From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
8, 1998
LOCAL
Second Trip Much Better Since She Made It All The Way Here
Kay County Tax Deadline April 1
City Bidding Policy Review On Monday Night's Agenda
Mayoral Role Quite Unique in Ponca City
Sen. Nickles Indicates Road Funds Coming
New Robert Duvall Film Shows at Poncan Theatre
Improve Reading Comprehension One of Liberty's Primary Goals
City Calendar
School Lunch & Calendar
Area Legislators Hold Keys in Some Bills
Oil & Gas Report
World War II Retrospective Display at Marland Mansion
'Premiere Exhibition' at Tonkawa
Regional Panel Of Episcopalians Will Visit City
OCTA Conference Here March 13-15
Oklahoma Theatre Association To Present Two Popular Shows
Dry February Allows March To Get Rain
Phillips University Choir Begins Tour in Ponca City
Dressage Riding Clinic Saturday
Chamber Panel Asks Assistance For TIP Program
Parenting Seminars Set at Family Center
Oklahoma Jubilee Site Of Special Event
DEATHS
Anna Petronella Hall
Hazel Davis
Obituaries
Mary C. (Lackey) Knedler
Services Pending
Mildred T. Keen
Alfred Elsberry
Randy Murray
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
'High English Tea' Highlights Meeting
Daughters of Union Veterans Will Meet
Seminar Will Focus on Elder Law Changes
Sertoma Gives Awards During National Heritage Banquet
Grays Celebrate 50 Years
Couple To Wed Saturday
Pioneer Quilter's Guild Names Plans
Bits and Pieces
TOPS Chapter Elects Officers
'201 Unique Ways To Make Your Wedding Special' Reviewed
Chrissy Keen Bride-Elect
Mrs. Curfman To Celebrate 80th Birthday
Tulsa Church Vows Unite Janna Ryel, Mark Horton
Singles Network Lists Calendar
Herb Festival Free Seminars Offered
YMCA Offering Exercise Variety
Beauticontrol Book Will Be Reviewed
Little News
Wheatheart Nutrition
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Lady Mavs Fall Hard to Connors
State Title Run Ends for Frontier
Wheelmen Holding Rides
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
It would have been her first trip to Ponca City had she made it. Now over a week later she attempted the trip again.
This time was different, she was alone. This time she was in her own truck. And most importantly this time she made it all the way to Ponca City without a semi-tractor trailer ramming into the rear of the one she was in.
It was not only a different trip but this time it would be a difficult trip for it would take Cindy Garner back to the scene of the accident she and her long time friend and boss were pinned in the cab of the wrecked vehicle.
"I didn't know if I could drive over that spot," Garner said as tears fell down her cheeks. "When I saw the skid marks on the road made by the truck I was in, my knuckles turned white and I prayed to God to help make it."
And as difficult as it was for her to make that drive again it was gratitude and gratitude alone that propelled her forward - gratitude for a fireman. She made the trip from her home in Tulsa all the way to Ponca City because of a local fireman.
It was Feb. 24 when Garner and John Eastman traveled from Tulsa down U.S. 177 on their way to Ponca City when the four vehicle accident happened. Garner tells the story.
"I am a seat belt fanatic and I always wear one but I took mine off to pick up something that had fallen onto the floor," she recalled. "As I bent over I could see in the side mirror, the truck - mainly the front grill of the bumper - coming towards us and knew it was not going to stop. I remember saying 'it is not going to stop' and within two seconds it happened."
The semi-tractor trailer rammed into the pickup Eastman and Garner were in, the impact forcing the truck up and onto a car in front of them.
She says she never lost consciousness and remembers very vividly the impact throwing her and her friend throughout the cab.
When the motion stopped, Garner found her friend in the back seat, bleeding from the mouth, and his eyes rolled back into his head.
"I thought he was dying," she said. "I was so scared."
If not for two things, Garner says she would have panicked at that moment.
"Three people that I had never seen before or since came up to the truck and asked if they could pray and they did," she recalls. "I never saw them again and have often wondered if they were our guardian angels."
There was another angel on the scene that day, one she would come to know by name, one she would never forget and one she would be ever grateful for - Ponca City Fireman Eddie Schultz.
He was the reason she didn't panic and he was the one who brought her back this day.
"He was the first fireman to us that day," she says. "It was like having a friend there and he made a tragedy less traumatic."
She explained how Eddie gave her instructions from outside the truck as she sat inside, beside Eastman, assisting in the first aid.
"He handed me the oxygen that John needed," she said. "He gave me the blanket and told me what to do when they broke the windshield to get us out."
But it was not his knowledge and professionalism alone that impressed Garner, it was much more than that she says.
"He was so compassionate and what he did was so much more than most would have done," she says. "His kindheartedness that day puts him above any person I know."
And it was what happened after Eastman had been transported by helicopter to an Oklahoma City hospital that surprised Garner the most. "Eddie came up to me and thanked me for staying calm and helping him!" she exclaims. "There he was thanking me - it was something I will never forget."
And the thanks had only just begun. A week later on her son's birthday, Garner says she was feeling "down" remembering the accident and thinking what could have been.
It was once again Schultz that brightened her day. "I received in the mail a letter that same day from Eddie," she says. "Believe it or not is was a thank you letter from him and the department."
The letter read in part: "... It makes all of our jobs easier when we go to a scene of an accident and know that there is a person there that can help as much as you did. Your caring and compassion for Mr. Eastman during his time of need was reassuring for all of the workers present that day. Once again, on behalf of the Ponca City Fire Department THANK YOU!"
She framed the letter along with a newspaper picture of the accident and brought it with her to show Schultz.
And finally over a week after the accident Garner had the opportunity to thank the man with the compassion and a "calming voice."
When they met they embraced like long lost friends connected by a tragic moment.
Oddly enough the same day they met, Schultz and seven other firemen had received letters of commendation for their efforts during the accident.
"I was thinking of you today and wondered if you had received my letter," Schultz said to Garner as she showed him the frame. "And now I know you did."
He also now knows how much what he and others do, does make a difference.
NEWKIRK - It's time to be careful with tax deadlines again, according to Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber, who said statements for county ad valorem taxes have been mailed out for second-half payments due.
Schieber said it's "very easy to get different tax deadlines confused this time of year." County taxpayers occasionally make the mistake of thinking the county ad valorem taxes are due on April 15, the deadline for federal and state returns, she said.
But to avoid being delinquent and having a penalty charged at the county level, taxpayers must pay the second half of their county ad valorem tax before April 1.
A postmark of March 31 will be accepted, Schieber said.
Anyone with questions about tax billings, payments or delinquent taxes can contact the treasurer or a member of her staff at the office in the courthouse, she said. The office phone number is 580-362-2523.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
The recent decision of city commissioners to accept a higher "local" bid on the purchase of police vehicles has caused the city commissioners to review city bidding policy.
Currently, city standard operating procedure (SOP) allows for a five percent preference for local businesses bidding on city equipment purchases and city construction projects under $7,500.
The preference means the lowest bid received is not always the one accepted. If a "local" bid is within 5 percent of the lowest bid, city commissioners can accept the local bid over the low bid.
According to Mayor Marilyn Andrews the preference was initiated to give local bidders who were "slightly above" lowest bidders a chance to benefit from their local community needs.
"When we were forced to only accept the lowest bid, local bids were sometimes pushed out even if they were a tiny little bit higher," Andrews said. "The preference was generated to give a small cushion so that local bids could still be looked at. It was what we thought was the best for the local people."
Although it could be legally challenged the preference policy has not been questioned much - mainly because it has not been used much. It was not until commissioners opted in January to accept a higher bid for 12 police cars from Bowker Ford over the low bidder Crossland Ford in Newkirk that the policy was questioned.
That decision not only caused controversy involving the five percent preference but also called to question the definition of "local" as commissioners struggled to determine whether Newkirk should be considered local.
When the dust settled it was the taxpayers shelling out an extra $3,000 to the "local" bidder Bowker Ford.
Several of the city commissioners, then and now, have struggled with the issues involving the five percent local preference. Is it economical to spend more of the taxpayers dollars to benefit the community? And does the community or merely the local business benefit from the preference?
City Commissioner Lyn Boyer has mixed feelings on the preference. "Philosophically I don't think it is a good idea," Boyer said. "However, I think it is a good idea to buy locally whenever possible."
And Commissioner Chris Hand sees the preference as an option not a rule. "The five percent preference is not intended as a 'carte Blanche blanket policy wherein local bidders can automatically charge five percent more," Hand said. "In my opinion the intent is there so that when a local contractor or supplier's bid is a little bit higher, we have the option to choose which bid is in the best interest of Ponca City."
And Commissioner Hand does not support the recommendation to change to the city's SOP. "A major problem with America today is that if you don't like a rule, law or policy you simply change it," he stated. "The forefathers of the city commission saw a good reason to put the five percent preference in place and I don't mind taking some 'political heat' over this issue when we honestly are making decisions that are in the best interest of the city of Ponca City."
A proposed change to the SOP, eliminating the five percent preference, will be considered by commissioners at the regular city commission meeting Monday night.
However elimination of the five percent preference will not necessarily guarantee that the lowest bid will be accepted, rather it would merely eliminate the specific and definite five percent guideline.
Under Oklahoma State Statue Title 61 section 117 the lowest bid does not have to be accepted provided a written explanation is made public.
Also on the agenda Monday night is a proposed change in the user fees for the Wentz Camp and pool. If approved, fees for adult swimmers would increase 50 cents per person and camping fess would increase from $175 to $225 for 30 or less campers and from $6 to $8 per person for 30 or more campers.
An increase for Lake Ponca user fees will also be considered by the commissioners. An increase in six of eight fishing categories is being proposed as well as five of the six boating categories, all five of the skiing fees. Camping fees and rentals for both the city owned docks and park shelter house rentals are proposed to increase. Only the rental for lake lot rental is not recommended for an increase.
Also to be considered by commissioners:
· A report on the Elsie V. Cann Trust.
· A contract to hire Perry Schauvliege Associates as engineers for the $20,000 repairs to the Ponca City Library.
· The submittal of a Oklahoma Highway Safety Office grant request which, if approved, would fund a DUI and seat belt enforcement "Emphasis" program.
· Approval to execute the Community Development Block Grant to be used for improvements and repairs to the Lake Ponca Dam.
· Authorization for the Parks And Recreational Department to seek bids for the purchase of $10,500 "high rate sand filter" for the Lew Wentz Pool.
As the Ponca City Utility Authority, commissioners will also consider:
· Expenditure of $70,000 for the repair of the Diesel Generator No. 7 and $56,492 for "Pad-Mounted Transformers."
· Authorization for C.H. Guernsey to design and seek bids for a new electrical substation.
· Approval of a $7,500 contract for an analysis of groundwater monitoring results.
Editor's Note: This is part one of a two-part series on the Ponca City mayoral position.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
Does Ponca City have a "strong" mayoral system or a "weak" mayoral system? Should the mayor "micro" manage or "macro" manage the city? Should the mayor be an "on- the-scene" or "behind-the-scene" mayor - a player or coach? What exactly is the role and what are the duties of the mayor of Ponca City? Is it policy or merely preference that determines how the mayor runs the city?
Now that the 1998 mayoral campaign is upon us and before the campaign is in full swing it will be helpful to discuss, define and determine for certain - if possible -what exactly the job description of the mayor is.
The definition of "strong" mayoral system comes from no other than a mayor himself- former mayor John Raley.
"A strong mayoral system is one wherein the mayor has a more active, direct role in the minute, day-by-day activities," Raley said. "It is usually found in cities where there is a full-time, paid city mayor who does nothing but 'be' mayor and mayoral system that would more than likely require micro management."
It is not, in Raley's opinion, the way the Ponca City mayor should operate. "Micro management as I interpret it would be inappropriate for the mayor of this city - that is the function of the city manager - and if the mayor cannot trust, depend upon and communicate with the city manager then there is something wrong."
Rather it is the opposite that Raley sees as the appropriate mayoral system for Ponca City. "In essence we have what a political scientist would call a 'weak mayor system' in that the mayor serves as a member of the city commission and as such has only one vote," he explains. "And the executive of the city is the city manager, who is in charge of daily city operations.
"Most communities of this size have the system we have and it is much more efficient because it allows for a professional city manager - one who is trained, one who is experienced and one that has some tenure - to remain on the job for an extended amount of time."
And OSU Political Science Professor Bob England gives yet a more in-depth definition of mayoral forms of government. According to England a strong mayoral system and a weak system refer to mayor-commission forms of government wherein the duties of the mayor differentiates between the two.
"In a weak system the mayor is a member of the commission, has only as much power as do the other commissioners and essentially only macro manages the city," England explains. "In a strong mayoral system the mayor has more responsibility namely preparing the city budget."
However, because Ponca City has a city manager, England says that it is therefore a commission-city manager form of government wherein the city manager, not the mayor, that is the chief executive officer (CEO) and in charge of the budget.
"The mayor should not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the city because that is the job of the city manager," England explained. "Rather the mayor plays more of an over-sight role, develops city policy and lets the city manger run the daily operations of the city.
"You can not have a 'strong' mayoral system where there is a city manager in place. However you can have a mayor that is strongly involved with local affairs."
According to England the history of the city manager form of government dates back to the turn of the century. "The city manager form of government was created as a 'reform' type of government to eliminate politics and corruption that was prevalent in politics at that time," England stated. "The city manager position is not political in nature and was created to 'run' a city."
However, due to a "conflict" between the city code and city charter, Ponca City is anything but a textbook case of city government.
"There is a conflict because the City Charter names the mayor as the Chief Executive Officer and yet the typical duties of a CEO, including budgetary duties, are listed as the functions of the city manager," England explained.
"This is a paradox and an 'awkward' form of government - how can you have two people functioning as the CEO of a city?"
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The six-year Federal Highway funding bill is a good one for Oklahoma Sen. Don Nickles said in a telephone conference here Friday. "We are going to have a significant increase of Federal resources coming to our state for a couple of different reasons. We are going to get a much better percentage, we have been a donor state for a long time.
"Another reason is the 4.3 cent gasoline tax which passed in 1993 - President Clinton passed it - that money did not go into the Highway Program, so we fought to put 100 percent of the gasoline tax back into the Highway Program. All in all Oklahoma should have over the six-year life of this bill a 53 percent increase compared to the last six years. This should be a good boost for our state."
Nickles said he did not support the federal bills penalizing states by setting the blood alcohol content for drunken drivers or the open alcohol container law. Nickles said he felt these were state issues.
Asked to comment about the position change of Speaker Newt Gingrich on the possible use of surplus funds to bolster up Social Security as the Clinton Administration is promoting, Nickles said, "I don't know exactly what he (Gingrich) said, but a lot of us want to save Social Security." Nickles indicated the Republicans plan was different than the Administration's plan.
Sen. Nickles said he does not particularly support Puerto Rico becoming a state. The measure passed the House by one vote and the Senate has yet to vote on the matter.
Nickles said that only 25 percent of the people of Puerto Rico speak English and it is a different culture. However, he is a member of the Senate Committee and said he will be keeping an open mind.
About the U.N. brokered agreement on inspections in Iraq Nickles said, his guess is that Iraq will give some luke warm compliance. "But we'll find out - we need to test them." Nickles said he was not comfortable with the U.N. negotiations. He commented that he was also not in favor of armed conflict.
Best Actor nominee Robert Duvall stars in "The Apostle," a film that begins Monday at the Poncan Theatre on Grand. Duvall, who previously won the Academy Best Actor Award for "Tender Mercies," is one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.
"The Apostle" is "a little knockout of a movie," according to Salon Magazine. The acclaim goes to Duvall, who wrote, directed, and stars in the film.
"The Apostle" was a real labor of love for Duvall, whose script was rejected by major studios time after time. But Duvall believed in the film, and the tangible result is this critically acclaimed project that has audiences buzzing around the country. "The Apostle" has already won several Best Actor awards, given to Duvall by Los Angeles Film Critics, by the Florida Film Critics Circle, the Texas Society of Film Critics, and by the National Society of Film Critics.
"The Apostle" tells the story of an intense Pentecostal preacher who cannot control his passions. The preacher aggressively pursues his vision of God's will, sometimes ignoring socially acceptable behaviors in deference to his mission. But in his zeal he ignores his family. When he realizes that his lonely wife is cheating on him, he batters the minister who has become her lover. Because of his violence, he must escape his Texas home just ahead of the law.
Soon he has become the minister in a new church, with a new identity and a new life. Most of the film focuses on the zeal with which he attempts to save his new flock. The film is so beautifully written that it appears to be a documentary. The writing is often praised for its naturalness. Roger Ebert says it's "astonishingly subtle." The story develops without the usual cliches. The character is complex, often contradictory, and Duvall is credited with avoiding the common Hollywood stereotypes of evangelical ministers.
Much of the success is in the detail of characters. Miranda Richardson, one of the finest English film actresses, is praised for her ability to depict a southern woman so credibly. ABC says she "seamlessly inhabits the skin of a Kentucky woman." Billy Bob Thornton, last year's Oscar-winner for Best Actor, has two fine scenes in "The Apostle." Farrah Fawcett does a fine job as the lonely wife.
For show times to "The Apostle," patrons should consult the Ponca City News or phone the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. "The Apostle" is rated R.
Editor's Note: This is the eighth in a series of articles on the Ponca City Schools' Site Improvement Plans. This article is on the improvements at Liberty Elementary.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Liberty's primary achievement goal is to improve reading comprehension. The school feels if they improve parent involvement, school-wide enrichment and school climate, literacy will improve.
The goal of improving reading comprehension is demonstrated by Jostens and Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) testing scores. Currently the school-wide average reading comprehension score on Jostens testing is 72 percent, which is not at the District goal of 75 percent. Additionally, the third grade ITBS score in reading comprehension is 64 percent, which is not at the District goal of 75 percent.
Liberty has set evaluation procedures to ensure these goals are met. The goals include: a 35 percent increase between pre and post-test scores in reading comprehension, an average national percentile of 75 percent in reading comprehension in the third grade, 100 percent of students to pass the Criterion Referenced Test (CRT), 85 percent of all Liberty students to score at 90 percent accuracy in reading comprehension and to have a 35 percent increase between pre and post-test scores in reading comprehension on the Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading (STAR).
Another goal at Liberty is to increase the involvement of parents in the improvement of reading.
Four evaluation procedures were set at Liberty to help parental involvement. They are:
1. Parent/Student Home Reading Survey. Liberty plans to show a 50 percent increase in the number of parents reading to their children.
2. Stay Home Evenings and Read (S.H.A.R.E). This is a program designed to encourage parents to spend quality time reading with their children. Each participating family who spends a designated number of hours together will receive a family plaque and their name will be engraved on the plaque to be displayed in the hall at Liberty.
3. Using parents as literacy sidekicks. Each teacher will enlist at least one parent each month to read to their class. Each teacher who achieves this level of excellence will be taken to dinner at a restaurant of their choice by the principal. Each parent who reads at least three times will receive the highly coveted Liberty PALS Award.
4. Blast Off to Reading program. This is a year-long activity in which the students, teachers and parents will attempt to read 10,000 books during the course of the school year 1998-99.
Liberty also plans to expand school-wide enrichment. At the present time, Liberty does not have a formal program to provide enrichment activities. Activities planned at Liberty for the future are:
-An Exploration Day where teachers and other interested people will teach an exploration unit.
-Career Awareness Week where guests will be invited to share their career at the Opening Assembly.
-Heritage Day where each class will participate in a week-long study of a chosen country to be culminated by a school-wide Heritage Appreciation Day.
Building Level Team members for the 1997-98 school year are Scott Pittman, Nancy Ghlyin, Lori Hoddy, Jerry Newsom, Becky Cullison, Marilyn Becker, Wendy Woicek, Debbie Shelton, Toni Hogan and Yolanda Jackson.
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
March 2-27
Today
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
March 15
March 16
March 17
March 18
March 19
March 20
March 20-22
March 22
March 23
March 23-April 3
March 24
March 25
March 26
March 25
March 26-27-28
March 27
March 27-29
March 27-28
March 28
March 29
March 31
April 1
April 1-30
April 2
April 2-3-4-5
April 3
April 3-4
April 4
April 5
April 5-25
April 6
April 7
April 8
April 9
April 12
April 13
April 14
April 15
April 16
April 16-19
April 17
April 18
April 19
April 20
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School
Lunch
Mid-High
Lunch
High School Lunch
Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Hut and Subway Sandwiches.
Training Table
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
Po-Hi
March 9
March 10
March 11
March 12
March 13
March 14
March 15
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Deciding on the future of several principals, assistant principals and other administrative personnel will be discussed Monday night when the Ponca City Board of Education votes on the contracts of several school employees.
Principal contracts up for renewal include: Barbara Cusick, principal of Ponca City Middle School; Richard Dale, principal at Ponca City Mid-High; Jean Hastings, principal of Union Elementary; Pat Keast, principal of Washington Elementary; Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy; Ron McCleary, principal of Trout Elementary; Jerry Newsom, principal of Liberty Elementary; Dr. Nancy Niemann, principal of Woodlands Elementary; David Shelton, principal of Lincoln Elementary; and Tom Sipe, principal of Roosevelt Elementary.
Assistant principal contracts for renewal are: Link Cotham, assistant principal at Ponca City Middle School; Peg Jordan, assistant principal at Po-Hi; Todd Kimrey, assistant principal at Mid-High; Kurtis Neal, assistant principal at Po-Hi; Sharon Scroggins, assistant principal at the Mid-High; and John Woody, assistant principal at Po-Hi.
Ponca City Public Schools announced an opening Thursday in the high school principal position. The decision to seek new leadership for the high school was made after an extensive review of the district's vision and goals. The administrative duties of Dr. Don Sjoberg, current principal at Po-Hi, will also be discussed at the board meeting.
Other administrative personnel contracts to be discussed include: Toni Crabtree, assistant treasurer; Jerry Jantz, district computer coordinator; Mary Ladd, administrative assistant to the superintendent; and Brenda Storie, business coordinator/treasurer.
Electing a New President
The election of a president, vice-president, clerk and deputy clerk will be held. Elections were held at a special meeting in February, but due to a deadlock at the meeting the board voted to table the item until all seven board members were present.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools; will preside over the election. Dr. White will also recommend the continuation of Mary Ladd, who has been serving as clerk for the last two years, as clerk. He will also recommend Betty Johnson to be appointed as deputy clerk.
Other Items
Awarding the best quotes for purchasing items for the Vocal Music Department will be discussed. The money will be paid from the 1997 bond fund money. If approved, the total cost of items plus shipping will be $33,357.48.
Items to be purchased include:
- Blazer/Jackets from Fruhauf for $10,487.40
- Desktop computer from Computer City for $3,550.09
- A music library from Wenger for $9,470
- A Yamaha piano from Jensen's for $6,500
- An electric piano from Jensen's for $3,350
Approval could be given to change order number 1 for the Howell/Commons Construction Project. The Howell/Commons construction contract with Lambert Construction Company was approved by the board with the understanding that there would be a change order that would reflect the addition of some alternates and the cost savings obtained through "value engineering" of some of the construction items.
Change order one is for a reduction of $170,000 from the contract amount of $2,894,300.
Several reports will be heard throughout the evening from Jerry Putnam, school auditor; Troy Lewis, architect; Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and development; Steve Stalcup, finance committee; and John Young, property committee.
Craig Rupert, Association of Classroom Teachers; will address the board regarding inclusion.
March Employee of the Month and Friend of Education Awards will be awarded to: Mona Sage, Certified Employment Award; Donna Kelly, Support Employment Award; and the Ponca City Dugout Club, Friend of Education Award.
A come and go reception for Janet Goll, Chris LittleCook and Mike Kruck will be held before the meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
By RALPH SEWELL
News Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - After almost two decades of trying, Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, won Senate support for castration of rapists.
A 37-10 Senate vote sent SB 629 to the House. Sens. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, voted for the bill.
DNA identifications now available tell for sure whether or not the accused is a rapist. That convinced 37 senators to support the bill.
They also were told history shows sex offenders are most likely to repeat their crimes.
The bill also was dressed up a bit. The term "asexualization" - currently politically correct - was substituted for castration - the word usually used to describe removal or disabling of male testicles.
Shurden thinks the House - where he started pushing the idea almost 20 years ago and won House approval for it - will pass the bill.
Senate committees killed such bills consistently - until this year.
The big news last week for Muegge was unanimous approval for his SB 1170, aimed at controlling the poultry-grading industry and the wastes it creates. The bill now is up to the House.
SB 1170 would give the State Department of Agriculture the duty to license and regulate poultry growing and processing.
Most poultry-growing occurs in eastern Oklahoma and growers filled the gallery while the bill was debated. They take chicks from the big firms - like Tyson and Holly - and feed them until they are table size.
The problem - Muegge explains - is that the industry has grown so big the wastes it produces threaten to pollute the state's water supplies.
The bill contains many details, but the important one to most citizens is that those who are careless in disposing of wastes will lose licenses. The danger is an excess of phosphorus.
Muegge also has similar legislation to control hog growing operations - big in Western Oklahoma. He's trying to get agreement on his legislation. Senators should vote on it this week.
The big news for Ponca Rep. Jim Newport last week was approval of his HB 2547 which passed the House 92-4. Reps. Jim Reese, R-Nardin, Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, and James Hager, D-Pawhuska, all voted for the bill.
HB 2547 would ban body piercing of any person under 18 unless they have consent of the parent or guardian. Earrings are excepted. Newport argued his law would prevent spread of diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager joined 65 House members who voted against HB 3142, a bill to force big firms that sell chickens to negotiate with poultry growers.
The author of HB 3142 is Rep. Laura Boyd, D-Norman. Like Hager, she is running for governor as a Democrat. Many representatives saw her bill, like the one she lost on hogs earlier, as part of her gubernatorial campaign.
Newport said he thought she was seeking labor support, thinking labor wants to organize poultry growers.
Hager smiled when he was asked about the defeat of Boyd's bill, which failed better than 2 to 1.
As House and Senate Republicans promised, Gov. Keating vetoed SB 1089, a bill to tap the state's Rainy Day fund for $35 million to help pay for health insurance benefits for teachers and state employees.
Keating did it quickly, vetoing it a day after it reached him after the Senate had accepted House changes, 38-15. It was his first veto this year. The Senate reached equally quickly, but it was an empty gesture.
Senators could not override the veto. With 36 votes needed Democrats could muster only 30. Republicans stood firm, all voting to sustain. Muegge voted to override. Harrison missed voting. But his vote couldn't have made a difference.
When the House passed the bill, the vote was 65-36. All Republicans from the Ponca area voted against. Hager voted in favor.
A House override obviously isn't going to happen. Such would require 75 House votes - 10 more than the 36 against on final House passage.
Democrats are looking at other options. But the number of Republicans in the House make it unlikely any law will be passed without their agreement.
Everybody's idea on tax cuts - including the governor's - still are alive. But all those bills have had their titles removed. That means all ideas still are on the table. A lot of last minute haggling is assured.
SB 1167, a crippled bill containing the governor's tax cut and tax credit programs, passed the Senate 41-3, but don't let the vote fool you. More meaningful was the vote on a Republican effort to restore the title on the bill. That was killed by a 31-14 tabling vote. Restoring the title would have made it possible - through unlikely - for the House to send the bill directly to the governor. Muegge and Harrison voted to table the amendment and for the bill.
Besides the governor's program, other bills kept alive include:
-HB 2209 would raise the threshold from $12,000 to $30,000 annual family income for those entitled to file a claim for a state sales tax refund. The refund, now $20, would go to $40 for each personal exemption claimed for income tax purposes. In other words, a family of four below the $30,000 level could claim a $160 refund on sales taxes. It passed the House 97-0, with Newport, Reese and Hager voting yes. Ferguson missed that vote.
-HB 2240 would cut the excise tax on automobiles from 3 1/4 percent to 2 percent. A 99-0 House vote sent it to the Senate. Again, all voted yes.
-HB 2484 which passed the House unanimously, would raise the estate tax exemption to $425,000 next January and eventually increase it to $1 million.
-HB 2218, would cut the state sales tax on food and beverages from 4.5 to 4 percent effective in January. It passed the House 97-3. But a committee deleted from the bill provisions to make additional 1/2 percent cuts each year until the state tax on groceries is eliminated. All Ponca-area representatives voted yes. So legislators kept grinding away at the task of clearing their own bills to the opposite House. Those failing to make that hurdle by this coming Thursday will die.
Besides tax measures, many other bills were being passed with titles removed. That assures the sending house will see them again. It also assures that the legislature will have a hectic time in late May.
(Remember most votes cast now are not final. They just keep a bill alive. If you disagree, it's a good time to let your legislator know.)
Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on some of the bills considered last week:
-SB 1429, to pay schools conducting driver education courses passed the Senate 45-0. But it was amended in such a way that it also would raise the age to drive from 16 to 18. That wasn't the Senate's intent, so House changes are certain. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
-HJR 1060, would submit to voters a constitutional amendment which would require school districts to call elections asking their patrons if they want school choice. It passed 70 to 19 and moves to the Senate. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2889, which passed the House, would restrict the number of reading tests a person younger than 18 may take as a condition of obtaining a driver license. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Hager missed the vote.
-HB 2854, passed by the House 71-26 would create a State Technology office, moving that coordinating function from the State Office of Finance. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 3113 passed unanimously. It would require any money Oklahoma gets as a result of tobacco lawsuits be invested with the income used to support educating youths not to use tobacco.
-HB 2600 was rejected by the House 25-71. It would require all employees of a state department using computers to take a training course. Ponca-area representatives voted against.
-HB 2729 would repeal the 1997 law which would require buyers of real estate to send the Oklahoma Tax Commission information on the deal they made, including what the price paid. It passed the House 83-12. Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport and Reese no.
-HB 2360, which passed the House 88-11, would give more health care choices to Medicaid clients. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
-SB 767, which failed 18-28, would have made it a crime for anyone younger than 18 to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. Muegge voted yes; Harrison no.
-SB 1095, which passed 29-16, would regulate all adult day-care centers - removing the present condition of housing four or more unrelated persons. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
-SB 854, which the Senate passed unanimously, would designate I-40 between Oklahoma City and the Texas line as the Korean War Veterans Highway.
-HB 1017, a proposed new law to protect workers from being stalked or harassed, passed the House 96-1. It would allow a court to issue a protective order similar to those issued in family disputes. The bill says it is not meant to be used in labor disputes or against picketing. The title was removed from the bill before going to the Senate. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
-SB 1207, which would authorize school districts to contract for head start services, failed to pass the House 33 to 62. Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport and Reese no.
-HB 2245, which passed 76-20, would more than double travel allowances of the Oklahoma and Tulsa County sheriffs. Now $350 monthly, it would go to $900. Newport, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Reese no.
-SB 837 failed on a 21-21 tie Senate vote but may be reconsidered. It would require health insurers who cover pregnancy-related services also pay for contraceptive services. Muegge voted yes; Harrison missed the vote.
-SB 1362 passed the Senate 43-0. It would include bank debit cards under the law against passing bogus checks. Muegge voted yes; Harrison was absent.
-SB 1076 would authorize a municipal judge of a non-record court perform a marriage. It passed 43-1 with Muegge voting yes. Harrison was absent.
-HJR 1077, which passed the House 85-12, would ask voters to authorize an unspecified amount of state building bonds. As of now, it's a blank check with numbers to be filled in later. Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport voted no.
-HB 3253, which passed the House 67-26, says a person's instructions on how to dispose of his body takes precedence over a survivor's desires, but the survivor may appeal to courts under certain circumstances. Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Newport and Hager no.
-HB 2252, which passed the House unanimously, would make it a crime for a caretaker of a disabled adult to have sex with that person. Consent of the patient would not be a defense.
-HB 2237, to require roofers to be licensed by the Department of Health failed 24 in favor to 69 against. Ponca-area representatives voted against.
Two developmental wells are planned by Zinke and Trumbo Inc. in Kay County's Hubbard Field, four and 4.8 miles southwest of Blackwell.
The wells will be known as the No. 1-6 Currie and the No. 1-12 McCullough.
Both will seek production in the Arbuckle Formation, with total depths projected to 3, 950 feet.
Section 6-township 26n-range 1w-sw-sw.
Section 12-township 26n-range 2w-w1/2-sw.
Gary E. Roth has revealed plans to drill a 650-ft. developmental well in the Tonkawa Field, Kay County.
The operator has designated the venture as the No. 2 South Rolly "A".
Drillsite is three miles west-northwest of Three Sands.
Section 32-township 25n-range 1w-nw-sw.
Coronado Petroleum Corp. is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended production in the North White Eagle Field, Kay County.
The No. 2-23 Gillham is about 1.2 miles north-northeast of White Eagle.
Coronado will be seeking new pay at a depth of 4,200 feet in the Layton Formation.
Section 23-township 25n-range 2e-sw-sw.
Drillsite has been staked for the No. 1 Judy, a 659-ft. wildcat well in Noble County. The operation will be located 3.5 miles west-southwest of Three Sands. W. Kent McAninch is the operator.
Section 6-township 24n-range 1w-sw-ne.
Samedan Oil Corp. is preparing to conduct a recompletion for extended production in the North Sumner Field, Noble County. The No. 5 Cole is about 6.4 miles northwest of Perry.
Samedan will be seeking new pay at a depth of 6,200 feet in the Tonkawa Formation.
Section 29-township 22n-range 2w-se-se.
Production in the Layton Formation will be the target when Benson McCown and Co. conducts a recompletion at the No. 1 Wilde in the Northwest Simon Field, Noble County, 2.2 miles west of Perry.
The well currently bottoms at a depth of 4,867 feet.
Section 25-township 21n-range 2w-ne-ne.
Marbet Partners is preparing to conduct a re-entry in the Polo Field, Noble County, 3.3 miles northwest of Perry.
Involved in the operation is the No. 4 Marbet Partners.
Marbet is planning to take the well to a new 5,117-ft. bottom.
Section 2-township 21n-range 2w-nw-se.
The No. 36 McClintock has been finaled by R.T. McClintock.
It is a wildcat well in Osage County. Drillsite is 8.6 miles southeast of Bowring.
Daily potential of three barrels per day was produced from the Bartlesville Formation. The well went to a 1,700-ft. bottom.
Section 5-township 26-range 12-nw.
Jaed Production Co. has plugged and abandoned an unsuccessful wildcat well in Osage County, 2.2 miles northeast of Bowring. The well was known as the No. 1 Jaed "B" and was drilled to total depth of 1,903 feet.
Section 24-township 28-range 11-sw.
The No. 4 Horn, a 3,200-ft. developmental well, is scheduled to be drilled in Osage County's South Burbank Field. Horn Oil Co. is the operator. The well will be spudded 2.3 miles southeast of Burbank.
Section 14-township 25-range 6-sw-sw.
A 2,500-ft. developmental well is planned by Spess Oil Co. at a drillsite one mile west of Wynona, Osage County. The well is designated as the No. 6 Spess. It is in the Bulldog Field.
Section 16-township 24-range 9-sw-sw.
United Way Bed Race At Iris Festival
"The beds are coming! The beds are coming!!" recently announced Helene Schwartz, United Way Director.
All businesses, groups, clubs, churches, schools, neighbors, friends, organizations, families and others are invited to join the United Way of Ponca City for the first ever United Way Bed Race!
"What is a bed race? - Its a bed - a bed on wheels - set into motion by four runners racing down the street to the finish line at the 10th Annual Iris Festival on May 2, 1998," says Schwartz.
She explained, "all you need is a bed (everyone has one) to build one (United Way has the specifications) and pick up a team. Teams consists of four runners and a rider, who jumps out of the bed at the half-way mark, puts on a pair of pajamas, jumps back in, and the team races across the finish line."
It's not time consuming and doesn't require a lot of outside work or money, says Schwartz. Everyone is invited.
A $100 donation is requested per team to participate, and $25 for each additional team. All proceeds benefit the 17 community service agencies supported by United Way.
"So, dust off that old bed, or build a new one - and join the fun. There will be a best decorated bed contest and trophies for the winners," she concluded.
For more information, rules, and bed specifications, call United Way at 765-2476 or visit the United Way office at 102 South Fifth Street.
Veterans and their families will be interested in the display of WW II posters now available at the Marland Mansion. The display is also a fascinating exercise in the power of media to effect the public conscience, and the exhibit is open to anyone.
World War II buffs will also want to attend the special lecture by Dr. Brad Agnew Thursday at the Mansion at 7 p.m. Dr. Agnew's remarks are entitled "The Home Front During the War."
"Here in the States, a huge amount of energy was expended to get mobilized for the war effort," says Dr. Agnew. The posters were a central part of the plan, according to Dr. Agnew. They encouraged such sacrifices as driving slowly to conserve fuel, collecting cans to be recycled for the materials, and other kinds of involvement by the American public. The purpose of these posters "was to get the entire population involved," he says. Their goal was, by one means or another, "to make the public want to sacrifice for the war."
There was a huge outpouring of popular support for the war effort in World War II, more than for any war since. "Over 99.9 per cent of the public supported the war effort," says Agnew. In Congress, only one person voted against it. The American people were more willing to sacrifice in that period "because we believed our cause was just."
American graphic artists were enlisted to design posters to channel citizens' efforts in productive ways. Because the war was fought on foreign soil, there was concern that Americans might not maximize the resources of the country. Various kinds of public conservation were helpful to bring the full material resources to bear on the war effort. The posters also provided moral support for the families who experienced human losses. They are evocative, emotional images of idealism and sacrifice in the face of a common enemy.
Dr. Agnew is an historian and a professor of History at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He coordinates the Master's Program in American Studies at NSU, and he is widely published in southwest history. His Ph.D. is from the University of Oklahoma.
The impressive, memorable exhibition of posters is on display at the Marland Mansion through March 27. Both the exhibit and Dr. Agnew's lecture are free to the public. The events are supported by the Oklahoma Museums Association, the Oklahoma Foundation for the Humanities, by Conoco, and by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council.
The "Premiere Exhibition" of the Living Artists Society is scheduled for March 9 to April 8 at the Eleanor Hays Gallery of the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa.
An opening reception is slated from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 in the gallery and refreshments will be served.
According to Audrey Schmitz, gallery director, "this exhibition is a visual feast for the eyes. An exciting and diverse selection of media, subject matter and styles will be shown by artists unique in their backgrounds and life experience."
Some 20 members of the Living Artists Society (LAS) will be featured in the "Premiere Exhibition," the first time this group has arranged a show for the public. Individually, members have exhibited their art nationwide. Many of their works have received awards and are held in private collections.
From realism to abstraction, inspiration for subject matters includes symbols of dreams and the subconscious, landscape, people and portraits, still-life, florals, geometric forms, wildlife, and studies in perspective.
Both two- and three-dimensional works will be exhibited including painting in oil, acrylic and watercolor; raku, highfired and blackware ceramics; drawing in charcoal and pencil color; black and white photography; woven fiber works; painted wood and steel sculpture; monoprints; and mixed media and assemblage pieces.
The Eleanor Hays Gallery is open to the public at no charge from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during evening and weekend performances in the NPAC.
Organized by Kay County artists in the fall of 1997, the Living Artists Society was created to encourage and support artists, and to contribute to the survival and prosperity of all the creative arts. LAS intends to create and expand interest and understanding of the arts, and to be supportive of each other as artists. The members believe its organization helps individual artists feel themselves members of the community as a whole.
LAS members include: Donna Manning, Clayton Keyes, Dennis Schneider, Glenn Drake, Alison Warren, Cindy Butler Rasche, Guy Warren, Roger Smith, Leslie Frazier, Ruth Loucks, Neo Kirby, Alfred Smith, Maxine Warren, Bobby Ray Holroyd Jr., Cheryl Smith, Bruce Carter, Todd Heilmann, Robert Griffith, Bob Becker, Gary Gallagher, Anna Adams, Jerry Cathey, Bill Butterfield, Leanna Rexford, Larri Ann Halbrook, Ken Crowder, Audrey Schmitz, Gene Dougherty and Diana Riley.
For the LAS meeting schedule and membership information call in Ponca City at (580)-765-4497 or 762- 5477, or in Tonkawa at (580)-728-6670.
Grace Episcopal Church will be hosting the annual meeting of the North American Regional Committee for St. George College, Jerusalem March 12-14, according to Dr. Jim Thomas, Jr., who with his wife, Sally, is organizing events for the committee's stay in Ponca City.
Nineteen board members will convene in Ponca City from all over the United States, Canada, and Jerusalem for the meeting.
St. George's College is an Anglican (Episcopalian) Study Center in the Holy Land and annually trains over 300 students from over 20 countries and 16 different faith traditions.
Dr. Thomas, a local Clinical Psychologist, is President of the NARC Board, and is also an Episcopal Priest Aspirant and member of Grace Church.
While the group is in Ponca City they will tour the local attractions and hear from several local citizens about the historical mini-attractions of Ponca City and the local area, Dr. Thomas pointed out.
Plans are also to visit the Oklahoma City bomb site, guided by the Rt. Rev. Robert Manning Moody, DD, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma.
On March 13-15 the Ponca Playhouse will host the 1998 OCTA (Oklahoma Community Theatre Association) Conference to be held at the Marland Mansion Conference Center.
The Conference will include theatrical workshops, productions and parties. In addition to the adult programs, there will be a special conference directed at youth - sixth through twelfth grades.
Featured presenters for the adult workshops include Dr. Jerry Davis of Stillwater, Paula Sharum of Fort Smith, Ark., Norman Hammon, theatrical consultant and Teresa Ayres of Cameron University, and Kenn Wessel, executive director of the Poncan Theatre.
Adult workshops offer a wide variety of topics for participants to explore, including auditioning skills, dance for the non-dancer, directing, dialects, lighting, costumes on a budget, theater safety, unusual set construction, publicity and marketing, fund-raising, audience development, audio description, coaching the actors, and building a team.
On Friday evening, Al Bostick, consummate actor/director, will present his one-man show, "Fabulous Fibs, Fables and Folk Tales," The Saturday evening performance "Great Women of the Oil Fields, will be presented by the versatile and captivating actress, Laurette Willis. Both presentations will be held in the Poncan Theatre at 8:15 p.m. and are open to the public. Tickets for those productions are $8 each or both performances for $12.
In addition to the workshops and productions a staged play reading of the OCTA play writing competition winner "Remember Me," will be presented.
On Sunday morning, a question and answer session will be conducted, regarding the 1999 OCTAfest to be held in Lawton. OCTAfest is the state play production competition.
Brunch will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and will include a costume parade presented by the Stillwater Community Theater and Town and Gown. Awards presentations and the general membership meeting with elections will also occur at this time.
Paralleling the adult conference will be OCTA's first-ever Youth Theatre Conference, which runs March 13-14. Presenters for the conference are Clifford Reed from the OU Theatre Department, Claude Kizer, stage and film actor/director, and theater professionals Laurette Willis and Al Bostick.
Workshops included in the conference will include, putting on the character, stage combat, comedy improvisation, auditioning skills, maskmaking, special effects in set painting, and dance for the non-dancer.
The registration fee of $25 per student also includes the three workshops listed above and parties Friday and Saturday evening. Adult sponsors are free.
Registration fees for the conference are $55 for OCTA members and $75 for non-members. One-day "workshops only" registration is $25.
Corporate sponsors for the OCTA conference are the Oklahoma Arts Council, Conoco Inc., Sarkey's and Pioneer National Bank and Perkins Restaurant.
For more information regarding the conference or to register, call Tom Cowley at 765-5085. For tickets to the Al Bostick and Laurette Willis performances call the Ponca Playhouse box office at 765-5360 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. Tickets will also be available at the Ponca Theatre box office prior to evening performances.
Two popular productions, "Fabulous Fibs, Fables and Folk Tales," by Al Bostick and "Great Women of the Oil Fields," by Laurette Willis will be presented at the Poncan Theatre on March 13-14 at 8:15 p.m. The performances are sponsored by the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association in association with the Oklahoma Arts Council.
Friday's performance will showcase Al Bostick, consummate actor, choreographer, playwright, visual artist and storyteller in a one-man performance. Bostick revitalizes the oral tradition of African and African-American storytelling.
Wit and wisdom abound in the telling and re-telling of traditional folklore, from the Anansi Spider Tales to the Brer' Rabbit Tales of the American slave south. Bostick shows audiences a side of history and heritage rich with laughter in his "Fabulous Fibs, Fables and Folk Tales," performance.
Bostick has worked in theater as an innovative director/actor. He received his BA in acting directing from Grambling University and holds a Governor's Arts Award for Arts and Education as well as a commendation for excellence from the state. He has taught at the Great Expectations Institute at Northeastern State University for seven summers and is currently director of Basically Bostick Projects, Inc., an arts performance and consulting organization. Bostick is also an artist in residence on the touring roster of the Arts Council of Oklahoma.
On Saturday, Laurette Willis will premiere with her one-woman show "Great Women of the Oil Fields." Audiences will hear three very different women tell the story of Oklahoma's "black-gold." Portrayed are Nancy Journeycoke, the Delaware Indian woman who leased her land to the oil men; Margaret, the oil tycoon's flamboyant wife; and Queenie, the salty oil fields cook.
Willis opens the play with an entertaining and informative narration about the history and importance of the petroleum industry. She also introduces each character - then the audience witnesses a remarkable transformation as Willis assumes the mannerisms, costumes and dialect of each character.
Willis is an actress, playwright, singer, storyteller, teacher and conference speaker. She studied theater arts at New York University, Circle-In-The-Square, and the Herbert Berghof Studio. She has recently been nominated for "Who's Who in Entertainment" and "Who's Who in the South and Southwest." Willis is also on the touring rosters of the Oklahoma Arts Council as well as the Heartland Arts Fund, with touring funds available in 15 states. Nicknamed the "Woman of 101 Voices," Willis' singing, narration and character voices are heard on TV and radio nationwide.
Tickets are now on sale at the Ponca Playhouse box office located at First and Central Avenue. Individual ticket prices are $8 for each production or $12 for both performances.
For more information call the Ponca Playhouse at 765-5360. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door.
There had been rumors and forecasts of rain and/or snow over what seemed a period of weeks. But February didn't have what it takes to get the wet stuff, frozen or otherwise, to let loose and fall to the ground.
Actually, last month wasn't a total washout, as far as moisture is concerned. Not if you want to count the one-tenth of an inch received in four little dabs on as many different days.
But then came March which, after a few days of moving clouds around, opened up the skies. By shortly after noon Saturday the Universal Weather Station had measured 1.65 inches in the rain gauge at Municipal Airport. That's more than the 1.59 during the first two months of 1998. On the heels of the wettest year (51.08 inches) since at least the late 1960s, the January-February total was .79-inch below normal.
The past month's showing made it one of 18 Februaries in the last 31 to leave less than an inch of moisture. Four of these came in a row, 1979-82. By comparison, the second month a year ago was the wettest since the late 1960s with 4.43 inches. During that three-decade period there also were 4.26- and 4.18-inch totals in 1987 and 1990.
The hottest temperature last month was 77 degrees on Feb. 25, preceded by a 75 reading the day before. The average daily temperature was 46.4 degrees, 5.2 above normal. Eight days had freezing temperatures, ranging downward from 32 to the low of 23 degrees on the 7th.
The hottest February temperature in 31 years was 92 degrees in 1996. Eight below zero in 1980 was the coldest.
The Phillips University Concert Choir, from Enid, will visit Oklahoma City and Ponca City during March 19-22 on its annual tour.
The ensemble will perform both sacred and secular selections consisting of a wide variety of music. Their repertoire consists of Renaissance madrigals by Thomas Morley, "Cantate Domino" by De Lasso, and selections from Foret's "Requiem". The group will also perform modern selections by the well known John Rutter and William Matthias. "There should be something for it for everyone," says Dr. Ron Manning, director for the Concert Choir.
Manning joined the music department as the Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities. Manning comes to the Phillips faculty from Kansas City area having 27 years experience in instructing music. Since 1955, Manning has taught private voice at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, as well as Director of Music at Countryside Christian Church in Mission, Kan. Manning founded the Plantation Community Chorus, Inc., which has performed with the world renowned Alain Lombard and the Miami Philharmonic Orchestra. Manning has also made presentations at the International Conference in Vienna, Austria and has performed in Florence, Italy and Salzburg, Austria.
The tour is a way Phillips can say a personal "thank you" to some of the communities who have supported the university all year. It is a gesture of appreciation and a chance for the congregations to hear excellent choral music.
An appearance March 19 in Ponca City at the First Christian Church at 7:30 will open the concert schedule for the choir. Other appearances will be March 20 at Putnam City Christian Church in Oklahoma City at 7:30 p.m., Crown Heights Christian Church in Oklahoma City on March 21 for a 7 p.m. concert; First Christian Church, Oklahoma City, 10:30 a.m. morning worship on March 22 and 7 p.m. concert at First Christian Church in Yukon on Sunday, March 22.
Questions may be directed to Janetta Cravens at Phillips University, (580) 548-2453.
The North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage´ Association will be conducting a riding clinic Saturday, at "Little Bit of Heaven" located northwest of Newkirk. Instructor will be Rainee Junkens, experienced clinician and instructor.
Interested persons are invited to audit or participate. A limited number of riding slots are still open at $25 per person. No charge is made for auditing. Interested persons may call (580) 362-2177) in Newkirk for more information. A rain date is set for March 21.
The North Central Dressage Society meets monthly and anyone interested in horsemanship and dressage is welcome to attend. The next meeting is set for March 16, at 7 p.m. at Dougan's Restaurant in Ponca City.
Program for the March meeting will be presented by Pam Rawlins about the dressage arena.
Additional information about dressage or the meetings is available by calling 767-1860.
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce called the Paul Revere Committee Network into action Friday asking members for assistance and support of the Supplemental Appropriation for the Training for Industry (TIP) program.
According the communication from Russ Shields, Paul Revere Committee Network chairman, the program makes funds available to the local vo-tech to train employees of new or expanding businesses in the community.
"Ponca City has benefited from this program in the last few years. If we are to continue to attract new businesses and expand existing businesses the TIP program is vital. There appears to be hesitation on behalf of some legislators to fulfill the obligations made to these companies," the communication said.
The Revere Network, which is a calling committee devoted to business efforts, was urging letters of support be faxed to Gov. Frank Keating, Loyd Benson, Speaker of the House, Stratton Taylor, Senate Pro Temper, Sen. Paul Muegge and Rep. Jim Newport. The deadline for action is Monday.
Kenny James, a licensed professional counselor, will present parenting seminars at the Family Resource Center, 700 W. Broadway. Topics include:
-Chores and Choices on March 12.
-The Power of Encouragement on March 19.
-Success in the Classroom on March 26.
All seminars will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
SHIDLER - The Far North Central Rural Development Coalition is hosting a Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday at the Oklahoma Jubilee in Shidler.
The event, co-sponsored by the Shidler Chamber of Commerce, is designed to extend the coalition's networking arm, plus give sponsoring communities a chance to showcase their area.
The public is invited and refreshments will be served. For more information
or to RSVP, call (918) 793-2771.
DEATHS
Anna Petronella Hall, resident of Ponca City, died Friday evening, March 6, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 86.
A graveside funeral service and interment will be held at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon, at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Bracy Hill, pastor of the First Assembly of God Church officiating. Burial is under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Anne Petronella Hall was born Aug. 9, 1911, in Ladysmith, Wis., the daughter of Sjoerd and Etje (Heitmeyer) Bylsma. She attended Winfred, S.D. schools.
She was married to Charles E. Wells, in 1930. The couple lived in South Dakota and later in Chicago, where they raised their two daughters. Mr. Wells died in 1937. In 1949 Anna married Ernest W. Hall in Chicago, Ill. The couple came to Ponca City in the early 1950's. Mrs. Hall opened the first paperback exchange store here in the latter 1950's, called the West-side Magazine Exchange, located on South Perry. She operated the store until 1976. Mr. Hall preceded her in death on July 7, 1980.
Mrs. Hall enjoyed reading, and playing the accordion and piano. Nursing home residents and staff were entertained by her playing. In earlier years, she was a member of REACT, a CB radio operator's organization.
Surviving are her two daughters, Irena Hanchett and Georgene Winters, both of Ponca City. There are 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild surviving. In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by one brother.
No viewing or visitation is planned at the funeral home. The family will be at 5 Sherman Lane.
Hazel Davis, former resident of Ponca City, died Friday morning, March 6, 1998 at the Valle Norte Nursing Home, Albuquerque, N.M. She was 92.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 9, 1998 at the IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, First Baptist Church, presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Hazel Davis was born March 4, 1906 in Oklahoma Indian Territory, now known as Garvin County. She was the daughter of Samuel P. Moore and LuDora (Harris) Moore. She was united in marriage to Cleo S. Davis on Nov. 1, 1950 at Wichita, Kan. Mr. Davis preceded her in death in 1963. Mrs. Davis was a homemaker that especially enjoyed traveling, having traveled throughout the United States and to several foreign countries.
She is survived by one daughter, Vinita Gariss of Albuquerque, N.M. and one son, Lewis Johnson of Wichita, Kan.; one brother, Marion Moore of Shawnee, Okla.; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Melvin Johnson, one daughter, Reta Patterson, eight brothers and sisters, Will, Jess, Jimmy, Archie, Mae, Chester, Marvin and Thelma; also four grandchildren.
Mary C. (Lackey) Knedler, resident of Ponca City, died Friday morning, March 6, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical. She was 75.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 9, 1998 at the Ranch Drive Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Calvert presiding. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Mary Cloteen Williams was born May 11, 1922 at Eastland, Texas, the daughter of Buren Williams and Myrtle Owen Williams. She graduated from the Morton, Texas High School and then attended college at Lubbock, Texas and Central Baptist College of Arkansas. She married Ellis "Bud" Lackey on Oct. 26, 1940 at Morton, Texas. The couple also had lived in Quitman, Ark. before moving to Ponca City in 1979. Mr. Lackey preceded her in death in October of 1985. She was united in marriage to Orrin A. Knedler on June 4, 1994 at Ponca City where the couple have since made their home.
Mrs. Knedler was a special education teacher at East Jr. High School for several years before her retirement in 1989. She was a member of the Ranch Drive Baptist Church and in earlier years was a member of the Rebekah Lodge. Her enjoyments included gardening, country music, traveling and especially getting together with family.
She is survived by her husband, Orrin Knedler, of the home; one son, Billy H. Lackey, Lubbock, Texas; two daughters, Katie Harris and Vicki Alley, both of Ponca City; two sisters, Beth Lackey of Lake Isabella, Calif. and Loree Knox of Lubbock, Texas; one brother, Bill Williams of Levelland, Texas; two stepsons, William (Bill) Knedler of Ponca City and Mike Knedler of Alva, Okla. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ellis Lackey; one sister, Vannalee Fred; three brothers, Andrew Williams, Lawrence Williams and Don Williams, and a stepson, Larry Knedler.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, Danny Coon, Randall (Buddy) Coon, Mike Lackey, Mitch Lackey, Mark Lackey and Monty Lackey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6465 South Yale, Suite 423, Tulsa, Okla. 74136.
The family will be at 821 North Second and No. 95 Ranch Drive.
paid obituary
Mildred T. Keen, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, March 7, 1998 at her home. She was 85. Survivors include her husband, Cecil, of the home. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Memorial Chapel. Other arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later.
FAIRFAX - Alfred Elsberry, longtime resident of the Fairfax community, died Saturday morning, March 7, 1998 at the Fairfax Hospital. He was 72. Survivors include his wife, Nadine, of the home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax, and will be announced later.
Randy Murray, resident of Newkirk, died at his home Saturday, March 7,
1998 following a lengthy illness. He was 46. Funeral arrangements are pending
with Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell, and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Twentieth Century - Marjorie Parker will review the book "God Uses Cracked Pots" when Twentieth Century Club meets Friday at 1 p.m. at the Cultural Center. Mrs. Charles Casey will introduce the speaker and greeters will be Mrs. John McFadden, Mrs. John Reynolds, Mrs. Gerald Nield, Mrs. Steve McGuire, Mrs. Donald Monn and Mrs. Mark Palmer.
Royal Neighbors to Meet - The Royal Neighbors of America will hold a luncheon meeting on Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m. in the Golden Corral. A pinning ceremony for 25 years service will be conducted for Marjorie Wilson. All Royal Neighbors are urged to be present.
"The Home Front in WW II" lecture by Dr. Brad Agnew Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Marland Mansion, sponsored by Arts and Humanities, Conoco, and Oklahoma Arts Council. Admission free.
"American Propaganda Posters of WW II", an exhibit from the University of Oklahoma collection at the Marland Mansion through March 27. Admission free, sponsored by Arts and Humanities and the Oklahoma Museums Association.
Agrarian Club - A program about "The wall that heals," a traveling Vietnam memorial, will be presented to members of the Agrarian Club at their meeting Thursday, 6 p.m., at Western Sizzlin'. Guests are welcome.
Suicide Survivors To Meet - Family members and friends of victims who have died as a result of suicide are invited to meet at the Ponca City Library programming room today at 2 p.m., to organize a local support group. Children are also encouraged to attend. Betty Smith, State Suicide Survivors Support Coordinator will be present.
Key Joins U.S. Army - Donnie R. Key has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. After basic, he will receive advanced individual training in his career specialty. Key, a 1993 graduate of Blackwell High School, will report to Fort Sill in Lawton, for basic training on March 24, 1998. He is the son of Jack and Doris Key, 733 West Florence in Blackwell.
Regular Monthly Meeting - Rural Water District No. 3 (Braden) will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Braden Community Center.
Lifeguard Class - There is still room in the Red Cross Lifeguard class beginning Friday at 6 p.m. To enroll, call 1-580-363-1738 or go to the Red Cross Office, 1313 W. Furguson, Blackwell, or FAX 1-580-363-1739.
Memorial Dinner Set - A Memorial Dinner is scheduled at noon today (Sunday) in memory of the late Ted White. The Rufus White family will be sponsoring the dinner, which will be held in the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center at White Eagle. Everyone is asked to bring their own dishes and chairs.
Juvenile Arrested - At 6:30 a.m. Friday police arrested a 17-year-old boy for petit larceny at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue.
Vehicle Vandalism - A woman in the 400 block of North Eighth Street called police at 8:08 a.m. Friday to report vandalism to her vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Grease Fire - At 9:33 a.m. Friday all fire units responded to a grease fire in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street. It was extinguished.
Deer Damage - A woman in the 800 block of Edgewood called police at 11:08 a.m. Friday to report vandalism to her fence. She later discovered the damage had been caused by a deer trying to loosen itself from the fence.
Harassment - A woman in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue called police at 12:38 p.m. Friday to report a woman harassing her. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Fire - A fire was reported at 12:45 p.m. Friday in the 300 block of West Riverview Drive. Fire units responded and extinguished it.
Accident - An accident at Bradley Avenue and Joe Street was reported at 2:12 p.m. Friday. One person was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Stolen Bike - At 3:40 p.m. Friday police were notified of a bike stolen from the 1500 block of Riggs Drive. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 6:24 p.m. Friday from the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 36-year-old man was arrested at 11:34 p.m. Friday from the 300 block of North Oak Street for driving under suspension.
Stolen Stereo - At 12:12 a.m. Saturday a man in the 800 block of West Prospect Avenue reported that the stereo in his vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 43-year-old man at 1:43 a.m. Saturday from the 100 block of Oklahoma Avenue for driving under suspension and driving under restriction.
Window Broken - A man in the 1000 block of South Ninth Street called police at 2:23 a.m. Saturday to report that the window in his vehicle had been broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - At 3:10 a.m. Saturday a 26-year-old man was arrested from the 200 block of North Oak Street for domestic assault and battery.
Assault Victim - At 3:14 a.m. Saturday a nurse at the emergency room
at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center called police to report that a man
was being treated from injuries received from an assault that had occurred
in the 500 block of North Ninth Street. An officer was assigned and a report
was taken.
LIFESTYLES
Members of the Ponca City Women's Club met March 2 at the home of Mrs. Lucie Page, 1112 Brentwood. Highlighting the meeting for nine members and two guests was the "High English Tea" served by the hostess. She was assisted by Mrs. Laura Godsey.
The hostesses were attired in period costumes of long dresses and wide-brimmed picture hats adorned with pink garden flowers and pink satin ribbons. The silver service was complemented by a lace-draped table which was silver appointed.
Guest speaker for the meeting was Mrs. Mildred Tapp, who gave a program entitled "The Persian Pickle Club." Mrs. Imogean Vineyard, president, called roll, Mrs. Page read the minutes and Mrs. Bess Tucker gave the treasurer's report. The next meeting of the group will be April 6 at the home of Mrs. June Kizer.
Sallie Peacheater Tent #18, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865, will hold their quarterly meeting March 14, 10:30 a.m., at the Union Room in the Wiley Post building, 2100 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City.
The tent will conduct a business meeting followed by a program on "Medicine and Medical Practices During the Civil War" to be given by Nancy Chotkey. All prospective members and interested women with Civil War ancestors are invited to attend. For more information call Nancy Chotkey, 405 842-9598 or Leona Henning, 405 728-3500.
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA -A one-day seminar on recent developments in laws affecting the elderly will be held on March 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the OU Law Center, 300 Timberdell Road, Norman.
"Many important changes are taking place in the field of elder law," said Robin Stead, Director of the OU legal assistant education department. "We are bringing together experts on the latest trends and developments affecting the elderly and the law. Legal assistants, lawyers, and others who are interested in elder issues will benefit from attending this seminar."
Topics covered in the seminar include changes in Medicare and Medicaid laws, Social Security, guardianship and conservatorship, and durable power of attorney. "End-of-life" issues, such as "living wills" and "do not resuscitate" laws, also will be discussed.
The seminar is organized and led by Rowena Scott-Johnson, a member of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature and advocate for the elderly. Seminar tuition is $75 which covers the cost of all course materials. Preregistration is required. Participants may register by sending a check, payable to the University of Oklahoma, to Department of Legal Assistant Education, 300 Timberdell Road, Norman, OK 73019. For more information, call 405-325-1726.
BY MARJORIE DECKER
News Religion Editor
"Pioneer Bank people are encouraged to serve in the community, and anyway, I'm nosy, that's why I serve", Connie McAbee told a gathering of Sertomans and friends at their annual National Heritage Banquet Friday night.
The event was held at Derricks in the Rose Stone Inn at 7 p.m., and was emceed by Mike Quirey.
McAbee, keynote speaker, served with the U.S. Navy and with the U.S. Navy Reserve, and told the group that she lived in Ponca City for 18 years growing up, and during those years she "took" from the Community and now it's payback time.
Connie, a longtime employee of Pioneer Bank and Trust, was introduced to the gathering by Glenda Brown, Sertoma president.
Mayor Marilyn Andrews read the proclamation issued for National Heritage Week declaring Sertoma exists for the high and noble purpose of Service to Mankind by communication of thoughts ideas, and concepts to accelerate human progress in health, education, freedom and democracy.
Richard Boone, Governor/Challenger District, was present from Sapulpa and gave the Toast to Sertoma Nations. President Brown gave the welcome address and Nancy VanZant, past-president and current Board president, along with Boone explained "What is Sertoma".
Nancy told the gathering that the local organization was started in the speech department at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in 1989, with those gathered determining where the club emphasis would be - helping those groups who were working in the "gray areas" of the city.
They first helped with medical prescriptions, wheelchairs, and later provided a bookmobile for the local library and are currently providing new books each year. They also place emphasis on better speech and hold a poster contest each year for grade school boys and girls.
Boone spoke about his activities in Sertoma, and added it is the "greatest organization there ever was - always there to help."
Community Awards were made to Sgt. Fred Brown as Policeman of the Year with Mary Bahruth-Poskey making the presentation. Chief Raymond Ham accepted the award for Brown who was unable to attend.
Allan Coppock received the Citizen Soldier award from Mike Quirey, who described Coppock as "special folk." He served with the Armed Forces in Germany, later joining the National Guard. He came to Ponca City in 1976 and began his service with the local Police Department.
Lt. Sonny Olmstead received the Fireman of the Year award, which was presented by Sherri Kremeier.
Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Service to Mankind Award, which went to Genevieve Pollak and Carl Renfro for their service during the planning and completion of the Standing Bear project.
Sertoma President Brown read the commendation for the two and Pollak accepted the award. Renfro, unable to attend the banquet, was represented by his daughter, Cindy Gorrell.
Closing the evening's program was the presentation of the Sertoman of the Year pin by Rose Rathbun. The award was presented to Marjorie Decker, Religion editor and librarian for The Ponca City News.
During the evening, Sherri Kremeier pointed out the books which were donated this year by Sertoma to the Ponca City Library for the bookmobile - books concerning Native Americans, donated in March of last year, were on display at the banquet.
The head table and the quartet tables were covered with royal blue cloths and red, white and blue balloons added a festive air to the dining hall.
Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Gray of Peckham will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at 2 p.m. March 14 in the Christian Church annex in Peckham. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the event and the couple requests no gifts.
Hosting the celebration will be their children: Mr. and Mrs. Duane Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Gray, Ms. Delma Holmes of Ponca City, Ms. Debbie North of Katy, Texas, and 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Clifton Gray of Oklahoma and the former Jean Pearson of Washington were united in marriage at Goldendale, Wash. on March 15, 1948. They made their first home in Wapato, Wash, residing there until 1951. They moved to Oklahoma at that time and established their home in Peckham in 1955.
Mr. Gray retired from Kay County, District 2 in 1991 and Mrs. Gray retired in 1994 from the Peckham School cafeteria. The couple enjoys family outings and bluegrass music.
Beth Aliceson Bahm and Dustin Warren Schickram will be married in a 2 p.m. ceremony March 14 at Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the ceremony.
Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Victor Bahm of Tulsa and Mr. and Mrs. Warren Schickram of Ponca City.
The bride-elect is a 1997 graduate of Victory Christian School in Tulsa and is employed at First Assembly Day Care. The prospective bridegroom is a 1996 graduate of Ponca City High School and is employed at Mertz.
The Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild meeting March 2 was attended by 76 members, one new member and four guests. Gloria Tucker, secretary, read the minutes and announced she and her husband are moving from Ponca City. The meeting was held at Community Christian Church.
Oletta Demaree reported on the class to be held March 10 at 9 a.m. at the church. Pioneer Jar dolls will be made to be used for table decorations in May. An instruction sheet is also available for making bonnet table favors.
Shirley Hile announced that the Donation Project is in progress and the Museum Quilt is finished. A minimum of 880 hours of work was put into the quilt. Dedication for the museum is planned for September.
Members viewed a quilt rack donated by Gwen Toews and her husband. Jean Buskirk is in charge of the signup list for the Herb Festival in June. Mrs. Buskirk and her husband will also transfer from Ponca City.
Announcement was made of a video that had been donated to the guild library by Patty Russell of the Quilting Parlor in Enid. Members learned about a new advertiser in the guild newsletter - "Needle in a Haystack" from Severy, Kan.
Cheryl Pritchett showed quilts belonging to her and to Joyce Eagan using the "blocks of the month." Members were also reminded of the Cracker Barrell blocks. Linda Carlson reminded the group about the April workshop "Needle Turn Applique" following the April meeting.
Sara Myers reported that the Quilt show plans are progressing. The event is planned for Sept. 18-19 at the Marland Estate chapel.
New officers will be voted upon at the April meeting. The May speaker will be Evelyn Day who will dress in "Quilter's Costume." By-law changes were read and members not receiving them are asked to call Sandee Henderson, 765-9927. The rules will be voted upon at the April 6 meeting.
Commemorative Baskets
Special handmade baskets for Mother's Day and Father's Day have been designed by Longaberger. Available only in March the baskets may be purchased locally from Lisa Reiss or Patricia Thompson. The Longaberger company is celebrating its 25th year anniversary.
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women will meet at noon March 12 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Lily Jackson group as hostesses. Billie Wright and Ginny Cagley are co-chairmen. Iris Peterson will offer the blessing and Ms. Wright will give the devotion. The program on "Christian Calligraphy" will be presented by Cindy Grubb of Grubbies.
Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
SR&T Garden Club will meet March 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Joann Monger. Co-hostess will be Mary Perkins. Susan Henning will give the program on "Basics of Gardening." Members are invited to bring items for the Serendipity table being taken care of by Carol Hamrick and Mavis Robinson. For more information call Mary Anne Potter, 767-1957.
Oklahoma Quilters
Oklahoma Quilter's state organization invites members and guests to participate in the Spring meeting and workshops March 13-15 at Rose State College, Midwest City. Guest speaker will be Doreen Speckman of Madison, Wisc. For additional information send SASE (55 cents) to OQSO, Inc., 10958 South Richmond, Tulsa, Okla. 74137.
Childhood Association - The Northern Oklahoma Early Childhood Association will meet March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Technology Center. The meeting is open to parents, teachers, child care providers and other interested people. Featured speaker will be Mitzi Pearsall from the office of child care who will speak on "Stress Management." For more information about the meeting call 1-800-597-1872.
TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. The devotional was given by Robert Oldham entitled, "Places of Refuge". Ann Stuever led the TOPS Pledge and Betty Flower led the KOPS Kreed.
Delpha Clemens called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Angel of the Month for February was Natalie McCoy and best loser for the week was Loretta Riley. Marietta Nelson won the "Ha-Ha" pot.
There was no program due to an election of officers being conducted. New officers are: Donna McCoy, leader; Robinell Oldham, co-leader; Natalie McCoy, treasurer, and Ruth Garroutte, secretary.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. It neither sells nor endorses products. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss.
Brief programs are presented each week and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 and meetings are at 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Delpha Clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
By PATTI N. CARMACK
News Lifestyles Editor
As I reviewed the book "201 Unique Ways To Make Your Wedding Special" by Don Altman I thought about the many unique weddings that have been written about in The News. Each bride (and bridegroom) wants such a memorable occasion to be distinctive, but not all have the money or the imagination to create their dream. This book is an easy-read and serves to jog creativity. You can't help but read a suggestion and think "and you could do this or that also."
Coordination and planning are one thing; shaping and designing dreams is quite another. The ideas listed in this book will give you a lot of things to think about when preparing for that special day.
"Time Capsule Shower" is an example listed in greater detail. Every single moment in time is unique. With a time capsule shower, the bride-to-be gets to cherish and save "special moments" for posterity. The idea for the party is to bring memorabilia to store in a time capsule to be opened at a future date such as the 25th wedding anniversary.
Cakes can be tremendously creative and original. An example of a special cake is one using bridesmaids' charms where the charms are placed with ribbons on the cake before frosting and the bridesmaids "pull" a ribbon prior to cake cutting to see who the next bride will be.
Dessert receptions, rather than traditional sit-down dinners, are popular in certain areas of the country. Add an extra to the punch with ice in the shape of angels, flowers, etc., easily created from molds found in craft stores.
Centerpieces are limited only by the imagination and need not contain flowers at all. Sea shells, candles, fruit or bird cages are some of the ideas listed. Programs, marriage bells and unity candles are addressed as well as other variations to add to the wedding ceremony.
Decoration ideas abound for the church, yard or garden and clever ideas for the junior attendants will spark your resourcefulness. Invitations, locations and music and entertainment are covered in individual chapters. There are 18 "unforgettable" themes in the book, some follow tradition and others make their own tradition.
Don Altman with Moon Lake Media has written and compiled the information in "201 Unique Ways To Make Your Wedding Memorable." He says "There is probably no one event that better epitomizes the dreams of two people than a wedding. The purpose of this book is to help make their dream for a special and memorable wedding become a reality." Altman is a two-time EMMY award winning television and documentary writer.
If you're in the market for bridal information and need some innovative help in planning all that a special ceremony entails this book would be of interest to you.
For more ideas about wedding events read the News Bridal Edition published today.
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Keen, 9840 Rocky Ridge Place, are announcing the engagement of their daughter, Christina Louise, to Robert Dean Hardin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hardin, 2036 Mary. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the June 6 wedding at 2 p.m. in Sunset Baptist Church.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Ponca City High School and is presently a sophomore student at Oklahoma State University where she is a member of Kappa Phi. Miss Keen is employed at J. C. Penney's in Stillwater.
Hardin, also a Po-Hi graduate, is a senior at OSU. He is affiliated with Phi Mu Alpha and is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society. The prospective bridegroom is employed at Penney's in Stillwater.
Frances Curfman will be honored on the occasion of her 80th birthday with a reception March 15 at 2 p.m. in her home, 4629 South McCord Road. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the event. No gifts are requested.
Hosts will be her children: Pauline and Bill Coats of Shidler, Donnie and Lynn Curfman, Janit and Joe Blakey of Ponca City. She also has 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Born March 14, 1918 in Greenburg, Kan., the former Frances Simmons married Paul Curfman on June 4, 1939. The couple farmed near Braman and moved east of Newkirk in 1947 where they continued farming until his death in 1967.
Mrs. Curfman moved to her current home in 1983 where she enjoys flower gardening and has hobbies of bowling and traveling.
Janna Jo Ryel and Mark Ashley Horton were united in marriage in a recent ceremony at the Woodlawn Acres Baptist Church in Tulsa. The Rev. Sam Shaw officiated the double ring vows. The bride is the daughter of Ron and Donna Ryel of Tulsa and the bridegroom is the son of Gary and Kathryn Horton of Ponca City.
"I Will Be Here" was played as the grandparents, Betty Jewell of Bryon, and Martin Schad of Monett, Mo., and parents were seated. The traditional "Bridal March" was played by organist Bruce Wicons and as the unity candle was lit by the couple "Something That We Do" was played.
The bride wore a white, sleeveless designer gown fashioned of tulle. The full skirt and attached long train were trimmed in satin. The fitted lace bodice with keyhole backing was embellished with an overlay of the detached, chapel length veil. She carried a bouquet of white Stephanotis Floribunda with evergreen leaves and greenery and a bow of white organza and trailing tails. Wearing a gold necklace, the bride carried out the theme of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a penny in her shoe.
Serving as Matron of Honor was Anissa McGuire of Owasso, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were her cousins Kelli Cannon of Enid, Tandi Hoelker of Overland Park, Kan. and Danielle Jewell of Byron. The attendants were each attired in a black, floor length, sleeveless sheath with clack crushed velvet panels. Each carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet.
Serving as Best Man was Brett Horton, brother of the bridegroom. Groomsmen were Dave Sullivan of Norman, Carl Szafranski of Stillwater, Joel Bird of Houston. Men in the bridal party wore black tuxedos with satin lapels, black cummerbunds, shirts with a mandarin collar and black stud buttons. The bridegroom also wore a black satin brocade vest. Their boutonnieres were a single Stephanotis and fern. Ushers were Mark Paden and Mark Revels of Oklahoma City.
Brandi Lefler of Enid and Kim Pearson of Tulsa attended the guest book. Following the wedding ceremony a reception was held at Cityplex Towers and was hosted by the bride's parents.
After a wedding trip to Las Vegas, the couple is residing in Tulsa. The bride is a special education teacher at Jane Addams Elementary School and the bridegroom is employed as a civil engineer with Bruton, Knowles and Love Engineering.
In Ponca City a pre-nuptial shower at Godfrey's was hosted by Shelia Rahme, Marta Sullivan, Charlotte Paden and Linda Palmer. A post-nuptial shower was hosted by Mildred Treiber, Thelma Bley, Lavona Wycoff, Janet Ebbesson and Marilyn Laramy. A bridal shower was hosted by the school faculty in Tulsa and another by members of the bridal party in Enid. The rehearsal dinner was hosted by the bridegroom's parents at Bourbon Street Cafe in Tulsa.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults who are divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the group is not a dating service.
Interested persons may call Betty, 762-9776, or Dorothy, 765-1403, for more information. Plans this week are as follows.
Sunday, March 8: 6:30 p.m. Discussion Group at First Presbyterian Church, Go for a snack afterward.
Monday, March 9: 6 p.m., eat out at Blimpie's.
Wednesday, March 11: 6 p.m. eat out at Arby's.
Thursday, March 12: 6:30 p.m. general meeting at Pecan Place Clubhouse. Bring covered dish.
Saturday, March 14: 5:30 p.m., Eat out at Green Door in Arkansas City, Kan. Those going should meet at Lowe's Parking lot at 5:30 p.m.
On June 6 members of the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme garden Club will sponsor the fifth annual Ponca City Herb Festival. The event will take place at the Cann Memorial gardens. Participants will be able to walk along the paths of the gardens and visit the many vendor displays and seminars.
Festivities will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. It is an event for anyone who likes herb and garden related arts and crafts, music, great food and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Free seminars will be held throughout the day in the Cann Home and on the grounds with topics on growing, drying and cooking with herbs, herbs for health, edible wild plants, herbal vinegars, aromatherapy, potpourri and more.
Proceeds from the festival go to enhance the public gardens of Ponca City. More information about the event or the Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme Garden Club may be obtained by calling Mary Anne Potter, 767-1957, or Helen Widner, 767-1076.
Announcement was made this week of various exercise classes available at the YMCA. The "Y" has three traditional exercise classes from which to choose.
"Exercise to Music" meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. This class is a high-low impact class designed for all ages and fitness levels. Each class consists of a warm-up, an aerobic portion, a muscular strength and endurance portion, and a relaxing cool-down.
"Definitions" is a strength-training class. Recently, the fitness industry has been emphasizing muscular strength and endurance. Research has show that a strength-training program can halt bone loss, improve balance, improve flexibility, energize, and control weight among other benefits. This popular class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
"Cardio Step" meets Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 6:45 p.m. This class is designed for all fitness levels and includes warm-up, step aerobics, weights, aerobics and floor exercises.
All the classes are taught by certified instructors with a combined experience of 10 years. For information regarding membership and fees contact the YMCA at 765-5417.
Various Full Image consultants for BeautiControl will present a book review of "Positively You!" at Brace Books on North Fourteenth March 15. The review of the book by Jinger Heath will be 2-3 p.m. to be followed by a question and answer session and skin sensor analysis. "Conversation in the Coffee Bar" is open to the public.
Jinger Heath is a co-founder of BeautiControl cosmetics and the Women Helping Others (WHO) foundation. The book is based on her personal experiences and offers solutions for self-improvement.
The WHO foundation helps to raise funds and helps to support non-profit organizations for women and children. The 1998 goal for the foundation is one million dollars to be distributed in various areas.
John and Christi Caldwell of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter, Courtney Cheyenne, at 4:04 p.m. Feb. 27, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7-pounds, 6-ounces and was 19 1/2-inches long. Courtney has two brothers, Matthew, 15, and Andrew, 8.
Grandparents are Max and Sue Payne, Cathy Payne, Johnny and Barbara Caldwell, all of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Mary Davis, Pete Ward, John and Arelena Caldwell, all of Ponca City, and Lillie Murray of Stillwater.
Announcing the birth of a daughter are Steve and Holly (Craig) Tumpkin of Tulsa. Tayana Marie Tumpkin was born at 2:30 p.m. March 2, 1998 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She weighed 7-pounds, 15-ounces and was 18 3/4-inches long. She has two sisters, Jaden Noelle, 4, and Lauren Elizabeth, 2.
Maternal grandparents are Bob and Verna Craig of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are Pastor and Mrs. Joseph L. Tumpkin of Sierra Vista, Ariz. Paternal great-grandmother is Mildred Walton of Detroit, Mich. and maternal great-grandmother is Irene Horseman of Olathe, Kan.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, March 9: Hamburger steak with beef gravy; mashed potatoes; tossed salad; biscuit with butter; oranges.
Tuesday, March 10: Chicken Tetrazzini; orange juice; buttered carrots; whole wheat roll with butter; molded red applesauce.
Wednesday, March 11: Swedish meatballs with rice; buttered broccoli; pineapple and bananas; muffin with butter; iced raisin peanut butter spice bar.
Thursday, March 12: Salmon or tuna loaf; corn; tomato juice; seasoned green beans; whole wheat roll with butter; cherry cobbler.
Friday, March 13: Ham; beans; tomato relish; cornbread with butter; fruit cocktail cake.
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By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
SHAWNEE - The NOC Lady Mavericks' ended their season with a rough loss, Friday, falling in the first round of the Region II Tournament to the Connors State Cowgirls, 111-56.
"They're extremely tough," said NOC head coach Greg Krause. "They're tough and quick and they showed us their depth. They're definitely playoff ready."
Connors, the No. 2 ranked womens' Juco team in the country and the unanimous favorite to take the Region II crown, banged down three from 3-point land in the opening minutes of the game and never looked back. Though the Lady Mavs did what they could to make the score respectable, they couldn't overcome a remarkably deep Cowgirl bench - which scored over half (60) of their team's points. And, despite extensive playing time for the lower end of the Connors' bench, six different players reached double figures.
After falling behind by 11, 13-2, in the early going, the Lady Mavs closed back to within five, 15-10, at the 13:00 mark of the first half. But a 19-2 scoring run - followed by a number of other runs - made the outcome a forgone conclusion by halftime.
For the game, the Cowgirls shot a remarkable 50 percent from the 3-point arc, and outrebounded the Lady Mavs 54-39.
The Lady Mavs, who squeaked into the final tournament spot with a 4-6 conference record, had resigned themselves to taking on the Cowgirls, owners of a 29-3 record this season, and undefeated in conference play. And regardless of the lopsided score, to Krause it was a valuable experience for his talented - but inexperienced - freshman class.
"It (the score) got out of hand and I got to get a look at some of the girls who haven't played much this year," he said. "We have some players to build on. We went over a lot of stuff after the game and talked about next year. We have some holes to fill, but we'll get better."
For the game, Jennifer Williams led the Lady Mavs with 12 points, followed by Lyndsey Warrior with 8, Shannon Hands and Mandy Perkins with 6 each, Renee Reese with 5, Stephanie Stovall and Jessica Garner with 4 each, Cathy Rogers with 3, while Danielle Monie, Joey Mount, Ritha Moro and Angella Ogle all had 2.
For the Cowgirls, Melissa Threadgill had 13 points, Athena McCoy and Sonia Cornwell had 12 each, Nakea Mitchell and Rachael McNamara had 11 each, while Carrie Linden had 10. Eight others also scored.
By FRED HILTONNews Sports Editor
OKLAHOMA CITY - Frontier coach Bob Weckstein knew his team's string of state championships would have to come sooner or later, but that didn't make it any easier when the Mustangs lost Friday night in the Class A State semifinals, 60-54, to Vanoss in the Fairgrounds Arena.
"It'll take a year to get over it," Weckstein said after leading Frontier to back-to-back state title. "We take losing hard here."
In a complete turnaround from Thursday's opening round 88-69 win over Okay when the Mustangs shot better that 67 percent from the floor, Frontier shot only 34 percent against Vanoss.
"I'm not sure why," Weckstein said of his team's poor shooting. "I'll have to look at the film again. But it seems like we were shooting a lot in traffic and Vanoss is big."
The coach was sure much of the problem Friday was that leading scorer Dee Buxton and point guard Jeremiah Regnier had much reduced playing time.
Buxton drew three fouls in the first three minutes of the game and sat out the rest of the first half. Regnier went to the bench early in the second half with four fouls.
Both finished with just 10 points, along with Albert Plumley and Zac Clouse. Buxton entered the tournament averaging 20 points a game and had 31 against Okay.'
"It's hard to win without all your bullets," Weckstein said.
The foul problems had another effect on the Mustangs.
"Our offense is keyed by defensive pressure," the coach said. "The officials wouldn't let us press and that took us out of our game.
"But you have to learn to adjust, and we didn't do a very good job."
The game started well for the Mustangs as they hit three of their first four shots (two by Buxton) and grabbed a 6-0 lead.
But at that point, Buxton headed two the bench and the Frontier offense headed downhill. Vanoss narrowed the gap to 6-5 before Clouse drained a trey to boost the led to 9-5.
But the Mustangs couldn't shake loose from the Wolves. There were three ties and six lead changes before Frontier settled for a 30-27 halftime led.
Frontier came out strong again to start the second half. Ronnie Bible's jumper in the paint gave Frontier a 37-30 margin.
But Vanoss slowly closed the gap again, finally taking the lead at 44-43 on a Kaleb Richey three to end the third quarter.
The lead see-sawed for most of the final period until the Mustangs went especially cold in the final six minutes and Vanoss forged a 54-47 lead with just over two minuets left.
But the Mustangs weren't going down easily. Plumley, a sophomore, popped through a trey, then stole the ball for a layup that cut the margin to 54-52 with 1:30 left.
Vanoss started frequent trips to the free throw line at that point and built the led by to 57-52. The Wolves hit 8-of-11 free throws down the stretch after they had gone 7-of-14 through three quarters.
Again Frontier came back as Buxton hit from in close and Robert Regnier sank a pair of pressure free throws with 22 seconds left to bring Frontier to within striking distance, 57-56.
Vanoss gave the Mustangs a chance to go ahead when Heath Stone stepped on the line on the in-bounds, giving Frontier the ball with 20.8 seconds left.
But as Buxton dribbled toward the basket, the ball hit a leg and bounded out of bounds."The film clearly shows the ball going of a Vanoss player' leg," Weckstein said. "If it had gone off Dee it would have bounced the other way."
But the officials awarded the ball to Vanoss and Frontier had to foul to get the ball back.
Richey swished a pair of charity tosses, Frontier had another turnover and Richey, who finished with 23 points on the night, hit one more free throw with four seconds left to seal the win.
"I feel sorry for our seniors to go out this way," Weckstein said. "But looking back, they've had a good career - four trips to the state tournament and two gold balls.
"Next year we'll just reload, baby."
The Cherokee Wheelmen Bicycle Club will be sponsoring a number of training rides in preparation of the upcoming FreeWheel '98, a cross-state bicycle ride from Denison, Texas, to Coffeyville, Kansas.
The rides start at a relatively short distance of five miles and increase by five miles every weekend until riders are comfortable riding 65 miles per day, comfortably. All training rides start and end at the Pioneer Woman. Helmets are a must.
FreeWheel '98 is scheduled for June 7-13. For questings regarding FreeWheel, or the training rides, contact Moni, at 762-1117, or e-mail, at moni@fullnet.net.
FreeWheel Training Rides
Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29 - 2 p.m.
Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26 - 2 p.m.
May 3 - 2 p.m.
May 9, 16, 23, 30 - 8 a.m.