From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
16, 1997
LOCAL
Upgrade of Electric System Urged in Utility Audit Report
Incumbent Commissioners Challenged
Protect Your Child Theme for Week
Ted White Jr. Memorial Dinner Today
Presbyterian Church Youths Heading for Mexican Ministry
Local Volunteers Help Produce Drugstore Program for Youths
NOC Foundation Honors Donors
Sewer Repairs On City Agenda
Top Student Artists Featured
Ventriloquist, 'Poet' Banquet Entertainers
Area Inmates on List For Parole Hearings
Top Young Dancers To Be Here Friday
Kay Countians Get Conservation Honors
Right-to-Work Foes, Backers Give Views at Friday Forum
Water Line Work Set for Tuesday
City Calendar
Admission Charge for Museum Clears Hurdle
Traffic Altered Due to Repairs
1996-97 Teacher of the Year Announced
Liberty Teacher Hard Worker
Exemption Filing Extended a Day
Constantine Theater Will Host Showcase Opry Show Saturday
Explorer Post Learns About Blood Donation
Tree Seedlings Offered For Farmland Use
DEATHS
George W. Anderson
Robert Nolan
Lorn Edwards
John David Jeans
Obituaries
Thelma Garrett Sprunger
Services Pending
Wiley J. Howe
Pearl A. Park
Funerals
Opal Drucilla Constant
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Round Grove Club Sees Video About Exercise
St. Francis Guild Luncheon Party Open To Community
Little News
Unit II Group Holds Meeting
Engagement Is Announced
April 19 Wedding Vows Set
AAUW Meetings Include 'Vision' For Ponca City
Couple Plans May Marriage
Ambucs Mark 70 Years; Set Plans for Easter Egg Hunt
Happy Hilltop Homemakers Planning Lunch
Kylie Hines Is Bride-Elect
Hollar Speaker For Leadership Alumni Program
Mrs. Buerger Celebrating 80th Birthday
Katy Tucker New Music Club Officer
Kanza Greenhouses Busy With Mid-Season Activities
Couple Marks Anniversary
Paula Trant Is Bride-To-Be
Pair Plans April 5 Wedding
Nat'l Poison Prevention Week Begins
Crestview Baptist Church Setting for Couple's Vows
Michele Jean Will Give Diabetes Support Program
Singles Network Lists Schedule For Week
Wheatheart Nutrition
Ponca City Happenings
Mrs. Coates Will Show DAR Slides
Gardeners Learn To Make Roses From Chocolate
SPORTS
Cats Suffer Third Loss
Graves Is Selected Wrestling All-Stater
Ponca City Thinclads Garner Four Firsts at Redskin Relays
Lady Wildcat Tennis Team Fourth in Tough Invitational
Po-Hi All-Star Signs Football Letter
Wildcat Tennis Team 11th at Jenks
Junior High Basketball
Sports Camp
Softball Tournament
Softball Meeting
Baseball Tournament
Basketball Banquet
BCI State
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City's electric transmission and distribution system is "inadequate but the problems are manageable," according to an independent audit of the city's electric department.
"A Final Focused Management Audit" report of the Ponca City Electric Department was presented to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners last week. The city contracted with R.W. Beck, who submitted the detailed analysis and independent assessment of the system.
According to John Minor, a consultant with R.W. Beck, the company evaluated strengths and weaknesses of the Ponca City Utility Authority's electrical production, transmission and distribution system. Miner said infrastructure, transmission, distribution, as well as the successes with customer relations, governance and management were reviewed.
"Deregulation is still unfolding (in the electric industry). Few states, including Oklahoma, have lower-than-average costs to customers," he said. "We have a concern that within the states customers will see rates going up."
The Beck consultant said the city's utility is in a position with a hundred other municipal systems like it. He said Ponca City is on the right road, looking at system improvements and cutting rates, but keeping an eye on what is going on in the industry.
Recommendations
The study indicated the utility needs to maintain a balance between business and municipal concerns. As far as the transmission and distribution system, Miner said the current system is not adequate, but the problems are manageable.
Additional capital improvements for the system and upgrades will be required. Beck indicated efforts to improve the system planning and operational procedures will be critical.
In the area of infrastructure, planning development and operation, Beck recommends investing in a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA), which is a network of computers that analyzes the substations. In addition, the city should conduct formal short- and long-term planning to forecast future electric loads.
Furthermore, Beck recommends investing in a support facility. The current facility is inadequate for this size of operation, he said. Additional office space and yard space is needed.
In addition, Miner informed commissioners of the
community's minimum awareness of public power trade offs and benefits. Beck recommends the city prioritize communication initiatives to engage the community in dialogue.
Moreover, the utility should explore strategic alliances to secure expertise for priority technical and business services. Also, a system of performance, accountability, monitoring and reporting, which operates at corporate, departmental and an individual level is needed.
Beck also recommends clarifying the delegation of authority and accountability from the Board of Trustees to the PCUA management and Utility Advisory Commission. An Electric Utility Board should be created with more focus and clear direction from the Utility Advisory Commission, he continued.
Additionally, the management organizational structure should be changed to improve functional performance, increase accountability and ensure leadership.
What Has Been Done
According to Tom Short, assistant city manager, the city has been taking steps since 1992 to become more competitive. None of the recommendations from Beck are insurmountable, he said.
The electric rates have been reduced three times in the last 18 months, making the current rates as low as those in 1988, he confirmed. City Manager Gary Martin said the city monitors the rates paid by others in Oklahoma through a monthly report from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority and a quarterly report from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
"We are relatively competitive, just trying to become more so," said Short.
"We have been working to reduce the rates, now we are working to improve the system, provide reliability that the customers want and deserve," said Martin.
Before the study came out, the city had already introduced an average monthly billing program, ability for customers to have their bill drafted from their account. In addition, the department mails out a quarterly newsletter, W.I.S.E.
Better still, energy service consultants are available for residential and business customers. Specially trained system engineers go into a home or business to evaluate leaks to make the home and business more energy efficient.
What Happens Next
The city is looking to hire a general manager for the electric department. In addition, a plan will be developed to implement recommendations from the R.W. Beck study, said the city officials.
According to Short, the city also intends to allocate $750,000 to purchase a SCADA system. The system can determine where outages occur, so they can be addressed sooner and more efficiently. Remote terminals at the substations will be controlled at the Light office.
Additionally, $700,000 in funds need to be budgeted for a new substation. Officials are analyzing the current load and where the big needs are before they a decision will be reached on where to place the new substation.
"Some substations are near or at capacity," said Short.
Currently, the city is looking at unbundling the rate structure to better inform the customers. Unbundling involves separating the costs for transmission, production costs and distribution costs on a customers's bill. However, city officials continue to look at many options.
Martin confirmed that city funds and utility funds are not co-mingled. "The electric utility is operated as an entirely separate business. It has its own separate books and officially, a separate board of trustees," said the city manager. "It is treated as a private business within the city."
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Two incumbent Ponca City commissioners are being opposed by local businessmen in their campaign for reelection on April 1.
City Commissioner No. 2
Dick Bird
Incumbent Commissioner Dick Bird, 2517 Windsor Road, has been challenged by businessman Chris Hand, 2701 McKinley Place.
Bird, who has served on the commission since May of 1993, has a long history of public service involvement at the city level. He served a three-year term on the Planning Commission, two terms on the Traffic Commission and is a past member of the Board of Adjustment.
"The past three years have been a very rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing to represent the citizens of Ponca City on the city commission," he said.
"I have diligently reviewed the expenditures of the city had have asked "tough" questions, as needed, to ensure an efficient and fiscally responsive government," said Bird. "I strongly support the promotion of public safety and the provision of quality programs and services, and will continue to utilize my experience to vote in the citizen's best interest, during these important and ever changing times."
Over the years, Bird has been active in the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board. He is a past president of the Ponca City Rotary Club, a member of Woodlands Christian Church and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
A Navy veteran, Bird moved back to Ponca City in 1948, where he worked for the Water and Light Department. He is owner of Professional Office Products and he and his wife, Kay, have three sons.
Chris Hand
Opposing Bird is Ponca City businessman Chris Hand. Also, involved in public service, Hand has served on the Ponca City Board of Education and the board of directors of Ponca City Tomorrow and the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.
Currently, Hand serves on the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents and is an elder at Community Christian Church. A former Marine, Hand established Carpet Specialties, in 1987.
If elected, Hand said he intends to support publication of city financial reports and hopes to address the reduction of the city's revenues.
"I believe in taking massive action when a problem arises. I have proven I will make tough decisions and can work within budget constraints," said Hand.
Additionally, the candidate supports the needs of the police and fire departments to ensure the safety of the citizens. He also wants quality jobs for Ponca City.
"As a representative of the average citizen, I am sensitive to the needs of the entire community, from the elderly, low-income families to the middle and upper classes. Before making a decision, I will consider how issues will affect the entire population," he said.
Furthermore, if elected, the entrepreneur plans to learn about every level of the city. He intends to take time to talk to the department employees as well as administrators.
Hand and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters.
City Commissioner No. 4
Incumbent O.E. "Greg" Gregson, 208 Cardinal Road and attorney Tom Leonard, 2512 Woodthrush Road, will vie for City Commissioner No. 4.
O.E. Gregson
Gregson wants to continue to be a part of the team which will be addressing sharp challenges facing Ponca City - limited growth in the general fund revenue and increasing capital improvement needs, deregulation of the electrical industry and beginning to address the inflow and infiltration problems in the waste water system.
Actively involved in Ponca City Tomorrow, Gregson is also a member of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on its Finance Committee.
Gregson retired from Conoco in 1988 as manager of geophysics in
the Exploration Research and Services Division. He says he has learned a lot about the business of the city, during his years of service and feels well-equipped to make an ongoing contribution to the city government.
"The only reason for the existence of city government is to provide timely, reliable and cost competitive services to its customers and my ongoing commitment is to that end," said Gregson.
Gregson and his wife, Betty, are members of First Lutheran Church. They have two grown sons.
Tom Leonard
Ponca City attorney, Leonard is opposing Gregson for City Commissioner No. 4. Leonard has served on the board of directors of the YMCA and as a member of the Ponca City Jaycees and the Noon Lions Club.
Currently, he is on the board of directors of the Kay County Cancer Society and is a member of the Ponca City Noon Ambucs.
"Ponca City needs new goals, new ideas and a new perspective on budgetary problems. Public confidence in city government is the lowest I have ever seen," said the city attorney. "Recent decisions are out of touch with public sentiment and the commission is governing by reaction," the candidate said.
Leonard supports the return of the Economic Development Foundation to direct city control. If elected, Leonard's primary goal is to restore public trust in city government by making full disclosure of its affairs.
"In these difficult times, we must rethink how we got to where we are so we can anticipate the future. Without the support of the general public, the burden of civic responsibility is overwhelming," he said.
Leonard is a lifelong resident of Ponca City. He has a daughter, who is currently in college.
"Protect Your Child Prevent Poisoning" is the theme of this year's National Poison Prevention Week, set for March 16-22.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is observing National Poison Prevention Week by providing education materials and promoting awareness of the preventative steps parents can take to lessen the chances of accidental poisonings within the home.
Medicines, household substances, insect sprays, kerosene, lighter fluid, some furniture polishes, turpentine, paints solvents, and products containing lye and acids are most frequently the cause of accidental poisonings among children. In 1995, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that the number of children age five and under exposed to potentially poisonous substances was 1,070,497.
Children under the age of five are in stages of growth and development in which they are constantly exploring and investigating the world around them. Unfortunately, these children usually put everything they can touch into their mouths.
As the youngsters' mobility, ingenuity and capabilities increase, they can reach medicines and household chemicals, no matter where they are stored. Adults should never leave a medicine or household chemical product unattended while in use. Children act fast and can grasp a product and swallow it during the short time while the adult is answering the telephone or doorbell.
There are presently 104 Poison Control Centers in the United States that maintain information necessary for treatment after ingestion of household products and medicine. These centers are familiar with the toxicity (how poisonous it is) of most substances found in the home or they know how to find this information quickly. The Emergency Department at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is one such center.
When a suspected poisoning occurs, contact the Poison Control Center. Be prepared to give the facts to the expert who answers the telephone. These facts are:
* The victim's age;
* The victim's weight;
* The poison involved - was it swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through skin contact, or splashed into the eyes;
* Any first aid which may have been given;
* If the person has vomited;
* Your location, and how long it will take you to get to the hospital.
Have the label ready when you call to give the product's contents. Always keep on hand a one-ounce bottle of Syrup of Ipecac for each child and grandchild in the home. Use this only on advice of the Poison Control Center.
To prevent accidental poisonings, there are a few good housekeeping rules to follow:
* Keep all household chemical products and medicines out of reach and out of sight of youngsters and preferably, locked up when not in use;
* When these products are in use, never let them out of your sight - even if you must take them along when answering the telephone or doorbell;
* Store all medicines separately from household products, and store all household chemical products away from food;
* Keep items in their original containers;
* Leave the original labels on all products and read the label before using;
* Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicines;
* Avoid taking medicines in front of children, since youngsters tend to imitate grown-ups;
* Clean out the medicine cabinet periodically, and safely dispose of unneeded medicine when the illness for which they were prescribed is over;
* Use safety packaging properly - by closing the container securely after use.
For more information about National Poison Prevention Week, contact Joanne Holman at the SJRMC Women's/Children's Unit at (405) 765-3321.
A memorial dinner will be held for Ted White Jr. at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center, White Eagle, beginning at noon today.
Special recognition and tribute to Mr. White will be expressed by four tribal songs.
The honoree made his home among the Ponca Tribe and was well respected by all the people
He was very instrumental in the Native American activities and various individuals and organizations utilized his services by his prayers and religious endeavors.
White was a World War II veteran and active in all veteran affairs with Ponca American Legion Post 38.
White was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Macy Neb., and died Feb. 24, 1997, in Collinsville, Okla. He was the son of the late Theodore White Sr. and Mary Walker White.
First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City has commissioned a team of youth and adults to travel to Nogales and Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico, during spring break, according to the Rev. David Clipson, youth minister.
The group departed from Ponca City Friday and will spend a week working with the Presbyterian Churches in the Mexican communities. This effort is a part of the Sending Forth Ministries program of the church which seeks to respond to the great commission of Jesus, Clipson pointed out, " and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8b.
The goal of this ministry, Clipson explained, is to allow youth and adults of this local congregation to participate in globalization efforts in other countries, other cultures within the United States, as well as other cultures within the State of Oklahoma.
The Presbyterian Church, USA has been responding to the needs of people along the Mexican border for several years. There are five small struggling churches in what is called Programa Nogalahillos, covering five communities of over a million people. Due to economic and cultural challenges, the churches need the support from churches in the United States in order to function and grow.
The churches in Nogales and Magdalena are developing a ministry to the children of the communities they serve, Clipson points out. Over 150 children recently participated in a Christmas fiesta which was sponsored by the Presbyterian Church in Ponca City. One of the great needs of the church's ministry to children was to have some kind of playground equipment on the church facility.
First Presbyterian of Ponca City has raised the money to provide playground equipment for the church and have sent the mission team to Mexico to assembly it; as well as to provide a Church School program for the children.
The group will spend four days in Nogales and then travel to Magdalena, a community further into the interior of the country. The mission team is made up of the Rev. Mr. Clipson, Jo Clipson, Larry Williams, Leah Powers, Andrea Clipson, Katie Salmons, Scott Norris, Ryan Clipson, Nicki Hansen, Jason Hunget, Matt Ernst, and Matt Grudowski. They will be returning to Ponca City on March 23.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Drugstore program makes its debut in Oklahoma at the Hutchins Memorial during the week of April 7. According to army Reserve Capt. Alvin Leavell, area students will learn that drugs can take them where they've never been before.
Leavell, who developed the program, is the volunteer consultant on the project, which operates under the exclusive permission of the Respect Our Community's Kids (ROCK) governing committee of Birmingham, Ala.
More than 1,500 sixth, seventh and eighth graders from Kildare, McCord, Kaw City, as well as Ponca City public and private schools, will see the social and physical consequences of substance abuse.
The Drugstore program is a unique collaboration between students, educational leaders, social service agencies, law enforcement, government, concerned citizens and the Ponca City business community. The name Drugstore comes from the fact that in many communities, illegal drugs can be bought as easily as over-the-counter medications.
Students will walk through interactive enactments exposing the nature of illegal drug use to help prevent needless deaths, addiction, violence and incarceration which accompanies illegal drug use and dealing. In addition, counseling will be offered, along with the exhibition booths and entertainment.
To date, the following organizations plan to participate: Helpline, Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter, Salvation Army, Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division, Edwin Fair Community Mental Health, Kay County Health Department, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Meadowlake, Literacy Council, APRC, Hospice and the American Cancer Society. Additionally, the Ponca City Police Department, the Kay County District Attorney's Office, the U.S. Army Reserve.
The Drugstore will be open and operating two sessions, morning (8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) and afternoon, (noon to 3:30 p.m.). Volunteers are needed for each session, each day, as coordinators, group leaders, station traffic controllers, actors, exhibit booth controllers, station time keepers and greeters.
To join the effort as a community volunteer, contact Sgt. Kevin Cochran at (405) 765-3036. A meeting for all volunteers will be held at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, 805 East Hartford Avenue at 4 p.m. March 27.
TONKAWA - Contributors to the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation during 1996 were honored at the annual donor recognition dinner in the Maverick Cafeteria on the college campus, Tonkawa, recently.
Free-standing desk plaques were accepted by new Heritage Club members Dale and Mirth Beall and Eleanor Hays, all of Tonkawa; Jim Ross for Central National Bank of Blackwell; and J. Curtis Starr, Lawrence, Kan.
Wall plaques for new President's Club members were accepted by Max Webb of Tonkawa for Arkla Gas Company and by Todd and Tracy McAreavey of Ponca City for Northern Therapy and Rehabilitation, Inc. Receiving Crimson and Round-up new plaques were Don Sloper, Blackwell; and Elsie Rea, Lamont.
Sheri Snyder, NOCF executive director, recognized continuing donors by groups.
D.W. Boyd, Blackwell, NOCF president, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. He introduced Northern Regents and spouses Zane and Tammy Barham, Ponca City, and Kathy Lewis, Perry. Also introduced were Northern executive officers and spouses Dr. Kinzer and Pam Kinzer; Dr. Ron Appleman, vice president for academic affairs, and Teresa Appleman; and Marion Tucker, vice president for information systems, and Tom Tucker.
"You play a very pivotal role in helping Northern help more and more students. Our mission is to serve students, and your help helps to make that mission possible," Northern President Dr. Joe Kinzer told the donors. "We're close to state-of-the-art technology for all students so they will be able to work and learn in the environment of the 21st century."
He presented Boyd with a gift in recognition of the leadership he has provided.
Current NOCF officers present were trustee Barham; vice presidents Mac Bradley, Blackwell, and Dale Zehr and Betty Throop, Ponca City; and secretary Carol Stanfield, Ponca City. Former NOCF officers and staff present included Robert Colombe, attorney for the incorporation of the foundation in 1961; 1967-68 president Glen Strange, Tonkawa; and trustees Harold Goodman, Ponca City, and Gloria Langdon, Tonkawa.
Northern faculty attending were Dr. Virgil and Jeanne Ackerson, Dr. Christina Akers, Roy Chaney, Dr. Glenn Cope; Connie Mack and Pat Hullet; Marjilea Smithheisler and Wanda Webb.
Emeriti recognized were Bradley, Mariann Bryant of Ponca City, Goodman and Bob Steichen, Tonkawa. Ponca Citians attending in addition to those recognized from the podium were Stella Aggers, Faythe Berglund, E. Lee and Bernadine Brown, Reba Keller, David Stanfield, Betty Throop, Naomi Yost and Kathy Zehr.
Ponca City Board of Commissioners will address reconstruction of a sanitary sewer line on Fifth Street in a special session at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Ponca Avenue, at 8 a.m. Monday.
The board approved an emergency addendum on March 10, which waived the competitive bidding requirements to solicit bids to replace a collapsed sanitary sewer line on North Fifth Street between Hartford Avenue to Williams Avenue.
According to Ken Parr, Public Works Director, crews discovered connections fell into the main line and noticed a majority of the line had collapsed. An emergency was declared due to potential problems and stoppages.
City engineers estimated the cost between $20,000 and $30,000 to replace 700 feet of deteriorated, eight-inch sanitary sewer line serving 12 houses. City staff is recommending the contract be awarded to Throop Construction Company.
Afterwards, the board plans to have a work session to discuss the budget status and a budget retreat. Furthermore, discussion will be held regarding the possibility of once-per-week refuse pickup by the Solid Waste Department.
March is Youth Art Month, and the Ponca City public, private, and home schools students' art works are currently on exhibit at the Ponca City Art Center.
The exhibit will hang through March 30.
"Our students do outstanding work and it needs to be seen to appreciate the excellence of our fine arts programs," said Show Chairman Bob Becker.
Schools represented and their art instructors are Po-Hi, Bob Becker; Mid-High, Julie Anderson; Middle School, Bob Griffith; Liberty Elementary, Sharon Maddox; Lincoln Elementary, Jimmy Eatherly; Garfield Elementary, Laneta Going; Union Elementary, Clyde Otipoby; Washington Elementary, Lela McCracken; Roosevelt Elementary, Sandy Gaylord; Woodlands Elementary, Annette Anderson; Trout Elementary, Laneta Going and M. Damicone; First Lutheran School, Josette Kelle; First Assembly School, Elaine Armstrong; St. Mary's School, Dennis Best. Several home school entries are also included.
Some medias represented at the large many-roomed exhibit include prismacolor, pencil, cast paper, ink, paper, tempera paint, watercolor, stoneware, earthenware, markers, chalk, pastel, fiber, colored pencil, oil pastel, and plaster.
Admittance to the Art Center, 819 East Central, is free, and parents, relatives and friends are encouraged to visit from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
NEWKIRK - Tonkawa's very own cowboy poet Joe Kreger and ventriloquist Greg Claassen will headline the entertainment for this year's annual Kay County Cattlemen's Banquet, cattlemen's secretary-treasurer Larry Fleck announced.
The banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 8, at Norm's Country Ballroom south of Newkirk.
Fleck said Kreger, a long-term member of the county cattlemen's association, will share his original works of poetry and humorous stories.
Born and raised in Tonkawa, Kreger has been in the cattle business all his life. He not only raises purebred Beefmaster cattle with his brother Ron, but he has a company that sells equipment such as hydraulic hay-handlers and squeeze chutes for livestock.
He also modestly calls himself "a poet, if you use the term loosely," but meanwhile was negotiating a deal to publish a book and to record audio tapes for a broadcasting company.
Also performing will be Claassen, a ventriloquist from Whitewater, Kan. He has performed at Silver Dollar City and is a featured speaker for the international dinner club circuit.
Kay County Cattlemen's Association president R.Q. Spencer said the state cattlemen's association will be represented by OCA president Harold Wooderson of Blackwell and OCA executive vice president Scott Dewald.
The meal of beef and all the trimmings will be catered by Mickael's Bakery of Newkirk. Cost is $8 per person or $15 per couple, and tickets may be purchased from any association director or the OSU Extension Center in the basement of the county courthouse.
Participants are requested to purchase tickets by Friday, April 4, to help meal planning.
Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered this month for parole, for pre-parole conditional supervision or for mandatory parole review by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Cases are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, and at 8 a.m. each day on March 26, 27 and 28 at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington.
Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Tuesday, March 18. Individual board members' names and addresses can be obtained by telephoning 405-427-8601, pressing "1" and following telephone menu instructions.
The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket:
Vernon F. Estes, incarcerated since March 1984 on a 40-year sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder.
Markie K. Garner, incarcerated since November, 1994, on a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended after being convicted of grand larceny of an automobile after two or more prior felony convictions.
Juan R. Lopez, incarcerated since May, 1995, on a nine-year sentence after being convicted of marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
Heath A. Putnam, incarcerated since July 1996 on a 10-year sentence, with four years previously served and three years suspended, after being convicted of lewd molestation.
Johnny R. Ream, incarcerated since December 1993 on a 10-year sentence after being convicted of escape from house arrest after former felony conviction.
Lewis F. Schauf Jr., incarcerated since December 1995 on a 15-year sentence with 10 years suspended after being convicted of feloniously pointing a firearm after former felony conviction. He also is serving three 10-year sentences with five years suspended, to run concurrently.
The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the pre-parole conditional supervision docket:
William E. Creed, incarcerated since August 1996 on a five-year sentence with three months previously served after being convicted of second-degree burglary.
Jeri L. Hodges, incarcerated since August 1996 on a 15-year sentence with 10 years suspended after being convicted of delivery of a controlled dangerous substance (psilocyn).
Gary W. Milligan, incarcerated since September 1996 on a five-year sentence after being convicted of knowingly concealing stolen property.
Roy D. Wilson, incarcerated since November 1996 on a 10-year sentence with four years, 11 months previously served after being convicted of soliciting another to commit first-degree murder after former felony conviction.
The following inmate sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County is scheduled on the pre-parole conditional supervision docket:
Gary R. Baker, incarcerated since October 1990 on a 20-year sentence after being convicted of larceny of a motor vehicle after former felony conviction.
When Oklahoma Festival Ballet returns to the Poncan Theatre Friday, it will feature a number of talented young dancers, several of them with impressive professional credits.
The performance begins at 8 p.m.
Richard Shi, who dances the classically exotic "Le Corsaire Pas de Deux," is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Dance. Shi's professional performing credits include principal stature with the Shanghai Ballet following rigorous training at the Shanghai Ballet Academy.
In the United States, he has appeared with the National Ballet, New Jersey Ballet and Ballet Oklahoma. He choreographed "Descriptive for Oklahoma Festival Ballet" in 1995 and has also performed leading roles in "Swan Lake," "Romeo and Juliet" and the "Don Quixote Pas De Deux." A dancer of power and emotion, Shi delights audiences with his presence, artistry and technique.
Performing with Shi in "Le Corsaire Pas de Deux" is Tiffany Klier a graduate and former scholarship student in the Department of Dance. Ms. Klier's professional company affiliations include the Cincinnati Ballet and the Atlanta Ballet, and she has performed in ballets such as "The Nutcracker," "Alice in Wonderland," "Peter Pan" and George Balanchine's "Serenade and Pas de Dix."
Tasha Stramecki, dancing the role of Odette, has participated in both tours to France by Oklahoma Festival Ballet and has also received professional training with the Boston Ballet.
Audra Levine of Dallas performed with Ballet Dallas in several productions both prior to and after joining Oklahoma Festival Ballet. Blake Beardsley, who will dance the role of Prince Siegfried, has danced professionally with the State Ballet of Missouri and Ballet Oklahoma.
Alexa Fioroni's professional performing experience includes the United States and Europe and Amy Gertsch has appeared with Atlanta Ballet, Crystal Allen with Ballet Omaha, Ruben Gerding with the Louisville Ballet, Kelly Howell with Houston Ballet and Tulsa Ballet Theatre in "The Nutcracker" and Natalie Winston trained professionally with the Dance Theatre of Harlem prior to joining Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Justin Flores, featured in "Monotones" and the Suite form "The Tender Land," has been offered a scholarship and stipend for study with the Houston Ballet this summer.
These and many other members of Oklahoma Festival Ballet have captured the attention of audiences and critics across the southwest as well as in France, Taiwan, Mexico and Ecuador with their love of dance, their expressiveness and their artistry. They are delighted to return to the Poncan Theatre this spring.
Blackwell Rancher, McCord Teacher Win Awards at District's Annual Celebration TONKAWA - Blackwell farmer-rancher and "friend of conservation" Larry Cannon received the Governor's Award Tuesday night at Northern Oklahoma College as the Kay County Conservation District honored several individuals for a year's worth of dedication and progress.
Following a meal sponsored by the Newkirk-based district office and the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce, state conservation commission executive director Mason Mungle presented the Governor's Award to Cannon on behalf of Gov. Frank Keating.
Mungle praised Cannon for his smart methods of erosion control, including planting vegetation near river banks on croplands southeast of Blackwell and using rotation grazing on several acres of tallgrass prairie east of Newkirk.
District conservationist Dick Zetterberg also presented conservation awards to Marilyn Aupperle, Bill Carmichael, John Wanko and Derry Lusk.
The Volunteer Award was presented to McCord Elementary School teacher Cherise Musselman by last year's recipient Dianne Jeans.
Phillip Scott received the Goodyear Award, presented by Steve Kelle, and appreciation certificates went to Diemer Co. of Tonkawa, Dave Rence of Tonkawa, the Peckham School, and Buy-For-Less grocery in Ponca City.
District chairman Garold DeWitt served as master of ceremonies during the event, following a welcome from NOC president Dr. Joe Kinzer.
District board members presented trophies and plaques to 1996's winners of the students' land judging and plant identification contest from last October.
In senior division land judging, the first-place individual winner was Bryan Davis of Tonkawa, with an individual score of 164. The second-place individual winners was Chris Bilyeu of Tonkawa, with an individual score of 162, followed in third place by Justin Jeffries of Blackwell, with a score of 159.
In senior division land judging, the first-place team was Blackwell's Justin Jeffries, Tyson Rowe, Kevin Waggoner, and Drew Wooderson, with a team score of 431. The second-place team was Tonkawa's Ian Avey, Chris Bilyeu, and Chad Schultz, with a team score of 409, and the third-place team was Tonkawa's Rachel Gardner, Kyle Owen, Kevin Randall and Jeremy Wideman, with a team score of 404.
In senior division plant identification, the first-place individual winner was Jeremy Vap of Newkirk, with a score of 96, followed by Wes McCurry of Blackwell in second place, with a score of 95, and by Teri Cobb of Newkirk in third place, with a score of 93.
In junior division land judging, the first-place individual winner was a tie between Shaun Merchant of Blackwell and John Baldwin of Blackwell, each with a score of 157. The second-place individual was Annie Tucker of Blackwell, with an individual score of 154, and the third-place individual was Jill Courtney of Blackwell, with a score of 153.
In junior division land judging, the first-place team was Blackwell's John Baldwin, Ty Corneil, Shaun Merchant and Scott Young, with a team score of 447. The second-place team was Tonkawa's Kari Daniel, Rebecca Nida, Samantha Sookbang, and Serita Stout, with a team score of 400, and the third-place team was Blackwell's Daniel Alley, Tyke Greer, Jared Grell and Brandon Kahle, with a team score of 385.
In junior division plant identification, the first-place individual winner was Jay Dobson of Newkirk, with a score of 91, followed by second-place winner Tyke Greer of Blackwell, with a score of 87, and Brandon Kahle of Blackwell, with a score of 85.
District board members are chairman Garold DeWitt, vice-chairman Milton Lesemann, treasurer Fred Horinek, member Rick Jeans, and member Evelyn Engelking.
Associate directors are Mark Arnold of Braman, Joe Caughlin of Tonkawa, Claud M. Hiatt of Braman, and Curtis Vap of Newkirk.
Along with district conservationist Dick Zetterberg, soil conservationist Cindy Ward and conservation technician Steve Cink, the district staff are equipment manager Gerell Oestmann, and district secretaries Beverly Collyar and Lonette Stone.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Proponents and opponents of right-to-work (RTW) filled the meeting room at Pioneer Technology Center Friday to hear two out-of-town speakers on the subject.
RTW refers to the right to work without paying union dues. Dave Mueller, chairman of the Legislative Review Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, was the moderator.
Although probably not many of 115 attending changed their minds on the matter, they heard from each side of the issue. Speaking for making Oklahoma a RTW state was Kirk Shelley, executive director of Oklahoma Freedom to Work. In opposition was Judy Calhoun, lobbyist for the UAW.
Several union members were present, including those from Southwest Cupid in Blackwell. Members of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, which has gone on record as supporting RTW, were in attendance also.
Shelley told the group that no one should be forced to pay dues in order to work. Calhoun countered that the dues did not have to go to the union but could go to religious or charitable organization. Later Shelley said there is no way for those joining the union to be allowed to pay anything other than dues.
Calhoun said that RTW is supported by big corporations that want the employees to work for less so they can make bigger profits.
Shelley said Oklahoma is not growing at the rate it should because of not having RTW. He presented figures by a Federal Reserve study. He said the study shows that RTW bordering states are growing at a faster rate.
The chart presented showed the RTW states had a 29 percent increase in economic development - manufacturing specifically, and 21 percent on the non RTW states since 1947.
The chart showed a 170 percent growth rate on the border states and 54 percent on the non-RTW side. A 148 percent increase in manufacturing on the RTW states was revealed and zero on the non RTW.
He said, "We are losing jobs to Texas, Kansas and even Arkansas."
Calhoun said, "Right-to-work is a false, misleading title. It gives you no rights and brings no work to the state. It causes a division between the work force and the employer. It lets government come in and tell you you can not support your union. It causes a weakness and it also hurts the negotiating power of your people."
She said according to the newspaper, Oklahoma is one of the top 10 in the nation in job growth, No. 1 in the business climate, has three percent unemployment, $54 million cut in unemployment taxes this week, retail up 25 percent and below 60 percent of the states in taxes.
"Fifty thousand new jobs were created in the state by Gov. Walters' Quality jobs act and we need RTW?" Calhoun asked. At this point she was applauded.
She told that out of 15 reasons why corporations don't come to Oklahoma that RTW was No. 13. Non-RTW states' workers make an average of $4,343 more than RTW states, 18 percent annually. "That says a lot for us. RTW law causes low wages, low benefits and is supported mainly by big corporations that are funding it. They put in about $9 million annually to have these people to go around and promote RTW.
"We all have a right to work. We have a right to negotiate federal standards for our living. The union contract protects the worker. We need that protection because we are the backbone of America and we have to stay healthy and we want a retirement."
After opening remarks, Shelley and Calhoun answered written questions from the audience. Also present was Sidney J. Perceful, Commissioner, of the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service of the United States Government of Norman.
Following the RTW forum, area legislators Rep. Jim Reese, Rep. Jim Newport and Sen. Paul Muegge made brief remarks. Reese said RTW legislation probably will not be enacted this year in the Oklahoma Legislature.
Newport talked about the telephone deregulation bill. He said the idea in the Legislature is to allow fair competition and to keep the quality up. Muegge, who is chairman of the agriculture committee, commented on the hog bill. Muegge, who opposes the Chamber's stand on RTW, said he had not changed his mind.
Motorists need to avoid the Highland Avenue and Waverly Street intersection on Tuesday due to work on the Northwest Water Transmission Pipeline project.
RAM Engineering will be tying the 16-inch water line to the 12-inch water line, which will close the north and south bound lanes of the intersection. According to Steve Shea, City Engineering Department, expects work to be completed that day, weather permitting.
For more information, contact Shea at 767-0329.
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 - The bill to let the Oklahoma Historical Society charge admission to the new Pioneer Women Museum is over its first hurdle.
Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa won unanimous Senate approval for his SB 66. The bill is now up to the House.
Muegge said the fee would be $3 for adults, $1 for children, and would let the Society negotiate fees for groups of seniors.
The same bill allows entry fees at the Henry Overholser mansion in Oklahoma City.
Muegge, Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, and Reps. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City; Jim Reese, R-Nardin; Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland; and James Hager, D-Pawhuska, all voted for the bill.
The House and Senate passed a $17.3 million supplemental funding bill which includes $7.3 million for the prison system to hire 278 more guards buy more private prison space from now through June.
The next biggest amount in the bill was $2.5 million to add larger dining facilities at Quartz Mountain State Lodge, being rebuilt and enlarged after a disastrous fire several years ago.
The Senate also revived and passed SB 706 by a vote of 42-2. It had defeated the bill 17-26 a week earlier. If left standing, the action could have cost the state almost $1 billion in federal welfare funds.
SB 706 would require stricter state enforcement of child support orders and genetic testing to establish parenthood. Those opposing the bill expressed fears the original language could invite false paternity charges. Muegge and Harrison voted yes, as they had on the original vote.
The House, voting 90-11, sent the Senate HB 1338 - an attempt to help school districts deal with their inability to use taxes paid under protest by public utilities until courts make their rulings.
The bill would create a separate state fund which could be used to help districts when shortages exceeds $2,000. (Utilities want to use the same ad valorem ratio as counties use for residential property.)
Ponca-area legislators point out that except for supplemental funding, work on other bills is only half done. Other bills that are alive have just survived the first cut. Now, the opposite house will consider them.
How They Voted
Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on some of the many bills:
- SB 81, passed by senators 45-0, would deny driver licenses to 16 and 17-year-olds who cannot pass a test showing they can read at an eighth grade level. Such tests are required by state law. The author said such a requirement would make teens take the reading test seriously. At 18, a teen can get a driver license without the test. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SB 600, sent to the House on a 25-23 Senate vote, would strip oil and gas oversight from the elected state corporation commission. It would create a new energy agency eventually set up by appointees of legislative leaders and the governor. Similar bills by the same principal authors have failed to pass in earlier legislative sessions. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
- HB 2175 passed 100-0, would ban partial birth abortions in Oklahoma. The bill defines partial birth abortion as one in which "the person performing the abortion partially vaginally delivers a living child before killing the child and completing the delivery." Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
- HB 1122, which passed the House 97-0, would prohibit abortions after first trimester of pregnancy. Again, Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
- SB 586 would require the tax commission to issue a new tag for motor vehicles after five years, but the main argument came on a floor amendment, which was adopted. The amendment would require anyone using an Oklahoma driver license also to be driving a car with an Oklahoma license tag. The bill went to the House on a 35-9 vote, with Muegge and Harrison voting yes.
- SB 53 would create a new commission to supervise automobile wrecker services, which is now done by the Department of Public Safety. It passed the Senate 36-6. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SJR 12, which passed 41-0, would create a 17-member task force to study the feasibility of a regional rail passenger transportation system. Twelve of the task force members would be legislators. Sen. Dave Herbert, D-Midwest City, is author of the bill. Herbert has talked about the need for rapid transit between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Muegge and Harrison favored the bill.
- SB 89, passed by the Senate 43-0, would change the dates of Oklahoma's primary elections, giving more time between the primary and runoff. The author said it would be done to give more time for those overseas to cast absentee ballots. A similar bill died last year. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- HB 1077, which passed 81-16, would require health insurance policies written after Nov. 1 to cover severe mental illness. Newport, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Reese no.
- HB 1658, which failed 46-53, would end the use of volunteer teaching assistants in grades kindergarten through second. Present law requires an assistant, either paid or volunteer, when class size exceeds 20. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson no.
- HB 1950, would give a tax break to any plant damaged by tornado or other natural disaster. It's designed to help storm-damaged Uniroyal operations at Ardmore, specifically, but is written for general application. The bill passed 53-45. Newport and Hager voted yes; Reese and Ferguson no.
- HB 1043, a new law proposing the state license roofers, was killed 41 in favor to 57 against. Ferguson voted yes; Newport, Reese and Hager no.
- HB 1225, which passed the House 78-20, would order the Prison System to establish minimum staffing levels at each of its prisons, and to pay those working a five percent bonus when the staff is less than the levels set. Newport, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Reese no.
- HB 1230 passed the House 65-35. It would set minimum staffing levels for nursing homes. Ratios would vary by shifts. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., it would require a nurse for every five patients; from 3 to 11 p.m., a nurse for every 10 patients; and from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., one nurse to every 12 patients. Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport no.
- HB 1319, passed 95-0 by the House but with title removed, would double the daily pay (to $40) for jurors. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
- HB 1320, which passed 67-33, would eliminate right of a person to obtain title to property by adverse possession (squatters rights). Ponca-area representatives voted against.
- HB 1362, would mandate that the University Hospitals Authority fund the Poison Control Center at no less than $690,000 for the next fiscal year. The vote was 82-16. Newport, Reese and Hager voted yes; Ferguson no.
- HB 1999 would forfeit visiting rights of a divorced parent who was more than three months behind in making court-ordered support payments. It passed 98-2. Ponca-area representatives voted in favor.
- HB 1713, which passed the House 99-0 with title removed, would establish a fund of up to $3 million from 10 percent of Solid waste disposal tax, to be used for cleanup. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
- HB 2138, passed by the House 96-3, would require state agencies to use personnel to answer telephones in person and not to use an automated telephone answering system during normal business hours. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
- HB 1725, passed 63-36, would change Oklahoma election laws. Among other things, it would remove voting emblems from ballots, and would modify recent procedures. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted no.
- HB 1058, would exempt from state income taxes municipal bond interest issued in the future. Such is already federally-exempt. With the title off, it passed 98-3. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
- HJR 1026, which passed the House 75-24, would authorize a referendum on a state building bond issue - the amount not now specified. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
- HB 1009 is Tulsa Democrat Rep. Russ Roach's effort to restrict the governor's use of the executive airplane. It passed 63-36 on party lines. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted no.
- HB 1992 passed 59-41, would have the bond oversight commission review all bonds issued by any state agency. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese, Ferguson voted no.
- HB 2118, passed unanimously, would raise from $7 to $25 a day the amount the state pays counties to keep convicts. But the title's off the bill.
- HB 2066 failed 33-66. It would allow liens to be placed on income tax refunds to pay child support. Reese voted for; Newport, Ferguson and Hager voted against.
- HB 2190, would forbid lease-back road construction, and also ban new road projects other than those listed in a five-year plan outlined by the state Transportation Department until all poor and unsafe roads are improved. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Hager voted no.
- SB 244 would shuffle membership in the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. It passed the Senate 37-6. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SB 333, which failed 18-27, would have bound the Transportation Commission to divide funds by a different formula. Muegge and Harrison votes no.
- SB 403 passed the Senate 33-11. It would require 3.2 beer parlors to display signs that beer consumed while pregnant may cause birth defects and we don't sell beer to those younger than 21. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SB 459, which passed 42-0, would lower the bingo tax from $1.50 to $1 a card. It's an effort to allow veterans and church groups which have quit such to get back into the act. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
The westbound north lane of Hartford Avenue will be closed to motorists at the intersection of Hartford Avenue and Fifth Street beginning Monday. In addition, motorists will have limited access to North Fifth Street between Hartford Avenue and Williams Avenue through April 2.
According to Public Works Director Ken Parr, if the Ponca City Board of Commissioners approve the contract, Throop Construction Company will begin replacement of 700 feet of deteriorated, eight-inch sanitary sewer line, which serves 12 houses. Additionally, work will include connecting the 12 houses to the new line and installing a new manhole.
Parr said this is the final utility work that needs to be completed prior to beginning this section of the Fifth Street paving improvements.
Ponca City Public Schools have named Beth Grover as the 1996-97 "District Teacher of the Year." She was honored, along with the "Teacher of the Year" from each building, at a district luncheon Tuesday at the Administration Center.
As the district's Teacher of the Year, Grover will serve as an ambassador for public education. In the upcoming year, she will speak to various clubs, organizations and at activities on behalf of the Ponca City Public Schools. Her message will be concern excellence in education.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of schools, stated during his opening remarks, "The goal of good teachers remains unchanged from the early day Oklahoma teachers. As an early day Oklahoma teacher wrote. 'My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my school children growing up and spreading out in the way they chose for their life's work.' Good teachers seem to do that naturally; they care about their students and have an undying commitment to helping those students be successful. These teachers we are honoring today do this particularly well."
The luncheon was the first of many events planned to honor Ponca City's "Teacher of the Year." Music for the luncheon was provided by the instrumental music department of Po-Hi, directed by Steve Workman.
Teachers of the Year are listed below along with information about them. Each principal was asked the question: "What makes your teacher of the year special?"
Beverly Barger - Union Elementary Kindergarten
Beverly Barger has been in the Ponca City system for 16 of her 21 years, and taught in Duncan prior to coming to Ponca City. Principal Jean Hastings says, "As Ponca City's 1995-96 Teacher of the Year and the Teacher of the Year at building sites for the last three years, Beverly is a teacher with a heart that makes all of us at Union look good!"
Freda Brisman - Ponca City Middle School Home Economics
Freda Brisman has taught 14 of her 20 year career in the Ponca City School system. When asked "What makes Freda special?" Barbara Cusick, principal at Ponca City Middle School, said, "Her caring personality and personal interest in her students make her special."
Kathy Elston - Washington Elementary Second Grade
Kathy Elston has taught all nine years in her teaching career at Washington. Principal Pat Keast says, "Kathy is a professional educator who reaches beyond what is required to enhance student learning."
Laneta Going - Garfield Elementary Art
Laneta Going has taught seven years, all in Ponca City, at Roosevelt and Garfield. Indicating the far-reaching influence of a good teacher, Dr. Patty Ladd says, "Her commitment to our school-wide goal of powerful learning is what makes Laneta special. It permeates her classroom and her discussion with her peers outside her classroom. She is a living piece of our school improvement process."
Charles Hedgcoth - Senior High School History
Charlie Hedgcoth has 21 years' experience, with seven of those at Po-Hi. He has also taught in Perkins, Wakita, Helena and Olive. Dr. Don Sjoberg says, "Charlie is absolutely dedicated to developing critical thinking skills in his students. He is such a hard worker!"
Karen "Susie" Hinton - Kindergarten Center
Susie Hinton has taught five of her nine years in Ponca City. Prior to that, she taught four years in Kileen, Texas. Terry James, lead teacher at the Kindergarten Center, says, "Susie's goal for each student in her class is to be successful. She accomplishes this success by developing appropriate, yet challenging lessons. Her creativity, enthusiasm and love of students make her a special Teacher of the Year."
Amy Hollingsworth - Trout Elementary Fifth Grade
Amy Hollingsworth has taught five of her six years at Trout with one year at McCord. Her principal, Ron McCleary says, "Amy is a true professional who is a tremendous asset to our faculty. Her dedication and hard work ensure that all of her students are successful every day."
Stephan Sargent - Lincoln Elementary Fifth Grade
Stephan Sargent has spent his entire teaching career of four years at Lincoln. Principal David Shelton says, "Stephan is special because he accepts all children and challenges them not only to become better students, but also better citizens. All things they do and say are important to him and his students know he cares for them unconditionally."
Lynna Summers - Roosevelt Elementary Fifth Grade
Lynna Summers has five years' experience, four of which have been spent at Roosevelt. She taught one year in New Zealand. Her principal, Tom Sipe, says, "Lynna really cares about children and they know it. She's innovative and does whatever it takes to reach her students."
Opal Upshaw - Ponca City Mid-High Special Education
Opal Upshaw has 17 1/2 years teaching experience, with 16 1/2 of those years in Ponca City. She taught one year in Moore, Oklahoma. When asked what makes Opal special, Steve Nida, her principal, indicated it comes from her belief about children and learning. "It is her caring, student-centered philosophy."
Shelley Wilson - Woodlands Elementary Fourth Grade
Shelley Wilson has taught two of her years at Woodlands and four years prior at Trout. Noting the transformative power of a good teacher, Dr. Nancy Niemann, said, "When kids leave Shelley's room, they are academically and socially better people."
Liberty Elementary School counts itself fortunate that Beth Grover began her teaching career there five years ago.
Grover was recently named Ponca City Public School's district "Teacher of the year."
When Jerry Newsom, principal at Liberty was asked "What makes Beth special?" He said, "Let me count the ways. Beth is special because of her unfailing commitment to providing the highest quality of education possible for every child."
At a very young age, Grover's initial chosen career was to be a nurse and/or veterinarian, but her course was changed in the sixth grade by the inspiration of a "Master Teacher," whom Grover describes as the "hardest teacher she ever had but made students feel like they could do anything."
When asked about how she feels about teaching, Grover said, "Teaching is not for everyone. Those who go into teaching know in their hearts they are where they should be. I became a teacher because I want to leave something behind, something that makes the world a better place. I want to be remembered with fond memories of helping a child and making their life better. Even on the worst days, I love my job."
Grover's philosophy of education centers on "instructional delivery" and "time on task" in the classroom. She states, "If I were to give my philosophy a title, it would be 'Make Each Minute Count.'"
She believes that knowing how a student learns is as important as knowing what to teach them. "Teachers can no longer use one teaching style or method and reach the majority of their class," Grover explains. "Instructional delivery methods must vary as much as the students in the class do. The more information is presented in a variety of ways, the better the chances that pieces of information will be permanently stored in a child's long-term memory and they will have the ability to retrieve it successfully."
When presenting lessons, Grover uses as many methods as possible. Students hear the information, see it, and kinesthetically experience it.
The District Teacher of the Year believes that good instruction and discipline go hand-in-hand. She explains, "Instruction cannot begin until you have discipline, and good instruction is a key component to classroom discipline. When students are feeling successful and are stimulated through instruction, discipline problems in the classroom tend to decrease."
Having a classroom environment that promotes self-accomplishment, praises effort as well as ability, and includes lessons presented in a no-fail environment, are vital to Grover.
"As teachers today, we no longer look at teaching a class, but instead, we teach a group of individuals. We embrace the differences between students and use that as a spring board to good instruction," she explained.
When asked to describe her teaching style, Grover's response was, "Whatever works!"
To prove that she means what she says, one only has to visit her classroom on any Friday afternoon. Students pull out cans of shaving cream and cover the tops of their desks with the cream. When everyone is ready, Grover begins calling out multiplication facts. Using their fingers, students write the answer in their shaving cream as quickly as they can.
Grover explains, "The students love it! They work on their facts all week so they will be ready on Friday for 'Shaving Cream Math.' Students tend to resist learning their multiplication facts, so this is a fun way they can learn. It's also nice to come in Monday morning with clean desks that smell good!"
NEWKIRK - For all those who thought they missed their chance to file Homestead Exemption, there's still time.
Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle said because the normal deadline of March 15 fell on a Saturday this year, property owners can file for the homestead exemption until the office closes at 4:30 p.m. Monday.
Engle said voters approved some "very important changes" last November that have helped many taxpayers, who save an average of $85 in taxes when they file the homestead exemption.
Filers can contact Engle's office at the courthouse by phoning 405-362-2565.
PAWHUSKA - Pull on those cowboy boots, gather ma and the kids, jump in the ole pickup and head for the Constantine Theater in Pawhuska where the Showcase Opry will bring you the country music show of the year.
The show, featuring the Showcase Opry Band and a list of entertainers, from 6 to 60, will provide a variety of energetic and wholesome family oriented musical entertainment.
Under the direction of Osage County resident Patty Phelps, co-founder and entertainment director, the Showcase Opry has been featuring amateur artists on stages across the State of Oklahoma for the past six years. The show is co-sponsored by NBC Bank, Osage Federal Savings and Loan, Bluestem Restaurant, Bad Brads and the Pawhuska Journal-Capital.
The Showcase Opry Band is made up of lead guitar and vocalist Floyd McCoy of Quapaw; Louise Whistler fiddle and mandolin of Dewey; keyboard, Jerry Cunningham of Coffeyville, Kan; Matt Campbell of Dewey on bass, banjo and mandolin; Corky Davis, steel and vocals, of Osage County; and Chuck Kerns, vocals and drums from Dewey; back-up bass guitar and lead and harmony vocals, Debbie McCoy from Quapaw.
A bundle of energy and a big voice belies a small 10-year old singer named Jacob Oliver. With Garth Brooks energy and a voice all his own, Jacob, the son of Jim and Sandra Oliver, is the youngest of three children and lives in Keota, 29 miles east of Eufaula, where he attends McCurtain Elementary School.
Pretty as a picture, at age 11 Kerry Green, began singing at the Showcase Opry after being seen in competition at the Yellow Brick Road Contest held in Sedan, Kan., in 1993. She won first. A student at Aline-Cleo Elementary, about 30 miles west of Enid, Kerry enjoys singing and is an accomplished pianist.
Kerry performed at Silver Dollar City's Chapel in Branson, Mo., and her photo was chosen for the Association for Cooperative tourism 1995-96 tourist guide of things to do and see in the four-state area. Her photo has also graced the informational pamphlets for the Showcase Opry Theatre Inc. organizational functions.
Kristopher Green is a novice on the fiddle and is enjoying his turn at a walk toward fanfare. Though he has not yet made the headliner for an appearance he is none-the-less a true entertainer. He plays solo and performs in duets with the band's fiddle player, Louise Whistler. At age 8, Kristopher, a student at Aline-Cleo Elementary, has been among the contestants of the Yellow Brick Road Contest in Sedan, Kan., since 1993.
When he isn't playing ball or winning Cub-Scout badges, 10-year-old Jimmy Lee Davis of Bartlesville is a show stopper. Jimmy Lee, having performed with the Opry since the age of 8, captivates his audience and with deep concentration showing on his face, plays a mean mandolin.
Following in big brothers footsteps, 6-year-old Justin Davis looking like a miniature Jimmy Lee, will be making his second appearance ever playing with a band and is anxious to show the audience what he can do.
Silver and Gold is a duet with harmony only a few ever achieve. Phyllis Lambert of Abilene, Kan., and her niece, Mary Malone of Fort Scott, Kan., will bring back precious memories of days past with their country hits, '50s and '60s favorites and gospels dear to the heart.
The sound of country music's great stars Slim Whitman, Jim Reeves, Floyd Cramer, and Eddy Arnold is again alive in the soft, clear voice of Joe Digges from Bixby.
When Brad Grissom of Bartlesville takes center stage it's impossible to imagine the energy he puts into every movement and word. From the latest hits by today's country singers to the ballads of yesteryear, he holds the listener's attention and heart. From gospel and traditional country to country rock, Brad is every country music fan's dream.
Michelle Butcher, Bartlesville, is new to the country music arena. Her first scheduled appearance with the Showcase Opry Band brought a standing ovation as she finished her rendition of "How Great Thou Art."
The doors will open at the Constantine Center, 110 West Main, Pawhuska, at 6 p.m. Saturday for this performance. Show time is 7 p.m. and all seats are a $6 donation. Advanced tickets may be picked up Monday through Friday at the NBC Bank Eighth and Kihekah, or at Osage Federal Savings and Loan 239 East Main Street, Monday through Friday and until noon on Saturday at the drive-in window.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute recently participated in a program with St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's Medical Explorer Post 95. Their schedule included discussions from medical experts in a variety of fields.
Ronald O. Gilcher, M.D., F.A.C.P., Oklahoma Blood Institute president and CEO, a leader in transfusion medicine and blood banking, was one of the speakers.
Since joining the Oklahoma Blood Institute in 1979, Dr. Gilcher has transformed OBI from a blood center relying on imported blood to supply hospitals, to an internationally recognized blood system achieving self-sufficiency for red cells, apheresis plasma and platelets.
Under his leadership, the Blood Institute was the first blood center in the nation to begin using the new HIV - antigen test on all donated blood to screen for the AIDS virus.
Dr. Gilcher spoke to Medical Explorer group leader, Renee Hoover, and approximately 30 students and adults about the history and main function of the Oklahoma Blood Institute, careers, in medicine and the various pre-med areas of study available.
Following a question and answer session, students toured the OBI Ponca City Center and were taken through the various donation procedures available, which included the apheresis procedures of donating plasma, platelets and red cells
Dr. Gilcher explained donated whole blood is separated into various components - red cells, plasma and platelets - that each have their own separate function. Apheresis is a process in which a particular component is retrieved and separated automatically as the donor if giving blood. The remaining components are then returned to the donor. By donating apheresis red cells, plasma or platelets, donors give more of a specific component to help a patient. This allows for fewer donors and decreases the risk of a patient reaction or rejection.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Medical Explorer program and to share our involvement in the medical community with Ponca City area students," said Pixie Rowland, OBI Ponca City Center manager. "We encourage all area residents to visit our center and help local patients by donating blood."
The Oklahoma Blood Institute is the primary resource for all blood products for patients at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Members of the community can assist OBI in helping local patients by donating blood or sponsoring a blood drive with their business, school, church or civic organization. The Blood Institute can also provide speakers for group meetings.
To find out how you can become a blood donor, or for more information on OBl's many health services, contact the Oklahoma Blood Institute Ponca City Center at (405) 762-9488.
NEWKIRK - Tree seedlings - bundles of them - will be for sale next week for rural conservation plantings, deemed one of the best erosion controls for Kay County farmlands.
The tree-ordering project, conducted by the Kay County Conservation District, the County NRCS office and the OSU Cooperative Extension Service, will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. March 27, at the Newkirk NRCS/county conservation district offices, 115 South Maple.
The seedlings are to be used for rural conservation plantings such as windbreaks, erosion, water quality, mine reclamation, livestock protection, reforestation, wildlife habitat, natural environmental areas, landfills and living snow fences.
Minimum order is 200 seedlings in bundles of 50. Prices will be 27 cents or less per tree, depending upon species and quantities ordered.
Various trees include arborvitae, green ash, chokecherry, lacebark elm, hackberry, amur honeysuckle, Rocky Mountain juniper, shrub lespedeza, common lilac, black locust, red mulberry, American plum, sand plum, eastern redbud, eastern red cedar and western soapberry.
Other various species include sycamore, vitex chaste-tree, black walnut, winterberry euonymus, autumn olive, Russian olive, osage orange and native pecan.
Varieties of oak include bur oak, chinquapin oak, overcup oak, sawtooth
oak, shumard oak, water oak and willow oak.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - George W. Anderson, resident of Blackwell, died in the Blackwell Regional Hospital Friday, March 14, 1997. He was 72.
The funeral will be Monday at 2 p.m. in Roberts Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Bookout of the First Church of God officiating. Burial will follow in Braman Cemetery under the direction of Roberts & Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Casket bearers will be Bob McBride, Ed Humble, Orville Merrill, Bob Coffey, Morgan Bergman and Jack Bringham. Honorary bearers will be Dale Shaw, Clarence Staples, Gene Roberts, Walter Lafferty, Cliff Klusmeyer and Jim Turner.
George W. Anderson was born Oct. 25, 1924, in Petersburg, Va., the son of Theron Bruce and Nancy (Shrum) Anderson. He moved with his parents to Blackwell at an early age and attended Blackwell schools. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1942, and entered the U.S. Navy that same year.
He and Lorene DeBoard were united in marriage on Oct. 25, 1943, in Wellington, Kan., and during World War II they made their home together at different locations where he was stationed.
Following his discharge from the Navy, the couple returned to Blackwell to live and he began working for the Blackwell Zinc Co. as laboratory supervisor. He also served as treasurer of the Smelter Workers Union until the plant closed down. In 1971 he moved to Alva, Okla., to work as plant engineer in charge of building and grounds maintenance at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He worked there until 1974.
He also attended school at Northwestern, graduating with a bachelor in education in 1975, and continued his schooling, receiving a masters in guidance and counseling in 1978. He also received his administrators certificate from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1981, and became the principal of Braman High School and later at Ralston High School. Mr. Anderson served as director of Indian education at Sperry, Okla., until his retirement in 1987.
He was a member of the First Church of God in Blackwell where he served in various capacities, including Sunday School teacher, chairman of services and on the Church Board.
Surviving are his wife, Lorene DeBoard Anderson of the Blackwell home; a daughter, Carolyn Anderson Pierce of Chandler, Ariz.; two sons, Fred Anderson of Blackwell and Stan Anderson of Stillwater; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; also two brothers, Bruce Anderson of Choctaw and Seaborn Anderson of Austin, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Edward Anderson of Ponca City.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Anderson's name to the First Church of God in Blackwell through the Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon in Blackwell.
The casket will be open at the funeral home until funeral time, then closed.
Robert "Bob" Nolan died Thursday afternoon, March 13, 1997, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wichita, Kan. He was 81.
The funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m., at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Virgil Swift, pastor of the Crestview Baptist Church, officiating. A committal service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon at the Caney Cemetery in Cherokee County. The Rev. Rex Vann, pastor of First Indian Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial is under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Flag folding detail will be furnished by members of the American Legion Huff-Minor Post No. 14.
Robert Nolan was born Feb. 12, 1916, in Stilwell, Okla., the son of Robert Emmett and Parlee (Nickles) Nolan. He attended the Wauhillau School near Stilwell, and served with the U.S. Army during World War II. On Jan. 10, 1946, he was married to Edna McEuin, in Bartlesville.
Mr. Nolan worked for many years as manager for the Robin Hood Flour Mill in Ponca City. He was a past member of both the American Legion Huff-Minor Post No. 14, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1201.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving are his wife, Edna Nolan of the home in Ponca City; five sons, Bobby, Johnny, Eddie and Jack, all of Ponca City, and Gary Tinker of Ripley, Okla.; six daughters, Maryetta of Ponca City, Virginia of Ripley, Sandra of Pawhuska, Linda of Colorado, Susie of San Diego and Barbara of Cushing; two brothers, B.A. "Jake" Nolan of Stilwell and E.D. "Rosy" Nolan of Camarillo, Calif.; two sisters, Edith Padgett of Stilwell and Erma Trogdon of Springfield, Mo.; 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Nolan's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the Bobby Nolan home, 1405 West Broadway.
CLEVELAND, Texas - Lorn William Edwards, former Ponca City resident and longtime Conoco employee, died Monday, March 3, 1997, in Cleveland, Texas. He was 76.
The funeral was held in the First Assembly of God Church in Cleveland, Texas on March 5, 1997. Budget Funeral Home in Humble, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.
Lorn William Edwards was born July 1, 1920, in Pawnee County, Okla. He was married to the former Jean Conner of Independence, Kan. He served in the Field Artillery of the U.S. Army during World War II.
He had worked for Conoco in the Insurance Division for 40 years, retiring in January 1983. He worked for Conoco prior to being inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943, and returned to work for Conoco in Ponca City following his Army discharge.
During his tenure with Conoco he was transferred to Houston for 10 years, 1956-1966, then transferred back to Ponca City.
He is survived by his wife, Jean, of the home in Cleveland, Texas; one son, Gary Edwards of Dallas, and two daughters, Debbie Carr of Cleveland, Texas and Fauna Miller of Kingwood, Texas; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Cloene Crider of Stillwater, Cloris Smith of Tulsa and Pat Junemann of Lakewood, Colo.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Edwards' memory to the First Assembly of God Church, 510 River Street, Cleveland, Texas 77327.
John David Jeans, resident of Ponca City, died Friday morning, March 14, 1997, at his home. He was 21.
A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today, March 16, 1997, at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center. The traditional Indian Feast will begin at noon on Monday, March 17, 1997, at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Center. Burial will follow in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
John David Jeans was born Aug. 20, 1975, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He attended Red Rock schools. He enjoyed the outdoors.
Surviving are his mother, Martha Lucille Jeans of Red Rock; his father, Lewis Jeans and his wife, Heather of Red Rock; his wife, Penny Rhodd, and their daughter, Heather, both of Ponca City; three sisters, Paula Jeans, Dorcas Lynn Jeans, and April Deere Jeans, all of Red Rock; an uncle and aunt and several nieces and nephews.
The family will be at the home in Red Rock.
Thelma Garrett Sprunger, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, March 14, 1997, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 88 years of age.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 17, 1997, in the First Baptist Church Worship Center with the Rev. Larry Heslip, Minister of Education, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Thelma Garrett Sprunger was born near Lamont, Okla., on April 12, 1908, the first daughter of Cleve and Bessie (Utterback) Dixon. She grew up in the Ford Community and attended the Tearney School, now known as the Bressie Community Center.
She graduated from the Ponca City High School in 1926 and continued working for the Security Bank (having worked there part time while in school) for seven and a half years, as Secretary to the Cashier.
On March 9, 1929, she was married to Chris Garrett in Ponca City. To this union was born a son, Kenneth, and a daughter, Ruth Ann.
They made their home in and around Ponca City all their lives, except from 1936 to 1941 when Chris went to work in the Pipeline Department of Continental Oil Co. and they lived two years in Hesston, Kan., and three years in Alice and Freer, Texas. They then returned to Ponca City where he transferred to the Products Use Lab of the company and they continued living in or near Ponca City.
Thelma was saved at the age of 13 and was later baptized and joined the First Baptist Church of Ponca City. Upon returning from Texas, they helped establish the Ranch Drive Baptist Church and attended there until they moved to their farm east of town on the Kaw City Road, at which time they moved their membership to Longwood Baptist Church where she attended for 28 years. Chris passed away in October 1963. Thelma returned to work at the Security Bank in 1957 as Secretary to the Vice President where she was employed until her retirement on Dec. 21, 1969.
On Jan. 3, 1970, she was married to Albert Sprunger of Satanta, Kan. He passed away March 24, 1970, but she remained in western Kansas three and a half years before returning to Ponca City in 1973. For several years she did volunteer work for the Opportunity Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Red Cross Bloodmobile.
Surviving are her son, Kenneth Garrett and his wife, Greta, of rural Ponca City; her daughter, Ruth Ann Irvin Foster, of Ulysses, Kan.; one stepson, Logan Sprunger of Satanta, Kan.; one stepdaughter, Mardelle Snook of Terrebone, Ore.; five grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, two sisters, and one stepdaughter.
Casket bearers will be Chris Garrett, Dan Irvin, Dave Irvin, Don Irvin, Clifford Alexander, and Eldon Alexander. Honorary casket bearers will be Milton Alexander, Terry Sprunger, Aaron Sprunger, Roy Sprunger, Larry Walkemeyer and Justin Snook.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sprunger's memory to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The casket will not be opened following the service, however friends may call at the funeral home until noon on Monday.
The family will be at the Kenneth Garrett home.
Paid Obituary
Wiley J. Howe, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, March 15, 1997 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later.
A prayer service will be held Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the Ponca Indian Baptist Church.
Pearl A. Park, former resident of Ponca City, died Friday, March 14, 1997 at the Tulsa Medical Center. She was 90.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later.
Monday
Opal Drucilla Constant - 10:30 a.m. in Roberts Funeral Home Chapel, Blackwell.
Burial in Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under direction of Roberts Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Resident's Care - Residents and staff members of the Renaissance, 2616 Turner Road, will be able to discuss ways to improve residents' care at an open meeting Wednesday at 2 p.m. The Oklahoma State Department of Health will conduct the session, as required by the Residential Home Care Act of 1984. Residents, their families and friends, administrators and employees, representatives of state and federal agencies are welcome to attend.
Ombudsman Program - Volunteers interested in improving and enriching the lives of nursing home residents are welcome to attend an Ombudsman Volunteer Training session which will be held at the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority Conference Room in Enid. The training will be Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am. to 3:30 p.m. Those wanting to be certified as an Oklahoma Ombudsman Volunteer must attend both days. Others are welcome to attend any part of the training.
Free Movie - The Ponca City Library will feature "Darby O'Gill & the Little People" Monday at 1 p.m. in the programming Room. The 90-minute movie is the story of old Darby, who tumbles into a well and visits with the King of the Leprechauns. The King agrees to grant Darby three wishes in the Disney film.
Grass Fire - Tonkawa Fire Department advised the Ponca City telecommunication officers at 11:04 a.m. Friday of a grass fire one mile west of Burbank on U.S. 60. Osage Cove Fire Department handled the call.
Door-to-Door Sales - The Ponca City telecommunication officers received a call from a resident in the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue at 11:33 a.m. who reported a subject selling magazines, who has no magazines or literature with him. An officer responded and advised the subject to get a permit.
Saved - A 5-year-old boy was rescued from the jaws of a candy machine by Ponca City firefighters at 11:34 a.m. Friday. The boy had gotten his finger stuck in the device.
Shoplifting - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 19-year-old man at 11:52 a.m. Friday for knowingly concealing stolen property.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of forgery at Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street at 1:28 p.m. Friday.
Gun Shots Heard - Ponca City telecommunication officers received a 911 call at 1:45 p.m. Friday from a person who heard gunshots in the area of the New River Bridge. A Ponca City police officer discovered that two men in Osage County were shooting a gun. Osage County Sheriff's Office was notified.
Parking Lot Sales - A Ponca City police officer was advised that a subject in a white van was selling speakers in a parking lot in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue at 3:13 p.m. Friday. When the officer responded, the subject was gone. At 3:55 p.m., another officers stopped the white van heading northbound on Fourteenth Street. The officer stood by until a Kay County Deputy arrived.
Accident - A minor accident occurred 3:44 p.m. Friday at North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue, according to the report of a Ponca City police officer.
Juvenile Arrest - A 13-year-old boy was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Citgo, North Second Street and East Highland Avenue, at 4:29 p.m. Friday for petit larceny. The boy was released on a promise to appear in juvenile court.
Wreck - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at Clarke Street and East Hartford Avenue at 4:55 p.m. Friday.
Collision - Kay County Sheriff's deputy requested an ambulance at an accident one mile south of U.S. 60 and .75 miles east of U.S. 177 at 5:35 p.m. A victim was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.
Grass Fire - Ponca City firefighters extinguished a grass fire on Blue Elk at 5:46 p.m. Friday.
Subjects Held - A 20-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 6:53 p.m. Friday at a local business for trying to purchase merchandise with stolen checks. The subject was charged with possession of stolen property. At 10:02 p.m., a 16-year-old boy was also arrested at the police department for possession of stolen property.
Under the Influence - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 48-year-old man at North Waverly Street and West Liberty Avenue at 10:01 p.m. Friday for driving under the influence, an expired drivers' license and no insurance.
Found - A Ponca City police officer found an abandoned 20-inch boys bike in the 400 block of West Highland Avenue at 2:58 a.m. Saturday.
MS Support Meeting - The MS Support Group will meet Monday, 7-9 p.m., a 320 South "A" Street, Arkansas City. Speakers will be from the Arkansas City fire and police departments.
KLVV Taking Calls - Tuesday afternoon KLVV, 88.7 FM will be inviting people to call in and talk to Dr. Larry Wyckoff, an animal doctor from Blackwell Animal Hospital. He'll be answering questions regarding any animal problems. The phone number will be 767-1400. Calls are not broadcast; this is simply an opportunity to take advantage of a free phone call to answer your animal questions. For information, call KLVV anytime during office hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at 767-1400.
Deadwood Dames - Retired Conoco women belonging to the Deadwood Dames will meet on a different day this week. The group plans to meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 18 at the Golden Corral.
St. Patrick's Luncheon - St. Francis Guild of St. Mary's Church is sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day luncheon and card party Wednesday, noon to 3:30 p.m., at the Parish Hall of the church. Tickets are $5 each and reservations may be made by calling Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496 or Beverly Smith, 762-2695.
Rural Water Meeting - McCord Rural Water District 3 will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the north building of McCord School.
Airman Graduates - Air Force Airman 1st Class Jacob R. Ivie has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. In addition to military training, airmen who compete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of Randall G. and Debbie R. Ivie.
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.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - Senior Citizens St. Patrick's Day Dance set for Monday ,7-10 p.m., at the American Legion Ball Room. Seniors dance every Monday at the same place and same time. Everyone welcome to come and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Recovering - Jess Brokaw is in the V.A. Hospital in Oklahoma City recovering from by-pass heart surgery. After a few setbacks he is now in stable condition and recovering quite well according to his wife. He would like to thank all his friends for their good wishes and prayers.
Lake Ponca Meeting - The Lake Ponca Users Association will meet
at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Army Reserve Training Center, 805 West Hartford.
Topics include lot leases and updating information. A meal will be served.
For more information call 762-3891.
LIFESTYLES
The Round Grove Friends Club met March 12 with Betty Brown, president, serving as hostess. Mary Catherine Detten, secretary, read a poem titled "Friends" by Dona M. Maroney, in memory of club member Dorotha Wells, who died Monday. A devotional was read by Ms. Brown and a prayer for Ms. Wells was offered.
Roll call was answered by each member telling if a garden was being planned, planted or "just thought about." Canned green beans were brought by the members to donate to the South Avenue Mission. The April donation will be canned corn.
Two new members, Velma Powelson and Gwen Powelson, were welcomed to the group. Christine Schiltz shared a "sew and show" craft about mini-quilts. She said they were becoming popular as table decorations.
Ms. Brown's program was a video showing many exercises for those who wanted to or had to sit while exercising the neck, shoulder, arms, hands, legs and feet. The hostess gift was won by Marjorie Bellinghausen. Guests were Eloise Brown and Kristen Brunkow. Susan Brunkow will host the April 9 meeting.
On March 17, 1970 the women of St. Francis Guild at St. Mary's Catholic Church sponsored their first St. Patrick's Day luncheon and card party. This year, on March 19 at noon, the guild will follow tradition as they host the luncheon and card party in the parish hall.
Tickets cost $5 each and reservations may be made by calling Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496, or Beverly Smith, 762-2695. "Lunch Only" tables and "Take Out" orders are also available. When ordering tickets individuals are asked to designate a choice.
Since 1977 Marilyn Tharp and Rachel Taylor have co-chaired the event. Again this year they will coordinate the luncheon/card party and oversee the various committees organized to sponsor the event.
Other Guild members in charge of committees for the luncheon this year are Sue Lawson, Millie Huth, Mary Hohenberger, Pat Lowe, Pat Courtney, Joan Otto, Eileen Spellman, Maxine Griggs, Mary Joan McCann, Joan Slovacek, Jan Neylon, Emma Bray, Dee Enevoldsen, Vineta Peters, Deanna Nicholas and Beverly Smith.
Door prizes to be awarded at this year's luncheon include an afghan handcrafted by Joan Slovacek, a gift certificate for "Dinner for Two" at a Ponca City restaurant, a gift of homemade bread from a parishioner, and a Shamrock plant, nurtured from seeds brought from Ireland by Charles and Joan Slovacek.
Proceeds from the luncheon, the single fund-raising project of the guild, will be used by the organization to sponsor various agencies in the community and other needy causes. Some of the local agencies and groups benefiting from the luncheon proceeds in the past have been the Child Development Center, Peachtree Landing, Opportunity Center and Hospice. Also the Domestic Violence program, transitional living, Birthright and Ponca City Welfare.
The women of St. Francis' Guild extend an open invitation to women and men in the community to attend this event. Hours are from noon until 3:30 p.m. Members of the guild are preparing the food for the occasion. The guild was founded in 1965 as an outreach organization to unite and serve both the church and the community.
Current officers for the Guild are Jan Neylon, president; Joan Otto, vice president; Evelyn Otto, secretary; Liz Bajork, treasurer; Eileen Spellman, Program chairman; Mary Joan McCann, publicity; Theresa Bohon, telephone; Charlotte Hassman, card and gift; Maureen Danielson, parliamentarian.
Tyler Lane Vogele was born March 1 at 2:20 a.m. in the Stillwater Medical Center to Justin and Lori Vogele of Fairfax. He weighed 5-pounds, 12-ounces and was 20 1/2-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Gary and Donna Page of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Bobby Vogele of Shidler and Pam Singmaster of Blackburn.
Great-grandparents are Melvin and Naomi Kahle of Ponca City, Jim and Lucy Page of Ponca City, and Ruby and Gene Vogele of Shidler.
James and Regina Kirkendall of Newkirk announce the birth of their son, Gage Thomas Kirkendall, Feb. 18 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He weighed 2-pounds, 12-ounces.
Grandparents are J. R. and Carolyn Kirkendall and Mike and Carolyn Landis, all of Newkirk.
Paternal great-grandparents are Joann Horinek, Harold and Flossie Kirkendall, all of Newkirk, and the late Thomas Horinek.
Maternal great-grandparents are A. G. and Pernina Weatherman of Newkirk and Bob and Joyce Landis of Lamont. Maternal great-great-grandmother is Eula Pierce of Lamont.
Announcing the birth of their son, Matthew Ryan Hasenfratz, are Troy and Sandy Hasenfratz, 1405 North Pine. The baby was born at 6:29 a.m. March 11 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8-pounds, 11-ounces and measured 21 3/4-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Amanda Sherrod of Tonkawa nd Ike and Linda Arnold of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Alvin and Arlene Brown of Ponca City and Larry and Freda Hasenfratz of North Richland Hills, Texas.
Great-grandparents are Chuck and Sylvia Ailey of Tonkawa, John and Lorene Hasenfratz of Ponca City, Media Neely of Ponca City, and Winnie Stanfill of Eufaula.
Sixteen members were present when Unit II of the Ponca City Mother's Club met recently at the home of Lorene Stalcup. Co-hostesses were Ina Bond and Ruth Ellen Summers. Gaytha Sebor gave the program on the "Art of Stamping."
Jerry Boyer, president, called the meeting to order with the reading of the Collect and Mrs. Summers gave the treasurer's report. Announcement was made that the Spring luncheon and style show for the club would be May 16 at the First Presbyterian Church. Fashions will be presented from Betty's Boutique and John's.
The nominating committee presented a slate of officers to be voted upon at the next meeting. The slate includes Sandy Bishop, chairman; Sue Ziegenhain, vice chairman; Jerri Barnes, secretary; Ruth Ellen Summers, treasurer; Lorene Stalcup, librarian, and Jerri Boyer, parliamentarian.
Suni Dawn Carson and James Richard Stolhand are planning a May 24 wedding at the First Church of the Nazarene. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mike and Teri Albee, 3887 North Bell Road. The prospective bridegroom is the son of James Stolhand and Frances Coonrod.
The bride-elect is a 1995 graduate of Ponca City High School and is a freshman Psychology major at Northern Oklahoma College. She is employed at the Jewelry Connection.
Stolhand, a 1990 Po-Hi graduate, is a senior at Oklahoma State University where he is a Landscape Contracting major. He is currently employed at K-Mart.
An April 19 wedding at St. Paul's United Methodist Church is planned by Patty Morris and Jeff Woodard. The Rev. Darrel Hardy will officiate the vows at 6 p.m.
The future bride is the daughter of Lucille Wathor of Ponca City, former resident of Peckham, and the late Edward Wathor. She was previously employed with Conoco for 18 years.
Woodard is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russ (Pat) Martin and Jay Woodward, all of Arkansas City, Kan. He is employed in Arkansas City with Archer Daniels Midland.
Danny Thompson led the American Association of University Women (AAUW) as they "revisited the vision" of Ponca City Tomorrow at the February monthly branch meeting.
Thompson gave a brief history of Ponca City tomorrow, it's leaders, process, and vision. The purpose of Ponca City Tomorrow is "to continuously improve upon the quality of community life for all citizens of Ponca City", he said.
Now, according to Thompson, they are meeting with as many groups as possible to ask them if these are still important goals. In addition to meeting with various organizations, this time they are going out to the major industries who have agreed to give them time to ask employees to complete the survey.
The March monthly branch meeting of AAUW was held Saturday at the Ponca City Country Club. Speakers were Steve White and Jane Leonard, co-chairs on the state AAUW Voter Education program.
Various interest groups which met during February were Book Review, Evening Bridge, Mixed Bridge, and Out-to-Lunch Bunch. The February book review was at Grace Chism's home. Charlotte Lembke reviewed "Undaunted Courage," the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition by Stephen Ambrose. Evening Bridge was held at Martha Sharrock's. Winners were Roberta Ford, Betty Bales, and Norma Casad. The Weekend Mixed Bridge group met at Lenora Smith's home. Winners were Bill Miller, Barbara Miller and Floyd Johnson. Approximately 16 members met to celebrate Valentine's Day at Perkin's Restaurant. Hostess was Grace Chism.
March group meetings include Out-to Lunch Bunch, March 14 at Crown and Rose Pub, hostess Lenora Smith; Book Discussion of "After Dark" by Philip Margolin, March 10, hostess Doris Jones Johnson; and Evening Bridge, March 24, hostess Geraldine Miller.
Individuals interested in joining the organization are invited to attend the monthly branch meetings the third Saturday of each month at the Ponca City Country Club. For information contact AAUW President Carrie Miller at 765-2680 or 765-6697.
An open invitation is extended to friends to attend the May 17 wedding of Jennefier Inez Cooper and Darrel Ray Dye. The 7 p.m. ceremony will be at Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan. Parents of the couple are Dennis and Stephanie Dye and Barbara Cooper, all of Ponca City, and the late Reese Cooper.
Miss Cooper is a 1994 graduate of Ponca City High School and is currently attending Northern Oklahoma College where she plans to graduate in May with an associate degree in business administration. Employed at Albertson's Distribution Center, she will attend the fall session at Oklahoma State University.
Dye graduated from Po-Hi in 1988 and has attended NOC. He received a bachelor's degree in Oral Communication from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1994. He is an account executive with KPNC-FM and KOKB-AM.
For seven decades the Noon Chapter of the Ponca City Ambucs has been helping the children of Ponca City celebrate the Easter season by staging an Easter Egg hunt and this years event is slated for 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday at the pageant area of Lake Ponca Park.
Prize eggs and money eggs, as well as thousands of candy eggs will be available for the children to hunt, and for a small fee the Easter bunny will pose for pictures with those attending. The bunny will be available to visit with the children before and after the event.
The Noon Chapter of the Ambucs encourages all children from three to 12 years of age to come out and enjoy a fun afternoon.
Anniversary Celebration
The 70th Anniversary celebration of the Ponca City American Business Club (Ambucs) was held recently at the Ponca City Country Club.
The event included introductions of the past presidents by Brad Parker, president. Other officers are Steve Gray Jr, first vice president, second vice president Bill Stuever, Tom Fender, secretary and treasurer, and sergeants at arms, Steve Carberry and Steve Gray.
Those on the program included National Ambuc President Don Smith, and regional director Adri-Anne Trammell. Reflections the past 70 years were given by John Sutton.
The Ponca City Chapter of the American Business Club was organized in 1927 with 32 chapter members. By 1929 the club had dropped to eight members. In 1930 the club asked for the 1931 national convention and the membership increased to 62. The Ponca City Club became host chapter to the national convention of American Business Clubs June 17,18 and 19 in 1931.
Since that time the American Business Club has become "the Number one civic club in Ponca City and established an enviable pattern of growth", according to Sutton.
The Ponca City chapter has hosted five district ABC conventions and members have shared in the growth of the national organization. The local club has been represented by three national presidents two national vice presidents and one national director.
The Ponca City ABC group has contributed one national Big Hat president, 16 district governors, one lieutenant governor and one district Big Hat president.
Ambuc projects include, moto cross races, Boy Scout Troop, Knothole Baseball Gang, Fruit Cake Sales, Big Brother Movement, turkey shoots, scholarships for therapists, Toy Bowl Football Games, Kid League Baseball and firecracker stands.
Other projects include the annual Easter Egg Hunt, rummage sales, highway shelter huts for service men, collecting five tons of clothing for Louisville flood victims, donated first iron lungs and baby incubators for Ponca City Hospital, initial drive of more than 5,000 memberships in the Kaw Dam Association.
Other contributions included giving block of silver for Woodward tornado victims, public roster of World War II servicemen, Ambuc Pool, Christmas Aid project, Joe Myers Fund Raiser for surgery, Ponca City Soccer Association, Cairns Imaging Helmet Ponca City Fire Department, Ambucs City Park, Ponca City Special Olympics, American Cancer Relay for Life and FFA.
Happy Hilltop Homemakers met March 11 in the home of Mrs. NaDean Thomas for a salad luncheon and club meeting. Mrs. Nancy Challis, president, called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Creed. Nine members and two guests answered roll call with an "Easter memory."
Mrs. Thomas chose Matt 7:7 and Proverbs 16:3 for the devotion and then read a poem titled "Only Sixteen" taken from a book published in 1904 called "The New Select Speaker."
The group sang "Happy Birthday" to Frances Basham. She has been a member of the Happy Hilltop Homemakers for 31 years. Personal items were collected to be donated to the Domestic Violence program with the next meeting to include paper items for the shelter.
The treasurer's report was given by Mary Bryant and the hostess gift was won by Mrs. Challis. Mrs. Thomas presented each guest with a favor and plastic canvas patterns. Members made Easter favors for the Kaw City school. Loma Smith and Merl Ferguson will deliver the items.
The group decided to have the hostess of each monthly meeting call members the Monday preceding the meeting and inform them of the meeting place and items to bring. Helpful tips were provided by Merle Ferguson and Frances Basham. Loma Smith will be the hostess when the group meets at 11:15 a.m. April 8 at the Pioneer Technology Center.
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hines, Route 2, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kylie DeAnn Hines, to Mark Ivan Godberson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Godberson, Route 2.
The April 12 vows will be solemnized in a 6:30 p.m. ceremony at the First United Methodist Church by the Rev. Bracy Hill, pastor of the First Assembly of God Church. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the event.
Miss Hines is a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School and is attending Northern Oklahoma College. She is employed at the Boettcher Law Office.
The prospective bridegroom, a 1995 Po-Hi graduate, is also attending NOC. He is employed at Sykes.
The Leadership Ponca City Alumni met recently to celebrate "Leadership Ponca City . . .10 Years in Review." The meeting was held at the Ranch House Supper Club for alumni and guests.
Alumni president Vicki Graves, and Social Chairperson Annette Hunt served as Co-Mistress' of Ceremonies. Special "Tinny" awards were given to a notable member of each class. Award-winners and their graduating class are Dr. Dan Smith, 1987; Dennis Kinkaid, 1988; Jim Lindsay, 1989; Foster Johnson, 1990; Ann Bandy, 1991; Sherry Bowers, 1992; Larry Felix, 1993; Dr. Vic Andrews, 1994; Donna Jeffries-White, 1995, and Pam Dickerson, 1996. Recognized post-humously were the late Laura Streich and Patt Hughes who made significant contributions to leadership.
Charles Hollar and wife Jacque were guests. He spoke to the group about leadership attributions. Hollar listed these as being Integrity, Courage, Benevolence, Self-Discipline, Excellence, Purposefulness, Faith, Fairness and Justice, Prudence and Industriousness. He concluded his presentation by saying "where ever you are there is always an opportunity to meet a leadership need. The best place to begin is with your own community."
Mrs. Lucille Marie Buerger will be honored with an 80th birthday celebration today from 1-4 p.m. at 20 Raintree. Hosting the event will be her children, Barbara Still of Colorado Springs, Colo., Richard Buerger and Erlene Penny of Ponca City. All friends, relatives and former co-workers are invited to attend this special event.
She was born March 16, 1917 in St. Louis, Mo., moving to Oklahoma at an early age. She was married to Herman Buerger and worked for Roberts Manufacturing Company, and later, Lee Laboratories. At the time of her retirement she was employed in the Credit Department at Conoco, Inc.
A member of the First Lutheran Church, Mrs. Buerger is also active with the American Legion and VFW. Among her interests are traveling, gardening and helping with grandchildren.
Katy Tucker was elected president of Ponca City Federated Music Club at the March 7 meeting. Vicki Stokke was elected vice president; Karen Dye, secretary, and Rose Marie Boggus, treasurer. They will be installed at the May meeting.
The program was "Fascinatin' Rhythms" presented by the Piano Workshop. Helen Brakebill, chairman, introduced the program.
The program opened with "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" by Franz Liszt performed by the piano quartet composed of Roberta Motz, Frances Wood Thompson, Katy Tucker and Kathy Wimberley. Alice Crowder played "Birthday Bouquet" by Mildred Hill, variations by John W. Schaum.
The following numbers were either piano duets or two-piano numbers. Mary Sunshine Cogman and Elma Robson played "Blue Danube Waltz" by Johann Strauss Jr.; Barbara Brown and Barbara Manering performed "Briziliana" by June Weybright, with percussion by Suzi Lenhart; "Two German Dances" by Franz Schubert were played by Liz Bajork and Rhoda Young.
"Four Piece Suite: Samba - Finale" by Richard Bennett was performed by Frances Wood Thompson and Roberta Motz. The final number was "Two-Step" from "Souvenirs" Op. 4, No. 28 played by Carolyn Hook and Becky Dye.
Refreshments and coffee preceded the meeting. A silent auction of baked goods provided funds for a donation to Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony.
The parlor of Judge Roy Bean was the setting March 5 for the marriage of Sharon Allison and Terry Broadwater, both of Ponca City. Dressed in "turn of the century" attire, the couple exchanged vows in the parlor which is located in Eureka Springs, Ark. situated in the Ozark Mountains.
The couple resides in Ponca City. The bride is employed by Columbia Rural Health Clinic in Perry and the bridegroom is employed at Albertson's Distribution Center in Ponca City.
Editor's Note: The following article and picture are follow-ups to the color photos on page 1-C.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
KAW CITY - Take a "greenhouse dog," named Homer, thousands of bedding plants, and seedlings, and mix with a fellow whose philosophy is making the world prettier and you've got a blooming success.
That's the story of the 18 Kanza Greenhouses, owned by the Kaw Tribe, and operated by Bill Jackel. The eight-acre greenhouse site is not far from Washunga Bay on Kaw Lake. Jackel, who holds a master's degree in European History, has been the manager for the last six years.
From January through July the greenhouses are a beehive of activity. Basically the greenhouse products are sold wholesale to private retailers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita. The tribe does operate one retail outlet, during the season, in front of Chapman shoes in Ponca City.
During the next six months several of the greenhouses will turn over five times for different plantings of the same plant variety. During the season about 25,000 flats of bedding plants will be grown and sold.
One of the greenhouses specializes in begonias, Periwinkles and impatiens. About 4,500 are grown at a time. This makes busy fingers for the three women and one male worker and Bill himself. "We can transplant about 70,000 plants in a day," Bill says.
Owned by the Kaw Tribe
Jackel has been in the business 24 years and was living in Wichita when he learned the Kaw Tribe was looking for a manager. So he negotiated with the Tribe and became the manager. And - he loves it! The greenhouse process and making things grow gives Jackel great satisfaction.
Bill has high praise for Kaw Tribal Chief Wanda Stone and other members of the Tribal Council for giving him the leeway to do the job, while still giving oversight to the operation. Bill meets for quarterly reports with the tribe. The relationship is sort of a mutual respect society between the greenhouse superintendent and the tribe.
Tribal Business of the Year
Last year the Kanza Greenhouses won the Tribal Business of the Year award in Oklahoma.
Jackel lives on the premises and between him and the chocolate lab Homer, they keep the place on track, along with the four part-time employees.
A whole new meaning is given to part-time employees: this means six months of the year and the time on the job is highly intense. Some of the employees are retired and that fits well with them as they have about six months off.
Some folks like to come out to see the plants, but they also come to see their doggie friend Homer, who gets Christmas cards from his own fan club.
Bill says he stays at the place all the time. He equates it to being a dairy farmer, saying that the plants don't know or care if it is Saturday or Sunday- they still need water. He says it is a great feeling to walk into the greenhouses early in the morning as the plants are opening up to the light.
The operation has both "cold houses" and "hot" operations. For instance, petunias like it a little colder, Jackel explained. Right now a "hot" hanging basket is filled with "Supertunia's," which Jackel orders from Australia. A hot color with petunias this year is Pacifica Red.
One of the greenhouses is devoted to snapdragons, pansies and Dianthus. While another is filled with 28,000 seed geraniums. Jackel says the greenhouses produce about 5,000 gallons of different perennials annually. He said the perennials, which come back year after year, are getting more popular. A lot of daylilies are grown also.
From 6,000 to 8,000 chrysanthemums are brought into the greenhouses in June or July and they are grown bigger for the fall season. Three semi-loads of planting soil are used each season. These huge bags are moved from the warehouse with a heavy-duty Army surplus forklift.
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