From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
April 9, 1997
LOCAL
'Week of the Young Child'
Bicycle, Tricycle Safety Stressed
Area Calendar
East Coast Trumpet Titan In Redbud Jazz Festival
After School Kids Mark Special Week
Lake Ponca Clean Up Postponed One Week
Sheriff Worried About Prison Bill Effects
Nearly News
Officials Study Utility Services
Arts Adventure Day Camp Enrollment Open to April 19
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
All Smiles During Special Olympics
PTC Board Approves Contracts
Early Morning Beer Thefts Keep Patrolmen Busy
NewSong at Hutchins Saturday
Sertoma Club Beginning Annual Cinnamon Roll Sale
DARE Marks Sixth Year in P.C. As Studies Impact More Youths
Local EMT Licensure Verified
DEATHS
Joseph Edwin Platt
Everett Earl Stebbins
Christopher Gauge Frederickson
Ernia Bell Brown
Dale Charles Lesemann
Francies Geneva Baker
Sarah Elizabeth Rowe
Services Pending
Donna Fath
Funerals
Clythel Rebecca Hodges
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Kristin Lanman Bride-Elect
Reception Will Honor Mrs. Goad
Wedding Plans Are Announced
Little News
P. M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild Members Announce Plans
Professionals Planning Brunch
SPORTS
''Voice of the Cowboys'' Bill Platt Dies of Cancer
Weather Plagues PC Golf
Sports Notes
Card Show To Benefit NOC
Fishing Results
Soccer Standings
Free Seed Is Available For Wildlife Plantings
1997 Habitat Patches Are Now in Stock
Choosing child care may be the most important decision a parent can make for a child. The preschool child of parents working full time may spend a major portion of his or her waking hours in a day care situation. The quality of those hours will shape a child's emotional and social development for years to come according to a handbook published by the Department of Human Services.
"Being a winner is about being the best person you can be" says Shannon Miller, Olympic champion and honorary chairperson for the celebration of the "Week of the Young Child" April 6-12.
During this special week emphasis will be on recognition of the children, parents and caregivers who participate in the child care process.
Several activities are taking place this week at the various day care centers, home day care facilities, preschools and school-age programs.
A Week of the Young Child rally is scheduled Thursday, April 10 at 9:45 a.m. around the fountain at the Ponca City Civic Center. Mayor Marilyn Andrews will read the proclamation for the event and the finale for the week's events will be a Child Care Training Fair sponsored by Conoco on Saturday, April 12.
Theme for this 27th observance of the Week of the Young Child is "Early Years are Learning Years ... Make Them Count!" This annual celebration is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In a letter to child care professionals, Prins Anderson, Programs Administrator for the Office of Child Care, Department of Human Services, said "celebrating the Week of the Young Child reminds us that the early years are the basis for all learning and shapes children's successes in school and later life."
Anderson went on to say "I appreciate your dedication and commitment to Oklahoma's children and their families. During these times of changing priorities and limited resources, strong support for early care and education is critical." The NAEYC is the country's largest organization of early childhood professionals. Serving locally on the Week of the Young Child committee are Martha Long, Hollie Winslow, Carol L. Scott, and Deanna Barnett.
The annual celebration focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families, particularly the need for high quality early childhood programs. Each child care center, family day care home, preschool and school age program has planned special activities for this observance of the Week of the Young Child.
Each child care facility will be distributing "Parent Awareness Badges" for parents to wear during the week. The conclusion of activities for the celebration will be a Child Care Training Fair sponsored by Conoco when local care givers will be able to earn credit toward required licensing and learn about innovations in the field of child care.
"Bring A Bike Day Trike-A-Thon" is being enjoyed by students at Ponca City First Baptist Church Day School and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the "Week of the Young Child" quality child care and safety observance.
"The children are enjoying learning bicycle and tricycle safety while raising money for childhood cancer research," said Martha Long, FBC Day Care Director.
Lack of safety training is the most contributing cause of tricycle and bicycle accidents and the Trike-A-Thon is designed to teach the young students riding safety tips, while having fun and raising money for research for young cancer patients. The students are also learning about riding safe by using coloring sheets, stories and other activities.
Parents and friends support the program by collecting tax-deductible donations to sponsor a child of choice during the Trike-A-Thon rides in the parking lot.
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital is America's leading childhood cancer research center and was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Survival rates for the most common form of childhood cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia, have risen from less than five percent to 73 percent, mainly due to the research accomplished at St. Judes Hospital. Research findings are shared with physicians around the world to bring benefits of research performed at St. Jude to all children.
For more information contact Martha Long at (405) 765-3435.
April 10
April 10-12
April 11
April 11-12
April 12
April 13
April 14
April 15
April 17
April 17-April 20
April 18-19
April 19
April 17, 18, 19
April 20
April 21
April 22
April 24
April 25
April 26
April 27
May 3
May 4
May 6
May 9-10
May 10
TONKAWA - East Coast trumpet titan Byron Stripling will share top billing with Pete Christlieb at the fourth annual Redbud Jazz Festival concert April 12 at Tonkawa.
Stripling is an actor, vocalist and trumpeter extraordinaire with an extensive and varied background in performance. As a fifth grader, he took up the trumpet because he admired Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong's playing and singing style. Years later he was to land the leading role in a pre-Broadway production of the musical Satchmo: America's Musical Legend, opening in New Orleans in 1988.
He reprised his role as Satchmo for the PBS series "Evening at Pops," featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra, and for the Jazz Arts Group in Columbus, Ohio.
A camper and graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and former principal trumpet with the World Youth Orchestra, Stripling has played with the GRP AllStar Band, the Carnegie Hall Repertory Orchestra and many outstanding big bands, including Dizzy Gillespie and the Woody Herman Big Bands. He also played lead trumpet in the Broadway pit orchestra for "City of Angels."
As a high school student in St. Paul, Minn., Stripling met many of the Count Basie Orchestra musicians who played the Prom Center there.
Throughout his early career after studying at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., Stripling corresponded with the Basie band members and went to see them when he had the opportunity. Eventually he was invited to join the Count Basie Orchestra, where as lead trumpet he was known to steal the show with his soaring high-register work on Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia."
This terrifically talented jazz musician enjoys spreading his "love affair with music" and says his music is for people who like to think.
The Redbud Jazz Festival Concert is set for 7:30 p.m., April 12 in the Northern Performing Arts Center, located on the Northern Oklahoma College campus at Tonkawa.
Tickets are $7 general admission and may be reserved by writing Redbud Jazz Festival, P.O. Box 310, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653-0310 or by calling (405) 628-6231.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
The Ponca City Schools A.S.K. (After School Kids) will be celebrating "The Week of the Young Child" during the week of April 6-12.
The annual celebration is sponsored this year by the National Association of the Education of Young Children. Prins Anderson, program administrator, states that, "Celebrating the Week of the Young Child gives us an excellent opportunity to focus public attention on the importance of quality child care for Oklahoma's children." A.S.K. club members will also be given badges to wear during the weak. These badges are implemented to remind Oklahoma citizens the importance of quality child care.
Jessie Bruner, a Washington School A.S.K. Club member, made a cardboard doll that represents a school aged child. Jessie dressed the doll in an A.S.K. Club t-shirt, blue jeans and roller blades and added a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. The doll was displayed at the Capitol with other various cardboard children depicting different age groupings at child care centers and homes. State legislatures were presented a doll to remind them of the importance of issues affecting children.
A.S.K. Club coordinator, Charlee Lanis, said "We are always trying to find ways to make the program better for school age children. This year the staff and children are planning and preparing their own snacks. Cakes are served once a month to celebrate birthdays, Domino's Pizza can be found delivering pizza on occasional Fridays, and the kids are involved preparing their own snacks on many days."
This year, A.S.K. Club members will be using the new computer that was donated to the program. The children will use the computer to prepare reports, help plan program activities, write letters and play with a variety of learning games and activities that are provided.
Some upcoming activities planned for the A.S.K. Club members include a trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo on April 18 and an open house on April 24.
For more information about the A.S.K. Club or the "Week of the Young Child" events, you may contact Charlee Lanis at 767-8000.
The Fourteenth Annual Lake Ponca Clean Up scheduled for Saturday has been postponed due to the weather.
The clean-up has been rescheduled for April 19. Registration will be at Shelterhouses No. 1 and No. 2. The clean up is set fro 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., For more information contact the Lake patrol at (405) 767-0400.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Criticizing a legislative move that's gone "from a fiasco to a disaster," Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen today said a bill that will ruin the county's existing community corrections sentencing program has been hidden inside a bigger bill that already has widespread public support.
The sheriff said the "infamous" Community Corrections Act, which would dump the state's prison costs onto county taxpayers and end some successful area programs, is now part of House Bill 1213 under the label of Truth-In-Sentencing.
With the new bill on the verge of being voted upon today, Van Hoesen complained the sheriffs association's recent struggles to stop the hidden portion of it can now be mistakenly construed as an effort contrary to the public interest.
"I don't have a problem with truth-in-sentencing - I think people should serve the time they're sentenced to," he said.
"But as it stands now, we either vote for the whole package or we kill the whole thing. If it passes, the counties lose out, and if it doesn't, they blame the sheriffs," Van Hoesen said.
"It's politics - the DOC had input when writing the bill; the sheriffs had no say, and now they're trying to push it through in a hurry."
The bill is "600 pages long now and three inches thick" and the problem is buried somewhere inside, he said.
"How can they vote for a 600-page bill that was dumped in their laps 24 hours ago?" the sheriff asked. "There's no way you can digest it all overnight.
"If it's so good, why do we have to be in a hurry?"
The sheriffs association's opposition to the Community Corrections Act stems from the Department of Correction's efforts to pass its costs of keeping prisoners from the state to the individual counties.
If the DOC, which now pays for inmates' medical expenses, passes the costs to the counties, a serious illness for only one inmate could break a county's entire annual operating budget for its detention facility, which is required by law to stay open.
Van Hoesen said a recent appendectomy for an inmate cost $15,000 alone.
"It puts our representatives in a hot spot, too," the sheriff said, referring to State Representatives Jim Reese and Jim Newport.
He said the two representatives "are going to walk the floor today to garner support for postponing the vote" until the new bill is reviewed.
"I respect them for that," Van Hoesen said.
The Community Corrections Act was developed with input from the Department of Corrections, which has been faced with prison overcrowding, but not with input from the state's sheriffs, who in recent years have been paid by the DOC to pick up some of the slack.
Since 1988, state law has provided DOC support for CSSP programs so counties can be reimbursed for keeping some of the least-violent offenders out of the state penitentiary system. Kay County's CSSP program has since become a model program for the rest of the state.
The new corrections act instead would introduce local community-action boards of volunteers to provide alternate sentencing recommendations for local offenders. But it obviously overlooks the program provided by the 1988 law, which already has become successful in several counties.
Last year, the controversial corrections act bill died on the House floor because of its negative effects on the existing CSSP programs.
The sheriff last week led a contingent, including Special District Judge Robert Galbraith and District Attorney John Maddox, to Oklahoma City to try to thwart the Community Corrections Act portion of the recently passed Senate bill.
The sheriff's current CSSP arrangement with the DOC generated more than $141,000 for Kay County last year, which is almost three-fourths of his operating budget for the detention facility. It also kept 71 Kay County offenders out of the state prison system in 1996.
This time of year golfers' attention turns to Augusta, where the Masters tournament is played annually. The late Emma Plunkett was a loyal fan and attended the International tournament many years. Her house backed up to the Ponca City Country Club golf course and she planted a number of the flowering trees along the residential area lining the course. Those trees are now flowering beautifully.
A friend relates that Plunkett had planted the trees because she could look out her backyard and fantasize that she was viewing the Masters as she looked over the local golf course. Plunkett, who had been featured in Sports Illustrated magazine in 1986 as a loyal fan, died in February.
Well, it looks like Texas has stepped ahead of Oklahoma again. The Texas Legislature has named an official state sauce (picante), vegetable (Texas sweet onion) and molecule (buckminsterfullerene or ''buckyball''). Sure, we have our own flower, wildflower, grass, rock, bird, reptile and insect, but if we don't come up with something to pour over our state vegetable we'll be considered second class. And a state molecule has to be a necessity. Now it is up to our legislative delegation to take the lead in this important issue.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Jumping into his role as newly-elected city commissioner, Tom Leonard got inducted into the city's budget process Tuesday, at the Ponca City Board of Commissioners special work session.
"The meeting was enlightening for me, and very well managed," he said. "I think we'll come up with a budget we can live with for this year and beyond. Some changes will have to take place over time, but I am optimistic that we will get control of the budget."
Commissioners set the work session to receive summaries from communication, electric, solid waste, water and sewer departments. Proposed rate increases, debt service, revenues and unfunded projects were discussed.
Budget Increases for Water
Public Works Director Ken Parr, recommended two new water wells be obtained as a safety measure. He said the average water table has been dropping since the well field was rehabilitated.
According to Water Plant Superintendent Mike Hatfield, the new wells are drawing water out better. If two new wells are obtained, the city could throttle back on other wells to address the dropping table. The cost is estimated at $40,000.
Additionally, the department wants to make motor repairs on existing high service pumps that are out of service, according to Parr. This would required an additional $30,000 in the budget, but would allow the pumps to last two more years.
Addressing Other Areas
In other areas, a matching grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce would allow repairs to the Lake Ponca Dam to begin, said Parr. The entitlement program guarantees $97,000 after October for the next three years with a 50 percent matching requirement, which would need to be included in the budget. The director said the most critical area would be addressed first, which includes erosion at the base of the spillway.
"By budgeting $100,000, we can do $200,000 worth of work on the dam," said Parr. "We will have to work out the details, but this could be renewed after three years."
In addition, new rates are being considered to cover principal and interest debt service of approximately $1.2 million for 1997-98. The city was paying interest-only payments on a one-year interim construction note which converts to a fixed loan. Future payments will include both principal and interest.
In the long run, Parr feels that the department will be able to reduce personnel through attrition once a SCADA system is purchased. Currently, the plant is monitored 24-hours a day, seven days per week.
More Requirements
Due to more chemical treatment required at the new plant, Parr said employees will need an adjustment period with the new system. However, within a year, the system should not require continuous monitoring.
City Manager Gary Martin said the project has gone very well and the water system is in better shape than it's ever been in. Although customers may see an increase in rates, there will be less change in hot water tanks and dishwashers, he confirmed.
For the next session, Parr will calculate the average rate increase for customers using the proposed charges.
Unfunded Water Projects
At the Water Treatment Plant, the department recommends a detailed structural inspection and repair (if needed) of the large underground storage tank, estimated at $50,000. Additional suggestions include construction of three sludge drying beds ($195,000), installation of a back-up elevated tank filling system ($6,100), purchase of high service pumps ($704,100) and installation of new elevated backwash water storage tank and demolition of existing tank ($330,000).
Furthermore, repairs need to be made to the deteriorated water well collection system south lateral line, at a cost of $120,000. For $235,000, work on the Meadows pump station upgrade with associated lines needs to be addressed.
Moreover, water distribution system replacement is recommended for the Little Lane waterline, Mary Street from Hartford Avenue to Williams Avenue, and First Street from Highland Avenue to Albany Avenue. Additionally, the northwest system looping at the Airport Industrial Park Booster Pump Station to the intersection of Union Street and Prospect Avenue is unfunded. These projects would run $944,500.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Enrollment is now open for the two-weeks Arts Adventure Day Camp to be held at the Marland Estate in July for sixth through 10th grade students in Kay County.
Several areas of study in the arts will be available to students who want to study an artform of choice, including dance, creative writing, drama, piano, strings, visual arts and vocal music.
Instructors have been chosen from across the United States to travel to Ponca City to teach at Arts Adventure and include Carolyn Wall who will teach creative writing and Debi Meyer who will teach dance.
Carolyn Wall is a full-time freelance writer and teacher of creative writing in Oklahoma City and Edmond. She currently conducts intensive workshops on short story and feature writing and classes in "How to Write What You Feel." Her students range from age eight to eighty.
Wall is a staff writer for "Persimmon Hill" the magazine of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. At the Hall, she also writes for "Howdy Pardners," and other publications. Her work has appeared in "Oklahoma Today," "Southern Living," "The Writer," "Byline," "Lifelines," university alumni magazines, the Sunday Oklahoman, the Arthritis Advocate and other publications. She has sold more than 250 articles and short stories.
In addition, Wall is the co-owner of The Write Page Inc., the only full-service writing company in Oklahoma. The Write Page offers grant proposal writing, video and training curriculum text, brochures, business letters, proofreading and editing. Write Page offices are in Oklahoma City and Edmond.
In her spare time, Wall offers private writing seminars and tutoring, runs a critique service and lends writing and marketing support as the president of Prairie Wind Writers Inc. During the eight months following the bombing of Oklahoma City, she wrote for and edited the literary history book titled "Braced Against the Wind."
For her writing Wall has won local, state, and national competition awards including the Writer's Digest Annual Award for Fiction.
Debi Myers current owner of June Runyon School of Ballet is a Tulsa native with 26 years of dance training including eight years of study on scholarship in Los Angeles at the nationally acclaimed Joe Tremaine Dance Center.
During her eight years she lived in Los Angeles she worked professionally in such major motion pictures as "War Games," "Karate Kid," "Streets of Fire," "16 Candles," and "Gremlins."
Her television credits include "Square Pegs," "Double Trouble," "Fantasy Island," "T.J. Hooker," "Remington Steele," "Silver Spoons," "Simon and Simon," and she appeared regularly for two seasons as a dancer on the TV series "Fame."
Most recently her choreography includes work with the Tulsa Opera in the 1994-95 season. More of her work in choreography can be seen on the nationally released music video "I Choose Joy," with Larnel Harris, and nationally released music video "A Beautiful Place," with Wayne Watson.
A half-hour children's program called "Commander Kelly and the Super Kids" as well a national release music video "Whose in the House" with Carmen, is a part of her professional career.
Her credits as a director include Tulsa Dance Theatre Inc. (a civic ballet company), Tulsa Summer Arts Dance Program (an education program funded by the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa) and directorship of the June Runyon School of Ballet.
Students who are interested in attending the Arts Adventure Day Camp from July 21 through Aug. 1, may contact Pam Griffith at 762-1772 or Barbara Younger at 762-3695. Enrollment deadline is April 19.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
Cheers of accomplishment and the thrill of victory rang at Sullins Stadium Saturday as Special Olympic athletes from Kay County gathered to compete in track and field events.
Olympians embraced the spirit of the Special Olympic Creed, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." For volunteers, families and athletes, the annual event was a time to exchange hugs, smiles and words of encouragement and congratulations.
Local athletes began training Feb. 15, to be a part of the competition. Field events included individual and team running contests, softball throw, running long jump, standing long jump and the shot put.
Athletes must be at least eight years old to compete. An average of 23 percent of Oklahoma Special Olympians are over the age of 21. They are required to train for at least eight weeks before competing in a sport.
Athletes will to on to regional competition this Saturday at Frontier School in Red Rock. Olympians who participate at Red Rock are eligible to compete in the Oklahoma Special Olympics which will be held in Stillwater from May 14 through May 16.
Ponca City Ambucs, who have sponsored the event for eight years, set up as well as staged the events. Local coordinator Debbie Meyer, received assistance from Paula Sample and Linda Hemenway. Dan Sample volunteered time to coach the Special Olympians.
According to Oklahoma Special Olympics, $155 per athlete is spent each year to provide training, program support and competitions. OSO is a volunteer-driven organization.
Special Olympics is a non-profit, international program of sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round training and athletic competition for more than one million athletes in nearly 150 countries.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Approval was given to several contracts and resignations during the monthly meeting at Pioneer Technology Center.
The following contracts were approved by the board: Vance Johnson, director of Industry Training and Development; Robert Edwards, custodian; Mary Field, School-to-Work secretary; Del Yowell, TANF Coordinator; Sallie Niemann, TANF job developer and support; Angela Bradley, TANF job developer and support; and Glenda Council, deputy treasurer.
Jan Watkins, business manager, and Cathy Schieber, child care provider; turned in letters of resignation, which the board accepted.
The only contract tabled during the meeting was Willie Mize, Transportation Technology instructor. PTC told The News that the only reason the item was tabled was because a plan of improvement was needed.
Betty Durkee was hired during the month of March to be a grant writer for PTC through the end of fiscal year 1997. Durkee spoke during the board meeting saying that she is currently working on several projects to improve PTC. One of the possible grants she is working on is for the children of parenting teens. Durkee told the board, "The key word is partnerships with PTC, local schools and universities. It is my goal to develop partnerships for the technology center."
Prices will be lowered on the playhouses built at PTC last year. The current price is $495 per playhouse and the board voted unanimously to lower the price to $300 or the best offer. According to board members, the playhouses must be moved out before summer because of the space they take up.
Jan Watkins, business manager, gave a brief financial report and informed the board that the month of March was a good month. On the general fund, $241,989.71 was collected and $326,571.40 was issued in warrants last month. For the sinking fund, $10,351.85 was collected and $724,950 was invested. Watkins also told the board that there has been a 99.92 percent collection rate of ad valorem taxes.
During the interim superintendent's report, the board listened to several recommendations regarding changing the insurance carrier at PTC. The current insurer is Anthem Health and the board is talking about changing the policy to ProOklahoma. The board still wants to take its time to make the appropriate decision. A spokesman for PTC told The News that the board is weighing their options and the pros and cons about changing the carrier. The item will be placed on the agenda next month for approval.
The board adjourned at 11 p.m. and set the next regular board meeting for May 13 at 7 p.m.
Incidents early Wednesday morning have kept the Ponca City Police Department busy with investigations.
A clerk at the Triple T, 720 South Waverly Avenue, advised the police department at 3 a.m. Wednesday that two boys took two 12-packs of beer and ran. Two officers responded but were unable to locate the youths. A report of petit larceny was taken.
Then at 4:47 a.m. a clerk at Mid West Easy Stop, 1100 North Union Street, contacted the police department to report two boys took two packs of cigarettes and two 24-packs of beer and headed west on Liberty Avenue in a small red car.
In addition, Ponca City telecommunication officers were informed that the clerk was hit by one of the youths. Three officers responded but were unable to locate the car or subjects. A petit larceny report and assault and battery report were taken.
At 5:34 a.m., an officer observed the possible suspects in the 200 block of South Oak Street. With assistance from another officer, the boys were pursued on foot. One boy was arrested for public intoxication, resisting arrest, four counts of assault and battery on an officer, destruction of city property, minor in possession of tobacco and 3.2 beer, petit larceny and curfew violation.
A second boy and three girls were also taken to the police station.
KLVV, Christian radio, will be presenting another exciting concert on Saturday in Ponca City, according to Robert Mickle, Concert Coordinator. NewSong with special guest Erin O'Connell will be coming to Ponca City's Hutchins Auditorium on Saturday at 7 p.m.
With the Love Revolution Tour, NewSong members not only sing that the Christian life is fun, they prove it with irresistible enthusiasm for the freedom found in being Christians, Mickle observed. NewSong consists of founding member Eddie Carswell, lead singer Russ Lee, keyboardist Scotty Wilbanks, Leonard Ahlstrom, and Billy Goodwin. "Love Revolution" is not only the name of the concert tour, but it is also the latest project from NewSong.
All agree that "Love Revolution" mirrors the joy NewSong experiences every day. Russ Lee says "We've been having a blast for three years. We just tried to make a record that's a reflection of what is going on with the group. We say every night in concert, 'in His presence there is fullness of joy.' And when He shows up at our concerts, it's the epitome of fun."
The group manifests its joy in terms of practical jokes, steady ribbing and lighthearted examination of each other's qualities. For example, Scotty Wilbanks accuses Leonard Ahlstrom of snoring but lauds his "soft heart for ministry and desire to see people saved." Russ Lee says that "when people come forward to make a decision for the Lord at our concerts, you can almost always see Leo crying because he's so excited."
NewSong has over ten No. 1 hits including "My Heart's Already There," "We Wear His Name," "When I'm with You" and their recent record-breaking hit "Miracles." They led in worship at Gospel Music Week 1996 in Nashville, recently appeared on TNN's Prime Time Country, and performed the national anthem and concert for the Atlanta Falcons in 1996.
All seats will be general admission, and tickets are available at all Christian bookstores in Ponca City, Enid, Stillwater, Blackwell, and Winfield, Kan. Tickets for all ages are $8 in advance and $7 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets will be $10 the day of the concert. They are also available by phone using Visa/MasterCard from 10 a.m. to 6 pm. weekdays at (405) 767-1400. Tickets can also be purchased by mail to KLVV, P.O. Box 14, Ponca City, OK 74602. The concert is sponsored by Christian radio KLVV, Love 88.7 FM.
It's Spring again, in spite of the snow, and the Ponca City Sertoma Club is gearing up for the Spring Cinnamon Roll Sale.
Club members will be taking advance orders now through April 16 by calling 765-0204 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., according to Mary Poskey, Sertoma president.
The cinnamon rolls will be ready for delivery on April 17 from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. and may be picked up in the main lobby of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Individual cinnamon rolls will be sold while they last at $1.50 each, Poskey said. All proceeds will benefit the American Heritage books for the public library and the Speech and Hearing poster contest.
Mike Quirey, member of the Sertoma board of directors, said the organization plans to provide twice as many cinnamon rolls this year as last, due to the demand.
The local Sertoma Club, chartered in 1989, has participated in several projects in Ponca City since its inception in 1982. The organization has worked on the Durable Medical Goods Loan Closet, Student Leadership Awards, Children's Health Fund, Arthritis Foundation Telethon, Hospice, Sertoma Foundation, Homework Hotline, Quiet Pleases (hearing conservation program), and has presented special annual awards, including Sertoman of the Year, Service to Mankind, Citizen Soldier, and Fireman and Policeman of the Year.
Members also have rung bells for the Salvation Army, and participated in the hearing conservation booth for the SJRMC Health Fair.
The Club meets on Tuesdays at noon at the Western Sizzlin'.
National DARE Day acts as a reminder that cities must continue to address drug abuse issues. Marking its sixth year in Ponca City, DARE (or Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is the largest and most comprehensive anti-drug/anti-violence program in the U.S. It impacts more than 25 million youths annually.
According to independent research, DARE substantially impacts students attitudes toward substance usage and contributes to improved study habits, higher grades, decreases vandalism and gang activity and generates greater respect for police officers.
Where and When Abuse Occurs
Compounding the problem that fewer parents talk to their children about drugs than before, is the fact that most drug use occurs when and where parents are in charge. Among five choices (home, friend's home, car, other place, and school), students said a school building is the last place they use drugs.
For example, among 6-12th graders, 16.8 percent said they smoked marijuana at a friend's home, 13.9 percent said they smoked at some other place in the community; 10.3 percent said they smoked in a car; 8.2 percent said in their own home; and 4.2 percent said in school.
Students said they used drugs mostly at night and on weekends, again when parents are in charge.
This is not 'recreational' use nor is it experimentation.. This is marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and amphetamines used monthly, weekly and daily.
Recent Survey Results
In its ninth annual survey of students in grades 6-12, PRIDE (National Parents' Resource Institute for Drug Education) reported that annual use of most drugs was at the highest level since the survey began in 1987-88. Record percentages of use were reported for the following drug categories: cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, uppers, downers, inhalants, and hallucinogens.
The responses of 129,560 students in 26 states from New York to California were included in the survey, making it the largest student survey in the nation, and the first to report drug use for the 1995-96 school year.
In the past year, the sharpest increase came in junior high marijuana use (grades 6-8). Nearly a tenth of the junior high (8.1 percent) said they used marijuana on a monthly basis or more. One reason for rising marijuana use may be a lack of belief by students that marijuana is harmful to their health.
Among sixth graders, 85.5 percent said marijuana was "very harmful" to their health. But among 12th graders, only 43.6 percent said the same. Students also found marijuana easy to obtain, with 73.3 percent of 12th graders saying it is easy to get.
Overall, for grades 6-12, PRIDE found that 29.5 percent of all students surveyed reported annual use of at least one illicit drug. On a monthly basis, use of any illicit drug by students in grades 6-12 rose.
DARE Curriculum
The DARE core curriculum, developed by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District, in 1983, helps prevent substance abuse and violence among school age children by providing students with accurate information about alcohol, drugs, violence and gangs.
Students are taught decision-making skills and the consequences of their behavior. Building self esteem while teaching students how to resist peer pressure is also a goal.
DARE provides parents in the community with information and guidance to further their children's development and to reinforce their decisions to avoid drugs, alcohol and violence and gangs.
In Ponca City, the DARE program is taught by veteran police officers Patrolman David Hill and Sgt. Regeneia VanArsdale who come from working the streets with years of direct experience dealing with lives ruined by substance abuse. This background provides the officers with credibility unmatched by teachers, celebrities or professional athletes.
Although paperwork to recertify local emergency medical technicians (EMTs) is late, licenses will still be renewed.
Forty-three Ponca City firefighters/EMTs, who completed their training for recertification, will not have a lapse in their licenses, according to Eddie Manley, director of Emergency Medical Services, a division of the Oklahoma State Health Department. Manley granted an extension for the Ponca City Fire Department to submit paperwork for state recertification required by ambulance services. The forms were due March 31.
The Ponca City EMT's had completed 48 hours of continuing education and continuous certification of CPR as well as a refresher course. Though the EMTs do not have to be nationally registered, Manley said they are encouraged to do so.
Furthermore, an official at the National Registry told Manley that the extension would be honored and the EMTs would retain their national certification, too.
Dr. John Ward, medical director for special health services, another division of the state health department, said extensions aren't usually made, however, the director allowed the exception due to unavoidable circumstances.
"We appreciate that Chief (Larry) Mullikin contacted us and was
very straight forward. We do not want to lose any licensee," Manley
said.
DEATHS
STILLWATER - Joseph Edwin "Bill" Platt, former WBBZ Sports Director and resident of Ponca City, and longtime "Voice of the Cowboys" at Oklahoma State University, died Monday, April 7, 1997, at his home in Stillwater. He was 73.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Stillwater First Baptist Church with Dr. James P. Gragg, Mr. Gary Ward and Mr. Pat Quinn officiating. Burial will be in Stillwater Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 p.m. today.
Joseph Edwin "Bill" Platt was born April 22, 1923 in Lone Tree, Iowa, the son of Joseph Chester and Vida Mae (Pratt) Platt. He moved to Stillwater in 1938, where he attended and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1940. He attended Oklahoma A&M for three years before he joined the U.S. Air Army Air Corps during World War II. While in school and in the service he excelled in several sports. After his discharge he returned to OSU and took the first class ever offered in radio broadcasting at the college. Platt graduated in January 1947.
He was married to Tia Juana Futrell on June 7, 1947, in Pauls Valley and the couple lived in Oklahoma City while Platt was employed as a continuity writer for KOCY. He understudied with Curt Gowdy, doing broadcasts of the Oklahoma City Indians Baseball Team. In 1949, he moved to Ponca City, where he was employed as sports director for WBBZ. While living in Ponca City he also served as president of the Quarterback Club, acted as business manager of the Ponca City Jets, and broadcast the sports news for the Wildcats basketball, football and other sports, as well as for Northern Oklahoma College and for OSU Baseball.
In 1958, the family moved to Stillwater, where Platt became sales manager and sports director for KSPI. He broadcast OSU football and baseball for the Cowboy network and was promoted to General Manager and Sports Manager in 1963. He broadcast OSU basketball for 27 seasons, OSU football for 26 seasons and OSU baseball for 39 years. He also worked on the OSU wrestling crew for 20 years as well as Stillwater High School sports for several years. He made 15 trips to the College World Series, and 23 Big-8 Championships with the Cowboys.
During his career, Platt was named "Outstanding Sportscaster of the Year," five times and was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcaster Hall of Fame in 1989. He was inducted into the Oklahoma State University Baseball Hall of Fame in February 1996.
He was a member of the Stillwater First United Methodist Church, where he served on the board; Evening Lions Club; Elks Club; Stillwater Country Club; Stillwater Frontier Masonic Lodge 48; and Hanner-Sharp American Legion Post 129. He had also served on boards of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and the Stillwater Municipal Hospital and served as 1973 president of Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Association.
Survivors include his wife, Tia Juana, of the home; two sons, Steve Platt of Lander, Wyo., and Gary Platt of Clearwater, Fla.; one sister, Josephine Thomas of Boggs N.M.; and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill Platt's name to Oklahoma State Baseball, Oklahoma State University c/o Baseball Office, Stillwater, OK 74078; or to the Judith Karman Hospice, P.O. Box 818, Stillwater, OK 74076.
BLACKWELL - Everett Earl Stebbins, longtime Blackwell resident, died early Monday morning, April 7, 1997, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 79.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Blackwell Church of Christ with Mr. Kendell Fox, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Everett Earl Stebbins was born July 12, 1917, in Enid, the son of Irvin Irl and Effie T. Stebbins. In 1922 He moved with is family to a farm four miles west of Deer Creek, where he grew up and attended Deer Creek schools.
He was married to Inez Josephine Currier on Sept. 1, 1940, in Enid and the couple made their first home in Grant County. They farmed in an area south of Nardin until 1979. In 1964, the couple moved into Blackwell and Stebbins began employment with Blackwell Zinc Company. He later worked in the oil fields before employment at Acme Foundry, from which he retired. Stebbins was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ and enjoyed camping with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Inez, of the home; one son, Stephen D. Stebbins of Newton, Iowa; one brother, Argyle Stebbins, Edinburg, Texas; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Francis Neumyer.
Casket bearers will be Ned Sweetser, Don Bachman, Milo Day, Craig Day, Orville Merrill and Boyd Butler.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Stebbins' name to the Church of Christ, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Christopher Gauge Frederickson, infant son of Jessica Frederickson and David G. Arent died Monday afternoon, April 7, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was six weeks old.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City, with the Rev. Dr. Robert Kanary, pastor of the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Ponca City.
Christopher was born Feb. 24, 1997, in Ponca City. He is survived by his mother, Jessica Frederickson of Ponca City; his father, David G. Arent of Tonkawa; maternal grandmother, Renee Frederickson of Ponca City; paternal grandparents, David and Juanda Arent of Tonkawa; maternal great-grandfather, Ray James of Ponca City, maternal great-grandmother Anita James of Downey, Calif; paternal great-grandmother Marjorie Spears of Tonkawa; and several aunts and uncles.
NEWKIRK - Ernia Bell Brown, mother to Harold Brown of Newkirk, died Tuesday, April 8, 1997 at the Cushing Regional Hospital. She was 88.
The funeral is set for 1 p.m. Friday at the United Pentecostal Church in Cushing with the Rev. Francis Westberg will officiate. Burial will be in the Newkirk Cemetery at 4 p.m. Friday. Arrangements are under the direction of Yale-Palmer Funeral Home, Cushing. Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday.
Ernia Bell Brown was born March 8, 1909 in Cheyenne, the daughter of Elzie Boyd and Maudie Bell Rylant. In 1930, she was married to Jeff Hunter in Newkirk and he preceded her in death. In January 1945, she was married to Francis Brown and he preceded her in death in 1959. In 1960, she was married to Orval Browning, and he also preceded her in death.
Mrs. Brown was a homemaker and had been employed as a house mother at Oklahoma State University. She had also worked at the Stillwater Hospital for 10 years. At the time of her death she was a resident of Yale. Mrs. Brown was an active member of the Drumright Senior Citizens Center and the Kitchen Band. She enjoyed working with crafts and making candy.
Survivors include four sons, Berry Hunter of Yale, Boyd Hunter of Jay, Harold Brown of Newkirk and Frank Brown of Tulsa; one step-son, Troy Browning of Great Bend, Kan.; one daughter, Connie McKenzie of Chehalis, Wash.; one sister, Artie Mae Buerger of Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
In addition to three husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by one step-son, A.C. Browning; and four brothers and sisters.
Dale Charles Lesemann, former Newkirk area resident, died Monday, April 7, 1997 at his home in Bethany, Okla. He was 44.
The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, April 11 in the First Christian Church, Newkirk with the Rev. Jerry Albright officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
Dale Charles Lesemann was born Aug. 24, 1952 in Newkirk to Merle and Bonnie (Suits) Lesemann. He grew up on the family farm, northwest of Newkirk, and attended OK Rural School through the eighth grade. He graduated from Newkirk High School in 1970. After attending Northern Oklahoma College at Tonkawa and Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Alva, he graduated in 1974 with a degree in Law Enforcement. After graduation from college he worked for the Stillwater Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Federal Department of the Treasury before moving to Oklahoma City.
He and Becky Hayes were united in marriage June 7, 1995 and made their home in Bethany.
He is survived by his wife of the home; his parents, Merle and Bonnie Lesemann of Newkirk; one brother, Milton Lesemann of Newkirk; and two sisters, Janell Peace of Newkirk and Patricia Wilson of Sand Springs, Okla.
A memorial fund has been established with the Epilepsy Association of the Sooner State. Contributions may be made in Mr. Lesemann's memory through Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK or Bank of Oklahoma 110 South Main, Newkirk, OK 74647.
BLACKWELL - Francies Geneva (Rose) Baker, Blackwell resident, died Monday, April 7, 1997, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 84.
The funeral is to be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Jackie Crafton, First Assembly of God Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery.
Francies Geneva Rose Baker was born Feb. 21, 1913, in Watova, the daughter of Ralph E. and Josephine C. (Cohea) Rose. She grew up in Talala.
In 1935, she was married to Ernest P. Laughlin and later to J.G. Pendergraft. She moved to Bentonville, Ark., where she was employed in a chicken plant for several years.
She was married to William Henry Baker in March 1974 , in Jay, and the couple moved to Blackwell in 1982. Mrs. Baker was a member of the Blackwell First Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include her husband, William Henry Baker of Blackwell; five daughters, Francis Moore, Nancy Johns and Rose Stevens, all of Blackwell, Peggy Parsons of Muskogee and Edna Summer of Fort Worth, Texas; two sons, Ralph Laughlin of Ava, Mo., and Ted Laughlin of Seymour, Mo.; five step-children, Grover Pendergraft of Carlsbad, N.M., Edith Willoughby of Watts, Merle Pendergraft of Wilburton, Evelyn Gifford of Pierce City, Mo., and Dale Pendergraft of Maysville; one brother, Chester Rose of Coweta; 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Orville and John Rose.
Casket bearers will be Orb Johnson, L.B. Conrad, Doug McCleary, Elmer Young, Mark Reeves and Bruce Wayatt
Sarah Elizabeth Rowe, longtime Ponca City area resident, died Tuesday morning, April 8, 1997, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 85.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with the Rev. Craig Dietert, associate pastor, and the Rev. Ed Coy Light, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Sarah Elizabeth (Sierman) Rowe was born Dec. 18, 1911, near Kaw City to Earl and Leana Mae (Pruitt) Sierman. She married George William Rowe on Oct. 2, 1932, near Kaw City. Mrs. Rowe was a homemaker and had, at one time, been employed in a dress shop in the wedding department. She also kept children in her home. Mrs. Rowe was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where she was involved with Kid's Special time, United Methodist Women, and the Chapel Class. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, where she worked in the canteen and on the Bloodmobile, and served as flag bearer. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the American Association of Retired Persons. She enjoyed volunteering at the American Red Cross and fishing.
Mrs. Rowe is survived by her goddaughter and caregiver, Marilyn Cooper of Pawhuska; one brother, John Earl Sierman of Sallisaw and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 26, 1996; her parents; and five brothers and sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Rowe's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
TONKAWA - Donna Fath, Tonkawa resident, died early this morning, April 9, 1997, at her home after a long illness. She was 63. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Thursday
Clythel Rebecca Hodges - 10 a.m. in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel
with the Rev. Gregg Engle, Blackwell First Baptist Church, officiating.
Burial will be in the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery under direction of Roberts
Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
School Carnival - Liberty School PTA will be sponsoring a carnival Saturday from 4-7 p.m. Everyone invited.
PCCWC Dinner- A "Summer Fashion Forecast" dinner will be held by the Ponca City Christian Women's Club April 15 from 7-9 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. All area women are invited to attend and may call Denice, 762-2779, or Karen, 765-9835, for reservations.
Earl Sullins Day - Those wishing to buy $10 dinner tickets for "Dinner on the Gridiron" honoring former Ponca City High School Coach Earl Sullins may make checks payable to Earl Sullins Tribute and be mailed to Chuck Bowman and Tom Catlin, P.O. Box 2643, Edmond, Okla. 73083. Those wishing to have their name engraved on the bronze appreciation award to Sullins may do so for $10. The event is May 6 at Sullins Stadium.
Graduates From Basic - Pvt. Michael L. Wyatt Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo. During training, students received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, first aid and Army history and traditions. Wyatt, a 1995 graduate of Charles Page High School at Sand Springs, is the son of Michael L. Wyatt Sr. of Ponca City.
Unit Training Graduate - Army Pvt. Jeremy W. Jones has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo. The training included advanced instruction basic combat engineers, military history and first aid. Jones is the son of Gary W. and Marva S. Jones of Blackwell. He is a 1996 graduate of Blackwell High School.
Legion Auxiliary to Meet - The American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 14, will meet Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Legion on South Avenue.
Republicans - The executive board for the Republican Women of Kay County, Evening Chapter, met March 20 at the Golden Corral. Ideas for speakers was discussed and the business session was conducted by Glenda Emerson, president.
Accident - A Ponca City ambulance crew took a 62-year-old Ponca City man to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries after an accident at Prospect Avenue and Meadow Lane at 8:38 a.m. Tuesday.
County Warrant - A Ponca City police officer arrested a man at South Eleventh Street and East South Avenue at 11:09 a.m. Tuesday on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
Stolen - A resident in the 1200 block of South Fifth Street went to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:19 p.m. Tuesday to report a bike stolen. An officer took a report.
Arrested - A man was arrested at the Ponca City Police Department at 12:51 p.m. Tuesday on one count of second degree burglary and two counts of knowingly concealing stolen property.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a three vehicle accident in the Po-Hi parking lot at 3:18 p.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported.
Warrant Served - A 20-year-old man was arrested at the Ponca City Police Department at 3:44 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to pay.
Attempted Break In - A resident in the 200 block of North Ninth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4 p.m. Tuesday to report four boys attempted to break into a residence. An officer responded and took a report of destruction of private property. No entry was gained.
Disturbance - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a disturbance at East Hazel Avenue and North Third Street at 10:28 p.m. Tuesday. Four officers responded and took a 27-year-old man into custody for violation of a protective order.
Legion Meeting - Huff-Minor American Legion Post 14 will have
a regular meeting Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
LIFESTYLES
Gary and Pamela Lanman, 101 Fouad Drive, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kristin Rebecca Lanman, to Jerry Stumbo, son of Jerry L. Stumbo and Georgienne Stumbo, both of Tulsa. The Tulsa Garden Center will be the setting for the June 14 ceremony.
Miss Lanman received a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism from Oklahoma State University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She is employed at United Video Satellite Group in the Marketing Department in Tulsa.
The prospective bridegroom, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from OSU. He plans to graduate in May from OSU with a bachelor of science degree in Chemical Engineering.
A reception Sunday, 2-4 p.m., at the Smith Family Restaurant in Newkirk will honor Wynona Goad on the occasion of her 80th birthday. The family requests no gifts. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the party.
Mrs. Goad was born April 14, 1917. Hosting the event will be her seven children and their spouses. Her children are John Goad of Vallijo, Calif., Marsha Spangler of Newkirk, Ron and Jim Goad, Susan Barnes, Glenda Rhynard and Gussie Rutherford, all of Ponca City. The honoree has 24 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She has a brother, Floyd Goddard of Ponca City, and a sister, Mildred McAdoo of Richard Lee, Tex.
An open invitation to friends and relatives to attend their wedding is being extended by Wanda Whiting-Harrell and Robert Taglialatela. The ceremony, with reception following, will be April 12, 2 p.m., at the social room at Westminster Village, 1601 Academy. The couple requests that there be no gifts.
Chuck and Janet Hall of Tulsa announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Brooke Elaine. She was born March 22 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa at 9:05 p.m. She weighed 7-pounds, 9-ounces and was 18 1/2-inches long.
Grandparents are Bill and Judith Frazier of Stillwater and Giles and Barbara Gere of Tulsa. Great-grandparents are Juanita Moberly of Norman, Ruth Hall of Jacksonville, Fla., Margaret Confer of Independence, Kan., and the late C. L. Moberly.
A trunk show of quilts by Catherine Ilka, a quilter from Colorado, was the highlight of the evening for the March 24 meeting of the P. M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild. Twenty-two members and five guests answered roll call.
Phyllis Clark, Nancy Bright and Sue Roy have been appointed to review the guild's bylaws and make recommendations for any changes needed.
All quilters who may have borrowed equipment that belongs to the guild are requested to notify the librarian, Judy Meador, what item they might have so a current inventory can be placed in the library.
Events coming to Ponca City this spring are the Iris Festival in May and the Herb Festival in June. The guild donation quilt will be exhibited at both events and workers will be needed for those days. The first fund raiser for the guild donation quilt will be April l2 at the Newkirk Wild Game Feed. Faith Kalback showed a wall-hanging that will be given away that day. Donations to the guild on the quilt enables the Goodwill Committee to make donations to such organizations as the ABC Quilt Project, Ponca City Art Center and Domestic Violence program. These donations also enable the guild to bring quilting teachers from other guilds to Ponca City to share their expertise with local quilters.
The new officers for the 1997-98 year are: Co-presidents, Margaretta Rains and Esther Bersche; Co-vice presidents, Pam Mann and Debra Burgess; Secretary, Peggy Krider; Treasurer,- Nancy Bright. The new officers will be installed at the April meeting. Members of the guild are urged to attend the April meeting to meet the new officers and help with the plans for the quilt show during the Iris Festival.Door prizes were won by Phyllis Clark, Judy Meador, Ona Atnip, Faith Kalback, Deanna Hanly, Alice Weiderrich, Nancy Bright, Terry Stekly, Esther Bersche, Deloris Pickens, Julie Fox and Rose Coffee. Quilters who attended workshops showed items made at the llka workshop, the Lover's Knot workshop and wall hangings of the Mystery Quilt blocks. Sue Roy presented 21 finished quilt blocks to out-going president Terry Stekly.
Show and share participants included Faith Kalback showing strips of blocks given to her by a friend. Deloris Pickens showed a water-color quilt, a spring baskets block, and a Lone Star wall-hanging. Cleda Oertle showed her Lover's Knot quilt she made for a wedding present and a Teddy Bear quilt she and her grand-daughter made. Barbara Kegler showed a banner and a stole made for a ministerial graduate student.
Barbara Kegler introduced Catherine llka who showed her collection of quilts that ranged in size from miniature to full size bed quilts. Ms. Ilka has her quilts well documented so that she was able to tell a small history on each quilt. Ms. Ilka also shared some new techniques with the group and explained some of the problems she had as a self-taught quilter.
Anyone who wishes to learn more about quilts and how to make them or just enjoy the camaraderie of quilting friends is invited to attend the guild meetings the fourth Monday of the month, except for May, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 N. Turner Road.
A spring membership brunch get-together is slated Saturday by Professionals Today at the home of Loretta Leathers, 12 Donner Place. The event will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dress will be casual, according to Lynda Fox, membership chairman.
Debbie Whitener, president-elect, presiding in the absence of Phyllis Worley, called on Bobbie Smith to give "Moments" at the business meeting on Thursday. Smith's presentation was on human relations.
Roses and Raspberries were shared by Michelle Wright and Melody Lahann. Lahann also gave the secretary's report, and the treasurer's report was by Mary Mitchell.
Sally Downey, Community Services Committee chairman, announced that the club has received 11 applications for the newly established scholarship for high school seniors.
Cherokee Strip Cook-off Chairman Donna Morgan reminded committee chairmen to turn in their budgets. The next program meeting, set for April 17, will be about the annual cook-off, which is set for Sept. 20 on the grounds of the Marland Estate.
The March program was a "make over" by Design Hair Studio. Several of the members volunteered to be "made up" with cosmetics or have their hair styled.
The guests from Design Hair Studio include Lori Braden, Kim Vap, Karol
Okes, Rebecca Sheid and Stacy Crouch. Among the members volunteering for
the program were Phyllis Worley, president; Julie Brown, Mary Mitchell,
Helen Schwartz, Donna White, Bobbie Smith, and Edwina Wynn.
SPORTS
STILLWATER (AP) - Bill Platt, the ''Voice of the Cowboys'' for more than 30 years, has died of cancer.
Platt, 73, died Monday. He retired in 1995 after 38 years doing play-by-play for the Oklahoma State baseball team. He also had a post-game show.
''He is probably the best baseball fan Oklahoma State University has ever had,'' coach Tom Holliday said Tuesday.
''It went all the way to his heart.''
''He never homered. He never rooted for the home team. He stayed in the middle,'' Holliday said. ''Everytime we went on the road, every broadcaster in the other ball clubs looked forward to seeing him.''
Holliday said Platt always found something positive about a game, even if the Cowboys lost 10-2.
''Everytime you go to the press box, even now, you feel like you are going up to talk to him and yet he hasn't been doing it for two years,'' Holliday said.
Platt was general manager of KSPI radio in Stillwater for more than 35 years and was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1992.
Platt worked at WBBZ radio in Ponca City as sports director from 1949 through 1958. In addition to doing high school sports such as Wildcat football, Platt also called Ponca City Dodgers minor league baseball games through 1952.
He also worked as business manager for the minor league Ponca City Jets baseball team.
Platt began his long stay with KSPI radio in 1958 as sports director and sales manager. He was promoted to general manager of the station in 1963 but continued to do his broadcasts.
Platt retired last year after 38 years of doing play-by-play for Oklahoma State baseball. He attended about 1,600 baseball games.
He did Cowboy football either on the sideline/locker room or play-by-play for about 28 years and spent about 27 years doing Oklahoma State basketball.
Baseball was his favorite.
Funeral services are scheduled Thursday in Stillwater.
Looking to take strokes off their game, the Wildcat golfers are taking days off instead.
The varsity Cats were weathered out in their latest attempt to get in some work Tuesday in the Tulsa Edison Tournament.
"We need to play," complained coach Dan McGregor, noting that the season is starting to wind down. "This is the time of year when you really need to get in some rounds."
The Poncans are scheduled to play at Guthrie Thursday, but McGregor warned even that doesn't look promising.
However, the JV team has seen plenty of action, placing 17th in a field of 33 teams at Cushing Tuesday and fourth in the 13-team tournament at Alva last Friday.
The Ponca Citians posted a 337 total at Cushing. Amar Bhakta and Bryant Ferguson paced the Cats with a pair of 83s. Aaron Hill had an 85, John Hilyard an 86 and Jason Pettigrew a 90 while Justin Greenfield had a 92 as the sixth man.
Cushing won its own tournament with a 296. The Jenks "B" team was second at 305 and Pauls Valley posted a 306.
Pettigrew topped the Cats at Alva with an 85. Hill shot 86. Ferguson 89, Bhakta 90 and Hilyard 90.
The Poncans posted a 350 total in that mostly-varsity tournament. Turpin took first place with a 331 while Weatherford had 333 and Ardmore 350.
Youth Track - The YMCA and the Ponca City Track Club have joined efforts to help enhance and improve the youth track and field program in Ponca City. The program will begin organizing April 14.
Anyone interested in participating should be in Sullins Stadium April 14, 15 or 16. A new season kickoff will be held April 21. Practices begin at 6:30 p.m. and run one hour. Cost of the program is $12 for YMCA youth and family members and $18 for non members.
The cost includes all instruction, a jersey, insurance and an end of season party. The local season lasts seven weeks and will include three intramural mini-meets. For more information contact the Y at 765-5417.
Four-Man Scramble - A four-man scramble charity golf tournament will be held at the Blackwell golf course April 19 to benefit the Northern Oklahoma College men's basketball program. There is a $300 per team entry fee which includes green fees, cart, lunch and beverages. For further information contact Greg Shamburg at 628-6758.
Red Bud Classic - Oklahoma's premier spring running and cycling event, the Red Bud Classic, is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Oklahoma City. The Classic attracts approximately 6,000 participants and offers events for all ages and levels of fitness.
Single event entry fee is $15. A special fee of $25 is available for those participating in both the bicycle and 2-mile/10 km events. Until April 11, register in person at the RedBud office in Nichols Hills Plaza, 1119 N.W. 63rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Registration is also available at Mathis Brothers Furniture. Race day registrations will be accepted with a late fee of $20.
Youth Basketball - The Mid-America Youth Basketball Tournament is a multi-state tournament that will be held May 30 through June 1 at various sites in Arkansas City, Kan.
The tournament is for boys and girls in the fifth through 12th grades. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of five games and champions will be crowned in nine separate divisions. Entry fees are $150 for MAYB teams and $250 for non member teams.
The Northern Oklahoma Maverick Athletic Club Booster Sports Card Show and Auction will be held at Foster Piper Fieldhouse in Tonkawa Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help raise money for the NOC athletic programs.
Guests, who will be signing autographs free of charge, include Dr. Gale McArthur (9-10 a.m.), a 1951 Oklahoma State Basketball All-American; Danny Hodge (1-2 p.m.), a three-time NCAA wrestling champion at OU and 1956 Olympic silver medalist; Bob Anderson (2-4 p.m.), former Chicago Cubs pitcher from 1958-1963; and members of the NOC athletic teams.
The auction will be held from 6-8 p.m. Some items up for bid include a t-shirt signed by the 1996-97 OU basketball team, an autographed 8x10 photo of OU head football coach John Blake, an autographed 8x10 photo of Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Bob Lilly, an autographed baseball by Darren Daulton of the Philadelphia Phillies, an autographed color illustration of golfer Tom Weiskopf, and three autographed items from Olympic champion gymnast Shannon Miller.
Admission fee to the event is $1. There will also be a free throw shooting contest at $1 per entry.
All admission fees, dealer set-up fees, contest fees and auction proceeds will benefit the Northern Oklahoma College athletic program.
Ponca City Buddy Bass Club
Sooner Lake, April 6
First place - Dean Gratias and Mike Lewis, 5 fish, 19.89 pounds.
Second place - David Armbrust and Alan Ware, 5 fish, 17.75 pounds.
Third place - Larry Platt and Mark Reeves, 5 fish, 12.25 pounds.
Fourth place - Don and Mike Owens, 4 fish, 10.21 pounds.
Big Bass - David Armbrust, 7.65 pounds.
Next meeting will be April 17 at 7 p.m. at Ody's Outback.
Cherokee Strip Adult Soccer
Men
W L T Pts
SAL United 2 0 0 6
Cobras 2 0 0 6
Dynamo 1 1 0 3
FC Alva 1 1 0 3
Sonora 1 1 0 3
NSC 1 0 0 3
Santos 0 1 0 0
Las Aguilas 0 2 0 0
Pumas 0 2 0 0
Last Weekend's Games
Sonora 1, Dynamo 0; Cobras 3, FC Alva 0; SAL United 1, Pumas 0 (forfeit); NSC 5, Las Aguilas 0; Santos bye.
The Canadian Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited and Larry Spencer Chevrolet are teaming up to provide free seed for wildlife plantings.
A semi-load of milo, forage sorghum and corn seed will be given away for wildlife plantings Saturday, April 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Norman auto dealership located at I-35 and Main. The seed is chemically treated for planting and cannot be fed to birds or animals.
The seed is free, but the local QU chapter asks for only a $1.50 per bag donation to cover freight, and that the grain not be harvested but allowed to stand for wildlife benefits.
QU distributes more than one million pounds of seed annually for wildlife plantings, and the Norman chapter has distributed more than 128,000 pounds in the past year.
An employee from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be available to answer questions concerning wildlife plantings, quail habitat and quail management. The dealership will serve hot dogs and refreshments.
Quail Unlimited is a national non-profit conservation organization dedicated to preserving upland habitat, research and public education. The organization has more than 400 chapters nationally, 20 of which are located in Oklahoma.
The 1997 Oklahoma Wildlife Habitat Donor patches and caps, featuring the black crappie, are now available at the Wildlife Department's Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices and can also be ordered by mail.
In addition to being collectable items, wildlife habitat donor patches and caps are the main funding source for the Department's Land Acquisition Program.
The program, which began in 1986, was created to acquire public hunting and fishing access.
The program is funded through public donations. Anyone who donates $5 to the fund receives a patch, while those contributing $10 receive a cap with a patch. All contributions are earmarked for the Land Acquisition Fund, money which can only be spent on obtaining hunting and fishing access.
Caps and patches are available at Department headquarters in Oklahoma City and at the Tulsa office, located at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Wildlife habitat donor patches and caps also are available by mail with patches costing $5 and hats costing $13 (which includes shipping and handling).
To order a cap or patch, send a check or money order to the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK
73105.