every year in Kay and Noble Counties the lives of more than 200 abused and neglected children are placed in limbo as they wait for the courts to determine their fate. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to thoroughly research the specifics of each child’s case, and to advocate in court for the child’s best interests. These CASA volunteers give their time to assure these children can reach safe, lasting homes where they can thrive. National evaluations of CASA programs indicate cases are resolved faster when children have a CASA volunteer. In turn, children spend less time, at reduced cost, in foster care. The Kay/Noble County CASA program is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, with more than 900 programs in 49 states that advocate for abused and neglected children. To learn more about the Light of Hope vigil and how you can help abused and neglected children, call Linthicum at 762-8341. Water Hydrant Installation Set TuesdayAccording to officials, city water crews will begin installing a water hydrant at the northeast corner of South Fourth Street and East South Avenue on Tuesday. While work is in progress, the westbound outside lane on South Avenue will be closed. Total completion for the project is expected to be within three to four working days, as the Street Department will be patching the road immediately following the installation. For more information, contact Charles Kelley, Street Department superintendent, at 763-8032. Fund Raiser at Medford for Liver PatientMEDFORD — All of Medford and area residents are looking forward to helping a friend and others have been invited to do the same. A fund raiser to benefit liver transplant patient Shari England will be held Saturday, March 31 at the Medford High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. and feature the Byron Berline Band. Shari England is told often “you don’t look sick!” but the fact is, she is gravely ill. She needs a liver transplant to save her life. Three years ago she was diagnosed with auto-immune hepatitis. Now, she is on the liver transplant list and must wear a pager, keep her bags packed and be ready to go at a moment’s notice to Integris Baptist Medical Center — Nazih Zuhdi Institute in Oklahoma City. Shari is 41 years old and a Grand County native. She attended Deer Creek grad school and graduated from Deer Creek-Lamont High School. She is the wife of Chuck England and the mother of three. Cory is in the Navy and is stationed in Puerto Rico, Cole is a junior at Medford High School and Kaci is a seventh grader this year. She is the daughter of Ernie and Marilyn Fredrick and the daughter-in-law of Jim and Pauline England, all of the Medford area. The estimated cost of liver transplant is staggering! Just the evaluation was between $9,000 and $11,000 for hospital and physicians. The liver transplant will be $180,000 to $200,000 for the hospital and $35,000 to $40,000 for the surgeons and physicians. Post transplant medications are approximately $20,000 per year. There are many other expenses involved, trips to Oklahoma City including gas, meals and lodging. On Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. the Byron Berline Band will perform their bluegrass and western swing music at the Medford High School Auditorium. This fund raiser is sponsored by the Medford Masonic Lodge, assisted by the Medford Lions Club, First Christian Church of Medford, the First United Methodist Church of Medford and the Cherokee Strip Branch No. 8877 of Lutheran Brotherhood. Donations will be accepted at the door. Berline was reared in Grant County, near the Renfrow area. He is the brother of former Grant County Commissioner Henry Berline. Berline’s early career included playing fiddle with bluegrass legends such as Bill Monroe, Dillard and Clark and Country Gazzete. After moving to Los Angeles in 1969, he soon became one of the most popular fiddlers in the music business. His long list of performing and recording credits include: The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, The Band, The Byrds, Elton John, Alabama, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Rod Steward, Earl Scruggs, Emmylu Harris, Tammy Wynette, Mason Williams, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Vince Gill. Osage County Dems Select Precinct ChairsIn recent precinct meetings, Osage County Democrats in Precinct 303 (Braden) elected Sara Hainzinger as chairwoman, and Ed O’Neill as co-chairman. Precinct 30b (McCord) also held an election, with Glenn Welch selected as chairman and Patty Welch as co-chair. LettersHelp Mentor Students I am responding to a guest editorial by Higher Education Chancellor Hans Brisch which appeared in the March 18 News. As a State Regent, I have admired how the Ponca City community responds to the needs of our young people. There was no better example of that than when the Ponca City community even the whole State responded to help the Po-Hi band participate in the presidential inauguration. Some other examples would be the establishment of the “Friends of Education” which has played a major role in assisting our teachers and educators in their professional development training. Friends of Education also has been the major financial supporter for the “Great Expectations” program which is having a tremendous impact on our students in the elementary schools. Our citizens also responded when there was a need to raise money and support the “Artrain” that was recently in Ponca City and viewed by most of our Ponca City students. Also, our community has been a major supporter of the “Drugstore program” which is a chemical addiction educational program for students in the Kay County area. There is now a tremendous need in our community to mentor and assist every young person to be academically successful so they can become productive and economically independent in our new economy. Ponca City is a unique and special community. The future of our City and our economy relies on the education of our youngest citizens. The opportunity that Chancellor Brisch referred to in his article concerning the State Regents’ Smart Start program needs the support of our community. I would hope that every business, every student at the University Learning Center and Northern Oklahoma College and every I adult who realizes that higher education has helped them become successful will take time out now and help and mentor a young person to be academically successful tomorrow. The Regents’ Smart Start program enables any Oklahoma citizen who qualifies to earn an education award for mentoring or tutoring our young people in school programs. This education award may be saved toward paying for college later or can help pay off current student loans. For further information on our Smart Start program and our campus community programs, I would suggest you call our State Regents office at (405) 524-9190. Carl R. Renfro Basketball Has History Let us bid good luck to the OU women’s basketball team as it journeys to the Sweet 16. Also let us reflect on the fact that basketball was originally a Native American game, although most people don’t know that. In the book “A Season on the Reservation (William Morrow & Company, Inc. 2000), the author, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, states that “Centuries ago, the Mayans and Olmecs played a form of the sport in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The ball court at Chichen Iza, typical of most, was shaped like a quadrangle, with temples at its ends and two long walls on the sides. At the northern end of the quadrangle was the Temple of the Bearded Man and at the southern end was the Temple of the Jaguars. High up on each end was a small ring, which was not parallel to the ground, as in today’s basketball, but perpendicular. The game they played on this court had religious overtones … scholars believe that the competitors used their shoulders, elbows, hips or knees to knock a hard rubber ball through the ring, but could not use their hands. Once the ball went through, the game was over … because the hole in the ring was not large, a made shot was probably rare and the game was mostly a social ritual. “The sport spread throughout Mexico and moved north all the way to Arizona, where the Aztecs traveled and traded with the Native Americans. A centuries-old ball court has been found at the tourist town of Sedona. The “inventor” of modern basketball, Dr. James Naismith, who was living in Springfield, Mass., at the turn of the century, adopted the old Indian game to the new world. He nailed a peach basket to the side of a building and cut the bottom out of it. The rim of the basket was placed parallel to the ground and Naismith encouraged players to play with their hands. In most places throughout the world, he gets credit for founding a sport that others had been playing in one form or another for hundreds of years before his birth.” Speaking of Native American games, the Ponca Tribe will once again be playing shinny at the White Eagle ball diamond during the first four Sunday afternoons in April. The Ponca Tribe is one of the few tribes in Oklahoma that still plays a traditional stickball game. The Ponca shinny game, with its shinny sticks and ball, most closely resembles the modern game of field hockey. Come out and enjoy the action. Steve L. Pensoneau Ponca City Utility Bill Entry Can’t Be Deducted on TaxesAccording to information from the Internal Revenue Service, a utility bill tax, which some Ponca City residents believe to be deductible on their federal income tax returns, are not an allowable deduction. The IRS urges taxpayers who have already filed their 2000 federal income tax returns and taken such a “utility tax” deduction to file an amended tax return form, Form 1040X, to correct the error. This form can also be used to amend prior years’ tax returns to correct the same error. With respect to Ponca City area taxpayers, the Ponca City Utility Authority has no power to, and therefore does not, impose a tax on its customers. Additionally, in the event the authority pays any real or personal property taxes, such taxes would be imposed on the authority, not on its customers. “We want people to take advantage of every deduction allowable by law,” said IRS spokesman David Stell, “and we also want to help taxpayers identify what’s not deductible, as well.” “The bottom line is that the IRS does no view any part of the utility costs paid by Ponca City Utility Authority customers as being a tax that is deductible as an itemized deduction,” Stell said. Many taxes are deductible on Form 1040 Schedule A, “itemized deductions.” The categories of taxes which are generally deductible are state and local income taxes, foreign income taxes, real estate taxes and personal property taxes. However, there are some exceptions in each category. Specifically non-deductible taxes on Form 1040 Schedule A include sales taxes, federal income taxes, certain other federal taxes, gift taxes, social security taxes and Medicare taxes. Of these deductible categories, to be deductible, a tax must first meet two basic criteria: The tax must be imposed directly on the taxpayer, and the tax must be paid during the taxpayer’s tax year. Form 1040X for amending this deduction information is available by visiting the IRS web site at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM (24 hours). Apartment Complex Issues On City’s Agenda MondayCity Commissioner are scheduled to hold three public hearings during Monday evening’s city commission meeting. This meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Center’s commission chambers, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. The first public hearing concerns a petition against the issuing of a special use permit in the C-1 local commercial district for a 23-unit apartment complex, called Skyline Apartments, in the 1500 block of Queens Avenue. The second public hearing concerns the site development plan for this apartment complex. The third public hearing involves an ordinance closing a portion of a platted alley located behind lots 15 through 18, block 29, townsite of Hartman to the city of Ponca City. Commissioners are expected to consider and vote on all three of these issues separately, following each public hearing. Commissioners are also expected to consider and vote on change order No. 1, in the amount of $2,758.77, and final payment, in the amount of $59,443.02, to Chitwood Construction Company Inc., for work completed on the City Garage parking lot, Phase II. A final item is to consider and vote to approve a request for authorization to advertise for bids for the asbestos abatement of the third floor ceiling in the Marland Mansion Conference Center Hotel. Following Monday’s city commission meeting, commissioners will hold a Utility Authority meeting. New business for the meeting will be to consider and vote to approve a contract with Ratliff Inc. for construction services associated with the Meadows pump station improvement project in the amount of $490,000. DEATHSLeonard Eldridge Cantrell Jr. Leonard Eldridge Cantrell Jr.FORT WORTH, Texas — Leonard Eldridge Cantrell Jr., resident of Fort Worth, Texas, died Tuesday, March 20, 2001, in Fort Worth. He was 55. The funeral was scheduled for Saturday, March 24, in the drawing room of Thompson’s Harveson and Cole Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. William Galbraith officiating and Jeff Flick as eulogist. Burial was in Greenwood Memorial Park. Leonard Eldridge Cantrell Jr. was born Oct. 16, 1945, at Tinker Field, Okla., the son of Leonard and Carol Cantrell. He married Mary Ellen Doyle of Ponca City in 1968 in Ponca City. He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant at Fort Sam Houston from 1968 to 1971. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, his master’s degree from Trinity University and his master’s of business administration from University of Dayton. He served as president of the Upper Chesapeake HealthCare Systems in Hartford County in Maryland, president of Healthwise in Tennessee as well as the president of Oxford Medical Group (PBM) in White Plains, N.Y. Survivors include his wife of the home; a two daughters, Caren Maccini and Leigh Cantrell Day; a sister, Judi Wood; a brother, David Cantrell; and number or nieces and nephews. ObituariesRaymond E. TaicletRaymond E. Taiclet, longtime Ponca City resident, died late Tuesday evening, March 20, 2001, in the Ponca City Nursing and Rehab Center. He was 73. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in the Grace Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Jack Taiclet, retired Southern Baptist minister, will officiate. Burial with full military honors by L.S. Buffalo Post 38, White Eagle will follow in the IOOF Cemetery. Services will be under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Born Raymond Edward Taiclet on March 25, 1927, in Ponca City, he was the son of Edmon August and Bessie Bridgewater Taiclet. He grew up and attended Ponca City schools, and, on Nov. 6, 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged on Oct. 12, 1947. Upon his return to Ponca City, he worked for a while as a firefighter and attended some college at University of Oklahoma and in Bangor, Maine, studying mainly criminal justice. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Okinawa and in Japan both as military police and a criminal investigator. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant, and, upon moving back, to Ponca City, he went into a joint ownership of the Yellow Cab Co. in the late 70s and early 80s and also worked for a time as a criminal investigator, having the honor of a lifetime to serve as a substitute bodyguard for Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson. From the late 80s to 1992, he was a school bus driver for the McCord area and was affectionately known as “Santa Claus” by his “bus route kids” because of his silver colored hair, triangle handled mustache and beard. He was a member of the First Christian Church, the Knights of Pythias in which he served as treasurer for the local lodge and grand chancellor and supreme representative for the Grand Lodge and State of Oklahoma. Raymond also held memberships in the VFW Post 1201, Disabled American Veterans and the Dramatic Order of Knights of Khorassar (DOKK). Raymond enjoyed doing woodwork and woodcarvings, collecting coins, traveling both around the U.S. and into parts of Canada and collecting memorabilia from all of his travels. He also enjoyed visiting with his friends and family. He is survived by one brother, the Rev. Jack Taiclet of Newton, Kan.; one uncle, John Howard Taiclet of Winfield, Kan.; a niece, Kaye Harkins of Ponca City; a nephew, Steve Burkett of Ponca City; as well as other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. His parents and three sisters preceded him in death. Casket bearers will be Cory Burkett, Ryan Burkett, James Connor, Allan French, Randy Furber and Bob Harkins. Honorary casket bearers will be: Calvin Barnard, Stan Borochoff, Vaughn Gilbert and Roy Scott. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The American Diabetes Association, 4425 West Airport Freeway, Suite 130, Irving, Texas 75062. The family will be at the home of Kaye Harkins, 4174 Kelley Avenue, Ponca City, to receive friends and family. paid obituary Leland V. PetersenThe Rev. Leland V. Petersen, longtime Ponca City resident and community minister, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday evening, March 21, 2001. He was 78. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2001, in the Woodlands Christian Church. The Revs. Paul M. Krueger, pastor of Woodlands Christian Church, Marilyn Merle, associate pastor of Woodlands Christian Church and Dr. Don Parsons, retired Christian Church minister, will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Braman Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Born Leland Vernon Petersen on May 21, 1922, in Fredrick, Wis., he was the son of Olaf and Myrtle Christine Vangsgard Petersen. He grew up and attended schools in Luck, Wis., and, upon graduation, he went to the NYA (National Youth Association) School of Wisconsin and specialized in aviation mechanics. In 1941, he moved to Ponca City and worked at Darr School. On July 11, 1945, Leland and the former Faye L. Hasselbring were united in marriage in Braman. He entered the Army Air Force Alliance on April 29, 1943, in Tulsa and served 26 months in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater with the 434th troop carrier group, the 74th troop carrier squad and the 9th Air Force. While in the Army Air Force Alliance as a crew chief, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the OLC/ Air Medal, the Distinguished Unit Citation Badge, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal and three overseas service bars. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 28, 1945, in Camp McCoy, Wis. Leland worked for 32 years with the Nickles’ Machine Shop, and he served the old Kaw City Christian Church for nine years as pastor and also helped with the building of the new Kaw City Christian Church. In 1973, he was selected as Laymen of the Year. He was assistant minister for 17 years and was presently minister at large with Woodlands Christian Church, where he was a charter member. During his years at Woodlands Christian Church, he served as an elder, a care minister, chairman of the church board, Sunday school teacher and started the Willing Workers Program. He was past president for a number of years for the Ponca City Ministerial Alliance, a member of the Regional Board and moderator of District III for the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Oklahoma. Leland was active in the local and district Christian Men’s Fellowship and was one of the, if not the longest tenured, licensed lay ministers in the state of Oklahoma. He held memberships in the American Legion Post 14, VFW Post 1201 and helped build with Habitat for Humanity and Central Oklahoma Christian Camp. Leland enjoyed fishing, mechanics, woodworking and was a general inventor and builder. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years, Faye L. Petersen; one sister, Bernice Mattson of Luck, Wis.; one son and his wife, Steven and Sheila Petersen of Ponca City; four daughters and their husbands, Vicky and Ed Wales of Plano, Texas, Karla Martin and Gary Dexter of Portland, Ore., Sherry and Terry Watson of Edmond and Elaine and Lee Vardeman of Perry; nine grandchildren, Chris Wales, Tonya Wales, Paul Martin, Jeff Watson, Tessa Petersen, Brian Watson, Kevin Watson, Keith Vardeman and Kaylee Vardeman; three great-grandchildren, Lauren, Brady and Lane; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Raymond Petersen; and one infant son, Keith Allen Petersen. Casket bearers will be Don Goldman, Paul Hoseman, Houk Kruckeberg, Charlie Meyers, Clark Nickels, Ken Smith, Gene Sullivan, Richard Whiting and Clarence Roy Wilson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Woodlands Christian Church, 1400 E. Hartford Ave., Ponca City, Okla. 74604. paid obituary FuneralsMonday Lewis Edward O’LearyLewis Edward O’Leary — Funeral at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk with burial in the IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City. Rosemary Glenn — Funeral at 10 a.m. in the Central Christian Church in Caldwell, Kan. Burial will be in the Bethany Cemetery in Perth, Kan., under the direction of Elliot-Schaeffer Mortuary in Caldwell. NEWS BRIEFSAccident — A caller reported a sanitation truck had hit a gas meter near the intersection of Fourth Street and Shirley Avenue to Ponca City police at 8:26 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Oklahoma Gas and Electric was also contacted. Fake Bake, the 2 minute tan. Great results. We’ll demonstrate at Carl's Hallmark, Downtown. adv. Fraud — An employee at Pioneer Rental, 1415 West South Avenue, reported a case of fraud to Ponca City police at 9:25 a.m. Friday. Someone had failed to return some rental property. 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. Theft — A resident reported to Ponca City police at 10:17 a.m. Friday the theft of some personal checks. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Spring Village beauty, for sale by owner. Two miles east of Pioneer Woman Statue. Go east on Lake to Cascade Dr. and south to Spring Village. Four bedrooms, three full baths, gracious & livable 2,100 + sq. ft. Beautifully decorated. Lots of storage with builtins. Patio & decking in back. This home was featured on the Pond and Garden Tour. Has beautiful landscaped back yard with natural spring and cascading water with small creek in the far back. A must see! Open house: Saturday and Sunday, March 24th and 25th, 2-4 pm. 7 Spring Village. Please call Dr. Harold Houk or Sheri Houk at 765-5814. adv. Fraud — A clerk at the Pioneer Woman Guest House, 719 North Fourteenth Street, reported to Ponca City police at 10:23 a.m. Friday some had left the motel without paying their bill. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer consignments. adv. Fire Run — A grass fire in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Communications Center at 1:18 p.m. Friday. Unit one with the Ponca City Fire Department responded. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. 700 West Broadway. Call for hours. 765-9689. adv. Fraud — The manager of Dollar General, 801 West Grand Avenue, reported a case of embezzlement to Ponca City police at 2:26 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Wedding Accessories, caketops, candles, pillows, personalized crystal, invitations, napkin imprinting now at Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv. Fire Run — A resident reported an oil spill in the 100 block of West Grand Avenue to the Communications Center at 3:06 p.m. Friday. Rescue one with the Ponca City Fire Department responded. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T No. 3, 720 South Waverly Street, reported a $10.01 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 3:56 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Before you sign the dotted line talk with Heartland Hearing Aid and hear the difference. Prices to meet or beat all others and more. 1302 North 7th. 767-1961. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Ash Street and Grand Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 4:26 p.m. Friday. Three officers responded to the scene and a report was taken. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. One subject was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv. Intoxicated Subjects — A resident reported seeing three subject sniffing paint in the 600 block of South Fourteenth Street to Ponca City police at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Two officers responded to the scene and a 38-year-old man and two 39-year-old men were taken into custody for public intoxication. Medicine Supplements for competitive rates and personal service. Call Donna Smith at 716-6038. adv. Fire Run — A small grass fire in the 2200 block of North Union Street was reported to the Communications Center at 6:23 p.m. Friday. Engine two and unit one with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Body Masters starting morning aerobics, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am to 10am. Child care provided. adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 1900 block of North Pecan Road reported a 62-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication and speeding at 7:15 p.m. Friday. Fire Run — A small grass fire in the 2300 block of East Hubbard Road was reported to the Communications Center at 8:11 p.m. Friday. Engine three with the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene. Onion plants and set seed potatoes, strawberry plants, berry plants, tomato plants, cucumber and squash plants. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Avenue, 762-2922. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Elm Street and Summit Avenue reported a 38-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication, no insurance and failure to stop at a stop sign at 8:44 p.m. Friday. New Cookbooks!! Best of the Best for New England, Georgia, Great Plains, Colorado, and more! Carl’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue reported a man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication, transporting an open container and possession of drug paraphernalia at 12:04 a.m. Saturday. Intoxicated Subject — A citizen flagged down a Ponca City police officer to report a man was lying in the street near the underpass at the intersection of First Street and South Avenue at 12:06 a.m. Saturday. The officer responded to the scene and the man was taken into custody for public intoxication. Prom Jewelry and summer jewelry are new arrivals! Want something different for Easter? Come see at Christy's 3005 North 14th. Open everyday. adv. Burglary — A resident in the 400 block of South Elm Street reported a residential burglary to Ponca City police at 2:13 a.m. Saturday. Three officers responded to the scene and a report was taken. Sonic 5th and Hartford will close March 28 for about 10 days to remodel. We apologize for any inconvenience. adv. Subject Held — An officer in the 500 block of North Third Street reported a 26-year-old man was taken into custody after a disturbance call for domestic assault and battery at 3:17 a.m. Saturday. Gospel Meeting — The Newkirk Church of Christ, 328 North Main, will hold a gospel meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 2-4. LIFESTYLESLaura Boyd To Visit PC Library April 5 Laura Boyd To Visit PC Library April 5Laura Boyd, Democratic Party candidate for Lt. Governor, will be the featured speaker April 5, at the Ponca City public library. She will discuss “The Fate of Oklahoma and Educational Excellence.” Boyd contends that the central issue affecting economic development in Oklahoma is providing an educated and highly trained workforce for businesses and industries already located in the state. Boyd is a former state legislator from Norman and the 1998 Democratic Party nominee for governor. During her three terms she served on the Appropriations, Education, Mental Health and Criminal Justice committees. Boyd will entertain discussion on educational issues as they pertain to growing the local and statewide economies. Prior to the presentation, a reception open to the public for Boyd will be held at the home of Garland McWatters, 202 N. 6th St. directly across the street north of the library, beginning at 5:30 p.m. “Laura Boyd has distinguished herself as a champion of educational excellence in both common and higher ed,” McWatters said. “This is a great opportunity for citizens to talk face to face with a major influence leader about their concerns and opinions in education.” For information, contact McWatters, chair Kay County Democratic Party, at 765-7690.’’ Spring Car CareWith springtime here many of us will be washing our cars and planting our flowers and gardens. Sometimes we might forget an important part of the summer months. The warm Oklahoma weather could wreak havoc on our cars. Inside The News today is a special section devoted to car care. Look inside the Lifestyles section for more information. Engagement Is AnnouncedA Sept. 8 wedding at Bozeman, Mont. is being planned by Ashley Oaks and John Lazosky. The bride-elect is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Oaks of Bozeman, Mont. Lazosky is the son of Jim and Sue Rau (Thomson) of Billings, Mont., former Ponca City residents, and Mark Lazosky of Ponca City. Grandparents are Jim and Wauneita Burger of Ponca City. Miss Oaks is a 1996 graduate of Bozeman High School and a 2001 graduate of Montana State University. The prospective bridegroom attended elementary school in Ponca City. He is a 1996 graduate of Billings High School and a 2001 graduate of Montana State University. Adults Need Spring Break, Too!Time has come for adults to stand up and petition the federal government for a Spring Break. That’s right adults need a week off in the Spring to catch up on their fall chores. Why should the kids have all the fun? Is it because they can stay up all night and sleep all day? Is it because they think it is their birthright to go skiing, sailing or mountain climbing in the middle of the school year? The parents are expected “to spring” for the expensive break. There is some merit to meeting them at a condo, cabin or grandma’s, where there are maid, laundry and pet services, instead of taking care of these chores at your home. Spring is that time of year when it is all right for adults to have dirt under their fingernails — in fact it is even admirable. That is of course from planting Spring plants. On the other hand it is time for Spring cleaning in the house and the garage. Time to get rid of the Christmas tree and other seasonal trappings. Down through the ages the meaning of the word “spring” has been used in different ways. In the days when herding cattle was a way of life for cowboys as they hunted for a spring to water the cows. Then came the iron bedspring, which was a better underpinning than board slats as far as the comfort of the bed. And that is a necessity for those folks who aren’t spring (young) chickens anymore. Meanwhile back on the subject of “springing” for something in the financial field, small as it may be paying for the those once known as “penny” postcards can be frustrating. There is no sign on the vending machine in the Post Office to tell you the price. They are just going to “spring” it on you when deposit your money. The cost of the card is 20 cents. And another thing those stamps without a price are useless if you want to use them later. How can the public be expected to memorize the cost by a picture of a flag? After all these stamps are government backed and should be good anytime. But of course one must know how much extra postage is needed to be prudient in one’s spending. Meanwhile back at Spring Break, in the old days this came in the form of a Fall Break and the students were let out of school for a week to help pick cotton. Shows you how times have changed. The older generation had to work during their “break” to make money for buying clothes or putting food on the table. But did they think they were missing anything? Not at all just getting a break from school was enjoyment enough. These days youngsters think they should be rewarded for getting a break from school. “Give Me a Break.” Sarah Smith Is Bride-ElectMr. and Mrs. Bill M. Smith of Ponca City announce the engagement of their daughter Sarah Elizabeth Smith to Shawn Michael Kelly. The prospective groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith of Ponca City and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kelly of Wyandotte. The wedding will be held Saturday, May 12, 2001, at 2 p.m. at the Community Christian Church. Miss Smith is a 1995 Po-Hi graduate. She received her associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College in 1997. She is presently a senior at Oklahoma State University with a major in elementary education. She is the supervisor for the YMCA After School Kids at Roosevelt Elementary. Kelly is a 1995 graduate of Frontier Public Schools. He received his diesel mechanics certification from Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater. He is employed with Wells Plumbing. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Art Bolay and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith of Ponca City. Kelly is the grandson of Dixie King of Marland and Dewey Kelly of Ponca City and the late Marvin King and Genevieve Kelly. Deadline SetThe deadline for submitting articles for the Sunday edition of The Ponca City News is Wednesday prior to the publication by 5 p.m. Wedding forms, engagements, anniversaries and birth announcement forms are available at the news office. Overeaters Anonymous Establishes More Meetings“Food - Cunning, baffling, powerful!” These are words from the Overeaters Anonymous “big book,” the same book used by Alcoholics Anonymous groups in helping overcome the compulsion of alcohol. It is now recognized that the compulsion to over-eat is an illness that needs to be recognized and treated. The treatment consists of support groups where the problem is faced squarely and methods of conquering it can be found and practiced, enabling the person to live a more healthy lifestyle without the handicap of excess weight. Overeaters Anonymous groups are established throughout the United States and in other countries. Ponca City now has two meeting times for one group. This means a person may come on Saturday morning or Thursday evening—or may come to both sessions if needed. If one regularly attends the Saturday group, but will be unable to on one Saturday, he or she may come Thursday instead. If numbers increase, it is hoped another session on another evening may be added for the convenience of all. There is no registration fee. Each group is supported by a small donation during the meeting by anyone desiring to do so. The only expense of the group is to provide 14 newcomer kits of pamphlets for new members. A welcome is extended to anyone who would like to come just to see what the program is all about. If you are having a. problem with a weight gain, or the inability to lose weight, you may need to see if your problem is actually overeating compulsively. First names only are used during meetings, no diets or food plans are used, no scales. Meetings are Thursday evening, 7 until 8:00 p.m., in Conference Room “ID”, St. Joseph Medical Center (downstairs, see signs), and Saturday morning, 10:00-11 :00 at Woodlands Christian Church (southeast door.) For more information call 762-2161 or 762-8256. Daughters of American Revolution Hold LuncheonAt the March 16 luncheon meeting of Ponca City Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Steve Camp, development director for Bacone College, told of the difference the college has made in the lives of American Indians. He gave the following example of Glenda DeLaMater who lived on the tiny Chehalis Indian Tribal reservation located near Oakville, Wash., and wanted to better her life. She decided to come to Bacone College regardless of the fact that she had never set foot outside of her home state. “There is no opportunity on the reservation,” said the ambitious DeLaMater. “It seems that everyone on the reservation is stuck there. I wanted to leave and make something of myself to show everybody that it can be done. There are only four people in my entire family to graduate high school, let alone attend college.” DeLaMater plans on majoring in business administration and Computer Technology because, as she says, “I want to be the next Bill Gates.” Only 16 years old with a 3.5 GPA in high school, what really makes DeLaMater outstanding is the overwhelming odds against her that she had to overcome. When the high school drop-out rate and rate of alcoholism on the reservation per capita dwarfs that of the national average, she completed her school (head start-12th grade) in 10 years. “There was one person in my life that inspired me to be what I wanted to be, and that was my fourth-grade teacher. She told me everyday that I was one of the kids that was going to make it to college,” said DeLaMater, a freshman attending Bacone College. DeLaMater wants to be an example for the people back on her reservation and, although young, she offers this sage advice, “I want to encourage them to stay in school, to take advantage of opportunities, leave the reservation and to turn the other way when there is a can of beer in their face.” Camp noted that the school is not reserved strictly for American Indians but is open to all students, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or religion. In the National Defense report, Wanza Merrifield quoted from an exchange between Sens. John Glenn and Howard Metzenbaum. Sen. Metzenbaum asked John Glenn, “How can you run for The Senate when you’ve never held a real job?” Sen. Glenn: “I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn’t my checkbook; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine to five job where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank. I ask you to go with me as I went the other day to Veterans Hospital and look at those men with their mangled bodies in the eye and tell them they didn’t hold a job. You go with me to the space program and go as I have gone to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their dad didn’t hold a job. I’ll tell you, Howard Metzenbaum, you should be on your knees every day of your life thanking God that there were some men — Some Men — who held a job. And they required a dedication to purpose and a love of country and a dedication to duty that was more important than life itself. And their self-sacrifice is what made this country possible ... I HAVE HELD A JOB, HOWARD! What about you!” During the business meeting, Paula Denson advised members that Friends of the Cultural Center Committee needs their support in order to finish the restoration of Marland’s Grand Home. At the close of the meeting, Chaplain Donna Humble led a memorial service for Margaret Edgington. LaCinda Johnston Becomes Bride of John MeadowsThe First Baptist Church in Itta Bena, Miss. was the setting Feb. 17 for the wedding of LaCinda Johnston and John Meadows. The Rev. George Meadows officiated the double ring vows in a 2 p.m. ceremony. The alter was illuminated with candles and accented with ivy. Parents of the couple are Elizabeth Johnston of Ponca City, Steve Johnston of Horn Lake, Miss., and George and Betty Meadows of Itta Bena, Miss. Grandparents are Lu Griffin of Helena, Ark. and Francis Johnston of Ponca City. Great-grandmother is Ina Lamb of Helena, Ark. Musical selections included “I’ll Be Here” by Stephen Curtis Chapman and Julie Garrett, Blackwell, was the vocalist. George Anna Meadows, sister of the groom, was the guest book attendant. Ushers included Ashley Barnett, Jackson, Miss. and Keenan Garrett, Blackwell. Melissa Stickford, Fayetteville, Ark., served her cousin as Matron of Honor. She wore a white A-line skirt with a fitted black bodice and carried a bouquet of confetti roses. Bobby McCullum, Ruston, La., was the Best Man. The bride’s designer gown featured a scooped neckline with a ripple band of silk satin accenting the midriff. The A-line skirt was a triple band of silk satin border with a detachable train bordered with a triple band of silk satin. The chapel train was accented with pearls. She carried a bouquet of confetti roses with curly willow and seeded eucalyptus. The reception was held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Assisting with the reception were Deanna Johnston and Stephanie Hampton, sisters of the bride, both from Ponca City; and Beth Barnett, sister of the groom from Jackson, Miss. The newlywed couple resides in Blackwell. The bride is a funeral director/embalmer and the groom works for Williams Gas and Pipeline in Blackwell. Pair Announces EngagementDr. Randy and Jana Weber of Ponca City announce the engagement of their daughter Tricia Laine Weber to John Kevin Hasty. The bridegroom’s parents are Ron and Linda Fanning of Yukon and DeWayne and Joy Hasty of Idabel. The bride-elect is a 1995 Ponca City High School graduate. She received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Oklahoma University while serving as the public relations representative for her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. Upon graduation, she began employment with the Purcell Public Schools as a ninth grade English teacher. She is presently pursuing a master’s degree. Hasty is a 1994 graduate of Yukon High School. He is currently a construction science major at the University of Oklahoma and also works for the Putnam City schools. Rice-Avila Wedding SetAnnouncement is being made of the engagement of Jessica Lynn Rice and Mark Anthony Avila. He is the son of Enrique and Irma Avila, and she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Rice of Winfield, Kan. Avila is a graduate of Ponca City High School and has attended the University of Central Oklahoma, Academy of Airforce and Northern Oklahoma College. He is employed with Enriques Restaurant in Ponca City. Rice has attended Oklahoma Christian University and Northern Oklahoma College. The couple plans a June 23 wedding at the Grand Avenue Church of Christ. Kansas Singles in Agriculture To Tour Museum in ChanuteOn the weekend of March 31 and April 1, the Kansas Chapter of Singles In Agriculture will tour the Safaris Museum at Chanute, Kansas. The museum covers the adventurous life story of Martin and Osa Johnson, high lighting their safaris and lasting contributions to documentary film making and wildlife research. In the evening there will be a dinner followed by a dance. Sunday morning there will be a farewell breakfast. For more information contact Diane at (316)431-1335, Steve at (785)379-0444, or Ann at (785)2674111. The purpose of Singles In Agriculture is to promote educational, recreational and social opportunities for singles who have an agricultural background or related occupation. Building new friendships and enjoying new tomorrows is what Singles In Agriculture is all about. SINGLES IN AGRICULTURE is a non profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of SINGLE people who are employed in Agriculture or have an agricultural background. The Oklahoma and Kansas chapter will be working together in the future to host some joint activities in order to build some interest in our group in the northeast part of Oklahoma and southeast part of Kansas. Plans are being made to have a joint Kansas/Oklahoma activity in October at Bartlesville and possibly a New Years activity somewhere near where Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. For more information contact Ken Teetzen, Chapter Publicity Coordinator, St. Ramona, KS. (785) 965-2254 Happy Hilltop Homemakers Decide on Community ProjectThe Happy Hilltop Homemakers met at the Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant for their March 14 meeting. Fran Van Hoesen, president, called the meeting to order, and the group gave the flag salute. Nadine Thomas read the creed. For her devotion, Vivian Scott, hostess, read Mathew 6:2-4. The minutes were read and approved. Nine members answered by telling what they planned to do for Easter. For a community project, a motion was made and seconded to bring paper goods and cleaning supplies for DHS to the next meeting. It was suggested articles be brought in small containers instead of large ones. The treasure’s report was given. Lonia Smith won the free lunch, and Dee Horde the hostess gift. Vivian Scott gave the health tip on five good things we can do to protect our safety. A donation was given to Hospice in Lonia Smith’s name for the death of her brother. The group played a trivia game before the meeting was turned over to Mary Bryant for the program. She shared her Christmas trip to Mexico with us with pictures, Mexican made Christmas decorations, clothing and many other articles. The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be April 11 with Lonia Smith and Della Daniels as hostesses. Steve Wilkerson To Headline Redbud Concert in TonkawaTONKAWA — One of the top saxophone players in jazz today, Steve Wilkerson, will headline the sixth annual Redbud Jazz Festival Concert Friday, April 6 in Tonkawa, according to Dr. Michael Moore, festival director. Wilkerson and featured guest artists Andrea Baker, Galen Jeter, John Von Ohlen, Lisa Hittle and Bill Hartmann will take the stage of the Northern Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on the Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa campus for a tribute to the legendary Stan Kenton. They will be joined by the Redbud Festival Orchestra and the Northern College Jazz Band and Combo. Opening the concert will be two Representative Bands of the Day, selected from area high school jazz bands attending the festival clinic. Wilkerson, who grew up in Bartlesville, Okla., was 10 years old when he first heard Stan Kenton's “greatest big band in the whole world” play a Tulsa concert. Years later he toured in the 1970s as the lead alto saxophonist and jazz soloist for the Stan Kenton Orchestra, always bringing down the house with standing ovations. In 1976 he moved to Los Angeles, recording with Shelly Manne for PAUSA records and playing many studio dates, including television work for Bob Hope and Mitzi Gaynor. At age 11, Wilkerson began playing professionally with his father's six-place society dance band. He attended the University of Tulsa on a full music scholarship, winning numerous awards as lead alto and jazz soloist for their award-winning jazz band. In his senior year, his quartet won the National Downbeat Poll for Collegiate Combo. During his career, the versatile Wilkerson (he is a composer, clinician and impressionist as well as a woodwind player) has been featured with such artists as Michelle Legrand, Tony Bennet, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughan, Rita Moreno, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Bill Watrous, Leslie Uggams, Ed Thigpen and Carol Channing. He has also performed for former President Bill Clinton. Wilkerson has appeared as guest artist for the Wichita and Sacramento jazz festivals and for the International Clarinet Symposium in Tempe, Ariz. As a jazz educator, Wilkerson has taught at the prestigious National Music Camp and is in constant demand as a clinician at colleges, universities and high schools nationwide. Currently he is director of jazz studies for Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, Calif. and is an adjunct faculty member of Cal Poly University in Pomona, Calif. Tickets for the Friday night concert are $7.50 general admission and may be reserved by writing Redbud Jazzfest, PO Box 310, Tonkawa, OK 74653-0310 or by calling 580-628-6231. Little NewsLeeAnn Elizabeth Cooper Brady and Kendra Cooper of Newkirk announce the birth of a daughter. LeeAnn Elizabeth was born March 5, 2001, at 8:52 p.m. at the Stillwater Medical Center. She weighed 9 pounds and was 21 inches long. She is the sister of Taylor and Cody Smith. Grandparents are Kenneth and Kathy Fitch of Newkirk and Larry and Marty Cooper of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Pearl Fitch of Newkirk, Glenn and Sally Cooper of Osborne, Kan., and Louise Dalrymple of Sea Isle City, N.J. Connor Reese Norman Connor Reese Norman was born March 16, 2001, at 9:11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center to Curtis and Shannon Norman, 2008 North Seventh. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 21 inches long. He is the brother of Landon, 6 years, and Trevor, 1. Maternal grandparents are Steve and Donna Barnard of Burbank and Lou and Paula Dechert of Alexandria, Louis. Paternal grandmother is Millie Haas of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Jim and Katie Barnard of Burbank and Thyra Wilson of Ponca City. Johnathan and Trinton Johnson Twin sons were born March 9 to Julie Johnson of Ponca City. Trinton was born at 10:15 a.m. weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 22 inches long. The other twin, Johnathan, was born at 10:45 a.m. weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces and 19 inches long. Grandparents are Johnny and Donna Johnson of Ponca City and great-grandparents are the late John and Heneritta Johnson and the late Dallas Ward. Nathan Christopher Greenhagen Christopher and Emily Greenhagen, 813 East Overbrook, announce the birth of a son, Nathan Christopher Greenhagen, on March 20, 2001, at 3:25 p.m. at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Maternal grandparents are Johnny and Betty Woody of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are Danna Beaston of Ponca City and Wayne and Debbie Greenhagen of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are John and Abbie Woody of Dewey, Rose Duffle of Morrilton, Ark., Eldon and Betty Greenhagen of Newkirk and Dan and Sue Ella Beaston of Ponca City. The couple has a three-year-old daughter, Faith Elizabeth. Royal Neighbors of America Celebrate 100th AnniversaryPonca City’s Royal Neighbors of America celebrated the national organization’s 100th anniversary during the groups March 12 meeting. Held at the Western Sizzlin’, the meeting featured Valentine motif for decorations and prizes for those in attendance. Special guests included Hiram Dixon, area representative, and Terry Crocker, both from the Tulsa office. Election of new officers was held with Jerelean McKenney named oracle; Lottie Etzel, treasurer; Joyce Sober, chancellor; Marjorie Wilson, past oracle and Marietta Nelson, vice oracle. Genealogical Society Celebrates 30 YearsBy MARLENE HUME STEWART Thirty years ago, E.C. Rivers held a workshop at the Hutchins Memmorial for anyone that might be interested in searching their family tree. From this group, fourteen chose to form a genealogy group or society. On Monday, March 29, 1971, these 14 people met at the Hutchins Memorial to organize the present Pioneer Genealogical Society. They were: Eugene C. Rivers, Howard Pruyne, Clint Hyatt, Thomas Maddox, Russell Moore, Marlene Stewart, Emma Chandler, Gertrude Scott, Johnnie Mae Franklin, Pauline Buck, Velva Rose, Edythe Gieseker, Thaylia Boxley and Sandra Moore. At this first meeting, acting president, E.C. Rivers called the meeting to order and appointed a Constitutional Committee, and a Nominating Committee. The Constituional Committee was Howard Pruyne, Chairman, Gertrude Scott, Johnnie Mae Franklin, Pauline Buck, Velma Rose with E. C. Rivers as ex-officio. The Nominating Committee was Clint Hyatt, Thomas Maddox, Russell Moore, Marlene Stewart, and Emma Chandler with E.C. Rivers as ex-officio. At the first business meeting on April 19, 1971, the Constitutional Committee presented the first Constitution to the membership. Annual dues of $5 a year was set and life-time membership to be $25. The Nominating Committee presented the following names as nominees for the first slate of officers: President, Eugene C. Rivers; Vice-President, Howard D. Pruyne; Recording Secretary, Edythe Gieseker; Corresponding Secretary. Many changes have taken place over the past thirty years. Our genealogical research library is one of the best in the area. Many workshops have been held with nationally-known genealogy speakers and also by very knowledgeable members of the society. Outstanding workshops have been offered to the membership and to the public by accredited professional genealogists such as from Everton's Publishers, Ye Olde Genealogie Shoppe, the American Genealogical Lending Library, etc. The North Central Oklahoma Historical Association, Inc. Ponca City, Oklahoma and their publication, “Rooted In The Past Growing For The Future” and the Pioneer Genealogical Society Computer Interest Group are “spin-offs” of the Pioneer Genealogical Society. The PGS Computer Interest Group meets on the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the University Learning Center in the Conoco North Tower basement. Of the original fourteen members, only five are alive today. They are Marlene Hume Stewart, Pauline Buck Rouse, Edythe Gieseker, and Sandra Moore, all of Ponca City and Thaylia Boxley of Shidler. The Pioneer Genealogical Society membership extends an enthusiastic invitation to all who are interested in finding their 'roots' to our next meeting to be held on April 2, 2001 at 7p.m. in the Proqramming Room of the Ponca City Library. The program will consist of mini-workshops on Civil War Genealogy, Quaker Records, and Revolutionary War Genealogy. There will be research materials available. Bring names that you are researching and come prepared to work. Let's make the next 30 years the best! Marlene Stewart; Treasurer, Thomas Maddox; Archivist, Russell Moore; Historian, Thalia Boxley; and Members-at-large, Sandra Moore and Pauline Buck. The membership chose the name to be Pioneer Genealogical Society. Place of meeting would be in the Ponca City Library basement on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M. Besides the regular slate of offices, other offices and committees were established, such as: projects; books and periodicals; microfilm machine purchase-fund; finance committee; and stationery/ membership cards with the name, Pioneer Genealogical Society and the Pioneer Woman Statue as the logo. The first project was making a list of all genealogy books locally available at the Ponca City Library and from the Pioneer Genealogical Society membership. This list was to include the title, author, a short resume' of content and the location of each book. The group held a workshop each month for the first year. A program was presented at each meeting. Through the years, The Pioneer Genealogical Society has met at different locations, such as the Sunshine Room at Hutchins Memorial, the Ponca City Library, the First National Auto-Bank Club Room, Grace Episcopal Church, Oklahoma Natural Gas Conference Room, the First National Bank, and Woodlands Christian Church. At the present time, they meet at the Ponca City Library Program Room in the basement at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, except for the months of June, July and August, and because Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September, that month’s meeting is held on the following Monday. PC Cultural Center Begins Spring DriveFriends of the Ponca City Cultural Center are currently in the process of beginning their spring membership drive. A variety of levels of membership are available to the public, including Pioneers at $10; Land Seekers at $25; Claim Stakers at $100; Sodbusters at $250; Homesteaders at $500; and Builders at $1,000. Each level of giving is tax deductible and includes a newsletter. Memberships in the foundation will enable the group to continue the restoration of the home. Friends was formed in 1997 as a 501-C-3 foundation in an effort to help preserve E.W. Marland’s first home, built in 1916 at 1000 East Grand Avenue. The home is owned by the city of Ponca City but the Friends group helps to provide grants and other funding for the restoration of the home. They also seek to provide volunteers who help with restoration, guided tours and other tasks necessary for the upkeep of the home. Recently the name of the home was changed to Marland’s Grand Home, which reflects the glamour of the structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Within the last two weeks, the 30-year old carpet has been removed from the first floor of the home, which is used several times a week for civic club meetings, weddings and receptions, and music programs. It is the hope of the Friends group to have these oak floors restored in the next several weeks but lack of funds may delay the project unless more memberships are collected. Large amounts of adhesive were used to secure the old carpet and must be removed in order for the home to be used this spring for its many functions. The rental of the home for these events is what allows the home to be kept open to the citizens of Ponca City. This cannot be accomplished without their help. For information on this current project or to volunteer, please contact Sandy Graves at (580) 762-5635 or Paula Denson at (580) 765-7169. Visit the web site at http://welcome.to/pcccm. Memberships to Friends of the Ponca City Cultural Center may be sent to PO Box 827, Ponca City, OK 74602. Brewers Celebrate AnniversaryJoe and Pat Brewer were honored with a surprise 59th anniversary celebration at the McCord School Cafeteria recently by their children, Elaine Hardman, Steve and Cheryl Brewer, and their granddaughter Megan Hardman. They were presented a memory book with pages from over 40 friends and relatives. Patricia Joanne Harris and Herbert H. “Joe” Brewer were married Jan. 20, 1951, at the First Christian Church in Ponca City with Loyal S. Northcutt officiating. The couple are now members of the Kildare Baptist Church. Mr. Brewer retired from the Ponca City Fire Department in 1978 after 22 years of service. Mrs. Brewer worked a short time for the LaBell and Elaine’s Beauty shops and put in her own shop at her home on South Fourth Street (Tricia’s). The couple owned and operated the Baby Diaper Service in Ponca City for about six years and worked for Mertz Inc. for about nine years. The couple also has three other grandchildren, Jay and his wife Lacey Brewer and son Brent of Tonkawa, Julie and her husband Charles Smithson and son Connell of Houston, and Holly Brewer and son Ryan of Missouri. SJRMC’s New MRI Larger, FasterAn extensive upgrade of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has placed the system among the best and newest technology. SJRMC’s MRI is now larger, faster and more comfortable. Many hospitals are using the newly introduced open-sided MRI, but SJRMC choose to stay with the closed system because of the image quality and power. John Coyner, MD, SJRMC’s chief radiologist, said SJRMC’s new system is actually better when compared to the open-sided MRI. “Basically, open-sided MR is somewhat more comfortable for the patient because they don't have the claustrophobia factor,” he said. “In truth, all open-sided magnets have less power and actually have less accuracy.” Dr. Coyner said the upgraded MRI has many advantages for both the patient and hospital staff. "It is significantly more comfortable for the patient and the exam time is significantly shorter,” he said. In addition to exam times that are 30 to 50 percent faster, multiple exams can be performed in one setting because of the MRI’s phased array capabilities. The opening in the MRI is now larger, which is comforting for patients with claustrophobia. Also with the new system, rapid, three-dimensional imaging is now possible, said Dr. Coyner. “You can acquire a 3-D image of the area of interest and then you can subtract out whatever you want to and look at it in any plane, which makes the exam much faster for the patient and much more accurate for us,” he said. The last time the facility upgraded its MRI was in 1993 and the technology has vastly improved since that time. The upgrade to the new General Electric Horizon LX includes all components and software introduced by GE since 1993, according to Mike Lindsey, SJRMC’s radiology director.. MRI is a method used by physicians to look inside the human body to obtain diagnostic information. Incorporating an advanced technology, MRI produces images of the anatomy without the use of radiation, as in X-Ray and CT scanning. MRI uses the physical properties of magnetic fields, radio waves and computers to generate images of the soft tissue within the body in any plane. Xi Beta Tau Members Elect OfficersMembers of the Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi recently met at Enrique’s for dinner. New 2001-2002 sorority officers elected were Terri Buesing, president; Lois Coats, vice president; Cindy Wardlow, treasurer; Sammie Coats, recording secretary; June Miller, city council representative; and Jan Ellison, parliamentarian. Sammie Coats made a motion to accept the 2001-2002 slate of officers by acclamation, seconded by Lois Coats. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Terri Buesing read the minutes from the March 5 city council meeting. A committee meeting will be held at Teri Whiting’s on April 12 to finalize plans for the Founders Day Banquet. Attending the meeting will be two representatives from each chapter. Unfinished business regarding Xi Beta Tau’s Valentine Queen’s dinner, this will be held March 26 at Apple Cart at 6:30 p.m. The Traveling Basket was given to JoAnne Ferguson from Lois Coats. The Mystery Prize was won by June Miller. A thank you was read from Nelda Smith, who drew a pencil and ink drawing on the card. The Cultural Program was the Pledge Ritual held for new members Patti Braden. Also held was a Ritual of Jewels for JoAnne Ferguson. PC Hospital’s Nursing Unit Receives Zero DeficienciesSt. Joseph Regional Medical Center’s Skilled Nursing Unit and the Nutrition Services Department received zero deficiencies during an unannounced survey by Oklahoma State Department of Health on March 19. “The surveyors were very complimentary of our staff,” said Skilled Nursing Unit director Bobbi Carriger, RNC, BSN. “It took teamwork by physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social services, nursing and dietary staff, and our physicians to accomplish this.” Carriger said the 3-member survey team reviewed charting, patient care, and the overall operation of the unit. She said the surveyors were impressed with the relationship between the nurses and the patients. As part of the survey, the Nutrition Services Department was also examined since it provided food to patients on the unit. Surveys are conducted every 6 to 15 months. Oklahoma Historical Society CalendarApril Apr. 1 to May 31 — State Museum of History, Wiley Post Historical Building, Oklahoma City: Special exhibits — “When They Were Young: Folk Art Paintings by L.E. Bailey” and USS Oklahoma Battleship exhibit (indefinitely), regular museum hours, free (405) 522-5244. Apr. 1 to June 30 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibits on colleges, universities of Oklahoma, regular museum hours, free (405) 744-2828. Apr. 1 to May 31 — Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry: "A Day at Rose Hill School, living history for students in one-room school; visitors welcome to observe, call for schedule (580) 336-2405. Apr. 4 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. James Chaplin of the Oklahoma Geological Survey in Norman as speaker on “Geology and Paleontology of Oklahoma,” noon, free, (580) 237-1907. Apr. 4-8 — Fort Washita Historic Site, Durant-Madill: Fort Washita Fur Trade Living History with students. Student sessions April 4-6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day students, free; Public presentations 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 7 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 8, fee $3 per car, (580) 924-6502. Apr. 6 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Oklahoma State University school of Architecture Awards Ceremony, 2 p.m., free (405) 744-2828. Apr. 6, 12, 13 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Falderal Band performances for students in connection with exhibit on “When They Were Young: Folk Art Paintings by L.E. Bailey,” 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each day, free (405) 522-5248. Apr. 14 - Honey Springs Battlefield Park, Checotah-Rentiesville: Squad Encampment with reenactors interpreting Civil War life, soldiers' duties, drills, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., free (918) 473-5572. Apr. 15 - Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson: Easter Sunrise Service, 9 a.m. free (580) 873-2634. Apr. 15 — Pawnee Bill Ranch, Pawnee: Eastern Sunrise Breakfast with cowboy camp scene by Friends of Pawnee Bill Ranch Association, 7 a.m., $3 donation, (918) 762-2513. Apr. 18 — Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson: Opening of exhibit on "Matchlocks to Machine Guns: Frontier Firearms of Oklahoma," regular hours and admission, (918) 478-4088. Apr. 19-21 — Holi |