From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
2, 1997
LOCAL
City's Problems a Matter of Allocating Money
Actor Stood His Ground To Deliver Gripping Line
Buffalohead Retains Committee Position
YMCA Campaign Nearing $50,000
Heading for the Top
Welch Retires From Bench After Distinguished Career
Handling of Juvenile Crime Cases Presents Some Special Problems
Group May Be Organized To Support Cultural Center
PCT Committee Works To Improve Education
Special Seminars Help Parents Deal With Divorce
Task Forces Established For EDF-Chamber Union
Local Entertainers To Perform In Lions Club Benefit Concert
Federal Standards Provided For Nursing Home Residents
'Rhythm in Shoes' Promises Afternoon of Entertainment
Senior Leaders, Parents Plan Great Escape Activities for '97
Local Entry for State Contest To Be Presented at Poncan
Tornado Season Begins With Preparedness Week
City Calendar
Senators Want Citizens To Vote on Sales Tax Increase
Actors Needed For Playhouse's 'Trip To Bountiful'
Cardiac Arrests Planned For 'Crimes of the Heart'
Final Homestead Exemption Deadline Coming March 15
OKC Philharmonic To Be in Concert Here March 15
Commissioners To Proclaim Tornado Week
Music Groups To Perform At Poncan
Helpline Needs Computer For More Storage
Computer Enthusiast Spinning His on Web
Letters Say:
School Menu
School Calendar
Otoe Tribal Court
DEATHS
Bob G. Martin
Harvey 'Dean' Atkins Sr.
Wayne L. Coate
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
World Day of Prayer Set Friday
Little News
Kay County FCE Gives Awards
Jodie Frazier Named 1997 ABWA Woman of the Year
Craft Show For Benefit Of Children
Piano Workshop Giving Rhythm Program for Club
Shopping Topic For FCE Program
Round Grove Friends Donating To Mission
Miriam Class Meeting At First Baptist Church
Modern Moms Club Names New Officers
Herb Program For Gardeners
Commissioner Giving Program For AARP Group
Couple Marks Anniversary
Garden Group Hears Program About Seeds
Dinner Honors Andersons
Eta Delta Group Reviews Pledge Training Rules
International Members Hear About Romania
Reunion Plans For 1967 Class
Fitness Classes Are Available At Unity Gym
Etoy Rollier Celebrates 90th Birthday
Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Donate Items For Shelter
Becky McReynolds Presents Program
Christine Kruse Engaged
Daylily Society Plans Slide Program Monday
Lisa Fauchier Bride-To-Be
Laureate Phi Chapter Lists New Officers
Julie Rohleder Bride-Elect
Philbrook Benefit Features Expert On Ethnic Food
Couple Planning Wedding
Water Walking Session Begins Monday at YMCA
Prenatal Care Information Now Has 'Hot Line'
Wheatheart Nutrition
Pair To Marry on March 29
Sue Clinton Will Give Genealogy Program
Singles Network Lists Schedule
Engagement Is Announced
New Star Discovery Pageant Scheduled
Nutrition Is Topic For Support Club
Former Resident Engaged
Spring Aerobics YMCA Schedule Announcement
Couple To Wed in Kansas
Xi Beta Tau Sets Ritual of Jewels
Golf Group Meeting
Co-ed Exercise Class Offered at Unity Gym
Wellness Topic For Unit III Meet
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
6A State Wrestling: Dodgens Advance to Finals
Newkirk, Tonkawa Struggle in 2A
6A Boys Basketball: Trojans Finish Off Po-Hi in Regional
Matt Dodgen Wins 125-Pound State Title
Schedule Set for Northern Teams
Cheering to the End!
Lady Wildcat Tennis: Rain Washes Away Nice Tourney Start
Prep Scores
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
It's just a matter of money and the Ponca City Board of Commissioners are wondering if there will be enough.
Commissioners recently reviewed a summary of city general fund revenues as well as general fund expenditures and appropriations for the past 16 years to assist with the 1997-98 budget process.
According to Assistant City Manager Tom Short, the city is possibly looking at $12 million in expenditures for the 1997-98 fiscal year, but not more than $15.7 million, as was allocated this year.
"There will always be money," said Assistant City Manager Tom Short. "It is just a matter of how it's allocated, " he said. "Sales tax revenues continue to grow, which is a good indicator of the city's financial condition," he said.
However, City Manager Gary Martin told the commissioners that the city has lived falsely on its electric money and the city cannot fund government as it is now, unless more revenue can be produced. In addition, Martin indicated there was not any funding for capital improvements or building maintenance.
Getting Down to the Budget
Initially, department heads were told to cut their budget by 10 percent, although other options are now being explored, said Short. In addition, there has been talk of a hiring freeze, but, none has been imposed.
Over the past three years, the city has cut the operating budget by 13 percent and reduced personnel by 40 employees, according to Martin.
"We want to be able to do what the public wants with the limited amount of money available," Martin said. "The citizens told us they want the city to maintain the buildings, however, with increased emphasis on public safety, unfunded mandates, environmental issues, training and certification, the downturn in the community and competition in the electric industry, revenue is shrinking," he said.
Moreover, citizens should be reminded that the $6.5 million in sales tax revenue does not cover public safety, the city manager said.
Last week, department heads were asked to submit all capital requests for the commissioners to see what needs to be done. These requests are expected to be submitted Tuesday.
Additionally, Short noted that the city commissioners adopted a policy with last year's budget to keep 8.3 percent of operating expenditures in reserve, to handle emergency needs and to cover unfavorable variances in estimating the revenue and expenditure budget. The established unreserved fund balance level will be equivalent to 30 days of operating expenditures or at least 8.3 percent of appropriated operating expenditures.
Revenues
Revenues from city sales and use tax could amount to $5.9 million, according to projections. Actual 1995-96 revenues from licenses and permits amounted to $638,200. Total charges for rental services for that year amounted to $562,862 and fines and bond forfeitures totaled $507,515.
In addition, transfers from the Ponca City Utility Authority totaled $5.29 million. For fiscal year 1997, the transfers is expected to be $4.1. Also, interest income, sale of assets and miscellaneous income added $131,927, which brought the actual 1995-96 revenues to $15.8. The city anticipates revenues of $15.69 million for 1996-97.
Subsidized Services
Furthermore, $134,248 has been appropriated for Wentz Camp, with only $43,314 expected in revenue. Fees totaling $370,000 are expected for Ponca City's ambulance service this year, however, the city budgeted $533,000 to cover expenses. Moreover, Animal Control received $11,723 in fees for 1996, but $144,000 is needed to cover this year's expenses, the reports revealed.
It is evident that to provide the services the citizens like, they must be subsidized by sales tax and utility revenues, said Short.
In the last 16 years, appropriations have increased at an average of 11 percent a year. Short said that in the 1980s, the city used to get money back from the government through a general revenue sharing program. Ponca City used these funds for capital improvements.
Therefore, in the mid-80s, when the program stopped, the city had to come up with revenues to offset the loss. Additionally, federal mandates such as the Clean Water Act, Safe Water Drinking Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and the most recent requirements at the landfill have been imposed.
"This is the community's budget and we would like their input," Short said.
Citizens are invited to send comments to the mayor and city commissioners and are welcome to attend the Ponca City Board of City Commissioners meeting and speak during the citizen comments portion.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Omaha Indian character actor Rodney Grant delivered arguably the best line of dialogue in the best movie of 1990.
Now, in response to a question, he admits to knocking heads with the Oscar-winning director of "Dances With Wolves" to achieve the result that reached the theaters.
Grant was in town Saturday for a special presentation to young people initiated by the Ponca City Native American Foundation and Community Health Promotions.
He earned his greatest notoriety for his role as the hot-headed warrior, Wind-In-His-Hair, in the popular Kevin Costner western film that shed some favorable light on the often-misinterpreted culture of western American Indian tribes.
As the tribe's fiercest protector, Grant's movie character is suspicious of and hostile toward Costner's stranded cavalry-officer character, John Dunbar, who eventually earns the respect and affection of the tribe. The tribe's name for him is Dances With Wolves.
When actor/director Kevin Costner undertook the project, he was relatively new to directing, Grant said.
Both he and Costner have "strong wills," and they disagreed plenty of times during the filming, but they reached a mutual respect for each other, he said.
He explained Costner was the first director he had encountered who actively sought the insights and suggestions of the actors on the set to perfect a scene. The interaction proved successful:
In the movie's finale, as the tribal members are scattering because of impending cavalry attacks, the warrior Wind-In-His-Hair avoids a face-to-face farewell with Dunbar.
Instead, with footage of the warrior astride a horse at the top of a cliff, Grant resoundingly delivers an emotional message to the officer, yelling:
"Can you not see that Dances With Wolves will always be my friend?"
Grant said that because of outdoor limitations when the film was shot, the audio was rerecorded in the studio via a technique called looping, with the actors using microphones and earphones as the film footage was replayed.
What the director originally called for in the farewell scene was a lot different than the final take, and Grant felt it was uncharacteristic for the warrior, he said.
The two men worked together, and the scene in the finished product grabs the audience by the throat. Both the film and the director took home Oscars in 1990.
When the actor arrived Saturday morning, he was escorted to the Standing Bear Monument south of Ponca City by Genevieve Pollak and Carl Renfro, originators of the memorial tribute to the Ponca Indian civil rights leader.
Grant mentioned he appeared 11 years ago in a documentary about Standing Bear that was telecast on PBS.
Since his work in "Dances With Wolves," he has acted in films such as "Geronimo: An American Legend" and John Candy's last movie, "Wagons East."
He makes personal appearances and works with young people to set a positive example and be a role model.
He said he decided to pursue an acting career one night while watching a non-Indian portray an Indian on television.
Dwight Buffalohead will continue to serve on the Ponca Tribal Business Committee following a recall election Saturday at White Eagle.
According to official returns, Buffalohead retains his seat by a 160-146 vote.
Election board officials said that 298 votes were cast at White Eagle, 11 voted absentee and three ballots were invalidated due to smudges.
With less than a week left in the YMCA Community Support Campaign. Bart Miller, executive director of the YMCA announced that $48,200 has been raised toward the campaign goal of $50,000.
As more contributions are being made, Miller also expects to exceed the campaign goal.
A final report meeting and celebration lunch for campaign workers, volunteers and contributors will be held, Thursday, March 6, at noon. in the Education Business Center at Pioneer Technology Center.
SCALING THE HEIGHTS is Andrew Gray, a Bear Scout in Den 2 of Pack 16, during Scout Trek '97, held Saturday on the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church. Known as "Scouts-In-Action," activities included the District Pinewood Derby, rappelling, plus camping and cooking demonstrations. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Special District Judge Don Welch stepped down from the bench Friday with a public reception, appropriately in the main courtroom of the county courthouse.
With that appearance, Welch ended five decades of public service that clearly have impressed the more than 100 people who attended to bid him farewell.
Part of the hour-long ceremony turned into a mini-roast by his peers, including attorneys Jack McCarty of Newkirk and Ken Holmes of Ponca City, as Welch sat with his wife, Jean, on one side of the room. A panel of jurists - fellow judges and attorneys - filled the seats of the jury box on the other side.
Welch then took the podium, introducing family members, friends and fellow workers to the rest of the crowd, and saying goodbye.
Away from the reception, the judge said he had "mixed emotions" about retiring. In fact, with his talk of his continuing private law practice and his work on the family's wheat, alfalfa and cattle farm near Kaw City, retirement didn't seem like the right choice of a word.
"I don't plan to be idle," he said. "Taking it easy just doesn't appeal to me, and neither does the idea of waking up in the morning and not having something to do."
"I'm actually considering this my first retirement," he said.
Early Days
Donald Coy Welch was born in a frame home on a farm northeast of Hartford Avenue and Union Street, which were then country roads outside of Ponca City.
Since his parents moved into town soon afterwards, Don only saw his birthplace from a distance and never visited until about 40 years later when, as the county's prosecuting attorney, authorities raided the little building to halt a bootleg whiskey operation.
Upon his graduation from Ponca City High School in 1947, Welch did his undergraduate and law school work at the University of Oklahoma, spending six summers and other part-time hours laying bricks to pay for tuition. He helped build OU's football stadium and several campus buildings.
After completing the equivalent of a juris doctorate in 1953, he served two years in the Air Force before returning to practice law in Ponca City.
He also married Jean Talbert in 1953, and they eventually had five children.
Besides his private practice and the family farm, Welch, his son Jim, and friend Harold Rogers even attempted oil and gas exploration for a time during the 1980s.
In August 1989 Welch was sworn in as special district judge when the Supreme Court created a new position to serve the Eighth Judicial District, comprised of Kay and Noble counties.
At that time, Welch had been an assistant district attorney for 31 years. The last six of those years he also represented the Kay County government in most of its legal affairs as head of the civil division of the district attorney's office.
His list of accomplishments includes stints as commissioner of the Marland Mansion and Estate and as director of the Ponca Playhouse.
Officials Comment
Various county officials commented on their personal and professional experiences with the retiring judge:
Undersheriff Sid Cookerly called Welch a "by-the-numbers prosecutor and a damn good one."
"And then when he became a judge he still left the human element in it. I think you can say the same thing about any of our judges," Cookerly said.
Special District Judge Douglas Revard remarked, "I've been a special district judge for one year now, and getting to work with Judge Welch was one of the pleasures of my career - he has aided me."
District Judge D.W. Boyd said, "It's very rare that a person devotes their entire life to public service. Don Welch is to be commended for that public service."
Defense attorney Tom Salisbury of Tonkawa commented, "The man knows the law, and he is a meticulous judge. I have really appreciated practicing in front of him."
Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson said, "I'm not certain we will ever have a person of his caliber here again - he's very learned in county government, and he's been a good friend to me. The county is saying goodbye to a kind of resource we may never recapture."
Associate District Judge Leslie Page said: "I've known him for years, first when he was an assistant D.A. I've always had a good working relationship with him, and I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as a professional. He's always been my friend and we're going to miss him."
The reception was hosted by the Kay County Bar Association and the Kay County Court Clerk's staff.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City is not immune to juvenile crime. Juveniles here have been charged with everything from murder to rape and public intoxication.
According to Sgt. Richard Brown, Ponca City Police Department, the only difference in dealing with juveniles is where the youths are placed.
Juveniles cannot be placed in a jail cell without a court order. Although youths can be arrested, handcuffed and brought to the station for fingerprinting and a mug shot, Brown says a parent or guardian must be contacted immediately. The youth does not go into a jail cell, he confirmed.
Furthermore, Brown cannot question the youth about an incident without an adult in the room. However, if the juvenile is a witness or victim, the officer can talk to a child without a parent present. After a parent arrives, the child can be interviewed. Ninety percent of the juveniles are released on a Promise to Appear (PTA) in juvenile court. Brown and a parent sign the PTA, then it becomes the parent's responsibility to make sure the youth shows up for a hearing
Other offenses that Ponca City youth have been charged with include: motor vehicle theft, assault, arson, possession, vandalism, carrying weapons, forgery, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault and embezzlement.
Brown estimates that only three percent of the juveniles in Ponca City are repeat offenders. It is Brown's job to investigate the crime, notify parents and contact the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) and the District Attorney (DA). What happens next is decided by OJA and DA recommendations at a hearing before a judge.
The representatives testify whether a detention order should be issued either to protect a juvenile or to protect society. However, a problem in dealing with juveniles is the limited amount of bed space available for their detention. Only 200 beds are available in Oklahoma detention facilities, according to the police department.
State facilities hold juveniles temporarily pending trial and until the court decides their fate. A hearing is usually held within 30 days.
Brown said that Ponca City has had as few as four and as many as 16 children placed at detention facilities around the state. All youths put into detention have a bond placed on them, according to the officer.
In most cases, help for the juveniles comes in the mode of counseling or treatment. Counseling programs such as drug/rehab and new start programs are two of those available.
"We don't try to arrest kids," he said. "We want to give them another chance."
When the juvenile system is exhausted and doesn't work, the youths can be certified as adults. By the time they are 16 to 17-years-old, they have usually committed several crimes. The department feels that by the time a child is 18, he/she is already set in their ways.
If law enforcement agents could deal with 16 or 17-year-olds in a different manner, officers could focus on the 9, 10, and 12-year-olds, said Major Everette VanHoesen.
Any 13-17-year-old who commits murder in first degree is automatically considered an adult and almost immediately taken to the Kay County jail. The attorney can request a special hearing, to determine why the youth should not be tried as an adult.
Other serious crimes that a 13-17-year-old can be certified as an adult include: rape, robbery with weapon and discharging a weapon from vehicle. According to Brown, even a sling shot or toy gun becomes an offensive weapon when used in a felonious act. If pointed at someone, the juvenile can be charged as if the gun were real.
According to Brown, 97 percent of kids in Ponca City are good. He works closely with the school systems. Part of his job is to investigate rumors to find out what's going on. The police department is within its right to protect and investigate whether a child has a weapon. The students have the right to be protected in school, the detective said.
Brown has had juveniles return to acknowledge their appreciation on getting a second chance.
"We do have successes," said Brown. "I have seen the system make a world of difference."
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City women are united in their effort to save the fate of the Cultural Center by establishing a Friends of the Cultural Center organization. However, voters must first decide to keep the facility.
On Jan. 13, the Ponca City Board of Commissioners authorized getting the citizens' direction on whether to sell the Cultural Center. The special election will be held April 1.
Last week, more than 45 citizens attended a session for "users of the historical buildings," presented by Kathy Adams, Marland Estate director. Adams has added the other historical buildings to her responsibilities at the Marland Mansion.
Attendees met at the Cann House and included members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs, Music Club, Community Concert Association, Twentieth Century Club, Cultural Affairs Commission, Oklahoma Music Teachers, churches, a radio station, North Central Oklahoma Historic Association, Pioneer Genealogical Society, 101 Ranch Old Timers Association, Tourism, Land of Country and the Ponca City Arts and Humanity Council.
Adams called the meeting to discuss propose fee increases at the Cann Garden Center, Cultural Center and Hutchins Memorial as well as imposing rules for their use. She reported that two full-time employees retired from the Center and were replaced by two part-time workers. In addition, the gift shop at the Center was closed and consignment items are being picked up.
Some individuals voiced concern that there was no cost differential between profit or non-profit organizations. Adams explained that costs to open up a building and clean it up were incurred no matter who rented a facility, therefore, everyone would be charged the same fee. Even with proposed fee increases, some users feel the Cultural Center remains economical.
Also, attendees talked of having organizations volunteers to adopt-a-room at the Center to help keep the home clean. The group would be responsible for keeping their designated room clean.
What Can Be Done
It wasn't long before citizens asked about the pending election and fate of the Cultural Center. With two families interested in purchasing the Center and turning it into a home, the citizens were worried that Ponca City may vote to sell it. They wanted to know what could be done.
From that meeting, several citizens agreed to band together and encourage the community to vote to keep the Center. The group already plans to find a leader and try to organize a non-profit organization, called Friends of the Cultural Center.
The foundation would be a separate organization comprised of all users and interested citizens who will attempt to deal with problems at the Center, according to Marquetta Brown who confirmed that she now has time to devote to such a project. Brown is a member of the Twentieth Century Club, Daughters of the American Revolution. It bothered Brown that there was hardly a ripple about the Center's fate.
Though the group is not formally in place, citizens expect to hold a follow-up meeting sometime this week.
"If the citizens want to keep the Cultural Center, I will work to form a foundation and see what we can do to help the city finance the building through grants, etc.," she said. "It's a big job and there are specific ways it has to be structured."
"As a user, I think it serves a purpose," Brown said. "I feel it has a place in Ponca City life."
Another suggestion on how to keep the Center open came from Leslie Rardin, vice president of Board of Directors for the Community Concert Association, a member of DAR and the Music Club. Rardin also sat on the Blue Ribbon Committee. Rardin's suggestion includes moving the Tourism Director's office to the Cultural Center. The director's purpose wouldn't change, she said, but someone would be at the Center full time.
In other discussions, participants talked about turning the Cultural Center into a home tour as well as continuing its use for meetings and events.
Adams said a new restroom would be needed on the main floor and the cooling towers would have to be addressed. A two-year-old bid estimates the cooling system will cost more than $20,000. A new estimate has been requested.
While the Pioneer Woman Museum is closed, tourist motor coaches have been stopping at the Center, which is touted as Marland's first home. Adams confirmed that the Center will continue to take tentative reservations past April 1, with the understanding that the building may not be available, but can be rebooked at another building.
Additionally, those events already scheduled will be billed at the current rates. New fees are expected to go into effect soon.
Adams acknowledged that forming a foundation makes it feasible to fix the problems at the Center, recognizing that the Marland Foundation was able to get grants for capital projects after it organized.
Citizens interested in volunteering time to support the Cultural Center, may contact Brown at 765-7536.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Editor'sNnote: This is the third in a series of articles relating to the nine vision goals of Ponca City Tomorrow. The visioning group hopes to obtain citizen's input in shaping the future of the city.
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Recently, the Education Task Force for Ponca City Tomorrow (PCT) facilitated efforts to connect agencies focusing on family support programs. Members hope to help involve parents in the education process. This networking is an integral part of PCT's success.
In mid-1996, the Education Task Force for Ponca City Tomorrow and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Education Committees determined that the two groups were compatible, since their basic goals were the same. They agreed to pool their resources.
As a result, members from business, administration, teachers, parents, Pioneer Technology Center, students, Ponca City Police Department and the Northern Oklahoma Youth Services have come together to ensure educational opportunities are available for all Ponca Citians.
Another project the Education Committee facilitates is Partners In Education, or PIE partners. Businesses and schools have connected to benefit each other. Not only does the project encourage adult presence in the schools, it allows the community insight into the issues schools are faced with.
In addition, it provides students an opportunity to shadow business leaders, learn about possible careers and build confidence.
Furthermore, the Education Committee keeps job proficiency, parenting skills and pursuit of academic degrees in its vision.
Goals adopted for Ponca City's educational systems include:
- Create a benchmark education system responsive to the community and available to all.
- Promote quality teaching and instruction in all facets, including technology.
- Support more individualized attention to students, smaller classes, with emphasis on math, science and humanities.
- Enhance access to colleges/universities for continuing education, including development of a higher education center.
- Expand vo-tech to a four-year program.
-Increase family and community involvement through parenting programs and other efforts.
- Recruit more minority teachers, counselors and coaches.
- Support programs that allow students to contribute to the community.
- Seek more local control of expenditures of public school funds.
- Consider implementing a middle school.
Kenneth Ray and Mike Trewitt co-chair the committee. Anyone interested in promoting and supporting Ponca City school education is welcome to join the team, said Ray. The next meeting is March 6, at the Chamber of Commerce at 11:45 p.m. or call 767-0823.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The children of newly divorcing parents are getting extra attention lately in Kay County, thanks to a judge's decree and a county-wide team of volunteer counselors.
The new group, stemming from District Judge D.W. Boyd's court order to the parents, is trying to ensure that the needs of children aren't overlooked at a time when the parents can be so preoccupied with emotional turmoils of their own.
Ever since November, any divorcing couple with minor children has to undergo the additional legal step to complete the separation process.
Judge Boyd ordered last fall that as of Nov. 4, 1996, all parties to actions for divorce, alimony, paternity, custody or visitation, where children younger than 18 are involved, must attend a seminar that tries to spell out the complex issues that will likely face their children.
In Kay County, the seminar is called "Co-Parenting Through Divorce."
Those parents who don't comply with the order by attending the seminar within 90 days can not only see a delay in the court action, they can even find themselves in contempt of court.
Kay County OSU extension home economist Mary Rhyne, who developed and coordinates the monthly seminars, said the program had long been needed but didn't progress until Judge Boyd's appointment to the bench early last year.
The idea quickly grew roots, and divorcing parents' cooperation to complete the seminar may be considered when judges are determining the best interest of the children.
Judge Boyd tells participants of the seminar that studies and experience show children of all ages are significantly impacted by the divorce of their parents.
"Most parents would never intentionally inflict this type of emotional damage on their children," he said. "However, to reduce the negative impact requires wisdom, maturity and self-control."
Shielding children from the impact of divorce "usually requires some sacrifice," the judge said.
In response to the decree, a team of educators and counselors has risen to handle the new caseload, with seminars to be held in Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell and most likely, because of the higher proportions of cases there, in Ponca City.
Rhyne said the primary message of the seminar is this:
"The children's best interest, based on the needs of the individual, should be the primary consideration, not fulfilling the parent's desire over the child's."
"Like in custody issues, the question should be who is the best parent based on the needs of the child. It's not simply, "But I'll miss them - I want them to live with me."
"A lot of times, the custodial parent throws up a lot of roadblocks up, making visitations difficult, unpleasant or meaningless."
So the next major point, she said, is "to remember that just because you divorce doesn't mean you no longer have parental responsibilities and rights."
She said that includes "financial obligations, such as spending time, taking an interest, participation in school activities. You know, all areas of the child's life."
"A lot of parents say, 'Well, we don't live in the same state, so we can't (participate). But there are still ways: Write lots of letters and cards, make phone calls, use e-mail.
"With all the communication avenues now available, if a parent wants to, there are lots of ways to communicate and keep it touch," she said. "For children who are too small to read, you can send a cassette tape or a video tape."
She explained the purpose of it all is so the non-custodial parent "can let the child know, 'You're not living with me, but I still care about you.'"
The third idea Rhyne emphasized is that "parents need to remember the divorce was between the two of them, but the child still loves both parents and should be encouraged to show that love.
"Usually (a parent) will try to teach the child to take a side, but the children don't need to know all the gruesome details," she said.
Rhyne said since the seminar has been run three times already, the educators are getting feedback from the participants, who individually evaluate the class.
The evaluations "show that parents (after the seminar) are more aware of the child's feelings and needs than they were before.
"They're saying they know now they need to communicate better with their 'ex,' rather than sending messages through the children."
She said they also indicate they are gaining sensitivity to the need to keep the children out of the middle of any discussions.
"We're finding out what these parents want for further help, such as support groups for the children so kids can vent their feelings, so they can know they didn't cause (the divorce)."
Parents are wanting stress-management classes, and communication classes. Home study courses, because single parents don't usually have time to go to classes. Books on tape are available.
The results could be more far-reaching.
Rhyne explained in 1995, Kay County surpassed the more-populated Garfield County in teen pregnancies (ages 13 through 19) across Northwest Oklahoma, and "they (Garfield County) were previously the only one ahead of us."
She said Kay County also is in the Top 10 in domestic violence and juvenile crime.
"Hopefully, these classes can address some of the anger that's in families, and make some difference in those statistics."
Rhyne said to their credit, the seminar instructors were the first to address that problem by waiving any compensation they would get to finance a resource library instead to help the kids and the parents.
Money previously had been budgeted to pay each instructor $50 for their time, but they decided "we need to do this because it's necessary and not to make money," she said.
And the instructors are not merely volunteers, but professionals trained for counseling and other matters, reading like a county Who's Who of educators.
Leading the initial seminar in December were Child Guidance Clinic director Bruce Lutz and Newkirk School counselor Kaye McCarty. Sigrid Krause, psychological assistant at the Child Guidance Clinic, and David McCall, Newkirk school counselor, taught the January seminar.
In February, the instructors were Northern Oklahoma College counselor Sue Ann Rodgers and Newkirk elementary principal Krista Perkins. Upcoming for the March class are Janet Langdon, Blackwell schools' director or special services, and Clint Culver, Blackwell school counselor.
Rhyne said she has at least 10 more professionals preparing for future seminars.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce at the Friday Board of Directors meeting approved the appointment of two task forces by Chairman Larry Felix.
One task force will deal with the structure of bringing the Economic Development Foundation under the umbrella of the Chamber. The other will form a search committee to develop the job description for a new Chamber executive with emphasis in economic development.
At the onset Felix explained, "In past weeks we've talked some about where we were in the community in terms of several organizations not having directors. There were several task forces and discussions going on about some changes in the community in terms of consolidation and sharing resources."
The task force formation was somewhat prompted after the City Commission, which funds the EDF to the tune of $165,000 a year, withdrew its standing agreement from the EDF in Monday's Commissioner meeting effective in June.
In the same meeting the Commissioners agreed to send a letter of intent to contract with the Chamber for economic services on the condition that the new Chamber executive has experience in economic development. The Chamber has been without an executive for several months and EDF Executive Director Don Wood has resigned to take a position with a local firm. Currently Wood is working on a consultant basis one day a week with EDF.
Prior to the approval of the Chamber Board, Felix read a letter from Mayor Marilyn Andrews. The letter said, "The City Commission on Feb. 24, 1997, authorized me to notify you of our intent to enter into an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development services effective July 1, 1997."
Felix said that on Wednesday following the City Commission meeting the Chamber executive committee met with several members of the EDF board including Pat Mulligan, Bill Rodgers, Barry Bickle and Tom Quillin. And that was a "pretty positive" meeting and some good planning took place including the suggestion of the formation of a couple of task groups.".
One task force would be directed at hammering out the details of the organizational structure to encompass at least economic development services as well perhaps some of these other organizations and the other would be an executive search task force, Felix explained.
Felix asked for the blessing of the board to establish these two task forces. The board approved the task forces.
Task Force Members
Those named to the structural team were; Danny Thompson, chairman of Ponca City Tomorrow; David Zimmerman, chairman of the Ponca City Tourism Authority; Jeff Smith, a member of Main Street board; Pat Mulligan, chairman of EDF; Bill Rodgers, EDF board member; Larry Felix, Chamber chairman; Scott Dean, Chamber chairman elect, City Manager Gary Martin and City Commissioner Dick Stone.
Felix said the intent is to put this on "the fast track." He said the organizational structure developed by this task force will come back to the board for approval.
The mission of the executive task force is to develop a position that would encompass at least a chamber executive role as well as training and skill and experience in economic development.
Named to the executive search task force, were Felix; Dean; Phyllis Worley, Chamber board; Barry Bickle, EDF board; George Paczkowski, EDF board; Larry Hughes, First National Bank; Carl Renfro, Pioneer Bank; Mayor Marilyn Andrews; Linda Brown, EDF board; Gary Martin; Jack Shilling; Bill Rodgers, and Tim Burg, immediate past chairman of the Chamber.
Future Changes
Felix said he felt the letter of intent from the City indicated some level of funding for the executive. He said the Chamber could not come up with enough money on its own to hire an executive to do both Chamber and economic development.
The Chamber chairman said in the future it may mean some organizational changes in the Chamber's bylaws and some changes in the board structure.
Meetings have been held for several weeks with executives from the Chamber, EDF, Main Street, Ponca City Tomorrow and the Ponca City Tourism Authority discussing the possibility of consolidation. Richard Severance, Chamber board member, suggested the communication plan shows the positive side of the reorganization and consolidation.
The meetings have been held at the request of the major donors hoping to consolidate to cut expenses. The timing apparently seemed right for consolidation since the Chamber, EDF, and Main Street are without executives at the present.
Main Street and Ponca City Tomorrow both receive some funds from the City, while Ponca City Tourism Authority is supported by a three percent motel tax. The City is in the process of cutting nearly $1 million out of the next fiscal year's budget.
The "Rockin' Country Connection" show being sponsored by the After Five Lions Club will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Mid-High School auditorium.
The cast for the special show are all Ponca Citians. Producer is John P. Maddox, Ponca City teacher and coach. Billed as a "Branson-type" family show, the production will feature country and gospel music.
Guest stars will include the gospel group "Forgiven" and professional entertainer Debbie Boles of Newkirk, Mike Mott, Richard Epperson, Ryan Foster, Gina Kasselman, and Becky McReynolds. Among the musical selections to be performed by the cast are "Mountain Music" and "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival."
Cast members are Maddox, T. L. Walker, Paul Schulz, Pam Griffith, Matt Stuemky, Dana Nesselrode, Tim Hall and Erin Sylvester.
This is the third annual show sponsored by the After Five Lions and Maddox said, "we would appreciate a lot of Ponca City support" and "we guarantee a toe tappin', knee slappin', hand good time."
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Tickets will be $5 per person with children under 6 years of age admitted free of charge.
Tickets are available at Jimmy's Western Wear, at the door, from any cast member, or any member of the After Five Lions Club. All money from the ticket sales will stay in the community according to a spokesman. The Lions Club supports many projects including an eye glass program and a scholarship program for Ponca City High School seniors.
Editors Note: Part of the following information was obtained from the Consumer Action Manual prepared by the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform and Sarah Greene Burger, Virginia Fraser, Sara Hunt and Barbara Frank.
For many seniors, retiring to a nursing home is more than the disruption of life-long routines, loss of privacy and independence. It can be also be frightening.
The Nursing Home Reform Law and state laws were created to protect residents' rights. Nursing home staff tend to focus on routine and efficiency, and may forget a resident's right to make choices.
However, living in a nursing home does not take away a person's right to an individual schedule. Some activities may be modified but shouldn't jeopardize respect for a resident's preferences.
Under federal standards, residents' rights include the right to:
- receive information
- participate in planning all aspects of care
- make choices and independent personal decisions
- enjoy privacy in care and confidentiality regarding medical, personal or financial affairs.
- be treated with dignity and respect
- know personal possessions are safe and secure
- be protected against removal, unless for specific reasons
- raise concerns or complaints
Additionally, residents can refuse treatment and self-administer medication, unless self-administration has been determined to be unsafe. And, residents have the right to be free from vest restraints, hand mitts, seat belts and other physical restraints as well as unnecessary anti-psychotic drugs, sedatives and other chemical restraints.
Furthermore, before a resident can be transferred, the facility must notify the resident, family member or legal representative in writing. The facility must indicate reasons for the move and provide 30 days' notice.
Therefore, transfers are permissible when the resident's health or safety is endangered in the facility; when a bill for care remains unpaid; when the resident's welfare cannot be met in the nursing home or because the resident's health has changed.
Moreover, many problems that arise in nursing homes concern basic care and often stem from staffing. It should be noted that nursing home residents rank the way staff treat them as the most important factor in their care.
Though some people may become forgetful or confused, they can still express their needs and wants. Residents who are completely unable to participate in their own care can have a substitute decision-maker.
In addition, residents may fear retaliation from nursing home staff. Residents and their families should address concerns in a friendly-but-firm, assertive manner rather than aggressively making demands.
According to Anna States, Ombudsman supervisor area agency on aging, at Northern Oklahoma Development Authority, in Enid, it is important that congressmen understand the cost of under-staffing nursing homes. In human terms, this relates to not being turned, resulting in pressure sores as well as increasing the chance of falls due to lack of supervision. Additionally, States said without sufficient staff, residents may not be taken to bath rooms often enough.
Recently, two bills have been passed by legislative committees relating to increasing staff-to-resident ratio. House Bill 1230 will be heard by the full house on March 6 and Senate Bill 463 is expected to be heard by the full senate no later than March 13.
If passed, SB 463 would require one direct care nursing staff for every seven residents from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., one direct care nursing staff should be available for every 10 residents. The ration of 1 to 12, would be required from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Furthermore, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified medication aides, dietitians, janitorial staff, therapists, social service directors or administrative staff could not be included in the staff-to-resident ratio. The ration would refer to a nurse aide who is certified by the State Department of Health and provides nursing services to residents.
If approved the act would become effective Nov. 1.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
From their dramatic, compelling, "Streets of the Capitol" to their hootin' and hollerin' rollicking hoedown of a finale, "Rhythm Tracks," the upcoming "Rhythm In Shoes" Community Concert set for 2:30 p.m., March 9, will provide lively entertainment for Ponca City Community Concert members.
According to reviewers, the dancers use of tap, clogging and percussive rhythm in general is not just lively and accomplished, it is intelligent, tasteful and provocative.
In addition to entertaining Community Concert members, the dance group will also present a workshop for local dance students on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., says Kay Sahai, publicity chairman for PCCC.
"We are looking forward to hosting the group and the local students are excited about the opportunity to work with professionals," said Sahai.
Students may consult their dance studio instructors for more information.
Another exciting offering is also being made by PCCC to non-community concert members who may be considering memberships in the upcoming concert season, said Sahai. She explained, "Anyone interested in joining the Ponca City Community Concert Association for the 1996-97 concert season may join PCCC prior to the Rhythm and Shoes Concert at the Hutchins Memorial, Sunday, and attend the concert as a free bonus."
Rhythm in Shoes is under the artistic direction of choreographer Sharon Lehay and composer Rick Good, who have "fused the spirit of traditional dance and music with the technical aspects and production values of modern performance." Their work yields a new form with rhythm as the underlying component, tying the traditional to the contemporary.
"The result contains the legacy of unwritten history and celebrates the spirit of joy in our lives today," says Lehay.
Dance Magazine said of the popular group, "Of all the large American companies on the main stage today, the terrific Dayton, Ohio-based tap and clog company, 'Rhythm in Shoes,' directed by Sharon Lehay, is an unexpected treat."
For more information about Community Concert memberships, the dance workshop or for other information about Community Concert programs call 765-4822, 765-3971 or 762-5156.
"We're excited to announce plans for Great Escape '97 which will be held Friday, May 9," said Emily Martin, senior class president, as she opened a news conference at Ponca City High School.
Martin was joined by Heather Roth, class vice president, and Emily Thomason, class secretary, as they discussed plans for the upcoming community-wide salute to the graduating class. The event will be held at the Conoco complex again this year.
"Our class is eagerly anticipating this event," Martin said. "It's wonderful to live in a community that works together to offer this 'safe' celebration as we mark the milestone of high school graduation."
The officers acknowledged that the fun and prize filled evening is underscored with a much more serious purpose.
"Like teenagers across the country, graduating seniors in Ponca City face the temptation to celebrate with activities involving alcoholic beverages," Martin noted. "We don't want an alcohol-related tragedy to mar this memorable time in our lives."
Joining the senior class officers in announcing the event were Don Sjoberg, Po-Hi principal and Keni Ray, Conoco coordinator for Community and Government Affairs.
"These young people have outstanding potential for future accomplishments," Sjoberg said. "Our faculty members look forward to assisting with Great Escape and helping them celebrate the conclusion of their high school career in a safe, fun way."
Faculty members join with community leaders and parents of Po-Hi seniors to staff the event, as dealers in the casino, serving refreshments, officiating team contests, leading dance lessons and even providing some "live entertainment."
Ray recognized the long list of accomplishments garnered by the members of the Class of '97.
"We're delighted to offer the use of Conoco's facilities again this year for this exciting evening of celebration," he said.
Ray explained that a steering committee comprised of class officers and their parents, school officials and Conoco employees from numerous functions have been meeting since early January to plan to event.
"Great Escape '97 will be a long-remembered highlight of our senior year," Martin said. "I know everyone in the class is looking forward to joining the fun that evening."
For one night only, the Ponca Playhouse will be performing its competition show, "Stage Directions," at the Poncan Theatre Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The performance is free and open to the public, donations are welcome to offset the cost.
"Stage Directions" is a one act play by Israel Horowitz telling of three siblings attempting to deal with one another after the death of their parents. Three well-known Playhouse actors make up the cast. Richard, the oldest son, is played by Don Menasco. Mary Hunt portrays Ruth, the middle sibling. Rounding out the cast is Iris Ballou as Ruby.
The crew for "Stage Directions" is headed by Christina Rich-Splawn, the director. Fran Clark takes the role of stage manager with backstage assistance by Ruslyn Hermanson, Cheryl Mauk, Katy Nickles and Michelle Roberts.
After this one-night performance, the set, cast and crew head to OCTAFest competition in Stillwater. OCTAFest is a biannual competition sponsored by Oklahoma Community Theatre Association (OCTA) and Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC). Community theaters from across the state will gather at the Seretean Center on OSU's campus March 13-16.
The competition is divided into 5 sessions over 3 days, with 2 theaters performing in each session. The Playhouse is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on March 13. They are the first community theater to perform in this year's contest. Tickets for each session are available for $8. More information is available by calling the Playhouse office at 765-5360.
Tornado Preparedness Week begins in Oklahoma today. Though Oklahoma is subject to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in almost every season, citizens need to prepared for the active spring storm season.
Since 1950, Kay County has reported 82 tornadoes, the largest number of any county in Oklahoma. In 1996, of the 39 tornadoes that occurred in Oklahoma, 17 were reported in April.
"We all need to be aware of the natural threats we face in Ponca City, and take responsibility to make sure we are properly prepared when disaster strikes," said Tom Montgomery, Ponca City Emergency Management director.
While tornadoes are the most obvious threat to life and property, the flooding that accompanies severe storms often becomes the most costly disaster for Oklahomans. Homeowners can avoid being hit twice by getting an insurance checkup on their property and knowing what to do when a tornado or flash flood strikes, the director said.
Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning can save lives. A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when tornadoes are likely to develop in the area. Citizens should stay alert and be ready to move to shelter.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted. Take shelter in a basement, away from windows. If there is no basement, go to an interior room, like a closet, on the ground floor. Get out of mobile homes.
When a tornado watch is issued listen to local radio and television stations for further updates. Also be alert to changing weather conditions.
According to the American Red Cross, blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
Individuals caught in the open should take cover in a ditch or low-lying area, or a nearby sturdy building. Montgomery suggests that citizens choose a safe place for taking shelter and have family tornado drills in advance.
Also, select a contact person should family members become separated during a storm. Planned safe places should have the following items:
- a flashlight and extra fresh batteries
- a battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- emergency food and water
- a can-opener
- essential medicines
- cash and credit card
- sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing
After the tornado passes, watch out for fallen power lines and do not venture into the damaged area. Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
The Ponca City Emergency Management Office can help citizens prepare themselves should a natural disaster occur. Individuals or groups who would like to host a program to become better prepared for the storm season should call the department at 767-0380.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
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By ralph sewell
News State Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - Voting 27 to 20, state senators decided last week to let voters decide how badly they want to keep convicts locked up.
Or would they rather vote taxes for early education for children? Or increase sales taxes to pay for both?
Up for consideration was SJR 3, to raise the state sales tax from 4.5 to 5 percent. As introduced, the author said it would provide $135 million a year for prisons. But an amendment was added to spend the money on education.
Sens. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax voted for the resolution. SJR 3 now is in the House where representatives now will decide whether to pass the buck on crowded prisons and education funding to voters.
Both the House and Senate put in long sessions last week trying to cope with trying to meet a March 13 deadline of clearing bills to be considered in the opposite house.
Both also unanimously passed separate Worker Compensation reform bills. SB 730 is the bill advocated by the commission headed by Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin. HB 1038 is the work of Rep. Bill Settle, a Muskogee lawyer and legislative veteran. It would give workers more time to report an injury than the Fallin bill.
Ponca City area senators and representatives all voted for one bill or the other. It would be folly to put too much significance on last week's votes. Any bill which finally becomes law will be produced by House-Senate conferees.
Road Program
Senators also passed the buck to representatives and perhaps to electors to see how badly voters want $750 million road program that eventually would cost them $1.5 billion.
SB 393 is a shell bill but Senate leaders hoped they and House conferees could fill out. That seemed unlikely last week. House leaders came up with a pay as-you go program.
The House would spend $352 million - $88 million yearly for four years. Rejected was the Senate the idea of going into debt without voter approval to build roads. The House would use $50 million each year from the Rainy Day fund.
Senate backers want the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority borrow the money to build roads then lease them to the state.
Future legislatures would have to budget $25 million a year to pay off the turnpike bonds. Foes says if they did not, the Authority could set up booths on state highways and collect tolls to pay the debt.
Foes also called it a scheme to avoid approval by state voters - something the constitution mandates before the state can go into debt.
The Senate approved SB 393 by a vote of 41 to 6. Muegge and Harrison voted yes but explained they were seeking House reaction.
House Speaker Loyd Benson, D-Frederick and Rep. Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, the House minority leader, both were against the debt program.
Like senators, House members are busy as bees considering their bills - which will die if they don't get them across the fourth floor rotunda by March 13 - less than two weeks from now.
One bill that raised a lot of debate in the House is HB 1815, to help Oklahoma telephone firms - including Southwestern Bell - defend their territory when and if AT&T, Sprint, and other telephone firms offer local service.
The debate indicated few House members understood what the bill would do. Corporation commission sources say it would release Southwestern Bell from rate control by the state.
Some thought Southwestern Bell had promised not to raise residential rates in Oklahoma for two years.
HB 1815, authored by Rep. Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, the House Speaker pro tempore, has been hit by Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony, who said it would make phone service unregulated.
"Letting monopolies go unregulated is like putting vampires in charge of a blood bank," Anthony said.
But House members sent the bill to the Senate on a 76-24 vote. Reps. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, Jim Reese, R-Nardin, James E. Hager, D-Pawhuska and Ferguson all voted for the bill.
Reese won 80-19 House approval last week for his HB 1049 which would let school districts consolidate on a trial basis, allowing deannexation later if they wish. Newport, Ferguson and Hager also voted for the bill.
How They Voted
Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on bills reaching the floor last week:
- SB 1 passed 43-1. It would have the School for Science and Mathematics hire instructors to funnel electronic knowledge to four pilot vo-tech programs where 320 bright high school students would attend half-days, bused by Vo-techs. The author, Sen. Ted Fisher, D-Sapulpa, estimates the cost for each school at $150,000, and says the pilot program would train 320 students. Eventually, he's like the program in the state's 40 vo-techs. Muegge and Harrison voted for.
- HB 1748 passed the House 79-20. It would raise from 12.5 to 13 percent the amount of Oklahoma deposits one bank can hold. the change was endorsed by the Oklahoma Bankers Association. The bill now moves to the Senate. Newport, Reese, Ferguson voted yes; Hager voted no.
- HB 1657, which passed 55-45, would change standards for participating in the Head Start, prekindergarten program. Title is off the bill. Hager voted for; Newport, Reese and Ferguson no.
- SB 30, by Muegge, would allow cities and water districts protect supplies by rule or ordinance. It passed the Senate 32-14. Critics complained it contained arbitrary power which might be abused. Harrison also voted yes.
- SB 250, which passed the Senate 30-16, would give a $5,000 income tax credit to doctors who practice in non-metropolitan areas. The bill's author said it was to encourage practicing in ares that are short on doctors. Harrison voted yes; Muegge no.
- SB 71, a bill requested by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, passed the Senate 43-3. Harrison is the author. The bill defines soil science and describes the qualifications for a soil scientist. Muegge also voted yes. The negative votes were cast by city legislators.
- SB 263, which passed the Senate 34-12, would allow a test program of letting the Tourism Department charge a fee to folks who want to enter Dripping Springs State Park in Delaware County. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
- HJR 1029 passed the House 74-25. It calls a special referendum to let voters decide if counties or cities can contract with the state to build prisons to house convicts. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
- SB 598, which would create a new building trades commission, passed the Senate 30-13. It would shift Department of Health regulation of the plumbing, electrical, alarm, automatic water sprinklers industries to the new board. the mechanical trades and building and construction inspectors would be covered, too. It would license folks in these trades as well as fees now deposited with the Health Department. Senators found a lot to argue about and the bill's title was stricken. The bill's sponsor served notice he may seek reconsideration - a protective parliamentary move. Harrison voted yes; Muegge no.
- SB 404, to exempt from state income taxes interest on future municipal bonds issues, passed 44-0, but the title was removed. The bill also would exempt retirement income, progressively over several years. It would exempt $1,000 in retirement income for this year, $2,000 next, increasing to a maximum $5,500 exemption in 2000 and years afterwards. Benefits would be limited to singles with adjusted gross income of $25,000 and $50,000 for couples. It also would allow taxpayers to deduct expenses of an adoption proceeding. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
- HB 2001, which passed the House 55-44, would require assigned-risk auto insurance policies to cover not only public liability, but also other kinds of coverage if the insured asks for it. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted against.
- HB 1428 passed 67-32. It would enforce child support laws by making homestead subject to a sale to pay delinquent child support in some cases. An amendment deleted a provision in present law that homesteads may not be sold for taxes or legal assessments. Title of the bill also was removed. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
- SB 218 - a bill for the Oklahoma Public Employees Association - ran into trouble. Ostensibly a bill to allow payroll deductions to a related foundation, it also covered payroll deduction of membership dues. When the dues feature was deleted, senators passed it 47-0. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SB 746, as a floor substitute, would increase fees at Oklahoma State University from $1.50 to $2.50 for automated library fees. The author said it doesn't affect other colleges. The bill passed 35-12. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- HB 1744 was killed, 41-57. It would have required applicants wanting state licenses to sell motor vehicles to take training courses set by the state commission. Notice of reconsideration was given. Hager voted for; Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted against the bill.
- HB 1004 passed 55-44 after the title was removed and much argument. The bill would let the Corrections Department bypass normal bidding procedure when seeking contracts or goods needed to put prisoners to work. The author said a business contracting for convict labor needs faster action than Central Services bidding will allow. Newport and Hager voted yes; Reese and Ferguson no.
- HB 1332, which passed 94-7, would make those who fail to observe rules the Tourism Department posts in state-run recreation areas subject to penalties of fines of up to $500 and up to six months in jail. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
- HB 1170, with title removed, passed the House 90-9. It deals with family law and a joint legislative-lawyer study to recommend revisions. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted in favor.
- HB 2142 would limit conditional paroles to those convicted for non-violent offenses. It passed 96-3. Title on the bill was removed. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
According to Cynthia DeMarco, Ponca Playhouse representative, seven men and four women are needed for the upcoming playhouse production "A Trip To Bountiful." Actors of all ages will be suitable for this production, she said.
Auditions will be held both today and Monday at 7 p.m. at the Ponca Playhouse Rehearsal Hall, 301 South First.
Scripts will be available at rehearsals tonight for those who want to drop by or if someone wants to rehearse a little first, scripts will be available at the Playhouse Office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday.
Written by Horton Foote, "The Trip To Bountiful," is a bittersweet drama about the terms of endearment within families and unanswered questions about what might have been. It will be produced April 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19 at the Poncan Theatre.
Patti Harsha Arnold will direct the production. Newcomers to Ponca Playhouse are encouraged to audition.
NEWKIRK - The Oklahoma Affiliate of the American Heart Association will be arresting several prominent Newkirk residents this week, placing them under lock and key, Friday.
The AHA along with a volunteer Newkirk cardiac arrest "parole Board" will be conducting the annual Cardiac Arrest campaign at Smith's Country Restaurant in Newkirk from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
Cardiac Arrest "Parole Board" chairman, Patrick Zehr, says the Newkirk Cardiac Arrest program is unique as it combines fund raising and fun into one event.
"A group of very important citizens will be charged at the Cardiac Arrest for 'crimes of the heart,'", says Zehr. "In order to be released, the 'arrestees' must post 'bail.'"
Purpose of this event is to acquire donations which will assist the American Heart Association in its fight to reduce death and disability due to cardiovascular disease and stroke - America's number one killer.
According to Zehr, "Presently, 14 researchers in the area are being funded by the American Heart Association at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and Oklahoma State University."
Zehr also said, "The work done by AHA research has led to advanced cardiovascular medicine in areas that include blood pressure medication, surgical procedures, nutritional standards and exercise modification."
Zehr said the Newkirk Cardiac Arrest "Parole Board" hopes to reach a goal of $3500 to help support AHA research, education and community service programs to fight cardiovascular disease throughout the Oklahoma Affiliate.
NEWKIRK - Homeowners who qualify for homestead exemption have only two more weeks to file with the assessor's office for 1997.
Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle said the "very important changes" approved by voters in last November's election helped many taxpayers, who save an average of $85 in taxes when they file.
But March 15 is the last day for filings.
"We've had a lot of people file, and you wonder if everyone who is eligible has filed," Engle said.
"I don't want them to miss the opportunity," she said. "The exemptions have been put in place and they're there for them if they want to take advantage of it."
The reasons for filing are:
1. If the homeowners are filing Homestead Exemption for the first time. This saves the taxpayer an average of $85 in property tax and provides Homestead protection under the laws of Oklahoma.
2. Homeowners with a gross verified annual income of less than $20,000 need to file for Additional Homestead Exemption, which is up to double the savings average homestead.
3. Homeowners 65 or older with a gross verified annual income of less than $25,000 need to file for Senior Valuation Freeze. This prevents revaluation from increasing the assessed value of the home.
4. Farm machinery as well as business equipment and inventory is taxable and must be rendered by March 15.
5. Persons who have added a mobile home, or structures on leased land are required to report the change.
Filers can visit Engle's office at the courthouse from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or can phone 405-362-2565.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor John Jeter will be in Ponca City March 15 for a performance at the Poncan Theatre. Tickets for the event will be available beginning Wednesday at the Poncan Playhouse Ticket Office, 107 East Central.
The evening's performance, beginning at 8 p.m. will include Mozart's Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro," OP. 492 then continue with Bartok's "Rumanian Folk Dances" and Wagner's "Siegfried Idyll." the performance will close with Mozart's "Symphony No. 41, K 551, C Major, "Jupiter."
A native of Southern California, John Jeter is presently the conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. His work with the orchestra is highly regarded by both audiences and musicians. Jeter has conducted performances of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's "Yuletide Celebration," and on the orchestra's Summer Indiana Series. He has conducted professional and conservatory orchestras in many states as well as orchestras in Catalonia, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic concert is sponsored by The Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco Inc., and the Oklahoma Arts Council.
The Ponca Playhouse ticket office, 107 East Central is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 (dress circle), $8 (remaining downstairs seats), and $6 (balcony). Seating is limited, so early purchase is recommended.
NEWKIRK - A proclamation to designate this week as Tornado Preparedness Week is expected to be approved when the Kay County Board of County Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. Monday for its regular weekly meeting.
The commissioners will discuss the county mailing system and will consider approval of a contract with the Corps of Engineers for a Kaw Lake law enforcement officer.
They also are scheduled to take action regarding bids opened last week for medical equipment (a colposcope) for the district attorney's office.
At 9:30 a.m. the board will conduct a commissioners' sale on a portion of a lot located at 1128 South Thirteenth Street in Ponca City.
And at 10 a.m., they will open bids for a three-year lease-purchase for a pickup truck for District One and for selling various used equipment for District Two.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Chorus and the Ponca City Children's Chorale will be in concert Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. Catherine Byard, local music instructor, will conduct.
Included on the program as performed by the chamber orchestra will be "Symphony No. 1 in C major," 1st movement, by Beethoven," and "Pavane" by Faure.
Presentations by the chamber chorus will be "Happiness" by Schubert, Mass in G with soloists Mary Jane Barraclough, Tressa Bird and William Harrison. Also "For the Beauty of the Earth," "Praise Ye the Lord," and All Things Bright and Beautiful, all by John Rutter. Daren Love will perform the baritone solo with "Praise Ye The Lord."
The Children's Chorale will begin the evening's concert with "Music Alone Shall Live," by Shirley McRae and will join the orchestra strings for "Art Thou Troubled?" by Handel. The Chorale will also join the chamber orchestra and chorus for the final number "The Lord Bless You And Keep You," by Rutter.
Catherine Byard, a resident of Ponca City since 1976, is founder the director of the Ponca City Children's Chorale, which includes about 40 local children ages 9-12.
She holds the associate of arts degree from Northern Oklahoma college and the bachelor of music education and master of science degrees from Oklahoma State University.
In addition to her work with the Children's Chorale, she maintains a private voice studio and has taught on the music faculty at Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma State University. Byard is a founding member of the Stillwater Chamber Singers.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
It may come as a surprise to many citizens to know approximately 10,000 calls for information and help were processed by Helpline Inc. in 1996.
"With that many calls asking for help, an enormous database of information is necessary," says Pat Hand, director. "When a Helpline volunteer on duty receives a call, he/she must be able to access the requested information instantly for the caller."
Helpline serves all ages, from latchkey children to homebound elderly, thus the range of information must be extensive, she added.
"Presently we use both a computer and a paper file for backup, but storage space on our small computer is almost full, and we are now in need of a computer that contains more memory to expand the range and scope of information available to callers," said Hand.
At this time they have thousands of specific files with information about agencies and organizations in the community, county, state and nation that provide assistance in some manner. Also varied information, such as AIDS awareness organizations or addresses of all Washington legislators, as well as referral information is available on our data base, says Hand.
Staffed by volunteers and largely funded by United Way funds, the Helpline agency, was created in 1973 as an information and referral agency.
Hand said the type of computer needed by Helpline is a 486 (for Windows) or larger with at least a 8 megs of RAM, and a hard drive, and needs to have the capabilities to read a 1.44 floppy, and use a VGA monitor. Such a computer would give us the assistance we need, be compatible to incorporate what we now have, and provide future storage for information, she said.
Any group or club interested in raising or donating funds for purchase of a larger computer for Helpline Inc. or any business or individual who may have a compatible computer to donate may call Pat Hand at 765-5551.
When Keith Barley, a service technician for a local office supply company in Ponca City isn't busy at work, he is most often found creating and improving local websites on his personal home computer.
"Webguy" is such an avid computer enthusiast that he spends many of his lunch hours online, long recognizing what is now becoming apparent to the world community - that the world has come into the information age.
Keith has devoted most of his leisure hours since last April donating his time, talent and domain as he has created, improved and maintained the website for North Central Oklahoma Historical Association.
Most recently, he has animated the well-known Cherokee Strip horse and rider, which was a logo designed for the Cherokee Strip Centennial Committee by Randy Stephenson The animation draws those who are cruising the web into checking further into the site of NCOHA's home page.
A brief description of a home-page would include that it contains information for different groups or individuals and is set up in pages like a book. This location identifier is called a "home page." People such as Barley, who set up and design these pages, are called "webmasters."
Previously a military electronics instructor for the Air Force, Barley purchased his first computer in 1979, a TSR-80. By the time he received an associates degree in computer science from NOC in 1983, he was familiar with Cobol, Fortran and Basic computer language.
One of the first subscribers of the Brigadoon Internet Service provided by Union School PTA, he said that in 1989 there were only 219 computers on the internet and today there are 50 million-plus and growing.
As technology evolved, Barley took on the challenge of learning HTML, the language used to create pages on the World Wide Web. In addition, he has continued to upgrade his computer equipment and currently uses a video camera to capture pictures, which he then digitizes and uses on his home page creations.
Last September, Barley traveled with a group of nine people from they Kay County area to Nashville, Tenn., where NCOHA received a national award for their book, "North Central Oklahoma: Rooted In the Past - Growing For The Future." While there, he took many photographs of the occasion and used many of these in the homepage for NCOHA.
Since the webpage has been on the internet, he has received several accolades from people over the world wide web, who have taken time to e-mail him to tell him how impressed they are with his creation.
Recently, America Online (AOL) reviewed the webpage and noted how well it was designed. When pulled up on AOL, NCOHA's page is listed in the top 25 providing information for Oklahoma, which is a feather in Barley's cap.
The web page can be found at http://www.brigadoon.com/~nipperb. Persons who seek out the page will find information about the organization and its book. In addition, the page offers links to many other related subject matters. including Oklahoma historical societies, genealogy links, Native American history, the April 19, 1995, bombing in Oklahoma City, and a multitude of other informative, quality links.
Currently, Barley is designing a new web page for Pioneer Genealogy Society. When the page goes online, it will include basic information about membership in the organization, as well as displaying a sample of the PGS newsletter. It will also have many links connecting viewers to a large assortment of other genealogy enthusiasts on the web.
Editor, The News:
I would like to give my viewpoint as a parent of elementary-aged school children in response to Ms. Zuvanich's letter in the Feb. 14, 1997, Ponca City News. When I first read about the coming "Hands On" exhibit I made a mental note that it sounded like something I would like to take my children to see. However, soon after that an ad was run depicting some of the sculpture on display, and it was nude bodies. I was so thankful that I had seen the ad before I took the kids, and I made the decision not to go.
The next week my 4th-grade son came home and said that his art class had gone to the Ponca City Art Center to see the exhibit. As it turned out, my 1st grade daughter's class had also gone. I was concerned that the school had not notified us of the intended trip, but in talking to my son discovered that they had seen sculptures of famous people but no nude bodies. I was relieved and thankful that our family's values had not been violated on the field trip. I appreciated the wise decision to close off part of the exhibit to children during that visit.
As to the issue of hypocrisy, I agree that watching many, if not most, of the programs on TV is as bad as viewing the bodies at the Art Center. However, not all families watch the shows mentioned in Ms. Zuvanich's letter. Not only do we not allow our children to watch those shows, my husband and I do not watch them either for we don't want to create a double standard.
Viewing and now "touching" nude bodies in the name of art is not acceptable to us nor do we feel like we are living in the "dark ages." We hold the human body, created by God, in high esteem and do not see any need to show it, unclothed, in public. Why is it acceptable to view a naked sculpture but unacceptable to view a naked human being in a public place? I think they are both out of place. The home is the appropriate environment for teaching about the body, including respect for its specialness.
I, for one, am glad that the school was not afraid to make a moral decision by arranging for part of the exhibit to be closed off when they took my children to the Art Center. I suspect that I am not alone.
Beth Dennis
Editor, The News:
About a year ago I wrote a letter to the mayor, city manager and all of the city commissioners. I believe we have two new ones since, I wrote the letter, Mr. Stone and Mr. Boyers. In the letter I pointed out that the city could save a lot of money by doing a few things. One was, to have trash pickup at city residences once a week instead of twice. The city would save about a third on the fuel bill, tire replacement, all repair bills and how often trucks would have to be traded.
The second item was to have stationary patrol of police cars at different times during their tour. The savings would come from the same reasoning, less fuel, tire replacement, repairs of all kinds and less miles on each unit so they would not have to be traded in so often.
The police stationary patrol would be with the officer, in some cases out of the unit, so the engine would not be running. I believe they all carry radios with them so they would always be in touch with central command in or out of the police units.
The third item was to cut down on the number of cell phones that the city pays for. Most city units have two-way radios in them and I am hard-pressed to understand why a lot of city units need both two-way radios and cell phones also.
I believe the city could save $500,000-plus if these ideas were put into motion. What does the city do with the solid waste employees that will have time on their hands? There are hundreds of light poles in Ponca City that need to be cleaned and painted. Next time you drive on Fourteenth Street check out the ugly, dirty, rusty light poles. There are two large piles of dead trees, etc. just west of the airport that have been there for over a year. This eyesore needs to be removed. It looks terrible, especially for business people flying into Ponca City. The city employees from one department could help another department when they have the time. All the city employees should help each other when it is possible. Hopefully every citizen of Ponca City, whether a citizen of Ponca City or not, should do everything they can to make our city better.
John Sutton
Editor, The News:
The degree of outright corruption within the Ponca Tribe has truly become breathtaking in its scope.
Since the Ponca City News printed my last letter on the endemic corruption within the Ponca Tribe some of my non- Indian friends have asked me how they can help us gain democracy. Others have wondered why we tolerate it.
I'll answer the second question first - we don't tolerate it, we endure it in the same way the Russian people did. Some of us have sought free, open and democratic government for over twenty years. I now work with some of the children of our first civil rights leaders. But we are faced with a government imposed system that gives all legislative, executive and judicial powers to a single group, totally without checks and balances. They control millions of dollars in patronage power and control the police forces. Along with the collusion of the B.I.A. which controls our land, and the indifference of Oklahoma elected officials in the Federal government, these total powers have thwarted any and all attempts at reform. Literally millions of dollars flow through our Tribe without any scrutiny or accountability, it can all be used to maintain power. It also attracts the greedy like a rotten carcass does a hyena and many hyenas have gathered.
About how people can help us Ponca people gain democracy let me say this - first and foremost the responsibility to reform our government is ours, and shame on us for the pitiful shape we're in. The help we need in is in gaining the tools to help ourselves. we need access to the Courts and that takes money. In fact I believe we have bountiful evidence of corruption should we get in Court.
In order to raise legal fees a group has formed, named the Ponca Indians for Democracy. An elder, respected and above reproach, of our Tribe, Velma Jones, has consented to act as our treasurer. She will be assisted by Betty Buffalohead. They will ensure strict accountability. They can be reached at (405) 765-8195 or (405) 762-8438 or (405) 767-1663 We also plan to hold some fund raising activities in the near future.
Secondly and most importantly, we must let Senators Nickles and Inhofe, and Congressman Istook know that many people are interested in stopping the corruption. All taxpayers are being ripped-off not only the Ponca. If you will take a moment to write or call their offices or if you will fax them this letter and an inquiry, you will be helping us immeasurably.
Finally let me tell my own people not to give up and let the corruption continue. I know it's been a long time and little has changed, but good things are possible if we join and demand action. We don't have to be the only Americans to live without democracy. It's up to us.
Carter Camp
Editor, The News:
I began this letter as a concerned citizen. However, before it even got to print, my father died of Alzheimer's. This letter is in honor of the memory of Sam Stavinsky, who died Feb. 25, 1997.
One segment of our society is being forgotten and we should be honoring them. They are fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers; they are the forgotten few who have had the fortune of being able to live a long life who are now confined to nursing homes.
It is sad to outlive your family and your close friends. Then you are alone to face the harsh reality of isolation and little involvement in old age. To top it off, you are in need of help and the nursing home is your last resort.
Families should use the following barometers when selecting a nursing home:
Smells - Smell is by far the most noticeable when you walk into a facility. A tell-tale sign is if air-freshener is used to mask the odor. A quality nursing home should have no offensive odors.
Physical Appearance - Look down the corridors. Do you see mops and buckets along the hallways? Are passage ways clear for the elderly to walk and use handrails?
Rest Rooms - Always check rest rooms. Would you want to use the facility yourself? Answering that question will start you on a definite checklist.
Staff-to-Resident Ratio - There are two house bills in the Oklahoma State Legislature, HB 1230 and SB 463, requiring the ratios to increase. Your legislators need to hear from YOU, regarding your support. We must have quality nursing homes--and we should insist on having them NOW.
Happy Faces - Are the residents well-dressed and groomed? Do you see any neglected? Keeping residents clean is a big job, look for happy faces.
Restraints - There are definite laws on restraints and families should be wary of establishments that use them.
Bed Sores - Bed Sores are a result of being bedfast or restrained. Tell-tale signs are residents with pads under their feet or elbows or their feet are suspended.
Respect - Notice the way residents are spoken to. Is their modesty protected? Care givers should be reminded that residents should be given more time to assimilate the things that are happening around them. How many times are residents hurried for no good reason?
Furthermore, Oklahoma law says that nursing home residents have rights. If a resident would like for someone to speak for them, NODA has an ombudsman program available. They are volunteers who visit the nursing homes who will listen to concerns and act to get problems resolved.
A training class will be held in April. For more information about becoming an ombudsman, call 1-800-749-1149. We need more volunteers to become advocates for nursing home residents who can't speak out for themselves
Also, the families of nursing home residents have another place to turn to protect their loved ones from unscrupulous nursing homes or from spouses or children. The Department of Human Services has a branch called Adult Protective Services. Seek them out if you feel your loved one is being victimized.
Mickey Stavinsky
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid High
Breakfast
Middle School and Mid High
Available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Middle School are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Hardee's. On Tuesday and Thursday, the school offers Domino's and Taco Bell burritos. Available at the Mid-High on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Subway Sandwiches. On Tuesday and Thursday are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Hardees.
Lunch
High School Lunch
Available every day in the high school cafeteria, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn, Taco Bell burritos, Hardees and Subway.
All American
Training Table
McCord Breakfast
McCord Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
Po-Hi
March 3
March 4
March 5
March 6
March 7
March 8
March 9
Otoe Tribal Court
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma
Petition for Divorce
Lewis David Jeans, Red Rock, vs. Sidonna J. Mayfield, Jeans, Stillwater.
DEATHS
Bob G. Martin, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday Feb. 26, 1997 in Tulsa.. He was 61.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 3, 1997, at the Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. David Bigger, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Born Dec. 2, 1935, in Ponca City, he was the son of Clyde S. and Johnnie Virginia (Thomas) Martin. He received his education in the Ponca City schools and graduated from Ponca City High School. He went on to attend Oklahoma State Technical in Okmulgee studying electronics and heat and air conditioning. He worked in the heat and air business following school. He also worked in the oil field as a truck driver.
In 1957, he was married to Joyce Ann Hughes in Newkirk. He was later married to Gay Pitts and Sue Babcock. Following his military service he was employed by a heating and air company for a short time. For the last 40 years he has worked as a truck driver. On Sept. 4, 1992, he was married to Brenda Sue Charter in Okmulgee.
He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Brenda, of the home, three sons, Larry Lewis Martin, Gary Neil Martin, and Johnny James Martin, all of Ponca City; one daughter, Delores Lynn Martin Williams, of Pawhuska; his mother, Johnnie Day, of Ponca City; his stepmother, Rose Martin, of Henryetta; two sisters, Jolene Ford, of Newkirk, and Marsha Kay Watson, of Stuart, Okla.; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, E. Wing and Florence Martin, C.N. and Leona Jones; his father, Clyde Martin, and his sister, Delores Lynn Martin.
Casketbearers will be Kurtis Bales, C.D. Lyons, Rod Rowe, Dave Wright, Larry Joe McGraw, Vance McGraw, and Lynn Faire. Honorary casket bearers will be Roy McGraw, Willis McGugan, Jess Colberty, Cleo Burpo, Harold Smith, Keith Hambleton, Charles Lindsay, Jeff Williams and Don Gregg.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City at 1904 N. Union, Suite 104, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 202 North Ash.
Harvey "Dean" Atkins Sr., longtime Ponca City resident, died at his home, Friday morning, Feb. 28, 1997. He was 55.
Traditional services will be held following the tribal feast at 2 p.m. Monday, March 3, 1997, at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church with Rev. Ted Freeman presiding. Burial will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Mr. Atkins will lie in state at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church.
Harvey Atkins was born to William Atkins Jr. and Belinda (Box) Atkins on July 15, 1941, at Pawnee, Okla.. He received his education in the Red Rock schools.
He was united in marriage to Mary F. Warrior on March 14, 1969, in Ponca City where they made their home. He was employed with Charlie Cannon Chevrolet for a number of years as an auto mechanic and retired in the late 1980s. He also served in the United States Army reserve and at the time of his discharge in 1970 he held the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; his sons, Amos Hinton and Harvey Atkins Jr., both of Ponca City; a brother, Jim Atkins, of Stillwater, Okla., two sisters, Donna Atkins and Gayle Atkins, both of Red Rock; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters.
Casket bearers will be Amos Hinton, Harvey Atkins Jr., Scotty Simpson, Rusty Atkins, Lamont Brown and Jeff Little Crow. Honorary casket bearers will be Jim Atkins, Darnell Carson, George Carson and Joe Carson.
The family will be at the Harvey Atkins Jr. home.
STOCKTON, Calif. - Wayne L. Coate, former Newkirk resident, and brother-in-law to Bert Peters of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1997, in hospital in Stockton, Calif. He was 80.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Central United Methodist Church, in Stockton, with the Rev. Dr. Gary Putnam officiating. Arrangements and burial will be at Park View Cemetery in Manteca, Calif., under the direction of Frisbie-Warren and Carroll Mortuary, Stockton.
Wayne L. Coate attended schools at Newkirk and was married to Geraldine Enyard at Newkirk on Dec. 21, 1941. He was a signalman for the Southern Pacific Railroad for 31 year years and had lived in the Stockton area for 55 years. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman, North-East Senior Bingo Club, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, where he served lunches for senior citizens at the North-East Center. He was also a former member of several local square dance clubs, the Tumbleweeds Camper Club and the National Square Dance Club.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Geraldine, of Stockton, Calif.;
two sons, Dale Coate of Boise, Idaho, and Donald Coate of Stockton; one
daughter, Lois Mead of Stockton, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren;
three brothers, Lloyd, of Boliver, Mo., Lester, of Corona, Calif., and Ed,
of Myrtle Creek, Ore.; and numerous other relatives - some living in the
Ponca City area. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter,
Mary Locke.
NEWS BRIEFS
Closed - The south side of the intersection of Central Avenue and First Street will be closed Monday through Friday, due to work on the Northwest Water Transmission Pipeline Project, according to the Ponca City Engineering Department.
Electric Work - The Ponca City Electric Department will be building a new electric line along the west side of Waverly Street between South Avenue and Grand Avenue on Thursday. Work should be completed within two weeks, weather permitting, according to Phil Johnston, system engineer. Traffic will be reduced to one-lane.
Larceny - A resident in the 700 block of North Palm Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 11:07 a.m. Friday that medication was stolen from a vehicle. Extra patrol was requested and an officer took an advised report.
Youth Cited - A Ponca City police officer issued a citation to a juvenile who put his hand through the wall of a business in the 2300 block of West South Avenue at 11:35 a.m. Friday. The youth was released to the custody of a parent.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at South First Street and South Avenue at 12:28 p.m. Friday.
Hit and Run - A resident in the 2000 block of Mary Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 1:18 p.m. Friday to report a hit-and-run. The vehicle left westbound on Williams Avenue in a Dodge pickup. Two officers responded and a report was taken.
Detector Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a radar detector stolen from a vehicle parked in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer took a report at 2:17 p.m. Friday.
Deadly Weapon - A resident in the 100 block of North Palm Street notified the Ponca City Police Department that someone just shot at the house. Two officers responded and stopped a vehicle at Osage Street and West Central Avenue at 4:09 p.m. Friday. Officers arrested a 14-year-old boy for assault with a deadly weapon. A 15-year-old boy was also arrested by an officer at North Pine Street and West Cleveland Avenue at 4:55 p.m. for assault with a deadly weapon.
Gambling - After a miscellaneous call received by Ponca City telecommunication officers at 11:35 p.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 47-year-old woman on a Kay County warrant for commercial gambling.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 20-year-old woman in the 300 block of South Osage Street at 12:21 a.m. Saturday on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Forgery - A 28-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 2200 block of North Union Street at 1:18 a.m. Saturday on a Kay County warrant for uttering a forged instrument.
Pointing a Weapon - Ponca City telecommunication officers received a call from the 400 block of South Franklin Street at 2:30 a.m. Saturday alleging that a man pointed a gun at people. Four officers responded and a 19-year-old man was arrested for feloniously pointing a weapon.
Attention Senior Ladies - Senior ladies over age 60 are being sought for a Senior Ms. Pageant. Contact RSVP at 762-9412 for more information.
Book Opportunities - The Mid-High Book Fair has been set for Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, in the Main Building in Room 101. All students and parents are welcome.
Girls Softball Tryouts Set - All Star Girls Softball Tryouts are scheduled Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Kids Inc. Complex. For more information call Kurt Pollak at 767-1291 or Mickey Postman at 765-9335.
Audie Murphy Club - Douglas E. Kennedy, son of Clarence and Irvaline Kennedy, Route 2, was promoted to Sergeant First Class (E7). As a result of this promotion and following intensive testing by a board of his superiors, he was inducted into the prestigious Sgt. Audie Murphy Club. He is a 1978 graduate of Ralston High School, has been in the army 12 years, and has been stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, the past three years. He recently was deployed to Kuwait for four to six months. His wife, Uschi, and four children, Chassidy, Sean, Cyndell and Christa, are at home in Copperas Cove, Texas.
Childhood Speaker - The Northern Oklahoma Childhood Association will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the Pioneer Technology Center with Mitzi Pearsall speaking on "Birth Order in Children." Everyone welcome.
Martial Arts - A Martial Arts class has been scheduled at Bodymasters, 847 North Union. Jeet Kune Do, a Chinese martial art skill, will be taught by LaDell Elliott Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. More information can be obtained by calling 765-0150.
Playhouse Auditions - Seven men and four women are needed for
the upcoming playhouse production "A Trip To Bountiful." Auditions
will be held today and Monday at 7 p.m. at the Ponca Playhouse Rehearsal
Hall, 301 South First. Scripts will be available at rehearsals tonight or
can be picked up Monday at the Playhouse Office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LIFESTYLES
The 110th annual World Day of Prayer, an international, ecumenical worship service, will be celebrated here on Friday, March 7.
Millions of women around the globe - from the tiny rural communities in developing countries to large cities in industrialized nations - will join together on this day for "informed prayer and prayerful action."
The observance will take place at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, on March 7 at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served and the program will begin at 10 a.m.
Written annually by Christian women from one of the 170 participating countries, the 1997 World Day of Prayer was prepared by South Korean women on the theme, "Like a Seed Which Grows Into a Tree." World Day of Prayer was established in Korea in 1922. Christians in Korea comprise approximately 25 percent of the population. Through this service and prayers of the many participants throughout the world, the writers desire to plant seeds of hope for "An Yung" - a Korean equivalent of Shalom, or peace. They pray for healing and reunification of their country (Korea has been divided into North and South since 1953); for freedom from invasions suffered over many centuries and, in particular, equality and freedom from oppression and abuse for all the women of Korea. They have particular concern for the effects of wars on Korean women - as victims of the A-Bomb, of "comfort women" drafted into sexual slavery and discrimination against Amerasians.
The worship is built on parables of Jesus Christ referring to seeds: the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large shrub and the ability of a seed to grow and increase depending on the kind of soil it falls upon.
Responses sung in the Korean language are included in the service. Dance movements and dramatizations interpret the theme, while the ringing of a gong punctuates and gives emphasis to some of the readings.
Asbury United Methodist Women's president, Audrey Jones, has invited the Rev. Chee Chul Jang and several women members of his congregation to attend the meeting. The women will be in native dress. They are members of the Korean United Methodist Church on West Broadway in Enid.
A portion of the World Day of Prayer offerings will be given to grants for projects in Korea. A small percentage is designated for the International Committee for World Day of Prayer to facilitate the writing of services and broad work of the committee. The remainder goes toward the work and ministries of Church Women United which serves as the National Committee for World Day of Prayer in the United States.
Korean Church Women United was formed in 1967, and now has 1.5 million members from eight denominations.
Richard and Jan Evans, 1917 Mary, announce the birth of a son. Jerrod Michael Evans was born Feb. 22 at 8:26 a.m. at St. Jospeh's Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7-pounds, 11-ounces and was 20-inches long.
Jerrod has three sisters, Krissie, Kayla and Kassie Ramsey, and two brothers, Justin and Greg Evans. Grandparents are Leroy and Myrtle Evans of Ponca City, and the late Vern and Marian David. Mrs. Hazel Johnson of Ponca City is the great-grandmother.
Plans for the year and several awards were presented at the recent meeting of the Kay County FCE Association. Held at the FCE building in Blackwell, theme for the event was "Hats Off To FCE."
Receiving the 1996 "Member of the Year" was Eleanor Eggers from the New Bethel FCE. Twenty-five year members were Leona Dirickson, Vernon HOA, and Leslie Young, Creative Homemakers.
Perfect Attendance awards went to Sondra Ailey, Nardin; Kathy Buck, New Creations; Mary Buesing, Kildare; Clella May Constant, New Bethel; Joyce Crouch, New Creations; Eleanor Eggers, New Bethel; Pearl Fitch, Fun and Fundamental; Francis Girardeau, New Creations; Belle Grossardt, Nardin; Margaret Hoepfinger, Kildare; Barbara Hunget, Kildare; Helen Janda, Kildare; Bernadene Millemon, Nardin; Colleen Reeser, New Creations; Lova Smith, New Bethel; Dorothy Tanner, Fun and Fundamental; Anna Terrell, New Bethel.
Receiving awards for Photography were Still Life, first place, Karen Overman, Kildare; second, Mary Ruth Leatherman, Fun and Fundamental; third, Moni Neville, Kildare. Scenic, first, Mary Ruth Leatherman, Fun and Fundamental; second, Karen Overman, Kildare; third, Nettie Cox, Fun and Fundamental; fourth, Moni Neville, Kildare.
Other photography awards and categories were FCE Activities, first place, Moni Neville, Kildare; second, Karen Overman, Kildare; third, Mary Ruth Leatherman, Fun and Fundamental. People, first, Mary Ruth Leatherman, Fun and Fundamental; second, Irene Suckley, third, Karen Overman, Kildare; fourth, Moni Neville, Kildare; fifth, Melba Irwin, Kildare. Animal, first, Mary Ruth Leatherman, Fun and Fundamental; second, Karen Overman, Kildare; third, Moni Neville, Kildare.
The Standard of Excellence awards for group participation in seven categories with 7,000 points earned went to Fun and Fundamental, Kildare, Nardin, New Bethel, New Creations and Round Grove.
A candlelight memorial service was conducted for deceased members Joan Branson, Vernon HOA; Dorothy Jeans, Round Grove; Alice Jones, Uncas, and Ruth McGrew, Nardin.
The President's Award was presented to Clella May Constant for many years of dedication as a pianist for the organization.
The Meeting was hosted by new officers for the Kay County Association for Family and Community Education. They are Francis Girardeau, president, New Creations; Leona Dirickson, vice president, Vernon HOA; Dorothy Tanner, secretary, Fun and Fundamental; Eleanor Eggers, treasurer, New Bethel; Christina Collins, song leader, Nardin; Clella May Constant, pianist, New Bethel. Historian is Earleine Harman, Nardin.
A covered dish luncheon was served and "Covered Dish" awards were given to first place, Elsie Cowell, New Bethel; second, Eleanor Eggers, New Bethel. Table decorations followed the theme of "Hats Off to FCE" and were decorated hats provided by the Creative Homemakers group.
Mary Rhyne is the Extension Home Economist for Kay County. The Kay County Association for Family and Community Education is a non-profit organization organized for the purpose of continuing adult education in home economics and related subjects.
Jodie (Mullins) Frazier, Victim/Witness Coordinator for the 8th Judicial District, has been elected ABWA Woman of the Year for 1997. She will represent the Ponca City Charter Chapter, American Business Women's Association, at the national convention this fall.
She was elected at the February meeting of the Ponca City Charter Chapter of American Business Woman's Association held at Pauline's Supper Club.
Ms. Frazier has been coordinator 12 years and has been a member of the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) and the National Victims Center. Each year, she is required,by law, to receive 15 hours of training in the area of victim service.
She was reared in Kay County and graduated from Ponca City High School. She continued her education at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Prelaw/Paralegal. Prior to working for the Eighth District Attorney, Ms. Frazier was employed with the legal division of Penn Square Bank in Oklahoma City. When the Bank closed in 1982, she returned to Ponca City and became employed in the Prosecutors office as the Bogus Check Restitution Comptroller.
She has been a member of ABWA since 1992. She has held the position of president, vice president, national delegate, Triathlon chairman and is currently hospitality chairman. She has been a board member of the Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma. In her spare time Jodie enjoys bowling, water skiing and yardwork. She and her husband, Kevin, have a seven-year daughter, Kammi. Mr. Frazier is the Vocational Agriculture instructor at Po-Hi.
At the meeting Sharon Adams, president, conducted the business session. Sam Kasl, vice president, read the Mission statement and gave the invocation. A guest, Jackie Morrow, was introduced and Sherry Kremeier read the minutes.
The new chapter scrapbook, updated by Johnnie Wilda, was on display. Leanna Adams introduced the guest speaker, Alyce Person, who has been a professional cake decorator for 15 years. Ms. Person decorated an Easter hat with "flowers and ribbon" for the group. Ms. Kremeier gave an update on the upcoming Business Associate of the Year banquet in March.
The annual "Spring Fling" will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mar. 8 at the Unity Gym. The Arts and Crafts show is sponsored by the Church Women United as a benefit for the Child Development Center. A new feature this year are "Collectibles and Antiques." There is no admission charge and concessions are available.
The Child Development Center is a non-profit day care center located at 344 South Elm. Goal for the center's personnel is to provide "a loving, stable and secure environment for children from low income families or families with special needs." The program for the center is designed "to develop children mentally, socially and emotionally" according to a spokesperson.
The Center is supported by income from the United Way, contributions from individuals, organizations and churches. The Center is a project of Church Women United. A reimbursement is also received from the Child Care Food Program for part of the food served each day.
For further information about the center or to offer assistance call 765-7532.
Piano Workshop members from the Ponca City Federated Music Club will present a program entitled "Fascinatin' Rhythms" when the club meets Mar. 7 at the Ponca City Cultural Center. Helen Brakebill, chairman of Piano Workshop, stated that the program is based on the theme "rhythm is the heartbeat of music."
Performances will demonstrate rhythmic patterns typical of different nationalities such as Viennese, Brazilian, Hungarian, Japanese, German and American. Piano Workshop members performing will be Kay Anthony, Liz Bajork, Barbara B