From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, April
1, 1997
LOCAL
DHS Office Could Move Out of Newkirk Location
Municipal Election Under Way
Art Seminars During May Deal With Mixing, Outdoors
Students, Bus Drivers, Motorists All Must Know Bus Safety Rules
DEATHS
Delene Marie Fuchier
Robert Dean McGee
Elbert Lee Doughty
Gladys Helen Buck
Merdith Harris
Talisha Ann Woodward
John C. Affholder Jr.
Obituaries
Norma Jean Parsons
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Sykes Requests $2 Million To Add New Facility Here
USA Bottling Breaks Ground
Chamber Board Approves Draft for New Organization
Bank of Oklahoma Planning Branch Bank at Albertsons
LIFESTYLES
Water Walking Class Beginning
SPORTS
Streaking PC Wildcats Pound Bluejays, 16-3
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The Kay County commissioners learned this week that the 55 Department-of-Human-Services employees will be at least temporarily vacating the county-owned building here.
A meeting Monday with DHS representatives left the commissioners searching for ways to persuade the department to stay in Newkirk despite the demographic pull of "the more metropolitan" Ponca City or Blackwell.
The visitors told the board the DHS "ran into asbestos" recently in the building's ceiling and on pipes when they were trying to improve the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
Not only were they forced to evacuate soon to remove the asbestos, they said, they also indicated they have been shopping for a building that would provide more space.
District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven, who called for the meeting with the DHS, said inspectors in 1989 determined the asbestos still in the building was completely safe, as long as it wasn't disturbed. However, the recent remodeling left the asbestos exposed.
"One way or the other, we have to leave," said local DHS administrator Carlin Kindred, who was accompanied by spokesmen Tom Jaworsky and David E. Moore of Oklahoma City.
They said the employees probably would move in four or five days if they can find a place in Blackwell or Ponca City. However, short-term office space for 55 people has been difficult to locate, Kindred said.
They estimated five weeks to three months is needed for the asbestos removal.
Wayne Leven said losing 55 employees makes a significant impact on a town the size of Newkirk and there may be advantages to DHS if the department stays.
"People are used to coming to Newkirk to the DHS office and we'd like to keep it that way," he said.
Leven asked if adding extra parking or expanding the existing building would help, and he wondered if "building a new building somewhere to you all's desire" would help the department consider staying.
The visitors said their demographics show "some sort of presence" is needed in Ponca City, whether it's a satellite office or a main office. They said the option also exists of Newkirk becoming the satellite office.
"It's not like it's an all-or-nothing thing," Jaworsky said.
They said 70 percent of the office's client base comes from "the more metropolitan areas" of the county, and most of the employees come from Ponca City.
They said the present office is "not a bad building and we kind of feel like we've put a lot of money into it." The current office has approximately 9,600 square feet and the visitors said they could use up to 17,000 square feet. There are 44 existing parking places and they need 80, they said.
"We want to keep you in that building," Leven said, mentioning the current office's proximity to the courthouse is another plus.
DHS rents the building from the county, which in turn provides custodial service and pest control. The department has occupied the Newkirk office since 1970 or 1971, the visitors said.
Other Business
In the remainder of the commissioners' regular weekly meeting, the board tabled a decision to award a bid for fourth-floor courthouse remodeling and accepted a bid for a 1990 International Harvester tractor for District Two.
The tractor bid, from Southwest Truck Parts of Pratt, Kan., offered the 356,000-mile machine for $18,000 with a $6,000 trade-in.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Local precincts have reported slow and slow-but-steady voter turnout for today's election. Ballots will be cast and counted, as citizens decide the fate of the Cultural Center and whether to continue the one-half cent Street Improvement Sales Tax. Regular voting precincts will be open until 7 p.m.
Furthermore, two candidates will emerge victors in the race for Ponca City Commissioner positions. Businessman Chris Hand opposes incumbent Dick Bird for position No. 2. Incumbent O.E. "Greg" Gregson is challenged by attorney Tom Leonard for position No. 4.
Proposition No. 1 asks, "Shall Section 3 of Ordinance No. 5476 of the City of Ponca city be amended to extend the levy of the additional one-half percent (1/2 percent) sales tax for Street Improvements from Oct. 1, until Sept. 30, 2002."
The current tax expires Sept. 30. The tax would not be a new tax but a continuation of the one-half cent tax originally approved in 1987.
Since that time, $10,872,267 has been generated to improve 37.9 percent of Ponca City's streets.
Proposition No. 2 asks, "Shall the board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City be authorized to sell, by competitive public offering, the City's ownership of the real estate and grounds commonly known as the Cultural Center located at 1000 East Grand Avenue."
The 6,521-square-foot white home with the red-tiled roof, sets on approximately 2.85 acres. The 22-room mansion is listed in the Oklahoma Landmarks publication as one of Oklahoma's outstanding architectural accomplishments. Furthermore, it is officially certified on the National Register of historic places.
TONKAWA - Two art seminars are being offered at Northern Oklahoma College during the month of May by Neo Kirby, NOC Painting and Drawing Instructor. Enrollment is currently being accepted for the classes at the NOC business offices.
The first 12-hour seminar will be a color mixing course to be held May 16 and 17 and a 12-hour outdoor painting seminar will be held May 30-31. Each course will meet from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. No previous experience is necessary and each course is given one credit.
"We are offering the color mixing seminar because successful painting requires an understanding of color," says Kirby. "Color is an important tool of artistic expression." In addition to its powerful expressive qualities color creates the sensation of light and space, she continued.
"The color mixing experience gives the student conscious control of the painting process and eliminates the guesswork and confusion in color selection."
Basic color theory and important color palettes in history will be studied, said Kirby. The color palettes will include ancient Egypt, Greece, The Renaissance and techniques of artists such as Gauguin, El Greco, Monet and Matisse.
When speaking about the painting on location seminar, Kirby said a current resurgence of the time-honored method of painting on location has been seen recently and more and more collectors are becoming interested in this work.
"Outdoor painting teaches a close study of nature whose light, colors and mood are constantly changing. Outdoor painting also creates more spontaneous work," she said.
In conclusion she said, working directly from nature creates a sense of reality and energy that cannot be duplicated in the studio. Artists can produce finished work or gather source material for later use with outdoor painting.
State Superintendent Sandy Garrett said in recognizing Oklahoma School Bus Safety Week, March 31 to April 4, Oklahomans need to remember school buses carry our state's most precious cargo: the boys and girls who attend our school.
"To ensure the safety of our children as they travel to and from school, everyone must do his or her part," Garrett said. "The bus stop can be dangerous if motorists do not adhere to safety rules such as stopping for buses with flashing red lights, which indicate students are boarding and leaving."
In Oklahoma, approximately 7,000 school buses transport more than 313,000 students each day. Bus drivers travel more than 65 million miles to get students to their respective schools. Statistics indicate that boys and girls are 46 times safer riding in a school bus than in any other vehicle.
"While we are proud of our bus safety record, we must not take anything for granted," Garrett said, reminding bus drivers to:
* conduct a thorough daily pre-trip inspection to ensure the bus is safe for students;
* adjust the speed and following distance for their buses for existing conditions; and
* have a school bus emergency plan established and be prepared to act upon it.
Garrett recommends that parents tell children:
* to keep off the street or roadway while waiting on their school bus;
* to never walk behind the bus at a bus stop; and
* to not cross a two-lane street alone until approximately nine years of age and to be accompanied by older students or adults to bus stops.
For school administrators and teachers, Garrett recommends:
* training students in bus safety and emergency evacuation drills each semester;
* evaluating all bus routes for hazards, especially railroad crossings and bus stops; and
* providing regular training for transportation personnel, before and
during employment.
DEATHS
Delene Marie Fauchier, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, March 28, 1997, at her home. She was 90.
The funeral will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Caddo (Okla.) Cemetery. The Rev. Tommy Higle, pastor of Caddo Baptist Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Delene Marie (Boydstun) Fauchier was born Nov. 4, 1906, in Caddo, Indian Territory to Thomas H. and Minerva Allon (Massengale) Boydstun. She earned a certificate from Southeastern State College, Durant, and her bachelor of science degree from Central State University, Edmond. She had also studied at East Central State, Ada, and Oklahoma City University.
She began a 38-year teaching career in Caddo and continued at Maud, Harjo, Barnsdall, Atoka and Nardin, where she spent 10 years before moving to Ponca City. Mrs. Fauchier retired in May 1972, after 12 years as sixth grade teacher at Woodlands Elementary. While on the faculty at Woodlands, Mrs. Fauchier served as the sponsor for the Patrol Boys, and from 1970-72 for both boys and girls. She served as co-sponsor of the Woodlands Student Council, where she taught correct business procedures for meetings and elections. In 1969-70, she was selected Ponca City's "Teacher of the Year" and was named one of the "Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America" in 1972.
Mrs. Fauchier was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and the Wesleyan Service Guild. She had been active in the Order of Eastern Star where she served as worthy matron of the Nardin Chapter and as grand pate to the most worthy grand secretary in Washington, D.C. She was a also member of the National Education Association and the Oklahoma Education Association Parent-Teacher Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, where she once served as president, and Kappa Kappa Iota. She had also served as president of the County Rural Teachers Association and a member of the Kay County Retired Teachers Association. Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling.
Survivors include three nieces, Kay Alsobrook of Houston, Texas, Mary Louise Hecht of Loveland, Colo., and Diane Pecaut of Tulsa; and one nephew, Alton Boydstun of Ponca City.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Fauchier's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103; Ponca City, OK 74601.
BLACKWELL - Robert Dean "Bob" McGee, former Blackwell resident, died Monday afternoon, March 31, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 71.
The funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Roberts Funeral Home Chapel, Blackwell, Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
Robert Dean "Bob" McGee was born July 15, 1925, in Blackwell, the son of Frederick and Bessie (Larrabee) McGee. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1943. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in the European Theater. While awaiting shipment to the U.S. he attended Shrivenhan American University in England. Following his discharge he attended Oklahoma A&M at Stillwater, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1952.
On Aug. 20, 1950, he was married to Billie Joyce Lynn in Blackwell. After his graduation, the couple established their first home in Odessa, Texas, where he worked as a chemist for Phillips Petroleum. He later worked for Odex Engineering and Equipment Co., as a sales engineer. The couple later moved to Tulsa, where he was employed by Dearborn Chemical Company and in 1961 they returned to Blackwell, where McGee entered the family jewelry business. He operated McGee Jewelers in Blackwell and in 1977 moved the business to Ponca City, where he operated the store until his retirement in 1990.
McGee was a member of the Ponca City First Christian Church, Ponca City Rotary Club, Wednesday Morning Tippers Club, American Legion, VFW Post 1201, and the National Rifle Association. During his lifetime his hobbies included golf, woodworking, hunting and reading. He also held the title of the 94th Infantry Division Chess Champion and enjoyed playing the clarinet in a German band in Blackwell.
Survivors include his wife, Billie, of Ponca City; two daughters, Cindy McGee of Ponca City and Robbi Ann Ellison of Jackson, Miss.; one son, Matthew of Ponca City; one brother William l. "Bill" of Norman; and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. McGee's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73014.
KAW CITY - Elbert Lee "Toby" Doughty, resident of Kaw City, died Sunday afternoon, March 30, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 79.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Blaine Herron, Foursquare Gospel Church, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Ponca City. A Military Honor Guard from the Wichita (Kan.) Naval Reserve Unit will present colors.
The family will be present at Grace Memorial Chapel from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today to visit with family and friends.
Elbert Lee "Toby" Doughty was born Aug. 25, 1917, in Wewoka, the son of William Myatt and Jeston (Smith) Doughty. He graduated from Edmond High School in the mid-1930s and later attended Central State University. In November 1939 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic on the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier and later the USS Saratoga. Doughty was present at the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was honorably discharged in June 1961, at the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
After his discharge he moved to Ponca City, then to Kaw City a short time later. Doughty was a member of the VFW Post 1201, American Legion Post 220 and the Masonic Lodge 509 of Shidler. He enjoyed handcrafts and gardening.
Survivors include one daughter, Jeston Doughty of Massachusetts and one adopted son, Larry Doughty; three brothers, Marshall M. of Moore, William M. of Austin, Texas, and Pete S. of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Lois Campbell of Oklahoma City and Laura Luer of Plainview, Ark.; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Ben, and his parents.
Casket bearers will be nephews, Pete Doughty, Pat Doughty, Jimmy Campbell, Jon Luer, Michael Doughty, John Remilliard and Neal Tyner. Honorary bearers will be nephews Ben Doughty Jr. Jerry Doughty, Richard Doughty, Ronnie Doughty and Billy Bob Doughty.
The family will be at 128 Sequoia in Kaw City.
TONKAWA - Gladys Helen (Kee) Buck, longtime Tonkawa resident, died at Manor Care Nursing Center in Norman, Monday, March 31, 1997. She was 90.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church with Dr. Robert Kanary, minister, officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.
Gladys Helen (Kee) Buck was born June 12, 1906, in Lawrence County, Mo., the daughter of Schuyler and Mary Lou (Graves) Kee. She grew up and received most of her education in Missouri and graduated from Webb City High School. After graduation she returned to Missouri to teach school.
On Dec. 27, 1924, she was married to A.D. Buck in Miami, Okla. Mrs. Buck taught school in Eastern Oklahoma. The couple then moved to Tonkawa in 1931, where they both began teaching at Northern Oklahoma College. Mrs. Buck was an active member of the Tonkawa United Methodist Church, where she had served as president of the UMW, taught Sunday School Class and served on numerous committees. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she held numerous offices, at local, district and state levels, including state president in 1959-60. She also served as a counselor and director of Girls State. As a member of Eastern Star she had also held several offices, including Grand Lecturer in 1972-73.
Survivors include two sons, Dale, of Tonkawa and Dewey of Norman; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, A.D., who died in 1989; her parents; four brothers, and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Buck's name to the A.D. Buck Scholarship Fund at NOC, or the United Methodist Church c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
FAIRFAX - Merdith Harris, Fairfax resident, died Monday morning, March 31, 1997 at his home. He was 74.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. George Weston officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Merdith Harris was born Aug. 21, 1922, in Havana, Ark., the son of Clement E. and Pearl Effie (Slay) Harris. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1941. Harris served in the U.S. Army in Germany, Belgium and France during World War II.
He was married to Mary Jane Hall on June 10, 1947, in Pawhuska. Harris was a farmer and an insurance agent for Equity Benefit Life. He was a member of the Fairfax First Christian Church, American Legion, Ponca City DAV, and had served as Quartermaster of the Fairfax VFW Post 4790.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane, of the home; one son, Mickey, of Temple; one daughter, Lynda Warren of Derby, Kan.; one sister, Willie Armstrong of Fairfax; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Harris' name to the First Christian Church, 154 North Fourth Street, Fairfax, OK 74637.
The family will be at the Harris home.
BLACKWELL - Talisha Ann "Sissy" Woodward, a resident of the Blackwell-Tonkawa area died at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid, Saturday, March 29, 1997. She was 18.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Talisha was born Jan. 6, 1979, in Fort Smith, Ark., the daughter of Tony Roberts and Nancy Lamb Woodward. She moved to Tonkawa in 1985, then to Blackwell in 1997.
Survivors include her mother, Nancy, of the home in Blackwell; one sister, Janice Branson of Blackwell; her maternal grandmother, Vera Theil of Hutchinson, Kan., and paternal grandmother, Opal Roberts of Fort Smith, Ark; two aunts, one nephew and one niece. She was preceded in death by her father, Tony Roberts, in 1996.
BLACKWELL - John C. "Big Bill" Affholder Jr., Blackwell resident, died Sunday, March 30, 1997, at his home. He was 74.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Charles Ryser, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
John C. "Big Bill" Affholder Jr. was born Feb. 3, 1923, in Blackwell, the son of John C. and Ida D. (Lane) Affholder Sr. He grew up and attended schools in Blackwell.
"Big Bill" loved the children of Blackwell and spent many afternoons watching after them and playing with them both at school and in the parks. In 1970 he received a faithful service award from the Blackwell Public Schools and in February 1983 he received a special "Citation of the Year" award from the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifelong member of the Blackwell First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one sister, Lorene MacKinzie of Carter; two nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Fred Affholder and two sisters, Ruth Affholder and Lillian Glover.
Casket bearers will be Leo Sheets, Jim Galloway, Harvey Tucker, Lee Priebe, John Boersma and Raymond Hudsonpillar.
Memorial contributions may be made in "Big Bill's" name to the First United Methodist Church Youth Group, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Norma Jean Parsons, 2016 Meadowbrook, died Sunday, March 30, 1997, 11:08 p.m. at her home. She was 73.
A committal service will be held Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Krueger, pastor, Woodlands Christian Church, officiating. A celebration service will be held at 11 a.m. at Woodlands Christian Church with the Rev. Krueger officiating, assisted by the Rev. Marilyn Merle, associate pastor, the Rev. Leland Petersen, assistant pastor, the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor, Community Christian Church, and the Rev. David Webster, minister of music, Community Christian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born May 10, 1923, at Coeu d'Alene, Idaho, she was the daughter of Howard and Leona Tallman McFarlane. She graduated from Everett High School, Everett, Wash., in 1941, then attended the Everett Business College.
She and Donald Edward Parsons were married Sept. 10, 1945, at Everett, Wash. The couple moved to Kingfisher where she became a farmer's wife. In 1953, Norma and Don became home missionaries for three years at the Yakima (Wash.) Indian Christian Mission.
Norma served as secretary for eight years at Phillips University during which she was personal secretary to two Phillips University presidents, Dr. Eugene Briggs and Dr. Hallie Gantz. In 1967 the couple moved to Ponca City as her husband accepted the pastorate of Community Christian Church where she was the "first lady" for 22 years. During those years, Norma was active in the total life of her church family at Community Christian.
Upon her husband's retirement in 1989, they became an active part of Woodlands Christian Church. Even with a wheelchair as a constant companion, Norma shared in the total life of her new church family and was very active in the Seekers Church School Class and Christian Women's Fellowship. Her favorite hobbies were doing needlepoint, crocheting, as well as working in her flower beds.
Since 1967 she had served as a Pink Lady volunteering in the gift shop at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She also worked several years with her husband at the information desk on Friday nights.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Don Parsons, of the home; her son and daughter-in-law, K. Mac and Vikki Parsons, Brandon, Fla.; a sister, Mrs. Jocille Dulin, Snohomish, Wash; and four nieces, Mrs. Terry (Carol) Davis, Duvull, Wash., Mrs. Gordon (Kathy) Moon, Mukiteo, Wash, Mrs. Jim (Mackie) Bonnell, Seattle, Wash, and Mrs. Greg (Susan) Heckendork, Snohomish, Wash.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union Street, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Woodlands Christian Church, 1400 East Hartford, Ponca City, OK 74604.
Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The family will be at the home, 2016 Meadowbrook.
State Certified DUI School Set - A State Certified DUI School Bridegeway, Inc. is Kay County's only local non-profit organization that offers both mid-week DUI School and Assessments. Next school will be Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Call 762-1462 for reservations.
Spring Dance Saturday - The traditional "Celebration of Spring Hethuska Dance" will be held at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center Saturday. The afternoon's men's dance session will begin at 2 p.m. Preceding the afternoon dance session will be the traditional Mourner's Meal at noon. The evening meal will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by a session of Wolf Songs for the Ponca and visiting ladies. The men's dance session beings at 7:30 p.m.
Otoe-Missouria Vets to Meet - There will be a business meeting of the Otoe-Missouria Veterans on Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. in the Enterprise Building, according to Mildred Hudson, Secretary.
Kildare To Host Carnival - Kildare School is having a space carnival Saturday from 5-8 p.m. Games include federation bingo, space ball, dart throw, basketball, ring toss and others. Drawing for prizes will begin at 8 p.m. and concessions will be held. Proceeds will go to Kildare Parent Teacher Organization.
Leaders to Meet - The Ponca City March for Jesus Organizational Committee will meet April 7 at 7 p.m. at the First Church of God, 1101 West Grand. Anyone interested in the March is welcome to come to the organizational meetings. The group held its third meeting on March 31 at the First Church of God. For more information, please call Jeanette Sroufe at 765-4982, or Marci Broam at 765-5299.
No Quotas - Ponca City police officers are responsible for enforcing both criminal and traffic laws. But, there is no minimum number of citations that an officer must write. Each month, an activity report is produced which shows how many reports each officer took, how many calls were handled, what their average response time was and the number of arrests made, as well as how many traffic warnings and traffic citations were issued. However, there is no "quota system" in Ponca City, according to Capt. Clayton Johnson. These statistics, in addition to other information, are used to rate each officer's activity on evaluations.
Special Work Session - Ponca City Board of Commissioners will meet in a special work session Thursday to discuss the Utility Authority Department operating budget revenues and rates. In addition, the board hopes to continue discussion on funding for the general fund, if time permits. The meeting will be held in the Ponca City Library Programming Room at 8 a.m.
Vandalism - At 7:25 a.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer reported that the windshield of a police unit was broken while in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street.
Park Building Burglarized - The Park and Recreation Department notified the Ponca City Police Department at 8:51 a.m. Monday that the storage building at Dan Moran Park was broken into. An officer advised the building was left open, but nothing was missing.
Covers Stolen - A subject in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street at 9:35 a.m. Monday reported four wheel covers stolen. An officer took a report.
Attempted Burglary - A resident in the 1400 block of West Grand Avenue informed the Ponca City Police Department at 9:45 a.m. Monday that someone tried to break into the residence. An officer took a report.
Kaw City Fire - Kaw City firefighters responded at 10:02 a.m. Monday to the report of a fire at the rock quarry, according to the Ponca City telecommunication officers.
Animal Abuse - The Ponca City telecommunication officers received a call at 12:20 p.m. Monday that three dogs were not being fed in the 300 block of North Second Street. Animal Control officers were advised.
Grass Fire - McCord Volunteer Fire Department received notice of a grass fire two miles south of U.S. 60 on Hunt Road at 12:25 p.m. Monday, according to Ponca City telecommunication officers.
Fire in Park - Osage Cove firefighters were advised at 1:12 p.m. Monday of a grass fire in Sandy Park, according to Ponca City telecommunication officers.
Larceny - A resident in the 900 block of West Oklahoma Avenue notified the Ponca City Police Department at 1:28 p.m. Monday that a battery and hub cap were stolen from a car. An officer took a report.
Warrant Arrest - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 25-year-old man at the police station at 3:22 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of burglary to a residence in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue at 4:56 p.m. Monday.
Truck Housed - The driver of a 1995 Ford truck accidentally stepped on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to crash through the front door of a residence in the 200 block of South Summit Avenue at 5:11 p.m. Monday, according to the Ponca City Fire Department's incident report.
Warrants Served - A 34-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 1100 block of South Ninth Street at 5:14 p.m. Monday on three Kay County warrants.
Expired License - A Ponca City police officer cited a driver for having an expired driver's license at a traffic stop in the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 8:18 p.m. Monday. The officer had the vehicle towed.
Under Suspension - A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 11:59 p.m. Monday for driving under suspension and no insurance.
Fire - Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department responded at 5:30
a.m. Tuesday, 1.5 miles south of Old U.S. 60 on Oklahoma 156 and 1.75 miles
west. The fire was put out.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Sykes Enterprises Incorporated (SEi) would like to build a second service center here on property near its first call center.
The current center is located on Waverly facing the municipal airport.
Economic Development Foundation consultant Don Wood told the EDF that this addition could mean another 500 jobs.
Only one problem: Sykes wants $2 million to build the second center in Ponca City and there is no incentive money available until the last couple of years of the 10-year half cent sales tax passed in 1994 and earmarked for economic development incentives.
The firm already has approval to build a second center in Bismarck, N.D. Sykes didn't build the first second center here, according to Wood, because the Bis-marck facility has only one customer, while Ponca City has five or six major customers.
Much discussion centered around how to come up with the funds. Some of the board favored going back to the citizens and asking for an additional jobs tax to fund the center.
A letter distributed to the Board by Wood in advance of the meeting lists the request by Sykes from David Reule. The package asks for a $2 million capital contribution to be used to build a new facility. The requests tells that current new centers are set at $2.5 million.
Other stipulations, include another 600-by-600 feet of land adjacent to the site for a third future expansion or joint venture. Part of the first deal was another site, which would be used for the second proposed expansion.
Also requested are waivers of all tap/hooking fees for utilities, five-year property tax abatement, job training funds, and utilization of the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Bill. These were the same conditions requested for the first facility here.
The letter from Wood to City Manager Gary tells that the $2 million, the waivers and the third site are within the control of the City of Ponca City. The five-year abatement, job training funds and the Quality Jobs Bill are standard, according to Wood.
Pat Mulligan, chairman, said, "The bottom line is that Sykes is requesting a proposal to put in a second site here. They have been hiring a substantial number of people. They've got people stacked in their current facility and they're currently looking at leasing space in the short term."
Wood said that Sykes has 25 requests from other communities sitting on the table right now and they could pick and choose, where they want to go.
He told about other locations where Sykes has built. "Everywhere they have gone they've done exactly what they said they would do. This has been a blue chip company. It has been a classic, take a private enterprise to the public sector LPO. They currently have over 500 employees. The payroll is in excess of $10 million a year. They are an excellent employer," Wood said. He referred to a newspaper and talked about the benefit package.
Asked if Sykes could use space at Conoco, Wood said each of the Sykes facilities had a basic floor plan, but could use the space at Conoco on a short-term basis, while a second facility is being constructed. Sykes is not interested in a long-term lease of facilities. Sykes has looked at acquiring space at Conoco for 175 people on a six-month lease. According to Wood, Sykes would have about one third of the employees in place to go to a second facility here.
Foundation trustees Linda Brown and Bill Rodgers were appointed to study ways to fund the project, including considering going to the citizens for another sales tax specifically for the Sykes expansion.
Rodgers said, "I think we should do everything possible to add 500 new jobs."
Trustee Tom Quillin is to head up a committee to negotiate with Sykes.
Brown, vice president of Evans and Associates, told how the wage scale at that business has gone up since the location of Sykes in the community.
Attending the meeting as citizens were several heavyweight business leaders in the community, who expressed the sentiment that everything possible should be done to get the second center here.
Carl Renfro said, "This is one of the more important things we've had coming down the pike in a long, long time, probably since Sykes built the first center here. We've got to take this very serious and whatever it takes we need to raise the money. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and we need to treat it as such."
David Mills, president of First National Bank, said, "I think we need to have faith in the community. This is a specific project These are clean jobs and they can see what Sykes has done before they can extend that out in their own minds. I think this would be a successful election.
"Secondly this isn't the only thing, hopefully, that will come to Ponca City in the next few years. This tailend bonding capability (of the 10 year incentive tax) gets better as each six months goes by and gives EDF some powder down the road."
Wood presented figures showing what 500 jobs would mean to Ponca City, using a measuring system by the National Chamber of Commerce.
The figures show $7,188,480 in wages to employees of the manufacturer; $4,433,040 in wages to the 370 workers in new non-manufacturing jobs, vendors, wholesalers and others; $3 million more to home builders, construction companies, subcontractors; $1,561,410 more to grocery stores; $471,370 more to restaurants.
Also, $306,390 more to clothing and specialty stores; $294,605 more to furniture and appliance stores; $1,042,905 more to auto dealers and supply houses; $471,370 more to lumber yards and hardware type stores; $223,900 more to drug stores; $783,650 more to department and variety stores; $341,740 more to miscellaneous retailers and $154,875 more to insurance.
Also 77 percent of ad valorem taxes paid by new industry goes to schools and $100,000 in sales taxes for city programs such as street and sewer repair, police and fire protection.
"The more people we have paying taxes, the broader the tax base and less each person has to pay, the information explained.
The motion on taking action on the Sykes proposal was tabled until the task forces gather information on how to finance the project.
Among those attending in addition to Renfro and Mills were Brian Harpster, local investor; Jerry Evans of Evans and Associates; J.B. Smith, Relator; Scott Dean, Pioneer Technology Center; Cory Bowker, Bowker Ford; Mark Detten, First National Bank; Hubert Watts, former City Commissioner, and Tom Muchmore, Ponca City Publishing Company.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
USA Bottling Company broke ground Thursday for a 5,500- square-foot building in the industrial park east of Thorn Apple Valley. This section of the park has been reserved for small industry and is to include a cul de sac.
Owners of the new industry are Doyle Keirn, Jerry Keirn and Richard Barker, all formerly with Farm Fresh. The firm proposes to bottle and market refrigerated non-carbonated beverages such as fruit drinks, sports drinks and ready-to-drink iced tea and citrus drinks.
The ceremony, with Pat Mulligan, Economic Development Foundation chairman, included a welcome by Mayor Marilyn Andrews and comments by the owners, as well as Mulligan and Jack Shilling, interim CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.
Economic Development Foundation (EDF) consultant Don Wood told about the project, which had come before the EDF board in January.
Wood said the EDF had recommended to the City that the site be made available to the firm based on the approved city incentive plan that allows credit towards purchase of the property for new jobs created by the company.
The 5,500-square-foot building will be built by TNT Construction Company. Tim Burg, of TNT, said that all of the sub-contractors will be local. As a side note Burg mentioned that the equipment that will be used in the plant is state-of-the-art and is being manufactured locally.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce approved a draft of a new organizational concept at the board meeting Friday. Chamber Chairman Larry Felix said this would include hiring a new Chamber CEO that would have a strong economic background, and adding a vice president position, who would handle numerous Chamber duties.
Other changes would include adding a representative from Ponca City Tomorrow to the executive committee. Part of the reorganization has occurred at the City's request, including moving the Economic Development Foundation group under the umbrella of the Chamber.
Members of the group meeting for several weeks to bring this reorganization about included Felix, Gary Martin, Bill Rodgers, Danny Thompson, Scott Dean, Dave Zimmerman, Pat Mulligan and Dick Stone.
Felix told The News, "The reason that we are investigating consolidation of some of these community organizations has to do with a call from the City and business leaders in terms of funding all of the community organizations that we have had and enjoyed in the past in Ponca City.
"Resources are not as plentiful as they were, so this investigation has been to see what we could consolidate and where we could have economies of scale without giving up the benefit of those community organizations. Another desire was to improve the working relations between these organizations and be better connected as a community."
The search committee for the new CEO, will be meeting next week to establish the criteria. Felix told of getting information from other communities on how their organizations work.
The proposed structure would add Ponca City Tomorrow and Economic Development as divisions of the Chamber. Economic Development already has a board member on the Chamber, and a slot now open due to the resignation of Jeff Smith for business reasons, can be filled by a Ponca City Tomorrow representative, according to Felix.
Details on how the Economic Development group will function as a division of the Chamber, and also go to the City for completing deals with new industry, has not yet been resolved. Felix said he sees the Economic Development group as being the marketing arm seeking new industry. Apparently the City is considering some contribution of funds out of the General Fund to operate that division. However that figure have not yet been determined.
In other action the Chamber Board approved spending $3,200 for new awnings for the Chamber Building and contributing $1,000 to the Fourth of July fireworks fund. Immediate past chairman Tim Burg is raising funds for the event.
The Board voted to expend $1,000 for the Leadership Oklahoma meeting and graduation to be held in Ponca City at the Marland Mansion. These funds will be expended from the Foundation for Progress using funds allotted for Leadership.
Also approved at the request of Scott Dean, chairman-elect, was $300 for an industry survey in the Chamber newsletter asking employers what they needed in employees as far as training.
Connie McAbee of the Ambassadors reported that the kick-off luncheon for the membership drive is slated for April 29 at St. Joseph Regional Hospital. The drive is slated for May 5-8 and will climax with a combined wrap-up party and summer social at the Marland Estate.
Paula Coppock reported for Give Ponca The Business. She said a Breakfast of Champions program has been slated for the first Friday in May. She also told about Chamber Bucks and reminded board members to think of giving these as gifts.
Charles Ziegenhain, chairman of the Presidents Club, announced upcoming ribbon cuttings at Throop Lawn and Garden Equipment John Deere Dealership on Highway 177, at 10 a.m., April 3, and that same day a ribbon cutting at O'Reilly Auto Parts, 3019 North Fourteenth, at 4 p.m.
Stuart Powell reported on infrastructure and told about a video shown by Santa Fe on train safety. Powell said two County Commissioners were among those attending. He said they also talked about the half cent sales tax to continue improving streets. Both the Infrastructure and Legislative Review Committee recommended a resolution to support the vote today. This was reported in Sunday's newspaper.
Scott Dean, chairman-elect, announced the next Friday Forum is set for April 11 with area legislators making up the panel. Phyllis Worley, vice president, told about activities of the Health and Medical Committee and reported on Leadership Ponca City.
Pat Mulligan, chairman of the Economic Development Foundation, reported on possible expansion of Sykes here, marketing space at Conoco and the need for a "spec" building.
Interim CEO Jack Shilling, told about operation of the office. He commented on the hard work of the staff. Treasurer's report was by Robert Sherer.
Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. in Ponca City will introduce extended-hours banking when it opens a location next month in Albertsons at the Ponca Plaza Shopping Center. The location will have all the capabilities of a traditional branch, but will be open evenings and weekends, according to Maxine Anderson, manager.
"Customers can open an account, apply for a loan, or invest in a CD," Anderson said. "They can do everything they've always done, but now they have the convenience of longer hours. Plus, with the bank in a supermarket, they can combine two trips into one."
It will be the first supermarket bank in Ponca City. Bank of Oklahoma currently has locations in 15 other supermarkets around the state, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid, Bartlesville and Grove.
Anderson said the supermarkets are among BOK's most heavily used branches. The new location is being made possible by splitting the services of BOK's existing branch.
The current office will remain open for mortgage lending, investment services, and expanded commercial services. The Albertsons location will handle personal banking needs such as checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Operating hours of the Albertsons location will be Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
BOK Financial Corp. is a two-bank holding company with $5 billion in assets, whose bank subsidiaries are Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Northwest Arkansas, N.A.
BOK Mortgage is the largest originator of home loans in Oklahoma, with
a total servicing portfolio of $5.9 billion.
LIFESTYLES
"Let your mind relax as you stroll into a healthy lifestyle" says Deena Marazas as she invites area residents to join her for a morning power walk at the YMCA pool. The new session of water walking will begin April 2. Class is held at the Community Pool, Seventh and Grand, from 8:15-9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The instructor names several advantages for water walking. More information
may be obtained by calling the YMCA at 765-5417. Ms. Marazas is a certified
instructor through the YMCA, United States Water Fitness Association and
the Aquatic Exercise Association.
SPORTS
GUTHRIE - The Bluejays of Guthrie provided little resistance to the streaking Ponca City Wildcats here Monday in high school baseball action as the Cats posted a lopsided 16-3 win, their ninth in 10 games.
Despite losing a game last week to 12th-ranked Enid, the Cats moved up to from No. 3 to No. 2 in the 6A East ratings and are now ranked sixth statewide in the newest 6A coaches poll.
Edmond North (12-3) is top-ranked, followed by Norman (12-4), Westmoore (13-6), Owasso (14-1), Moore (12-4) and Ponca City (9-3). Rounding out the top 10 are seventh-ranked Choctaw, Tahlequah, Muskogee and Yukon.
The Wildcats host Sand Springs today at 5 p.m. for a single game at the high school diamond.
Against Guthrie, the Cats broke out to an 8-0 lead with three runs in the first, four in the third and another run in the fourth on a solo home run by Jason Ross.
Guthrie came back to pick up its three runs in the bottom of the fourth to draw within 8-3, but the Poncans struck back quickly with a two-run fifth and then sent six runners past home plate in the sixth to account for the final 13-run margin.
"The team played real well," said head coach Roydon Tilley. "We hit the ball well and didn't commit any errors."
It was Ponca City's second win over Guthrie in three days. The first one, Saturday, was much closer. Po-Hi won 5-4.
Ponca City used three pitchers in the contest. Senior Rocky Hughes started on the mound, went three innings and picked up the win to improve to a team-best 4-0. He faced 11 batters, striking out five and giving up two hits.
Junior Chris Koenig gave up three runs on three hits in his two innings of work with three strikeouts. Senior Brad Taylor then pitched a perfect seventh inning with two groundouts and a line out.
"Rocky looked real good on the mound and so did Brad Taylor," said Tilley. "Chris struggled, giving up three quick runs, but came back strong and pitched a good fifth inning."
The Cats piled up four first-inning singles. RBIs went to Ross, Daniel Dodgen and Dean Hemenway.
In the third, Guthrie walked four Poncans and Shafer came up with a two-RBI single. The other two runs came in on a J.R. Fry sacrifice fly and a wild pitch.
The big-hit in the two-run fifth was a two-RBI single by senior catcher Ryan Sullivan, who also had a RBI double in the sixth.
Hughes started off the sixth with a two-run home run and Shafer had a two-RBI double in the frame as well.
Ponca City 16, Guthrie 3
Ponca City 304 126 0 - 16 12 0
Guthrie 000 300 0 - 3 5 0
PC-Hughes, Koenig (4), Taylor (7) and Dodgen, Sullivan (4). Guthrie-Conyers,
Smith (2), Selig (3), Duening (6) and Lindsey, Mayes (3). WP-Hughes (4-0).
LP-Conyers. HR-PC, Ross, Hughes.