LOCAL

Nearly News
City Commission Paves Way For Waverly Street Project
School Board Gives Approval To All Administrative Contracts

Nearly News

Clyde Otipoby, Union Elementary art teacher pictured on the front of Monday’s News, informs us that the picture he is hanging was painted by Abigail McChristian. Another artist was credited with the work in Monday’s paper. Congratulations to Abigail and all the students whose works are on display at the Ponca City Art Center during March for Youth Arts Month.

City Commission Paves Way For Waverly Street Project

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Although it’s fate has “wavered” for many years, city commissioners have decided once and for all what to do with Waverly Street. Despite the absence of both Mayor Tom Leonard and Commissioner Lyn Boyer, the remaining city commissioners unanimously voted to reconstruct a portion of the highly-traveled thoroughfare.

The three-year project will involve reconstructing the two lane street into a four lane roadway to the tune of $ 2.75 million — money well spent, says City Traffic Engineer Mike Lane.

“That is the most heavily traveled north-south, two lane street in Ponca City. It also has a lot of truck traffic,” Lane says. “From a safety and capacity standpoint it will be a great project.”

Some Business Tabled

A “skeleton commission” of only three members — which consisted of Chris Hand, Dick Stone and Keni Ray, — hampered some city business during Monday night’s city commission meeting.

After explaining the need for additional revenue to operate and maintain its self-sufficient status, an agenda item regarding the increase of fees at Lew Wentz Golf Course, met with opposition from Commissioner Hand.

“I understand that the golf course is self-sufficient and want it to stay that way, but I also understand that the average Joe Blow may be priced out of being able to play out there,” Hand said.

According to Public works Director Ken Parr the increase, which would generate an additional $40,000 in revenues, is necessary.

“The city commission directed the golf course to become self-sufficient and as of last year we accomplished that,” Parr told the commissioners. “We are not happy with a rate increase however it is a minor increase which does not affect all fees and is more of an inflationary increase which is intended to offset the cost of the course — capital needs and normal maintenance.”

“We have needs far exceeding the $40,000 but we do consider the impact of an increase on our players. Our rates are comparable to Bartlesville, Stillwater and Winfield.”

Course Has High Rating

The increase received the full support of Commissioner Ray who was worried that the increase was not enough.

“This course is a very valuable asset and I have played enough courses in this area that are not as nice and a lot higher priced,” Ray said. “I’m concerned that this rate increase will not generate enough revenue to maintain the course as it is now.”

City Commissioner Stone also favored the fee increase.

“This golf course is second to none in this area of the state and it’s a real credit to Mark Hilyard and his staff,” Stone said. “We had been spending $165,000 a year of taxpayer’s money and the course is now self-sufficient. I feel this is the best bang for the buck a person can get anywhere and I support the increase.”

Although the vote was two to one in favor of the rate increase, it was not enough for the matter to pass. City Attorney Kevin Murphy was present to inform the commission that matter failed due to a lack of majority.

“Because this involves a change in the status quo, it requires a majority of the entire commission, so as a matter of law it fails,” Murphy told the commissioners after the vote had been cast.

The lack of commissioners also caused the annual police report to be tabled until such a time as the entire commission could be present to hear it.

“This is a very important matter and a power-point presentation will be made to the commission and so we are asking that this matter be tabled until the mayor and commissioner Boyer are present,” City Manager Gary Martin explained.

Also tabled was the matter of the dedication of a city right-of-way for the construction of a new road near the City landfill.

City commissioners did approve an agreement with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company for the installation of a concrete railroad crossing at Grand Avenue in the amount of $33,600 as well as a $6,000 proposal from a Tulsa company to furnish labor and materials to restore an 18th century frame owned by Marland Mansion.

Approved to serve on the Main Street Authority were Verona Mair which will fill an unexpired term until May 1999 and Matt McGee and Carla O’Neill, both of whom are filling unexpired terms until May 2000.

The consent agenda — which included such items as applications of Peachtree Landing, Inc., the Salvation Army and Northern Oklahoma Youth Services for emergency shelter grant funds; an agreement between the City of Ponca City and the Sooner Ski Club to utilize a portion of the north end of West Lake Ponca by skiers as a practice slalom course and spectator area for conducting recreational activities from March 1, 1999 to the last day of February 2000; and an ordinance extending the additional two percent Emergency Telephone Service Tax from June 1, 1999 through May 31, 2000 and providing that the same shall be used for the purchase of ancillary 911 service communication equipment — were also approved.

School Board Gives Approval To All Administrative Contracts

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

All contracts for the 1999-2000 school year for directors, coordinators, principals, assistant principals and administrative assistants were unanimously approved Monday night at the regular board meeting of the Ponca City Board of Education.

Principal contracts renewed include Barbara Cusick, Middle School; Richard Dale, Mid-High; Jean Hastings, Union; Peg Jordan, Alternative High School; Pat Keast, Washington; Dr. Patty Ladd, Garfield Academy; Ron McCleary, Trout; Ron Myers, Liberty; Sharon Scroggins, Woodlands; David Shelton, Lincoln; Tom Sipe, Roosevelt; and Jerry Winkle, Po-Hi.

Assistant principal contracts included Link Cotham, Middle School; Karen Humble and Todd Kimrey, Mid-High; Kurtis Neal, John Woody and Mark Wynn, Po-Hi.

Others included Jerry Lee, director of transportation; Dr. Nancy Niemann, director of personnel; Bret Smith, director of maintenance and risk management; Elizabeth Watson, director of special education; Jerry Jantz, district computer coordinator; Mary Ladd, administrative assistant to the superintendent; and Brenda Storie, business coordinator/treasurer.

Awarding the building and transportation bonds to the successful purchasers were made. The first resolution for $4,675,000 for the building bonds was awarded to UMB Bank of Kansas City with a consortium of bank involved including Ponca City’s Home National Bank. The second resolution for $350,000 for the transportation equipment bonds was awarded to the Bank of Oklahoma with Pioneer Bank and Trust involved.

The audit report was accepted. According to auditor Jerry Putnam the audit was excellent and he complimented the financial department.

E-Rate Contract

Accepting an E-rate contract with Network America, Inc. for interior cabling for various school buildings was made.

Bids were received from two companies, Southwestern Bell and Network America. The district did receive funding for the 1998 E-rate proposal for certain buildings. The low bid was submitted by Network America. After adjusting for those buildings removed from the current bid project, Network America remained the low bidder. The contract amount for this project will be $191,617.42.

Another E-rate contract with Network America for installation of a wide area network for the various schools was accepted. Bids were received on Feb. 9 to provide universal services for developing a Wide Area Network (WAN) to provide Internet access for the schools.

The two bids received were from Southwestern Bell and Network America. The Southwestern Bell bid was $306,466.82 and the Network America bid was $189,353. One reason the Southwestern Bell bid was higher was the SWB upgraded the routers and provided equipment that was different from the specifications.

The board approved a change order for $28,402 as part of the contract. The total for the Network America, Inc. contract for the Wide Area Network wiring is $217,755.

Other Items

A student exclusion from Social Security coverage was made. Public Law 1015-277, signed by President Clinton on Oct. 21, 1998, provides a limited window of time for school boards to modify their existing Social Security coverage agreements to exclude services performed by students employed by the Board of Education where they are regularly attending classes. The exclusion will be effective for services performed after June 30, 2000.

An election of president, vice president, clerk and deputy clerk for the Ponca City Board of Education was made. Those who were elected will serve for a term of one year.

John Young was elected as president of the board, Mike Kruck as vice president, Mary Ladd as clerk and Betty Johnston as deputy clerk.

Discussion Reports

Mike Grimes, chairperson of the Selection Committee for National Honor Society, and Jerry Winkle, Po-Hi Principal, gave a report on the process for selection of National Honor Society. Grimes reported that students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 before they are considered for NHS. Students are then selected by the Selection Committee based on leadership, character and service to the community.

Irene Baird reported on Advanced Placement (AP) at Po-Hi. AP courses are not college preparatory classes but actual college classes. She reported a total of 109 exams were given to 66 students in May 1998; 78 percent made scores of three or higher. This year a total of 70 students will take 120 exams.

Dr. Patty Ladd, principal of Garfield Academy, gave a report on the school. Garfield reinforces core curriculum through the art classes. She reported that 70 percent of students attending the school are neighborhood kids and 30 percent are magnet students.

Cynthia Gass, Ginger Duvall and Carolyn Berry reported on several events at Po-Hi. Gass reported on the progress made by chorale while Duvall and Berry talked about the success of “Romeo and Juliet” at the high school. Plans are being made to have a musical production of “Bye Bye Birdie” or “Oklahoma!” in November. It would be the first musical production at Po-Hi since 1963.

Awards were presented to Jerry Winkle and Mike White, Certified Employees of the Month; Sherri Coppock, Support Employee of the Month; and Cheryl Pitts, Friend of Education.

DEATHS

Pearl Gladys Critchlow
W.W. Porter
Teddy L. Barnett
Carl Culbreath
Thelma A. Jennings
Paul Ducotey
Patsy Irene Brown
Brandon M. Brown

Pearl Gladys Critchlow

BLACKWELL — Pearl Gladys Critchlow, Blackwell resident, died Monday morning, March 8, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 94.

The funeral will be held graveside at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Highland Cemetery in Winfield, Kan. The Rev. Bud Cook, Winfield (Kan.) Nazarene Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Pearl Gladys (Miller) Critchlow was born Oct. 1, 1904, in Caldwell, Kan., to Chester Field and Mary Ellen (Halverstad) Miller. She grew up in Winfield, Kan.

On Dec. 31, 1920, she was married to Thomas Irvin Critchlow in Winfield, where the couple established their home. The couple owned and operated a shoe repair shop in Winfield. After her husband’s death in 1957, she continued to operate the business. After her retirement in 1966, she moved to Nardin then to Blackwell in the early 1970s.

Survivors include two brothers, Ernest W. Miller of Omaha, Neb., and Melvin J. Miller. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Maudie Evans and Agnes and Eva Miller; and one brother, Clarence Miller.

W.W. Porter

Sun Lakes, Ariz. — W.W. “Willard” Porter, former Ponca City resident, died March 4, 1999 at his home in Sun Lakes, Ariz. He was 81 years old.

A family service is planned. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Bueler Mortuary in Sun Lakes.

Porter was born Dec. 25, 1917, in Delaware, Okla. He was reared in the Dexter, Kan. area and graduated from Dexter High School in 1935.

On Oct. 31, 1936, he was married in Newkirk to LaVone Duncan and they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in 1998. He retired from Texaco 16 years ago and had resided in Sun Lakes since Porter was a member of the American Business Club and served as commander for American Legion Post 14 while residing in Ponca City.

Survivors include his wife, LaVone, of the home in Sun Lakes; two daughters LaRita Taylor of Ponca City, and Mrs. Ed (Jeanie) Fehringer of American Falls, Idaho; one son, Duncan Porter of Carefree, Ariz.; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one niece and four nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one sister, and a son-in-law.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert L. Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ponca City Schools, c/o Brenda Storie, Treasurer, 111 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family will be at 10306 East Spring Creek Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

Obituaries

Teddy L. Barnett

Teddy L. “Ted” Barnett, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, March 7, 1999, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville, Tenn. He was 64.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 1999, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City with the Rev. John Mount, pastor of Riverchase United Methodist Church, Hoover, Ala., officiating.

Mr. Barnett was born April 22, 1934, in Ponca City to L. “Tiny” and Juanita (Brewer) Barnett. He grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School.

On June 9, 1957, he married Joan Barron in Ponca City. He attended Oklahoma State University before serving two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Alaska. After his discharge, he returned to OSU and graduated in 1960 with a mechanical engineering degree with petroleum option.

He was employed with Colonial Pipeline Co., of Atlanta, Ga., and lived in various cities in the U.S. including 24 years as area manager in Chattanooga, Tenn. He retired in 1995 and went to work with his son at BFS Construction in Helena, Ala., until his death. Mr. Barnett was a member of Friendswood United Methodist Church in Friendswood, Texas. He was a member of the East Ridge, Tenn., Masonic Lodge and a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite Temple. He was also a member of the OSU Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife, Joan B. Barnett of Friendswood, Texas; son, Jim Barnett and his wife Donna of Dothan, Ala.; daughter, Sherri Loney and her husband Barth of Friendswood, Texas; son, Lee Barnett and his wife, Elizabeth of Helena, Ala.; son, Teddy L. “Bo” Barnett II of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren, Matt, Leslie, Sarah and Jessica Barnett and Teddy L. “Spud” Loney and Kirsten Loney; one step-grandson, Matt Loney; and a local niece, Leslie Vincent and her husband Capt. Dwaine Vincent and their family of Ponca City. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Barnett; and an infant sister, Clarice Barnett.

Honorary casket bearers will be Larry Bell, Hank Holmes, Phil Plant, Danny Trundle, Jeff Richards, Kirk Holmes, Greg Harrison, Tim Reeves, Judy Ashworth, Charley Sweeney, Hoyt Steed, Randy Roddy and Jim Cox.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3545 N.W. 58th Street, Suite 400C, Oklahoma City, 73112 or to the Big Oak Ranch Christian Children’s Home, c/o Keith Denton, 250 Jake Mintz Road, Gadsden, AL 35905.

paid obituary

Carl Culbreath

Carl Culbreath, longtime resident of the Ponca City Community, died Sunday afternoon, March 7, 1999, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Oklahoma City. He was 81 years of age.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, First Baptist Church, presiding. Interment will be at the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Carl Culbreath was born March 5, 1918, in Loveland, Okla., the son of William Jefferson Culbreath and Lema Bessie (Gregory) Culbreath. He attended rural Loveland schools. In earlier years he was engaged in farming with his family in southern Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Seabees during World War II. He arrived at Pearl Harbor one day after the bombing, helping raise the USS Oklahoma from the harbor floor.

He was united in marriage to Therelene Joy Glennan on Oct. 8, 1946, in Lawton. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1954. Mr. Culbreath was employed at the Blackwell Zinc Smelter until his retirement and also was a Kirby sales and repair man. He retired in 1971.

Mr. Culbreath was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed fishing, gardening, canning, playing cards and especially enjoyed talking with people. He participated in activities at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center. Mr. Culbreath had served as an inspiration to many people by his courageous fight and defeat of throat cancer just a few years earlier.

He is survived by four daughters, Carolyn Mullin and husband Jim of Ponca City, Pam Glennan of Ponca City, Deborah Mason-Moore and husband James of Minneapolis, Minn., and Dianne Bowers and husband Leroy of Tulsa; two sisters, Lucille Cheek of Ulysses, Kan., and Lora Smith of Aztec, N.M.; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Michael Carl Culbreath in 1997; and one sister, Ruthie Cheek.

Casket bearers will be Jim Mullin, Lance Mullin, Rob Mullin, James Moore, Larry McPeak and Leroy Bowers. Honorary casket bearers will be Rick Becker, Bud Browning, Chuck Hoddy, Dale Beall, Vernon Heinze and Leon Grace.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will receive friends at Grace Memorial Chapel from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday.

The family will be at the homes of Jim Mullin, 1212 Valley Circle and Pam Glennan, 1175 Valley Circle.

paid obituary

Funerals

Wednesday

Thelma A. Jennings

Funeral to be at 2 p.m. at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax. Other arrangements will be announced later.

Thursday

Paul Ducotey

Funeral is set for 10 a.m. graveside at the Fairfax Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hunsaker Funeral Home Chapel in Fairfax. Other arrangements will be announced later.

Services Pending

Patsy Irene Brown

FAIRFAX — Patsy Irene Brown, Fairfax resident, died this morning, March 9, 1998, at Fairfax Memorial Hospital in Fairfax. She was 61. Survivors include her husband Jimmy Don Brown. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Brandon M. Brown

Brandon M. Brown, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, March 9, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 13. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Royal Neighbors to Meet — The Royal Neighbors of America will meet Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Christian Church. Refreshments will be served following the meeting.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced

items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Accident — At 7:30 a.m. Monday police were informed of an accident on Airport Boulevard that had occurred earlier in the day.

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Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Arrests — Police arrested a 36-year-old man at 8:07 a.m. Monday from Elm Street and West Grand Avenue for possession of drug proceeds and unlawful delivery of marijuana and a 51-year-old man for possession of marijuana.

WCW/NWO Uncesored wrestling coming to Pay Per View Sunday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. Call Cable One for your ring side seat 762-6684. adv.

Vandalism — At 8:13 a.m. Monday vandalism to the Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, was reported to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

The Practice-Tee is now open. 1:00 p.m.-almost dark. Seven days a week. 4100 Lake Road. adv.

Stolen Lights — Police were advised at 9:33 a.m. Monday of two taillights stolen from a pickup truck at Pemberton’s, 3330 North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken.

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in the making Live, Saturday, March 13th at 8:00 p.m. Call Ca-

ble One and order early. 762-6684. adv.

Vandalism — At 9:42 a.m. Monday vandalism was reported at Mock Fashion Floors, 300 West Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Wednesday Night all you can eat. Steak and Shrimp buffet.

4:00 p.m. to clo se $7.99. Golden Corral. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — A 16-year-old boy was arrested at 10:38 a.m. Monday from the 200 block of South Oak Street for second degree burglary.

Completely Furnished and equipped one and two bedroom suites. 765-1367. adv.

Arrest — A 30-year-old man was arrested at 12:28 a.m. Tuesday from the 700 block of South Waverly Street for transporting an open container, driving under suspension and driving while intoxicated.

Break-In — At 12:28 a.m. Tuesday police were alerted that Miss Nan’s, 1519 North Union Street, had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Arrest — Police arrested a 23-year-old man at 11:08 a.m. Monday from the 400 block of West Fresno Avenue on Osage, Rogers and Nowata County warrants.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

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adv.

Harassment — At 11:20 a.m. Monday a woman in the 800 block of North Birch Street reported receiving harassing phone calls.

Juvenile Arrest — A 17-year-old girt was arrested at 12:40 p.m. Monday from the 400 block of West Fresno Avenue for harboring a fugitive.

Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man from South Sixth Street and East South Avenue for driving under suspension and no seat belt.

Tag Theft — At 2:10 p.m. Monday police were notified of an automobile tag that had been stolen from a vehicle at East Ponca Avenue and South Twelfth Street. A report was taken.

Stolen Lights — A police report was taken at 2:36 p.m. Monday from Ideal Auto, 816 South Fourth Street, after tail lights were allegedly stolen from a pickup truck.

Assault — At 4:08 p.m. Monday police were notified that a girl was reportedly assaulted at the Ponca City High School. An officer was assigned.

Slashed Tires — A woman in the 300 block of South Sunset Street reported at 4:26 p.m. Monday that the tires of her vehicle had been slashed.

Accident — An accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported to police at 4:43 p.m. Monday.

Accident — At 5:04 p.m. Monday a two-vehicle, non-injury accident, at East Hartford Avenue and John Street, was reported to police.

Arrest — A 33-year-old man was arrested from a traffic stop at 8:29 p.m. Monday from Elm Street and West Grand Avenue for driving under suspension and no insurance.

Missing Rentals — At 10:05 p.m. Monday police were alerted that someone failed to return rental property from Froggy’s, 207 South First Street.

Arrests — Police arrested two men, ages 18 and 19, at 11:05 p.m. Monday from the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street for auto burglary.

LIFESTYLES

AHSGR Schedules OKC Cowboy Dinner
Ponca Citian Receives NODA Ombudsman Volunteer Award
OSU Food Specialist Gives Prevention Ideas for Listeriosis
Scholarship Awarded Student at PTC

AHSGR Schedules OKC Cowboy Dinner

The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Historical Chapter of Germans from Russia will host a Cowboy Dinner for the AHSGR International Board, who has chosen Oklahoma City for their annual spring meeting.

The dinner will be at the Cowboy Hall of Fame March 18 at 7 p.m. with entertainment by “The Cowboy Poet,” Mr. Kaiser, from Weatherford. Those attending will also have the opportunity to tour the Cowboy Hall of Fame with host Dr. Bobby Weaver.

Those participating are encouraged to dress in western attire. Dinner reservations must be made by March 12 by calling Lillian Larwig, 405/525-3218. Dinner tickets are $9.75 each. All interested persons are invited to attend.

Ponca Citian Receives NODA Ombudsman Volunteer Award

The Northern Oklahoma Development Authority (NODA) Area Agency on Aging has announced that a Ponca City Ombudsman Volunteer was recently named as a recipient of the Abuse Prevention Ombudsman of the Year Award. This award is presented each year to the outstanding volunteers in each NODA area of the state. Ms. Kirkpatrick has been a state certified Ombudsman volunteer for four years and has approximately 750 hours invested in the program. She works to help improve the quality of life for nursing home residents said Anna States, Ombudsman Volunteer Supervisor.

Ms. Kirkpatrick volunteers at the Tender Heart Nursing Home in Ponca City. She feels she is “called to work with the elderly, and she enjoys visiting with the nursing home residents.” She says she does not “believe in volunteering just to do busy work, but feels that you must have a caring heart for the service you do.”

In the past she has volunteered for the Literacy Council and helped with the juvenile facility and the DARE Program at Hutchins Memorial, and has also worked to get a grant for the juvenile facility. The award winner has helped a man call the Adult Protective service office in Kay County to get help.

States said Ms. Kirkpatrick has been punctual with her monthly reports and has helped to resolve problems for the residents in her facility. Ms. Kirkpatrick was awarded an all expense paid attendance to the three day conference, a certificate and a plaque. She was presented her award at the annual Adult Protective Services conference in Oklahoma City.

OSU Food Specialist Gives Prevention Ideas for Listeriosis

STILLWATER-Recent news reports have indicated there is an increasing number of cases of people across the country that are suffering from listeriosis.

This is an illness caused by a kind of bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes, said Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension food safety specialist.

“This bacteria, or microorganism, can be found in soil, vegetation, sewage, water and animal waste and has the potential to cause serious illness,” Brown said. “While most healthy people don’t get listeriosis, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 25 percent of those who do get the disease die as a result of the illness.”

Individuals who are the most susceptible to it are pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The CDC reports less than 2,000 people in the United States report serious illness from listeriosis each year.

How does Listeria monocytogenes get into food? Animals carry it in their intestines without becoming sick. As a result, the bacteria may be spread to meat and dairy products.

“While Listeria monocytogenes is killed by cooking or other heating methods such as pasteurization, food can still become contaminated after processing or along the route from the plant to your plate,” she said. “This appears to be what is happening in the current outbreaks.”

Brown said listeriosis has flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills. The infection has the ability to spread to the nervous system. Symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions can occur if the infection spreads.

Pregnant women can transmit the illness to the fetus through the placenta. This can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or other serious health problems for a newborn child.

To cut down on the risk of listeriosis, Brown suggests reheating ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, deli-style meat and poultry products until they are steaming hot. This is especially important for those at increased risk.”If you can’t reheat these foods, don’t eat them,” she said.

Be sure to follow safe food-handling practices by washing hands and surfaces often with hot, soapy water. Because Listeria monocytogenes can slowly grow at refrigerator temperatures, always use hot soapy water to clean up spills in the refrigerator.

Also, avoid cross-contamination. Keep ready-to-eat raw foods and raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from vegetables, fruits, breads and other foods that are already prepared for eating.

Scholarship Awarded Student at PTC

Turza Meyers, a student at Pioneer Technology Center, recently was awarded two scholarship/grants from the Oklahoma P.E.O. Projects Fund, Inc. One was from the fund itself, and the other was from its Continuing Education program.

Turza moved to Ponca City from Derby, Kan., two years ago in order to pursue a degree in Medical Assisting. She plans to graduate in May 2000. She was elected vice president of her class and also vice president of the Pioneer Vocational Technical Executive Officers Club. Additionally, Turza has served as the chairperson of the Thanksgiving Food Drive and “Angel Tree” at Pioneer.

The Oklahoma P.E.O. Projects Fund was established by P.E.O.s in the state for granting monies to Oklahoma women who have been out of school for at least two years.

The grants are for the purpose of helping women reach their “purposeful educational goals for self or service.”

A woman must be sponsored by a local P.E.O. chapter, and then approved by the board of trustees of the P.E.O. Projects Fund.

BUSINESS

Newkirk UPS Worker District Service Winner
Building Permits Exceed $200,000
New Business Caters to Pets
Local Company Prospers By Reproducing Antiques
Bunch Named
Practical Parenting
Food for Friends
Birthday Celebration
Workforce Meeting

Newkirk UPS Worker District Service Winner

UPS Ponca City Service Provider Russell Cobb was recently named the Oklahoma District’s Jim Casey Community Service Award winner. He will now represent Oklahoma as the Southwest Region selects one winner to nominate to Corporate.

Russell started helping out in his community because he saw a need.

“People can sit back and watch a community disappear or help to keep the community growing,” Russell said. “You can either be part of the problem, or part of the solution. I just wanted to be a part of the solution.”

Russell lives in Newkirk. Though his community service has led him to mow yards, head city-wide fundraisers and donate time as a carpenter, his greatest passion lies with the children.

I believe that children need good leadership,” Russell said. I believe that the children are the leaders of tomorrow. We need to show an interest in the children through our own leadership ability.”

His efforts have helped the town maintain a quality economic standard, even though other towns of similar size are dying economically. Russell refuses to allow his town to remain stagnant and encourages growth on a daily basis.

“Russell is very involved and concerned about the community,” Newkirk Mayor Carol Purdy said. “He puts great effort to enrich the future of Newkirk for generations to come. He sets a good and honest example of UPS as he is always friendly and business-like.”

Russell has made a significant impact on the Newkirk School System.

Newkirk Middle Schools could not hold assemblies at their school because they did not have any bleachers for the children to sit. Russell found a school that has some used bleachers and with the help of a few family members and friends, they were able to get the bleachers into the school.

During the summer of 1994, the football field pressbox was in bad condition and needed to be replaced. The school did not have enough money for both the materials and the labor to complete the project. Russell volunteered to help build a new press box and fix the electrical problems. Working after he finished his daily deliveries, on weekends and through several vacations, Russell was able to have the pressbox ready for the first game of the year.

Russell noticed that many people in the community were unable to attend games because they were elderly or ill. He approached KIXR radio and convinced them to broadcast the games to surrounding areas. In 1998, Russell volunteered to broadcast the games when the announcer was unable to attend.

He also gathered students in the school to help build a trophy case. Not only did this provide the school with a trophy case, it also encouraged teamwork, responsibility and caring in the students.

Russell’s sense of business spills onto his concern for other businessmen in the community as well. One time when a person in the community became very ill, Russell volunteered his time working in the man’s cabinet shop after work and on weekends to keep him from losing his home and business.

“I have worked all over Oklahoma and North Texas and never before have I seen one man so dedicated to helping his community,” Ponca City Supervisor Ken Clifton said. “His efforts have ranged from monumental to small — from helping build a million-dollar building to just mowing an elderly woman’s yard. The most amazing thing is that even though he is involved in all of these activities he still remains a wonderful husband, father and UPS employee — and never sacrifices one for the other.”

Building Permits Exceed $200,000

For the month of January the City of Ponca City issued three commercial building permits valuing $202,000, five addition permits in the amount of $49,400 and two miscellaneous permits valued at $7,000 were issued for total building revenue of $268.40.

For the same period, there were 16 electrical permits issued and 106 electrical inspections. The total electrical revenue received for the period was $360.

Plumbing permits and inspections, totaling 16 and 106 respectively, contributed $560 in revenue for the month of January.

Mechanical revenue was $540 from 12 permits and 34 inspections. A grand total of $1,728.40 was collected from building inspections.

New Business Caters to Pets

Area pet owners now have an alternate choice for pet care during vacation and business trips. Terri Ward has opened Have Pet? … Can Travel! in Ponca City. The unique service provided by the company means that pet owners can now leave their household pet(s) in the comfort and familiarity of home. Have Pet? … Can Travel! specializes in the care and love of dogs, cats and horses but will be more than happy to care for and love any pet(s) you may have.

Have Pet? … Can Travel! is bonded and insured and will visit homes on a daily basis to feed, water and care for the pet(s). And, most importantly, will provide lots of tender loving care and personalized attention during each visit. Not only does the company look after household pets in pampered style, they also are happy to bring in newspapers, mail, alternate lights and drapes and even water houseplants. Every pet owner will be able to leave home with peace of mind, knowing his or her pet(s) and home are in responsible care.

Clients making reservations for pet-sitting services during March will receive a 10 percent discount off the total sitting fee. This offer is to introduce the firm to Ponca City. For additional information or to make a reservation, call Have Pet? … Can Travel! at 762-4205.

Local Company Prospers By Reproducing Antiques

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Antique-finished lamps, clocks, bookends, figurines and elaborate candlesticks — the items being created behind the walls of the gray metal building at 2501 North Ash Street — are a decorator’s dream, as well as one of the best kept secrets in Ponca City.

Since 1989 Oklahoma Casting has not only been manufacturing antique replicas for wholesale distribution, but — with nation-wide clients such as Haverty’s Furniture and Federated Department Stores — has been quite successful in the reproduction business.

According to president and co-owner Doug MacDonnell, the company has grown substantially since its inception in a small workshop on the south side of the city.

“The first year we produced $8,500 in merchandise. In 1993, when we incorporated we did $160,000. For 1999 we are projecting $3.2 million,” MacDonnell proudly says.

In a seven-step process, the 42 employees turn resin into the replicas that resemble priceless bronze and wooden art pieces. It is part of that time-consuming process that makes the small company a giant in the wholesale reproduction business.

“They are the secrets of our business,” MacDonnell says.

Not only has the company developed a resin that is unique to cold casting and accepts a bronze coating after the fact — but they have developed a special process which is one-of-a-kind for more than one reason.

“Our mold process allows us to integrate complex parts into one mold instead of having a series of simpler molds which require assembly,” MacDonnell explains. “And our molds allow us to get a jump on our competitors because they are used up to 1,000 times before they remake, while the standard is only 10 times.”

From start to finish, casting to carton and resin to replica, the delicate process takes an average of five days to complete. After the resin becomes set in the mold, the piece then undergoes preparatory work such as sanding and grinding.

Whether a clock or a bookend, all items are then hand painted, and one of several available finishes are then applied before it is assembled, inspected and boxed for shipment.

Replica or real — the difference is hard to determine. “When our products are finished they have a gross weight that is 75 percent of a bronze, so they look and actually feel like a bronze,” MacDonnell says.

The company is still growing and in the process of expanding its current product line.

“We have an artist from England that will be here for three months with the goal to develop our own new creations and copyright items which will be based upon an antique theme,” says MacDonnell.

Notes and Quotes

Bunch Named

Bill Bunch, owner of Bunch Enterprise/KFC of Ponca City, is one of 25 associate directors for the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.

Bunch was named to the post during the groups 66th annual membership meeting in Oklahoma City.

Charles Dodson of Dodson’s Cafeteria, Oklahoma City, is chairman of the organization.

Practical Parenting

Neil F. Ravella, Ph.D., will be conducing a four-week parenting program at the Northern Oklahoma Family Care Center, 306 Fairview.

The program will present information on a variety of parenting problems and will allow time for parents to discuss specific challenges in parenting their children.

Classes are 6:30-8 p.m. on April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Northern Oklahoma Family Care Center.

Space is limited. Register by calling 765-2144.

Food for Friends

Curves for Women in Ponca City will be joining Curves for Women outlets throughout the nation in a food drive for local food banks during March.

Members who bring a bag of non-perishable food items, exercise three times weekly and lose five pounds or five inches will be awarded a limited edition Food for Friends T-shirt. Anyone joining Curves the week of March 15 may bring a bag of groceries and have the normal fee waived. Anyone desiring to drop of non-perishable food items may do so between 9 a.m. and noon and 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 914 East Highland.

Birthday Celebration

Joe Alcott and Gene Hines, Ponca City Edward Jones investment representatives, have announced their 16th anniversary celebration.

The Saint Louis-based financial services firm moved into Ponca City in 1983.

“After learning how Jones brokers were required to meet 2,000 members of a community before even being able to open an office, I knew this was the right firm for me,” Alcott said. Personal service for individual investors is a key to the success and longevity of Jones. That’s our basic principle.”

“I’ve enjoyed doing business the old-fashioned way — in person,” said Hines. “And I am looking forward to many more years serving the investment needs of my friends, neighbors and business associates.”

Workforce Meeting

The Ponca City Workforce Oklahoma Office, through the local Business Advisory Council, has announced the next meeting for Wednesday at Pioneer Technology Center. Lunch will be at 11:30 a.m. with the meeting at noon.

Guest speaker will be Kevin Lyles, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, speaking on “How the Unemployment Rates are Arrived at for the County and State.”

All employers are welcome.

SPORTS

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No local Sports.