From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
March 11, 1998
LOCAL
Tonkawa Now County's Weather Hub Area Storm-Tracking Easier With OK-First
Property Tax Filings End Monday
Deer Creek Celebrates Centennial Birthday Party Begins Friday
Support Center Offers Variety of Services Edwin Fair Group Provides Alternative
to Hospitalization
Area Calendar
Pioneer Tech Board Renews Contracts For Ten Instructors
Icy End to Winter
Today in MidWeek
Nearly News
Area Voters Pass Bonds For Schools
OSSM Update Indicates Several Changes at School
SJRMC Plans Second Lab To Study Sleep Disorders
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Medicare Enrollment Time Very Important
Shidler's Oklahoma Jubilee Hosts Far North Central Group
Attendance, Motivation Sought At Mid-High Plus Parent Watch
Five Kay County Inmates May Seek Early Release
Economic Development Board 'Up and Running'
District Court
DEATHS
Marvin Lee Reutter
Faye Smith
Obituaries
Harold L. Shore
Bobby Joe Adden Randall
Memorials
Mildred T. Keen
Funerals
Opal Merz
Ilo M. Connelly
Services Pending
George DeBoard
Mildred Hazel Lydick
Darrell E. Harding
J.C. Mayer
Clara E. Bacher
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Michelle Roberts Local Speech Contest Winner
Engagement is Announced
Local Hospital Disavows Diet With SJRMC Name
Chimney Sweep Program Given To Eta Delta
SPORTS
Northern Takes Region II Crown Towns, Mavs Make a Little More History
Wildcat Soccer Chilled Cats Drop Tulsa Union Match
Big Chieftains Bomb Wildcat Baseballers
Late T. Union Rally Sinks Lady Wildcats
Home Hunter Ed Program Planned
Fur Harvesters Meet
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
TONKAWA - People are weather-aware in Oklahoma. And Kay County, which has more tornadoes on record than any other county in the state, will be even more aware with the newly established OK-First weather information hub site in Tonkawa.
Charles Conaghan, the Civil Defense Director of Tonkawa, is in charge of the hub site. With a few clicks of the OK-First computer keyboard at the Tonkawa Fire Department, he receives on-screen up-to-the-minute weather data.
The weather data can be localized immediately or used to predict future weather affecting north central Oklahoma, including Noble, Grant and Kay counties, and southern Kansas.
"It is a great tool to use and be ready for storm season," Conaghan said. "Once we get the information it will be dispatched by phone, on the Civil Defense RadioNet and the Fire Radio and to the radio stations."
Oklahomans always have an eye on the weather: "That is why we have OK-First. We are the first in the nation with this type of system," Conaghan said.
He said, "Recently the people from the Oklahoma Climatological Survey went to a national weather meeting in Phoenix and presented data on what we are doing here and they were overrun with questions how it was done. Oklahoma continues to rank high with innovation in being able to use information in a real-time way."
An important part of the process is that Conaghan can also contact storm spotters, so they can be located in the right place. Another process is warning the truck stops and the weigh stations to tell them of high wind or bad weather and sometimes that several trucks have already turned over.
When a tornado was spotted on the ground near Braman, the hub site called the turnpike station and told them to hold the southbound trucks. "It's just another tool to keep people from harm's way," Conaghan said.
"Kay County continues to be the number-one tornado county in the state, according to the National Weather Service statistics since 1950," Conaghan said. The data shows 85 tornadoes in Kay County since 1950.
About El Nino and the effect on the spring weather, Conaghan said, history shows that spring should be a little cooler and wetter than normal and this would tend to indicate that our severe weather could be "capped."
Funded by Grant
The computer is part of the $3,000 worth of equipment funded by a grant from the U. S. Department of Commerce, matching funds from the Oklahoma University, State Regents of Higher Education, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and Unisys Weather Information Services of Kennett Square, Penn.
Fortunately, the system is on OneNet with Northern Oklahoma College. Much of the information comes from the Oklahoma Climatological Survey through the OneNet System and can be accessed by the OK-First computer.
The goal of the OK-First and the National Weather Service is to get the information quickly to somebody who can use it. The National Weather Service info has been available to television and weather forecasters on a commercial basis for about $20,000 a year or more.
"That's more than most city and county governments can afford," Conaghan said. "It's beyond their scope of emergency management banking. So the goal was to make it available to the people who issue the warnings."
Requirements for a hub site included persons who were willing to take some high-intensity training to interpret the data, which Conaghan did. Other tools are a thick reference manual for - and a connection through the Internet to - computers. Tonkawa, Ponca City, Blackwell and the area were fortunate to have NOC, which is a OneNet to Oklahoma Regents Telecommunications Network, Conaghan said.
He explained, "So we have access to get on the line. It is now a process of dialing into the information. One of the biggest problems we have is getting accurate data to place our spotters in the field. This offers us lifetime radar from one of 14 sites in and around Oklahoma from Pueblo, Colo., to Wichita, to Joplin, Mo., down to Shreveport, La., and the Fort Worth-Lubbock, Texas area."
It is possible with the Ok-First system to look at these 14 different radar sites that impact Oklahoma.
There are 114 Mesonet sites that report their weather every 15 minutes. Conaghan said that on a windy day he can look to see if there is a dry line and if it is moving.
How High is the Water, Momma?
In addition to getting information to warn the populace to take shelter during tornado season, the program has the ability to predict the wind velocity and the rising level of rivers, such as the Salt Fork and the Chickaskia.
The river information is garnered from the Tulsa Corps of Engineers, which has satellite data on the river stages. Conaghan can pull this information up on the screen and see what it has been for the last 24 to 36 hours and what the river has been doing.
In the past, Conaghan said the only way to get good information was to go down and take an actual weighted reading on the Salt Fork and standing out in that traffic, which has been somewhat dangerous, especially during the middle of the night.
"This gives us a forecast through the river forecast center, so that if we would have to close a highway, we could have the barriers ready. It is a way of putting all the information out there to the emergency managers, police, sheriff and people out in the field who are having to handle the situation," Conaghan said.
He said, for example, on Christmas Day the Salt Fork River was within a foot of flood stage and the Chickaskia was within two feet of flood stage and normally he would have had to call someone in and take a reading every two hours. But because they had the data to look at, they could tell the rivers had already crested and were receding.
"Our spotters can watch the storm and find out if it is increasing or decreasing. Our county is wide enough that sometimes we have two or three storms and we can look and see which one we need to watch and which one is in its past state," Conaghan explained.
"The system is one that the Oklahoma Legislature has bought into and Sen. Paul Muegge and others have been helpful in funding. The TV stations are metro, and out here in rural Oklahoma, once the storm is no longer affecting the metro area, often times it is no longer reported on.
But we have weather, in the rural areas too.
Weather Channel Not Enough
"People say, 'Well, we don't need that, we have The Weather Channel.' What they don't understand is that The Weather Channel is just somebody who tells you what the National Weather Service is forecasting," Conaghan said.
"Because the National Weather Service just buys all these products and packages it neatly and redistributes it to their Cable. So, as far as The Weather Channel being the answer, without the National Weather Service there is no Weather Channel because they don't have the network of radars and all those things," he said.
Conaghan said, "By watching those warnings and the data ourselves we won't be snuck up on. Many of these radios go on satellite at 6 p.m., and statistically there are a lot of storms that happen between 6 o'clock and midnight.
"The AM station WBBZ does an excellent job, but, of course, it is AM and they are subject more to the lightning and storms, making it harder to hear them. The information that comes out on TV, many people have 60 channels, and are watching a movie and do not have access to what is going on."
Hazardous Chemical Handling
Another valuable use for the information is in the hazardous chemical or waste area. Conaghan told why, "It is exciting to put information in the hands of the people that need it. We had a major incident with a hazardous chemical spill the other day at U.S. 177 and the Cimarron Turnpike. We fed the information to them as to what the wind speed was from the Mesonet Site, looked at the 60-hour forecast as to whether the wind was going to change and what it was going to be.
"And read the Forecast Discussion as to what the weather was going to be. Bodies of chemicals have a way of changing their properties as they get warmer or colder. It looked like it was going to stay about the same, so they were able to handle it better.
"But had there been an anticipation of a front coming through, we could have dialed up, seen the progression of that front so the workers would not have been caught. And so they could set up another safe zone/hot zone in handling that incident."
Help For Fighting Fire
During a recent major grass fire in the Kaw City area using the OK-First System, information about the wind velocity and direction was fed to the fire fighters.
Conaghan told that Tom Montgomery, Civil Defense Director of Ponca City, had been instrumental in developing the Emergency Management Wind System that gives all the warnings that come out.
Another information point is the ARM experimental operation near Lamont, which measures the wind currents.
By using the Oklahoma First Response System telecommunications - information that will be available a day or two in advance - storm spotters can be put in better positions to analyze approaching storms, Conaghan says.
Tornado Information
Conaghan said that sometimes people see tornado footage on television and they think they can go out and race into harm's way to take home videos. "That is very dangerous, as shown in Florida recently. Tornadoes are no respecter of how nice a car you drive or that you just wanted to visit it and take a video and not get personally involved.
"We're hoping to move and get people out of the way. Baseball games, soccer baseball games and rodeos are coming up. If we've got baseball practice coming up, it will let us know that we can get kids off the field to avoid any lighting strikes," Conaghan said.
Another area where the OK-First system is useful is if there are construction projects going on and the builder wants to know if they can pour concrete.
The builder can look at the 60-hour forecast and then on an every-three-hour time frame to tell whether it is going to rain or not.
He said farmers can call for information if they want to lay hay down when it is supposed to rain, or if they want to put fertilizer on their fields or spray for greenbugs with the malathion.
With chemicals, for example, if someone is spraying close to the Interstate, they don't want them to drift near someone who might be allergic, he said.
"We won't put out the warnings, but we'll let the National Weather Service put out the warnings We'll use the information that we get as a guide as where we need to be and what we need to think about," Conaghan said.
For information the number is 580-628-3251 or call Tom Montgomery in Ponca City, or the Blackwell or Newkirk Police Departments have radio contact. "Also the ham radio operators do a great job in this county and through their HamLink into the National Weather Service," Conaghan said.
NEWKIRK - Kay County Assessor Tresa Engle is reminding taxpayers that the March 15th deadline for filing property tax exemptions is fast approaching and has been extended to Monday, March 16th.
Those who must file are:
1. Homeowners who are filing HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION for the first time. This saves an average of $85 on property tax and provides Homestead protection under the laws of Oklahoma.
2. Homeowners with a gross verified annual income of less than $20,000 need to file for ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION. This is up to double the savings of Homestead. Homeowners over 65 do not have to refile every year.
3. Homeowners 65 or over with a gross verified annual income of less than $25,000 may file for a SENIOR VALUATION FREEZE. This exemption does not require refiling each year.
4. Persons who have built a structure or moved a mobile home on leased land.
5. Farm machinery owners, agricultural sales tax permit users.
Homeowners are required to notify the assessor's office if they have moved or are no longer eligible for the exemptions.
The Homestead exemptions and the Exemption for Manufacturing are reimbursed back to the County by the State. The Homestead exemptions have been placed in to Law to aid low and fixed income homeowners. We also have the forms in our office for a state Refund on property tax paid, if yearly income was less than $12,000.
Applications and assessments are taken at the Courthouse Newkirk, Monday through Friday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p m. If you have questions please call 580-362-2565.
DEER CREEK - "Lovely people. They always have been."
That's retired schoolteacher Marie Wicke's assessment of her more-than-a-half-century of life in Deer Creek.
It's been a long time since this eastern Grant County community has had a heyday. But there are plenty of other communities that never even made it close to a 100th birthday.
Deer Creek's Centennial Celebration this weekend will feature a parade and a Wild West show on Saturday. And there will be live entertainment by the Road Dusters Band, along with story tellers, local singers, kids corral, a farmers Olympics, drawings, prizes, and a variety of foods from area organizations and vendors.
The action actually begins Friday, with a 5 p.m. meal in the School Gym, followed by music from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and then by bingo. The Friday activities are sponsored by the Deer Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
The old-fashioned parade will start at 11 a.m. Saturday and the free Wild West Main Street show will start at 1:30 p.m.
Historical Displays at the school gym and a craft show at the fire department will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a quilt display at the Mennonite Church will run from 1 to 4 p.m.
At 11 a.m. Sunday, a community-wide church service will be held at the Mennonite Church, with a potluck dinner following. Happy 100th
The Edwin Fair Mental Health Community Support Center in Ponca City offers a variety of services daily to help clients in the area learn more about their mental illness and help them develop more effective coping skills in today's society.
Staff members at the Center are also available during the day for one-on-one assistance with a crisis if needed, says Joan Clark, mental health provider.
A major goal of the Adult Rehabilitation Program at the Community Support Center is to help prevent, whenever possible, the need for hospitalization. Clients at the CCC are coping with various types of mental illnesses including schizophrenia, major depression, and bi-polar (formerly manic-depressive) illness. Clients have experienced periods of hospitalization for their illness, but because of recent progresses in medication, and with the help of active case management, many clients are able to function adequately without long-term hospital care.
This progress with medications to treat mental illness was summarized recently by Dr. Donald Rosen, a psychiatrist at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kan. He said, "New medications for mental illnesses are better, there are fewer side effects, and people are tolerating them better and taking them more regularly. With these medications, they are experiencing longer periods of remission."
Group counseling sessions are held each day at the Center and include direction for building self-esteem, managing anger and anxiety, coping with depression and building better relationships. The Center also provides a temporary comfortable place for fellowship and camaraderie with others who are also learning to develop independent living skills in today's society.
Craft projects, such as the recent construction of a large quilt, are promoted to help clients develop independent living skills. Mary Fultz, mental health provider, recently found some colorful leftover pieces of cloth and taught 12 clients how to use the scraps to construct a beautiful quilt.
Many of the clients had never threaded a needle prior to this experience but were guided by Fultz to create one square each for the quilt. Each client selected two complementary pieces of fabric and was taught to sew them together. When the quilt was completed, the clients held a drawing and one client won the quilt to take home.
On a typical day, clients begin arriving at 9 a.m. Some choose to come in the center's van, and others provide their own transportation or walk to the Center.
Clients can develop their kitchen skills by helping prepare lunch for the other clients under the supervision of a staff person. The lunch hour itself is not only a time for enjoying good food, but also a time of socialization and the practicing of social skills in a "big family" atmosphere.
The clients are also responsible for keeping the Center clean and to do various household chores. This helps them develop independent living skills and build self-confidence, which can lead to greater self-sufficiency, Clark continued.
Activities in addition to counseling and learning living skills include recreation activities such as pool and other table games, ceramic and craft classes, and an occasional field trip, all geared to help clients develop leisure skills.
A small store at the Center is open for about an hour each day where clients can spend "points" earned from various household work sharing. The small store contains some food and clothing items which have been donated to the center.
The Community Support Center Adult Rehabilitation Program is a division of the Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center Inc. It is intended for clients 18 years of age and over who are severely mentally ill as defined by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Anyone interested in learning more about this program or the possibility of scheduling a presentation about mental illness or a related topic may contact Becky Fitzgerald or Joan Clark at 762-9109 or call the EFCMH Center main office at 762-7561.
March 2-27
March 11
March 11-April 8
March 12
March 14
March 15
March 16
March 17
March 19
March 20-22
March 22
March 23-April 3
March 24
March 25
March 26
March 26-27-28
March 27
March 27-29
March 27-28
March 28
March 29
March 31
April 1-30
April 2
April 2-3-4-5
April 3-4
April 4
April 5
April 5-25
April 7
April 12
April 13
April 14
April 14-May 9
April 16
April 16-19
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Pioneer Technology Center board members unanimously renewed the contracts of ten instructors Tuesday night, while tabling two other contracts.
The two contracts tabled by the board were Burton Brandt, horticulture instructor; and John Strecker, industrial electronics instructor. Brandt's contract was tabled after the board hears about the instructors' plan of improvement. Strecker's contract was tabled because PTC is thinking of restructuring the program.
Certified/career personnel contracts renewed were: Steve Bookout, welding instructor; Sandy Payne, cosmetology instructor; Mike Swinehart, construction trades instructor; Steve Ellenwood, food services instructor; Lori Evans, applied academics instructor; Shelia Foxworthy, business technology instructor; David Goodacre, transportation technology instructor; Elizabeth Johnston, marketing education instructor; Steve Ketchum, machine tool instructor; and Arlene Stauffer, business technology instructor.
The board also renewed the following certified personnel (non-career) contracts: Nancy Miller, career specialist; Mike Wiles, counselor; and Brenda Bennett, health science technology instructor.
Other Business
Jerry Putnam, Yadon and Putnam, gave the audit report for Fiscal Year 1997. According to Putnam the audit was very good. "I would give the report an A minus, and I don't give too many A's," he added. The board also approved a contract with Yadon and Putnam for Fiscal Year 1998-99.
PTC board members elected Fred Haub by a vote of 5-0 to remain as the president of the board. Mary Rigdon was elected by a unanimous vote to serve as vice-president, and Larry Buck was unanimously elected as clerk.
Troy Lewis, Lewis Associates Architects, will be the architectural firm overseeing the heating and cooling modifications at PTC. Fred Haub reported that Jim Willis will be doing the engineering work on the heating and cooling systems.
Approval was given to continuing the Cooperative Agreement with Northern Oklahoma College. Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of PTC, reported that PTC students can earn up to 29 hours of college credit that NOC will honor. The 29 hours is up one from last year.
The board adjourned at 10:15 p.m. and set the next regular board meeting for April 14.
With the Frigid temperatures and frozen shorelines it seems as if winter is here to stay. The temperature is predicted to drop to 10-above tonight. However, warmer weather is on the way with first day of spring a little over a week away on March 20. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
HAND-QUILTING DEMONSTRATIONS such as this one will be featured this weekend by the Deer Creek Mennonite Church women - as the community celebrates its centennial with a parade, a Wild West show and much more. Pictured here at work on a quilt originally pieced together by their neighbor Rosalie Webster are (from left) church group members Katharine Harder, Beth Peters, Louise Krehbiel, Beryl Isaak and Olga Dester. See Page 6-C in today's News for more photos and information about the Deer Creek Centennial Celebration, which starts Friday. (News Photo by Mark Galvin)
The unknown "Guardian Angels" mentioned in the Sunday's article about the reunion of a wreck victim and rescuer are now known. Ponca City resident Jeana Rush called The News to say it was her son, niece and nephew - John Brumfield of Bartlesville, Pam Hurt of Woodward and Damon McCarty of Anadarko - who stopped at the wreck sight to pray. They had recently experienced the loss of a family member.
Voters in Newkirk and Peckham approved every proposition during special school elections Tuesday.
In the Newkirk Independent School District, 77 percent of the voters okayed a $250,000 transportation bond issue to purchase two 47-passenger buses and an activity bus. Kay County Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford said the official vote was 256 to 75.
In the Kildare Elementary School District, the official vote - by an almost 75 percent approval margin - was 92 to 31 for a $25,000 bond issue to build, equip, repair and remodel school buildings and to acquire school furniture, fixtures and equipment.
For their second proposition, almost 74 percent of Kildare voters - by a vote of 91 to 32 - also approved a $100,000 transportation bond issue to purchase two 47-passenger buses.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Dr. Edna Manning, director of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM), was the keynote speaker Monday during the Ponca City Rotary Club meeting. Manning gave an update on new changes at the school to a crowd of about 50 Rotarians.
Manning spoke about how the school has changed in the last two years. "OSSM has improved our school over the last few years. We currently offer nine different physics classes and have 26 faculty members. Eighteen of our faculty members have doctorate degrees. We have a small school which enables us to provide our teachers with small classes and students that are willing to learn," said Manning.
Manning continued by saying that the faculty members at OSSM are international. "We have teachers from Poland, China, France and many other international locations. The school is also involved in many outreach programs and we offer various workshops for students and teachers. This gives us an opportunity to work with the public school students through our workshops."
The students attending OSSM also work with mentoring programs. "If a student is interested in engineering, we send them to work with an engineer. This gives them an opportunity to gain first-hand experience and knowledge," she added.
According to Manning, OSSM teaches three things to the students at the school. "We teach them how to study, ask for help and time to do the things they need to do. We also give them an opportunity to be together. That is a valuable experience. All of our students are interested in the same things. They are just like normal high school students. The only difference is they could be eating a pizza and talking about an interesting physics problem, where most public school students would be talking about the upcoming football game."
Students at OSSM were able to move into their own dormitories on the campus on Feb. 17, 1998. The students used to be housed on the campus at the University of Oklahoma and bused over every morning at 7:15 a.m. "When the students lived at the dorms at OU we maintained strict policies. They had free time, but were required to be inside their rooms at 8:30 p.m. and were also required to study until 10:30 p.m. They had to study at least two hours every night. The smart ones, however, figured out that two hours wasn't enough time to study and they were able to study in between classes. We are on a collegiate level course study," Manning added.
The school is in the process of building several new things. Construction projects include building a campus fence, gymnasium, library and a science building.
OSSM is housed on 38 acres of land by the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. The school is defined by Manning as 'a two-year boarding school for students that are gifted in the areas of mathematics and science'.
Manning concluded by saying that over 300 students apply to the school every year and approximately 75 are chosen. "By building several new facilities and opening our dormitories up we want to increase the number of students. We would like to be able to take around 250 students a year," she added.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is preparing to open a second sleep laboratory to accommodate the increasing number of sleep studies that are being conducted at the local facility.
Sleep is defined as a "natural, periodically recurring physiological state of rest characterized by relative physical and nervous inactivity, unconsciousness, and lessened response to external stimuli." However, not everyone sleeps so peacefully. A recent Gallup poll shows that approximately one in three adults experiences sleep problems. Morning headaches, daytime sleepiness and a general "tired feeling" as well as inability to sleep, frequent awakening, "tossing and turning" are all common problems that people with sleep disorders describe. Snoring and sleep apnea also interfere with a good night's rest. With apnea, the muscles surrounding the airway relax and block the normally free air flow in and out of the lungs. The brain signals the body to wake up just enough to tighten the muscles and reopen the air passageway; therefore, the person is seldom aware of the wakening. This makes the sleep pattern light and fragmented as a person with apnea may stop and restart breathing as frequently as 500 times per night.
Lack of sleep and fresh air can strain the lungs, heart and other organs and can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. Other physical problems can also result from sleep disorders.
The sleep laboratory at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center could be the first step toward solving a sleep disorder. Vicki Smith, EEG technician, was instrumental in starting the sleep lab in 1989. She worked closely with S.V. Vaidya, MD, a local neurologist, who is very interested in the brain and its relationship to sleep. The sleep lab helps to reveal the mysteries of sleep.
"Sleep rejuvenates and heals the body and mind. Chemicals are released during sleep to recharge the brain. People must feel rested in order to do well during their awake hours", Dr. Vaidya pointed out. This information is in agreement with that from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration information that shows an increased number of traffic accidents when drivers are tired. Employers know that the accident rate significantly increases as workers tire.
The patient in the sleep lab is observed during the night while sleeping. In another room, the electrocephalogram (EEG) records graphically the electrical activity of the brain. Respiration, heart rate, eye movement, muscle tone and responses from the legs, are all measured. The data collected usually involves between 800-1000 pages. It takes between 810 hours for the testing from start to finish.
After evaluation and interpretation of the data, Dr. Vaidya discusses the diagnosis and treatment options with the patient. Today, researchers know the nature and extent of sleep problems - and at least some of the solutions.
Patsy Sutton and Russell Tilley, both Registered Respiratory Therapists, serve as sleep lab technician and scorer, respectively. They also are responsible for the St. Joseph Sleep Supporter Group that meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
If you think you may have a sleeping problem, call the neurophysiology department at SJRMC at 765-0265 or call your personal physician.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
By Ron Janzen
SSA Field Office Manager
"I'll soon be 65 years old, and I'm going to keep on working. When should I file for Medicare?" That's one of the most frequently asked questions Social Security offices receive.
The immediate answer is simple: When you're about three months from your 65th birthday, you should contact Social Security about enrolling in Medicare. If you're already receiving benefits, we'll automatically send you a reminder about enrolling in Medicare. But if you aren't receiving Social Security benefits, you won't get a notice from us. In that case, you should call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to make an appointment to talk with a Social Security representative. You can file your enrollment application by phone or in person at one of our 1,300 offices.
Enrollment is easy. However, there are some considerations and decisions to be made. First, there's some basic information you need to know about Medicare. There are two parts: Hospital Insurance (also known as Part A Medicare) which is paid for by a portion of the Social Security taxes workers like you pay on your earnings. Part A helps pay for inpatient care in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities following a hospital stay, home health care and hospice care.
Medical Insurance (Part B Medicare) is partly financed by monthly premiums which you'll pay if you choose to enroll in that part of Medicare. The monthly premium remains the same for 1998 - $43.80. Part B helps pay for doctors' services and many medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A.
Although you'll need to enroll in Part A when you reach age 65, you can delay enrolling in Part B if you're currently employed and covered under a group health plan. After your group coverage ends, you can then enroll during a special enrollment period and avoid the 10 percent premium surcharge for late enrollment in Part B Medicare.
March is the final month of the 1998 general enrollment period. If you are past age 65 and did not enroll during your initial enrollment period, you can enroll during the first three months of any calendar year. If you delay enrollment for reasons other than group health plan coverage, you do have to pay a higher medical premium.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
SHIDLER - Shidler Chamber of Commerce President Bill Brown, owner and operator of Oklahoma Jubilee, welcomed the Far North Central Oklahoma Rural Development Coalition (ORDC) Tuesday for a Business After Hours.
The event was hosted by Brown and his wife, Sherry, at the Oklahoma Jubilee Theater, where the Browns and their band perform regularly. Guests attended Business After Hours from Blackwell, Newkirk, Ponca City, Webb City and Shidler. After a sandwich buffet, Brown called on various members of the group to give an update on their activities.
Marilyn Harmon of Kay Electric Cooperative, Blackwell, Chairman of the ORDC, announced the regular business meeting of that organization is set for 10 a.m., Thursday at Kay Electric in Blackwell.
Tom Gray of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce said that the ORDC is "right on target" by developing a community dialogue. He said not all communities have developed this report and those communities find there is not much being accomplished.
Brown told of the activities in Shidler and at the Oklahoma Jubilee, which hosted the Buck Trent show recently. He said through the Wild West Tours that from 700 to 1,500 persons visit each month. Brown said two things Shidler needs is a small motel and a steak house.
Oklahoma Jubilee puts on a Branson type show the first and third Saturdays of the month. The Jubilee Band will be playing in Pawhuska at the Constantine Theatre Saturday night. Also they will be performing on April 24th in Tonkawa for a benefit and in Ponca City at the Poncan Theatre on April 25. The Buck Trent show will also be coming back to perform at the Oklahoma Jubilee headquarters in Shidler at a later date.
Another attraction in Shidler is Bivin's Garden, operated by Molly and Ray Bivin. Brown noted that John Payne, known in rodeo circles as the One-Arm Bandit has brought national attention to Shidler as his hometown. Brown also commented on the Shidler Telephone Company that has been operating there for over 75 years.
Bill Rutz, president of Kaw Lake Association, announced there will be a Business After Hours at 101 Beverage in Ponca City on March 24th. He said at that time the new Kaw Lake Magazine will be presented.
Webb City Mayor Jeff Harbeson told about the town's new fire station. The town was first incorporated in 1926 and now has its first fire station.
Editor's Note: This is the tenth in a series of articles on the Ponca City Public Schools' Site Improvement Plans. This article is on the improvements at Ponca City Mid-High.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Ponca City Mid-High has set two school improvement goals. The first goal is to increase student achievement by improving student attendance and motivation through the teaching and strengthening of study skills. The second goal is to improve communication with parents regarding student progress by increasing the number of teacher contacts to parents and improving parent attendance during parent/teacher conferences.
Post surveys of students indicated a majority of positive responses in most areas to the use of study skills and their positive effect. Post surveys of teachers also indicated an overall positive response to the study skills program. Attendance comparisons were made and there was a .17 percent increase in attendance as compared to last year.
Criterion Referenced Test (CRT) results indicated increased scores in 3 of 4 areas tested the previous year (writing scores declined from 94 percent to 90 percent). EPASS scores and grade point averages remained unchanged from the previous year.
Attendance logs from parent/teacher conferences indicate an increase of 50 percent in attendance at those conferences. A survey of informal parent contacts by teacher indicated a 3.4 percent increase in teacher contacts by phone or by conference, excluding formal parent/teacher conference day. The Mid-High is now also sending out mid-quarter reports to every student. This increases that contact by 75 percent.
PCMH also set a goal to provide a program overview to parents and to notify the community of implementation. Parents are involved in a variety of ways. They are made aware of the Study Skills curriculum by students and faculty, and presented an overview of the Study Skills curriculum through Back-to-School Nights and PTSA meetings.
The community is notified of Mid-High's implementation of the Study Skills curriculum during the school board meetings and by receiving the PTSA Newsletter.
A school-wide focus on literacy will be implemented during the 1998-99 school year. This program will include teacher in-services on "Reading Across the Curriculum" and "Reading in the Content Areas."
In the fall of 1998 the school will create a reading enrichment class for eighth and ninth grade students not reading on their grade levels, and redesigned the SOAR Lab curriculum creating a ninth grade literacy/study skills class. These courses are designed for those students who need to improve their reading skills and strategies. The course will include high interest materials, individualized instruction, and computer assisted instruction. The course will focus on positive reading habits, reading with fluency, the use of prior knowledge to become actively engaged with the reading material, the development of a wide range of thinking skills, the construction of meaning from text, and effective strategies to aid comprehension. Strategies in this class will include, but are not limited to, modeling, shared reading, writing, group discussion, and cooperative learning. By refocusing the SOAR curriculum on literacy and study skills the Mid-High will create an elective class designed to remediate ninth grade students not reading at grade level.
Building Level Team members for the 1997-98 school year are Richard Dale, Celeata McCleary, Carol Mounts, Sandy Shoptaw, Trudi Stigge, Jim Armstrong, Dan O'Grady, Carolyn Berry and Cindy Gray. The members have set a goal for the Mid-High which is: To ensure a foundation for lifelong learning and responsible living by providing an academically strong, safe, and nurturing environment.
LEXINGTON - Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered this month for parole by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
The March meetings will be held on March 24, 25, 26 and 27 at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center here. Daily meetings will begin at 8 a.m. each day, except for Tuesday, March 24, when the meeting will begin at 2 p.m. Victims or their representatives should plan to arrive between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Tuesday, March 17. The phone number is 405-427-8601.
The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket:
Jessie N. Appel, incarcerated since January 1998 and serving a two-year sentence on a charge of sexual battery.
Vernon F. Estes, incarcerated since March 1984 and serving a 40-year sentence on a charge of second-degree murder.
John W. Jones, incarcerated since December 1996 and serving a 10-year sentence with five years suspended on a charge of lewd molestation.
Timothy W. Lambert, incarcerated since December 1991 and serving a 400-year sentence on a charge of lewd molestation after two or more felony convictions.
Jesse Quilimaco, incarcerated since November 1997 and serving an eight-year sentence with five years suspended on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
After a slow start it became apparent Tuesday morning that the Economic Development Board is "up and running" as committee reports were given during the Board's regular monthly meeting.
The Funding Committee has been busy identifying both existing and potential sources of funds including a possible local venture capitalist group while the Existing Industry Committee has been working on creating a 24-hour day care center.
The Policy and Procedure Committee has their hands full after the resignation of Board member Bill Rodgers. In addition to that vacancy, several other board member's terms are to expire within the next several months.
New Industry Committee is "laying the foundation" in preparation of the construction of a speculative building.
The Marketing Committee has been charged with the task of identifying the marketing tools available in Ponca City.
Already, speakers from the Economic Advisory Board's Speakers Bureau have made several appearances at several different functions and organizations throughout the City.
The Communications Committee is also developing a Web Site and working on a news letter as well as news articles and press releases.
Both the current budget and the 1998-99 budget was discussed. Last year, the City budgeted $115,000 for the Board of which $81,000 was appropriated for operating costs and part time personnel.
Next year the largest request for funds came from the New Industry Committee. Requesting $20,000 the committee feels the benefit will hopefully outweigh the costs in the end.
The goals for the individual committees were announced during Monday night's city commission meeting. The Board obviously has high hopes and high expectations which was proven with the announcement of it's overall objectives - one of which is the creation of 250 new jobs per year with a total annual payroll of $4.5 million.
In the end it is time, action and results that will determine if the "new" Economic Advisory Board is capable of meeting the challenges they have set for themselves.
Newkirk
Marriage Licenses
Joshua Daniel Johns, 19, and Shantel Denise Turner, 19, both of Blackwell.
Matthew Anthony Stolhand, 18, and Corie Lynne Drake, 19, both of Ponca City.
Ryan Vincent Kirkpatrick, 21, and Alecia Dawn Burns, 24, both of Ponca City.
Thomas James Keese, 23, and Porsche Ann Reimer, 19, both of Ponca City.
Michael Alan Roberts, 29, and Joanne Marie Kovac, 26, both of Trinity, Texas
Dustin Warren Schickram, 19, and Beth Aliceson Bahm, 18, both of Ponca City.
Justin Joe Bonewell, 27, and Mary Kay Castro, 21, both of Blackwell.
Steven Ralph McEnany, 43, and Karen Gail Langwell, 44, both of Ponca City.
Justin Donald Meridith, 21, Cushing, and Lacey Chandell McAbee, 18, Blackwell.
Douglas Raymond Martin, 51, and Barbara Sheryl Jones, 48, both of Ponca City.
George Harrison Becker, 39, and Susan Renee Bellmard, 41, both of Norman.
Zachary Ryan Vitamvas, 19, and Stephanie Michele Brown, 23, both of Ponca City.
Divorces Sought
Merletta Kay Jones vs. Tommy Joe Jones.
Civil Proceedings
Farmers Insurance Co. vs. Matthew Branson; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Mortgage Clearing Corp. vs. Kenneth M. King, et al.; foreclosure petition.
Beverage Licenses
Horner Foods Inc., doing business as Apple Market No. 11.
Charlie Fields, doing business as Lakeside Grocery.
Ronald L. Duggins, the Lodge Garden, doing business as Captain Ron's Ice House.
Blackwell
Divorces Sought
Robert Epperly vs. Maxine L. Epperly.
Divorces Granted
Juanita M. Jackson vs. Patrick L. Jackson.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Marvin Lee Reutter, former Blackwell-Newkirk resident died Monday, March 9, 1998, at the Woodland Health Center in Topeka, Kan. He was 66.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with Danny W. Cornish, minister of Newkirk Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in the Newkirk Cemetery.
Marvin Lee Reutter was born Feb. 15, 1932, in Blackwell, the son of John and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Hausler) Reutter. He attended rural Blackwell schools until 1945, when the family moved to Otto, Kan. After completing his schooling at Otto, he began employment at the Dixie Portland Flour Mill in Arkansas City, Kan.
Reutter served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, then returned to work at the flour mill after his discharge. He was later employed by Kay County for a short time before ill health forced his retirement. Reutter had spent most of the last 35 years in VA hospitals and entered the nursing home in 1985. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and the American Legion.
Survivors include three brothers, Carl of Blackwell, Ivan of Lawrence, Kan., and Leonard of Arkansas City, Kan.; one nephew and five nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Faye Smith, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 10, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 94.
The funeral will be held Thursday, March 12, 1998, at 10 a.m. at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Carl Maples, elder of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ardmore. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Thursday.
Faye Smith was born Dec. 7, 1903, in Montague, Texas. She was married to Gene Smith in Ardmore. Mrs. Smith was a charter member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ and participated in all women's functions there. She enjoyed her home, cooking, and working with her hands. She also enjoyed being with people, and playing games, especially bridge.
She is survived by a daughter, Dorothy Gene (Genie) Turner of Ponca City. She was preceded in death by her husband in November 1968; her parents; and five sisters.
Casket bearers will be John Cox, Don Jesch, Olen Havens, John Reynolds, Jake McNiece, and Lyle Harms. Honorary casket bearers will be Don Wilson, Austin Roquemore, Glen Ray Riley, and David Havens.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Smith's name to the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Harold L. "Cotton" Shore, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, March 9, 1998, at his home. He was 89.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Local arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Mr. Shore was born Jan. 5, 1909, in Iola, Kan., to Albert V. and Grace (Bartee) Shore. He grew up in Iola, Kan., and graduated from high school there. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Hood, Texas.
On Jan. 25, 1947, he married Kathryn Leonard in Ponca City. "Cotton" had been a resident of Ponca City for more than 50 years and was employed as the meat market manager at Hatfield's until his retirement in 1974. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of the home; two sons, John of Cardiff by the Sea, Calif., and Art of Greeley, Colo.; daughter, Lesley Emery of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister, Joy Meistrell of Tulsa; eight grandchildren, Debbie Wittmer of Ponca City, Rocky Nuckols of Middletown, Conn., Kim Borick of La Honda, Calif., Alix Burt of Pittsburg, Calif., Mike Emery of Chandler, Ariz., Brian Shore and Darren Shore, both of Olympia, Wash., and Stephanie Shore of Tacoma, Wash.; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
The family will be at 2390 McCord Road.
paid obituary
NEWKIRK - Bobby Joe Randall, of Newkirk, passed away Monday, March 9, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 2 years old.
He was born in Poteau, on Oct. 23, 1995, to Michele´ Nicole Randall. Survivors include his mother Michele´, sister Melissa, and grandmother Viviane Randall all of the home; and one uncle, Charlie Hon Jr. of Wichita, Kan.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday at the Resthaven Memorial Park, Ponca City, with Chaplain Dick Robinson, of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Bobby Joe's nanny and mother wrote the following: "Bobby Joe before you were born I loved you. The day you came into the world with so many problems - I loved you. They never once gave me one ray of hope, but I never gave in - cause I loved you.
"Each month it seemed the diagnoses got darker, but I never gave up hope - cause I loved you.
"They didn't know you. Here is what they couldn't see with all their test and results - a warm sweet lovable boy. You always had a smile and a coo, for nanny, when I held you in my arms.
"For the past two years four months and 14 days you were my bundle of joy, God gave to me. Now that you are gone, I'm lonely and lost and full of whys.
"But knowing now that you can walk, talk run and play in heaven and Jesus is with you, it does comfort me.
"But this will be a mountain I hope that I can climb. The only words that can describe my feelings is if when you hurt your heart breaks. Mine has been shattered. I love you Bobby Joe and you are my angel." Love, Nanny and Mom.
Bobby's uncle writes; "Bobby Joe was a beloved little boy, who was born with cerebral palsy. He always had a smile and love in his heart. At age two - he knew no better - so we pray that Bobby Joe knows that while on this earth only a short time he was truly loved."
paid obituary
Mildred T. Keen - Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Keen may be made to Faith Tabernacle Church, 501 South Fifth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Thursday
Opal Merz - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the Newkirk First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.
Ilo M. Connelly - Funeral to be graveside at 1:45 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif. Arrangements in California are under the direction of Miller-Jones Mortuary of Hemet, Calif. Local arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
BLACKWELL - George DeBoard, longtime Blackwell area farmer, died Tuesday, March 10, 1998, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are pending with Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Mildred Hazel Lydick, Ponca City resident, died early Tuesday morning at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81. Local survivors include a son, Ralph Lydick. Arrangements are pending with Popkess Funeral Home in Sabetha, Kan. Local arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Darrell E. Harding, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, March 10, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 22. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
J.C. Moyer, former Ponca City resident, died Monday afternoon, March 9, 1998, at the Mesquite Community Hospital in Dallas, Texas. The funeral has been set for 10 a.m. Friday at the Miller-Stahl Funeral Service Chapel in Newkirk. Other arrangements will be announced later.
NEWKIRK - Clara E. Bacher, Blackwell resident, died early this morning,
March 11, 1998, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 95. Arrangements
are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
NEWS BRIEFS
Roundup Club to Meet - The Marland Roundup Club will meet Friday evening at 7 p.m. in the John Pulliam home at 7 p.m. The topic for discussion will be the Junior Rodeo on May 16.
Legion Dinner, Celebration - The American Legion will host a family dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Huff-Minor American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue, with a regular meeting to follow. Members should bring either a vegetable or salad covered dish. The 80th birthday of the organization will be celebrated.
Spring Break Bingo - PCSEA (Ponca City Site Employees Association, former CEA) will host bingo Saturday in the Conoco Atrium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m. Theme is "Spring Break."
Wordsmiths To Meet - The Wordsmiths, a local writer's group, will meet Thursday at the Ponca City Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All writers, published and beginning writers - and all genres - are welcome. Bring your work for critiquing or sharing. Information will be available about contests, conferences, seminars, workshops, the Oklahoma Writers Federation, publishing, markets, etc.
Young-At-Heart Dance Set - The Young-At Heart Dance is Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley from 7 to 10 p.m. Snack and Hillbilly night is the first Thursday of each month. Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys Band will be providing music for dancing.
Break-In - At 7:48 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 300 block of West Cleveland Avenue called police to report that someone had tried to enter her residence during the night. Entry was not gained, however there was damage to the door. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Embezzlement - Police were notified at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday of an embezzlement at the Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Harassment - A man contacted police at 1:16 p.m. Wednesday to report that his son was being harassed by a student at the high school. An officer was assigned.
Minor Accident - A minor accident was reported at 3:44 p.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 28-year-old man at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on a Kay County warrant for failure to obey.
Stolen Mail - A resident in the 700 block of Monument Road notified police at 3:58 p.m. Tuesday of stolen mail. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Bike - A bike was reported stolen at 4:37 p.m. Tuesday from Union School, 2617 North Union Street. A report was taken.
Cigarettes Stolen - Police were called at 5:01 p.m. Tuesday to the Sav-A-Trip, 501 West Highland Avenue, after a pack of cigarettes was stolen from the store. A report was taken.
Fake Quarters - A clerk at Conoco, 3305 North Fourteenth Street, called police at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday to report that someone had paid for a purchase with a roll of quarters. However when the roll was opened it was full of only washers. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested an 18-year-old man at 5:49 p.m. Tuesday from the 200 block of South Pine Street for possession of marijuana and public intoxication.
Arrest - A 29-year-old man was arrested at 6:42 p.m. Tuesday from the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue for sexual battery.
Garage Fire - At 8:06 p.m. Tuesday all fire units responded to a garage fire in the 400 block of South Washington Street. It was extinguished.
Theft - A man in the 700 block of North Elm Street called police at 9:06 p.m. Tuesday to report the theft of a stereo and other items from his residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Hood Break-In - A man in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street advised police at 10:04 p.m. Tuesday that he had found some people looking under the hood of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Stolen Vehicle - Police were notified at 1 a.m. Wednesday that a car in the 400 block of West Fresno Avenue had been stolen Friday night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Curfew Violation - A juvenile was cited at 4:52 a.m. Wednesday
in the 2400 block of East Central Avenue for curfew violation and was then
taken home.
LIFESTYLES
Michelle Roberts was the winner during the Pioneer Toastmaster Club's speech contest March 4 at the Conoco complex. She will now represent the organization in an area-wide contest. Other contest participants were Cecile Johnson and Arnold Taylor. The winning speech was titled "So You Don't Think You Can Juggle?" The area contest is slated March 27 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartlesville. The public is invited to attend.
Pioneer Toastmaster Club is one of 8,000 worldwide and each spring members compete in club-level contests. Through competition in area, division, district and regional levels, nine contestants will vie for the title of "World Champion of Public Speaking." For more information about the Pioneer Toastmasters contact Stan Larrison, president, 767-5459.
Announcement is being made of the engagement of Annika Marie Glaze and Jimmie David Akers Jr. Parents of the bride-elect are Roy and Letha Curl of Newkirk and the prospective bridegroom is the son of Jim and Marie Akers of Ponca City.
The future bride is a graduate of Newkirk High School and works at the Child Development Center in Ponca City. Akers, a graduate of Ponca City High School, works for Tri-State Delivery.
It has come to the attention of dietitians at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center that a diet is being circulated called St. Joseph Medical Center (Three Day Diet). This diet is not from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Ponca City and is not recommended by the dietitians employed in the facility. There are several problems with the diet, it was pointed out:
1. It is very low in calories even for women. The minimum calories recommended for weight loss are: 1200 to 1400 for women and 1600 to 1800 for men. This diet provides an average of 900 calories per day.
2. The diet claims that in three days you will lose seven to ten pounds. Safe weight loss is one to two pounds per week.
3. The diet is also deficient in carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins B1 (Thiamin) , B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine), Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and the minerals Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese.
4. This diet has very minimal calories for breakfast and lunch with the heavier meal in the evening. Most successful weight loss programs promote eating approximately two-thirds of your total day's calories before 5 p.m.
5. The diet also leaves out exercise and lifestyle changes which are necessary for long-term success. Any diet that promotes quick weight loss without exercise will have a negative impact on a person's muscle mass (muscles will get flabby).
If you are interested in losing weight you are welcome to set up an appointment with the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center dietitians by calling Nutrition Directions at 765-0365. There is a fee for the initial consult and each follow-up session, but these fees are very reasonable. Consultation from a registered dietitian can assist you with safe weight loss while eating a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes. In addition, it is wise to check with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program, the hospital dietitians at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center pointed out.
Wanda Sheehan hosted the March 9 meeting of Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Sylvia Smith presided at the meeting which was attended by 13 members. An informational program regarding the chimney cleaning process was presented by Don Sawyer, owner of "The Chimney Sweep" since 1972.
Carol Mounts, Social chairman, announced the March 29 social for couples would be a soup supper. Marilyn Jouret, Membership chairman, announced the group would have an Exemplar Ritual in April for three members of the chapter.
Cecelia Schieber, Service chairman, announced that Hospice is the March service project. Nancy Pryse and Julie Collins are arranging for table decorations for the Founder's Day banquet on April 21.
Wanda Sheehan received the Beta Bud basket and Janet Hughes won the door
prize. Carol Mounts will host the March 23 meeting at which time members
will elect the 1998-99 chapter officers and vote for the name of the Girl
of the Year.
SPORTS
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
SHAWNEE - A memorable season became unforgettable Tuesday night as the Mavericks of NOC won the NJCAA Region II Tournament and earned their first ever trip to the "little dance" - the National Juco Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Before a sea of hometown fans, the history making Mavericks toppled the Bacone College (Muskogee) Warriors for the third time this season, 74-58, to up their record to an all-time school best 27-6. Region II Player of the Year Marlon Towns, who finished the game with 28 points and 15 rebounds, was declared Tournament MVP, teammate DeShawn Denson was named to the All-Tournament team, and coach Mick Weiberg was named Coach of the Year.
"The kids wanted it and they put forth a great effort," said Weiberg. "This team has stepped up all season, and we're thrilled to be going to Hutch. It's going to be fun."
The Mavs continue play Tuesday in the 16-team field, taking on Seward County (Kan.).
Though they had survived a grueling double overtime against Shorter College in a late game the night before, the Warriors still had some fight left in them.
After a see-saw battle, the score was knotted at intermission, 29-all.
Into the second half, however, the Mavericks began to build their lead. Tied 35-all at the 16:00 mark, Zach Cazzelle got things going with a 3-point shot. Towns added a bucket and Kyle Dean dumped in another 3-pointer to put the Mavs on top 43-39.
From there, the 6-5 Towns - a signee of big-dance-bound Murray State - began to light up the scoreboard, scoring 10 of the Mavs' next 12 points to launch his team to a 10 point lead, 55-45, with just under 11 minutes left to play.
From there, the Mavs' hit 13-of-14 free throws to end the game.
"We did all the right things," Weiberg continued. "We kept the fouls down, and at about the six minute mark I thought we were doing okay. I thought we would win it."
After a prolonged and emotional victory celebration, Weiberg - also a dean at NOC - canceled school on Friday.
"We're all heart," said Towns, a transfer from the University of Arkansas. "We never quit. I have to thank coach Weiberg for giving me a second chance here, too, and my teammates for believing in me. I told them in the locker room at halftime to get me the ball and they did."
Following up Towns' 28 point production was Denson with 17 (15 in the first half), Joe Patmon with 14, Cazzelle with 8, Dean with 5, and Jared Weiberg with 2.
For the Warriors, Michael Hicks led all scorers with 30 points, followed by Antoine Stokes with 10, Russell Royal with 6, Richard Whitfield with 5, Isaiah Lane with 4, and Aaron Eneas with 3.
Though the Mavericks shot just 36.8 percent from the field, the Warriors shot only marginally better at 41.5 percent. But the Mavericks dominated the boards, 40-33, and went 26-of-29 from the charity stripe.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
A few hardy - and vocal fans - watched the Wildcats soccer team drop a 5-2 decision to heavily favored Tulsa Union at Sullins Stadium on a chilled Tuesday night.
What coach Geoff Morrison saw was vastly improved play by his team.
"The kids are getting use to the new system and the level of play is much better," Morrison said after the match. "It's hard losing, but playing good teams like Union will pay off later in the season."
The Cats got off only six shots on goal during the match, but scored on two of them, a penalty kick by Andrew England and a long goal by Bret Skaggs.
"We get most of our shots on counter attacks," Morrison said, noting that like the transition game in basketball, the Wildcats's soccer stradgy relies heavily on good defense.
"And we're getting there," the coach said, pointing to the play of senior stopper Robert Paczkowski. "We put Robert in a new position, but tonight he played it perfectly. He's playing under control and not making mistakes.
"We also got great goal play from our keepers," Morrison said. "Sven Gross was outstanding. He did give up some goals, but he had seven saves and a couple of them were outstanding."
Morrison was equally pleased with goalie Marciano Villarruel, who started in goal and splits time with Gross.
"Marciano also had some outstanding saves," the coach said.
Union broke open a scoreless battle late in the first half, grabbing a 2-0 lead with a couple of long shots that sailed into the corner of the net.
Ponca City got on the scoreboard when the Redskins were called for a hand ball in the box. England boomed the penalty kick past the Union goalie into the right side of the net. That cut the Union lead to 2-1 at halftime.
But the Redskins scored again just three minutes into the second half and upped the lead to 4-1 on a header at the 49:40 mark.
The Wildcats came back with an attack to score on Skaggs' boot in front of the Union goal midway through the second half.
But Union added a final goal just four minutes later on still another long shot that found its way to the upper corner of the net.
After playing eastern powers Jenks and Union back-to-back, the Cats get some time off before taking to the field again after Spring Break. They are scheduled to play at Bartlesville on March 24.
The Wildcat baseballers fell to 1-3 on the year, Tuesday, going down 6-3 to conference powerhouse Sapulpa and heavily recruited pitcher Darrell Smith, who went all seven innings, struck out 13, and gave up just four hits to the Poncans.
And, though the Cats gave up just six hits, they committed five errors in the ball game while the Chieftains had none.
The Wildcats play again Thursday, traveling to Blackwell to take on the Maroons in a non-conference matchup. Game time is at 4 p.m.
The Chieftains got things going in the second inning, banging out three hits good for three runs. Wildcat pitcher Chris Koenig, who went five innings and struck out three, gave up a pair of doubles and a triple as the big-hitting Chieftains went through the order to take the early lead.
The Cats responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the second. First baseman Dean Hemenway smashed a double into right field and later scored on another 2-bagger by Marc Smith. Sapulpa's Smith quickly got things back on track for his team, however, striking out the bottom of the Cats' order.
After a scoreless third and fourth inning for both teams, the Chieftains again unleashed on Koenig. A base hit and a double, combined with a Ponca City error, resulted in two more runs for Sapulpa, and after the Cats failed to make up any ground in their half of the inning, Koenig gave way to sophomore Todd Stewart to lead off the sixth.
Stewart couldn't stop the Chieftains either, however, as a couple of hit batters and another double gave them an insurance run to up the ante to 6-1.
The Poncans did make a desperation run in the bottom of the sixth. Hemenway - who finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate - again came through with a base hit to lead off for the Cats. Evan Rupp was then hit by a pitch, and Smith (also 2-for-3) then stepped up with a slicing shot to left field to drive in both runners.
That would be all the Cats could muster, however.
Though the Chieftains went 3-and-out in the seventh, the Poncans failed to make the 11th hour comeback, with Smith striking out three in a row.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Tulsa Union scored two goals in the final six minutes of Tuesday night's match with the Lady Wildcats to nab a 4-2 win in the first meeting of the two teams.
Po-Hi coach Steve Hermann is sure the two will meet again.
"I told the Union coach we'd see them again in the playoff quarterfinals," Hermann said, noting his young team is getting better and should be one of the eastern region powers by May.
"We are playing pretty good right now," the coach said. "A championship team won't allow two goals in the final five minutes, but we're getting there. We play a good team like Union evenly for most of the match."
It was indeed an even match for most of the night.
For nearly 25 minutes, the match was scoreless. Union finally got on the scoreboard at the 23:42 mark when the Lady Redskins broke loose in the Po-Hi end of the field, beating the Lady Wildcat defenders back for a shot that found the right corner of the net.
But the Lady Cats stormed back and seven minutes later tied the score as Rachael Morrison took a feed from Natasha Anderson just to the right of the Union goal and lifted a shot over the goal keeper's head.
However, Union lit the scoreboard again with just 5:30 remaining in the first half on a shot from the left side.
That 2-1 lead held up until almost halfway through the second half when freshman Jessica Plagmann banged a free kick 30 yards over the goalie's head and into the net.
But Union broke the deadlock again with 5:41 remaining, scoring off a crossing pass and added the clincher just over a minute later.
"We were getting beat getting back on defense in the first half," Hermann said. "But we corrected that in the second half.
"The girls are playing pretty well right now and I expect them to get better."
After playing eastern powers Jenks and Union back to back, the 1-2 Lady Wildcats play another Top 10 team in Putnam City North here Thursday, starting at 4 p.m.
"We beat North 2-1 earlier (in a scrimmage), but that was on a goal with about 30 seconds left." Hermann recalls. "This should be a close match."
Kay County youths will get a chance to participate in new type of Hunter Education course this month.
Kay County Game Warden Tracy Daniel has been selected to present a Home Study Hunter Education Class that will do away with students having to spend 10 hours in a class over two or three days.
"The students will meet with me on Saturday, March 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ponca City VFW," Daniel said. "They be give a workbook and will be requires to work on it at home. They'll meet back with me on April 4, again from 9 to 11 a.m., to go over the workbook and take the test."
Young Oklahoma hunters are required to take a Hunter Education course and pass a written test to be certified and allowed to purchase a hunting license.
Most surround states also require that hunters taking to the field there also be certified.
Daniel said he would like to get the course in before the Spring Turkey season starts.
The spring meeting of the Oklahoma Fur Harvesters Association will be held March 21 at the Rural Fire Department's building at Porum Landing.
The Fur Harversters Association has a wide range of activities planned,
including a beaver trapping course and bobcat and coyote trapping demonstrations.