From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
29, 1998
LOCAL
Differences, Similarities Mark Mayoral Candidates
Area Vietnam Veterans Named on Wall
Fire Death Suspect Caught In Kansas
Spring Cleanup Under Way With Free Pickup This Week
Letters
City Calendar
GOP Wants 'Slow Down' on Rainy Day Spending
School Menu
School Calendar
Senior at Po-Hi Serving Term As Oklahoma Youth Governor
Oil Boom Day To Celebrate Estate Birthday
Academy Uses Arts To Attract Kids
Immunization Dates Changed
Absentee Voting Opens Thursday
MDA Lock-Up Set for Tuesday At Pemberton's
Wichita Artist To Judge PCAA Membership Show
Schaefer Undergoes Training To Serve as Rotary Governor
Spring Fling Craft Show Saturday at Unity
NOC Fine Arts Open House Set
Shakespearean Comedy Set At Northern
Dramatic Production 'Taboo' Addresses Issues of Sexual Assault, Incest,
Rape
SJRMC Among Five Goups To Be Honored
Blackwell Sophomore, Parents Participate in First Career Day
April 7 Cattlemen's Banquet Features Cowboy Humorist
Famous Unknowns Blues Band To Perform at Poncan April 10
Olympia Street Utility Work Set
DEATHS
Emily Ann Fitzgerald
Chancie Francis Jenkins
Jerald Doyle Meadows
Howard G. Stengle
Mary Teresa Morton
George Lawson Jr.
Funerals
Loretta June Hicks
Rosetta Dwyer Edwards
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Local DAR Receives Eight Awards
Phuong Ly Miss Asian OU Winner
'Mentoring Youth' Theme For First Lady's Address
Beanie Baby Brigade Saturday
Unit III Names Officers; Hears Talk by Director
Anita Arellano Bride-Elect
American Historical Society of Germans From Russia Convention Set in Wichita
Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild Meeting
Sheila Christian Engaged
Citizens Urged To Study Current Legislative Bills; Attend Training
Miriam Class Meets
ADD Conference Slated in Norman
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Reunion Meeting Set For Class of 1948
Singles Network Meets
Justice aauw Banquet Speaker
Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Donate Items
Bits and Pieces
Chapter EL
Junior Festival Winners Will Present Music Club Program Friday
Conestoga Campers List Future Events
Amaranth Installation Scheduled Saturday
Little News
Wheatheart Nutrition
First Baptist Church Setting For Couple's Recent Vows
Engagement is Announced
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Owasso Muscles Out Cats
Cat Golf Team 5th At Enid
Sports Notes
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Different candidates, different issues, different answers - it is differences that will determine the next mayor of Ponca City and in just over a week the citizens of Ponca City will be deciding who that mayor is.
There are four candidates in the 1998 mayoral race - Carl Balcer, Tom Leonard, Dick Stone and Melvin Schoonover- and there are both differences and similarities among the four.
There are differences in the reason why each candidate chose to run for mayor.
Candidate Schoonover decided to run to because he saw a need for change in city government. "I believe my 28 years of employment with the city has given me unique insight into the problems we face here and feel we need a change in city government," Schoonover stated. "I understand city government from both the citizen's and city employee's point of view."
It is the financial condition of the city that caused Candidate Balcer to run for mayor. "I am very concerned about the financial situation that the city has been placed in," Balcer says. "We can't do anything about the debt that we are already in but we can prevent any further debt by making certain the city lives within its means."
Candidate Stone joined the mayor's race because he says he was asked to run. "I was asked to run because of my expertise, experience and the time I am willing to spend on behalf of the citizens," Stone said. "With that kind of confidence and support from the community, I decided to run."
And Candidate Leonard threw his hat in the ring because he felt he would be an effective leader. "I feel I can get things done," Leonard said. "And I treat people with dignity and will show them that their opinions not only matter but are respected as well."
Although there are apparent differences among the four candidates, there are also some similarities among all them - such as their willingness to work through the city manager and work with the city commissioners to get things done.
Leonard sees the job of mayor as a "roll up your sleeves," kind of job but he would leave that job to city employees. "That basically means the mayor tells the staff how they are expected to perform and then measures that performance," he says. "I would expect the city manager to run the city, allowing more time for mayoral responsibilities, such as developing short and long term planning for the city."
Among other things, Stone sees the mayor as the chief executive officer of the city. "As CEO it is the mayor who oversees the city commission and with that commission sets policy and procedures to be implemented by city staff," Stone explained. "In addition, I see the mayor as the liaison between the community and city staff, listening to the community's needs and then interpreting them into policies to be carried out."
Balcer also sees the mayor as the CEO. "By charter the mayor is the CEO of the city and due to being an elected official that is who the people expect to do what they want done, along with four other commissioners," Balcer stated. "I firmly believe that the city manager is the chief operating officer and is expected to take care of the day to day operations of the city."
Candidate Schoonover says he will work with others to get things accomplished. "I will work with the other commissioners and streamline the city for better operations and better communication," Schoonover said. "I want to make it fair for everyone in the city."
The belief that trust in city government is important is another similarity among the four.
"My priority is to build back the trust, honesty and integrity so that the public feels comfortable with what we are doing," Schoonover states. "Because without trust and the support of the citizens you can't have real progress."
Leonard believes that trust comes with openness. "I believe the mayor must be dedicated to openness in government in addition to being responsive to citizen's complaints," Leonard stated.
Balcer also feels openness is the key to trust. "I think that the people are desirous of more open information from the city," Balcer said. "Openness brings understanding and gives city officials feedback."
Stone sees that the trust is there. "Because of the lack of comment, either verbal or written, I feel there is already trust among the public," Stone says. "Both our elected officials and city staff are people of integrity and because of that the I believe the trust has been established."
The 1998 mayoral election is April 7.
Sixty-eight Vietnam Veterans names from the north central area of Oklahoma appear on the Vietnam "Wall That Heals," to be exhibited in Ponca City on April 16-19. The Vietnam veterans, all men, are listed as a result of the sacrifice of their lives in Vietnam.
The large wall exhibit will be open 24-hours a day in Ponca City at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery, located east of U.S. 77 at 1901 Hubbard Road, north of Ponca City. The opening ceremony is set for 10 a.m. April 16, with dignitaries, 15-20 honor guards, and hundreds of U.S. flags on display.
Entry to view the wall is free, courtesy of Terry and Steve Huston, and numerous donations by area businesses and individuals and the special efforts of more than 300 volunteers.
Inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall are the words "In honor of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in the Vietnam War. The names of those who gave their lives and of those who remain missing are inscribed in the order they were taken from us. Our nation honors the courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country of its Vietnam Veterans. This memorial was built with private contributions from the American people, Nov. 11, 1982."
Twenty-eight names are listed on the wall from Kay County. From Ponca City are Donald Allen, Edgar Allen Campbell, Charles C. Chaplin, Lewis Earl Cox, Clarence Gene Forman, James Harrell Fowler, James A. Huff, James R. Isbell, James Johnson Jr., Larry Dean Keller, Dale P. LeClair, Vern Lee Pray, William Donald Reynolds, Fredrick Eugene Rouse and Elroy Fredrick Wells.
Listed are six from Blackwell, Johnnie Wayne Cardwell, Dennis Irvin Day, Clarence Leon Rouse, Ronald Wayne Simmons, Rodney Phillip Troyer, and Gary Max Welch.
Four from Tonkawa are Marion Lee Dirickson, Larry Glen Massie, Donald Ray Mock, and John Clarence Strome; two from Newkirk, Brian Anthony Horinek and Frances Loe Shafer Jr.; and from Kaw City, Floyd Gene Treat.
Other area veterans listed include Darrell Wayne Cowan, Clifford Curtis Johnson, and Elmer Eugene Fields from Fairfax; Sammy Joe Cross and James Harvey Shelton from Hominy; John P. Marlow from Glencoe; James Lewis Wages from Medford; John Terry Adams and Carl J. Reid from Covington; and Charles Dwayne Ervin from Lamont.
Three Veterans are listed from Pawhuska, George Joe Eisenberger, John Patrick Pappin and James Anthony Tyner; three from Pawnee, James Hale Tucker, Thomas Lee Little Sun and Michael Howard Thomas; three from Perkins, Edgar DeWayne Bell, Roy Brown Parsons and James Richard Tomlinson; and three from Perry, Kenneth Truman Russell, Jack Lee Snodgrass and Gary Sidney White.
Listed from Stillwater are William Scott Cutter, and Michael Bruce Fuller; from Enid, Gerald Ray Burns, Ray Gene Davis, Tommy Wayne Haley, Robert Benjamin Hudson, Billy Ray Kiely, Donald Alan Krumrei, Robert Michael Kummell, Steven Russell Peck, Robert Lee Porter, Daniel Roberts Poynor, Harvey Lee Rembert, Rodney L. Reiger, Ronald Wayne Shields, Jerry Dean Taber, Harlin Perry Treen and John Leroy Truesdell.
Other Kay County Veteran casualties of the Vietnam War, not listed on the wall because they were not actually killed or lost in the Vietnam battlefields are Jeff Anderson, Jack H. Harney, Lonnie Hayden, Neal Thomas Officer, Leo E. Simmons, Dewey D. Smith, Floyd Gene Treat and Ellis Winn.
For more information about the Vietnam "Wall That Heals," Call 762-5659 or visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website, at www.vvmf.org.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
The man wanted for the murder of a Tonkawa woman has been arrested. According to Tonkawa Police Chief Dave Rogers, 22-year-old Johnny Smith was apprehended in Kansas late Friday evening.
Smith was charged Wednesday for the murder of his sister-in-law, 20-year-old Tisha Smith, whose body was recovered in a March 12 house fire. In addition to murder, Smith has been charged with arson for setting that fire, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
Although the house was destroyed in the blaze, law enforcement officials were still able to obtain enough evidence to indicate murder. Samples taken from Smith's bedroom revealed gasoline underneath the bed, where she was found, as well as underneath the bedroom door. An autopsy revealed Smith died prior to the fire and most likely died from suffocation.
The suspect had lived with his brother and wife and three children - one of those three was in the residence as it was set on fire. Smith, escaped the blaze but left a 2-year-old child in the burning house. However, the child was rescued by a passerby.
According to the police chief, Smith was arrested in a small town west of Garden City and while he is awaiting extradition to Oklahoma, local law enforcement officers have been sent to Kansas to question him.
From the Tonkawa Police Department, to the Tonkawa Fire Department, to the Kay County Sheriff's Office, Smith's arrest came as a relief to the law enforcement officials involved in the case.
"I am certainly glad that he has been found," the police chief said from his home Saturday morning. "The investigation work of Tonkawa Police Lt. David Bradley and Tonkawa Fire Marshall Darren Pendleton lead to this arrest."
Relief was also felt by those men that fought the house fire. "We are relieved that he was caught and caught so quickly," Lt. Charles Conaghan of the Tonkawa Fire Department said. "Hopefully now we can get some answers and the family can now get some kind of closure."
It is that time of year again and the City will be helping residents with their spring cleaning by picking up "clean up" at no cost.
Starting this weekend and continuing through next Saturday the City will waive the normal $25 fee for special refuse pick up.
According to Solid Waste Superintendent Ken Wilson, during this time grass clippings and grass scalpings will be picked up during regular pick up service and at no cost.
After April 4, grass clippings will only be collected by special pickup.
City solid waste crews will also pick up all household items except large tree trunks, concrete, construction and demolition items.
Due to EPA regulations refrigerators and/or air conditioners can only be picked up if they have been certified free of freon by a licensed technician.
Fees at the city landfill will also be waived during this period for city residents.
Residents will be asked for a utility receipt for refuse service and a driver's license to verify their residency.
For further questions call 767-0411.
Spay Day Thanks
Tuesday, Feb. 24, was officially Spay Day USA 1998. The Ponca City Humane Society was able to participate in this nationwide program with the financial assistance of Boettcher, Ryan & Martin, Bowker Ford & Auto Mall, Conoco Inc., Mike & Amy Cramsey, Group One Realtors, Remax and Toni's Westside Rexall. Because of their support, we were able to issue 64 spay/neuter certificates to local residents. Each certificate will pay $25 towards the cost of surgery.
We appreciate that people took the time to come out to the shelter to obtain these certificates. Each animal that will be sterilized through this program symbolizes the thousands of unwanted animals that will NOT have to be euthanized in the future. Spaying and neutering is the key to solving companion animal overpopulation and we congratulate everyone who participated in Spay Day USA for helping to achieve this goal.
Sincerely,
Jean Barnes
Executive Director
Ponca City Humane Society
Help for Great Racers
Five local high school youths - Greg Cunningham, Paul Oblad, Matt Brewer, Robert Scott, and Sarah Scott - are currently restoring a 1930 Ford Model A Pickup for competition in the 16th Annual Great Race. The Great Race is a timed road rally of vintage automobiles. The local high school team, under the guidance of J.D. Hanks, and assisted by Steve Hermann, Po-Hi instructors, is the only team from the state of Oklahoma and one of only NINE high school teams across the United States competing in this year's event.
Other divisions will compete for cash prizes, while the high school entries will compete in the X-Cup Division for scholarship funds posted by the Great Race sponsors. This year's title sponsor is the History Channel, viewed locally on Cable One's channel 60. Coverage of the Great Race has been seen historically on ESPN, ABC, CNN, and other national television networks. Local network affiliates from Tulsa and Oklahoma City recently were in Ponca City to film the team and the restoration work on the vehicle for upcoming broadcasts.
This year's event will start on May 31 in Tacoma, Wash., and conclude on June 13 in Boston. The teams will score points determined by how accurate their calculations are in determining speed and distance between check points predetermined by race officials, but unknown to the contestants. Point deductions will be made should the contestants arrive at their destination too quickly, or too slowly.
The restoration of the pickup is in progress. To encourage the city of Ponca City and the state of Oklahoma to support their efforts, the team has painted the pickup orange and black; the colors of one of our great state schools, Oklahoma State University and reserved the number 101 for their entry, in honor of the 101 Ranch.
Estimated expenses for the team to make this the adventure of their young lifetimes are in the neighborhood of $13,000 to $15,000. The youths have scheduled several fund-raisers, but need the support of our local community to help them realize this adventure. Your donation will help defray the costs of lodging, meals, gasoline, and other incidentals encountered along the way.
Please show your support for these youths in the form of a tax-deductible contribution. Donations should be sent to NJM-Great Race, P.O. Box 774, Ponca City, OK, 74602 For more information, please call (580)765-5998.
Sincerely,
Vernon Cunningham
Fund raising co-chairperson
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May 1-31
By RALPH SEWELL
News Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - "Slow down, you move too fast..."
That's how an old song goes and also what Ponca City area Republicans sang last week to Democrats who cast envious eyes on Rainy Day funds.
The House passed several shell appropriation bills aimed at tapping the money the constitution says should be held for emergencies.
"We just feel it's far too early in the session to think about using emergency funds," said Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City. Rep. Jim Reese, R-Nardin, agreed.
House Democrats pushed the four appropriation bills tapping Rainy Day funds through anyway. They all were shell bills, so the action lacked great significance, but Republicans used their votes to say, "slow down!"
SB 965, for the Department of Transportation, passed 89-12. SB 966, for the prison system, passed 79-21; SB 967, voted 80-20, would have give an unspecified amount to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority; SB 968, passed 75-26, for the Office of State Finance.
Newport, Reese and Rep. Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, voted no on some or all of these. Rep. James Hager, D-Pawhuska, voted with fellow Democrats.
Although the move lacked the maximum 36-vote punch of House Republicans, it served notice on Democrats that the GOP might later use that muscle.
Farm Issues
In the Senate, Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, still had state farmers on his mind.
By a vote of 39 to 5, the Senate passed HB 2353 which Muegge authored. It would double the assessment Oklahoma's wheat growers pay to promote sales and do research. A referendum of wheat growers is specified.
The assessment, now three-fourths of a cent, will rise to a cent and a half a bushel. Proceeds go to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission. Farmers may seek a refund if they wish but few request it. Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, also voted for the bill. The vote sent the bill to the governor.
Muegge says he likes a House-added amendment to his SB 1175 which would make new corporate pig producers who come to Oklahoma find a farmer-partner.
The amendment also would affect corporate poultry producers. Muegge says the provision will either stay in his bill or be passed as a separate measure.
The House was told that when the law was changed in 1991 to allow corporate farming, it was never intended that corporations - rather than farmers - would raise pigs from conception to consumption.
The House passed the bill 93 to 6. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager all voted for it.
Before the House amended the bill, its title was removed. That insures House members will vote on it again before it goes to the governor.
SB 175's changes include new definitions of animal feeding operations. The 1997 law covered farms feeding animals 90 days or more. It's cut to 45 days or more. Present law says affected neighbors live within a mile. That changes to 2 miles.
Last year, the State Board of Agriculture was authorized to set rules for the new industry. This bill directs it to do so, as well as set punishments for violations of rules. Licensing is directed, with power to revoke. Expanding existing operations would be covered, as well as new operations.
SB 1170, also authored by Muegge, would be new law on poultry raising operations. It passed the House 94-0 and now is headed for a final draft. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted for the bill.
The House added an amendment to SB 1170, too. It specifies the owner of the birds is responsible for following Board of Agriculture rules for disposing of waste and cleanup. (A bird owner typically is a firm like Tyson who provides chicks and feed to those who actually grow the birds to full size.)
Bills Reviewed
Legislative focus last week was on having committee review bills sent them by the other house. Last Thursday was the final day for standing committees to hear those bills. Many bills died - including Reese's covenant marriage bill which the House passed.
Newport's HB 2299, which would exempt the spouse of service personnel stationed overseas from having to get a new driver license is on the Senate calendar. But he's not sure about the bill controlling teens' body piercing.
Two Hager bills have been cleared for Senate floor votes. His HB 2335 would let a school board committee, rather than the full board, hear appeals on student suspensions. Hager's HB 1140 would let school district-owned vehicles be used for driver education.
A Senate bill rejected last week by a House committee would let judges order castration of chronic rapists. SB 629 passed the Senate 37-10, with Muegge and Harrison voting yes. But a tie vote in the House committee killed it. Seven men voted for SB 629; four men and three women voted against.
HB 2452 died in a Senate committee. It had passed by the House 51-48. It would force new hospitals or abortion facilities built to first get Board of Health permission and would require such health care centers to get at least 45 percent of their revenue from Medicaid or Medicare sources. Foes said the bill was to protect existing hospitals. Newport, Reese and Hager voted for the bill; Ferguson against.
(Also killed by committees were two related bills. SB 1225 would have prohibited new ambulatory surgical centers within 10 miles of indebted city or county-owned hospitals. SB 893 would have required such centers to get 45 percent of their revenue from Medicare and Medicaid.)
HB 3217 to require fingerprinting of welfare clients, got new committee assignment, giving it a new chance for Senate floor debate. It was moved from Human Resources to Appropriations. The Human Resources chairman hadn't set a hearing.
In an effort to cope with the number of bills that has swamped the House since 1991, when voters limited sessions to four months, the House Rules committee has voted to limit each representative to eight bills starting next session.
For 101 members, HCR 1038 would limit representatives to about 800 bills. It compares with more than 1,100 House bills filed this year. The resolution also specifies that a member can activate the voting machine for another, if the member is in the chamber and asks him to do so.
How They Voted
For the next three weeks, legislators will vote on bills their committees have cleared for floor votes. Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on various bills considered last week:
-SB 1176 raises the maximum fine for changing an odometer setting on a motor vehicle from $1,000 to $10,000. It passed the House 92-0 and went to the governor. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
-SB 1024 sets a 20-member task force to consider resources available and make recommendations this year to make technology helpful to handicapped persons. The bill passed the House 92-7 with Ponca City-area representatives voting yes. The Senate approved 43-2 earlier with Muegge and Harrison voting in favor.
-SB 1152, previously passed by the Senate, would allow peace officials to sign mutual help agreements with tribal units. The House shelved the bill on a complex point of order. It remains on the House calendar.
-HB 2521 was sent to the governor on a 44-0 Senate vote. It would enlarge the list of restricted drugs by adding Red Phosphorus. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
-HB 3086 also went to the governor after a 45-0 Senate vote. It would relieve the state auditor from having to perform several college audits and making colleges send him copies of their internal audits. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.
-HB 2970 would require cities wishing to substitute their own operation for private collection systems to first hold hearings. It passed the Senate 45-0 and went to the governor. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.
-HB 3217 to require fingerprinting of welfare clients, got new committee assignment, giving it a new chance for Senate floor hearing. It was moved from Human Resources - and a hostile committee chairman - to the Senate Appropriations committee.
-SB 813, failed to pass the House 45-55. It would affect how fines are used for illegal trash dumpings in the two metropolitan counties. Most of the cash collected would go to the sheriffs. Ferguson voted yes; Newport, Reese and Hager no. Reconsideration notice was given.
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
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Middle School
Lunch
Mid-High
Lunch
High School Lunch
Training Table
McCord Elementary
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Pioneer Technology Center
Po-Hi
March 30
March 31
April 1
April 2
April 3
April 4
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Jason Bussey, son of Chuck and Susan Bussey, has been selected as the Oklahoma State youth governor for YMCA Youth and Government. He will serve as the state's 46th youth governor.
Youth Government is a hands-on class on understanding how the state government works and is implemented by the YMCA and Ponca City High School.
Bussey has attended the Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C. and the YMCA National Convention in St. Louis, Mo. In Washington, he met with such people as Bill Press, Ralph Reed, James Corville, Janet Reno, Donna Shalala and Mike McCurry. He also attended a live version of CNN Crossfire and met with Geraldine Ferraro and Pat Buchanan.
As youth governor of Oklahoma, Bussey has attended the Texas State Conference, Alabama State Conference and will attend the Minnesota Model United National State Conference on March 30. He plans to attend the Oklahoma State Conference on April 16-18 in the State Capitol. While in Oklahoma City, Youth Government will have use of the Capitol Building, House Chamber and the Judicial Court (Supreme Court Chambers).
Bussey said he got involved with Youth Government as a sophomore. "I didn't have a lot going my sophomore year and some friends encouraged me to attend a Youth Government meeting. After that first meeting, I really got involved."
When asked about who he has been most impressed with after meeting, he responded, "I was most impressed with Janet Reno. She was very hospitable and gave our group a personal tour of the Justice Building. She even canceled her appointments so that she could stay with us and discuss important issues. She also spoke to me individually about the Oklahoma City bombing. She told me how she appreciated the help from Oklahoma and how impressed she was with the people in Oklahoma."
Bussey, a senior at Po-Hi, plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall and major in International Business Law. He said, "I am looking forward to this experience. It will give me a better understanding of how the government works."
The E.W. Marland Estate is celebrating its 70th anniversary in style with "Oil Boom Day," slated from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 16 at the Marland Mansion.
Local artists will be at work in the Artist Studio displaying their wares. Musicians will be stationed around the grounds and throughout the mansion providing a delightful 1920's backdrop.
Apple Cart Catering will provide box lunches and picnic tables will be available for lunch. Family activities and games from the 1920's will guarantee an afternoon of fun and entertainment.
A repeating stage show about E.W. Marland will be performed on the north porch.
Inside the mansion, an afternoon tea will be held in the Inner Lounge from 2 to 4 p.m., and guided tours, including the main kitchen and the secret tunnel, will be given throughout the day.
Following the daytime festivities, a costume ball will be held in the mansion from 8 p.m. to midnight. Guests may even catch a glimpse of reenactors portraying E.W. and Lydie Marland as they stroll among the guests throughout the day and into the night.
Marland was known for his generous nature and hospitality. He loved opening his home to guests. The Oil Boom Day Celebration is an extension of his dream, reaching into the present capturing that moment in time, according to organizers.
The teachers of Garfield Academy use the arts to attract students and garner interest. Garfield Academy instructors weave the arts (music, dance, literacy arts, visual art and drama) into all aspects of the curriculum.
Maudye Winget, principal of Sadler Arts Academy in the Muskogee Public Schools, recently presented a professional development program for the Garfield Academy staff. Ms. Winget said, "We are not in the business of seeing what kids can do for the arts, but what the arts can do for the kids."
Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy, said, "We are not looking just for students who are performers. We also want to target children who have an interest in the arts. We want children who would like to learn through a variety of ways. We use the arts to reinforce and better understand the core curriculum.
All elementary students in grades one through five in the district are eligible to apply for enrollment in the magnet school. The first year of the magnet school, the Board of Education offered only grade four and five to participate in the magnet. Forty percent of the students are part of the current magnet. The remaining students are from the Garfield neighborhood. The children in the neighborhood are also a priority of this program. Each of the students enrolled have the opportunity to select from a variety of arts education.
Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, emphasized the role that teachers play in the success of a magnet school. The educators have to believe in the program and be committed to meeting the needs of all students.
Public meetings have been scheduled to invite interested parents, students and concerned citizens to ask questions about the magnet, curriculum offerings, and enrollment procedures:
- March 31 at 7 p.m. at Garfield Academy
- April 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Conoco Concourse Auditorium
- April 14 at noon at the Public Library
- April 23 at 7 p.m. at Woodlands Christian Church
The Kay County Health Department will not be conducting Immunization Clinics on two dates in April - Thursday, April 2, and Thursday, April 30. The nursing staff will be not be available to conduct clinics.
The next Immunization Clinics will be held Monday, April 6, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Thursday, April 9, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 580-762-1641 with any questions.
Absentee voting for the April 7 Ponca City mayoral election will be April 2, 3 and 6.
In order to vote absentee a person must be a registered voter residing in the city limits.
Voters will be required to fill out an application form and swear they have not absentee by mail and will not vote in on election day.
And according to Carol Stafford, Election Board secretary, an absentee voter does not have to state a reason for voting absentee.
There are four candidates running for mayor - Carl Balcer, Tom Leonard, Melvin Schoonover and Dick Stone.
Absentee voting will be held at the Kay County Courthouse in the basement from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information call the election board office at (580) 362-2130.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association will be rounding up and arresting "notorious" Ponca City citizens Tuesday in an effort to raise funds for local patients with neuromuscular disease.
The "jail" for the 1998 Pemberton Chevrolet Lock-Up will be at the Pemberton Chevrolet dealership. The "jailbirds" have agreed to serve one hour behind bars to raise money for the MDA.
The arrests will begin at 10 a.m. and continue through 3 p.m. Ponca City residents are encouraged to support the jailbirds with pledges or donations toward their $1000 bail.
The jailbirds will be taken to jail by a band of western lawmen. Upon arriving at jail, they will be read their rights, sentenced and given a phone in order to call and raise their bail. The jailbirds will also be given plenty of "jailhouse chow" from local restaurants, have their mug shot taken and receive a souvenir T-shirt. Each person who raises their $1,000 bail will receive a special Jerry Lewis watch.
Funds raised through the 1998 Pemberton Chevrolet Lock-Up help local patients here in north central Oklahoma through free comprehensive medical care, support groups, summer camp programs and funding for research projects. MDA receives no government funding and charges no fees for the services it provides to patients.
Diane Curtis of Wichita, Kan., will act as judge for the Ponca City Art Association Membership Show which opens April 5 with a reception for the artists from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Art Center. The show is open to the public, and will continue through April 25, 1998.
Curtis earned her bachelor of fine arts degree at the Wichita State University School of Art and Design, where she graduated summa cum laude. She works primarily in oil, acrylic and pastel. Her work has appeared in juried shows throughout the U.S., where she has won many awards. In addition, she has had a number of one-person exhibits: "Female Allusions" at McFarland Galley, Wichita State University; "Relationships" at Gallery XII, Wichita; and at Cessna Aircraft Art Gallery. She and her son, Dean, also presented a dual exhibit at Gallery XII in Wichita.
She is currently a member of the Wichita State University Ulrich Art Museum Board, and is chairman of the Educational Outreach Committee. In this capacity she works with contemporary artists in the United States and other countries to arrange exhibits for the University. She is affiliated with Gallery XII in Wichita.
All Ponca City Art Association members may enter their work in the show if they are 18 years of age or older. Each entrant is allowed three entries of original work only. The three levels are student, advanced and professional - two or three dimensional artwork in oil/acrylic, watercolor/acrylic, graphics, which includes drawing, pencil, pen and ink and pastel, and pottery/sculpture.
The work entered must have been completed in the last two years, and not previously exhibited in PCAA competition, it was noted. Following the show, the art work must be picked up by April 26, 28 or 29. Art not picked by these dates will be considered to be donations to the Gift Shop, unless prior arrangements have been made.
For additional information concerning the show, please contact Donna Royse at 580-269-2350.
Robert P. Schaefer of Ponca City recently completed a week of intensive training at the Rotary International Assembly in Anaheim, Calif.
Attended by volunteer Rotary leaders from around the world, this "school for service" was held March 6-14 and prepared Schaefer for his future role as governor of Rotary International District 5750.
As governor, Schaefer coordinates the community and international service projects of the 40 clubs in the northwest third of Oklahoma. He assumes office July 1.
Schaefer is one of the 529 Rotarians worldwide who will serve as 1998-99 district governors. Along with other districts around the world, Schafer will highlight issues such as literacy and numeracy projects, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, promoting world understanding and peace and giving to The Rotary Foundation.
The assembly is one of Rotary's most important events, not only as a training ground for district governors but also because it gives the organization's leaders the opportunity to coordinate global programs for the coming year.
A Rotarian since 1983, Schaefer is a member of the Ponca City Pioneer Rotary Club. He retired from Conoco's Computer and Telecommunications Service Department after 37-plus years of service.
Rotary International, with some 1.2 million members in over 28,000 clubs worldwide, is an organization of business and professional leaders working to promote humanitarian service, high ethical standards in all vocations and international understanding and peace.
The 1998 annual Spring Fling Craft Show sponsored by the Church Women United will be held Saturday. All sales from booth rental and snack bar will be given to the Child Development Center, a United Way agency. Show hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Unity Gym.
Betty Thompson has donated a Ty Princess Dianna Beanie Baby to be raffled off the day of the show. Winner will be announced at the end of the show and notified by phone.
Local venders will join vendors from out of town to sell a variety of items to include clothing, jewelry, antiques, crafts, quilts, and much, much more.
Child Development Center board of directors will serve in the concession stand. Kaye Motz will have a booth to sell his famous homemade bread donate all proceeds donated to CDC. Albright United Methodist Women and First Presbyterian Church will have booths with proceeds going to CDC.
The Child Development Center is a child care center newborn through kindergarten age children from low income and special needs families. Funding for the Center is from the United Way, the Childcare Food Program, and private donations. For more information about CDC, call 765-7532.
TONKAWA - The Northern Oklahoma College Fine Arts Division will host an open house for the Performing Arts Center Phase II from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Phase II, which houses the Choir Hall, Band Hall, set construction facility, practice rooms, class room, conference room, offices and a Green Room, was completed in late 1997. The music faculty took up residence at the beginning of the spring 1998 semester.
The entrance to Phase II is located on the south end of the center. Refreshments will be served in the Green Room.
Following the Open House, the National Shakespeare Company will present "Much Ado About Nothing," beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the NPAC auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door. The Premiere Exhibit of the Living Artists Society is on view in the Eleanor Hays Gallery.
TONKAWA - "Much Ado About Nothing," William Shakespeare's romantic comedy, will be presented Tuesday by The National Shakespeare Comedy of New York at Northern Oklahoma College.
The touring company will give two performances, the first at 9:30 a.m. with a repeat performance at 7:30 p.m., in the Northern Performing Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased at the college Office of Financial Affairs, located in the Vineyard Library-Administration Building, telephone (580) 628-6231, or at the door. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Seating is not reserved.
"Much Ado About Nothing" is one of Shakespeare's wittiest and most charming plays, filled with an air of cheerful festivity. Beatrice and Benedick are adversaries united only in their contempt for marriage. Once the two finally let down their guard and allow their true feelings to blossom, they are united in wedded bliss. Before this can happen, however, the volatile couple must stop bickering long enough to realize their attraction and attend to the fate of another smitten couple, Claudio and Hero. In Shakespeare's expert hands, the path of true love ultimately does run smooth.
According to director Jennifer Spahr, "'Must Ado About Nothing' is very much about something. In fact, it covers a wide range of human experiences, from love and contempt to fidelity and deception." The play never loses its decidedly comic approach, making it perfect entertainment for just about everyone.
Now in its 35th year offering live theater and workshops to communities all across the country, The National Shakespeare Company entertains and delights audiences from the college towns of Massachusetts to the heart of Texas. Each year the cast, composed of eight New York actors, is carefully chosen following a demanding audition process.
The production is hosted at Northern by the Division of Language Arts and of Fine Arts.
The Ponca City Community is invited to attend the performance of "Taboo," a drama presented by students attending the University of Oklahoma. The drama/skit will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Ponca City Mid-High auditorium. Admission is free.
"Taboo" is an informative, interactive drama addressing sexual assault, incest, and rape issues for youth and adults. Teens are encouraged to attend.
Throughout the presentation of "Taboo," Joe Marshall, LCSW, will mediate and provide statistical information as OU students portray characters facing the consequences of sexual assault.
"We are seeing a definite increase in the incidents of sexual assault among our teens. Therefore, it is imperative that we as a community begin to take action to help our young people," says Christy Dulick Williams, executive director of the area Domestic Violence program.
On Dec. 3, 1997, the skit "Taboo" was presented to community professionals in Ponca City. In light of the favorable response to the program, "Taboo" is returning to Ponca City for public viewing.
"This skit is an excellent tool in prevention efforts among our teen population. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to gain a higher level of understanding and empathy for sexual assault victims," says Laura Goodheart with Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center.
The event is sponsored by the United Way/AmeriCorps, Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma Inc., Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center, Ponca City Board of Education, and the Ponca City News.
For more information please contact Laura Goodheart at 762-7561, extension 218 or Barbie Wimberly at 762-2873.
Five individuals and five organizations, including Ponca City's St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Northern Oklahoma Inc., will be honored at the third annual Public Health Excellence Awards banquet to be held April 17 at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City.
Sponsored by the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the awards recognize outstanding contributions to public health in Oklahoma.
"The genesis of the Public Health Excellence Awards grew out of the real need to recognize those who are making a contribution to the public health of Oklahoma," said Elisa T. Lee, dean of the College of Public Health. "Their practical grassroots efforts are the very essence of public health."
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center will be presented the Program by Corporation Award for its fire safety awareness and prevention efforts in Ponca City and Kay County.
Others to receive awards include: Oklahoma City resident Elizabeth C. Holmes, former executive director of the Mental Health Association; Tulsa resident Ronald F. King, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma; Kenneth R. McLeroy, chair of the Department of Health Promotion Sciences in the College of Public Health; Nick Noble, Oklahoma City businessman; Phyllis Phillippart, director of Student Support Services at Carl Albert State College in Poteau; Nora Tripathy of the General Motors Corp. Oklahoma City Assembly Plant; The Wellness Unit of the Oklahoma Employees Group Insurance Program Health Care Management Division of Oklahoma City; The National Kidney Foundation of Oklahoma; Sooner HEAT (Help Education and Awareness Team).
"Our annual banquet also serves as a fund-raising event" Lee pointed out. "We rely on it in large part to provide the financial resources for scholarships that allow us to recruit top candidates to the College of Public Health and fund the college's pursuit of research excellence."
BLACKWELL - Participation in Blackwell's first ever Career Planning Night was better than the administration had ever dreamed possible. Seventy-seven percent of Blackwell High School's sophomores and their parents participated in a Career Planning and Enrollment process.
High School Principal Dan Bringham, said, "It was an overwhelming success for the first time of doing something of this magnitude. The parental response has been very positive."
Lenora Pennington, Clint Culver, and Vicki Hillhouse, Blackwell counselors, worked to develop a Career Options folder that was used in the enrollment process to ensure that students meet all high school graduation requirements, as well as college admission requirements. Appointments were scheduled for the students and their parents between 4 and 8 p.m. with career advisors.
Counselors from Northern Oklahoma College Sue Ann Rodgers, Sherri Snyder, LaDonna McCune, and social sciences faculty member Pat Hullet, assisted with the career advisement. Pioneer Technology Center's counselors Mike Wiles, Dee Brown, Deanna Fruits, Nancy Miller and Lanita Chapman, campus director, also assisted with the career advisement.
Assisting with the activities were Linda Thompson, Project Partners coordinator; Mary Field, School-to-Work secretary; and Donna George, Counseling Center secretary. The student's ACT PLAN results were discussed, as well as plans for post-secondary education and career goals.
One important lesson gleaned from this year was that parents and students wanted more time to discuss their career options. Pennington said that next year the appointments would be scheduled during the day and appointment times will be lengthened.
Western humorist/cowboy storyteller F.D. "Sky" Shivers will be featured during the Kay County Cattlemen's Association Annual Banquet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley, in Ponca City (just west of Golden Corral Restaurant).
Raised among the "blood-thirsty chiggers and persimmon thickets" of southern Oklahoma, Sky Shivers grew up in a small town "helpin' feed the family cows and breakin' colts on the black top streets."
He will introduce the audience to oddball characters from down at the cattle auction and his slightly warped kinfolk as he shares his struggles of "tryin' to keep the tally even against Mother Nature, contrary critters and those concrete-poundin' city slickers."
Shivers has appeared at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City; the National Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock, Texas; Great Pikes Peak Cowboy Poetry Gathering; Beef Empire Days and a whole lot of other places.
He's a winner of the Will Rogers Award for Storyteller/Humorist of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists.
The association will conduct an OCA Update, with Scott Dewald, the OCA's executive vice president, and Steve McKinley, the association's director of membership services.
The meal will be beef and all the trimmings catered by Mickael's Bakery of Newkirk. Cost of this year's banquet is $8 per person or $15 per couple. County OCA secretary/treasurer Larry Fleck said "if you enjoyed last year's meal, you won't be disappointed!"
Purchase tickets in advance (by Friday, April 3) from the OSU Extension Office or from the following association directors: David Schiltz 762-2713; Steve Kelle 363-3829; David Fruits 628-3682; Joe Schieber 362-3074; Casey Esch 628-3700; Steve Cline 362-3800; Mark Liegerot 765-9580; Jake Olsen 362-2951; Stan Claybaker 363-4163; Derry Taylor 363-2325; Dale DeWitt 385-2432, Mark Arnold 385-2360.
The first house band at B.B. King's famous Beale Street Club in Memphis will perform at the Poncan Theatre soon. Mark Sallings will bring his celebrated group, The Famous Unknowns, into the Poncan on Friday, April 10.
Mark Sallings and the Famous Unknowns play an electric delta blues, with some rock crossovers. They have played all over the country in some of the best clubs and blues festivals anywhere. In the last presidential inauguration, they played in Washington, D.C., opening for the classic rock group, Little Feat. They've been playing with the best for over 20 years. As long ago as 1976, they opened for blues great Muddy Waters, and soon after they opened in Las Vegas for Jerry Lee Lewis. They've been in the company of such great entertainers ever since.
Recently, they've played the famous King Biscuit Festival for the fourth time, and Mark Sallings appeared with Crook and Chase on the Nashville Country Music Show. They've also recently released a new album called "Talkin' To Myself" that the blues publication "Blues News" loves. The "Blues News says that Mark Sallings is a "monster" talent with "masterful" musicianship and "witty, in-depth songwriting skills."
The Famous Unknowns and their leader will be in the Poncan Theatre beginning at 7:30 on April 10. Tickets are available at Ponca City banks and at the Poncan Theatre. Tickets are $5, $7 and $9. For more information, patrons may call the theater at 580-795-0943.
Residents on Olympia Street will be waterless for approximately eight hours Tuesday.
According to Ponca City Water Superintendent Charlie Hargraves crews will be replacing a 30-year-old water line.
"The line is old and we have had a lot breaks in that area of line," Hargraves said. "And this will eliminate those problems."
Beginning at 9 a.m. water service will turned off and will resume as
soon as the work in completed.
DEATHS
Emily Ann Fitzgerald, resident of Tonkawa, died in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City, Okla. on Thursday, March 26, 1998 at 8:08 p.m. She was 72.
The funeral will be Tuesday, March 31, 1998, at 2 p.m. in the First Christian Church of Tonkawa. The Rev. Dr. John L. Bartlett will officiate. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts & Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Emily Ann Fitzgerald was born Dec. 20, 1925, in Salt Fork, Okla., and grew up on a farm east of Salt Fork, attending Consolidated Rural School. Later she attended Lamont schools, graduating from Lamont High School in 1943. She attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa and received her associate degree in business. Following college she began working at the First National Bank of Blackwell as a teller.
She and Loren Robert Fitzgerald were married on Aug. 24, 1947, in Lamont, Okla., and made their first home in Blackwell. In 1948 they moved to Tonkawa to make their home. At that time Mrs. Fitzgerald began working as a teller and bookkeeper for the First National Bank of Tonkawa where she worked until her daughter was born. Following the birth of her daughter, she worked part time until 1980 when she went to work as a secretary for Joe Brining Insurance Agency, working there until her retirement.
Mrs. Fitzgerald was a member of the First Christian Church of Tonkawa where she taught Sunday School for many years, and belonged to the Christian Women's Fellowship. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star, serving as a past worthy matron and a past district director, and had also served as a Rainbow mother. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary .
Surviving are her husband, Loren Fitzgerald of the Tonkawa home; a daughter, Ann D. Farias of Tonkawa; one brother, Floyd A. Mack of Lamont, and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Willa Mae Moses.
Casket bearers will be Lee Chonaghan, Clane Kirtley, Clinton Evans, Joe Brining, Joe Kreger and Mike McCann. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Robert Gibson and Charles Conaghan.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Fitzgerald's memory to the First Christian Church of Tonkawa.
The casket will be open at the funeral home until noon on Tuesday, then at the church from 1 p.m. until funeral time, then closed.
BLACKWELL - Chancie Francis Jenkins, resident of Blackwell, died in the Blackwell Regional Hospital Friday, March 27, 1998 at 7:47 a.m. He was 73.
The funeral will be Monday, March 30, 1998, at 2 p.m. in Roberts Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Wayne Bookout officiating. Burial will be in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts & Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Casket bearers will be Doug Jenkins, Charlie Jenkins, Bobby Jenkins, Allen Jenkins, Gary Jenkins and Rodney Jenkins. Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the flag of the United States.
Chancie Francis Jenkins was born Sept. 9, 1924, in Blackwell, Okla., the son of Jess Alvin and Juanita Emma (Dutton) Jenkins. He grew up in Blackwell where he attended Blackwell schools and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1942. He then entered the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater during World War II. Following his discharge from the Army in 1950, he returned to Blackwell.
He went back to Germany in 1952 and married Veronika Kottbauer on Nov. 5, 1952, in Augsburg, Germany. They returned to the United Stales and settled in Blackwell where they have resided since.
Mr. Jenkins worked for Blackwell Zinc on the furnace until the business closed in 1974. He had also farmed, beginning in 1952 and was still farming and raising cattle at the time of his death.
Surviving are his wife, Veronika Jenkins of the Blackwell home; his mother, Juanita E. Jenkins of Kildare; a sister, Sylvia Simmons of Ponca City, and five brothers, Alfred Jenkins of Wellington, Kan., Charles L. Jenkins of Blackwell, James Jenkins of Kildare, Robert L. Jenkins of Sandston, Va., and Douglas Max Jenkins of Blackwell. He was preceded in death by his father, Jess A. Jenkins.
The family will be gathering at the home of Max Jenkins, 509 East Bridge in Blackwell.
BLACKWELL - Jerald Doyle "Buzz" Meadows, resident of Blackwell, died at his home Saturday morning, March 28, 1998. He was 61.
The funeral will be Tuesday, March 31, 1998, at 10 a.m. in the First Free Will Baptist Church, Blackwell, with the Rev. Wayne Bookout officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts & Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Jerald Doyle "Buzz" Meadows was born Dec. 30, 1936, in Blackwell, Okla., the son of Harold Vance and Muriel Lee (Traw) Meadows. He grew up in Blackwell where he attended school. Following his schooling he began working for the Blackwell Zink Co. and was also engaged in hay hauling and custom harvesting for many years. He worked for Williams Natural Gas Co. for a short time. Due to an accident in 1971 he was forced to retire.
Mr. Meadows was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. He was also an avid fisherman.
Surviving are his wife, Peggy Meadows of the Blackwell home; his mother, Muriel Lee Meadows of Blackwell; two daughters, Becky Wolfe of Blackwell and Cheryl Riley of Covington, Okla.; a stepdaughter, Brenda Summitt of Newkirk; a stepson, Larry Albert of Ponca City; two sisters, Sondra Johnson of Oklahoma City and Charlotte Smith of Austin, Texas; six grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and one step-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Norman Meadows.
Memorials may be made in his name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.
MORRISON - Howard G. Stengle, resident of Morrison, Okla., died Friday, March 27, 1998, in Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater, Okla. He was 82.
The funeral will be Tuesday, March 31, 1998 at 2 p.m. in Christ Lutheran Church in Perry. The Rev. Myron Maltz will officiate, and burial will be in the Morrison Cemetery under direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.
Howard G. Stengle was born Aug. 10, 1915 in Morrison, the son of Theodore Stengle and Emma (Vasek) Stengle. He was raised in Morrison and graduated from Morrison High School with the Class of 1935 as the valedictorian.
Mr. Stengle served with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, and was stationed in Casper, Wyo. He received an honorable discharge from the service as a disabled veteran.
He and Rose Shiever were married Oct. 3, 1940, in Perry, Okla.
Mr. Stengle was employed by George Failing Iron & Supply of Enid, Nicholas & Swink Machine of Ponca City, then owned and operated the Red Front Garage in Morrison for 29 years. He had also worked as a machinist at Ponca Automotive.
In retirement, he enjoyed fine art woodworking.
He is survived by his wife, Rose of the Morrison home; one brother, Bill Stengle of Enid, and two sisters, Bernice Peck of Enid and Geneva Lansdown of Wichita, Kan.; also a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
BLACKWELL - Mary Teresa Morton, resident of Blackwell, died at her home following a lengthy illness. She was 60.
Direct cremation service is under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell. A memorial service may be scheduled at a later date.
Mary Teresa Morton was born Aug. 6, 1937, in San Francisco, Calif., the daughter of Homer Guy and Mary Ellin (McBrien) High. She was raised and educated in San Francisco, where she received her nursing training and was employed as a registered nurse for a number of years at St. Luke's Hospital in San Francisco.
She and Billy Morton were married on Aug. 1, 1955, in Reno, Nevada. They came to Blackwell in 1974 from California, and she had worked locally as a nurse and was a Red Cross volunteer until her health failed.
Surviving are her husband, Billy of the Blackwell home; two sons, James Sherman Morton of Blackwell and Joseph Clifford Morton of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Ginger Ann Sanford of Braman and Billie Jo Weaver of Webb City; also a brother, James Joseph High of Concord, Calif., and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Morton's memory to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - George Lawson Jr., former Ponca City resident, died Thursday, March 26, 1998, in San Diego, Calif. He was 65.
George was the older brother of Odis Lawson of Ponca City and Odell Lawson, a former Ponca Citian, now residing in New Orleans, La. He is also survived by his wife, Addie of the home in San Diego; two daughters, three sons, and six grandchildren.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, April 1, in San Diego, Calif., under the direction of Berge-Roberts Mortuary, 607 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.
Monday
Loretta June Hicks - former Ponca City resident, graveside service at 1 p.m. in Spokane (Wash.) Memorial Gardens. Heritage Funeral Home, 508 North Government Way, Spokane, Wash. 99224.
Friday
Rosetta Dwyer Edwards - former Newkirk resident, Newkirk Cemetery at
1:30 p.m. Fairmount Mortuary, Denver.
NEWS BRIEFS
Spring Fling - Church Women United's Spring Fling arts and crafts show Saturday, Unity Gym, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Collectables, crafts antiques, food counter. Benefit for Child Development Center. Free admission.
Practical Parenting - The Family Resource Center, 700 W. Broadway, will present a parenting seminar April 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. entitled "Success in the Classroom." Kenny James, a licensed professional counselor, will present the seminar. For more information call 767-9509 or 767-8000, ext. 247.
Need Prayer? It's Available - Anyone who is facing a personal crisis or is in need of prayer will have a person he or she can call. Tuesday afternoon, March 31, from 5 to 6 p.m. KLVV 88.7 FM will be inviting Pastor Dennis Winters from Tonkawa Bible Church to take phone calls. None of the calls received for the pastor are aired and phone calls are kept strictly confidential. This is simply an opportunity to talk with someone who cares and can counsel. Listen to KLVV 88.7 FM during that time to know when the line is open. For information or to speak with Pastor Winters on Tuesday, call 767-1400.
Accident - At 8:10 a.m. Friday police were notified that a car had hit a parked vehicle at Union Street and Hartford Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 34-year-old man at 9:41 a.m. Friday from the 900 block of North Second Street on a city warrant for no driver's license.
Arrest - At 11:47 a.m. Friday a 39-year-old man was arrested on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Sign Hit - A woman reported at 2:58 p.m. Friday that a vehicle hit a speed limit sign in the 400 block of South Waverly Street and then left the scene. An officer was assigned and a hit-and-run report was taken.
Children Chased - At 3:21 p.m. Friday police were called to First Street and Highland Avenue to speak with a woman regarding her children being chased by a vehicle. A report was taken.
Burglary - A resident in the 600 block of North Palm Street called police at 3:37 p.m. Friday to report that his garage had been broken into and two black powder guns were stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Assault - At 4:02 p.m. Friday a man in the 700 block of South Seventh Street called police to report that his son had been assaulted at the Middle School. An officer was assigned.
Stolen Checks - A man in the 100 block of South Sunset Street called police at 4:04 p.m. Friday to report some stolen checks and a check being passed on a closed account. An officer was assigned and a second degree burglary report was made.
Doing Donuts - At 4:05 p.m. Friday police were advised that a jeep was in a park north of Prospect Avenue on Mead doing "donuts" and tearing up the park. An officer was assigned.
Vehicle Hit - A woman in the 700 block of East Albany Avenue called police at 4:11 p.m. Saturday to report that her vehicle had been hit in the last several days. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Truck Backfire - A resident in the 100 block of East Albany Avenue called police at 6:18 p.m. Friday to report hearing gunshots in the area. Officers found that the noise was merely a pickup truck backfiring.
Stolen Check - At 7:26 p.m. Friday police were called to the Mid-West E-Z Stop, 1100 North Union Street, due to a stolen check being passed. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 8:20 p.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to appear.
House Vandalism - At 8:44 p.m. Friday a resident in the 600 block of South Sixth Street called police to report that he had just chased several juveniles down the street after he found them spray-painting an abandoned house next door. An officer was assigned.
Shower Theft - A woman in the 400 block of West Gray Avenue called police at 9 p.m. Friday to report that a juvenile had come into her home while she has in the shower and taken money out of her purse. An officer was assigned and a report of first degree burglary was taken.
Assault - At 10:15 p.m. Friday a victim of an assault at Fifth Street and Grand Avenue was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center to be treated for injuries received. An assault and battery report was taken.
Assault Arrests - At 12:44 a.m. Saturday two people were arrested, a 46-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man, in the 200 block of North Third Street for domestic assault and battery.
Fireworks - At 1:31 a.m. Saturday police were notified that fireworks were being set off in the 400 block of South Fifth Street. An officer was assigned.
Stolen Vehicle - A man called police at 2:07 a.m. Saturday to report
that his vehicle had been stolen from South Avenue and Waverly Street by
a woman he had given a ride to. An officer was assigned.
LIFESTYLES
Several members of the Ponca City Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, were among those attending the 89th annual State Conference of Oklahoma Society DAR. Representatives of 51 chapters in the state met March 16-18 in Oklahoma City. State Regent Joann Biffle Sterling of Lawton presided during the three-day event at the Marriott Hotel.
Conference participants from Ponca City Chapter were Virginia Mair, Marquetta Brown, Eleanor Coates, June Meade and Jan Prough.
Awards Presented
The conference opened Monday evening with a National Defense Banquet during which two groups that helped with rescue efforts following the bombing of the Murrah Building on April 19, 1995, were recognized. Representatives of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Union 48 and Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma were introduced and presented community service medals. Phyllis Inslee, chairman of the State Dar Community Service Committee, assisted in the presentation of the awards.
Also recognized were Bob Johnson, an Oklahoma City attorney who received the Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism. Johnson is the chairman of the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation. He was recognized for his efforts in making plans for a national memorial at the bombing site a reality. State Regent Sterling, who presented the medal, noted the recipient's many efforts as a volunteer worker.
Other awards during the conference went to Boyd Fallwell of Oklahoma, who produced a Web page on the Internet, which includes information for Oklahoma veterans, and Donny Peter, who received the Mary Desha Medal for Youth for Work at a Veteran Hospital.
Officers Named
Earlier Monday members of the State Executive Board and State Officers Club met. The Tuesday agenda included a breakfast for members of the Chapter Regents Club, the first business meeting, at which a slate of officers for 1998-200 was presented, and a banquet honoring chapter regents. The last day of the conference on Wednesday included a breakfast for members of State Chairmen's Club, followed by a business meeting. Heading the business agenda were election and installation of new officers.
They were: Frances Young, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma State Regent; Mary Jackson Duffee, Edmond, First Vice Regent; Joann Skinner Winters, Oklahoma City, Second Vice Regent; Marilynn Howe Spence, Vinita, Chaplain; Gail Johnson Roberts, Enid, Recording Secretary; Sandra Pate Griffith, Newcastle, Corresponding Secretary; Judi Morrow Hart, Organizing Secretary; Darlene Scott Shawn, Norman, Treasurer; Melrose Scales Trimble, Broken Arrow, Registrar; Ovie Ralstin Holland, Guymon, Historian; Pat Metz Lanphere, Oklahoma City, Librarian; Helen McBroom Schneiter, Capital District Director; Rosa Lee Johnson, Waynoka, Frontier District Director; Pam Myers Bias, Great Plains District Director; Sharron Miller Hughes, Tulsa, Green Country Director; and Wanda Haworth Shelton, Kiamichi Country District Director.
Conference Speakers
Conference speakers included Elizabeth Oglesby Haugh, National Defense Committee Chairman, NSDAR; and "Toni" Renner Barger, Youth Volunteer Committee Chairman, NSDAR. A special conference guest was Ann Draper Quarles, State Regent of Tennessee.
Local Meeting
Sgt. Keith Stevens, the recruiter for the Ponca City Unit of the National Guard spoke to the Ponca City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at their March meeting held at the Cultural Center. He was introduced by Jan Prough, program chairman.
Sgt. Stevens showed a video portraying the organization of the 45th Infantry Brigade, which is part of the top two "Enhanced Brigades" in the nation. There are infantry units in Stillwater, Durant, Chandler, Oklahoma City, McAlester, Bristow, Edmond and Ponca City. There is a support group in Blackwell.
Sgt. Stevens then answered questions. He said that high school juniors could join the program if 17 years-of-age. Students had to get their high school diploma or equivalency. One of the features of the National Guard Program is that a student who signs up for six years may attend college on the G.I. Bill of Rights. There is a tuition fee waiver and the student draws his pay from the guard. He must take 12 hours of credit each semester.
During the business session, Virginia Mair, Regent; made a report on the DAR State Conference. She reported that the chapter had received eight certificates. They received a second place certificate from the State Society for Community Events and Constitution Week Observance; third place for the Press Book and a Literacy Challenge certificate. From the National Society DAR, Mair received a Literacy Challenge certificate and the chapter received a 100 percent participation certificate in the President General's Project.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Phuong Ly, daughter of Bien and Kim Ly, won the title of Miss Asian OU at the Ramada Inn in Norman recently. She won a crown and a $100 scholarship at the University of Oklahoma.
Ly competed in four categories: evening gown, traditional wear, talent and interview. For her talent number, Ly gave a speech about choices and the impact we have on others.
The impromptu question asked was "If you were chosen to become Miss Asian OU, what would your platform be and how would you use it to benefit your community during your reigning year?" Ly responded to the question by saying, "I would encourage others to become active in their community, especially Asian Americans. By voicing our opinions and views, the community as a whole would move forward together."
When asked about how she felt after winning she stated, "I was very happy! I didn't think coming into the pageant that I would win. I felt very proud and I know my parents were proud of me. I think it made everyone happy."
Ly commented that by winning she will help the Ponca City community. "I could help Ponca City by letting people know that Ponca City exists. I could tell them where the town is located at and what businesses are here. During my interview, I told judges about how Ponca City is a tight-knit community. Everyone in this town gets out to support activities. Just look at the Iris Festival and even the Senior Prom Promenade. I told the judges that I wished every community could be like Ponca City."
When asked about the advice she would give to someone entering a pageant she stated, "I would tell them that anything can happen and to never sell yourself short. If you truly try to do your best it doesn't matter if you win or not."
She concluded by stating, "I would like to thank everyone in the community for buying tickets from me. All the support made me thankful for being a Ponca Citian."
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.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The importance of mentoring youth was the theme of First Lady of Oklahoma Cathy Keating's speech at the Bluestem Girl Scout Council's Annual Women's Support Group Luncheon here Wednesday.
The luncheon raised over $3,000 for programming in the Bluestem Girl Scout Council. Mrs. Keating was introduced by Mayor Marilyn Andrews and the welcome was given by Carey Head. Andrews and Head were co-chairman of the event.
Keating said with the breakdown of the family, youths are turning to gangs, and one of the best ways to prevent this is for them to be encouraged to belong to Scouting or other organized youth groups that give them opportunities to emulate role models.
She encouraged the women in attendance to be mentors as role models or friends, saying that this does make a difference in the lives of young people. Mrs. Keating told a story about movie mogul Steven Spielberg, who had been a troubled youth and was finally taken under the wing of a Boy Scout leader. Spielberg credited his success in movie making and life to the influence of his mentoring Scout leader.
Keating told that England's Prime Minister Winston Churchill did not learn to read until he was 12 years old and that a teacher took an interest in him and he became a world leader.
She told the inspiring story of Heather Whitestone, who was deaf, and went on to become Miss America. When an interviewer asked Heather's mother how her daughter even thought of becoming Miss America Heather's mother replied that when Heather was a small child she came home from school and wondered why she was different and why everything was so hard for her? Her mother told her that she was an American and to remember the last four letters of American - I can, and she could do anything she wanted to.
Kim Lynch, executive of the Bluestem Council, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Keating, and presented "An Oklahoma basket" filled with gifts. Each guest received a vase filled with green shredded grass and topped with a bag of green and white, Girl Scout colors, jelly beans.
The Women's Support Group includes women in Ponca City and surrounding communities dedicated to the positive promotion of Girl Scouting in the area. There are two other similar groups with the Bluestem Girl Scout Council, the Bartlesville Women's Support Group and the String of Pearls Society in Parsons, Kan.
In attendance from the Bluestem Council in Bartlesville was Ann Mills, national Girl Scouts of USA board member, who gave the invocation and presented the Girl Scout promise.
Others attending from the Council, which is headquartered in Bartlesville, were Patricia Romines, Council president; Ann Woodin, immediate past council president; Cyndi Weston, membership specialist, and Tiffany Cowan, communications and fund development director.
Members of the Women's Support Group present were Mary Bohannon, Jerry Boyer, Joyce Clegg, Alice Evens, Ruslyn Hermanson, Valoyce Musgrove, Mary Lois Nield, Linda Rennie, Nora Slaughter, Betty Thompson, Norma Casad, Martha Downing, Linda Brown, Karen Furman, Charlotte Lembke, Grace Chism, Claudie Pratt and Mary Beth Subramanian.
Also in attendance were Girl Scouts from Ponca City: Calie Sebor, Christy Hassell, Crystal Bounds and Emily Wiswell.
The tables and podium were decorated with magnolia blossoms and leaves. The event was held Tuesday at E.W.'s Restaurant at the Conference Center on the Marland Estate. Entertainment was provided by "Miss Suzi's" Home School Recorder Ensemble.
The Beanie Baby Brigade Show, sponsored by ProTeens Grand Central Station, will be featuring 20 booths from Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Arkansas at a "Buy, Sell, Swap, Trade" show April 4. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the teen center located on Fifth and Central. Concessions will be available.
Admission cost is $3 for adults and $1 for ages 13-18 and 12 years of age and younger, admission is free. Admission tickets enable participants to be eligible for door prizes. Drawings will take place at 3:30 p.m. and you do not have to be present to win. Proceeds from the show will benefit teen programs provided at the center which is a United Way agency.
Sealed bids will be taken for a Beanie Treasure Chest with the 10 January releases plus a Beanie t-shirt and book. Sealed bids will also be taken for the Princess Di Beanie and throne. The throne arrangement was created by Tammy Beier. Persons wishing to submit sealed bids can bring them to Grand Central Station the week of the show, 3:30-5 p.m.
Special drawings will be conducted for an Easter basket with three pastel-colored Beanie bunnies and other Easter accessories; Beanie tent and Beanie; Princess Beanie; Peace Beanie; Valentine Beanie.
The March 18 luncheon and meeting for Unit III of the Ponca City Mother's Club was held at the home of Joanne Morgan with Janet Smith as co-hostess. There were 22 members present.
Following the luncheon an informative program was presented by Jim Eck, Director of the Ponca City Parks Department. He holds a master's degree in horticulture and he offered suggestions and ideas to members concerning the planting, care and nurturing of home garden and landscaping plants.
Eck also gave an update of the progress of and plans for the city gardens and cultivated areas. He also spoke about the projected waterfall proposal for the Cann Memorial gardens.
The business meeting was called to order by Peggy Lyon and Mary Joan McCann read the minutes. Ann Kennedy gave the treasurer's report.
Gloria Smith, parliamentarian, presented the slate of officers for 1998-99. They are Janet Smith, chairman; Phyllis Kellenberger, vice-chairman; Lynn Williams, secretary; Ann Kennedy, treasurer; Rachel Tidrow, librarian, and Louise Locke, parliamentarian.
The next meeting of Unit III will be on April 17 at "Personalities" located in the Pioneer Technology Center. Co-hostesses will be Joyce Felix and Betty Whetstone.
The University Congregational Church in Wichita, Kan. will be the setting for the June 13 wedding of Anita M. Arellano, daughter of Ms. Eva Florez of Wichita, Kan. and Phillip W. Thomas, son of Darla and Pat Thomas of Ponca City.
The bride-elect is a 1993 graduate of Ponca City High School and plans to graduate in May with a bachelor of science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Oklahoma State University.
Thomas, also a 1993 Po-Hi graduate, plans to graduate in May from OSU with a bachelor of science degree in accounting. He is working toward a Master's degree in accounting at OSU and expects to graduate in December and become affiliated with Coopers and Lybrand, LLP in Tulsa.
The 1998 international convention of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia will be held at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita, Kan., June 17-21. The convention theme is "The 30th Jubilee.". The annual convention has not been held in Kansas for over 15 years, and is expected to bring hundreds of German-Russians to Kansas for cultural and genealogy sessions.
Featured speakers include Elizabetha Yerina, the Director of the Engels Archive in Russia; Dr. Thomas Bird who will update the attendees on the Alzheimer Project; Dr. Wilmer Harms; Dr. Rodney Fink; Dr. Brent Mai; Dr. Larry Metzler; and others. Dr. Harms and Dr. Fink will present sessions on German-Russian history, immigration and agricultural conditions in Russia.
Other scheduled events for the week include a History Symposium, Folklore Symposium, Computer and Genealogy Rooms, Kansas Welcome Night, Village Night, a performance by the Mennonite Men's Choir, special tours around the Wichita area, youth activities, a banquet and dance, and an Ecumenical Service led by Rev. Harvey Hanneman to conclude the convention.
The purpose of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia is to bring together people interested in the history of Germans from Russia, and to preserve the heritage and culture of the Germans from Russia. AHSGR has thousands of members worldwide with chapters in the U.S. and Canada, including six chapters in Kansas. For more information, contact AHSGR, 631 'D' Street, Lincoln, NE 68502, (402) 474-3363, or see their homepage at: www.ahsgr.org
The next Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild meeting will be April 6 at Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand. The business meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. followed by Show-n-Share and the monthly program. Hostesses for the day will be Ruby Ware, Joyce Clegg, Laveta Newland, Yvonne Corderman and Wanda Bollman. The greeter will be Judy Basham. For further hostess information call Oletta Demaree at 580-765-6964.
A drawing for the Spring Blocks of the Month, "Grandmas Cracker Barrel" will be held at the April meeting. There will also be a workshop with Linda Carlson, speaker for the day, from 4-7 p.m. after the meeting. Cost will be $15. For workshop signup contact Joyce Eagan at 580-762-9719.
Tickets can still be obtained at the April meeting for the in- house drawing for the quilt rack donated by Gwen Toews and her husband. The drawing will be at the May Luncheon.
Michiel Landers, Jean Buskirk and Emmi Lockard decorated the window at Dollar Saver for National Quilter's Day. Sara Myers will conduct the next quilt show meeting on April 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Marland Mansion Conference Center. Directions may be obtained at the hotel lobby. All available help will be appreciated. Contact Sara at 580-765-4057
New officers for the 1998-99 term recommendations are: Kathy Paczowski, president; Elaine Hughes, vice president; Ruth Jared, secretary, and Mary Lou Winter, treasurer. The nominating committee included Michiel Landers, chairman; Oletta Demaree, Laurzell Holmes, Rilla Cobb and Betty Thrash.
The library book list may be picked up at the April meeting for a cost of 50 cents. "Copy rite laws" on these books will be printed in the group newsletter.
The guest speaker for the day will be Linda Carlson from Mexico, Mo. She is known for her "Roots, Feathers and Blooms" and "Four Blocks Continued" books. She was recently honored with the exhibition of her 4-block quilt collection at the MAQS Museum in Paducah, Ky.
Stitch-n-Assist project will be making bonnets for the May banquet. For other guild information please contact Cindy Wilson at 580-765-6911 or Linda Burg at 580-765-2532.
Sheila Christian and Michael Wood are planning a 4 p.m. wedding May 23 at Buffalo Head Prairie Historical Park. The announcement of the couple's engagement has been made by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Al Christian of Buffalo, Mo. Wood is the son of Gary and Debbie Woods, 2120 Huntington Place.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Buffalo High School and Central Methodist College where she received a degree in physical education. She is currently employed as a secretary for Miller Seed and Supply in York, Neb.
Wood, a 1994 graduate of Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colo., plans to graduate in May with a degree in accounting from York College in York, Neb. He is a member of Alpha Chi Epsilon fraternity and will be employed in June in the Finance Department at Conoco.
Do you have a friend or loved one in the nursing home? Are you concerned about their care? As I sit in my office not one day goes by that I do not get a complaint or concern about a resident's care said Anna States, director for the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority. The complaint I receive most often is "there is just not enough help".
There may be a way to help the nurse aides and the residents. It is pretty obvious that the ratio of aids to residents may not be enough. The Oklahoma legislature is in session now and they have some bills before them that deal with the nurse aid ratio States said. You may be interested in calling your legislature or writing them to let them know how you feel about the ratio in nursing homes.
The ratio at present times is 1 to 10 residents on the day shift, 1 to 15 residents on the 3 to 11 shift and 1 to 20 residents at night. If you believe that is not enough or if you believe they should raise that ratio you need to let them hear from you.
There are two bills being considered now. They are HB 1230 and SB 463. These bills both lower the ratio of nurse aids to residents. These bills may not be passed, but regardless of the number of bills the ratio does need to be addressed.
If you like to know more about nursing home regulations, communication skills, nursing home resident's rights and legislative issues concerning the elderly there will be a training for Ombudsman Volunteers April 1 and 2 at the RSVP office, 110 North Fourth in Ponca City. The training will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend. This is good training for anyone who has a loved one in a nursing facility or thinks they may ever be there according to States. Ombudsman Volunteers are needed in this area. Nursing home residents need people who can advocate for their rights.
If you are interested in participating in this training opportunity or have questions, please call Anna States at 1-800-749-1149.
The members of the Miriam Class of the First Baptist church met recently in the Williamsburg Parlor for the regular monthly meeting. The meeting was opened with prayer by Fran Smith, Outreach Leader, remembering those who are sick, the absentees and church staff.
Fay Johnson, teacher, read a prayer sent in by a former member, Dellie Tapp from Fort Smith, Ark. An enjoyable time was spent looking at pictures of class members over the past years. Refreshments were served by hostesses: Bea Perry and Jane Shafers. The next meeting will be April 2nd in the Williamsburg Parlor. All members are urged to attend and bring a guest.
NORMAN - Everyone who cares for children - from parents and teachers to physicians and school nurses - has heard of Attention Deficit Disorder. The Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma is presenting a two-day conference April 7 and 8 to help people understand what ADD really is, and how to cope with it.
The conference will feature national expert and author Thomas W. Phelan. He will discuss his "1-2-3 Magic" behavioral management technique, as well as how to identify and treat ADD.
The conference also will feature sessions on ADD in adolescents and adults, along with discussions of common problems in parent-child relationships and the effects ADD can have on those around people with ADD.
For those who don't want to attend the full conference but who would like tips on discipline, a special evening course called "l-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12" will be held Tuesday from 7 to 9. The course costs $5.
Phelan is a registered clinical psychologist. He maintains a private practice in Illinois.
For more information on Attention Deficit Disorder Conference, including costs and information on college credit and lodging, contact Darlene Long at (405) 325-1964 or e-mail dlong@occe.ou.edu. Those who register before March 31 will receive a discount.
TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. Ann McCool gave the devotional entitled "Life's Like a Journey". Chera Brewer led the TOPS Pledge and Delpha Clemens led the KOPS Kreed.
Ann McCool called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. There was a tie for best loser between Donna McCoy and Robinell Oldham. Ruth Garroutte won the "Ha-Ha" pot. Winners of the St. Patrick's Day contest were: Betty Flower, Robinell and Robert Oldham, Audrey Garroutte and Ruth Garroutte.
Loretta Riley gave the program entitled, "How Old Are You?" taken from the book "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind" by Deepak Chopra. A new contest was announced by Joan Hendrickson.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. It neither sells nor endorses products. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss.
Brief programs are presented each week and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 and meetings are at 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5443.
The Reunion Committee for the Ponca City High School class of 1948 will meet April 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the programming room at the Ponca City Library.
Plans are well underway for the 50th reunion of the group to be held Sept. 25-27. All members who would like to help with the reunion are urged to attend the stated meeting. For more information contact Barbara Radd, 765-5929.
Members of the committee are asking for help in locating the following "lost" classmates: William "Bill" Buckner, Mary Clevenger Meek, Ruby Croft Desmond, Carol Gene Garrett, Louise Gilley Thompson, Harold Hester, Ramona Kelton, John Lancaster, Morita Rogers Olsen, Charles Russell, Julia Snider, Douglas Stull, Joan VonMerveldt, Patsy Waybright, Joann Webster, Doris Wildey and Lois Williams.
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. This week's schedule is:
Sunday, March 29: 6:30 p.m., Discussion group meets at First Presbyterian Church. Snacktime is 8 p.m.
Monday, March 30: 6 p.m., Eat out at Perkins Restaurant.
Wednesday, April 1: 6 p.m. Eat out at Dugan's Barbecue
Friday, April 3: 7 p.m., Card party at Betty's. Bring snacks and call 762-9776.
Saturday, April 4: 9 a.m., Pancake and Sausage Feed at American Legion.
Justice Alma Wilson, 1985 recipient of the Pioneer Woman Award, will be the featured speaker at the Women's Day banquet of the American Association of University Women. The event will be held April 2 at the Ponca City Country Club at 6 p.m. More information may be obtained by calling Barbara Miller, 765-6697.
Wilson is a native Oklahoman and graduated from Pauls Valley High School. She attended The Principia, Elsah, Ill., Oklahoma City University, and University of Oklahoma for her undergraduate degree, and received her law degree from the University of Oklahoma.
Wilson started her legal career as a law clerk. As an attorney at law she was associated with several law firms in Oklahoma City. She served as Municipal Judge in Pauls Valley and Special District Judge of the counties of Garvin and McClain.
In 1975 she was named District Judge of Cleveland County where she served as Chief Judge, Special Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma, was on the Court of Tax Review and vice president of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference. In 1982 Wilson was selected as Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma and served as the presiding judge of the Appellate Division of the Court on the Judiciary. She then served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.
Included among her many honors are Oklahoma Hall of Fame Award from the Oklahoma Heritage Association, twice Appellate Judge of the Year by the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association, and Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame Award by the Governor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women.
A few of her many organization memberships are the Oklahoma Bar Association, Governor's Commission on the Status of Women, and many groups associated with the University of Oklahoma.
Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter met March 24 in the home of Sandy Hudack. Co-hostesses for the meeting were Geri Nesbit and Fran Mathews.
Preceding the meeting Christy Dulick-Williams, director of the Domestic Violence Shelter, accepted contributions of paper goods and personal items given by members of the alumnae chapter. Mrs. Dulick-Williams answered questions from members about the shelter. Domestic Violence program is the National Altruism of Alpha Chi Omega.
The program was given by Doris Stanley and Virginia Bracken. Mrs. Bracken gave a book review of "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen. Mrs. Stanley gave highlights of Rembrandt's life, and the painting The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt was discussed.
The business meeting was conducted by Julie Lawrence, president. Officer reports were given by Geri Nesbit, secretary; Teri Nelson, treasurer; Pauletta Beaty, vice-president, and Sandy Hudack, Panhellenic representative and Province Alumnae chairman. Melinda Glasgow gave a report from the House Corporation Board at Gamma Epsilon Chapter in Stillwater. Valorie Buss reported on legacy weekend and the alumnae luncheon at Psi Chapter in Norman.
Mrs. Lawrence read a survey sent to the chapter from National Headquarters and the members gave input on filling out the questionnaire. The information concerned the alumnae award process. She reported that all Single Achievement Award Nominations have been sent to National.
Sandy Hudack reported on the Service Project. Easter baskets will be given to the children at the Domestic Violence Shelter and members were asked to bring donations for the baskets to Mrs. Hudack by April 6. The Service Project committee, comprised of Mrs. Hudack, Mrs. Lawrence and Terry Muchmore, will put the baskets together and deliver them April 9.
Election of officers for 1998-2000 was held. The new officers will be installed at the April meeting. They are Valorie Buss, president; Pauletta Beaty, vice president; Tammie Barham, secretary; and Teri Nelson, treasurer. Sandy Hudack was appointed Panhellenic Representative for 1998-99.
Mrs. Lawrence gave information concerning the 50th National Convention to be held June 19-22 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Va. The theme for the convention is "Charting the Course". Incoming President Valorie Buss will be the chapter delegate. The next meeting will be a Spring Salad Supper on April 28 at the home of Verna McKenzie in Braman.
Tuesday Book club
The Tuesday Book Club met at the home of Helen Bozarth on March 17. Lorraine Shiflet was the reviewer for "Tara's Angels" written by Kirk Moore. The true story about the Moore family serves as a "testimony to the human spirit" and as an inspiration to us all as we navigate the 10,000 joys and sorrows of life" said the reviewer. Ms. Shiflet said she believed "everyone has an angel at sometime in their life" and went on to share the family story of the Moores and their experiences.
Chapter EL of PEO will meet Wednesday at noon for dessert. Joan Dick will be hostess, assisted by Bobby Allred and Ardyth Buttram. Mona Phipps will present the program "Nutrition - To Our Health."
The 1998 winners of the Ponca City Federated Music Club scholarships and the Junior Music Festival Play-Off Winners will present the program when the club meets April 3 at the Cultural Center. Dessert and coffee will be served at 1 p.m.
The program will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the business meeting following the program. The public is invited to attend the program. Hostesses for the April meeting are Lois Rence, chairperson; Vincie Paisley, Kay Sahai, Elizabeth Sandy, Jackie Skidmore, Kathryn Smith, Vicki Stokke, and Marieta Stoops.
Winner of the Ponca City Federated Music Club and Ruth N. Minor Memorial Scholarship for a keyboard or vocal student, a $500 award, is Robert Maril. Winner of the Mary Crowder Hess Memorial Scholarship for an instrumental performer, also a $500 award, is Lance Johnson, and receiving the Martha Larsen Memorial Scholarship, an award of $100, is Sara Day.
The 1998 Junior Music Festival Play-Off Winners are:
Vocal Solo: Art Song - primary, LeAnna Mai; elementary, Audrey Eubank; junior, Kara Hardy; senior, Yona Wade; and musically advanced, Kevin Goldman.
Vocal Solo: Musical Theater - primary, Melissa Bacher; elementary, Daniel Quinn; junior, Robin Maril; senior, Yona Wade; and musically advanced, Robert Maril.
Vocal Solo: American Patriotic/Folk Song - senior division, Yona Wade.
Vocal Ensemble - lower elementary, Miss Suzi's Primary Ensemble; middle school, Miss Suzi's Older Home School Ensemble; and high school, Cathy Byard's Home School Girls Ensemble.
Piano Solo: lower primary, Melody Cooper; upper primary, Lauren Degan; junior, Kent Dennis; and senior, Nicolas Burton.
Flute Solo: Kati Salmons.
Recorder Solo: Ashlee Logan.
Recorder Quartet: Bethany and Sarah Bowen, April Harden, and Elisa Massey.
Teachers of the Festival Play-Off Winners are Cathy Byard, Suzi Lenhart, and Leslie Rardin - voice; Jenarold Jones, Suzi Lenhart, Katy Tucker, and Kathy Wimberley - piano; Jonathan Keeble - flute; and Suzi Lenhart - recorder.
Five Junior Music Festival Play-off Winners from Ponca City have been chosen to represent Oklahoma at the National Federation of Music Clubs Centennial Celebration. As part of this celebration, a Youth Day solo performance competition will be held Aug. 15 in Arlington Heights, Ill. Students from Ponca City selected for this event are: Kent Dennis, Junior Piano; Nicolas Burton, Senior Piano; Kati Salmons, Senior Instrumental; Kevin Goldman and Yona Wade, Senior Voice.
One Ponca City student is a state winner in the Junior Composer Contest sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs. Chelsey Hill took second place in Class III (ages 13-16) with her composition entitled "Love's End." Her teacher is Suzi Lenhart.
The Conestoga Campers had their March dinner-meeting at the Golden Corral with Ray Baltrop offering prayer before dinner. There were 30 members and four guests in attendance. Jim and Karen Lee were Ray and Carol Baltrop's guests. Alex and Thomas Hawley, grandsons of Joe and Joanna Purvis, also attended.
The meeting was opened by Rick Cross, president. He also stated that his wife, Paulette, was not there because she was helping care for their newlyborn grandson, Bradyn Pressnall.
The minutes and treasurer's report were read by Secretary-Treasurer Ray Baltrop. A report was given by Bennie Westerman, club representative, pertaining to the planning meeting of the 5-State Regional being hosted by Oklahoma Family Campers & RVer's June 9-13, l999 at the Shawnee Expo Center. Mrs. Westerman also read a story "Mr. and Mrs. Potato and Little Yam".
The March 27-29 campout has been changed from Sarge Creek to Osage Cove Area B. Next meeting will be at Golden Corral at 6 p.m. April 6. The April 17-19 campout will be at Coon Creek.
A drawing was held for a $30 gift certificate from Deans RV with Pete and Ina Smith as winners and a $25 gift certificate from Kinder Campers which was won by Lue and Joel Davis. Winners for the three dinners at Golden Corral were Bill and Phyllis Treadwell and other winners were Herb and Sherry Cable and John and Vicki Rogers.
Ponca City Court 30, Order of the Amaranth, will hold their annual installation Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand. Retiring Royal Matron and Royal Patron are Mary Lou and Glen Craft.
Evelyn Pederson will be installed as Royal Matron and Gilbert A. Mackey as Royal Patron.
Also to be installed are Mary Lou Craft, associate matron; Glen Craft, associate patron; Elsie Goosey, secretary; Irene Davis, treasurer; Velda Messenger, conductress; Jimmie Smith, associate conductress; Orrin Pederson, prelate; Emma Nash, marshal in east; Virginia Green, marshal in west; Charlotte Hall, standard bearer; Pattiann Lucas, faith; Sherry Davis, wisdom and Marion Messenger, warden.
Installing officer will be Marion Messenger. Installing marshal will be Virginia Bowman, past grand matron, and installing marshal's aide will be Henry Bowman, past grand patron. Crowning matron will be Melba Bleigh, associate grand matron.
The installation will be open and a reception will follow the ceremony.
Nick and Mandy Morris, 1605 Bradbary Lane, announce the birth of a daughter at 5:15 p.m. March 18, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 5-pounds, 10-ounces and was 19-inches long. She has been named Niki Jane Morris. She has a sister, Lexi, 4-years-old.
Maternal grandparents are Ramona Sheldon of Ponca City and Nick and Sonia Sheldon of Lamont. Paternal grandparents are Ed and Lucinda Morris of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Eula Rheam of Ponca City and Billie Ward of Newkirk.
Announcing the birth of their first child are Rob and Bobbie Niestockel of Arlington, Texas. Zachary Edward Niestockel was born at 10:11 p.m. Jan. 27, 1998 at Arlington Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6-pounds, 14-ounces and measured 20 1/8-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Darwin Nelsen of Ponca City and Gidget Nelsen of Garland, Texas. Paternal grandparents are Jeff and Gail Niestockel of San Diego, Calif. and Jim and Sandy Price of Jackson, Mich.
Paternal great-grandparents are Ed and Fern Niestockel and Alice Hoover, all of Akron, Ohio. Maternal great-grandparents are Richard Nelsen of Lake Benton, Minn. and William Reed Sr. of Rockland, Me.
Rodney and Kamille Greenhagen of Ponca City announce the birth of a daughter at 6:56 p.m. March 25, 1998 at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. Hannah Elizabeth Greenhagen weighed 7-pounds, 14-ounces and was 20-inches long.
Grandparents are Jimmy and Paula Greenhagen, Allen and Vicki Hardesty, Diana and David Mills, all of Ponca City.
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 30: Pepper steak with gravy; buttered carrots; cooked cabbage; muffin with butter; peanut butter cookie.
Tuesday, March 31: Chicken patty; mashed potatoes with gravy; whole wheat roll; tomato relish; sliced peaches.
Wednesday, April 1: Italian meatloaf; potatoes Romanoff; buttered spinach; roll with butter; cherry fruit gelatin.
Thursday, April 2: Submarine sandwich; pea salad; onion, pickle, lettuce and tomato; hamburger buns; easy chocolate cake.
Friday, April 3: ham; scalloped potatoes; buttered carrots; roll; coconut cream pie.
The First Baptist Church was the setting for the recent wedding of Ginny Rebecca Sherrard and John Joseph Mashburn. The double ring vo