From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
15, 1998
LOCAL
Letters
City Calendar
Kaw Lake Assn. Hosts March 22 'After-Hours'
Senator Hoarse After Big Hog Farm Debate
Po-Hi Musicians Participate In Music Educators Events
Hog Wars, Great Paper Chase Keep Legislators on Their Toes
Civil Air Patrol Conference March 20-22 in Ponca City
Humane Society 'Fetching Affair' May 1 at Mansion
DEATHS
Katherine Koziniec
Joe Colvin
Loyd Vernon Burpo
Services Pending
Tisha Smith
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Friends of Cultural Center Release Study
Ponca Citian Pageant Contestant
CWF Tri-Church Luncheon Event At First Christian
Singles Network Lists Calendar
Newcomers Club Sets Dinner Meeting
Couple Plans May Wedding
Becki Sober is Bride-Elect
Engagement is Announced
Little News
Wheatheart Nutrition
ABWA Names Woman of Year
Rowes Celebrates 40Years
Jan Merrifield Addresses AARP
OMTA Group Meets,Reviews Plans
Carol Ann Johnson To Wed
'Nimble Thimble' Luncheon Theme For PCCW Event
Xi Gamma Sigma Elects Officers, Sets Installation
Candidates Will Address Group
Bits and Pieces
Gardeners Hear Program About Growing Roses
HAPPENINGS
SPORTS
Homecoming a Good One for Former Cats
Sports Notes
AAU Dates Changed
Relatively Speaking
Cat Track Team Kicks Off Season
Fascism Coming
I never thought it would happen, but, the U.S. Supreme Court has okayed the legality of law enforcement groups to enter your home without knocking, without announcing their presence or identity as long as they have a warrant.
Shades of Adolph's Brownshirts! It's the middle of the night and you are awakened by the sound of your front door crashing down as it is kicked in either with a steel ram or a booted foot or feet. You try to collect yourself and your family as the unfamiliar people in their black Ninja suits trash your home, looking for whatever. You may even be the recipient of some physical threats. Your wife is terrified and your children are traumatized. If they do not find any evidence to substantiate their warrant, they may leave, and your home will still be trashed and your family in a state of fear and you have absolutely no recourse. The Supreme Court has placed the miscreants above the law!
Fascism is on the way. Just lately an airborne unit from Fort Bragg, N.C., made a practice takeover of a small North Carolina town. The mayor was informed but was asked not to tell the townspeople. Right on schedule the troopers exited the planes and began landing in and about the town. Practicing? For what?
I wonder if the American people have become the gutless wonders that the leaders of this nation presume they are? As you can see from the letterhead on this letter, I served this country by fulfilling its promise to protect a country in the event of an attack by its enemies. There must be millions who also served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, The Persian Gulf and the smaller conflicts which our military are volunteered for almost every day, who shudder at the thought that the country they served by placing their bodies on the line, is becoming like those countries against whom they fought.
I pray that the dunderheads that passed that particular law won't get a number of law enforcement personnel and an equal number of innocent civilians killed during the enactment of the practice of breaking and entering under the law.
This is not the America I grew up in, served in the military, and was proud to be a part of. I believe there are many more, in this community and around the country, that share my dissatisfaction with the way in which this country is sinking into the mire. Let's all let our Senators and Congressmen know we object, and we desire a correction in this country's direction back to the Constitution on which it was founded.
Bill Parsons
Don't Be Slobs
Recently I was going north on Pecan Road from the corner of East Prospect and I noticed a lot of litter on the east side of the road again. When I got to t he hill just a block south of the cemetery road there were three large black trash bags strewn in both lanes, which were very dangerous. One was in the center of my lane and needing to avoid it, took the left lane having just enough space to get back to the right side before hitting one in the center of the left lane. Fortunately no other cars were approaching or trying to pass.
Unfortunately, you can't see what's ahead on that hill until you top it and even at just 25-30 miles an hour it was difficult to make a quick decision. You never know what hazards lurk in those bags!
This incident reminded me of a statement a returning World War II veteran made. He said, "The first thing I noticed when I left ship was how 'trashy' Americans were. Makes me wonder why we go and fight to keep their freedom when they don't appreciate it or their country, the 'slobs.'"
One example is how parents direct this subject to their children. I recently followed a female driver and she was apparently telling the child in the back seat what to do. He rolled down the window and tossed out paper cups and tissues and she sped away.
What an example to set before a child! I tried to get her license number but she was traveling too fast for me.
Getting back to the residents on North Pecan, who have pasture land facing them on the east side of the road, try to keep it neatly mowed, but all those pieces of trash have to be picked up or they are multiplied by a mower. To find the area littered again by the next day must be disheartening.
I recall how I felt one Sunday morning when I found three broken beer bottles in my front yard (a chore in itself to pick all that out of a grassy yard). I lived just a little over a mile or so from my church and as I noticed more trash down the street, decided to count it.
Would you believe 126 pieces of trash had been deposited by Saturday's "American Slobs" by the time I arrived at church?
Please people, help keep us neat. We don't all deserve to be called "slobs" because of you who litter.
Mercedes Hensley
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
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The Kaw Lake Association, in conjunction with the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, will host an area-wide "Business After Hours," 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at 101 Beverage, 800 North First Street.
Complimentary food and beverages will be provided by 101 Beverage, 7-Up/Dr Pepper, Golden Corral and Buy for Less. Entertainment will be provided by Bill Brown of Oklahoma Jubilee, Shidler.
"The Kaw Lake Association is a multi-county organization," says president Bill Rutz. "Therefore, we are excited to bring together chamber members from communities in both Kay and Osage counties."
At the Business After Hours, Kaw Lake Association will introduce the new 1998 Kaw Lake Magazine featuring information about the Kaw Lake area, including things to see and do in area communities. The magazine was funded by area business advertisers and Kaw Lake Association members. This event will be the Kaw Lake Association's opportunity to thank those advertisers and members who have supported this effort.
The organization's display used at local boat and travel shows and photos from the 1997 Photo Contest will be on exhibit.
Drawings will be held for items from Kay and Osage county area businesses and chambers.
The purpose of the Kaw Lake Association is to build a region-wide partnership of towns, businesses, service agencies, and local governments within the north central Oklahoma Kaw Lake area. It's mission includes recruitment of a broad membership base, creation of a financial support system, addressing infrastructure needs, tourism development, broadening the business base, and marketing the region as a whole.
Individuals interested in knowing more about the Kaw Lake Association may contact board chairman Bill Rutz, (580) 762-7389 or Executive Director Kathy Tippin, (580) 762-9494.
By RALPH SEWELL
News Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, was hoarse last week. He'd been in a shouting match with Rep. Jim Glover, D-Elgin, during a closed Senate-House conference committee meeting on hog legislation.
He accused Glover of fronting for lobbyists for big hog-raising firms as conferees tried to work out final versions of bills.
Muegge said he was determined not to yield on main points of SB 1175, which the Senate passed 45-1 the day before. Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, voted for it. Sen. Gene Stipe, D-McAlester, cast the vote against.
Conferees meet behind closed doors. Muegge objects to this. He says the public is kept in the dark while lobbyists for special interests are informed.
Generally, SB 1175 would amend present law to reduce the number of birds or animals on farms which must be state licensed and supervised. For example, the number of small weaned swine would be cut from 20,000 to 5,000. Similarly, licensing would be required for half the number of poultry now covered.
Muegge chairs the Senate Agriculture committee. His House co-author of SB 1175 is M.C. Liest, D-Morris, chairman of the identical House committee.
A more-pleasing Senate vote - as much of rural Oklahoma sees it - was 41-5 approval of HJR 1093 and its signing by the governor. It declares a one-year moratorium on new pig factories. Muegge and Harrison voted yes - as did Ponca City-area House members.
But HJR 1093 likely is only window dressing until legislative conferees figure out a pig-growing solution palatable to big hog producers and their neighbors. Then HJR 1093 will be shelved.
The House also passed, 77-22, a related bill. It's HB 3215. It would exempt from swine and poultry moratorium firms engaged in breeding or other research. Reps. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City; Jim Reese, R-Nardin; Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, and James Hager, D-Pawhuska voted yes.
Muegge will be Senate author of HB 3215.
The Eyes Have It
Unless Gov. Frank Keating vetoes SB 1192, optometrists have won the turf battle with ophthalmologist over laser surgery on the eyes.
Both sides spent a lot of money advertising to get constituents to contact legislators and the governor on their behalf.
So far, the optometrists have won. The House last week passed SB 1192 by a vote of 76-22. That completed legislative action on the bill. Senators passed it 33-13 in mid-February with Muegge and Harrison voting yes.
When the House voted last week, only Newport favored the opthamologists. Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted for the optometrists.
Size of the margin for optometrists indicates legislators probably would override a veto should Keating decide to veto SB 1192.
Language in SB 1192 left no doubt it was a professional turf war. Read this: "Nothing in this title shall be construed as allowing any agency, board or other entity of this state other than the Board of Examiners of Optometry to determine what constitutes the practice of optometry."
Chicken Defense
With Muegge and Harrison voting with a 2-1 majority, senators told state farmers they can defend their chickens and other domestic birds against hawks and owls - wild birds that feast on the farm-raised fowl.
The Senate killed SB 1065 - a bill patterned after federal law - by a vote of 32 to 15.
The Senate also passed, 38-8, SB 1000, which is aimed at encouraging state colleges and universities to cut their dropout rate. Muegge voted for the bill while Harrison voted against it.
The bill passed after both senators voted against an amendment which foes figured would kill the Oklahoma Secondary School Association. It sets rules for extra-curricular school activities.
The amendment, adopted 25-21 with Ponca City-area senators voting no, would prevent schools from being members of OSSA if they're unwilling to let home-school students enter their contests as individuals.
Both houses passed bills last week like they were shelling peas. Bills not sent to the opposite house by last Thursday died. From now on both houses work on bills from the other house, or seek compromises.
How They Voted
Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on some of the bills considered last week:
-HB 2947 passed 62-32 with title off and an amendment which the author voted against. As amended, it would require group health insurance policies offer to cover mental illness. As it came to the floor, it also would have covered policies bought by individuals and required mental coverage. Newport, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Reese no.
-HB 2608 passed 82-16 with title off. It would create a medical board to promote development of medical treatment by telecommunication. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
-HB 3292 passed the House 86-11 with title off. It would require the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to come up with plans by July to provide health care for an estimated 142,000 uninsured children and 650,000 uninsured Oklahoma adults. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2272, passed by the House 57-42, would increase state-set charges for towing and other wrecker fees. Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport and Reese no.
-HB 3310, passed 67-31 by the House, would increase court costs and sheriff fees for those convicted of traffic violations. Newport, Reese, Hager and Ferguson voted yes.
-HB 2294, which passed 70-36, directs the Corporation Commission to make all calls within each of the state's three area codes toll free by next January. Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport no.
-HB 3273, passed 56-41, would require legislative approval of any deal for the state to buy railway tracks or routes from carriers. Ferguson voted yes while Newport, Reese and Hager voted no.
-HB 2875, which passed 67-31, would deny the right of an uninsured motorist to collect damages from insurers or insured persons unless the insured person was driving drunk or drugged. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2581 failed 19-80. It proposed raising the fee for inspecting school buses from $5 to not more than $50. Even after an amendment to limit the bus fee to $10 was adopted, the bill failed. Newport voted yes; Reese, Ferguson and Hager no.
-HB 2704 passed 97-0 after being amended. It would require legislative leaders and the governor be notified before state agencies raise fees, giving justification for the increases. Newport, Reese and Hager voted yes; Ferguson missed the vote.
-HB 2841 passed the House unanimously after a tough amendment was added to make auto accident insurance firms settle claims promptly. If a claim is not paid 30 days after a firm receives the proof of loss, by law the claim would be legally valid. If unpaid after 60 days, the claim would bear interest at the same rate as a U.S. treasury bill.
-HJR 1098 would ask voters to change the constitution to let areas that wish to withdraw from emergency medical districts to vote on such a proposal. It passed 98-0 with all Ponca City-area representatives present.
-HB 2960 which passed the House 92-7, would make it illegal for non-owners to put liquid animal waste within 300 feet of an existing water well. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2952, which passed 97-1, says how a records can be changed when genetic tests prove a man is not the father of a child. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
-HB 2452, which failed 41-56, would require state permits be obtained before opening new hospitals or medical emergency centers. Newport and Reese voted yes; Ferguson and Hager no.
-HB 2600, failed 36-60. It would have required state employers to take advanced computer training if their jobs involved such machines. Ponca City-area representatives voted no.
-HJR 1085, passed 97-0, would ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment giving a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption to any manufacturer of computers or components who locates in rural counties, which the legislature would be instructed to define. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HJR 1066 would ask votes to issue bonds to help fund the ailing Teacher Retirement System. The house passed it 82-15 after the title was removed. Ferguson and Hager voted yes; Newport and Reese no.
-HB 2951 passed 97-0 as a floor substitute minus a title. It would freeze tuition and fees for five years at Oklahoma colleges at the level the student paid his first year. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2614. This entry into poultry regulating passed 90-7 and went to the Senate. It would affect farmers raising more than 30,000 poultry to confined quarters. Ponca City-area representatives voted in favor.
-HJR 1084 passed 79-19. It would ask votes to amend the constitution to authorize college tuition and books scholarships financed by increasing the corporate income tax. Ferguson, Reese and Hager voted yes; Newport voted no.
-HB 3319 passed 63-35. It's a school choice proposal, but only between public-financed districts. Approval of the receiving district - not the sending district - would be needed. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Hager no.
-HJR 1088 seeks a vote of the people to authorize faculty or students in state colleges whose research produces a commercial product can share in any profits which come as a result of their research. It passed 86-7. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2730, which passed the House 64-33, would set up a state board to supervise the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Hager no.
-HB 1822 would change the way the state buys things. A 83-13 vote sent the bill to the Senate. Purchasing director Tom Jaworsky said it would directly affect $700 million in goods and services the state pays for. The author said the agency spends most of its time and red tape on minor things agencies could buy less expensively over the counter. It would increase from $2,500 to $25,000 - the figure 40 other states used - for which bids would be required. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2455, which passed 76-22, would require security guards to wear uniforms that look different from local police. Ponca City-area representatives voted in favor.
-HB 2526 passed unanimously. It would require nurses aides to be trained and win certification by the state.
-HJR 1057, passed unanimously by the House, would authorize the state historical society to donate land overlooking the site of the Battle of the Washita to the National Park Service.
-HB 2527, which passed 96-1, to provide up to eight prescriptions to those qualifying for old age assistance. It would order the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to reduce other programs as needed to pay for this service other prescriptions it provides. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2279 would add clergymen and others to those who may become state-licensed professional counselors. It passed 87-0 after the House tabled, 60-38, an amendment which would have banned licenses for those who have been divorced more than twice. Ponca City-area representatives voted yes on the bill, but Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted no on the tabling motion.
-HB 2496, which passed 64-34, would order the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to have no fewer than 85 percent of its employees classified by Dec. 1. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson no.
-SB 1059 passed the Senate 29-12. It would require health insurance provided by employers cover certain mental illnesses. Firms with 50 or fewer employees would be exempt. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
-SB 1307 would let those who furnish feed or pasture for animals have a lien on such animals for the amount due. It passed the Senate 36-8. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
-SB 1365 passed the Senate 45-0. It would require the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission to deposit some fees it collects into a breeding program. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
-SB 1429, to pay schools for conducting driver education courses passed 45-0 after being amended in such a way that it also would raise the driving age from 16 and over to 18 and over. That wasn't the Senate's intent, and no doubt faces House changes.
Sixteen Ponca City area students recently attended the Oklahoma Music Educators Association clinic and concert in Tulsa. The clinic and concerts were held at the Adams Mark Hotel and Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
Performing in the All-AMEA Chorus from Ponca City were Kati Salmons, Soprano 1; Carrie Cooley, Alto II; Clay Cooper and Lucas Elmer, Tenors 1; Robert Maril, Tenor II, and Kevin Goldman, Bass 1.
Playing in the All-OMEA Orchestra from Ponca City were Lance Johnson, Robert Hwang, and Molly Baugh, all Violins I; Cindy Jones, Violin II, and Stacie Wolf and Jenny Franz on Viola. Shelley Branum and Mindy Jones participated as cello alternates. Johnson, Baugh, Jones and Wolf, seniors, were all honored as three years participants.
Selected for the All-OMEA band from Ponca City were Sarah Armstrong on bassoon and Mark Oates on baritone.
The All-OMEA Chorus was conducted by Jing Ling Tam and played seven numbers and was accompanied by the Oral Roberts University.
The orchestra performed three numbers including "Finlandia Op. 26," "The Carnival" and "Capriccio Italien, Op 45" and was directed by David Becker. The band performed a selection from seven numbers rehearsed and was directed by David R. Holsinger.
President of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association for 1998 is former Ponca City band director Steve Workman of Sapulpa.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Fresh from the smelly hog wars to the great paper chase, Sen. Paul Muegge and Rep. Jim Newport reported to the Second Friday Forum, the antics and recent action of the State Legislature.
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Scott Dean was master of ceremonies.
Muegge, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, related his efforts to regulate corporate hog farming waste, and chicken litter from boarding operations on the Arkansas border. He authored two of the major bills on the matter.
Newport told about the paper chase and demonstrated the matter by showing a bill the size of a sheet of writing paper and the added literature that was given out minutes before a vote on the bill. The stack was about three inches thick. Newport said he voted "no" on the matter as he could not possibly read the details in the time allotted.
The area legislators (perhaps mirroring some of the major problems in the Legislature) jabbed each other back and forth about the bickering and partisan struggles at the Capitol. Muegge, a Democrat and Newport, a Republican, had different views on a number of issues.
Muegge urged the Ponca City Chamber to have representatives at the I-35 Trade Corridor meeting on March 30 in Oklahoma City. Muegge told of the importance that I-35 will mean in the future to trade.
Newport told about various bills including the partial abortion measure that passed in the House but never got out of committee in the Senate. He told about the passage of a House bill that will allow optometrists to perform laser surgery and told about the Oklahoma Tele-Health Act that will allow diagnosis by computer.
Newport told about a bill concerning frequent fliers miles earned by state employees and that these should be returned to state in the form of a credit from the airlines.
He told about the revision of the Truth and Sentencing Bill and said it is a stronger bill this time around.
The senator told about a closed meeting of the joint task force on the animal waste issue in which he testified and said he insisted on opening the meetings up to the media.
From the audience, John Carpenter made a statement that the Oklahoma 2000 report shows that regionally Oklahoma is the highest in bankruptcy, highest in rate of divorce and teen pregnancy and he did not see anything that would govern these things when the Legislature is concerned about chicken manure and prison enlargement.
Muegge said that these issues are important but that the legislature can't solve these problems by itself. He said it is "going to take all of us." Also noted that there are limited resources. He said is working behind the scenes on children's issue.
Newport responded that there are things "we can do," and "things that we should do." He said, "If Oklahoma goes the way it is going presently, by the year 2000 we will be dead last in education and economy." He said as long as "the current legislature has the complexion it has (Democrat) we'll just have the same old problems."
Newport told that Rep. Jim Reese has a bill for covenant marriages, which would eventually call for a cooling off period for divorces. He said this was made fun of on the House floor. Newport said the children of divorce are the misguided youth of America and are often in the penal system or welfare system.
About bankruptcy, Newport told of trying to pass a bill that would cover bogus checks to the service industry, such as a plumber.
Other questions centered on support for the TIP program, which is a training program for industry, in incentives for business and industry.
Editors Note: The Civil Air Patrol is in the process of starting a new squadron in Ponca City which will support the needs of the community and its youth. The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary organization of the United States Air Force and is open to all who are interested between the ages of 12 and up. The three-fold mission includes cadet programs, aerospace education and emergency services.
The 1998 annual Civil Air Patrol, Oklahoma Wing Conference will be held at the Marland Mansion Estate in Ponca City, March 20-22. Approximately 200 Civil Air Patrol members from across the state are expected to attend along with numerous special guests and speakers.
At the conference on Saturday an information and recruiting area will be provided for those in Ponca City and surrounding areas who would like to find out more about the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program in the hope that many will choose to become a part of it.
The wing conference is a combination of social and educational activities. CAP youths (cadets) will participate in a treasure hunt and a semi-formal dance at the mansion in addition to the seminars. Senior members (adults) will attend seminars, a social reception, and a murder mystery provided by the mansion. The highlight of the weekend will be a banquet for all members and special guests on Saturday night. The banquet will include awards presentations for cadet and senior members who have performed outstanding service to the Oklahoma Wing in the year 1997.
Special guest speaker will be William B. Williams from NASA, manager for the Space Station American project. Master of ceremonies will be Don Foster, radio personality (and CAP member) from Tulsa. Dr. Ron Hansrote with FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute will give instruction and certification in techniques for protection from blood borne pathogens, and Dr. Steven Veronneau from the Aircraft Accident Research Division of the FAA will lecture on the issues of accident investigation and "first on the scene" actions. Other dignitaries from the Southwest Region of Civil Air Patrol will attend.
In addition to the seminars mentioned above, other seminars will be available for senior members and cadets that will enable them to further their personal and professional goals. Some of the subjects available are: damage assessment, emergency services, ground team leadership, basic and advanced radio operations, public affairs, scanner/observer techniques, flight physiology, aircraft preventative maintenance and crew duties, and crew resource management. Orientations on the various Civil Air Patrol staff positions will also be available along with various seminars in the scope of human relations. In addition to these seminars, cadets will have seminars in leadership, ethics, instructional methods, etiquette for dining, and cadet roles and functions of cadet staff.
Civil Air Patrol members come from a broad spectrum of professional volunteers and have varied interests in the program. CAP conducts 85 percent of the Air Force's search and rescue missions. CAP also works with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), the Red Cross, the Drug Enforcement Agency, U. S. Customs Service, the Highway Patrol, and other agencies. CAP works to provide quality leaders of good character for our nations future. Aerospace instructors and aviation enthusiasts educate members and the public on the importance of aviation and aerospace technology to our nation and its security.
For more information, please contact Col. David McGinley at 762-7854 and make plans to attend! Information pamphlets will be available and staff members will be there to assist with any questions.
The Ponca City Humane Society will hold "A Fetching Affair," a fun-filled evening at the Marland Mansion on May 1
Activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with a no- host reception in the lower level followed by a catered dinner.
Tickets can be purchased from any Ponca City Humane Society board member for $35 each. Janet Martin is in charge of ticket sales and can be contacted at 767-2725. For more information call the shelter office at 767-8877.
Dean Blevins will be masters of ceremonies for the evening with the highlight
of the entertainment furnished by Sky Shivers, cowboy storywriter and humorist,
and Miss Kitty, a 3 1/2-year-old border collie, affectionately called "a
mediocre trick dog" by her owner. Local canine talent will provide
a "Mutt Strutt" talent and fashion show, and the evening will
conclude with dance music furnished by a Wichita rock and roll band called
The Benders.
DEATHS
Katherine Koziniec, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, March 5, 1998, as the result of an automobile accident in Ponca City. She was 74.
A wake will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Trout Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Katherine (Sochacka) Koziniec was born March 11, 1923, in Krechowa, Poland, to Piotr "Peter" and Anastazja (Kolodziej) Sochacka. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 1923. She grew up on the family farm and received her education in Krechowa.
During World War II, she was involuntarily enlisted into the German war effort in 1941 and put to work on a farm in Germany. She managed to escape in 1945, just months before the war ended. After the war, she went to a Polish Displaced Persons Camp, planning to return to Poland. However, the Russian government wanted all Polish DP's to be sent to Russia. Officials at the Polish DP camp refused and Katherine was sent to a DP Camp in Amberg, Germany, where she was employed in the kitchen.
There she met and married Igee Koziniec on Jan. 25, 1948, in Amberg. The couple immigrated to the United States aboard the USS "General MacRae" in February 1950. Their settlement in the U.S. was coordinated through the efforts of the War Relief Services of the National Catholic Welfare Conference. After disembarkation in New Orleans, La., they were first sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. J.T. Martin in Oklahoma City. Katherine worked for the Martins and Igee was employed at a lumber yard.
They moved to Guymon in 1951, where they worked for a dairy farmer, then moved to Ponca City in 1953, where they both worked for the Felician Sisters. In 1957 they purchased their first home and Mrs. Koziniec became a homemaker. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1964. Mrs. Koziniec had been a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church since 1953 and was a member of the International Club of Ponca City. She had been employed as babysitter for the Bruce Newman family for many years.
Survivors include a sister, Maria Petrovna Chlypnecz of Ukraine; and two nephews and a niece of Ukraine and Poland. She was preceded in death by her husband on March 9, 1992; her parents; and one brother.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Koziniec's name to St. Mary's Catholic School Foundation, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602.
Joe Colvin, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, March 13, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 1998, in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Born Dec. 23, 1917, near Hominy in rural Osage County, he was one of eight children of Walter and Iona (Musgrove) Colvin. He was raised in Hominy and attended school there.
Mr. Colvin came to Ponca City in 1934 and worked in construction before going to work for the City of Ponca City in 1948. He worked in the Street Department for 32 years before retiring in 1980.
On April 28, 1945, he was united in marriage to Helen Bloxsom Strader in Winfield, Kan. The couple made their home in Ponca City.
Mr. Colvin was an avid coon hunter, raising his own coon hounds. He also enjoyed fishing and being with his family and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Colvin, of the home; nine children, Harriet Parker of Ponca City, Bill Strader of Roanoke, Va.; Jim Strader of Tonkawa, Barbara Rutherford of Ponca City, Walter Colvin of Blackwell, Martha Hutson of Ponca City, Tommy Colvin of Ponca City, Mary Colvin of Ponca City, and Robert Colvin, Ponca City; five sisters, Maxine Hilton of Ponca City, Jean Stavinsky of Ponca City, Bobbie Licklighter of Newkirk, Johnnie Hyde of West Covina, Calif.; and Alene Titus, Ponca City; 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister and two grandchildren.
The family will be at 615 West Broadway.
BARTLESVILLE - Loyd Vernon Burpo, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, March 14, 1998, in Bartlesville. He was 88.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 1998, at the First Church of the Nazarene of Bartlesville. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Arnold Moore Funeral Services.
A native of Madill, Okla., Loyd Burpo was born on Sept. 30, 1909, to Ernest Vernon and Mary Elizabeth (Yow) Burpo. At the age of 9, he moved with his family members to Durant, Okla. He received his education in Sulphur, Bethany and Cushing, Okla. He completed his education at the Cushing High School.
He and the former Miss Ruby Ethel Leach were married on April 16, 1933, at Cushing and they made their first home there. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1950 where he was employed by Conoco Oil Co. for 25 years. He retired in 1974 and the couple moved to Bartlesville to live in retirement.
Mr. Burpo was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Ruby Ethel (Leach) Burpo, Bartlesville, Okla.; two sons, Vernon Wesley "Wes" Burpo, Dewey, Okla., and Donald Howard Burpo, Bartlesville, Okla; one daughter, Mrs. Ernestine Jeanette (Burpo) Buchanan, Severy, Kan.; two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Kendall, Oklahoma City, Okla. and Mrs. Opal Leach, San Antonio, Texas; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Truman Burpo, Paul William Burpo and Howard Burpo as well as his parents.
Betty J. Gaschler
FOREST PARK, Ohio - Betty J. Gaschler, resident of Forest Park, Ohio, died Friday, March 13, 1998. She was 67.
Services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 1998, at 2 p.m. under the direction of Vorhis Funeral Home, Springdale, Ohio.
Survivors include her husband Donald "Gene" Gaschler, Forest Park, Ohio; two daughters, Rhonda Stolhand, Ponca City, and Vicky Keck, Florence, Ky.; one brother, Richard Adkinson, a sister, Ramona Patton, both of Kansas, and several grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 53303, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73152 or the Shrine Burn Center, 1402 MacGregor Drive, Houston, Texas 77001.
TONKAWA - Tisha Dawn Smith, Tonkawa resident, died Thursday, March 12, 1998, at her home. She was 20.
Survivors include her husband, Michael. Services are pending with the
Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Accident - An accident at Hartford Avenue and Union Street was reported at 8:58 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Extra Patrol - At 9:57 a.m. Friday extra patrol was requested at the No. 1 Fire Station, Grand Avenue and Fifth Street, due to juveniles being in the building.
Recovered Rings - At 11:25 a.m. Friday a woman reported to police that some rings stolen from her purse last week in Oklahoma City had been returned. An officer was assigned.
Stuck Truck - Police were notified at 11:38 a.m. Friday that a semi-tractor trailer truck was stuck on a parking lot "island" in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned.
Canine Caught - At 12:37 p.m. Friday an employee of the Ponca City Library called police to report that a dog was inside the building. Animal Control picked up the dog.
Accident - An accident in the 300 block of East Central Avenue was reported at 12:55 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Grass Fire - Two fire units responded to a grass fire three miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 at 1:51 p.m. Friday. The fire was extinguished.
Vehicle Break-In - At 2:40 p.m. Friday a vehicle in the 200 block of Birch Street was reportedly broken into. Extra Patrol was assigned to the area.
Grass Fire - Two fire units responded to a grass fire at White Eagle at 3:08 p.m. Friday. The fire was extinguished.
Speeders Reported - At 4:36 p.m. Friday extra patrol was requested in the 900 block of North Second Street due to speeders.
Minor Accident - A minor accident was reported in the 900 block of East Cleveland Avenue at 4:38 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned.
Window Broken - At 4:39 p.m. Friday a woman in the 700 block of South Eleventh Street called police to report that the window in her van had been broken out.
Child Injured - At 7:23 p.m. Friday personnel at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to police that a 3-year-old girl was being treated for injuries sustained when she was pushed off her bicycle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Burglary - A man in the 500 block of Chestnut Avenue reported at 9:16 p.m. Friday that his residence had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Fight - At 9:55 p.m. Friday an officer was called to the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street for a fight in the parking lot. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 33-year-old man at 10:18 p.m. Friday at Hartford Avenue and Waverly Street for driving under suspension and speeding.
Assault - At 11:05 p.m. Friday police were contacted regarding a girl that had reportedly been assaulted near Fourteenth Street and Lake Road. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Harassment - A man in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue called police at 11:42 p.m. Friday to report that neighborhood had been "banging" on his door and then running. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - A 41-year-old man was arrested at 2:07 a.m. Saturday from Highland Avenue and Pine Street on two Kay County warrants for failure to pay.
Juvenile Cited - At 2:45 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Sunset Street a 15-year-old girl was cited for curfew violation and possession of alcohol. She was released to her parents.
Arrest - Police arrested a 35-year-old woman at First Street and Grand Avenue at 2:56 a.m. Saturday for actual physical control.
Assault - At 3:52 a.m. Saturday police were called to the 200 block of South Washington for a reported fight. An assault and battery report was taken.
Juvenile Cited - A girl was cited in the 200 block of Sunset at 3:57 a.m. Saturday for curfew violation and possession of tobacco.
Auction Planned - A Beanie Baby Auction is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 21 at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. Proceeds form the sale will go to Ponca City Kids, Inc.
Parenting Seminars - Kenny James, a licensed professional counselor, will present a parenting seminar on March 19 entitled "The Power of Encouragement." The seminar will be held at the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information call 767-9509 or 767-8000, ext. 247.
Ponca Language Project - A proposal application for funding a Ponca Tribal Language Project will be submitted at a Ponca Tribal Community Meeting at noon, Wednesday, at the Jules Valdez Social Services building in White Eagle. Purpose of the meeting is to solicit public participation in developing this year's ANA Language proposal application to the Health and Human Services, Administration for Native Americans. All interested community members are urged to attend. Contact Steve Pensoneau at (405) 763-0120 for more information.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - The Senior Citizens Dance, scheduled every Monday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ballroom, will be a "St. Patrick's" Dance this Monday. Everyone is encouraged to wear green this week. Come for an evening of fun - everyone welcome. Music will be by the Hayriders Band.
Tax Time Advice - Anyone with questions about preparing tax forms, investing money, or related matters can call Christian radio KLVV 88.7 FM at 767-1400 Tuesday, March 17 between 5 and 6 p.m. to talk with David Baskin. Baskin is a CPA with Baskin Hadley and Associates in Ponca City. All questions will be taken off the air and will be totally confidential. This free service is provided as a public service of Christian Radio KLVV 88.7 FM, a listener-supported radio station which broadcasts to Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas.
Chili Supper - The Marland Bucket Brigade will host a benefit chili supper at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Marland Fire Department. All area citizens are encouraged to attend. Tickets will be $4 for adults and $2 for children. The menu includes chili (with or without beans), Frito-chili pie, chili-cheese Coneys, cornbread, crackers, cake, and coffee or tea. A white elephant Bingo and other table games will be played after dinner. Proceeds from the supper will be used to purchase equipment for the Marland Volunteer Fire Department.
MS Group Meeting - The Ponca City Multiple Sclerosis Group will meet
Monday in the basement (accessible) of Albright United Methodist Church,
128 South Palm. Dr. Kip Wright will be guest speaker, discussing "From
Bad Times to Happy Times." The group will discuss resources within
all of us for getting through the bad times. All multiple sclerosis clients,
caregivers/friends, and interested medical personnel are invited to attend
the meeting. For more information, call Dr. Kip or Beth Wright at 765-6738.
LIFESTYLES
During the March meeting of the Friends of the Ponca City Cultural Center, Inc. the long-awaited study and proposals for the future of the historic building were revealed by representatives from the Matrix Architects, Engineers, Planners, Inc. Costs for the study were paid through fundraisers from the "Friends" organization and a grant. Following are excerpts from the Matrix study.
This Master Plan for the Ponca City Cultural Center was undertaken at the request of the Friends of the Ponca City Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc. ("Friends"). Its purpose was to study and define what is needed to enhance the qualitative and economic position of the Ponca City Cultural Center.
The projected building repair, restoration and renovation needs identified to date total an estimated one million dollars. This budget does not include funds to upgrade displays or display maintenance. Listed in the Matrix report is an itemized "preliminary construction" cost sheet indicating a cost of $975,000.
The process utilized in collecting the information for this study involved a broad range of Ponca City citizens in a series of open meetings during the last half of 1997. This "bottom-up" process included the following major elements:
Identify current facility needs and opportunities.
Collect, organize, and analyze data.
Study site and facility use.
Evaluate alternative concepts respecting immediate needs and long range phasing.
Establish budget costs for phased implementation of a long range Master Plan.
The recommendations presented include aesthetic, economic, administrative and historic concerns. Together, they form the basis for a strategic investment to help the City of Ponca City and the Ponca City Cultural Center meet its long and intermediate range goals.
The City of Ponca City purchased the Cultural Center in 1967 to develop the property into a cultural center and a tourist attraction. In 30 years, few significant changes have been made to the building or site. There are many issues and concerns that need to be addressed. The following priority issues and concerns were identified during the Master Plan meetings held from July, 1997 through November, 1997.
Variety of Programs
The Cultural Center houses a wide variety of programs and groups - four museums, meetings for numerous civic groups, offices and headquarters for the Ponca City Tourism Center, plus hosting private receptions and events. All of these activities take place in a historically significant residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These multiple uses by multiple occupants have developed multiple "stakeholders" with sometimes conflicting priorities. Resolving and clarifying these issues is a major goal of this planning process.
Marland's Home
The Ponca City Cultural Center, E. W. Marland's first home in Ponca City, is an Italian Revival residence designed in 1916 by Salomon Andrew Layton. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 22-room structure contains a basement plus three floors and boasts one of the first indoor swimming pools in Oklahoma as well as a unique hanging staircase. E. W. Marland lived here with his first wife, Virginia, and their adopted children, Lydie and George, from 1916 to 1928.
The challenge of the Master Plan is "to honor the spirit, vision and energy of E. W. Marland" said a Matrix spokesperson. "Although his financial glory only lasted sixteen years ( 1911 to 1927) it is well worth respecting. It is a story of work, love, mystery, fortune, and above all else, a devotion to beauty."
Three Primary Uses
The Cultural Center has three primary uses - museums, social functions and reception and offices for Ponca City Tourism.
The building and grounds require significant improvements to meet the immediate and long term needs of these user groups. Specifically, the facilities are not accessible by handicapped individuals. The heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems are completely inadequate and are unable to maintain a proper environment for the valuable and irreplaceable collections stored and exhibited in the Cultural Center. The museums lack appropriate curatorial and storage facilities. Space is limited - some exhibits or activities may need to be relocated and/or consolidated.
Finances a Concern
Finances are the final and most important concern. The facility is owned by the City of Ponca City, which provides financial support for operating and personnel costs. However,
the need for significant capital investments to maintain and improve the Cultural Center at a time of limited City funds requires all City institutions to look for other funding sources. "Friends" was formed to cooperate with City Officials in order to preserve and improve the Cultural Center. The traditional sources of revenue in the past have included ticket sales, special events, Cultural Center activities and direct funding from the City of Ponca City. New revenue producing uses must be identified for the Cultural Center.
Long Range Vision
The following Long-Range Vision was developed from input by the Master Plan Committee. The commitment to excellence that is expressed in this "Vision" can best be served when programs are provided with quality leaders and adequate funding said a Matrix spokesperson.
Maintaining the 1920's residence as closely as possible to its original condition through stabilization and priority setting of restoration and maintenance issues is one factor.
Respect and emulate the 1920's residence in building maintenance, repairs, modifications or additions is a second priority.
Make the Cultural Center economically viable and self-sustaining to the maximum extent possible and maximize positive community and regional benefits through the development of educational and cultural activities.
Facility Repair
and Improvement
The highest priority "Museum Function" facility improvement was "appropriate climate control." The building's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system will be completely upgraded and replaced to achieve this goal.
The upper two floors will be served from air conditioning units located in the attic above level two. The lower two floors will be served from an equipment room located at the lower level. Ductwork will be run either in the attic or in the ceiling of the lower level - minimizing the impact on the existing public spaces. Existing boilers with associated heating and cooling equipment will be replaced.
The second priority facility improvement was "appropriate security." This goal can be achieved with the addition of a modern, state-of-the-art security system.
The third priority improvement was "fully accessible to all visitors". This goal will be achieved with the addition of an elevator connecting the lower level, grade entrance from parking and the first level plus the addition of fully accessible toilets at the lower level.
The remainder of the priority "Museum Function" facility improvements are addressed in the Phase I Master Plan recommendations.
There are a series of additional repairs and improvements that will be needed to stabilize and maintain the Cultural Center. Many of these were addressed in the early 1990's in a report prepared by Robison Boeck Architects.
Life Safety Issues include the addition of an automatic fire suppression system, emergency exits, and the development of an asbestos management plan.
Structural Repairs include the interior stair, structural concrete, foundation walls, exterior steps, and foundation settling.
Exterior Stabilization and Repairs include roof, gutter and down spouts; waterproofing; site drainage away from building; carriage house doors; windows and doors; exterior wood trim; ornamental concrete; and exterior stucco.
Interior Stabilization and Repairs include water damaged interior finishes and boarded-up and painted windows/window treatments.
Potential Uses
The following potential uses for the Ponca City Cultural Center were identified:
The Indian Heritage Museum.
The 101 Ranch Museum.
The Daughters of the American
Revolution Museum.
The Bryant Baker Museum.
Archeology Museum.
Museum depicting E. W. Marland's early years and first home.
The Ponca City Tourism Center.
Existing groups who use the building for meetings, such as the Ponca City Music Club and the Twentieth Century Club, will be encouraged to continue doing so.
The Center should continue to be utilized for weddings and receptions.
The Center could house a Genealogy Research Center.
New groups should be encouraged to use the building for meetings, receptions, etc.
The "Friends" offers several levels of membership. More information about the group may be obtained by calling 580 765-7536.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Phuong Ly, daughter of Bien and Kim Ly, will compete March 21 in the Miss Asian OU Pageant at the Ramada Inn in Norman. Ly will compete in four categories: evening gown, traditional wear, talent and interview.
The winner of the pageant will receive a crown and a $100 scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. She will tour Oklahoma giving speeches and representing the Asian American community. Ly said, "If I win the pageant I will be able to represent the Ponca City community."
When asked about why she is competing she responded, "I want to represent my heritage and culture. I think I would be a good queen because I am a well-rounded individual, and I am not closed-minded about different cultures. The friends I have made at OU have taught me a lot, but I have learned more from my family. They have taught me so much about the Asian American culture."
Ly visited Vietnam in 1991 and said that experience made an incredible impact on her life. "When I visited Vietnam, I was very thankful for the simple things we have here in America. I don't think people realize how lucky we are. We take so many things for granted," she commented.
"I would like to share my culture with others and break the Asian American stereotypes. I think a good way to break the stereotypes would be to go into the community and talk about my culture. In order to overcome stereotypes, we must talk to all the people we can," said Ly.
Ticket sales account for 25 percent of the final scoring. Anyone interested in buying a $1 ticket for a drawing may call her at 765-9492. The money from the tickets go toward the pageant expenses. Money and prizes will also be given away from the this money.
Ly is a sophomore at OU majoring in radiology/sonography. She is a member of the Asian American Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association and the Oklahoma Undergraduate Indian Society.
Members of the Christian Women's Fellowship for First Christian Church hosted CWF members from the sister churches of Woodlands and Community Christian churches for a covered dish luncheon in the fellowship hall.
In celebration of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day the tables were decorated with green and white shamrocks in small white vases. Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to represent the Trinity. Sue Laird played a medley of popular music as guests assembled and Ethel Jorgenson, president, read a scripture and offered prayer.
Ms. Jorgenson introduced the Rev. Marilyn Merle, associate minister for Woodlands, who in turn, introduced the Day Spring Singers, members of the youth choir at Woodlands. The name for the group stems from the scripture of Luke. Lois Barr from Community Christian gave a devotional on God's Grace and gave the prayer during offering.
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 include:
Sunday, March 15: 6:30 p.m., Discussion group, First Presbyterian Church. Snacktime at 8 p.m.
Monday, March 16: 6 p.m., eat at Schlotzsky's.
Tuesday, March 17: 7-9 p.m., CCC, call Pearl, 762-2786.
Wednesday, March 18: 7 p.m., Card party at Phil's. Bring snacks. Call 765-4620.
Friday, March 20: 6 p.m., Eat out at "Western Sizzlin."
Saturday, March 21: 5:30 p.m., Smith Country Restaurant in Newkirk. Meet at Lowe's parking lot. Special is "steak for two" at a cost of $12.95.
The Ponca City Newcomers Club will hold their monthly dinner meeting on March 19. The dinner meeting will be held at E.W.'s at the Marland Mansion with a social time at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. For information or reservations please contact Angela at 765-0957 .
All Newcomers members are invited to attend as this is the meeting at which nominations for the board will be made. Any Newcomer wishing to become more involved with the club is invited to call Dixie, 765-6948 or Joyce, 762-9578 for information on positions still open and the duties involved. It has been a Newcomers policy to change the board every six months so that everyone can have a chance to serve without signing up for a long term commitment. New people and new ideas are what have kept Newcomers growing for over four decades said a spokesperson.
The program planned for the evening will include Kathy Adams from the Marland Mansion speaking on volunteering opportunities available for Newcomers. A door prize drawing will follow a short business meeting. Door prizes are provided by local Ponca City Merchants.
Newcomers are reminded that March is dues month and that they may pay at the dinner or mail it to P.O. Box 1572, Ponca City, OK 74602. Dues entitle members to join any of the activity groups that make up The Newcomers Club.
The Newcomers Club invites all women new to Ponca City to join. "We try to contact as many new people as we can, but occasionally we inadvertently miss someone. For this we apologize and ask you to please call Joyce at 762-9578 if you are new and would like information or if you know of someone else who is new to Ponca" said a spokesperson. March is a second chance month so please call for information.
The Marland Mansion will be the setting for the May 23 wedding of Tami Gingerich and Jason Herr. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Gingerich and Mr. and Mrs. John Herr, all of Blackwell.
Miss Gingerich is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Gingerich of Braman, F. E. Schoepf of Haven, Kan., Dixie Schoepf of Haven, Kan. and the great-granddaughter of Louise Maudlin of Blackwell. Herr is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Barnie Plott of Phoenix, Ariz. and Ida Spillman of Columbia, Tenn.
The bride-to-be is a 1996 graduate of Blackwell High School and will graduate in May from Northern Oklahoma College. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and the President's Honor Roll.
Herr also graduated from BHS in 1996 and will graduate from NOC in May. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and is listed on the president's honor roll. The prospective bridegroom is employed at Home National Bank in Blackwell. The couple plans to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford where she will major in finance and he will major in accounting.
Rebecca D. Sober and Paul Johnson are planning a June 20 wedding at the First United Methodist Church. Announcement of their engagement is being made by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Sober, 290 South RockCliff Road. The future bridegroom is the son of Jill Johnson and Ben and Jacque Johnson, all of Tulsa.
Grandparents of the bride-elect are Virginia Denison and Gerald and Hope Sober, all of Ponca City, and grandparents of the prospective bridegroom are Paul and Louise Johnson of Grant, Ala.
Miss Sober, a 1993 graduate of Ponca City High School, graduated in 1996 from the University of Tulsa. She is currently a graduate assistant at the University of Texas in San Antonio. A nationally certified athletic trainer, she also holds Texas certification and is an alumni of Delta Delta Delta. Johnson graduated from Jenks High School in 1991 and has attended TU. He is owner of JR's Place in Tulsa and an alumni of Pi Kappa Alpha.
Beth and Ron Dixon of Enid have announced the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Brenda Carolyn Dixon, to Michael Wayne Osborne of Moore, son of Mike and Gloria Osborne of Claremore. The bride-elect's grandparents are Henry and Mary Spears of Ponca City and the late Etta and Linton Dixon. Osborne's grandparents are Racine Colclazier of Pawnee, the late Melvin Colclazier and the late Eva Sasnett.
The couple will be married in a 3:30 p.m. ceremony March 28 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid. They plan to reside in Moore. The prospective bridegroom is employed with American Builders of Oklahoma City.
Dan and Carol Hughes, 2019 Arbor Creek Drive, Carrollton, Texas, are the parents of a daughter born March 2, 1998. She weighed 6-pounds, 6-ounces and was 19 1/4-inches long and has been named Ashlynn Grace Hughes. She has an older brother, Cody.
Grandparents are Everett and Carrie Bowman of Arkansas City, Kan. and Gary and Elaine Hughes, 1801 Christmas Tree Lane. Great-grandmother is Anna Riddle of Tonkawa.
Scott and Kerry Mullenax, 732 Edgewood, have selected the name Reagan for their daughter born at 9:19 p.m. March 4, 1998 at the Stillwater Medical Center. She weighed 6-pounds, 10-ounces and was 20-inches long. Reagan has two brothers, Sam, 3, and Pryse, 2. Grandparents are Zack and Joyce Pryse and Sam and Priscilla Mullenax, all of Ponca City.
Announcing the birth of a son are Sam and Kendra (Lowman) Hubbard. Darrel Wyatt Hubbard was born March 2, 1998 at 3:55 p.m. at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He weighed 5-pounds, 13-ounces and was 20-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Rocky and Debbie Trueblood of Burbank and Dave Lowman of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Darrel and Saba Gregory of Newkirk.
Maternal great-grandparents are Bernie and Dorann Drowatzky of Kaw City, Donald and Jane Lowman of Ponca City, Mack and Arlene Trueblood of Burbank, Conrad and Pam McMonigle of Enid. Maternal great-great-grandmother is Alda Banks of Enid. Paternal great-grandparents are Dean and Sonja Gregory of Newkirk and Lonnie and Betty Holley of Harper, Kan.
Dr. William and Traci (Keen) Lewis of Edmond announce the birth of a daughter, Bayleigh Nicole Lewis, at 8:17 a.m. Feb. 19, 1998 at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Bayleigh weighed 6-pounds, 14 1/2-ounces and was 19-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Gary and Melva Keen of Ponca City and paternal grandparents are Jim and Stephanie Lewis of Houston, Texas.
Maternal great-grandparents are Dorsey and Imogene Young of Ponca City and Otis and Oleta Keen of Shidler. Paternal great-grandparents are James and Carrie Lewis of Waverly, N. Y. and Kenneth Waters of Houston, Texas. Paternal great-great-grandmother is Josephine DiPio of Sayre, Penn.
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 16: Spaghetti and meat sauce; buttered broccoli/cauliflower; cinnamon apples; garlic bread with butter; sugar cookie.
Tuesday, March 17: Oven fried chicken; mashed potatoes with cream gravy; buttered mixed vegetables; whole wheat roll with butter; tinted pear halves.
Wednesday, March 18: Goldwater beans; oranges; crackers with butter; applesauce cake.
Thursday, March 19: Hamburger patty with barbecue sauce; orange juice; baked beans; bun with butter; Ranger cookie.
Friday, March 20: Ham; scalloped potatoes; buttered peas; whole wheat roll with butter; tropical fruit.
Fibromyalgia Support Group Plans Meeting
The Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet March 16 at 7 p.m. in the parlor at First Baptist Church. Betsy Carter will present a program on "Healthy Boundaries." This will be an introduction for a class at First United Methodist Church. Purpose of the class will be understanding and dealing with boundaries in everyday life situations. The public is invited to this meeting.
Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the First and Third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Vivian Cross, 765-8871; Lily Freeman, 762-9027; Martha Long, 762-5572.
Tim Burg, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development, was guest speaker at the February meeting of the American Business Woman's Association at Godfrey's. His topic was "the future" of Ponca City. Lela Taylor called the meeting to order and Lana Byers, vice president, gave the invocation and led the salute to the flag.
Judy Johnston reported on the enrollment event. Elected Woman of the Year was Art Courtney. She will attend the national Woman of the Year banquet at the national convention in Minneapolis, Minn.
The $1200 club winner was Judy Lewis and Art Courtney won the basket of dollars. Linda Ralston won the door prize. The business associate banquet for the organization is planned for March 28 at Godfrey's. The cost is $12.50 per person and should be paid to Delores Gilliland soon.
Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Lee Rowe, 404 South Elm, Newkirk, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary March 22. A reception, hosted by their children, will be held at 3 p.m. at Christ's Church, 1001 South Magnolia, Newkirk.
Vernon Rowe and the former Patsy Hasselbring were married March 22, 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Newkirk. They made their first home in Newkirk, moving later to Blackwell, then Tonkawa, and returning to Newkirk in 1967. Mr. Rowe has been employed with General Electric for 32 years and Mrs. Rowe is an in-home daycare operator. Both are members of Christ's Church.
The couple's children are Paul and Debbie Forristal, Chris and Bernadine Rowe, Ronny and Melody Rowe, Randy and Cindi Rowe. The honorees have nine grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.
Ponca Chapter 432 of the American Association of Retired Persons met March 3 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse for a covered dish dinner. Members with birthdays during January, February and March were honored.
Guest speaker for the meeting was Jan Merrifield from Tulsa. Jan owns her own medical supply and gave an informative talk on Home Health Care and the most common medical supplies used in the home. For more information about her program members may contact F. G. Williams, vice president for the local AARP chapter.
Williams called the meeting to order in the absence of the Dr. Ellis Oster, president. The AARP Creed was recited and the Pledge of Allegiance given. Lottie Etzel gave the treasurer's report and stated the results of the audit would be given at the April meeting. A representative from the group will go to Stillwater and Oklahoma City to learn more about how state government works and how legislation is influenced.
Our April meeting will begin at one PM in the Wheatheart Nutrition Center on Tuesday,April 2,1998. Membership in the AARP is open to anyone fifty or over.We welcome past and present members to our meetings as well as potential members and visitors.The speaker for our April meeting will cover an area that many voters will find revealing.Come and bring a friend.The strength of the national AARP lies in its active members.You need us and we definitely need you.
The Ponca City Area Branch of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association held a meeting March 9 at the home of Katy Tucker with seven members attending.
Plans for the District Achievement Auditions were discussed. Kathy Wimberley, president, announced that the auditions will be at the First Presbyterian Church on March 28. Claudette Hudelson, a piano teacher in Broken Arrow, will be the judge.
Ms. Wimberley also discussed the Arts Adventure program which will be held again at the Marland Mansion during the last two weeks of July. Placement auditions will be held April 25 in the Ponca City High School Chorale Room. Students who will be going into the sixth through ninth grades are eligible to apply for this program and can obtain the applications through the schools.
Roberta Motz, local chairman for the National Guild Auditions, announced that those auditions would be on April 30 and May 2 at the Ponca City Cultural Center and on May 1 at the First Presbyterian Church. The adjudicator will be Laurie Thompson, a piano teacher from Hutchinson, Kan.
Following the business meeting the members viewed a video by Maurice Hinson on "Performance Practices in Romantic Keyboard Music." The next regular meeting will be at the home of Becky Dye on May 11.
Carol Ann Johnson of Ponca City and Shane Michael Pennington of Walters have chosen April 25 as their wedding date. The ceremony will be held at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City.
Parents of the bride-elect are Hal and Linda Johnson of Ponca City. Her grandparents are Paul and Lela Yates of McAlester, the late James Clark and the late Fred and Audra Johnson. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Stan and Fredia Rice of Duncan and Mike and Traci Pennington of Walters. His grandparents are the late Charlie and Velma Glenn and the late Jim and Betty Pennington.
Miss Johnson graduated from Ponca City High School in 1994 and recently received her bachelor of arts degree in applied ministry from Oklahoma Baptist University. She is currently involved in a two-year internship as a staff assistant with Campus Ministries for OBU. The internship is part of a three-year Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City.
Pennington, a 1994 graduate of Walters High School, has also received a degree in applied ministry from OBU and is participating in the same internship. Both are studying to receive a Master of Divinity in Collegiate Ministry.
The Ponca City Christian Women's Club invites all area women to a "Nimble Thimble" luncheon on March 18 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. The cost is $8.50. Reservations for the luncheon and for childcare may be made by calling Cindy at 762-2151 or Karen at 765-9835. It is important that reservations be honored, cancelled or used by a friend.
"Unique Stitches" will be the special feature as Cindy Wilson, president of the Pioneer Area Quilters Guild, will describe the design and construction of the quilt that will be on permanent display at the Pioneer Woman Museum. Mrs. Wilson, a graduate of Ponca City High School, and her husband, have two children. Her interests include quilting and antiques.
"Calico Songs" will be the special music provided by Mary Sheely. The youngest of five children, Mary was born and educated in Winfield, Kan. She and her husband, Clyde, have four grown children and five grandchildren. Mary's hobbies include oil painting, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
"Patchwork of Life" will be presented by the guest speaker Lonnie Brock. Born in Elk City and reared in Oklahoma City, Mrs. Brock attended Central State College. She and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. Mrs. Brock describes herself as a full-time wife, mother, homemaker and new grandmother. Her hobbies include singing, reading, and attending concerts and plays.
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Cindy Russell on March 10. Leora Simmons, vice president, announced pledge LaRannah Bartlett had completed her training and exam and her ritual would be held in May along with the installation of new officers.
Scrapbook chairman Simmons announced a work session on the scrapbook at her house on today at 2 p.m. Barbara Feil, president, announced the deadline for reservation changes for Founders Day was April 17. The cost will be $13.75 per person and needs to be paid at our next meeting.
The Beta Sigma Phi Branson Getaway was discussed and election held for "Girl of the Year." The results will be revealed at Founders Day. The Chapter then elected officers for the coming year. Darlene VanDeburgh was elected president; Glenda Brown, vice president; Catherine Homer, Recording secretary; Donna Ross, treasurer and LaRannah Bartlett, Corresponding secretary.
The next meeting will be held on March 24 at the Pioneer Bank Drive-In with the program given by Sue Meek. After the meeting, there will be a St. Patrick's Day Party. All members are asked to bring an hors d'oeuvre with green in it, dress casual and wear something green.
The Kay County Republican Women's Club will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the small conference room of the Ponca City Library. President Glenda Emerson said, "The Women's Club meets monthly to discuss business, plan projects and support local candidates. Both Kay County women and men are encouraged to attend."
This meeting will be prior to the Kay County Republican's mayoral candidate forum slated for 7 p.m., in the large conference room of the Ponca City Library.
Mayoral candidates Carl Balcer, Tom Leonard, Melvin Schoonover and Dick Stone will introduce themselves and this will be followed by questions from the audience.
This meeting is designed to provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the candidates in order to cast an informed vote on April 7, according to Kay County Republican Chairman Susan Powell. County business will also be discussed during the meeting said Powell.
ABWA Seminar
The American Business Woman's Association will sponsor a spring seminar March 28, 9:30-noon, at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. A brunch will be served. Linda Ralston is chairman for the event titled "Less Stress With ABWA." Interested businesswomen may contact Johnnie Wilda, 765-5608, for more information.
Chapter EL
Chapter EL of PEO will meet March 18 at noon for dessert in the home of Betsy Carter. Co-hostesses will be Betty Rains and Jane Worstell. Jane Storrusten will present the program "Bunny Story."
The March 9 meeting of the Red Rose Garden Club was held in the home of Tara Phansalkar with Ginny Gant and Barbara Younger as co-hostesses. The silver-appointed refreshment table was covered with a lace cloth and accented with an arrangement of fresh daisies and carnations flanked by candles.
Mrs. Younger introduced the guest speaker, David Browning, who presented a program about roses. He brought several rosebushes and showed the group "the proper way to prune." He said roses need six hours of sunlight and morning light is best. Other tips were: good soil drainage, soil mixture of loam, organic and peat moss, protective gloves and the position of the bud union when planting.
During the business portion of the meeting the Council report was given and roll call was answered with each member naming "my favorite rose." The next meeting will be at the home of Jannie Ross and the program about Topiary Trees will be given by Martha England.
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By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
Maybe they're a warm weather team.
That seems to be the case with the NOC baseballers, at least, as they got a pair of sorely needed wins during a brief respite from Oklahoma's relapse into winter, Friday.
Taking on Hesston College (Kan.), the Mavs survived a comeback by the Larks to prevail in the first game, 6-5, but had an easier time of it in the second, run-ruling the Larks in the sixth inning, 9-0.
And if any team ever needed a few notches in the W-column, it would be the 3-7 Mavericks. Aside from an opening day blow-out, most of their losses this season have been by one run.
After a 13-5 showing in the fall season, the young Mavs were starting to scratch their heads.
"We've had some hard losses," said NOC coach Terry Ballard. "We've been so close a number of times, we knew we had to get one. We knew we had to win at least one here today."
Playing on a borrowed Po-Hi field while they put the finishing touches on their own field in Tonkawa also gave former Wildcat standouts Jason Ross, Josh Shafer and J.R. Fry a chance to get back to their roots. Ross, especially, made himself at home, going 3-for-5 at the plate with a walk and scored twice. Shafer, while taking a bit longer to get untracked, picked up a single and crushed a triple to the right field fence in his last two at-bats.
"I was a little nervous at first," Shafer said. "But I started watching Ross and saw what he was doing and settled down. It was fun coming back here to play, though, and I'd like to do it again."
In the first game, after the Larks took a narrow one run lead, 3-2, the Mavs came through with a 3-run fourth inning to take control.
After Ross singled to get things going, Enid third baseman Brent Hibbetts cranked out a double to score Ross. A sacrifice fly by Newkirk's Josh Free then advanced Hibbetts, 9-hole hitter Jeremy Bates got on on an error, and leadoff hitter J.W. Brumley then offered another sacrifice fly to score Bates.
Up 5-3 in the fifth, then, the Mavs added an insurance run.
Second baseman Jason Hamilton, one of the few sophomores on the team, singled, and was driven on a double by Ross.
That insurance run paid off, too, as a single, a walk, and two consecutive errors by the Mavericks led to a pair of runs by the Larks in the top of the seventh.
"That was a little too close," Ballard said. "Most of our losses this year have been due to unforced, mental errors. But I can attribute that to growing up. We do have 19 freshmen on this team and they're still learning."
In the second game, however, the Mavs were never threatened, as they banged out eight hits good for three runs. They also got some help from the Larks, who committed five errors.
Starting pitcher Josh McMartin, former Blackwell star, showed remarkable ability on the mound once again, striking out three and giving up just one hit through three innings. McMartin then gave way to Enid's Brandon Long, who went the rest of the way to complete the shut-out for the Mavs, giving up just two more hits on the way.
The Mavericks' sluggers, meanwhile, feasted on four Hesston errors in the first inning to pick up three runs. They then picked up seven hits in the next three innings to launch to a 7-0 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, with Brumley on, Tulsa sophomore Jason Odam took a pitch to the shoulder. The umpire called him for leaning in, however, for ball one. Unfazed, Odam then promptly took the next pitch and sent it over the left field fence for a 2-run home run, giving the Mavs the run-rule victory.
Braman sophomore Sean Ingram was 2-for-3 in the game and scored three times, Shafer was 2-for-3, while Ross was 1-for-2 with a walk.
The Mavericks begin conference play Monday, taking on Redlands College in El Reno. Game time is at 1 p.m.
Volleyball Tournament - The Arkansas City Adult Volleyball Association will host a coed volleyball tournament April 4-5 and a women's volleyball tournament April 18-19. These tournaments will be held at the Arkansas City Recreation Center. For tournament information and registration forms please contact Casey Doty (316) 441-4303.
There has been a slight change in the dates for the AAU age-group State Basketball Tournament to be held here.
The tournament will include boys 10-and-under, 11-and-under and 12-and-under.
The tournament dates are now March 21-22 and 28.
Volunteers are still needed for the concession stands and ticket gates during the tournament.
Contact Valynda Christian (767-3822), Chris McCeary (767-5762) or Mike Martin (767-5469)
Former Blackwell and current Central State University quarterback Sean Morgan has been named a 1998 Woody Hayes National Scholarship Award winner.
The award is presented by the University and Northwest Sertoma Club of Columbus, Ohio. It is given each year to six NCAA athletes for excellence in academics, athletics and community service.
Morgan, who passed for 1,337 yards with the Bronchos last season, carries a 3.97 grade-point-average. He serves as a Red Cross lifeguard and a blood drive volunteer.
The grandson of Ponca City's Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Morgan, Morgan has also received the Burger King College Football Scholarship and was named to the Lone Star Conference and GTE Region VI academic teams.
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Shane Walton, son of former Ponca Citian Shari Cassingham and grandson of Al and Merlyn Cassingham of Ponca City, has signed to play soccer at Notre Dame.
Walton, a senior at The Bishop's School in La Jolla, Calif., was a member of the Bishop's soccer team which won the national Under 17 Championship for the second straight time.
Walton was also All-San Diego County in football where he played cornerback, wide receiver and also returned punts and kickoffs.
Walton has received permission from the Notre Dame soccer coaches to attend spring football practice with the Irish.
Although short on numbers, Po-Hi track coach Terry Henderson was pleased with the first-time-out performances of his track teams in the Hugh Pierce Track Classic at Catoosa Friday.
"I was disappointed we didn't have more people, boys and girls, who competed, I was pretty pleased with the ones who did compete," Henderson said.
"I was especially pleased with the girls. Some nice things happened and I think they found out some things about themselves."
Highlighting then girls' performances was the efforts of Mary Metzger, who ran a 2:46 800 meters, a 2:49 split in the 3200 relay and a 1:30 400.
"Here's a girl who has worked herself into shape. If I was giving out awards, she'd be Track Athlete of the Week," Henderson said.
In the boys' division, Paul Paschal was third in the 1600 with a 4:42, coming back from a disappointing 10:40 seventh place timing in the 3200.
"Paul is going to get better," the coach said. "But he's going to have to learn he has a target on his back this year. Everyone knows who he is."
Also for the boys, Chris Buck took seventh in the 800 meters in 2:11 and had a personal best 5:02 in the 1600. Brian Connally ran a 2:23 800.
On the girls' side, several newcomers made their mark. Freshman Kendra Love threw the shot put, 29-67 to finish sixth. Sophomore Laura Chaney, coming back from a knee injury, posted a 3:02 in the 800 and Carol Stangeland, another sophomore in her first competition, had a 14:57 in the 3200 open.
Misty Baker was time in 33 seconds in the 200 while Megan Buck and Stephanie Blochowiak "had decent times" in the 400.
"As you can see, we're still building," Henderson said, " and I was pleased with the ones we took for their first time out. But the kids are now going to have to hook it up and go compete. We are now through with the conditioning. After Spring Break the work starts."
The Cats are next scheduled to take part in the Okmulgee Invitational on March 27.