From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, March
31, 1998
LOCAL
Nearly News
Oklahoma Artists Are Featured At NOC Redbud Jazz Festival
Absentee Ballots For Mayor Election Deadline April 1
Garfield Academy Open To Students Interested in Art
DEATHS
Alfredo C. Handy
R.E. Van Buskirk
Bernadette Rosia Smith
Carolyne Ann Metzer
Jessie B. Humes
Nancy Sullivan
Funerals
Zelma Earlene Nelson
George Lawson Jr.
Lulu Mary Potter
Lottie Mae Appel
Rosetta Dwyer Edwards
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Helen Janda Hosts Birthday Luncheon For Kildare FCE Club
Michelle Roberts Contest Winner
Xi Zeta Lambda Elects Officers
BUSINESS
Chamber Board Hears Reports On Current Agenda of Activities
City Sales Tax Returns Up For December
Notes & Quotes
New Schedule For REI Officer
New Big Lots Store Opens Wednesday
SPORTS
Lady Cougars Net 2nd Place At Woodward
Sports Notes
Broadway Avenue, between Union Street and First Street, will be closed April 1 as crews replace an electrical pole. According to Electric Distribution Superintendent Donnie Romine, the work will begin at 8 a.m. and should be completed by early afternoon, weather permitting.
TONKAWA - The golden tone voice of Andrea Baker and the brilliant work of saxophone virtuoso Steve Wilkerson, formerly with the Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra, will be featured at the Redbud Jazz Festival Concert Saturday in the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center.
The husband and wife duo have teamed to record the album "Class Jazz", released in Los Angeles, and Wilkerson has recorded a number of jazz records on the Tulsa Skyline label. The couple will be featured on a Kenton Jazz Cruise to Australia.
Baker, born in Fayetteville, Ark., was schooled in Muskogee and in Tulsa with side trips to Texas and New York. She began singing jazz with the Muskogee junior and senior high jazz band under the direction of educator Jack Romine and continued at Northeastern Oklahoma State University, Tahlequah. She quickly began professional work in Tulsa with band leader Don Linde.
Singing her way to the title of Miss Northeastern, Baker captured the talent award at the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant, using her winnings to continue her education at the University of Tulsa. About this time she was the vocalist with the Ken Downing Jazz Orchestra, then the premiere jazz band in the eastern half of Oklahoma.
Baker went on to sing with Stan Kenton and led her own groups in Tulsa. After her marriage to Wilkerson, she began teaching as well as performing at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami, and following relocation in California, at Mt. San Antonio College and California State University in Pomona. She also sang with Ray Anthony, Billy May, Jack Sheldon and Ross Tompkins of "The Tonight Show".
Wilkerson, a woodwind player, was born in Iola, Kan., but soon moved to Bartlesville where he participated in the school band program, citing Jules Bourguien as an important early influence. His real music education began at the tender age of 11 when he began performing throughout northeastern Oklahoma with his bandleader father Whitney Wilkerson. This early exposure to jazz would mark him for the rest of his life.
After college Wilkerson was selected by the famous Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra to play lead alto and was again featured as a soloist.
Tiring of life on the road, he moved to Los Angeles where he played with Bill Holman, Shelley Mann (recording Jazz Crystalizations), Bob Hope, Mitzi Gaynor, Jack Sheldon, Benny Goodman, Blue Mitchell and Kai Winding, all household names to jazz fans.
Returning to Oklahoma to be near his family and to try his hand at teaching, Wilkerson taught for five years at NEO while burning up regional night spots such as Shangri La Lodge, the Wichita Jazz Festival and the Texas Jazz Festival at Corpus Christie. After a summer teaching stint in the Interlochen Music Camp, he returned to Los Angeles where, in addition to studio performance work with the Jack Sheldon Orchestra, The Frank Capp Juggernaut Jazz Band, Ray Wiegand and Mike Vax, he headed the jazz studies department at nearby Mt. San Antonio Community College.
The Redbud Jazz Festival Concert is set from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased in advance from the Northern Office of Financial Affairs, (580) 628-5231.
Applications to receive an absentee ballot by mail for the April 7 mayoral race must be received in the Kay County Election Board Office by 5 p.m. April 1 in order to be processed. Applications may be made in person as well as by mail or fax.
In order to vote absentee a person must be a registered voter residing in the city limits.
To vote absentee in person, voters need simply to go to the Election Board located in the basement of the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 2, 3 and 6.
In person absentee voters will be required to fill out an application form and swear they have not absentee voted by mail and will not vote on election day.
According to Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford, 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.
For more information call the election board office at (580) 362-2130.
Garfield Academy is open to any first through fifth grade student in the Ponca City area. Entry is based on special interest in the arts, but not on special abilities. The school also has the only continuous progress primary class in Ponca City.
An extended day program will offer students additional opportunities in the area of the arts. Citizens are cordially invited to learn more about Garfield Academy at one of the informational meetings.
- March 31 at 7 p.m. at the art room at Garfield Academy.
- April 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the Conoco Concourse Auditorium.
- April 14 at noon at the public library.
- April 23 at 7 p.m. at Woodlands Christian Church.
Applications may be obtained at any Ponca City Elementary School, at
the Administration Office or can be mailed by making a request to the District
Office by calling 767-8000.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Alfredo C. Handy, longtime Blackwell resident, died Sunday, March 29, 1998, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 79.
An evening prayer service will be held at 7 p.m., today, at the Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel in Blackwell. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Blackwell, with Fr. Joseph Burger officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery. Members of the Blackwell VFW, DAV and American Legion Posts will conduct the Flag Ceremony at graveside.
Alfredo C. Handy was born Aug. 17, 1918, at Donna, Texas, the son of George and Elena (Cantu) Handy. He grew up and received his education in Texas. From 1937 to 1940 he worked at a CCC Camp in Texas.
Handy was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army from 1941 until his honorable discharge on June 13, 1945. He was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and received three bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, and the American Defense Service Medal. He served in the Military Police and was a guard at the Tonkawa Prisoner of War Camp at the end of the war.
He was married to Hazel Cooper in San Antonio, Texas in 1944. On May 20, 1967, the couple reaffirmed their vows at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Blackwell. Handy was employed for several years at the Blackwell Zinc Smelter, retiring in 1969. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a lifetime member of the Blackwell VFW post.
Survivors include his wife, Hazel, of the home; one daughter, Helen Briggs of Blackwell; one son, George Handy of League City, Texas; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, George, Robert, Ralph, Fred Sr. and Alex; and one sister, Belia.
Casket bearers will be Rick Cooper, Rick Alexander, Bob McKinnis, Bob Coffey, Ernest Handy, and Alex Handy.
MORRISON - R.E. Van Buskirk, longtime Morrison educator, died Monday, March 30, 1998, at Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater. He was 88.
The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Friday, at the Morrison Christian Church with the Rev. Michael Stein officiating. Burial will be in the Morrison Cemetery under the direction of Brown Funeral Home, Perry.
R.E. Van Buskirk was born Aug. 14, 1909, on a farm near Avard, to Charles and Cora (Mikels) Van Buskirk. He attended schools at Avard and Alva and received further education at Oklahoma A&M, Northwestern State Teachers College and the University of Colorado, where he earned his master's degree in history.
He was married to Viola M. Egan on Aug. 2, 1930. Van Buskirk was a teacher, coach and school superintendent. He had received several awards and recognition, including one for 30 years of adult 4-H leadership; an honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Morrison FFA; and special recognition for his 50 years of teaching by Gov. George Nigh. He was a member of the Morrison Christian Church, where he had served as church song leader, deacon, elder and chairman of education. He was also a member of the board of Tri-County OEO and Board of IMV Technology School, a charter member of the Morrison Lion's Club, and past chairman of the Noble County Democratic Party.
Survivors include his wife Viola, of the home; four daughters, Lois Jean Hellstern of Fort Worth, Texas, Sue Criner of Phoenix, Ariz., Darlene Ponder of Garland, Texas and Cheryl Kerr of Morrison; one son, Jerry Van Buskirk of Ponca City; one sister, Lorlorene Broiles of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one brother, Carroll Van Buskirk of Wichita, Kan.; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Van Buskirk's name to the Morrison Christian Church, c/o Brown Funeral Home, 1010 Seventh Street, Perry, OK 73077.
Bernadette Rosia Bard Smith was found dead Sunday, March 22, 1998, south of Ponca City. She was 26.
A prayer service will be held this evening, at 7 p.m. at the Levi Iron home, south of Ponca City. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday morning, at the Ponca Indian Cemetery, with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating. Burial is under direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born March 22, 1972, in Claremore, she is the daughter of Randolph Bard and Loretta Iron Mirabal. She attended St. Mary's School in Ponca City, Taos, N.M., schools, and Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. She had worked as a police dispatcher in the Acoma/Laguna, N.M., area. When she returned to Ponca City she had worked at the Overhead Door Company, Triple T, and Hastings Books and Video. She enjoyed attending Powwows and other Indian cultural events.
Survivors include her husband, Andrew Smith, of North Carolina; one daughter, Jasmine M. Smith and a son, Tecumsha Ironvoice Smith, both of Taos, N.M.; her father, Randolph Bard of Winterhaven, Calif., her mother and step-father, George and Loretta I. Mirabal of Taos, N.M.; two brothers, Dermon A. Bard and Julio R. Mirabal, both of Taos, N.M.; one sister, Tonita M. Mirabal of Ponca City; maternal grandparents, Levi and Sylvia Iron of Ponca City, her paternal grandmother, Bernice Bard of Winterhaven, Calif.; and a goddaughter.
Casket bearers will be Jake Roughface, George Mirabal, Joe Mirabal, Rudy Brown, Jerry Platte, and Jarrod Brown.
BLACKWELL - Carolyne Ann Metzer, longtime Blackwell resident, died Monday morning, March 30, 1998, at the McAfee Living Center in Blackwell. She was 89.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, at the Blackwell First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Geoffrey Pfaff officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Carolyne Ann (Doerke) Metzer was born May 29, 1908, in Roosevelt, the daughter of Albert and Ethel Ann Doerke. As a small child she moved with her parents to Blackwell, where she grew up and attended schools. After graduation from high school in 1926, she began playing the piano at the Bays Theater during the silent movie era.
She was married to Howard William Metzer, Sept. 20, 1930, in Newkirk and the couple established their home in Blackwell. She moved to the McAfee Living Center in 1996. Mrs. Metzer was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Gloria Madderra of Boerne, Texas; one son, Bill Metzer of Edmond; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on June 22, 1988; her parents; one sister, Elizabeth Brock; and four brothers, Herbert, Albert, Jasper, and Wesley Doerke.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Metzer's name to the First Presbyterian Church, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Jessie B. Humes, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday evening, March 28, 1998, at the Newkirk Nursing Home. She was 100.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home until noon, Wednesday.
Jessie (Logan) Humes was born Nov. 30, 1897, in Auburn, Ky., the daughter of Wylie and Lassie (Moore) Logan. She grew up in Auburn and attended school there.
On Jan. 5, 1920, she was married to Paul G. Humes in Auburn, Ky., and the couple made their home in Ponca City for 63 years until his death in 1983. Mrs. Humes continued to live in Ponca City until entering the Newkirk Nursing Home in 1990. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School there for many years. Mrs. Humes was a homemaker and enjoyed growing prize-winning orchids.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, William Paul and an infant.
ROLAND - Nancy Luellen (Debord) Sullivan, mother of Thelma Nulle of Tonkawa, died Monday, March 16, 1998, in McCurtain. She was 58.
The funeral was held graveside at Liberty Cemetery, northwest of Roland on March 20. Arrangements were under the direction of Agent Funeral Home, Sallisaw.
Nancy Luellen (Debord) Branscum Sullivan was born Feb. 4, 1940, in Ardmore, the daughter of Fred Lee and Frankie Marie (Dowd) Debord.
She was married to Joe Henry Branscum on Aug. 26, 1955, in Ardmore, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 24, 1988. She was a homemaker and attended a Holiness Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Debra Sides of Spiro, Barbara Gregory of Alpaugh, Calif., and Thelma Nulle of Tonkawa; two sons, Clifford Branscum of Fredonia, Kan., and Doyle Branscum of Denver, Colo.; three sisters, Betty Powell of Bryson, Texas, Louise Millard of DeQueen, Ark., and Faye Sewell of Oklahoma City; one brother David Simpson of Elmore City; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Wednesday
Zelma Earlene Nelson - Funeral to be at 9:30 a.m. at the Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home Southeast Chapel in Del City. Graveside rites and burial will be at 2 p.m. in the Longwood Cemetery east of Ponca City.
George Lawson Jr. - Funeral to be in San Diego, Calif., under the direction of Berge-Roberts Mortuary, 607 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.
Thursday
Lulu Mary Potter - Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church chapel in Ponca City. Burial will follow in Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Other arrangements will be announced later.
Lottie Mae Appel - Funeral to be 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Oddfellows Cemetery. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.
Friday
Rosetta Dwyer Edwards - Graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Newkirk
Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Fairmount Mortuary, Denver.
Colo.
NEWS BRIEFS
Pistol Shoot - The Ponca City Rifle and Pistol Club is hosting a demonstration for the U.S. Practical Shooting Association. The demonstration will highlight information on requirements and equipment pertaining to practical shooting. The demonstration will be held Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at the VFW range. For more information call Scott or Judy Graves (580) 268-3803.
Garden Council - Members of the Ponca City Garden Club Council will meet Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Cann Center. Carol Goldsberry will give the program "Hosts - The New Thing."
Historic Train Trip - The Hugo Heritage Railroad will be departing the Frisco Depot Museum at 8 a.m. Saturday for Idabel. In addition to the historical train ride, enjoy the white dogwood trees along the old Frisco rails and the shopping, dining and entertainment of Idabel. For more information, call 1-888-773-3768.
Compressor Theft - At 8:47 a.m. Monday a man in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue called police to report a stolen compressor. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Hit and Run - At 10:05 a.m. Monday a woman reported to police that her vehicle had been hit in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street. A hit-and-run report was taken.
Bogus Checks - An officer was called to Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue at 10:21 a.m. Monday, due to bogus checks. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 22 year-old man was arrested at 12:06 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Injury Accident - An ambulance responded to an injury accident at 12:22 p.m. Monday at Cleveland Avenue and North Union Street. However no one was taken to the hospital.
Minor Accident - At 12:22 p.m. Monday a minor accident was reported in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue. A report was taken.
Kitchen Fire - Fire units responded to a kitchen fire at 1:24 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of West Chestnut Avenue. The fire was extinguished.
Window Broken - At 2:28 p.m. Monday a woman in the 100 block of Glenside Avenue called police to report that the window of her vehicle had been broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - At 3:55 p.m. Monday a woman called police to report the theft of her son's "black-outs" off a vehicle at East Liberty Avenue and North Fifth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 59-year-old man at 4:12 p.m. Monday from the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street for petit larceny.
Arrest - A 25-year-old woman was arrested at 4:44 p.m. Monday from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street for possession of marijuana.
Ring Theft - At 4:45 p.m. Monday a woman in the 300 block of Warwick Road called police to report the theft of two rings from her home. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 6:56 p.m. Monday from the 800 block of North Palm Street for domestic assault and battery.
Fraud - At 7:05 p.m. Monday police were notified that credit cards reported stolen in Arkansas City were being used at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Minor Accident - An accident was reported at 7:15 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of East Hartford Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 2:28 a.m. Tuesday from Pine Street and West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrest - An 18-year-old man was arrested at 3:40 a.m. Tuesday from the 1500 block of West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for destruction of private property.
Dress Rehearsal Set - The Senior High Cheerleading dress rehearsal
will be this evening (Tuesday) at 5:30 p.m. at Robson Fieldhouse. Admission
is $1.
LIFESTYLES
Helen Janda was the hostess when the Kildare FCE met March 25 for a birthday luncheon and meeting. Melba Irwin baked a birthday cake for those celebrating in the last three months: Barbara Hunget, Helen Janda and Marie Ewy.
The devotion was entitled "I Trust in Thy Word" and members gathered around the piano and sang "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover." Nine members answered the roll call question "Do You Have Flowers Blooming in Your Yard?"
Workshop reports were given by Moni Neville, Helen Janda, Melba Irwin and Marie Ewy, who attended the recent Northwest District FCE meeting at Red Rock. Melba Irwin gave a report on the Kildare Rural Water District 3 banquet meal served by Kildare FCE members and Kildare 4-H members March 14 at the Kildare School. There were 105 people served.
The group was informed that a 50-year certificate would be presented at the state FCE meeting in July in Stillwater. Mary Buesing gave a clothing report for the style show scheduled in May and Karen Overman spoke about the April food show. Helen Janda said 20 Tooth Fairy pillows had been made by FCE members and were given, along with toothbrushes and toothpaste, to Kindergarten students at the Kildare and Peckham schools.
A previous lesson given on "Uses of Ashes and Vinegar" by Moni Neville was reviewed. The next meeting of the group will be April 8 with Elsie Johnson as hostess. Karen Overman will give the lesson on "Family Legal Discussion."
Michelle Roberts was the winner of the Area Toastmasters Speech Contest March 27 in Bartlesville. She represented the Pioneer Toastmasters Club from Ponca City. All participants in the area contest were winners of their club contests. Roberts now moves on to compete at division level.
A computer analyst with Conoco, Roberts has been a member of Pioneer Toastmasters since October, 1996. Her winning speech was titled "So You Don't Think You Can Juggle?"
The division speech contest will be conducted April 11 in Tulsa and the public is invited to attend. Division L represents 15 clubs in the North-Central region of Oklahoma. Winner of the Division contest will participate in the statewide conference on May 15.
The Pioneer Toastmasters Club is one of 75 such groups in Oklahoma. The club meets on Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Conoco complex. All meeting are open to the public. For more information contact Stan Larrison, president, at 767-5459.
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met March 16 in the home of Melva Keen. Vice-president Judy Watt conducted the meeting with 15 members present. Prior to the meeting the Executive Board met.
Recording Secretary Lila Logan called roll and read the minutes and Francie James gave the financial report. Phyllis Pledger presented the city council report. Members were reminded of the Founder's Day Banquet to be held April 21 at the Marland Mansion. Xi Zeta Lambda chapter is responsible for name tags and the guest book. Ms. Logan gave the executive board report.
Cassandra Kifiak gave the social report and announced the next social will be April 4 in the home of Bob and Phyllis Pledger. A Mexican covered dish dinner followed by games is planned.
Tobie Neal reminded the historian committee of the meetings scheduled for each Monday and every other Thursday for work on the scrapbook.
Service projects was reported on by Judy Mallory. The Easter Baskets for Meals on Wheels are completed she said. Judy Watt reported that pledge training for Jill Sims and Carmelita Childers was progressing on schedule.
Officers for the 1998-99 year were elected as follows: Dottie Johnstone, president; Cassandra Kifiak, vice president; Tobie Neal, Recording secretary; Jill Sims, Corresponding secretary; Judy Mallory, treasurer; Andra Kasselman, City Council representative; Francie James, Council alternate. The chapter also selected the "Girl of the Year" to be announced at the banquet in April.
Lila Logan provided the traveling basket that was won by Jill Sims. Following the meeting Jackie Hall presented a program on "Ballads and Other Stories."
The next regular meeting will be April 2 in the home of Carmelita Childers.
Judy Watt will be in charge of the program.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at the Friday Board meeting learned about Thursday's mayoral candidate forum at Pioneer Technology Center. The Chamber and Leadership Ponca City are sponsoring the event. Keni Ray will be the moderator.
Questions for the forum, which will be held 6:30-8 p.m., should be mailed, hand-delivered to the Chamber or e-mailed to lcoy@ponca.net by 5 p.m. Wednesday. For more information call Lisa Coy, Chamber vice president, or Chamber President Jan Jarrett.
There was no official action taken at the board meeting as a quorum was not present, however reports were made.
Chamber Chairman Scott Dean announced that the date for the kickoff luncheon for the membership drive has been changed due to the Oil Boom day on May 16. The luncheon will be April 20 at Grand Central Station. The drive will be May 4-7. He also told about the success of the Paul Revere Committee's lobbying effort for Legislative funding for the TIP program.
Dean also announced there will be some type of ribbon cutting for opening Fifth Street. Ed Trice, J.C. Penney manager has been transferred to Austin, Texas, and this leaves a vacancy on the board.
Connie McAbee, chairman of the Presidents Club, announced there was to be a luncheon of that group at noon today. She said there will a ribbon cutting at Curves this week. She also told about the opening ceremony of the Wall That Heals at 10 a.m., April 16. This is the Vietnam Wall replica that will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
During the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) report by Jarrett, Mayor Marilyn Andrews said she was recommending that George Ferguson, L.J. Chaufty and Karen Furman be reappointed to the board.
Reporting for EDAB, Jarrett said that the budget will be turned over to the city soon. He also reported about a proposed labor survey, possibilities of forming a venture capital group and also consideration about construction of a spec building.
Jarrett, reporting for government affairs, said that the format of the legislative forums will be changed with preselected questions and timed responses. He also told about the possibility of using the Reid Program, which is a way to computer track how legislators vote..
Reporting for the infrastructure committee, Jarrett said six or seven projects are being tracked and he had drawn U.S. 177 South. He said this will not be easy, but he is working with Sen. Don Nickles' office; Neal McCaleb, transportation secretary for Oklahoma, and the BIA to secure the right-of-way needed. At this point Jarrett said he was not encouraged.
The Chamber executive was to attend the I-35 Corridor in Oklahoma City on Monday to testify for the upgrading of the Interstate.
Craig Myers reported for the education and health committees. He said the schools need more partners for the Slice of the PIE program. He said a member of the committee is to be assigned to attend the school board meetings to learn more about the school system.
The health committee is working on ordering more flu vaccine, and a representative of the committee will be coming before the executive committee asking for funds for general advertising.
Myers said the Breakfast of Champions with Michael Engster as the speaker was a success and all the feedback had been positive. Leann Adams said that Leadership Ponca City will next meet on April 8 for City Government Day.
Jarrett told about attending a workshop on the problem with computer hardware and software in the year 2000 and suggested the Chamber hold some type of educational workshop for members.
Guests were Adams, Marc LaBossiere and Maxine Anderson.
Ponca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during January was up considerably compared to the same time period last year. Ponca City coffers will receive a total of $767,671 up from $594,970 for the same time frame in December 1996. However the sales tax was at 2.5 percent during this period in 1996 and went to 3 percent in December 1997.
Statewide, the distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $60,290,454. The disbursement of sales tax collections to 486 cities and towns showed an increase of $995,949 from $59,294,505 distributed to 481 cities and towns in March one year ago.
Several Oklahoma towns are in the process changing tax structures. On April 1, Ada will decrease from 4 to 3 percent sales and use tax rate, Custer City will begin collecting a 3 percent use tax rate, Sapulpa will increase from 3.5 percent to 4 percent sales and use tax rate, Shamrock will start collecting a 3 percent sales tax rate, South Coffeyville will increase from 1 to 2 percent sales and use tax and Tamaha will increase from 1 to 3 percent sales tax rate.
City Jan. 98 Jan. 97
Barnsdall $9,694, $12,994
Bartlesville 8,53,172 784,471
Billings 8,440 8,399
Blackwell 85,001 78,636
Braman 1,558 1,400
Burbank 478 260
Deer Creek 964 798
Enid 1,094,083, 996,793
Fairfax 14,971 12,867
Kaw City 2,525 1,869
Lamont 2,055 2,120
Marland 805 816
Medford 19,471 10,526
Morrison 4,158 3,881
Newkirk 19,420 22, 477
Pawhuska 51, 326 52,476
Pawnee 30,936 28,633
Perry 67,353 37,403
Pond Creek 6,850 6,347
Ralston 1,599 845
Red Rock 1,098 2,872
Shidler 1,977 2,387
Stillwater 945,659 881,817
Tonkawa 36,452 38,585
Stracener Honored
Tom Stracener of Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors, 424 South Fourteenth, has earned membership in the company's International Diamond Society - an honor bestowed upon only the top 20 percent of the more than 62,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates throughout North America.
Stracener, who has been a sales associate for more than four years, has been with Coldwell Banker Heritage since June 1994. He has been a member of the Coldwell Banker Million Dollar Club three consecutive years, and named a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club in 1997. Stracener has over 30 years of business experience in the Ponca City area.
OSBDC Rep in Area
A representative from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) will be available Wednesday for free one-on-one counseling for individuals interested in starting a new business and existing business owners needing assistance. Clients will be seen by appointment only from 9 a.m. to noon in the offices of Kay Electric Cooperative in Blackwell and from 1 to 4 p.m. in the south conference room of the Administration Building on the campus of NOC in Tonkawa. To schedule an appointment or receive additional information call (405) 327-8608.
Project 1000 Job Fair
OKLAHOMA CITY - To stop the "brain drain" of Oklahoma's best and brightest college graduates from leaving the state, the third annual Project 1000 Job Fair will be held April 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the State Capitol.
The day-long job fair is a statewide effort developed by concerned leaders to connect potential employers with college educated students. According to Corporation Commissioner Ed Apple, one of the developers of the three-year-old program, Project 1000 requires no legislation or other government action. For more information contact Cindy McCornack at (405) 325-6742.
Forbes Touts New Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Frank Keating and Secretary of Commerce Ron Rosenfeld have announced that Forbes magazine will feature a special advertising section titled "The New Oklahoma," will be on the new stands this week.
Through a cooperative effort between Keating's office and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the April 6 edition of Forbes magazine contains a 16-page supplement promoting the state's diversified economic benefits.
This special section was paid for by businesses and organization in Oklahoma and did not cost the taxpayers any money. Sherry Vance, director of marketing for Commerce's business recruitment division, said 21 sponsors contributed nearly $450, 000 in advertising dollars and for each unit sold, the state received free advertising space.
Free Tax Advise
The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants will provide free tax advice during "Taxwise '98," a live, one-hour, statewide television program. The broadcast will air 8-9 p.m. Wednesday on OETA, Oklahoma's Public Broadcast Station.
The annual program, hosted by Oklahoma businessman Vince Orza, features a panel of Oklahoma CPAs who discuss common question associated with filing both sate and federal tax returns. In addition, a volunteer phone bank of 22 CPAs will be available to answer viewer call-in questions. The statewide, toll-free number is 1-800-288-4829. Telephone lines will be in operation 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma Inc., a Durant-based non-profit economic development agency, has changed the schedule of its loan officer, Bob Felts, according to Sherry Harlin, REI financial services director.
Felts had been visiting community bankers, area vo-techs, chambers of commerce and economic development agencies since 1996 and generated over $7 million in loans to 23 businesses and with financial assistance ranging from $8,000 to over $1.5 million resulting in creation and retention of 376 jobs.
Felts will be visiting Ponca City on the fourth Tuesday and will be here in the afternoon. Felts is located at REI's Shawnee office and available at (405) 273-1622.
The Big Lots store at 1201 East Prospect in the former C.R. Anthony building, is slated to open Wednesday. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The closeout store carries domestics, clothing sporting goods, food,
toys, tools, paint, hardware. bedding, appliances, diapers and baby furniture.
SPORTS
Ponca City's junior high girls' track team opened its season with a second place finish in the four-team Woodward Invitational Saturday.
"Considering we only had one good week of practice before the meet, I was very impressed with the girls' performance," coach Penny Surber said. "Spring Break and poor weather has really hindered our workouts."
The Lady Cougars are hoping for better weather this week as they prepare for the Enid Longfellow Invitational Saturday. The meet starts at 8:30 a.m.
Ponca City Results
100 Meters - Amanda Summers, fifth
200 Meters - Summers, third
400 Meters - Sonia Fry, fourth; Jamie Neal, fifth; Keisha Kizziar, sixth
800 Meters - Jessica Jorgenson, second; Mallory Hodge, fourth; Nancy Taylor, fifth
1600 Meters - Jorgenson, second; Hodge, fourth; Taylor, fifth
Long Jump - Fry, fourth; Jamie Duckett, fifth
Shot Put - Kendra Love, third; Amanda Ingram, fourth; Jennifer Long, fifth
Discus - Love, third; Neal, fourth; Ingram, fifth
400 Relay - Kathleeen Larrison, Emily Day, Angel Penny, Summers (second)
800 Relay - Larrison, Desiree Franseen, Penny, Summers (second)
1600 Relay - Larrison, Kizziar, Penny, Jorgenson (second)
3200 Relay - Neal, Taylor, Hodge, Jorgenson (second)
Soccer Fund Raiser - The Ponca City Soccer Association fund raiser
is now going on through April 10. The $2 tickets for the April 11 drawing
may be obtained from any soccer player.