From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
23, 1997
LOCAL
Fate of Cultural Center on Ballot April 1
City Street Improvements Hinge on Tax Vote Results
Dogs Exhibit Skills
Commission Candidates Answer Questions
City Calendar
School Menu
School Calendar
New Exercise Programs Set
Jaycee KidCare Project Provides Free Photo IDs for Local Children
Commission To Hear Accountants' Report
Letters Say:
Actor Portrays Jesus for Seventh Pageant
Prospect Accidents Concern Commission
New 'Wheels' for Scooter Has Cat Moving Around
First Phase of Park Nearing Completion
Farm Equipment Training Slated April 21-24 for Area Teen-agers
Local Charities Benefit From Have A Heart Event
Neighboring Businesses Combine for Blood Drive
Environmental Concerns On Ponca Tribal Agenda
Special Olympics April 4 at Sullins
Kaw Fest Seeks '97 T-Shirt Design
Muegge Sees Hog Farming Compromise
Art Association Sets Flea Market Monday, Tuesday
Absentee Voting Slated March 31
DEATHS
Ned Eli Conaway
Sally Lee Brown
Dorothy Margaret Bennett
Jessie M. Studer
Pearl E. Lowrie
Danny Leroy Emery
Clifford B. Smith
Larry Gene Robinson
Obituaries
John Lee Klinger Sr.
Closing Notice
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Stacia Otto Wins Local, State and Regional DAR Essay Contests
Piano Workshop Has 'Blue' Program
Porcelain Artists Plan April Event
Mexico Topic For Laureate Phi
Chandler Church Is Setting For Schroeder-Crump Vows
Egg Hunts Are Still Welcome Spring Ritual
May 17 Wedding Planned
Engagement Is Announced
Telephone Style Show Is Planned For Christian Women's Club Lunch
Prevention Tips For Car 'Theft' Topic For ABWA
Singles Network Lists Events For This Week
Newkirk Couple To Marry
The Wheatheart Nutrition Menu
A & H President National At Tulsa Event
Eta Zeta Chapter Holds Meeting
Garden Club Meeting
Little News
Fibromyalgia Group To Hear Guest Speaker
Bliss FCE Plans International Theme Dinner
Rho Chapter Elects Officers
Busy Bee Club Members Meet
FCE Workshop To Be Saturday
Bombeck Legacy Book Review Club's Topic
Tonkawa Methodist Church Setting For Marriage Vows
Sister Wanko Celebrating 100 Years
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Lindemann New PCCC Tennis Pro
Hole-in-One
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Voters will decide whether Ponca City has too many historical mansions, on April 1.
Proposition No. 2 of the upcoming election asks whether the Ponca City Board of Commissioners should be able to sell the city's ownership of the Cultural Center, by competitive public offering.
According to City Attorney Kevin Murphy, public offering could be in the form of a public auction or sealed bids.
If the proposition passes, city commissioners could require the new owners to maintain its present appearance, under terms and conditions of the contract. The mansion is currently zoned residential, according to City Planner Harold Harris.
"We really had no other choice," said Mayor Marilyn Andrews. "The city has worked so long to figure out what to do with all its treasures. When money was not a problem, it wasn't an issue, however, there is not sufficient funds for us to support all that we own."
Costs to maintain the center have always exceeded revenues. According to city officials, annual operating costs of more than $40,000 are hardly offset by the estimated $9,000 in revenues.
Historical Buildings Director Kathy Adams said two families have expressed interest in purchasing the facility for a home. If kept, the city estimates that $215,000 will have to be invested into the facility, not including the annual operating funds.
"Citizens feel if we have buildings, we should maintain them," said City Manager Gary Martin. "Therefore, the citizens must decide if we have too many historical mansions."
About the Mansion
The center is listed in the Oklahoma Landmarks publication as one of Oklahoma's outstanding architectural accomplishments and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The city purchased the property at the southeast corner of Tenth Street and Grand Avenue in 1967 from Mrs. Jay G. Paris for $85,000. The 6,521-square-foot home, which sits on approximately 2.85 acres, could sell for about $300,000.
The Cultural Center boasts the first indoor swimming pool in Oklahoma. In addition, it had features unique to a home built in the 1920s. The home has a built-in vacuum system, air conditioning, a kitchen exhaust fan, a hanging staircase and a three-car attached garage.
The marble in the fireplace of the living room is said to have originated from the Mexican Palace of Maximilian. Also, the marble tile floor and wrought-iron chandelier in the sun room are original.
The French doors on the east open onto the large terrace now used for social events. Original black walnut paneling and hand painted wallpaper decorate the dining room, which provides the setting for many receptions and celebrations.
Exhibits of contemporary arts and crafts have been displayed throughout the year. Currently, the center houses the Indian Museum, relics from Fernandina, (an early French-Indian Trading Post), memorabilia of the 101 Ranch and the Daughters of the American Revolution Memorial Museum.
Historical Dates
- The long, white stucco home of 22 rooms with a red tile roof was completed in 1916.
- The home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Jay G. Paris, in 1940.
- The city purchased the home in 1967 for $85,000.
- The formal opening and dedication of the Cultural Center were held on May 26, 1968.
- In 1968 the head of the school of architecture at the University of Oklahoma selected the Cultural Center as one of the 50 outstanding buildings in Oklahoma, from an architectural point of view.
Friends of the Cultural Center
Marquetta Brown is spearheading an effort to save the "old friend." The group will meet at the Ponca City Library in the Programming Room on Monday at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Brown at 765-7536.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
On April 1, citizens will consider renewal of the one-half cent sales tax, earmarked for street improvements. The current tax expires Sept. 30.
In 1987, Ponca City voters first approved this dedicated source of funding, which the city considers a necessary ingredient for a successful planned improvement program. John Bowman, with the Local Government Division of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, said, with the incredible demand for federal money, a dedicated tax is a great aid to any city.
"Infrastructure is continuously degrading and needs attention," he said. "A stable source of funding is important especially when you need to raise a lot of funds in a short period of time."
A street tax allows the city to be constantly prepared, added Lori Yost, ODOT information representative.
Where Did the Money Go
At the average cost of $39,877 per lane mile, 145.44 single lane miles, of Ponca City's 384.13 total miles (37.9 percent), have been improved.
- Seventy-nine streets were construction, reconstructed or received a thick overlay for $4.1 million.
- Forty-four streets were microsurfaced or received thin overlay in the amount of $354,220.
- Chip and seal was performed on 121 streets for $180,792.
- Pavement and soil tests, including a city-wide surface and base testing, amounted to $108,327.
- Signalization for two projects cost $324,292.
- The department spent $574,862 on engineering costs for 14 projects.
- Right-of-way acquisitions for four projects cost $165,377.
"A dedicated, reliable source of local financing like sales tax is a crucial in planning for and securing high costs of major street improvements," Traffic Engineer Mike Lane said. "One of the most beneficial uses of sales tax money over the past nine years has been to provide local share of high costs for major street projects to match federal and state funding," he said.
For example, federal and state funds received for street improvements totaled $6.8 million. Local money used amounted to $3.4 million. Since 1987, 16 projects have been completed, using matching funds.
Funds Reserved
In addition, street tax funds have been reserved for capital improvement projects beyond September. Phase 2 of the reconstruction of Hartford Avenue will continue towards Fourteenth Street this summer, according to Lane. In addition to local sales tax money, a $750,000 Industrial Access Grant from ODOT was secured to help fund this construction.
Projects in the planning stage include: Hartford Avenue and Waverly Street signalization; making Union Street four lanes from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue; the realignment and signalization of Ash Street and Hartford Avenue, and construction of a center left turn lane on Prospect Avenue from Fifth Street to Fourteenth Street.
Future Projects
If the sales tax is approved, the following projects could be considered by the Traffic Commission:
- Fifth Street extension- north of Prospect Avenue to Knight Street.
- Continue widening Waverly Street to South Avenue.
- Four lane Highland Avenue from Sunset Street to Waverly Street.
- Four lane Prospect Avenue from Union Street to Ash Street.
- Intersection revision at Bradley Avenue and Fourteenth Street.
The Traffic Commission, consisting of Chairman Milford Reeder, Capt. Clayton Johnson, Mike Lane, Ken Parr, Charles Payne, Jim Rosenbaum and Orville Wilks, is designated as the Sales Tax Overview Committee. They monitor the sales tax funds, review proposed projects, make recommendations to the city commission and prepare an annual report of revenue, expenditures, completed projects as well as the status of on-going projects.
"The one-half cent street sales tax provides a better opportunity to upgrade, maintain and keep the roads in drivable condition," said Reeder. "We tried to spread funds throughout town, not just concentrate in one area."
He continued. "I hope the citizens see enough improvement in the streets to view that the tax had been worthwhile. With the federal and state matching programs, I see the matching programs as getting tax money returned to our city.".
Currently, 85 percent of the tax has been spent "in the street," according to Lane. This figure is expected to increase to 91 percent into fiscal year 1998.
Copies of the Ninth Anniversary Report are available for review at the Ponca City Library.
HARDY JAGGERS of Sonora, Ky., with his English Pointer "Bud," at the Quail Unlimited National Field Trials being held this weekend at Red Rock Ranch, south of Ponca City. North Central Oklahoma Quail Unlimited is hosting the national competition. Jaggers is from the Lincoln Trail chapter. Competition concludes today and spectators are welcome. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
Campaigns for two Ponca City commissioner positions proceed as the election on April 1, draws near.
Local businessman Chris Hand, 2701 McKinley Place, is opposing incumbent Commissioner Dick Bird, 2517 Windsor Road for the Commissioner No. 2 position. Ponca City attorney Tom Leonard, 2512 Woodthrush Road, is challenging incumbent Commissioner O.E. "Greg" Gregson, 208 Cardinal Road, for the position of Commissioner No. 4.
Candidates were recently asked to respond to the following questions.
How would you restore the public trust in city government?
Leonard: Lay all the cards on the table. I trust the judgment of well-informed citizens. Work sessions must be moved to prime-time so everyone can see what is really happening. Let's debate the issues in the open. The public will respond when its viewpoint is treated with interest, dignity and respect.
Gregson: Public trust in our city government will be restored as communication improves and we work together to build on the positives. At a time when our city was undergoing inordinate change we, as "city government," made the mistake of putting on a "business as usual" face. As the realities we were facing became more evident, the citizens exhibited a need for more in-depth information. These problems are being addressed and the level of communication is improving.
Hand: Above everything else, no matter what the issue is, tell the truth. All credibility is lost when you don't do what you say you will do. City government must listen to the majority. When we gain public input, we must use that input and not ignore it. The trust was not lost overnight and it will not be regained overnight. Trust is gained or lost by actions. We must have new leadership from our mayor and commissioners. They must have the ability, integrity and vision to reunite our community and take massive action to regain the trust and spirit of our citizens.
Bird: I personally don't believe there is very much mistrust of our city government. What I do believe is the need of better communications between the citizens of Ponca City and our city government. The citizens need to voice their likes and dislikes by visiting the city offices and/or attending the city commissioners meetings with their concerns. Because, I as a commissioner want citizens input and want to represent the needs of all citizens.
Do you support the upcoming renewal of the Street Sales Tax?
Leonard: Preventive and routine maintenance costs $500,000 annually. The general fund cannot bear this expense if we lose the street sales tax. I have reviewed the traffic commission's report on use of the funds, and the money has been well-spent and well-managed. Continuing street improvement is a key to economic growth. I will vote for renewal of the street sales tax.
Gregson: I strongly support the renewal of the half cent sales tax. This is $1.3 million per year that is earmarked for and goes directly to improve our streets.
Hand: I will support the renewal.
Bird: Having served six years on the traffic commission, I know the needs of the citizens and of the city to keep our streets in the best possible condition. Many street improvements have been made in the last six years.
How will you raise additional revenue to meet the city's needs?
Leonard: I am against raising general fund revenue by increasing sales tax or utility rates. Part of restoring public confidence in government is proving the city can live within its current means. Every program must justify its continued existence and funding, not just its request for more appropriations.
Gregson: By statute, the city is committed to live within it's resources. The city commission does not raise revenue. This must be a decision of the public. We always appreciate input from the public as to how to expend these funds. For instance, recently, citizen comments have indicated a strong support for a new No. 1 fire station, although not located in a public park. I recommend: continued cost cutting and improving efficiency of all city operations and giving consideration to privatizing some city functions, if this is advantageous to our community.
Hand: First a clear distinction between the city's needs and wants must be determined. We must take an in-depth look at existing revenue and budget. We must look at each upper level management position and salary to make sure they are necessary. All expenses such as cellular phones and their use, computers, vehicles, consulting fees, engineering fees, contracts, etc., must be scrutinized. We must have fiscal responsibility. There are large amounts of money foolishly spent in large organizations. I would accept the standing offer of some local accountants to go through the budget with a fine tooth comb so the budget can truly be understood. I guarantee we can do more with what we have.
Bird: The city has experienced budget problems the same as many of our local business establishments in recent years. Due to these monetary shortfalls, many areas lack adequate funding at the present time. We must continue to work as a team to address the needs of the city and care for its citizens. These will not be easy decisions, but with the strength of the citizens and their input, we can survive, prosper, and meet the challenges ahead. I as your commissioners will work diligently to ensure that vital services are met.
What part should the city play in economic development?
Leonard: The city should exercise direct control of economic development. No more high salaries, unlimited use of rental car or cellular phone account for the executive director. I believe desirable businesses are attracted by strong infrastructure, skilled work force and quality educational opportunities for young people. Direct payments to attract business should be severely curtailed or stopped.
Gregson: Since city monies and properties are involved, the city will continue to have responsibility for how the economic development funds are used.
Hand: The city is the major player in economic development. The city owns the land, the utilities, provides the funding, controls the sales tax and has access to the grants. The city needs better negotiating skills. I believe it is a mistake to house economic development under the Chamber of Commerce. It did not work the last time, it was housed there. I do not foresee it working this time. In my opinion, the city made a crucial mistake by that decision.
Bird: The city does not have additional funding for the Economic Development Foundation. Recently, the citizens rejected a sales tax for funds requested by the EDF. Honoring the citizens requests, the EDF must challenge themselves to find other ways to fund additional monies needed.
What part, if any, should the city play in tourism?
Leonard: Modest expenditures for tourism are appropriate to encourage spending which generates more sales tax revenue. We also gain indirect benefits from visitor contact with our exceptional facilities, businesses and fellow citizens.
Gregson: As tourism is funded by the three percent hotel/motel tax, the city is necessarily involved in the spending of these monies. Tourism is very well run under the current arrangement.
Hand: The key is making sure the correct personnel are in place that are exceptional in marketing. We have a wonderful city with beautiful facilities and we should bring in the tourism dollars.
Bird: The Chamber of Commerce is managing the tourism activities. The city has assisted with funding in this area. In the future, with budget restraints experienced by the city, adequate funding may not be available, or current funding may be reduced. Innovative ways may be needed for raising additional funds for tourism.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
Anytime
FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).
Today
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
March 27, 28, 29, 30
March 28-29
March 29
March 30
April 1
April 5
April 5-12
April 6
April 8
April 10
April 12
April 13
April 14
April 15
April 17
April 19
April 20
April 21
April 22
April 25
April 26
April 27
May 1
May 3
May 4
May 10
May 17
May 23-24
May 24
May 31
June 7
June 9
School Menu
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid High
Breakfast
Middle School and Mid High
Available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Middle School are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Hardees. On Tuesday and Thursday, the school offers Domino's and Taco Bell burritos. Available at the Mid-High on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Subway Sandwiches. On Tuesday and Thursday are Domino's, Taco Bell burritos and Hardees.
Lunch
High School Lunch
Available every day in the high school cafeteria, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn, Taco Bell burritos, Hardees and Subway.
All American
Training Table
McCord Breakfast
McCord Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
The cafeteria at Pioneer Technology Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. The cafeteria is also open to the public.
School Calendar
Po-Hi
March 24
March 25
March 26
March 27
March 28
March 29
March 30
The Ponca City Park and Recreation Department will be offering a co-educational exercise program at the Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodlands Road beginning April 2.
On Mondays and Wednesday at 9:45 a.m., an exercise program will be available for those with special needs, or the "young at heart" at a cost of $18. Couples can join for $32.
"Fit for Life" routines are expected to improve flexibility, agility, coordination, strength, and improved metabolism to help burn calories for weight control. Benefits include a strong heart, body and mind.
Classes will be choreographed and set to motivating music using exercise physiology and aerobic concepts, using an easy follow-the-leader format. The class consists of a warm-up, 30-minute aerobic segment plus a toning segment. The low-impact class is a good choice for exercise beginners.
During class, participants will use low-poundage weights and X-ertubes for toning. A chair work-out is incorporated during toning routines. Stretching exercises are also an important part of this class.
Attendees should wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing. X-ertubes are provided, but participants need to bring low-poundage weights. For more information, call 762-7243.
Through Project KidCare, the Ponca City Jaycees provided free photo IDs to 150 children at Wal-Mart on March 8.
Ponca City Jaycee's President John Williams and KidCare sponsor Thomas K. Henley of Shelter Insurance, discussed the program.
"Missing children have become an increasingly urgent national problem. Although no one has exact numbers, recent Department of Justice estimates suggest that more than one million children are reported missing each year. One thing is certain, however - nothing improves the chances of finding a missing child more than a current, high quality photograph." said Williams. "That's why we wanted to bring this program to as many children as possible in the Ponca City Area."
"As an agent with Shelter Insurance, it is my job to do what I can to protect families. When the Jaycees approached me about sponsoring the event, I knew this was one more way to help. I couldn't say no," added Henley.
Polaroid Corp. and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) have joined forces to create Project KidCare, a national child safety and standardized photo identification program.
The heart of Project KidCare is the KidCare Photo ID, the only NCMEC-approved standard for child photo identification. It accommodates a series of updated standardized instant identification photos, as well as a child's vital statistics and valuable emergency information.
"We first became involved in the Project KidCare program in 1995 when the United States Jaycees joined forces with Kmart, Polaroid, Kimberly Clark and other national sponsors to offer the KidCare program in every Kmart store nationwide, all on the same day.
That year, thanks to the national sponsors, all materials were free. This year they weren't, so the Ponca City Jaycees owe a big thanks to Tom Henley and Shelter Insurance for helping us to cover some of the costs," explained Williams. "We also owe thanks to Wal-Mart for allowing us to run the project in their store. They even rearranged some displays to make room for us."
"The NCMEC recommends that photos be updated every six months, so we're planning to run the project again in September. We want to try to reach as many children as possible.
In order to do this, we hope to attract more sponsors so we can afford to buy more supplies, which currently run approximately $1.50 per child." said Williams.
"I'd sponsor it again in a minute. As a new father, the need seems even more urgent than before. At least now I know that if something should happen to Hannah, I have all the most important information gathered in one place so she could be located as quickly as possible," added Henley.
"If any citizens are interested in sponsoring future KidCare events, they may contact John Williams at 765-9719 or write to the Ponca City Jaycees, PO Box 1682, Ponca City, OK 74602.
"The Jaycees are looking for sponsors to help us purchase materials and advertise the event as well as sponsors to provide us a location," concluded Williams.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Accountants' Report and Financial Statement for 1995-96 will be presented to the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday.
The session will be held at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.
The annual report was prepared by Baird, Kurtz & Dobson.
In addition, the Police Department and Animal Control Annual reports will be reviewed. After a rate comparison of golf courses in Winfield, and Wichita, Kan., as well as Bartlesville, the Golf Course Division will submit a request for 1996-97 rates for the Lew Wentz Golf Course.
Furthermore, the selection committee for the Electric Department has gone through the selection process for a general manager for the department and believes that the use of a head-hunting firm will assist in obtaining the appropriate individual. City Manager Gary Martin will ask the commissioners to sign a contract with Mycoff and Associates for these services.
Additionally, Information Communication Services-E911 wants commissioners to consider keeping the 911 fee at the current level of five percent, from June 1, 1997, until May 31, 1998. The department proposes purchasing supporting communications equipment.
If approved, the effective date of the ordinance is set for 60 days from the date of passage to allow citizens in opposition to file a petition, if they desire, protesting the current fee. If this occurs, the question would be referred to an election, according to the department officials.
Further, the board will review claims against the city in the amount of $1,091,069.49.
On the consent agenda, commissioners will consider the following items:
- Advertising for bids on Hartford Avenue improvements from Gibson Place to Joe Street.
- Voting on the bid committee's recommendation to sell a residential structure owned by the city in the 300 block of South Fourth Street, for $502.
- Reviewing a Change Order No. 2 with RAM Engineering and Construction, Inc. for the Northwest Water Transmission Pipe-line, Phase 2 project in the total deduct amount of $20,562.25.
The board will reconvene as the Ponca City Utility Authority to consider submission of the monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resource Board as part of the OWRB loan.
In addition, the board will discuss a $1,828.53 payment requisition to FHC Inc. for bidding and construction administration services performed on the sludge equipment procurement project. Commissioners will also review change order No. 3 with Dond-linger and Sons Construction Company for Phase 2 improvements on the Wastewater Treatment Plant, in the add-on amount of $60,828.69.
Furthermore, the board will consider writing-off closed/inactive accounts with delinquent balances and transfers of delinquent utility accounts to a collection agency.
NEWKIRK - Bid openings, including one to renovate the fourth floor of the county courthouse, will dominate much of the Monday morning meeting of the Kay County Board of County Commissioners.
Along with the renovation bid, the commissioners will open bids for computer equipment - hardware, software and service - for the county treasurer's office; for a telephone system for certain county offices, and a trailer for District One.
The weekly meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Monday in the commissioners court on the first floor of the courthouse, and at 9:30 a.m., the board will hear a presentation by WorkNet regarding a certified workplace medical plan.
The bid openings will begin at 10 a.m.
Editor, The News:
We know that the budget of Ponca City is tight. We know the City officials worry about meeting needs. They need a friend. The Friends of the Cultural Museum is a group of good- hearted, hard-working friends. If given a chance, we think we can ease the burden of the Cultural Center Museum. That is why we hope the citizens of Ponca City will vote against the proposition allowing the City Commissioners to sell the Cultural Center Museum.
I am busy filling out forms now so that the group may become a nonprofit corporation. Our purpose is to foster and encourage preservation and development of the Cultural Center Museum through the encouragement and provision of educational opportunities and forums. We will write grants seeking help to maintain the building. We will publish public interest educational materials about the museum and history of the area. We plan to sponsor educational seminars and discussions groups regarding area museums and history.
None of my children live in Ponca City now but they still love it. When they call home, they will ask, "What is going on in Ponca City?" When I told them about the impending election, they said, "Oh, Mother do something! Don't let them sell the Cultural Center." Of course that is not my decision. It is the voter's decision. I do hope each voter will consider the issues. Once the building is sold, it is gone. We will never be able to afford to buy it again. we feel that with the help of the Friends of the Cultural Center Museum, we can afford the upkeep now.
Marquetta Brown
Chairman, Friends of the Cultural Center
Editor, The News:
The Legislature is taking on an issue that affects every child in Oklahoma. Each day, on the average, 16 Oklahomans die from illnesses caused by tobacco use. About 90 percent of first use of tobacco and over 70 percent of tobacco addiction occurs by age 18. Although it is illegal to sell tobacco to children, Oklahoma laws are very weak and enforcement is rare.
This session, the State Legislature is considering a bill to crack down on clerks and stores selling addictive tobacco products to our children. If enacted, Senate Bill 619n would allow for effective local enforcement programs already adopted by over 100 communities in other states. The tobacco lobbyists at the State Capitol are working hard to kill this bill.
Readers are urged to immediately contact Rep. Jim Newport and ask Rep. Newport to join Sen. Paul Muegge in support of Senate Bill 619.
Telephone messages in support of Senate Bill 619 may be left for Rep. Newport by calling 1 -800-522-8502.
Barbara Nickles
Kay County Unit - American Cancer Society
& Jaycees Against Youth Smoking Program Manager
Ponca City native Bill Justice will be playing the role of Jesus in First Baptist Church's annual Easter pageant for the seventh consecutive year.
This year's production, entitled "He's Alive!", will be presented at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. nightly.
A graduate of Ponca City High School, Justice also has a degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is a longtime supervisor with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
In addition to Justice's fine arts experiences with First Baptist Church, he also enjoys live entertainment opportunities with The Marland Mansion, Poncan Theatre and the Ponca Playhouse.
In his Christian ministry, Justice is a deacon with the First Baptist Church, teaches a 12th grade Sunday School class, and sponsors youth ministry activities.
In a recent interview, Justice said that "it is always overwhelming and humbling for me to get the opportunity to portray Jesus in the Easter pageant. I never take my role lightly or for granted even though I've done it for several years. I always consider it a huge responsibility because of the impact this pageant can have each year and has had in the past on the lives of hundreds of people, not only in Ponca City, but also in this entire area of northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas. Playing the role of Jesus is so different than other acting opportunities that I have had. Getting applause and curtain calls are exciting parts of being an actor, but without a doubt my only objective in doing the Easter pageant is that Jesus Christ will be honored and that He will get all the glory.
Justice continued, "My desire is to be an instrument through which Jesus can work. I could not play this role without Christ working in me. I'm so blessed to get to work with such a great group of people on the ministerial staff, the cast and crew and First Baptist Church as a whole. Exalting Jesus together and getting His gospel message out into the community is what First Baptist Church is all about."
Larry Masters, minister of music at First Baptist and pageant producer, points out that "Bill always reminds the cast that there are no human stars in this production. The only star is Jesus Christ who lives today in our world and in the lives of those who believe."
Masters invites the public to attend "He's Alive!" Tickets are free, but necessary. Tickets may be obtained at First Baptist, The Master's Touch and KLVV Radio in Ponca City; Eastman Bank in Newkirk; Guy Lyall Insurance in Tonkawa; Dillion's in Arkansas City; Long and Neises, CPA in Winfield; Ruth's Christian Book Store in Enid, and The Christian Book Store in Stillwater.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Members of the Ponca City Traffic Commission are concerned about the number of accidents that occur on Prospect Avenue from the railroad tracks to North Fourteenth Street.
Opposing left turns seem to be the main cause of accidents in the area, according to Traffic Engineer Mike Lane.
"Things can be done on Prospect Avenue and we need to look at options," he said.
The board discussed the large number of curb cuts onto Prospect Avenue and asked Lane to begin noting which curb cuts were associated with which accidents. The engineer will make recommendations to address the problem.
Chairman Milford Reeder commented that it would be helpful for the traffic commission to have input when the city's planning committee considers curb cuts for new construction.
In other new business, Lane prepared a 25-year traffic count projection of Fifth Street, from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue. Based on growth history at the intersections of Fifth Street and Hartford Avenue and Fifth Street and Prospect Avenue, Lane projected 8,700 vehicles could travel this path during a 24-hour period by 1998. By 2022, the volume could increase to 11,100 vehicles within a 24-hour period. Member Charles Payne requested the report.
Lane confirmed that the values will have to be revised to increase reliability of the figures following actual counts on Fifth Street once construction is complete and a trend can be established.
Members tabled any action on the 1996 Annual Traffic Accident Report until next month. In addition, Steve Sprehe, representing Conoco, asked for the commission to consider closing portions of Coolidge Avenue, Mercer Street and Brunswick Avenue to make a walking trail in the Conoco "Greenbelt" area. Sprehe will return in April, with a proposed rendering of the area, including the requested street closings. Conoco plans to work the project in three phases within three years.
In other activity, Lane confirmed that excavating has begun on the Fifth Street job. Also, the department hopes to have bids and a work order to continue street work on Hartford Avenue by mid-June.
March has been a full of surprises for a white feline named Scooter. The cat recently received new back legs and found a new home.
At birth, Scooter's hip joints were not properly formed, leaving his back legs useless. Thanks to Barbara S. Parkes and the Ponca Animal Welfare Society, Scooter received a K-9 Cat Cart, to help him to become more mobile.
Although the feline can walk if he drags his back legs, the cart provides support and more ease of movement. Wanda Brawner, treasurer of PAWS, took measurements so a cart could be specially made for Scooter.
According to his new family, Scooter is still adjusting to the cart and tires easily.
Kincaid Veterinary Hospital was Scooter's foster home for several months until Kit and Tim Gilmore of Tonkawa adopted the pet.
PAWS has been working for North Central Oklahoma for almost four years, taking care of injured, orphaned and abandoned animals. The organization is currently selling raffle tickets through March 31. For a $1 donation, contributors have a chance to win a hand-crocheted doily.
For more information, contact 765-PAWS.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
As spring weather brings increasing numbers of visitors to Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park, the last stages of Phase I park development are under way. The addition of bronze memorial plaques, commemorating those who contributed to the project, and the sowing of natural landscape grasses, will complete Phase I.
"The installation of bronze plaques in the Memorial Grove sitting area, will be the last official addition to the park," says Betty Durkee, project director. "The plaques will recognize the contributions, both financial and otherwise of those who made the park and memorial project possible."
The plaques will be permanently placed by Pryse Monument works on the large limestone boulders in the Memorial Grove area.
"So many people have assisted so generously," said Carl Renfro, Native American Foundation Chairman, "that we may have to place additional boulders in that area to accommodate all the names."
All donors of $500 or more will have permanent recognition on-site. Deadline for contributing and being recognized as a donor will be May 1.
Purchase of the magnificent 18-inch limited-edition bronze model of Oreland C. Joe's Standing Bear Monument is one way to include the donor's name on the proposed plaques, said Renfro. Only seven of the 100 limited-edition statues remain for sale. Anyone interested in purchasing one of the statues may contact Renfro at 762-5651.
Another project, soon to begin in the park will be under the direction of Don Bouldin, landscape subcontractor for the project. He will be readying the ground for permanent cover, replacing the temporary rye grass planted last fall as a ground cover for the dedication of Chief Standing Bear Monument celebration.
"We will hate to lose the lush spring green of our temporary rye grass but the ultimate result will be the enhancement of the site's natural beauty. The area leading up to the statue will be planted in buffalo grass. We're working toward our goal of planting only native grasses and wildflowers," she said.
Other activities in the next few weeks at the park will include the refilling of the reflecting pool in the Viewing Plaza, and the lighting of Grandfather Fire.
"We are anxious to get these springtime tasks done for our visitors' enjoyment," she said. She reminded that the water in the pool reflects the blue of the sky, while Grandfather Fire burns to remind visitors of the site's dedication in 1994 to tell the Native American story.
The next phase in the development of Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park will begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Conoco Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, at a meeting of all volunteers and committee chairman to plan the proposed Cultural Complex.
"Anyone interested in learning more about this exciting project or in helping us make it a reality is welcome to attend this general committee meeting," said Durkee.
"We will report on the completion of Phase I and kick off Phase II at the meeting. A free lunch will be served to all those who attend and an optional tour of the park will follow the meeting," she concluded.
NEWKIRK - Enrollment is beginning for the OSU Extension Office's tractor and agricultural equipment safety clinic for 14- and 15-year-olds, county extension 4-H agent Larry Klumpp said.
The four-day safety clinic, designed to meet labor requirements for the age group, will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 21 through 24, with a driving test beginning at 5 p.m. on April 30.
The clinic will include lessons on starting and stopping a tractor, safety ideas, equipment controls, daily maintenance and safety checks, and hitches, PTO and hydraulic controls.
Klumpp said the 20-hour course, including the written test and driving exam on April 30, will cost $25 for each participant, payable to the OSU Extension Center.
Registrations are due by April 18. Participants can contact Klumpp at 405-362-3194 or 405-362-2200 or they can write him at OSU Extension Center, P.O. Box 430, Courthouse, Newkirk, OK 74647.
The clinic is required for those youths who will be employed on a farm outside their family business.
"The 'Have A Heart' charity event is a win-win day for local charities, the shopper and also JC Penney Company Inc. stores," said Ed Trice, local Penney's manager. Penney's stores throughout the country sponsored the event for charity on Feb. 8.
Many Ponca City agencies were given the opportunity to sell coupons for $5, which offered the shopper a discount throughout the JC Penney store on that date. The entire $5 donation was then donated to the agency which sold the coupon.
Participating in Ponca City were the Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America-Will Rogers Council, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Hospice of Ponca City, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, RSVP and the Salvation Army.
In addition to the $5 donation per coupon to each charity, JC Penney Co. also presented an additional $200 to the agency that had the most people attending the event. Winner of the event was Hospice of Ponca City. Each coupon holder attending was also eligible to enter a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate.
Melody Lahann, Hospice director said "JC Penney Co. has been a longtime supporter of agencies in our community and we appreciate their continued support."
Oklahoma Natural Gas recently combined with neighboring businesses in the Ponca City Industrial Park to participate in the American Red Cross Donor Express blood drive.
According to Esther Ramsey, ONG blood drive coordinator, employees from ADPC, Cookshack, Head Country, Sun Manufacturing and Mitchco joined in the donor express event to donate 23 units of blood to the Red Cross blood drive.
Ramsey said, "ONG as well as many of our neighboring companies in the Industrial Park have downsized and none of us really had enough donors to make it worthwhile to call on the Red Cross to come to our place of business for a Donor Express drive - so we just combined!" With the combined effort, the businesses donated 23 units of blood.
"If we keep expanding any more, we may have to schedule two Donor Express events," she said.
"Mitchco had several first time donors and some of the other companies had first time donors as well, which is really exciting to me, since blood from donors is the only way to keep our hospital supplied for those who need blood." Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, she reminded. Only about five percent of the 57 percent who are eligible donate.
Ramsey, said she was a first time donor last year and found it was very easy and nothing to be feared. "I am a big chicken, and found all sorts of excuses not to donate before, but once I saw how easy it was, I am proud to do it each time I am eligible. I am thrilled to be a part of this necessary life-saving event."
The Red Cross supplies blood to 67 hospitals in Oklahoma and is the largest blood supplier in the nation. Included in the donation process is a mini check up, where blood pressure, cholesterol count and other minor tests are provided free.
Anyone interested in donating or needing more information may call the local office of the American Red Cross at 765-6605.
A meeting to address environmental concerns will be held at the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building March 25 at 2 p.m.
The Ponca Business Committee has confirmed the meeting with various agencies representatives concerning the environmental degradation of tribal and individual lands, water and air.
According to Kinsel V. Lieb, vice chairman of the Ponca Business Committee, representatives from the following agencies will be represented: Department of Interior Field Solicitor, Pawnee Agency Superintendent, BIA Environmental Protection, Department of Justice Senior Counsel, EPAS Region 6 Officials of Drinking Water, Air Enforcement and ORC Superfund, Indian Health Service Environmental Health and USGS.
The Ponca Business Committee will meet with the officials at the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building March 25 to review previous studies prepared on tribal lands beginning at 2 p.m., and will continue until 6 p.m. to allow individual members who may be working during the day an opportunity to express their concerns to the officials.
The Special Olympics, sponsored by the Ponca City Ambucs, is slated for April 4 at Sullins Stadium, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather the events will be held at the Girl's Gym at Ponca City High School.
Opening ceremonies are slated for 10 a.m., with lunch to be served at noon. The events are slated to finish about 2 p.m.
Those volunteering should be at the stadium by 9:30 a.m. Public support is encouraged to cheer on these Olympians. Chairman Dan Sims encourages the public to come out and support the event and enjoy the day with friends.
Persons wanting to volunteer or help otherwise are asked to call 762-8376 for information.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
A new design is being sought for the 1997 Kaw Fest T-shirt, and winner of this year's design will receive a $100 prize. The Kaw Fest Committee is sponsoring the contest.
Anna Adams was the 1997 winner.
Bill Murphy, owner of I-Deal Auto Sales, located at South Avenue and Fourth Street, Ponca City, who is donating the prize money, said, "We are hoping the new design will be found in a creative, talented individual in the Kaw Lake area during the next few weeks."
Deadline for entries is April 15.
According to Murphy, the contest is open to everyone who wants to submit an entry, regardless of age or artistic ability. The only stipulation is that the design be design-ready for screen printing.
According to the Opportunity Screen Printing Shop, design-ready would require the entries should be submitted on white paper. The design should be no larger than 10 inches wide and 12 inches long and no smaller than 5-by-7 inches. A black and white line drawing of the design should be accompanied by second sample sheet depicting the colors suggested by the artist.
Final winner for the design will be selected by the Kaw Fest Committee at their April 15 meeting.
Entries may be submitted at I-Deal Auto Sales, located at Fourth and South Avenue, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Office, Fifth at Grand Avenue; or the Kaw Lake Association, P.O. Box 607, Blackwell, OK 74631.
By RALPH SEWELL
News State Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - Despite the fact senators pulled some teeth from the bill to regulate hog factories, State Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, believes there's a good chance to work out a compromise.
Muegge says corporate owners of big farms indicate they want to work with Oklahoma to avoid water pollution near the plants. Both Muegge and Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, voted for SB 559.
Both House and Senate members were lobbied hard by outspoken citizen groups that wanted legislators to do something about odor and pollution they said are caused by pig farms.
Meanwhile, SB 591 died a quiet death in the House education committee. The bill would require school districts to resort to binding arbitration when they reach an impasse on labor negotiations with teachers or other unions.
When the bill squeaked by the Senate 25-21 almost a month ago, Muegge voted for it while Harrison voted against. No formal vote was held on SB 591 in the House Education Committee.
Both Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, and Rep. Jim Reese, R-Nardin, are committee members, and Rep. James Hager, D-Pawhuska, is committee chairman.
Newport said he understood the House author withdrew the bill. Reese said Hager counted noses and found it lacked committee support.
Later, the senator who often authors bill wanted by organized labor quipped, "Well, we'll try it again next year - it's an election year."
Reese also will have to wait until next year to resume his push to get House approval for his HB 1610. This would link every Oklahoma school district to OneNet, the network Oklahoma has set up to give school districts, colleges and libraries full access to research material on the World wide Web.
Cost is one obstacle. It would cost each district $750 a month. Reese says he hopes his bill will provide the money to bring such research to every Oklahoma school, no matter how small.
House Minority Leader Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, would particularly benefit if HB 2157 - now in the Senate Transportation Committee - becomes law. His highway transportation district bumps into both metropolitan areas.
The Senate Judiciary committee killed Newport's HB 2180, which would have let municipal courts order an errant child to perform community service as well as pay fines. But more controversial was a feature to have the parent do such service if the child failed to perform.
The House wasn't as skeptical when it passed the bill early this month by a vote of 95-4, with all Ponca City-area representatives voting in favor.
The fate handed Newport's bill is typical when committees from one house examines bills approved by the other.
But the Senate Appropriations committee did approve HB 1084, which has Harrison has co-author. It would make state law on safe drinking water to conform to changes in federal law. It mainly affects loans and grants made by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Most of the floor action in the House and Senate came on appropriation bills - a routine step to get agency budgets to conference committees which will decide on funding levels.
How They Voted
Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on some bills - most of them passed before the March 13 "own house" deadline:
- HB 1771 won added Senate approval. It's a bill to give municipalities the right to control gun use by minors. The author said when legislators passed gun control laws in 1996, they took away power of cities to control them. As a result, illegal juvenile gun use has increased. The vote was 39-8, with Muegge and Harrison voting yes.
- HJR 1035, which passed the House 61-36, would create a commission to investigate the 1920 race riots in Tulsa, and make recommendations about paying reparations to blacks or their descendants. Dissenters objected that it wasn't a state problem and persons living elsewhere in the 19902 shouldn't share the blame or pay the damages. Reese and Hager voted yes; Newport and Ferguson no.
- HB 1112 passed the House 59-40, after being amended. As it came to the floor, would have mandated increased travel allowances for county officers. The amendment would let counties decide whether or not to increase funding. Ponca City area representatives voted yes.
- HB 1335, a bill sent to the floor as one saying a person may direct how his body is disposed of after death, was amended to ban minors from seeing sexually-offensive material on computer sets or televisions. It passed the House 98-0 with all area representatives voting yes.
- HB 1443 would allow highway patrolmen to stop cars with motorists who are not wearing seat belts. Some foes feared local police could use the law as a local fund raiser. It passed the House 68-32 with Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
- HB 1595, passed by the House 56-42, would allow banks to add five branches during the next five years. It's similar to SB 554, which passed the Senate earlier in the week. Titles were removed from both bills, meaning the final legislation likely will be written by a conference committee. Ponca City-area representatives voted no.
- SB 203, proposing more liberal school transfers, passed 33-9. Muegge voted yes, Harrison no.
- SB 500 passed 46-1. Many voted reluctantly. It would deregulate the electric utility industry. An amendment was approved to delay the change to open competition from mid-1999 to mid-2002. The bill moved on to the House. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SB 542, passed by the Senate 331-17, would toughen penalties for drivers who fail to stop when a police officer commands them to do so. The author said it was a request from police departments that include Lawton and Norman. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
- SB 13, which proposed special alternative school support, first failed 22-16. Foes feared it would take money from other schools. Modified the next day, it passed 35-9 with title off, meaning senators will see it again. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
- SB 592, by the same Tulsa author, to create "trailblazer schools," ran into trouble on the same fears as SB 12, but it passed 29-18. The bill's title had been removed. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
The Ponca City Art Association Spring Flea Market will be held Monday and Tuesday in the garages and on the grounds of the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central.
Many items for the Easter season and spring are available including flowers, baskets, clothing for both children and adults and much more.
Other items include a large assortment of collectibles and antiques, including furniture. Also books, craft supplies, dishes, cooking utensils, appliances, tools, jewelry, pictures, frames, shoes, purses, men's suits, backpacks, art, household accessories, handcrafted items, coats, jackets, and hundreds of other items.
Proceeds from the sale of all items are used to benefit the Ponca City Art Center.
For more information call 765-9746 Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
NEWKIRK - Even though the county's various special elections will be held on the first day of April, registered voters will be able to cast their ballots on the last day of March.
Those who want to vote by absentee ballot in the Kaw City, Tonkawa or Ponca City elections can receive and cast a ballot next Monday, March 31, by going to the Kay County Election Board office at the county courthouse.
A two-member, bipartisan absentee voting board will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day to assist with in-person absentee voters.
Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford said voting at the courthouse is similar to voting at a polling precinct, but in-person absentee voters "are required to swear that they have not voted a regular-mail absentee ballot and that they will not vote at their polling places on election day."
Those wanting more information can call Stafford or her staff at the
office or phone 405-362-2130.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Ned Eli Conaway, lifelong Blackwell area resident, died Thursday evening, March 20, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 88.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Blackwell First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Ryser officiating. Burial will be at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. Friends may visit at the funeral home until noon Tuesday, then at the church until service time, then the casket will be closed.
Ned Eli Conaway was born May 23, 1908, on a farm north of Nardin to Charles N. and Minnie (Reese) Conaway. He lived on the farm where he was born and attended Webb Rural School until age 10. He then moved with his parents to a farm north of Deer Creek, where he attended Bluff Center Rural School, and graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1927. After his schooling he began farming with his father.
On Sept. 7, 1930, he was married to Katherine L. Meeker in Arkansas City, Kan., and the couple established their first home on a farm north of Nardin. Seven years later they moved to a farm northeast of Braman, where they lived for three years. They then moved to a farm in the Round Grove area and Conaway farmed there for 33 years. He served on the Round Grove school board, was a member of the Farmers Union, and the Agrarian Club of Ponca City. He also co-owned M&M Implement in Blackwell, with his brother.
Conaway retired from farming in 1973 and moved into Blackwell, where he worked as a housing construction carpenter. He served of the Blackwell Co-op board of directors and enjoyed volunteer work. In 1993, Conaway was awarded "The Clara Barton Award," the highest honor for a volunteer issued by the American Red Cross. He was a member of the Blackwell First United Methodist Church and the Kum DBL Sunday School class. He enjoyed fishing and in younger years attended senior citizen dances.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine, of Blackwell; one daughter, LaRita Hackler of Oneonta, N.Y.; two sisters, Viola Adams of Enid and Ruth Quillen of Glenrock, Wyo.; three brothers, Carson of Gardner, Kan., Roy of Springhill, Fla., and Lester of Blackwell; eight grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one son, Charles; his parents; two brothers, Robert and Kenneth; one sister, Mary Reusser; and one granddaughter.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Conaway's name to the Blackwell First United Methodist Church or to the Cherokee Chapter of the American Red Cross, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
FAIRFAX - Sally Lee Brown, Fairfax resident, died Thursday morning, March 20, 1997, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 47.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax with the Rev. Bill Bray officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Sally Lee (Bibbs) Brown was born Nov. 28, 1949, in Boley the daughter of Ree and Ollie Ivory (Toles) Bibbs. She attended school at Ralston.
On Sept. 10, 1995, she was married to Jimmie Don Brown Jr. Mrs. Brown was a home health provider and a member of the New Hope Church. She enjoyed studying her Bible and crafting ceramics.
Survivors include her husband, Jimmie, of the home; three sons, Manual Derrell Bibbs of Fort Lee, Va., Marland Eugene Bibbs of Oklahoma City and Corey Ron Lee of the home; one daughter, Nikkia Nicole Lee of the home; her parents, Ree Bibbs of Boley and Ollie Bibbs of Pawnee; four brothers, Charles Bibbs and Robert Bibbs, both of Hominy, Bennie Bibbs of Duncan and John Burt of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Geraldine Bibbs of Pawnee; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Brown's name to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 53303, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
The family will be at the Brown home.
PRAGUE - Dorothy Margaret Bennett, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, March 20, 1997, in Meeker. She was 89.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Prague with the Rev. Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will be in the Resthaven Cemetery in Ponca City.
Dorothy Margaret (Friedley) Bennett was born Nov. 26, 1907, in Ponca City, the daughter of Christopher Waldo and Louisa Mary (Sandoe) Friedley. She grew up, attended schools, and lived most of her life in Kay County.
She was married to Cyrol Bennett on Nov. 27, 1923, in Newkirk and they established their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Bennett was a longtime member of Sunset Baptist Church, a past grand matron of the Rebekah Lodge, and bowled on a senior bowling league for several years. She enjoyed crocheting. Mrs. Bennett moved to Prague in 1992 to live near a son.
Survivors include one son, Bert Bennett of Prague; two daughters, Marie Hare of Krebs and Margaret Hendrick of Ponca City; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 23, 1989; her parents; one brother and two sisters.
GUTHRIE - Jessie M. Studer, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday March 9, 1997, at the Golden Age Nursing Center in Guthrie. She was 94.
The funeral will be held graveside at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, at 11 a.m. Monday. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Guthrie.
Jessie M. (Thompson) Studer was born March 13, 1902, in Hart, the daughter of John and Sally (Nelson) Thompson. She was married to Ralph Brewer and later to Leo Studer, who both preceded her in death.
Mrs. Studer had served as an Home Extension economist in Adair County from 1945 to 1953 and in Cherokee County from 1960 to 1962. In 1962, she moved to Ponca City, where she resided until 1990. While living in Ponca City she was a member of the Woodlands Christian Church, Narcissus Garden Club and the YMCA. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women.
Survivors include one daughter, Joan Robinson of Nevis, West Indies; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both husbands and her parents.
GUTHRIE - Pearl E. Lowrie, relative of several Ponca City residents, died Thursday, March 20, 1997, at Colonial Estates Nursing Home in Guthrie. She was 94.
The funeral was held March 22, at Smith Memorial Chapel in Guthrie with the Rev. Gilbert Forrest, pastor of Mulhall Christian Church, officiating. Burial was at Roselawn Cemetery in Guthrie.
Pearl E. (McVay) Lowrie was born June 18, 1902, in Whitewright, Texas, the daughter of Andy J. and Cordelia (Hayes) McVay. She moved with her family to the Mulhall area at age four, where she attended schools. She was married to C.R. "Pete" Lowrie, who preceded her in death on Feb. 13, 1970. Mrs. Lowrie was a charter member of The Good Cheer Club.
Survivors include two daughters, Ila Harrington of Mulhall, and Leta May Pyle of Guthrie; one brother, Jack McVay of Amarillo, Texas; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, some of whom live in the Ponca City area. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband and seven brothers and sisters including Clifford M. McVay, former Ponca City resident.
Casket bearers were Gene Pyle, Ronald Bennett, Gary McVay, Bobby Jo Logsdon, Tom Sylvester and Dale Kindschi.
ELLSINORE, Mo. - Danny Leroy Emery, former Blackwell resident, died Thursday, March 20, 1997, at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid. He was 45.
The funeral was held March 22 at the McSpadden Funeral Home Chapel in Ellsinore, Mo., with the Rev. Jerry Adams officiating. Burial will be in the Hunter (Mo.) Highlands Cemetery.
Danny Leroy Emery was born July 24, 1951, at Ellsinore, Mo., the son of Junior Leroy and Velda Frances (Crook) Emery. He was married to Sally Marie Gooch in Ponca City and the couple were later divorced.
Emery was a carpenter by trade and had moved to Blackwell from Hunter, Mo., in 1992. He was a member of the Blackwell Pentecostal Church and the Grandin Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include one son, Daniel Emery of Blackwell; two daughters, Denisa Duvall and Deanna Emery, both of Ponca City; his stepmother, Theresa Emery of Ponca City; one brother, Dennis Emery of Hunter, Mo.; three half-brothers, Donald Lee Emery of Beaumont, Texas, Dale Emery and Dwayne Emery both of Ponca City; five half-sisters, Doris Ann Emery of Salem, Mo., Diane Emery of Fredricktown, Mo., Dorothy Kindlesparger of Fredricktown, Mo., Donna Dorl of Kildare and Debbie Marler of Ponca City; five grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
WINFIELD, Kan. - Clifford B. Smith, father of Barbara Lee Morris of Ponca City, died at Sterling House Care Center in Arkansas City, Kan., Friday, March 21, 1997. He was 81.
The funeral will be held at the Swisher-Taylor and Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Winfield, at 10:30 a.m. Monday with Donald Moore officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery at Winfield. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday and until service time Monday.
Clifford B. Smith was born Aug. 29, 1915, at South Haven, Kan., the son of Clifford Nelson and Lois (Weedman) Smith.
He was married to Lillie Lee Starks on July 21, 1940, in Wellington, Kan., and she preceded him in death March 14, 1979. The couple moved to Winfield in 1963. Smith had been employed as a maintenance man at the WSH&TC Power Plant, retiring in 1980.
He later married Mary Cowell, who now resides at the Medical Complex Nursing Home in Augusta, Kan. Mr. Smith was a member and deacon of the Evangelical Free Church in Winfield.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Cowell of Augusta, Kan.; two sons, Richard of Arkansas City, Kan., and James Nelson of Guthrie; two daughters, Barbara Lee Morris of Ponca City and Jeanette Kay Lewis of Griffin, Ga.; one sister, Bernadine Whitlen of Fort Worth, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
STIGLER, Okla. - Larry Gene Robinson, brother of Mickey Robinson of Marland, died Thursday, March 20, 1997, in a Fort Smith, Ark., hospital after a lengthy illness. He was 54.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Mallory Funeral Home Chapel in Stigler. Burial will be in Delano, Calif.
Larry Gene Robinson was born in Ponca City, the son of Arthur A. "Art" and Ila Mae (Russell) Robinson. He lived in the Osage County area until about age 2, when he moved to California. He grew up and spent most of his adult life in California. Robinson was a locksmith by trade. He was married to Judy Sandlan and the couple moved from California to Stigler in 1996.
Survivors include his wife, Judy, of Stigler; two daughters, Marie D. McCoblin of Pixley, Calif., and Jackie Williams of Mulberry, Ark.; three sons, Curtis of Tulare, Calif., Wayne of California, Anthony of Fort Hood, Texas; one stepson, Paul Phillips of Spiro; four sisters, Rotha Mae McAllister of Perry, Sharon Spears and Pam Hutchinson, both of Tulare, Calif., and Barbara Hargis of Pixley, Calif.; two brothers, Dennis Hughes of Tulare, Calif., and Mac Arthur "Mickey" Robinson of Marland; and 22 grandchildren.
John Lee Klinger Sr., lifelong resident of the Ponca City community, died Friday morning, March 21, 1997, at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid. He was 56 years of age.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 24, 1997, at the Osage Heights Baptist Church with pastor Leon Grider presiding. Interment will be at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
John Lee Klinger Sr. was born Nov. 24, 1940, in rural Osage County, the son of Hilbert John Klinger and Catherine (Carter) Klinger. He attended grade school at the McCord School, later attending and graduating from Ponca City High School in 1959. While in high school he was very active in the Future Farmers of America.
He married Bernice Massey on July 8, 1962, in rural Ponca City and the couple were parents to four children, John R., Tammy, Rusty, and Larry. He was married to Freda Brown in August 1980 in Ponca City whose children are Chad and Doug Jones.
He later married Martha Chambers Keeler on Oct. 15, 1988, in Ponca City, whose children are Micky, Matthew and Christi Keeler. Mr. Klinger had operated the Klinger dairy farm for many years in the rural McCord area. He was a member of the Osage Heights Baptist Church, where he had taught the youth in Sunday School for several years. He also had been a member of the McCord School Board for 10 years, holding various offices. In earlier years he enjoyed race car driving and hunting.
He is survived by his mother, Catherine Klinger, rural Ponca City; four children, John Lee Klinger Jr. and wife Stacy, Tammy Hill and husband Doug, Rusty Klinger and wife Audra, and Larry Klinger and wife Stephanie, all of Ponca City; one sister, Peggy Lou Hill and husband Charles, of Ponca City; three brothers, Robert James Klinger and wife Cheryl, of Ponca City, Paul Glenn Klinger and wife Janie, of Rose Hill, Kan., and Mark Allen Klinger and wife Barbara, of Ponca City.
Also seven grandchildren, Brittany Klinger, Jacob Klinger, Candace Hill, Kelsey Hill, Dustin Hill, Brian Payne and Lane Klinger. John was also the legal guardian of Matt Pruett and Gary Scott. He was preceded in death by his father, Hilbert John Klinger and two brothers, Charles W. Klinger and Jerry Ray Klinger.
Casket bearers will be Micky Keeler, Larry Champlin, Jesse Brown, Brady Cooper, Steve Nottingham and Allen Cottman. Honorary casket bearers will be Joe Brown, Steve Meyers, Terry Lane, Barry Lane, Darren Lane, Timmy Sayles, Matt Pruett, Gary Scott, Jim Shelton and Dallas Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made in memory of Mr. Klinger to the Osage Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, Route 7, Box 124, Ponca City, OK 74604 or to the American Diabetes Association, c/o Paula Coppock, Pioneer Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 111, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The Klinger family will be at the home on Route 3. The Keeler family will receive friends at the home four miles east of US 77 on Oklahoma Highway 11.
paid obituary
Keeler Equipment and Sales, 3328 North 14th Street, will be closed all
day Monday, March 24, 1997, in remembrance of John Lee Klinger Sr., whose
funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, at Osage Heights Baptist Church.
NEWS BRIEFS
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report at 7:40 a.m. Friday of vandalism to a vehicle in the 400 block of East Albany Avenue.
Woman Assaulted - A Ponca City police officer reported at 10:23 a.m. Friday that a woman had been assaulted in the 200 block of East south Avenue. The officer took a report of assault and battery.
Theft From Auto - A resident in the 1000 block of North Fourth Street advised Ponca City telecommunication officers at 10:42 a.m. Friday that a vehicle had been burglarized. An officer took a report.
Grass Fire - Three Ponca City firefighters responded to a grass fire in the 2000 block of Lake Road at 11:02 a.m. Friday. The small grass fire was extinguished. According to the fire report, no damage was noted.
Magazine Sales - A Ponca City police officer stopped several subjects who were selling magazines in the 900 block of North Third Street at 12:23 p.m. Friday. The subjects had no permits, according to the officer.
City Warrant - A 21-year-old man paid a fine for failure to pay a city warrant at 1:51 p.m. Friday and was released after turning himself in.
Grass Fire - Osage Cove Fire Department handled a grass fire on Pike Lane at 1:56 p.m. Friday, according to Ponca City telecommunication officers.
Vandalism - A business in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue notified the Ponca City Police Department of vandalism at 2:09 p.m. Friday. An officer took a report.
Easter Egg Hunt - AMBUCS is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt, March 30, at the Pageant Area of Lake Ponca at 2 p.m.
Tires Slashed - A Ponca City police officer took a report at 2:30 p.m. Friday of tires slashed in the 1000 block of North Third Street.
Theft - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a bike stolen from Seventh Street and East Grand Avenue at 3:12 p.m. Friday.
Stolen - A resident in the 1600 block of North First Street reported stolen mail and forgery to a Ponca City police officer at 4:02 p.m. Friday. The officer took a report.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident that occurred at U.S. 60 and South Fourteenth Street at 4:47 p.m. Friday.
Bikes Stolen - A citizen reported a bike stolen at Third Street and Park Avenue at 5:18 p.m. Friday. An officer took a report. At 5:29 p.m., a resident in the 400 block of Fourth Street also reported a BMX bike stolen.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at North Ash Street at 5:39 p.m. Friday.
Auto Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of auto burglary on Lake Road at 7:16 p.m. Friday.
Fire - Kaw Fire Department handled a grass fire in the area of Washunga Bay by Kaw Lake at 7:26 p.m. Friday.
Campfire Spreads - Five Ponca City firefighters extinguished a grass fire north of Hubbard Road on the railroad tracks. According to the fire report, the fire started from a campfire.
Larceny - A clerk at the Lake Road Express, 2500 East Lake Road, advised the Ponca City Police Department that two boys in a yellow van stole two cases of beer and left southbound on Pecan Street. An officer responded at 9:30 p.m. Friday and took a report.
Fire in Ditch - A small grass fire believed to have been deliberately set in a county road bar ditch south of Ponca City on U.S. 177, was extinguished by Ponca City firefighters at 10 p.m. Friday.
Fire in McCord - McCord Fire Department responded to a grass fire half a mile south of U.S. 60 on Old River Road at 12:15 a.m. Saturday.
County Warrants - A 39-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at 12:35 a.m. Saturday in the 800 block of North Elm Street on two Kay County warrants.
Attempted Burglary - A Ponca City police officer reported the front door glass had been broken out at the Mid West Easy Stop, 1101 North Union Street, at 1:37 a.m. Saturday, however, no entry was gained. The officer took a report of attempted burglary.
Arrested - A 40-year-old man was arrested in the 700 block of South First Street at 4:06 a.m. Saturday on a Kay County warrant.
Community Concert - Do you thrill to live performance and enjoy high-quality music at affordable prices? Then community Concert membership is for you. Included in the 1997-98 concerts will be two gifted Broadway singers, a piano duo playing the music of Gershwin and friends, Szalai's Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra and the Vancouver Wind Trio. The Community Concert Membership Drive will be held March 24-April 4. Join now. Call 765-4822, 765-3971 or 762-5156.
Internet Tour - Kay Electric Cooperative and BrightNet Chickasaw
are sponsoring a free Internet seminar here, including an Internet tour,
from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Kay Room, 300 West Doolin, Blackwell.
Persons wanting more information can call Marilyn Harmon of Kay Electric
Cooperative at 405-363-1260. No registration is required.
LIFESTYLES
Four members of the Ponca City Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution attended the Oklahoma Society's Eighty-eighth State Conference held in Tulsa the second week of March.
Attending were Mrs. Virginia Mair, Chapter Regent; Mrs. Carl Coates, Chapter Treasurer; Mrs. Ben Meade, State Chairman DAR Scholarship; Mrs. Graydon Brown, State Chairman Traveling Workshop. Theme of the conference was "Revere History -Embrace Tomorrow."
Stacia Otto, sixth grade student from St. Mary's School, was awarded a $50 bond and a certificate as first place winner in the American History Essay competition at the Youth Awards Luncheon. Mrs. Meade made the presentation for Mrs. David Browning, chairman of Ponca Chapter's American History Essay competition. The highlight of the luncheon for the Ponca City group and Stacia's parents, Sherman and Evelyn Otto, was when Mrs. Jerry F. Bowen, state chairman of American History Month Essay Contest, gave Stacia an award for being the South Central Regional winner. Her essay will now be in national competition. The essay topic was Trails West. Stacia wrote her essay on the Santa Fe Trail. She researched her subject in the library.
Mrs. Richard O. Creedon, National Chairman, DAR School Committee spoke on "Our DAR Schools-Past, Present and Future." These include Tamassee DAR School, Inc. which was founded by the South Carolina DAR in 1919 in the isolated mountain area of northwestern South Carolina and the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School, Inc. founded in 1924 by the Alabama DAR atop Gunter Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeastern Alabama. Approved schools which DAR does not own but financially assist include Hillside School, Inc. founded in 1901 in Marlborough, Mass; Hindman Settlement School, Inc. founded in 1902 in Hindman, KY; Berry College, Inc. founded 1902 in Mount Berry, Ga., and Crossnore School, Inc founded in 1913, in Crossnore, N.C. The National Chairman told heart-warming success stories of the students and gave examples of the good work the schools do said Mrs. Brown.
Tamassee serves its community by providing a boarding school and homelike atmosphere for 80 needy, dependent children. In addition, the Children's Development Center offers day care, pre-school and after-school programs for children ages 6 months lo 12 years. Tamassee forms a partnership with the families of her students to provide the highest quality of family care possible. At Kate Duncan Smith more than 1,000 students attend classes on the 240 acre campus. Hillside school for boys enrolls 60 boys in grades 5-8 and will add a ninth grade this year with the population growing to 90.
Called the "first settlement school in the United States" Hindman Settlement School's major educational emphasis today is its work with students with dyslexic characterislics. Another major program is the Adult Learning Center. The children of Crossnore School are primarily teenagers who come from the mountains and foothills of North Carolina. These children are placed by legal custodians because circumstances beyond the child's conlrol prevent him or her from living at home.
Berry College is noted nationally for its strength and quality as well as for its distinctive three-fold emphasis on rigorous academic preparation, meaningful work experience and importance of religion in life. Its undergraduate enrollment is about 1700 students.
At the opening banquet Mrs. John K. Harrell, Vice President General, NSDAR also spoke on education. the title of her address was "Education in America-Where Are We Going?" She was critical of outcome based education and the school to work program.
At the Regent's banquet, each regent of the 51 chapters was called upon to make a two-minute report of the accomplishments of her chapter. Among other items, Ponca City Chapter's Regent reported that the chapter had given over $3,000 in scholarships to Po-Hi students.
At the concluding business session, Marquetta Brown was installed as a state officer in the newly created office of Organizing Secretary. In the past, she has served the State Society as State Chairman of Lineage Research and Stale Chairman of the Traveling Workshop.
The Piano Workshop of Ponca City Federated Music Club held the regular monthly meeting Tuesday in the home of Jackie Skidmore. Assistant hostesses were Lois Rence and Barbara Brown.
Following refreshments and a social time, Helen Brakebill, chairperson, conducted a short business meeting. She introduced Kathy Wimberley and Carolyn Hook who presented the program entitled "Something Old, Something New, Something Blue." The following compositions were performed:
"Blue Mood Waltz" by Glenda Austin, performed by Alice Crowder; "Prelude, Op. 15, No. 4" by Scriabin, performed by Frances Wood Thompson; "Four Piano Blues," No. 4 by Copland, performed by Becky Dye; "Blue Tango" by Leroy Anderson, performed by Carolyn Hook; "Blues in the Night" by Arlen, performed by Bobbie Motz; "Bluette" by Dave Brubeck, performed by Marge Howard and Ann Salmons; and "Alice Blue" by Ferde Grofe, performed by Mary Sunshine Cogman and Elma Robson.
Approximately 300 porcelain artists will gather at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Hall, 4345 Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, on April 3-5 for the annual convention of the Porcelain Artists of Oklahoma, Inc. Each of the 27 clubs across the state will have an eight-foot table filled with hand-painted china using the theme "Our Garden Jewels".
The public is invited to view this exhibit of decorated porcelain in the shape of plates, tea pots, vases, urns, soup tureens and boxes. There is no charge for viewing the china display in the Senate Room, which opens to the public on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. The Gold Crown Room of the Hotel will have porcelain art supplies, hundreds of pieces of unpainted china as well as painted porcelain pieces available for purchase.
Those attending will have the opportunity to purchase chances on a vase painted with white and pink roses by Verna Jackson of Oklahoma City; an 8 x 10 tile with a Baltimore Oriole by Margaret Franklin of Stillwater; a porcelain doll painted and dressed by Ginger Smith of Ponca City and Willa Mae Jeffries of Blackwell; a clock with small pink roses by Rosalee Manwell of Jones; a vase with trumpet vines by Shelly Farres of Miami.
Guests may attend hour long demonstrations for $3 per session. Demonstrators will be: "Birds" by Margaret Franklin; "Antique Fruit and Mushrooms" by Audell Owens; "Special Effects on Glass" by Kathy Peterson; "Realistic Marble" by Ann Krummel; "Roses and Berries" by Ann Zitterkoph; "Raised Paste, Gold and Enamel" by Ruth Cooper; "Mums" by Kathy Pendleton, and others.
The process of painting porcelain is very interesting, says a spokesperson. The intricate coloring process of applying the design is enhanced by the firing process. By kiln-firing the colors actually become a part of the porcelain instead of merely on the surface. Layers of color are added before each firing to deepen the hues.
Approximately 70 pieces at the convention will be chosen to be displayed in the Norick Center of Oklahoma City University during May.
The event is sponsored in part by the Art Council of Oklahoma. For more information about the convention, contact Mildred King, President of the Porcelain Artists of Oklahoma, Inc., at (405) 372-6778.
Mexico was Elsie Rosenbaum's lesson topic when nine members and guest, Mary Sims, met in the home of Lillian Williams for the recent meeting of Laureate Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Dorothy Majors, president, led the Opening Ritual.
"People's Guide To Mexico" was the reference for Ms. Rosenbaum's program. She stated that the mode of travel in Mexico is varied so "it is wise to plan ahead in order to use the most convenient and economical one" Have a budget and then wing it." She also said a variety of terrain and climate requires planning in pacing clothes and bartering is a necessity."
During the business session Fran Smith read the City Council minutes. Founder's Day for the sorority will be April 22 at the Marland Mansion with dinner scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The chapter selected the Woman of the Year by secret ballot. Ms. Majors gave the traveling basket to Ms. Williams and the hostess gift was won by Ms. Majors.
The next meeting will be April 6 for members of Laureate Phi chapter.
In a candlelight setting of yellow and white roses and spirals of white tapers in brass candelabra Laine A. Schroeder became the bride of Robert W. Crump March 15 at 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church of Chandler. Marriage vows were read by the Rev. John Deller of Bartlesville, formerly of Chandler. He was assisted by the Rev. Jim Yarbrough of Honeygrove, Tex. Highlighting the church pews were bouquets of white roses draped with forsythia and accented by long-stemmed yellow roses and white bows interlaced with ivy.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith L. Schroeder of Chandler. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dewey F. Curry and the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Schroeder.
The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren H. Crump of Ponca City. His grandmothers are Mrs. Ouilda Beaver of Ponca City and Mrs. Dorothy Crump of Bonneterre, Mo. He is the grandson of the late Casey Jones and the late William H. Crump.
Traditional bridal music including "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach, "Ode To Joy" by Beethoven, and Lohengrin's "Bridal March" was provided by Mrs. Jana Talford of Chandler. Mrs. Dianne Morgan of Atlanta, Ga., sister of the bride, and Gary Schroeder of Chandler, brother of the bride, sang "Say Once More" by Amy Grant.
Given in marriage by her father, the bride was gowned in white satin with adornments of Austrian crystals and pearls. The Victorian styled gown featured a satin bodice overlaid with lace beaded with crystals and pearls and designed with a vee neckline. The long sleeves of beaded cutwork lace formed points over each hand. The gown's cathedral length train fell in drapes from the waistline. The back of the gown featured illusion flounces enhanced by layers of satin-rippled flounces which outlined the train. The full length illusion veiling was secured by a lace tiara encrusted with pearls. She carried a cascade of yellow and white roses surrounding yellow-throated white orchids accented with stephanotis and white satin ribbons.
Matron of honor was Mrs. Tena Stoy of Excelsior Springs, Mo. Bridesmaid was Miss Debra Payeatt of Richardson, Tex. and Mrs. Gwen Lee Morlatt of Oklahoma City was the bridesmatron. The attendants wore full length off-the-shoulder dresses of pastel floral polished cotton encompassing the wedding colors of yellow and white with a splash of Texas Bluebonnet. They carried cascade bouquets of yellow-throated white orchids and white roses tied with the Bluebonnet-colored streamers.
Brittany Schroeder of Chandler, niece of the bride, attended the guest register and was in the bridal procession as Bible bearer. Flower girls were Jennifer and Stephanie Morgan of Atlanta, Ga., nieces of the bride. The bridegroom's niece and nephew, Lauren and Kevin Casteel of Sulphur, La. were double ring bearers. Wesley and Scott Schroeder of Chandler, nephews of the bride, served as candlelighters.
Steve Gravlin of Oklahoma City was the best man. Groomsmen were Mark Rolling of Dallas, Tex. and Warren H. Crump of Ponca City, father of the bridegroom. Ushers included Gary Schroeder of Chandler, brother of the bride, and Wesley and Scott Schroeder.
At the reception following the ceremony in the church hostesses were Mrs. Cindy Ferrell Ashwood of Chandler, Ms. Cindy Foster of Oklahoma City and Mrs. Kathy Kalka Nettles of Agra. The reception room was decorated with brass arches and white trellis entwined with ivy. Large baskets of yellow and white flowers designated the bride and bridegroom cake tables and the receiving line area. Columns were wrapped with white tulle and greenery garlands. The five-tiered wedding cake was decorated with a basket-weave motif and topped with yellow roses. The bridegroom's cake was iced in chocolate.
Following a wedding trip to Las Vegas, Nev. the couple will reside in Plano, Tex. Presently the bride is employed by the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Haur & Field, L.L.P. and the bridegroom is employed as a Senior Document Analyst with Computer Language Research, Inc., both in Dallas, Tex.
Egg hunts are part of spring rituals that go back long before there was an Easter. Primitive people were surprised and intrigued as they watched an inanimate egg hatch into a living creature, and searched their surroundings for these visible signs that winter's bleakness was giving way to spring's rebirth.
Eggs became symbolic of Easter as ancient spring customs were interwoven with new religious rituals and beliefs. In fact, the word "Easter" is derived from the name of the Teutonic goddess of spring.
Through the centuries, cultures around the world have commemorated the mystery and surprise of the egg as a symbol of spring and new life. Perhaps the most popular of these rituals celebrating the egg is associated with the "Easter Bunny."
The Easter Bunny came to America from Germany, where children are told the bunny actually lays beautifully hand-painted eggs for them to find in the grass. In a twist on the tale, French parents tell their children a hare hops to Rome, a city with religious significance, to bring back the eggs scattered on dewy spring lawns.
American families continue the tradition of the Easter Bunny by searching for treat-lined baskets and eggs. The most well-known American Easter egg hunt is the White House Easter Egg Roll, first held in 1887, where thousands of children roll brightly-colored hardcooked eggs down a grassy slope and hunt for souvenir wooden eggs signed by celebrities who visit the White House.
Children and bunnies aren't the focus of all Easter celebrations. In the Ukraine, exquisitely decorated eggs featuring designs passed down from generation to generation are considered works of art for adults. Russian Tzar Nicholas II presented his wife with the ultimate egg surprises when he commissioned jeweler Faberge to craft golden, jewel-encrusted eggs with intricately detailed miniatures of items such as crowns and birds hidden inside. In all, 57 of these priceless eggs, each unique, were made to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Today, few people expect to find a priceless Faberge egg when they participate in community-sponsored Easter egg hunts or searches through Grandma's landscaping to find what goodies the Easter Bunny has hidden. Most modern egg hunters prefer their eggs to be chocolate and their chicks to be marshmallow.
For those who prefer to do their egg hunting with a fork, while seated at the dining table, various recipes are provided in the Lifestyles pages today. Enjoy!
The Bivins Chapel on the campus of Phillips University will be the setting May 17 at 7 p.m. for the wedding of Amy Renee Landwehr and Daryl Jon Thomas.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Curtis of Ardmore and Mr. and Mrs. Truman Landwehr of Enid. Thomas is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Snead, 414 North Ash, and Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas of Blackwell.
The bride-elect, a 1988 graduate from Waukomis High School, received a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in May,1996 from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is currently employed as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Rehabilitation Department at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. Miss Landwehr is also an ECHO parent advisor, Sooner Start Contract Speech-Language Pathologist, and teaches sign language classes throughout Oklahoma.
Thomas is a 1989 graduate of Blackwell High School and received a bachelor's degree in finance from UCO in 1993 and a master's degree in Business Administration in December, 1995. He is presently employed at Chesapeake Energy Inc. in the special projects division in Oklahoma City. The prospective bridegroom has spent several years involved in politics and has been active in local, state and national campaigns.
Bill and Peggy King announce the engagement of their daughter, Nichole Lynn Requena, to Todd Alan Coats, son of Alan and Sammie Coats. The couple plans to exchange double-ring vows in an outdoor ceremony at 7:30 p.m. June 14 at Lew Wentz Camp. Friends and family of the pair are invited to attend.
Grandparents of the bride-elect are Reva Brown of El Dorado, Kan., Dorothy King of Indiana, and Mr. and Mrs. William King Sr. of Stark, Kan. The prospective bridegroom's grandparents are Don and Maxine Coats of Sallisaw and the late J. D. and Boots Farris.
The bride-to-be attended El Dorado High School in El Dorado, Kan. and has been employed at the Ponca City Wal-Mart for several years.
The future bridegroom is a graduate of Ponca City High School and attends Northern Oklahoma College working toward a degree in bio-medical engineering. He is employed at Air Systems Components.
A "HELLO DOLLIES" Luncheon will be held Wednesday, March 26 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. The Ponca City Christian Women's Club will host the eventand members invite all area women to participate. The cost for the luncheon is $8.25. Reservations for the luncheon and child care may be made by calling Cindy, 762-2151, or Karen, 765-9835, by Tuesday. Reservations must be honored, canceled, or used by a friend.
Presenting an "Information Please" special feature will be George Cook, local Radio Shack Manager, who will present an informative Telephone Style Show. Phones and their options, phone services and cellular will be shared. Born in Hayes, Kan., graduated from Fort Hays State University, Cook has been a resident of the Ponca City area for a year. He and his wife, Amanda, have two sons. Being a licensed amateur radio operator and reading are his hobbies.
Guest speaker will be Patty Curl, Concert soloist, artist and speaker who will present "Bell Tones," a musical program, and "Direct Dialing."
A native Georgian, she started her singing career at the age of six and has appeared on television and radio and recorded a number of albums. Gaither Studio recordings include "It Is Finished: and "An Occasion for Praise." Mrs. Curl designed and did the artwork for her first album and sells her original artwork and prints as well as a line of stationery-note cards.
Mrs. Curl is a member of the Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma. In the community she has helped start a TEEN- LINE for area youth and was coordinator for 2 and 1/2 years. She has also served as a court Mediator and speaks for youth at local schools. A resident of Ponca City, she is married to Spencer Curl, who is employed at Conoco. The couple has two grown children.
Background music for the luncheon will be presented by Annette Williams.
Lt. Bryan Van Arsdale of the Ponca City Police Department was guest speaker when Ponca City Charter Chapter, American Business Women's Association, met March 17 at the Crown and Rose. Guests were Valerie Evans of Newkirk and Carrie Johnston. Ms. Evans is involved in several businesses, including serving as a relief rural mail carrier.
Lt. Van Arsdale spoke on preventing "carjacking." He said carjacking has not reached Ponca City. He emphasized not being an easy target, using positive body language, parking near a light, keeping sufficient gas and proper maintenance on one's car. He also recommended women should carry a cell phone when traveling any distance alone.
He said rather than carrying printed signs in a car saying "send help," the sign should say "send police." Lt. Van Arsdale, a Po-Hi graduate, was introduced by Leeanna Adams, program chairman.
Judy Johnston, a medical transcriptionist, was the vocational speaker.
Lela Taylor read the secretary's minutes and Art Courtney read the treasurer's report. Sam Kasl, vice president, read the purpose and aims of ABWA, led the flag salute, and gave the invocation and benediction.
Door prizes were awarded to Sam Kasl and Johnnie Wilda. President Sharon Adams presided at the meeting and announced the next board meeting will be April 7 at the home of Mrs. Wilda. The lunch bunch currently is meeting at Perkins.
The Singles Network is an organization for divorced, widowed, or never married single people. Group plans for this week include the Discussion Group at 6:30 this evening at the First Presbyterian Church. The group will talk about "Repack Your Bags" from the study book.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m. a VCR party will be held. Those attending are asked to bring snacks and to call Jay, 765-7883. Thursday, members will eat at Cobbs on South First Street at 6 p.m. The discussion group will meet again at 6:30 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Newkirk Couple To Marry
Karen Margarete Baldwin and Paul Edward Focke, both of Newkirk, will exchange wedding vows on April 5. The 2 p.m. ceremony will be at St. Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk. An open invitation is extended to friends and family of the couple to attend the ceremony and the reception following at the Parish Hall.
The future bride is the daughter of Bill and Heidi Baldwin of Newkirk. She is a 1995 graduate of Newkirk High School and a graduate in Business Technology from the Pioneer Technology Center. She plans to graduate in May from Northern Oklahoma College. She is employed at Chris Clark's Insurance Agency in Newkirk.
The prospective bridegroom is the son of Ed and Beverly Focke of Newkirk. He is a graduate of NHS and is employed at J. H. Kelly Inc.
Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are:
Mrs. George Hallgren, President National of the National Society Women Descendants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston, addressed a joint dinner meeting of her organization and the National Society Colonial Daughters of the Seventeenth Century March 9 at the Sheraton Hotel, Tulsa.
She was introduced by Mrs. William Majors, president of the Oklahoma Court of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. Mrs. Hallgren spoke on the history of the "Ancients."
The Honorable Artillery Company was incorporated in London, England in 1537. Kings of England were included among its members from the time of its organization. It is the second oldest military organization in the world.
As the first colonists settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, each group of settlers brought with them one or more professional soldiers to train them in their own defense and to command their militia. Many of these men were members of the Honorable Artillery Company of London. "The officers and other gentlemen saw the need for a similar military organization in the New World in order to establish uniformity of military drill and tactics in the new colony" says a spokesperson. The men applied for a Charter for that purpose in 1637 and it was granted in l638. the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts became the oldest military organization in the New World and the third oldest in the world.
Members were first in organizing churches and supporting them and prominent in framing and administering the laws of the Colony. They were the chief military minds of the Colony and among the first in its defense.
To be eligible to join the Women Descendants an applicant must prove lineal descent from a member of the A&H Company or from a member of the General Court of Massachusetts Bay (1638) comprising the Governor, the Governor's Council and Deputies to the General Court, or from a member of the clergy who preached an Annual Election Sermon (1638-1774).
Mrs. Hallgren told the group that an advertisement was being circulated inviting men and women to join the Order of the Honorable Artillery Company and people join thinking they are joining A & H when, in reality, they are not and end up disappointed. She also announced that her project would be a scholarship of $500 to an upper classman or graduate student who was studying architecture of historical buildings. The Society also supports Crossnore School in Crossnore, NC, and Hillside School for Boys, Marlborough, Ma.
Another project of the A&H is the publication of History and Lineage Books. The series consists of seven volumes which contain compilations of lineages with precise and accurate references that establish records of descent from the influential early families of North America. Another of their publications, "Genealogical Data of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, 1638-1774" by Maude Roberts Cowan, gives a list of qualifying ancestors from whom descent gives eligibility to the Society. Besides Mrs. Majors, other Ponca City members who attended were Mrs. Robert Bolene and Mrs. Graydon Brown.
Eta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met March 11 at the home of Kelly Trotter. Krista Harbeson, president, led in the Opening Ritual and Cynthia Wilson, Recording secretary, read the minutes and Peggy Peters, treasurer, gave the finance report.
Members agreed to change meeting times to 7 p.m. and membership status change for two members was requested. The social committee reported plans for a "Girls Night Out" March 14 at the bowling alley. An Easter Egg hunt is scheduled March 29 and plans are under way for a trip to Discovery Zone in April. The next meeting of the group will be March 25 at the home of Peggy Peters. A Ritual of Jewels is planned.
Members of the Four O'Clock Garden Club will meet Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the home of Mrs. Paul Davis, 143 Whitworth. Co-hostesses will be Mrs. Charles Casey and Mrs. J. R. Kennedy. The program will be given by Marlene Roth on "Creating a Butterfly Habitat."
John Penn and Gael Downs Hancock, 1400 Monument, announce the birth of their daughter, Natalie Jane, on Nov. 29 in Stillwater. Born at 8:26 a.m. the baby weighed 8-pounds, 3-ounces and was 20-inches long. She has a brother, Ian Westerfield Hancock, 5 years old.
Maternal grandparents are Cherry F. Downs of Greenville, Ms. and Dr. John William and Fern Bailey Downs of Bondurant, Wyo. Paternal grandmother is Grace Hancock of Pine Bluff, Ark.
Oklahoma City - Danielle Dill, Program Coordinator for the Arthritis Foundation, Oklahoma Chapter, will be the guest speaker at the Fibromyalgia Support Group on April 7 at 7 p.m. at the Williamsburg Parlor of the First Baptist Church, 218 S. Sixth. Topics will include information on fibromyalgia and current research on possible causes, along with a description of Arthritis Foundation programs and services.
The Arthritis Foundation Fibromyalgia Support Group of Ponca City meets regularly on the first and third Monday of each month at the First Baptist Church. If you would like more information about the group, contact the Arthritis Foundation, Oklahoma Chapter at (405) 521-0066 or Vivian Cross at 765-8871.
The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis and to improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease. The Arthritis Foundation is a United Way Agency of Ponca City.
Bliss Homemakers FCE met Feb. 19 at the Marland Methodist-Christian Church with Marsha Dunham, president, presiding at the business session. The Devotional "The Bible Tree" was given by Maxine Tautfest and roll call was answered by 16 members.
A Seat Belt Survey conducted by Bonnie Norman, secretary, revealed that 94% of members wore seat belts to the meeting. All of the members had read a book this month. Concerning the Books for Babies project - Bliss Homemakers FCE gave two "new" members of the community books this month.
Members brought towels to make bibs for the nursing home residents. Members were encouraged to bring more towels to the next meeting to make bibs for the Green Valley Nursing Home project. It was announced during the report on the Tooth Fairy Pillow project that February was National Dental month. Members made and distributed Tooth Fairy Pillows to kindergarten students at Frontier School.
Noble County FCE Environmental committee members decided to plant a tree in the Marland city park. Mae Cockrell will chair the tree committee. Members will also have a booth at the Perry sales EXPO '97 to promote recycling. Bliss Homemakers will collect old eyeglasses that can be recycled. The eyeglasses will be given to the Perry Lions Club. They also have a fun recycling activitity planned for the FCE fun fair exhibit. Members brought plastic grocery bags to the meeting to be given to Frontier school teachers. Bonnie Norman acted as plastic bag committee chairperson.
Members were reminded of the NW District FCE meeting to be held in Kingfisher. Bliss members, Alice Kelly, Susan Wilkerson, and Denise Kienholz represent Noble county for District awards.
The lesson "Walking in Other Moccasins" was given by Alice Kelly. The lesson covered the importance of recognizing and accepting cultural differences in our community.
Refreshments were served by hostesses Marilyn Balcer and Soni Kodesh. Quarter Drill was held and Pennies for Friendship were collected.
The next meeting will be March 26 at the Marland Methodist-Christian Church at 7 p.m. March is free activity month. To continue with the "Walking in other Moccasins" theme, members are going to have an international theme covered dish dinner. Melanie Williams will be in charge of games. Members are to bring something "interesting" for show and tell.
Diana McKinnis was the hostess when Rho Chapter members of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met March 12. Members enjoyed a green theme potato bake. Eleven members participated in the Opening Ritual and Kim Youngblood, Recording secretary, read the minutes. Debbie McClaskey gave the treasurer's report.
Members discussed Founder's Day plans with Rho Chapter responsible for the decorations on the head table. Each chapter is to provide a $10 door prize following the theme "Reflections of Love."
Communications from International were discussed and by-law changes will be made. Jan Leach won the mystery gift and the traveling basket went to Kathy Gray. The next meeting of the chapter will be March 26 in the home of Susan Seales.
Newly-elected officers are Carol Neilson, president; Kim Youngblood, vice president; Jan Leach, Recording secretary; Bambi Correll, Corresponding secretary; Debbie McClaskey, treasurer; Dawn Pruitt, parliamentarian.
The Busy Bee Club met March 19 with Helen Hiskett, 3901 North Union, with seven members attending. Beulah McCartney conducted the business session and Helen Taylor led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the lord's Prayer.
Viola Haley's devotional thoughts were based on "Age" and stressed "nobody grows old by living a number of years" and "a sense of humor is the best gift you can give."
Members brought canned and other non-perishable food items to be donated to the Mission on South Avenue. Members agreed to continue membership in the Opportunity Center. Various items were collected for donation to the Child Development Center. The next meeting will be with Ms. McCartney on April 2.
Following the meeting games were played and prizes were won by Ruby Harvey and Josephine Rice.
The Kay County Association for Family and Community Education will offer a sewing machine workshop Tuesday, March 25, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the FCE Building located on the Kay County Fairgrounds in Blackwell.
Michael and Linda Rexford, owners of Linda's Creative Sewing and Monogramming Shop in Ponca City, will be featured. They will give a presentation and demonstration of care and upkeep of sewing machines.
All FCE members and other interested persons are invited to attend the workshop.
The Tuesday Book Review Club met March 18 in the home of Mrs. Marjorie Parker with 15 members present. Marjorie Cortwright and Mildred Tapp served dessert for the event.
Mrs. Parker gave a review of the book "A Legacy of Erma Bombeck." She began the review with Erma and Bill's wedding in 1949, the birth of two children and the adoption of a child. The reviewer then told about Ms. Bombeck's illnesses, concluding the program with a tribute written by Bombeck's husband for her funeral.
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Lee Ackerson are residing at 605 Rivera in Tonkawa following their wedding in late December. He is chairman of the Science and Math Division for Northern Oklahoma College and Mrs. Ackerson is assessment coordinator for NOC.
Ackerman and the former Jeanne Ann Douglas were married in a ceremony at the First Methodist Church in Tonkawa with the Rev. Robert Kanary officiating. Wedding music included "Canon in D Major," the "Bridal Chorus" by Wagner, and the "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn. Pianist was Ruth Klufa and "I Will Be Here" was sung by Scott Ackerson and Terry Ballard. Scott sang several other selections also.
The bride wore an ivory beaded, re-embroidered lace sheath designed with a Sabrina neckline, long, fitted lace sleeves and a Basque waistline. The slim skirt was accented by a chapel length train trimmed with beaded re-embroidered lace. She carried an arrangement of ivory Oriental lilies and Christmas greenery.
Mrs. Rick Allan was matron of honor and bridesmatrons were Mrs. John Callison of Claremore, sister of the bride, and Mrs. David Stanfield of Ponca City. Each was attired in a floor length Hunter green crepe-back satin dress. The bodice featured long, illusion sleeves, Sweetheart neckline and Vee-shaped back. Each carried a Calla lily accented with Christmas greenery.
Rick Ackerson of Tonkawa se