From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March
11, 1997
LOCAL
Nearly News
Commissioner Boyer Speaks Out Against Proposal on City's Funds
Youth Art Classes Being Held
School-to-Work Program Gets Unanimous Approval
New County System To Help Fund Issues
Grad Felony Offenses May Put Youths As an Adult
Northern Music Faculty To Present Duet Recital
Letters Say:
DEATHS
Velma Josephine Burnside
Funerals
Leo Leslie Foust
Services Pending
Dorotha A. Wells
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Where Are They Now? Gracelyn Brown Transfers To Los Angeles TV Station
Kurtz Named Assistant VP At Pioneer Bank
FNB Remodels ATM Sites
Insurance Agents Vice President Of State Group
Building Permits Total $247,000
Right-To-Work Topic of Debate At Friday Forum
Holiday Inn Staff Honored
Antique Mall Now on Grand
Notes and Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Eta Zeta Sets Meeting
SPORTS
Cat Golfers Disappoint Coach
Varsity Tennis Squads Hosting Quad
Lady Mavs Take Second In S.S. Softball Tourney
While looking though the new Adventure Tours brochure Terry Middlebusher of International Tours and Cruises recognized a picture of two Ponca City youths Lauren and Shannon Luttrell, who appear in photograph taken in Puerto Vallarta. They are children of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Luttrell.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
City Commissioner Lyn Boyer spoke out against the 1997-98 budget proposal to spend down the city's reserves at the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday.
Boyer did not attend the work session last week, when the board discussed spending the city's reserves for limited capital and personnel expenses, over the next three years.
"It is not good policy to spend savings," said Boyer.
The commissioners attended a budget course which emphasized that reserves should not be spent on day-to-day expenses, but on one-time, major capital expenses. In addition, the commissioner suggested decreasing the light transfer by $250,000, instead of the proposed $500,000.
In other new business, the board approved new policies and rates for the Cann Garden Center and the Hutchins Memorial. Kathy Adams, Historical Buildings director, confirmed that the new rates would generate much needed revenue to help offset increased expenses.
Furthermore, the board authorized a cabin to be built on a lake lot on the east side of West Lake Ponca, however, the structure must meet city codes. Commissioners also approved a resolution to pay claims totaling $1,869,357.46 for invoices processed from Feb. 27 through March 6.
Before the consent agenda was approved, Boyer asked that the request to spend unallocated funds for repairs at the Marland Estate, be pulled from the consent agenda.
On the item, Assistant City Manager Tom Short informed the board that the $152,000 would be spent for waterproofing and stone repair to the mansion. Short confirmed the repairs would only address identified areas affecting the inside of the mansion, the east patio and the north salon. But, the work would not take care of all problems.
Additionally, commissioners approved the following in one motion:
- Accept award of the Home Investment Partnerships Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the amount of $150,000 to rehabilitate four or five substandard homes. Habitat for Humanity has agreed that the city can document their "affordable housing activities" as the $18,700 match.
- Accept bid of $27,028.75 from Chitwood Construction Co., for curb and gutter replacement around Ponca City.
- Authorize Chitwood Construction as purchasing agent for materials for the contract exempt from sales tax.
- Amend operating budgets of funds for 1996-97, for library roof repairs, associated transfers to the street improvement project fund and the economic development fund.
- Approve the Ponca City Swimming Association's request to use AMBUC pool June 6 through June 8 for an Oklahoma Swimming sponsored swim meet.
In addition, commissioners reconvened as the Ponca City Utility Authority to approve submitting the State Revolving Fund Partial Disbursement Request No. 4 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2, for $283,034.41. Moreover, consideration to pay Chapman, Parr and Gill, Inc. for work on the Union Street Waterline project in the amount of $9,168.25 was authorized.
Also, the board held an executive session to discuss the collective bargaining agreements for the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Cindy Rasche and Anna Adams are preparing for the next sessions of youth art classes to be held at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central in Ponca City. Both three dimensional and drawing classes are offered.
Three Dimensional Series: Clay Handbuilding, March 12th and 26th, from 4-5 p.m. Students may make a bowl, a bank, a candle lantern, or sculpt a head or animal. Cost $10 with a $5 material fee. Students will be using a high fire stoneware clay and lead-free glazes. Instructors: Anna Adams and Cindy Rasche.
Drawing Series: March 14th, Friday, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A special one day academic drawing class where students will draw from casts as artists have done for centuries, will also be offered.
Instructor Cindy Rasche said, "We will have as many casts as possible to draw from, including hand, foot, head, eye, and possibly a horse cast. Cost $6. Materials will be provided.
Drawing Series: April 4, 11, 18, 25. Fridays from 2-3:30 p.m. and also from 4-5:30 p.m. An outdoor drawing class to be held at the Art Center, weather permitting. Class will work from still life if its cold or rainy out. Cost will be $30 and materials will be included.
Cindy Rasche, instructor, says, "This is a fun class and students seem to do some of their best work outdoors.
Three Dimensional Series: Clay Handbuilding, April 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. Cost $25 plus a $10 material fee. Instructors: Anna Adams and Cindy Rasche.
No experience is necessary for any of these classes. Students can increase their skills, pick up some new art vocabulary, learn a bit of art history and generally have fun working with other students who share their interests.
To register call Donna Secrest at 765-9746 Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Payment should be made to the Art Center. Students must be members of the Ponca City Art Association and yearly memberships begin at $10.
Clay classes have a maximum of 10 students, and drawing classes require a maximum of eight students. If you have questions about the courses contact instructors Anna Adams at 765-5086 or Cindy Rasche at 765-5332. The instructors have additional clay and some clay tool sets for sale.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
After two hours of comments and deliberations about School-to-Work, the Ponca City Board of Education voted 7-0 Monday night to have the board approve all School-to-Work components that utilize the school employees.
Kathy Paczkowski and other citizens of Ponca City voiced their concerns about School-to-Work during the public comment portion of the meeting. Paczkowski said that Project Partners of Ponca City recently received a grant for $40,000 to implement School-to-Work into Ponca City and now the group is currently writing another grant for $90,000 and she doesn't understand why. She went on to say that at the Feb. 10 board meeting, Linda Thompson spoke about School-to-Work saying that it was voluntary; however in a packet being distributed the words say that all children will be expected to participate.
Dr. Janet Cox, Pioneer Technology Center, also spoke about School-to-Work. She stated that School-to-Work does have its good points and one of them is to provide students with career opportunities. Cox stated that School-to-Work is not mandatory and because of the high drop-out rate, programs instilled in School-to-Work would help students stay in school.
Steve Stalcup, board member, voiced his concerns about School-to-Work stating that as a board member, he feels that the school system should know exactly what the teachers are doing. Stalcup went on to say that the board should know exactly what is being presented in the classrooms and that nothing should go on in the classrooms without the knowledge of the board.
Additional renovations to the exterior of the Howell Building and the Howell Auditorium were approved last night by a vote of 7-0. Renovations will include: the Howell Auditorium house lights, stage lights, curtains, sound systems and interior paint. The exterior of the Howell building will also be painted. The bids for the renovations of the Howell and the construction of the Commons Area between the Howell and the Anderson Buildings will be included during the April board meeting.
Dr. Bill White, Superintendent of Ponca City, presented the March Employee of the Month Awards. Delores Schiltz was named certified employee, Mike Ross named support employee and James Roland was named the friend of education.
Other citizens of Ponca City also spoke out during public comments about the OASIS program at the Mid-High. Janelle Wirtz, Ponca City, said that the program still needs improvements and wanted the board to consider that.
Dr. John Scroggins gave a report about curriculum and instruction. Scroggins said that the Joint Curriculum Committee is currently working on a proposal for both the Mid-High and High School math courses. The proposal will include two phases.
The first phase is to change the current ninth grade course offering of Pre-Algebra to the first part of a two-year Algebra I program and to change the current ninth grade course offering of Geometry to the second part of a two-year Algebra I program. The second phase is to add both parts of a two-year Algebra I program to the tenth through twelve grade course offerings. The course names will be Algebra, Part A and Algebra, Part B. All other course offerings at the Senior High would be unaffected by this change.
The consent agenda was approved and included several travel requests. Patrick Young will be attending the National Wrestling Coach Meeting in Iowa, Diane Bull will attend the National DECA Conference in California, Dr. John Scroggins will attend the ADCD Annual Conference in Maryland and Elizabeth Watson will attend the Spring 1997 NAFIS Conference in Washington, D.C.
Gifts were also discussed before the approval of the consent agenda. Gifts for the month of March include $800 donated from Conoco to Garfield Elementary to purchase library books and gym mats and Woodlands Elementary has received computer donations from various families in Ponca City.
The board approved two changes in construction at local schools. The first change order will be at the new Lincoln Elementary and will include adding additional ball valves in water lines, extending two roof drains to run under the sidewalks, adding nine computer outlets and adding counterflashing to allow easier roofing. The total cost of the change at Lincoln will be $2,398.
A new change order for the new Math/Science/Business Center was also approved. The changes include adding a sewer line and fireline, installing sprinklers above the ceiling to use less expensive lights and building an enclosure for the fire sprinkler. The total costs will be $4,801.
The board approved granting the City of Ponca City a permanent electrical easement for the underground electric line at the new Lincoln Elementary School.
The board convened into executive session at 9:45 p.m., to discuss the renewal or nonrenewal of contracts of all directors, coordinators, principals and assistant principals. The following directors contracts were approved: Jeff Denton, Director of Child Nutrition; Jerry Lee, Director of Transportation; Bret Smith, Director of Maintenance; Elizabeth Watson, Director of Special Education and Dr. Kathleen Workman, Director of Personnel.
The following principals contracts were also renewed: Barbara Cusick, Jean Hastings, Pat Keast, Dr. Patty Ladd, Ron McCleary, Jerry Newsom, Steve Nida, Dr. Nancy Niemann, David Shelton, Tom Sipe and Dr. Don Sjoberg. Assistant principals contracts renewed included: Chuck Bayha, Link Cotham, Richard Dale, Peg Jordan and John Woody. The board commented that all contracts were approved with an appropriate plan of improvement needed. The plan was discussed during executive session.
The board returned from executive session at 11:25 p.m. and adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The county commissioners Monday morning took another step toward developing a county-wide public-safety system, with District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven joining area fire department officials in a new group devoted to safety funding issues.
The new group, representing fire departments across the county, first met with the board two weeks ago, expressing the need to organize so its activities will benefit both city patrons and rural patrons.
This week, the commissioners agreed that Leven would join the group, which has elected four other officers, including Kildare Fire Chief Gene Appel, who will be chairman of the new group, and John Hensy of Newkirk, who will be secretary.
The group was studying Garfield County's Public Safety Association as a sample program, they said. County Clerk Pam Goodno assisted the new group with bylaws and open-meeting practices.
Hensy told the board the officials were "glad to have the support of the commission."
Leven said the new board "is not in the fire-protection business. It's in the money-raising business" to support the departments.
In other business, the board completed a District One lease-purchase of a 1990 model 770BH motor grader for $74,900 from Keystone Equipment of Tulsa, financed through Eastman Bank of Newkirk.
The commissioners heard a presentation from the first of three or four companies to consider a new medical plan for workers compensation. They also approved a $1,585.78 claim for food stamp reimbursements.
The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
St. Mary's Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) is offering a scholarship to qualified high school graduates planning to attend college for the 1997-98 academic year. Applicants must be members of St. Mary's parish and an alumni of St. Mary's School.
The value of the scholarship is $300. Each applicant must submit three separate forms. The deadline for submission of applications is March 29, 1997.
For more information regarding applications, contact Leanna Rexford at St. Mary's School, or Royce Caldron at Ponca City High School.
In Oklahoma, 16 and 17-year-old youths can be charged as an adult for certain felony offenses.
The process of charging a juvenile as an adult for a major offense is called reverse certification. When a youth is reverse certified, the burden is on the juvenile to prove that he/she should remain in the juvenile system, rather than being charged as an adult, according to Oklahoma Statute.
A 16 or 17-year-old youth can be reverse certified for such crimes as: murder, kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, rape, use of a firearm while committing a felony, arson, burglary with explosives and shooting with intent to kill. Furthermore, a youth charged with intimidating a witness, manslaughter, sodomy, trafficking in illegal drugs, manufacturing, distributing, dispensing or possessing a controlled dangerous substance or assault and battery with a deadly weapon, shall be considered as an adult.
Moreover, any person 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 who is charged with murder shall also be considered as an adult.
Upon arrest and detention, a juvenile will remain in a jail cell or ward entirely separate from prisoners who are 18 years of age or older.
TONKAWA - Northern music faculty Jennie Olson, soprano, and Michael Moore, trumpet, will team for a baroque duet recital, "The Age of Elegance," Thursday in the Northern Performing Arts Center.
Beginning at 8 p.m., the duo will delight the audience with works by Vivaldi, Purcell, Bach and Handel, performed with a chamber ensemble featuring some of the finest string players in the region.
"The recital promises elegant lines and virtuostic displays," Olson said. Admission is free.
Olson, whose lovely effortless singing has been described by The Santa Fe Reporter as "undiluted exquisiteness," has performed extensively throughout the Southwest. She has appeared with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, performing Poulenc's "Gloria" as well as sections from "The Rake's Progress" and "Candide" and has been featured in Ballet Oklahoma's production of "Carmina Burana."
She has appeared in solo performances with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Tulsa Philharmonic, New Texas Festival, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, New Mexico Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony and the Oklahoma Accademia Filarmonica in numerous oratorio and opera roles.
Her most recent opera roles include the title role in "Lakme," the Queen of the Night in "The Magic Flute," Dido in "Dido and Aeneas," Adele in "Die Fledermaus" and Lucy in "The Telephone."
Olson has also toured with the Santa Fe Opera Arts in Education Program, performing opera for children in New Mexico and Texas. She is a past winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing Regional Artist Award and the Channing Classical Music Society Competition.
Last fall Olson joined the Northern faculty, coming highly recommended from East Central University where she taught for two years. Currently she serves as NPAC coordinator and as director of choral activities in addition to teaching private voice and music theory classes.
Moore, a faculty member since 1990, heads the jazz studies program at Northern. A free lance musician, Moore has served as director and soloist with the Tulsa Community Rehearsal Jazz Band, principal trumpet of the Tulsa Pops Orchestra, Oklahoma Sinfonia and the Bartlesville Symphony and leader of several festival and club ensembles of the northeastern Oklahoma jazz scene. He has been heard on live radio broadcasts from several Tulsa stations.
Editor, The News:
We are fortunate to live in one of the greatest little towns in America. Ponca City has certainly had its problems over the past several years, and I have been distressed by the anti-progress faction and negative voter responses to much needed capital improvements and revenue sources. But these setbacks will be overcome, and our community will continue to thrive and prosper.
What I am more concerned about right now is municipal finance, budget shortfalls, and proposed solutions - specifically, a reduction in funding for public safety. Our city has a finite budget, and tough decisions are made every day. In my opinion, the first priority of the city is public safety, and it should be the last area to be cut.
Ponca City has one of the finest police forces in the Southwest. From the chief right down to the first-year patrolman, they are well trained, well supervised, and highly professional. They are also grossly underpaid for the job we ask them to do, and the danger they face every day. They make the most of their limited financial resources, and allow our citizens to sleep better at night, knowing that we are safeguarded by these professionals.
If you believe that public safety should be city government's number one priority, let your city officials know, by letter or phone call. Cuts will be made somewhere, but public safety is not the place to cut corners.
And by the way, fellow Poncans, the next time you have something negative to say about PC, try substituting something positive. It is amazing the effect a positive attitude can have - on all of us.
ADA - Velma Josephine Burnside, former Ponca City-Burbank area beauty operator, died Sunday, March 9, 1997, at a local hospital in Sulphur. She was 80.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel in Ada, with Danny Stewart officiating. Burial will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery at Sulphur.
Velma Josephine (Canida) Burnside was born May 2, 1916, in Wister, the daughter of Marion Olen Canida and Elizabeth Bullard. She attended schools at Wister and Tupelo. She later attended Ponca City Beauty College, and worked as an operator in the Ponca City area for several years.
She was married to Arthur Hendrix in 1932, in Sulphur and he preceded her in death in April 1950. She was later married to Taylor Burnside in 1954 and he preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 1993. Mrs. Burnside was a member of the Church of Christ. She moved to the Ada area from Burbank about three years ago.
Survivors include one son, Larry Hendrix of Oklahoma City; two step sons, Jack Burnside of Arizona and Tommy Burnside of Tennessee; one step-daughter, Cheryle Burnside of Perry; six sisters, Opal Canida of Oklahoma City, Hazel Swenson of Ponca City, Wanda Cogburn, Bonnie Gregory, Billie Gray and Joyce Holland, all of Ada; four brothers, Paul Canida, Bill Canida, both of Ada, Burl Canida of Tupelo and David Canida of Franklin, Tenn.; four grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.
Casket bearers will be Bobby Canida, Jerry Canida, Wayne Canida, Charles Canida, Roger Rush and Junior Kolb.
Thursday
Leo Leslie Foust - Funeral at 2 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Dorotha A. Wells, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, March 10,
1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 80. Arrangements are
pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
NEWS BRIEFS
Provide Hope for the Homeless - Support the Peachtree Landing drive sponsored by the Bluestem Girl Scout Council. Dates are March 9-15 and is corresponding with Girl Scout Week. The collection site for donations is Wal-Mart this week from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donation items needed include: paper goods, kitchen supplies (not food), cleaning supplies, laundry supplies and toiletries/personal items. For further information, contact the Donna Hingtgen at the Girl Scout Office, 762-9616. Bluestem Girl Scout Council is a member of the United Way.
Plummer Family Coming - Branson's famous Plummer Family Country Music Show will perform at the Hutchins Auditorium on April 18, sponsored by Ponca City Noon Lions Club. Profits from this annual event will assist the club in continuing to provide new eye glasses to needy citizens. Telephone solicitation begins this week for the sale of tickets. For more information about the tickets or the show, call 765-5676.
Warrant Activity - Ponca City police officers have arrested 69 people since Jan. 20 for misdemeanor warrants issued by Ponca City Municipal Court. The face value of bonds on the warrants totals $28,615. The options for those arrested includes: serving time in jail, paying the fines in full or securing bail. The funds are deposited into the general fund for city operations.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident at 7:01 a.m. Monday. The accident apparently occurred in the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue.
Stolen - The Ponca City Police Department received noticed at 7:33 a.m. Monday that a bag was stolen at the Bus Station. An officer took a report.
Collision - Two residents reported being involved in a minor accident at West Hartford Avenue and North Union Street at 8:25 a.m. Monday.
Vandalism - A business in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported a window broken out at the clinic. A Ponca City police officer took a report at 9:10 a.m. Monday.
Abandoned - A resident in the 3500 block of Wellington Road, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 11:38 a.m. Monday of an abandoned bike.
Under Suspension - A Ponca City police officer arrested a woman at North Oak Street and West Summit Avenue at 12:56 p.m. Monday for driving under suspension, an expired tag and no insurance.
Grass Fire - Ponca City firefighters extinguished a grass fire in a remote area one mile south of Ponca City at 1:17 p.m. Monday. According to the report, the fire is believed to have been caused by a match. An estimated $200 in damage occurred.
Youth With Firearm - Three Ponca City police officers responded to West Liberty Avenue and North Pine Street at 1:24 p.m. Monday to a report of a teen-aged boy with a rifle. The juvenile was issued a citation.
Stolen Bike - A resident in the 500 block of North Peachtree Street notified Ponca City telecommunication officers at 1:32 p.m. Monday that a bicycle was stolen. An officer took a report.
Warrants Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 24-year-old man in the 700 block of South Second Street at 2:18 p.m. Monday on a Kay County warrant for concealing stolen property and a Colorado warrant for failure to appear.
Wreck - Ponca City telecommunication officers received a call of a non-injury accident in the 200 block of North Ash Street at 2:49 p.m. Monday. An officer took a report.
Pedestrian Hit - Ponca City telecommunication officers received several 911 calls at 3:18 p.m. Monday about a 17-year-old Ponca City girl who was hit by a car in the 900 block of North Seventh Street. A Ponca City ambulance crew took the girl to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where she was treated and released, according to a hospital supervisor.
Bogus Check - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 20-year-old woman in the 200 block of North Third Street at 3:19 p.m. Monday on a Nevada County, Mo., warrant for a bogus check.
Failure to Pay - A 50-year-old man was picked up at the Kay County Sheriff's Office by a Ponca City police officer at 3:31 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident in the 300 block of south Fourteenth Street at 4:46 p.m. Monday.
Collision - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of
an accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue. An officer
took a report of an injury accident at 8:05 p.m. Monday.
BUSINESS
BOSTON, Mass. - Former Ponca Citian Gracelyn Brown, director of programming at WB56 (WLVI-TVl Tribune/Boston) has been named director of creative services at KTLA-TV, Los Angeles WB5).
In making the announcement John Vitanovec, WB56 vice president and general manager, said Brown promotion was effective Feb. 24.
As director of creative services, Brown will be responsible for all KTLA marketing efforts including the on-air look, graphics and promotional spots, as well as all print collateral and advertising.
"Gracelyn is very well respected by Tribune and has shown great talent, creativity, and management skill as programing director at WB56," Vitanovec said. "Transferring to our sister station as creative services director is an excellent opportunity, and Gracelyn is the natural choice. Her experience will be invaluable to KTLA."
Brown joined WLVI in 1990 as director of programming and creative services. Tribune purchased the station in 1994 and she was named director of programming that same year. From 1988 to 1990 she was director of marketing for WPRI, Providence and spent three years previous at WXIX, Cincinnati as director of creative services.
Brown served as promotion manager for KPDX, Portland. 1983 to 1985, and WFLD, Chicago, 1982 to 1983, after having spent a year with WJV, Baltimore as audience promotion manager. Other experience includes three years as accounts supervisor for Jordon Associates/Snyder Company and two years, 1977 to 1979, as a writer-producer for KWTV, Oklahoma City.
Brown has received numerous television industry awards include an Emmy, PROMAX Gold Medallion, and an award from the Creative Club of Boston. Recent awards include Kellogg and NAB awards for children's programming. She received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Oklahoma in radio and television.
Brown grew up in Ponca City and is the daughter of Graydon and Marquetta Brown. She is a 1970 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Eric Kurtz was recently named as an assistant vice president, commercial loans at Pioneer Bank and Trust. The announcement was made by Carl Renfro, chairman of the board and chief executive officer.,
Kurtz has been employed in the commercial loan department since April 1993. He was previously employed with Pioneer Data Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pioneer Bank and Trust.
His areas of responsibility will include all facets of the commercial lending, financial analysis and loan documentation Kurtz was also voted 1995 Pioneer Bank Employee of the Year.
Renfro stated, "We are very proud to be able to promote from within our staff, officers of the caliber of Eric Kurtz. He has proven analytical ability coupled with his people skills will make him one of the outstanding commercial loan officers in our area."
Kurtz received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southwestern College in Winfield in 1991. He and his wife, Christy, relocated to Ponca City in 1991. They have a 7-year-old-daughter Kasha, and 2-month-old twins, Chase and Candice.
First National Bank & Trust recently completed a comprehensive remodeling of its ATM network to provide more convenient access for FNB customers.
State of the art Diebold Automated Teller Machines are now available at the American Branch, Fourteenth and Prospect; Ponca Plaza, and the Express Bank, Second and Chestnut. President and Chief Executive Officer David Mills described the new equipment as "the best technology available for financial institutions. We hope our customers will benefit from these improvements."
Customers using ATMs at First National Bank will also find them more convenient now because of extensive remodeling to the drive-up facilities. The American branch ATM was moved from the outer motor bank lane to a dedicated ATM lane on the south side of the branch. A canopy was also added to provide weather protection.
At Ponca Plaza the inside walk-up ATM was replaced with a new building that provides customers with drive-up capabilities. TNT Construction and Throop Construction worked to demolish the old building, repave the lot and build the site for the new ATM. New ATMs and signage were also added at the Express Bank and at the Stillwater drive-through location.
Senior Vice President Larry Hughes says he believes the extensive remodeling will create more customer convenience and fewer maintenance problems at the ATM locations. "Many of our customers rely on ATM machines for their daily banking and with new equipment at safe and convenient locations we can continue to provide the level of service our customers have come to expect from the First."
Insurance executive Michael Loftis, CIC with offices in Blackwell and Ponca City, has been installed as vice president of the Oklahoma Association of Insurance Agents (OAIA), the state's largest insurance trade association.
Loftis is president of Loftis Insurance Corporation, located in Blackwell.
He has served on the OAIA Board of Directors since 1990 and has most recently served as chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the last four years. He also serves as chairman of the Personnel Committee.
Loftis joined The Don Loftis Insurance Agency in 1974. He purchased the agency in 1982 and the agency now operates in Blackwell and Ponca City.
He has been active with the Boy Scouts, United Way, Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He is currently an officer of the Blackwell Public School Foundation and the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation. Loftis and his wife, Janet, have three children and reside northwest of Blackwell. They are also active in the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Commercial building totaled $247,000 in valuation for five permits issued during February, according to James Brown, building inspector.
New residential building is at a standstill with no permits issued either for single home or multi-home permits. There were two remodeling permits issued at a valuation of $21,000 and nine miscellaneous permits amounted to a valuation of $40,830.
During February there were 27 electrical permits issued and 57 inspections made by the electrical department headed by Rick Parrack, electrical inspector.
A total of 27 plumbing inspections were issued and 57 inspections made by Buddy R. Osborn, plumbing inspector. Osborn also serves as mechanical inspector and there were 13 permits issued and 30 inspections made. Total building inspection revenue was $2,028.
Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has slated discussion of the Right-To-Work issue for the Second Friday Forum, according to Dave Mueller, chairman.
The event, open to the public, will be held at Pioneer Technology Center at 8 a.m. Friday. The forum features speakers from Oklahoma City for and against the issue.
Speaking against will be Judy Calhoun, lobbyist for the Oklahoma United Auto Works. Speaking for the issue is Kirk Shelley, executive director for the Oklahoma Freedom to Work Committee.
About 45 minutes of the hour forum will be devoted to the Right-To-Work matter. Written questions will be taken to The rest of the program will be dedicated to updates by local legislators, Reps. Jim Newport and Jim Reese and Sen. Paul Muegge.
Management and staff of Ponca City Holiday Inn recently received top honors for service excellence.
Through the 1996 Priority Club PlusPerformer employees recognition program, they received the most recognition awards in Oklahoma from hotel guests. During the 1996 PlusPerformer program, employees at the Ponca City Holiday Inn received 27 PlusPerformer ribbons.
The recognition program, which began in 1987, gives guests the opportunity to reward hotel employees for doing a great job. Members of Priority Club, the frequent guest program, issue PlusPerformer recognition cards and ribbons to outstanding Holiday Inn hotel employees. To be recognized as a PlusPerformer, employees must excel in performing their duties and providing superior customer service.
Dorthey Murrell, CHA, general manager, says, "This award is very coveted, because our guests are the one who does the selecting and I'm very proud of our employees. They are Carol Ryan, J.C. Rainwater, Ruth Hall, Byrl Wise, Joyce Jones and Christine Cross."
A large new business opening recently in the downtown area is the Grand Avenue Antique Mall in the former location of Ewing Floors and Interiors.
The owners are Connie Long and Tamara Yohn. The mall features antiques, collectibles and primitives. Yohn was the owner of the former Early Attic shop here. Long is from Arkansas City.
More than 50 clients have merchandise on display in the 7,000-square-foot building. Additionally, the mall owners purchase individual items or entire estates. The antique mall is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Certified Assistants
ST, PAUL, Minn. - Pamela J. Poland, MD., Ponca City, announces that Lou Anne Flowers and Donna C. Stevens, both of Ponca City, have successfully completed the examination to become certified as ophthalmic assistants.
The certification examination is administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). This is the national certifying agency for ophthalmic medical personnel. By completing the examination, Flowers and Stevens are recognized for having professional qualifications and knowledge in ophthalmic medical assisting and demonstrating personal commitment toward maintaining the highest possible level of eye care for the public.
Quarterly Dividend
OMAHA, Neb. - Commercial Federal Corporation has announced that its board of directors has approved the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders for the quarter ending Sept. 30. The dividend, in the amount of 10 cents a share will be paced on Oct. 16 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 30.
Commercial Federal Corporation is the parent company of Commercial Federal Bank, a $6.6 billion federal savings bank which operates 98 retail offices in Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa.
Furniture Medic
Area residents Mike Stuber and Dale Murphy will be making house calls across north central Oklahoma repairing broken chairs, tables with scratches and nicks and other ailments. They will be serving Kay, Payne and Garfield Counties.
Stuber and Murphy, who once worked together in furniture and appliances
sales, recently launched the newest location of Furniture Medic, a franchise
company that has pioneered a distinctive on-site method of furniture restoration
and repair. The mobile operation serves both businesses and residences.
For more information call (405) 372-4567.
LIFESTYLES
Eight members of the Eta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 25 at the home of Beth Downs. Krista Harbeson, president, conducted the meeting with Cynthia Wilson reading the minutes and Peggy Peters giving the treasurer's report.
Kelly Trotter gave the City Council report and announced that corrections to the yearbook needed to be turned in by the April 3 meeting. The social committee is working on plans for a girls' night out and the children's Easter Egg Hunt.
Election of officers and a Ritual of Jewels ceremony will be held at
the March 25 meeting. Following the business session members worked on the
chapter scrapbook. The group will meet this evening at the home of Ms. Trotter.
Members are reminded to bring scissors, family pictures, etc. for the individual
scrapbook pages.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcat golf team may have been a good host, but the Cats' performance in their own tournament disappointed coach Dan McGregor.
"I'm disappointed we finished seventh in our own tournament," he said as the Ponca City Invitational field left the Ponca City Country Club Monday evening. "We've got a lot of work to do. We're not scoring like we should. We need to cut seven or eight shots per player - on both the A and B teams."
The Cats finished with a 332 total, 35 shots behind first-place Choctaw.
The Lady Cats fared somewhat better, taking fifth place with a 421 total. Jenks won the girls' team title with a 358.
Both Ponca City teams are fairly inexperienced. Only senior Casey Orr and sophomore Eric Smith have had varsity experience. Orr recovered from a slow start to post a 78 over the par-72 country club course and was the only Wildcat to break 80.
Seniors Tiffany Tapp and Heather Roth paced the Lady Wildcats with some help from junior Jackie Dyer. But the next three girls are freshmen.
That bodes both good and ill for the Lady Cats, according to coach Jerry Orr.
"It's going to take a little while," the coach said. "But I am impressed with our younger girls. If they continue to improve we'll be pretty good down the line."
Tapp was the only Po-Hi girl to have much success as she posted an 88. That left her in sixth place in the individual scoring. None of her teammates broke 100.
"I didn't putt very well on the back nine," Casey Orr said as the boys played the back nine first while the girls started on the front. "I played a little better on the front, picked up some birdies and turned a bad round into a decent one."
Orr scored a 42 on the back but came back with a 36 on the front. Smith had a little more balanced round with nines of 41 and 39 for an 80.
"As a team, we played all right." Casey Orr said. "But we need to improve. I think in a couple of weeks we'll do all right."
McGregor wasn't so sure. The coach feared the team's inexperience was taking its toll in the early going.
"We have players who are capable of scoring well," he said. "But they're not positive with what they're doing. They need to have more confidence in striking the ball, to know where it's going."
Matt Waddell fired a 41-44-85, Justin DeNoya had 41-48-89 and Ken Parton 41-49-90.
Jay Morgan of Choctaw and Clint Cobert of Guthrie each fired one-under 71s to lead the field. Morgan won a one-hole playoff for the first place medal.
Adam Wing of Broken Arrow and J.C. Deleon of Jenks both posted 72s.
Lucas Elmore led the Wildcat "B" team with an 89. John Hilyard had 91, Jason Pettigrew and Bryant Ferguson each had 91 and Aaron Hill 100.
Roth finished behind Tapp for the Lady Cats with a 100, Ashley Mott had 108, Calyn Howe 121 and Dyer 128. Playing unattached, Ponca City's Heather Staires posted a 119.
Wendy Martin of Edmond Santa Fe was the girls' medalist with a 37-37-74. Bonnie Hanlin of Tulsa Union had a 79, Jamie Tucker of Jenks an 80 while Emily Allred of Jenks and Jennifer Ward of Santa Fe tied for fourth with 87.
The Po-Hi golfers will get some extended practice time now. Both teams are off until after Spring Break. The Wildcats play at Fairfax on March 26. The Lady Cats do not play until March 31 at Cushing.
Boys
Teams
Choctaw 307, Union 310, Jenks 317, Broken Arrow 320, Enid 323, Bartlesville 331, Ponca City 332, Cushing 334, Sand Springs 335, Guthrie 337, Owasso 343, Blackwell 348, Seminole 359, Del City 361, Piedmont 377.
Top 10 Individuals
Jay Morgan, Choctaw, 71; Clint Cobert, Guthrie 71; Adam Wing, Broken Arrow, 72, J.C. Deleon, Jenks, 72; Brian Key, Union, 76; Matt Albert, Union, 76, Aaron Lee, Sand Springs, 76, Marty McCauley, 77; Ricky Breslin, Choctaw, 77; Jeff Glenn, Jenks 78; Charleton Dechert, Blackwell, 78.
Girls
Teams
Jenks 358, Edmond Santa Fe 361, Broken Arrow 385, Cushing 398, Ponca City 421, Bartlesville 426, Union 429, Sand Springs 430, Blackwell 469, Del City-Midwest City 519.
Top 10 Individuals
Wendy Martin, Santa Fe, 74; Bonnie Hanlin, Union; 79, Jamie Tucker, Jenks 80; Emily Allred, Jenks, 87; Jennifer Ward, Santa Fe, 87; Tiffany Tapp, Ponca City, 88; Amanda Harris, Sand Springs, 89; Heidi Brown, Broken Arrow, 91; Shannon Green, Jenks, 93; Sheena Wilson, Santa Fe, 94.
Ponca City's varsity tennis teams will be in action today as they host a quad against Sapulpa, Sand Springs and Edmond Santa Fe at the Wally Smith Tennis Center.
The quad was scheduled to begin at 11:30 today and run through the early afternoon.
The JV Wildcats and Lady Cats hosted a tournament Monday. The Lady Cats were first while the JV boys split into Red and Blue squads with the Blue second and the Red third.
Ponca City JV Tournament
JV Boys Team Results
Pryor 14, PC Blue 11, PC Red 9, Guthrie 5, Muskogee 1.
JV Boys Individual Results
No. 1 Singles - Damon Myers, Blue, second; Jason Nye, Red, third.
No. 2 Singles - T.J. Murray, Red, first; Drew Hopkins, Blue, third.
No. 1 Doubles - Andy Parsons-Micha Alexander, Blue, tied for first; Owen Bullard-Michael Galbraith, Red, third.
No. 2 Doubles - Sterling Fox-Alex Kirby, Blue, second; Joseph Welch-Bryan Geubelle, Red, fourth.
JV Girls Team Results
Ponca City 14, Guthrie 8, Muskogee 7, Blackwell 6, Pryor 5.
JV Girls Individual Results
No. 1 Singles - Emmy Hufnagel, first.
No. 2 Singles - Emily Wheeler, first.
No. 1 Doubles - Mandy Dickson-Katie Rutherford, second.
No. 2 Doubles - Mia Alexander-Ashley Taylor/Leanna Maurer, first.
Varsity Boys vs. Cassady (March 6)
Singles
No. 1 Matt Stuemky lost to L. Armon, 1-6, 4-6; No. 2 Donovan Weems lost to M. Armon, 3-6, 4-6; No. 3 Bilal Ahga lost to Penland, 0-6, 2-6; No. 4 Daniel Lee def. Hsu, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6; No. 5 Chris Brune lost to Cox, 1-8; No. 6 Justin Lewis lost to Bozalis, 2-8; No. 7 T.J. Murray def. Elder, 8-5; No. 8 Damon Myers def. Rupp, 6-1, 7-6.
Doubles
No. 1 Stuemky-Weems lost to Armon-Armon, 2-6, 3-6; No. 2 Brune-Lewis lost to Penland-Hsu, 1-6, 4-6; No. 3 Ahga-Lee lost to Cox-Bozalis, 4-6, 3-6; No. 4 Murray-Myers def. Elder-Paternostro, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.
The Northern Oklahoma Lady Mavericks' softball team took second place in the Sand Springs Tournament over the weekend, beating a couple of nationally ranked teams along the way.
The Lady Mavs won six of seven games in the long weekend.
In the tournament opener, NOC popped Bacone College, 14-8, behind the five-hit, no-walk pitching of Skiatook freshman Jennifer Seaton. Raynee Moody, Washington, had an inside the park grand slam home run.
The Lady Mavs beat Coffeyville Community College, 8-6, with Cleveland's Kim Garrison getting the win on the mound. Led by Joyce Mills of Piedmont, NOC banged out 12 hits in that game.
Game Three saw the NOC women top conference foe St. Gregory's in a slugfest, 13-10. Seaton and Garrison teamed for the win. Bridget Maxwell of Taloga had a home run wile Moody had three doubles. Tori Morgan, Mannford, went 3-for-4.
Nationally-ranked Eastern was Northern's next victim as the Lady Mavs won 8-7 with Garrison and Seaton again sharing the pitching duties. Moody had another home run while Tara Eakin of Blackwell also homered.
Returning to action Saturday, Northern started with a 12-1 shelling of Kansas City Community College behind the one-hit pitching of Garrison. Moody, with her third home run, led the 11-hit attack.
In the tournament semifinals the Lady Mavs blanked 14th ranked Connors, 5-0. Moody belted her fourth homer.
The finals sent Northern against ninth-ranked Northeastern A&M.
The Lady Mavs fell 3-0 to the one-hit pitching of NEO's Pokey Fish. Garrison had the only NOC hit and gave another no-walk performance on the mound.
"Our success in this tourney reverts directly back to our team play,
enthusiasm and our ability to have fun even in tight games," Northern
coach Annette Kennedy said. "Every person deserves recognition, but
I really want to thank my two pitchers for keeping us in every ball game,
and Moody for being the backbone of the offense. She had a .785 batting
average on 11-for-14 hitting with 15 RBIs and four home runs."