LOCAL

Downey, 2 Board Members Resign at PTC
Memorial Touches Families
Bill Would Raise State Beer Drinking Age to 21
Ponca Playhouse Guest Director Needs Volunteers
Vintage People Author Here Sunday to Autograph Book
GirlSports 2000 Event Set Friday
White Cane Month Helps Support Ranch, Eye Bank

Downey, 2 Board Members Resign at PTC

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

The administrative carousel continues to turn at Pioneer Technology Center.

In a surprising twist of events, superintendent Dr. Sally Downey and two board members — Larry Cannon and Bill Carmichael — resigned.

The announcements were made by president Larry Buck during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting.

The resignations come on the heels of last week’s due process hearing after the board voted not to renew the contract of assistant superintendent Dr. Janet Cox.

Buck said he did not foresee this happening. “I did not receive letters of resignation from Cannon or Carmichael until the meeting started,” he said.

Downey, who phrased her resignation in the form of a retirement, will leave effective June 30. Because of accrued vacation time, her last day at PTC will be June 9.

Buck would not comment about the resignations, but did say the board is committed to taking decisive action to assure quality leadership for the district.

“The board announced its intention to immediately place an interim superintendent at Pioneer Tech. No names are being announced at this time pending a special meeting,” he said. That meeting will be held as soon as possible, he added.

Downey, a veteran vo-tech administrator, is eligible for retirement.

“I do not share the philosophy of the three remaining board members. I stand for quality and accountability,” she said Wednesday. “I have had the wonderful opportunity and privilege of working with Cannon, Carmichael and past board member Fred Haub.”

Buck said Downey could secure another job elsewhere if she desired. He said once superintendents reach a certain number of years in Oklahoma, they qualify for retirement.

“Sally could retire any time she wanted to,” he explained.

Downey, who replaced superintendent Velta Reed-Johnston in the fall of 1996, said she will explore her options. “Right now, I’m going to enjoy my retirement and play golf,” she said.

One week ago board members voted 3-2 not to renew Cox’ contract. The two members voting to retain her were Cannon and Carmichael.

Downey said her retirement had a lot to do with the board’s decision concerning Cox.

“The whole thing was just a travesty. The board went completely against my recommendation to rehire Cox. When you do that you might as well get another superintendent,” she said.

She also said she wanted to state some facts.

“What I am most concerned with is the students at PTC. An old African proverb states, ‘When the elephants wrestle, the grass gets trampled.’ When board members cannot get along, the kids are going to suffer,” Downey said.

In his letter of resignation, Carmichael said his resignation will allow the three remaining board members to operate freely.

“Please accept my resignation from the Board of Education of Pioneer Technology Center...,” he wrote. “This proceeding will allow Mr. Buck, Mr. (Robert) Howard and Mrs. (Mary) Rigdon to run the school as they see fit.”

Cannon said the three most recently elected board members have adopted a far different method of conducting the school’s affairs.

“Prior to this year, all board members I have been privileged to work with have cooperated as they set school policies and encouraged administrators to lead this school and put those policies into action,” he said.

Cannon also said the current board members prefer to actively run the school and question or defy actions of the administrators when they implement board approved policies.

Buck announced the board intends to use a process for selecting new members for the vacancies similar to one used by the Ponca City board of education.

“Mr. Cannon and Mr. Carmichael’s long-time service to this school is appreciated,” he added.

In other action, the board elected Rigdon as vice president and Howard as clerk.

On Jan. 11 of this year,The Ponca City News reported receiving an anonymous letter from employees at PTC. Copies of the letter were also mailed to other media outlets across the state. The letter was a statement of no confidence in Cox and Downey.

Memorial Touches Families

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A serene field of empty stone-and-bronze chairs stood in silent tribute today to the 168 people who died five years ago when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was blown apart in the roar of a truck bomb.

As the Oklahoma City National Memorial opened and the names of the dead were read, their families stepped across the green lawn where the building once stood and placed flowers and other items on the chair representing their loved one.

There were big chairs for the 149 adults and 19 little ones for the children killed.

Children used thick sticks of sidewalk chalk to write messages on tiles beneath artwork in the children’s area of the memorial. Others peered into the reflecting pool that stretches along what once was the bomb crater.

‘‘Going to the chair was pretty hard. But it was something I needed to do,’’ said Betty Lewis, whose daughter Charlotte Thomas worked and died on the building’s first floor. ‘‘I’m very satisfied. I think they did a wonderful job with this.’’

Church bells tolled at 9:02 a.m., the exact moment on April 19, 1995, when the blast of a fuel and fertilizer bomb rattled windows for miles and stripped the face from the nine-story building.

A pastor urged the thousands of family members, survivors and rescue workers to ‘‘hold on to the memories’’ but move on with their lives in the first of two ceremonies to dedicate the new memorial.

‘‘This whole memorial will serve as a reminder that hate may blow up a building but we as a people will never forget,’’ said Dr. Robert Allen of the First United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls, Texas. ‘‘We as a people will never forget.’’

P.J. Allen, who was a toddler when he was pulled alive from the wreckage of the building’s daycare center, stood waving an American flag. Floretta Morgan, whose nephew’s wife, Dana Cooper, died choked back her tears. ‘‘The world was remembering my family,’’ she said.

An honor guard made up of rescuers raised a U.S. flag over the site. It fluttered in a stiff breeze over the dark pool. Bagpipes sadly wailed ‘‘Amazing Grace’’ as people lingered at the chairs.

‘‘Hold on to the memories, the memories that this field of empty chairs represents,’’ the minister told the crowd gathered outstide a golden gate that serves as an entrance to the $29.1 million memorial. ‘‘Treasure them.’’

Jeannine Gist needed no reminder of the empty chair at her own dinner table. But on the anniversary of the bombing, these chairs brought her peace, she said Tuesday.

‘‘When we first talked about building the memorial, I couldn’t imagine it could be a peaceful place,’’ said Gist, whose 32-year-old daughter, Karen Carr, died in the blast.

The state Legislature on Tuesday approved the final $2.3 million needed to finish paying for the tribute. President Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno were scheduled to appear at a public ceremony later today.

Robert Roddy, who managed to escape the ninth floor of the building down a stairway, came looking this morning for a memorial that was ‘‘spiritual, calming and fitting.’’

Bill Would Raise State Beer Drinking Age to 21

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Anyone younger than 21 could face a misdemeanor charge for drinking low-point beer in the privacy of their homes under a bill sent to Gov. Frank Keating.

House Bill 2188 amends current law, which already prohibits those under 21 from drinking low-point beer in public.

Senators gave it final approval by a 32-14 margin Tuesday, despite the objections of Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, who said it would lead to unwarranted government intrusion into households.

‘‘You’re opening up a Pandora’s box,’’ Shurden said, raising the specter of police entering homes if a parent of minors leaves a six-pack of beer in the refrigerator.

‘‘If it applied to those over 18 years of age, I wouldn’t have any trouble with it,’’ Shurden said, noting that 18-year-olds can vote and serve in the military.

He said many people younger than 21 are married and employed full time and should be treated as adults.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Bill Paulk, D-Oklahoma City, and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Ben Brown, D-Oklahoma City.

Brown said h several years ago when the se heard similar argumentstate raised from 18 to 21 the age for public possession, consumption and purchase of low-point beer.

Ponca Playhouse Guest Director Needs Volunteers

Roger Thomas, guest director for the Ponca Playhouse musical Carousel, has issued a plea for volunteers to assist in set building and painting.

Thomas was the director of Ponca Playhouse from 1974 to 1978 and is currently the executive director of the Victoria Community Theatre in Victoria, Texas. A community theater professional, he brings 30 years of experience to his assignment in Ponca City. As he is trained in classic scenery concepts, the city will be treated to carefully designed and painted scenography.

“All volunteer organizations are desperate for workers. Modern life leaves little time to devote to pursuits outside of family and home. Activities in the theater are suited to individuals, groups or families wishing to learn something new and enjoy a sense of accomplishment when the set is completed,” commented Thomas.

“I am to the point that I need someone to hold the other end, paint broad areas and run errands. All I can do is issue an appeal to the community with the expectation that there are people out there who would like to learn about making stock scenery techniques,” Thomas said.

Work takes place at the studio located at 301 South First Street. Training will be provided. The director is on site during the weekdays and Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Entrance is gained from the side door. For additional information, 765-5360.

Vintage People Author Here Sunday to Autograph Book

What are the secrets of long life and healthy aging? Does exercise help? What about diet, or an active sex life? How important are spirituality, purpose and laughter?

Jerry L. Old, M.D., an Arkansas City, Kan., physician answers these questions in his recently published book Vintage People — The Secrets of Successful Aging (paperback, 265 pp., $14.95; Pathway Publishing). Old will be at Brace Books and More for a book signing on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

As a family physician, Old began to ask himself “Why am I seeing one 67-year-old for nursing home placement and another 92-year-old who is independent, living alone, and still driving her car?”

Rather than concentrating upon disease, Old began to study what his healthy older patients are doing right to remain successful, energetic and productive as they age. He has interviewed hundreds of healthy, successful older Americans, including people from Ponca City and across the United States. They were simply asked, “To what do you owe your health and longevity?” The inspirational secrets they reveal are astonishing.

Vintage People has been endorsed by Sen. Bob Dole, motivational speaker Peter Lowe, and Dr. Richard Lindsay, former head of the division of geriatrics at the University of Virginia. It is available locally at Brace Books, at Amazon.com and will soon be released on audiotape at the national level.

Old has been in family practice in Arkansas City for 23 years and has recently begun speaking across the country on the subject of aging. He is a volunteer professor of community medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, from which he received his M.D. in 1974.

GirlSports 2000 Event Set Friday

Girl Scout Troop 342 will help make Girl Scout history on Friday when it participates in GirlSports 2000, a national initiative of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. This initiative challenges troops and groups to create and stage an unbroken series of sports and fitness-related events each day of 2000. Locally, 20 girls from Junior Girl Scout Troop 342 will host “Mystery Pals Sports Party” for their Daisy Girl Scout sister troop at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Seventh Street, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Hundred of thousands of Girl Scouts from around the globe are signing up to participate in sports and fitness-related events in 2000. Registration of the self-designed events by girls ages five through 17 began on Dec. 1 and will continue through 2000. Each participating Girl Scout will receive a commemorative GirlSports 2000 patch for their involvement in the initiative.

“We are teaching fair play, cooperation and sports skills to help build strong, healthy girls, one at a time, because when girls develop the self-confidence to play sports at an early age, they begin a lifelong focus on healthy living,” said Marsha Johnson Evans, GSUSA national executive director. “We believe this is the largest-ever event of its kind for girls.”

First conceived last year, GirlSports 2000 empowers girls to develop healthy lifestyles by encouraging them to develop and execute sports and fitness-related events. Over 150,000 Girl Scouts from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and 18 USAGS Overseas locations participated in the 365-day string of events that GirlSports 2000 had in its inaugural year in 1999.

The Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council serves over 2,300 girls and 900 adult members in 16 counties. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the world’s preeminent organization for girls with a membership of more than 3.6 million girls and adults. Today, as when founded in 1912, GSUSA helps cultivate values, social conscience and self-esteem in young girls, while also teaching them critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults.

GirlSports 2000 information is available via the Internet at www.girlscouts.org/girls

White Cane Month Helps Support Ranch, Eye Bank

Bill Thomason, president of the Ponca City Noon Lions Club, today announced that the Lions of this area and around the state have designated April 2000 as White Cane month.

Members from the Ponca City Noon Lions Club will be manning the doors at Wal-Mart and Kmart on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. to solicit donations from the public, according to Bill Stuever, White Cane chairman.

During the campaign, Lions throughout Oklahoma will raise funds for the support of the Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch in Perkins, and the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

At any time, the Lions Boys Ranch supports 16 abused, neglected, deprived and abandoned boys between the ages of 12 and 18. The ranch provides a safe haven where these boys may be nurtured and guided into responsible, productive adults. The ranch provides a home setting with caring and qualified ranch parents.

The Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank has provided more than 16,000 corneas for transplants in its 43 years of operation. It also provides tissue for eye prosthesis and research. Their effort to save and/or restore sight to thousands of persons is a source of pride to all Oklahoma Lions.

The financial support from the Ponca City community during White Cane month contributes greatly to the continued success of the Boys Ranch and the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank.

DEATHS

Emery Wells
Verna Doris McCord
Mary Louise Marrs
Robin Meredia Bernabe
Elbert L. Rutherford
Muriel E. Wallace

Emery Wells

Emery Wells, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday morning, April 18, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80.

The funeral will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Polo Cemetery south of Billings with Jack Snyder of Pioneer Christian Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Emery Wells was born July 21, 1919, near Covington, the son of Julian E. and Suzanne Eliot Wells. He was raised near Perry and attended schools there.

He married Emilee Floreen Hobson on Nov. 27, 1937, in Winfield, Kan. The couple resided in Udall for a short while before moving to Perry.

During World War II, he served for a brief time with the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he moved his family to Ponca City, where he was a plumber.

He was a member of the Pioneer Christian Church and also enjoyed attending worship services at the Salvation Army. He was a guitar and bass guitar player. Over the years, he played with many groups, notably the Royals and Mark V.

Survivors include his wife of the home; five sons, Floyd Wells, Lloyd Wells, Emery Wells Jr. and Howard Wells, all of Ponca City, and Ron Wells of Winfield, Kan.; two daughters, Mary Ferguson and Patricia Whiting, both of Fort Smith, Ark.; two sisters, Leona Trenton of Perry, and Lorene Hasenfratz of Ponca City; 13 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, two sisters, and a great-grandson.

Memorials may be made to Golden Villa, c/o Angela Hall, Marland Mansion, 901 Monument Road, Ponca City, Okla. 74604.

Friends may call at the funeral home until 11 a.m. Thursday.

Verna Doris McCord

BLACKWELL — Verna Doris McCord, resident of Blackwell, died Tuesday morning, April 18, 2000, in the Blackwell Nursing Home in Blackwell. She was 89.

The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, April 21, in the Church of Christ in Blackwell with the Rev. Chad Knappier officiating. Burial will be in the Braman Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Verna Doris McCord was born July 11, 1910, west of Braman, the daughter of Jesse Arthur and Edna Florence (Fowler) Stiger. She grew up west of Braman, graduating from South Haven High School in 1928. She then attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa before transferring to Phillips University in Enid. She received her education by attending summer and night classes while teaching in the rural schools near Braman. She received her bachelor of science degree in education in 1955.

She married Reese McCord on June 11, 1934, near Perry. She later received her master’s degree in education from Phillips University. Her husband preceded her in death on March 10, 1955. She moved to Blackwell in August of 1955 and taught in the Blackwell Public Schools until her retirement in 1972. She married Harold C. Hiatt on Jan. 1,1981, in Guthrie, and they settled on a farm northeast of Blackwell. She later moved into Blackwell to make her home before entering the Blackwell Nursing Home, where she lived at the time of her death.

She was a life member of the Oklahoma Education Association and also held membership in the National Education Association and AARP. She was also a member of the Church of Christ in Blackwell.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Miller of Blackwell; a sister, Pearl Boyce of Wichita, Kan.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, R.J. McCord; a brother, Leonard Stiger; and four sisters, Alice Higerd, Thelma Sink, Violet Weaver and Wanda K. Stiger.

Casket bearers will be Justin Glenny, Tony Alloway, Rick Weaver, Todd Miller, Harlan Boyce II and Jeff Hiatt. Honorary bearers will be Bill Shoffner, Ross Hiatt, Jimmy Hiatt, Kent Allen, Zac Wachholz, Garin Glenny and Darrin Hiatt.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Church of Christ, 1035 South Main, Blackwell, Okla. 74631 or Blackwell Public School Foundation, 1034 South First, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Obituaries

Mary Louise Marrs

Mary Louise Marrs, 3750 W. Coleman Rd., died April 11, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 75.

No funeral services are planned. Arrangements were under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born Dec. 15, 1934, in Grand Marais, Minn., she was the daughter of Axel N. and Lillian Allen Berglund.

On July 6, 1944, she married Edgar Elic Marrs in California.

Mrs. Marrs was retired from the U.S. Postal Service. She enjoyed reading and had done extensive needlework. She was a member and past president of the Friends of the Library. She also served as a volunteer for Helpline, having received many awards for her work, and was an avid supporter of the Humane Society.

Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Florence Marrs of St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Myrtle Bergland of California; nieces Mary Ann Lentz, St. Louis, Mo., and Sandra Sunderland of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., Lynne Hueber of Chicago, Ill., and Mr. and Mrs. Hal Hendrickson of Ponca City.

Memorials may be made to the Ponca City Library, in care of Paula Cain, 515 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Robin Meredia Bernabe

Robin Meredia Bernabe, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, April 17, 2000, at her home in Oklahoma City. She was 34. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Elbert L. Rutherford

Elbert L. Rutherford, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, April 18, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 70. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Muriel E. Wallace

Muriel E. Wallace, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, April 18, 2000, at her home. She was 87. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Singles Plan Get-Together — Singles Connection will hold a Video Night at the Fourth Street Clubhouse on Saturday at 7 p.m. Bring a snack or pop to share. Call Mary Lou at 762-0578 for any more details.

We are a craft show everyday at Crafters’ Mall. 318 East Grand. adv.

Library Closed — The Ponca City Library will be closed April 21, 22 and 23 for Easter, and reopen Monday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

Easter Baskets- Filled with homemade, floral scented lotions, body splashes, and powders. No calories to count and they won’t wilt after a few days! An “eggstra” surprise in each basket. Sold exclusively at The Crafter’s Mall, 318 E. Grand. adv.

Softball Meeting — The Ponca City Adult Softball Association will meet at the ONG building (south door) at 7 p.m. Thursday. For more information call Vicki Osborn, 765-7677.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them

when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

Kaw Authority — All members and associate members of the Kaw Reservoir Authority are asked to RSVP with Deana Kelley, 918-492-8851, for the April 27 meeting. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant in Ponca City. Ken Parr is the presiding chairman. The group will discuss the Wholesale Water Treatment and Conveyance Study.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

County Republicans — The Kay County Republican Party will meet at the Golden Corral, 2300 North Fourteenth, Thursday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m. For more information call Ruslyn Hermanson, 765-9868, or Dave White, 762-0103.

Need A place to do Ceramics? Pouring new molds daily. Norma

B Ceramics 316 East Grand. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 3600 block of Wellington reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:12 a.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been stolen.

Easter Egg Hunt for children through 8 years. Saturday, April

22 at 10 a.m., south side of Hutchins. Sponsored by Century 21

Group One. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a call at 9:38 a.m. Tuesday that a cattle truck had hit the underpass and left east on South Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was notified, as were the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Osage County Sheriff’s Department, and the Ponca City Street Department.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Foul Odor — A woman from the 400 block of South Lake Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:01 p.m. Tuesday that a foul odor was coming from a nearby residence. An officer was assigned and information was logged that a dead goat had been removed from the area prior to arrival of the officer.

Easter Dresses and dark print (new) and new shoes 20% off. Bearly New 2010 N. 14th. adv.

Accident — An accident in the north bound lane of the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:22 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

Fight — The Communications Center received a call at 6:22 p.m. Tuesday that a fight was occurring in the street at West Oklahoma Avenue and South Osage Street. Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 29-year-old man was held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay and delivery of a controlled dangerous substance.

Joyce Davis, formerly with International Tours of Ponca City,

is now working with Cowboys Travel and Holiday Cruises in

Stillwater. She is making airline, tour, and cruise reservations. She makes deliveries here. She can be reached by calling 580-363-

0757 in evenings or daily toll free at 888-743-4321. adv.

Items Found — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday that a jewelry box full of jewels had been found at Lake Ponca. An officer was assigned and information was logged that the items were brought to the police department.

Easter Chicken special. Friday trough Sunday. Buy one tub, get

eight potato’s free. Call ASAP. Synder’s Grocery 762-4686. adv.

Parking Problem — The Communications Center received a call at 11:54 a.m. Tuesday that a Po-Hi student had parked in a No Parking Zone. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a citation was issued.

Easter Specials; One group ladies Sag Harbar dresses sizes 8-

18. Mel’s price $19.99, Nice selection ladies sails and dresses,

sizes 2-18. Mel’s price $29.99 to $59.99, Ladies sandals and shoes

all name brands save 50 to 60% off regular retail, Lands’ End knit

tops- polo style sizes S-M-L Mel’s price $9.99. adv.

Forged Check — A woman from the 2200 block of Mary Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:31 p.m. Tuesday to report that someone had forged a check on her account. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Possible Scam — A woman from the 500 block of East Fresno Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:28 p.m. Tuesday that she had been the victim of a possible scam. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Betty’s Boutique 10-50% off entire store through Saturday. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — An employee at Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:28 p.m. Tuesday that a man had driven off without paying for $10 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A man from the 800 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:52 p.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

If You are looking for guaranteed results at prices to match

the competition, look no further than Heartland Hearing Aid Cen-

ter. 1302 N. 7th. 767-1961 Guaranteed. adv.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Please Grandma, buy me a bunny from Mrs. Brown’s Attic! Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Ponca Plaza. adv.

Attention Boat & Motor Owners!!! The 2001 renewal decals are now in inventory at the Ponca City tag office. Purchase yours early & avoid the rush!! *all boats & motors renew in June. adv.

LIFESTYLES

Unit II Names New Officers
PT Meeting Set Thursday
On Earth Day — Remember the Past, Protect the Future
Little News

Unit II Names New Officers

Members of Unit II, Ponca City Mother’s Club, met recently in the home of Zofia Bohon. Ina Bond and Alice Lightfoot were co-hostesses. Sally Nieman from Pioneer Technology Center gave the program about TANF.

Sue Ziegenhain read the collect, and Beverly Carpenter reported on the spring luncheon scheduled in May. A report was given about money donated to the Lincoln Closet project and to the community clinic. Paper goods were brought for donation to the Golden Villa. There were 23 members attending the meeting.

Named as new officers were Sue Ziegenhain, chair; Patti Lundeen, vice chair; Pat Morahan, treasurer; Zofia Bohon, secretary; Ina Bond, librarian; and Sandy Bishop, parliamentarian.

PT Meeting Set Thursday

Program for the noon Thursday meeting of Professionals Today will be Sheryl Perry of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center’s SANE [Sexual Assault Nurse Examination], according to Pixie Rowland, vice president. The luncheon meeting will be held at Golden Corral.

The April 6 meeting was highlighted by the announcement of the scholarship recipient given by Lana Jones, community service chairman.

The group voted to sponsor an entry in the United Bed Race on May 6. Other reports were given by Jan Emo, finance, and Robyn Boettcher, cook-off.

President Sue Lunsford called on Louise Abercrombie for “Moments.” Roses and Raspberry participants were Loretta Leathers and Abercrombie.

On Earth Day — Remember the Past, Protect the Future

On April 22, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Earth Day. This is a time for all of us to look back with pride on our accomplishments in preserving our environment and protecting public health, according to Gregg Cooke, regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. “We should also be thinking about the work ahead in maintaining a healthy, sustainable environment that thrives within a vigorous economy,” he said.

During the last three decades, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked to fulfill its unique mandate to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment — air, water and land — upon which life depends. Our efforts have been extraordinarily successful, says Cooke.

Our skies are cleaner. In city after city, the air is healthier to breathe. Yet, some of our cities are still struggling with the highest air pollution and ozone smog levels in the nation. Last year, Texas recorded 15 of the 30 highest ozone readings in the nation, including the single highest reading.

EPA is introducing new standards to make all vehicles run 95 percent cleaner and improve fuels to run them. The exponential increase in the number of cars on the road and the miles they travel is a difficult challenge to air quality.

Our communities are making strong comebacks. Our cities have long been plagued by thousands of abandoned industrial sites. Sometimes the threat of contamination is enough to keep these sites undeveloped, underused and off the tax rolls. EPA’s Brownfield program brings together partners from federal and state agencies, communities, land owners and developers to promote cleanup and reuse of these unproductive sites.

The Brownfields program is working in more than 300 communities around the country. It has leveraged more than $1 billion in public and private funds, created thousands of new jobs, returned idle land to productive and profitable use, and relieved development pressure on our suburban and rural areas.

Our water is cleaner. One of the challenges EPA was created to address is our nation’s water quality. Today’s youth may find it hard to believe that America once had a river so polluted that it caught fire. Although there has been a lot of improvement in our water quality, much remains to be done. About 40 percent of our lakes, rivers and streams are not suitable for fishing and swimming.

EPA is working in partnership with the states to improve water quality by establishing pollution limits for individual polluted waterways. This is a change from regulating specific businesses and setting limits for individual discharges. Setting Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for each impaired water body will help ensure that these lakes, rivers and streams can recover and be healthy.

Our drinking water is safer. The new annual Consumer Confidence Report gives customers a more complete picture of their drinking water quality. Ninety percent of our tap water from drinking water systems meets tough health standards. Our goal is 100 percent safe drinking water for all Americans, said Cooke.

Earth Day has become a celebration of hope and confidence and a reminder of the challenges we still need to meet. We share responsibility in finding better ways to live, work and participate in our communities, ways that reduce pollution and waste. Environmental protection must include all of us — industries, governments, communities, neighborhoods, families and individuals, said Cooke. For more information about Earth Day check the website www.epa.gov/earthday

Little News

Julie and Tony Blatt of Edmond announce the birth of a daughter at 12:05 p.m. April 5, 2000, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. Sydney Elizabeth Blatt weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 19 1/2 inches long. She has a brother, Conner, 30-months-old.

Grandparents are Sue Stanley of Ponca City, Charles and Mary Blatt of Guthrie, and the late Bill Stanley.

SPORTS

Wildcat Cat Playoff Bids Suffer Setbacks
Weiberg Signs Two Guards

Wildcat Cat Playoff Bids Suffer Setbacks

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Suddenly the playoff hopes of the Ponca City High School soccer teams are hanging by a thread.

A pair of uninspired 3-1 losses to Owasso at Sullins Stadium Tuesday night left the Po-Hi coaches a little confused and scrambling to figure out to keep their teams in the post season picture.

For Wildcat coach Marco Castillo, the answer to the boys’ playoff hopes was simple.

“We have to win Friday against Sapulpa, period,” he said, looking to the final district match here.

The Cats slipped to 4-3 in district play and currently sitting fourth in the district standings. Since the top four teams from the eight-team district advance to the playoffs, the Poncans need a win Friday to have any hope to extend their season.

The Lady Cats are in somewhat better shape. At 5-2, they are tied for second, but lost the tie-breaker edge to Owasso. If several things happen, the Ladies can still take second behind Union and win a home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. But a win over Sapulpa is a must.

Given the importance of Tuesday’s matches, both Po-Hi teams were stangely flat.

“There was some good individual play, but we didn’t play well as a team,” said Sherina Wood, who scored the Lady Cats’s only goal of the night.

Owasso’s girls came on strong, scoring two goals in the early minutes of the match.

Wood scored with 10:41 left in the half on a perfect seeing-eye kick from the right side into the left corner of the net to half the lead.

But Owasso got the only goal of the second half, with 17:23 remaining, to pull out the win.

Owasso was up 1-0 at halftime, but Kip Quiram sped down the left side with just over 11 minutes gone in the second half and beat the Owasso goalie to tie the score.

However, Owasso scored twice within a minute about seven minutes later to ice the win.

Friday night’s match, which at one time was moved to Thursday and then moved back, will be Seniors Night and girls’ coach Steve Hermann is hoping the Poncans will respond.

Weiberg Signs Two Guards

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College men’'s head basketball coach Mick Weiberg is optimistic that his team will be even better next year. “if certain things fall into place, I think we can be better than last year,” Weiberg said.

Quite a statement from a coach who led his team to the second round of the national tournament and an undefeated conference record.

Weiberg has been diligently crisscrossing the country in of one his busiest times of the year working hard to fill out the 2000-2001 roster for his Mavericks. He recently traveled to Red Rock where he accepted a letter of intent from J.R. Regnier, a Frontier High School all-state guard who has averaged 16 points a game and helped his team to a second place finish in state competition this year.

“J.R. is a good true point guard,” Weiberg said of the 6-2 player who amassed 1,162 points in his high school career. “He comes from a winning program. Frontier coach Bob Weckstein teaches his players the meaning of hard work.”

Weiberg was back on the road the same day to sign Merrill Andrews, another guard in Ardmore.

“Andrews has great quickness and athletic ability," Weiberg said of the Ardmore Tiger who averaged 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.7 steals his senior year. Andrews helped his team to a 23-4 season that ended in the Class 5A State semifinals.

“We look for Andrews to step right in and contribute,” Weiberg said. “We know he comes from a good coaching staff,” Weiberg said of the Tiger program headed by Coach Ted Younts. “Ted Younts' kids play hard.”

The Northern Mavericks finished the season 27-9 as Region II champions in 2000. Weiberg said that he expects another good season next year. Although his recruiting efforts aren't over, Weiberg is confident that his team will be strong, ready and up to the challenge of teams that have gone before them.