From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
April 16, 1997
LOCAL
Drugs Take You Where You Have Never Been
Kay Electric's 60th Meeting Friday
Area Volunteers To Man Center
Area Calendar
Kaw Lake Message Taken to Capitol
Victorian Chocolate Festival May 3
Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities Planned
Extensive Membership Drive Planned for Marland Estate
PTC Board Special Meeting Thursday
Bulk of Electric Budget Goes to Purchase Power
Donors Must Use Caution Concerning Charity Drives
Free White Flowering Dogwood Trees Available During April
GOP Women Of Kay County Meet Thursday
Conoco 'Work Day' For Students Planned
Letters Say:
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Victims' Rights Week Being Observed Here
Jaycees Sponsor Youth Golf School At Wentz Course
Sykes Center Plan on Agenda
Investigation Ends At Veteran Center
Ponca City Rotary Celebrates 75th
Swimming Lesson Issue on P&R Agenda
Grace Episcopal Rummage Sale
Grand Jury Indictments Follow Gambling Raid
DEATHS
Kathryn Elizabeth Liberton
Louis Bennett Slade
Services Pending
Adranna Morehead
Laura M. Funslar
Funerals
Colleen Marie Jarvis
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Volunteerism State 4-H Program
YMCA Healthy Kids Day April 19 Will Also Feature Fun Activities for Adults
Trail of Tails Scheduled At Lake Park
Little News
Piano Recital Set Saturday
SPORTS
Wildcats Win Meet on Final Event
Duren Honored For Refereeing
Sports Notes
At the local Drugstore last week, area teens took a journey which taught them the deadly truth about drug abuse.
"We are not doing this to you, we are doing this for you, Drugstore Chair Gary W. Gallagher informed a group of students before their drug awareness field trip at the Hutchins Memorial last week.
More than 1500 kids and several hundred adults went through the Drugstore last week where volunteers put on dramatic demonstrations that were often disturbing and upsetting, but performed in real life every day.
After an introduction, each group listened to a certified pharmacist speak on legal drugs. Secondly, an undercover narcotics investigator not only showed students illegal drugs, but confirmed that smoking marijuana can lead to more lethal drugs including cocaine and heroine.
During the presentation, a child actor was arrested for possession of street drugs. At this moment, consequences of illegal drug involvement began to be played out. The child actor was booked, fingerprinted, photographed and interrogated by police officers and jail personnel. A real prison inmate was brought into the scene depicting the student in a jail cell.
Margarita Lauifi, an inmate at the Kay County Detention Facility warned students, "You need to look at who you hang out with."
Moreover, Capt. Jerry Neville, of Ponca City police Department, said drugs are an equal opportunity destroyer.
Next, the child actor appeared in court with an attorney. Local judges presided over the proceedings and explained how the legal system deals with someone found guilty of drug charges. Furthermore the judge rendered a decision and the child went to meet with a counselor for rehab/treatment.
In the next scene, staff from local drug treatment facilities reviewed what a typical day at a drug treatment center would be like. The child runs out on the counselor and is next encountered at a party where teens are indulging in drugs and alcohol.
The actor soon passes out on the floor and an ambulance crew arrives on the scene. Emergency medical technicians begin steps to revive the child before whisking her off to the emergency room, where hospital staff continue efforts to revive the actor from a drug overdose. The child does not survive.
At the last station, students file into a darkened room were a funeral director helps to seat everyone. A casket is displayed at the front of the room, while a minister conducts a funeral service. Soft music plays in the background as a eulogy is read.
In closing, students walk by the casket to view the remains. As each student files by and peers into the casket, they observe their own reflection staring back. The minister cautions students that drugs are deadly.
Background on the Drugstore
The name, Drugstore, came from the fact that in many communities, illegal drugs can be bought as easily as over-the-counter medications.
"This program is for kids, to let them know that as a community, we stand against illegal drug use and the violence and failure that accompanies such use," said Gallagher, an instructor at Ponca City Middle School. "We hope that this program lets students know they have positive alternatives and don't have to use drugs to be accepted."
This is the first time the program has been presented in Oklahoma, according to Capt. Alvin D. Leavell, who developed the project in Nov. of 1993, in Birmingham, Ala. Leavell was the volunteer consultant and is currently stationed in Ponca City.
BLACKWELL - Kay Electric's 60th annual meeting is set for Friday evening at the Blackwell High School. Registration and a free buffet dinner for Kay Electric Cooperative (KEC) members are slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.
Entertainment starts at 6:15 p.m. with Oklahoma Jubilee, a Branson style music show. Country music, bluegrass and gospel music will be performed, plus exciting comedy.
The business session will begin at 7 p.m. and a second slow is slated during this time. "Some of Oklahoma's finest singers and musicians will be singing songs you'll remember," says Bill Brown promoter of the Oklahoma Jubilee. "I promise you a fun evening."
KEC members will also be electing trustees from Districts 4, 5 and 6 during the business session. Candidates were nominated at respective district meetings. The nominees include: District 4, Carl Hohmann and Chuck Moyer; District 5, Mike Lebeda and Kenny Ferda, and District 6, Rene Eggers and R.J. Parrish.
Trustees filling unexpired terms include J.B. Olsen of District 1; Steve Harden of District 2; Bill McKenzie of District 3; Kent McAninch, District 7; Ray Schiltz, District 8, and J. A. Megenity of District 9.
Every Kay Electric members that registers at the annual meting will received a Kay Electric hat and a travel clock.
Kay Electric board president, Carl Hohmann, invites every Kay Electric member and their family to attend. There is something for everyone including baby sitting, beginning at 5:30 p.m., with experienced attendants in charge. For older children, movies will be shown, beginning at 6:30. Prize drawings will be held in the movies and baby sitting areas.
Thousands of dollars of prizes will be handed out during the meeting. One lucky Kay County member will go home with the grand prize of $1,000 savings bond.
During the day, prior to the annual meeting, many Blackwell merchants are offering "Kay Day" specials. Members are encouraged to register at participating merchants.
Kay Electric provides electric service to all or portions of the rural areas in Kay, Grant, Noble Osage and Garfield counties in north central Oklahoma. KEC's service area includes about 2,600 miles of electric line.
For more information call Marilyn Harmon at (405) 363-1260.
BLACKWELL - Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers will be working at the Oklahoma Welcome Center on Interstate 35 during National Tourism Week, May 4-10.
The Chambers will be promoting the activities in their towns. The Blackwell Center is open daily, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and provides not only general Oklahoma data, but information on area events and attractions.
April 17
April 17-April 20
April 18-19
April 19
April 17, 18, 19
April 20
April 21
April 22
April 22-23-24
April 24
April 25
April 26
April 27
April 28-29-30
May 3
May 4
May 6
May 9-10
May 10
May 17
May 23-24
May 24
May 27
May 31
June 7
Kaw Lake Association members recently hosted a Kaw Lake information booth at a Legislative Day at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.
Manning the booth were Mollie Bivin of Shidler, Keith Fruits of Kaw City, and Marilyn Harmon of Blackwell. They visited with senators, representatives and staffers about the importance of tourism to north central Oklahoma.
During the afternoon, the Kaw Lake Association was recognized on the Senate floor by Sen. J. Berry Harrison.
Harrison introduced the three individuals and said, "I am delighted to have my very good friends visit the Capitol."
The Kaw Lake Association's mission is to develop and promote tourism in the Kaw Lake area.
The 1997 Victorian Chocolate Festival is set for May 3 at the Grand Central Station teen center, Fifth at Central Avenue. Sponsors for the annual event are members of the ProTeens board of directors.
In addition to numerous booths laden with mouth-watering chocolate goodies for sale, the Festival will also serve a Continental Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. with coffee, juice and fresh-baked Butterbraid Bread filled with fruit or cream cheese.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Grand Central Station crew will be serving delicious French crepes, Napoleons, and Victorian Lace Sundaes, as well as soft drinks, hot and iced coffees, hot chocolate and lemonade.
Other booths will also be on the premises selling crafts and art works, said Jan Merrifield, ProTeens director.
Individuals, clubs, churches, and other organizations who want to earn funds for special projects are invited to reserve space for a booth for chocolate foodstuffs, crafts or other items.
The Victorian Chocolate Festival will also be conducting contests for the best chocolate desserts in the professional, amateur and youth categories.
To reserve a booth for the Chocolate Festival, or to receive more information, interested persons or organizations may call Merrifield at 762-6700.
Several activities are planned to celebrate National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Those include a "Healthy Families" Conference in Oklahoma City as well as "Prevention Day at the State Capitol.
Also on April 28, ABC will show a one-hour program entitled "This is Your Child." The public is encouraged to watch this broadcast as it emphasizes the importance of a child's first three years of life.
Parent education was basically non-existent 20 years ago, but times have changed According to Kenny James, Licensed Professional Counselor from Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, "children's needs for love and limits from their parents have not changed, but everything else has."
The increase in divorce, single parenting, working parents, and violence in our society, results in more pressure on families. The support and information found in local support/education groups can help alleviate the feelings of isolation that plague so many of today's parents.
The following is a brief description of parent education services available in Ponca City.
Edwin Fair Mental Health Center parent education groups are available for those parents whose children are enrolled in the EFCMHC's "Therapeutic Nursery." These groups meet for one hour each week and focus on normal growth and development, behavior management, and school readiness.
A second group is offered for non-offending parents who are raising sexually abused children. This group also meets for one hour each week and deals with the trauma caused to the child, and personal issues of the parents attending. Parents can contact the Mental Health Center at 762-7561 for more information.
Kay County Health Department. The local health department provides developmental screening of infants and children in conjunction with parental consultation. This program is available to all families with children from birth to age six. It includes developmental assessments every three or six months.
Parent-child interaction therapy is a specialized program for children ages 2-7 who have significant behavior problems. A parent coaching model is used to enhance the parent-child relationship and teach positive, consistent discipline techniques.
The health department also provides periodic parent education groups on such topics as self esteem, discipline, sibling rivalry, toilet training, child abuse prevention and language development groups are based on community needs. For more information parents can call 763-0100.
Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter. During their "Second Saturday" series, the domestic Violence Shelter provides a two-hour parent education group for both former and current residents at the shelter. The next group is scheduled to meet on Saturday, May 10 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The topic is entitled "Children's Development." Child care is provided. Former residents interested in attending may call 76-ABUSE for more information.
Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter. The Youth Shelter conducts parenting classes on a weekly basis. Each Thursday morning one of 12 "Parent Seminars" is presented from 9:30-11 a.m. Parents receive a "Certificate of Attendance" for each session they attend, and if they attend all 12 Seminars, they receive a letter of completion. There is no charge for the Seminars and parents may attend at any time.
Topics include: Handling Power Struggles, Sibling Rivalry Stress Management for Parents, Discipline of Children (2 sessions) and Why Children Misbehave. Other topics covered include Family Systems, Child Development, Improving Children's Self Confidence, Videotapes - Advice from the Experts, Improving Communication, and Special Families (Stepfamilies and Single Parent Families). Child care is provided at no charge.
An eight week parent education course entitled Systematic Training for Effective Parenting is also offered at NOYS. This group meets on Thursday evenings (6-8 p.m.) and parents are given the opportunity to practice specific parenting skills. The only cost to parents is the price of the Parents Handbook, used in the course. Child Care is provided. For more information on any of the programs an NOYS, parents are encouraged to call 762-8341.
Community Programs
Several agencies in the area have combined resources to provide additional opportunities for parent education. The OSU Cooperative Extension Service program coordinates the monthly Co-Parenting Through Divorce Seminar. The next seminar is scheduled for Monday, April 28, at the Tonkawa Public Library, located at 216 North Seventh Street.
Parents interested in attending should contact the OSU Extension Office in Newkirk (405) 362-3194 before the registration deadline, April 21 . The Seminar is held from 6:30-9 p.m. Child care is not provided. Cost for the seminar is $22.50.
Several agencies are also involved in the effort to provide parent education to pregnant and parenting teens. Students enrolled in this program are able to continue their public education, receive child care for their babies, and in-home parent support services. Services are also available for first time parents (even if they are not a teenager). More information can be obtained by calling 762-8341.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The fund raising committee for the Marland Estate Commission is planning an extensive membership drive and holiday dinner to raise $25,000 in matching funds.
Commission member Larry Hughes said there would be several levels of membership and the dinner would be held around Christmas. Additionally, Hughes reported the current account balance for the foundation is $122,066, however, this includes $50,000 which is due contractors.
Furthermore, the commission applied for a $20,000 grant from the National Historical Society. Notification should be made in May.
Director Kathy Adams confirmed Matrix, Historic Preservation Architects, would be in town this week to get the bid process going for the masonry and door hardware project. Monday, the Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved waiving the normal bidding process.
Additionally, Hughes informed the commission that an insufficient amount of roof tile was ordered for Lydie's cottage. He confirmed that additional tile was ordered and should be in within the next three weeks. Adams said there would not be a change in price for the project.
Moreover, Adams reported that windows at the mansion have been cleaned, inside and out. Next, the chandeliers will be addressed and the carpets will be cleaned.
Also, a Collection Management Policy was submitted and reviewed by the board. Adams said the policy would be put on next month's agenda for consideration.
The policy was drafted to address the responsibility for title to a museum's collection. Adams said that once objects become a part of the museum, they become part of the "public trust." The policy concerns potential acquisition of items, major accessions, loans, deaccession of artifacts and changes in collection policies.
Additionally, the policy includes a proposed collections committee of at least three members of the commission, including Paul Prather, volunteer curator.
In other business, Adams announced that five volunteers agreed to work on the Petroleum Museum project. In addition, new Marland Mansion Waterstone coasters are available in the gift shop. The coasters were made in Stillwater.
Furthermore, the mansion has eight new guides. In May, election of new commission officers will be held.
Pioneer Technical Center's board of education will discuss the hiring of a new superintendent in a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
Velta Reed-Johnston resigned as superintendent effective Jan. 17 to accept a position with the Job Corps in Guthrie. Dr. Sally Downey was later appointed as interim-superintendent.
The board will go into executive session to discuss the hiring of a new superintendent. Following the executive session they will interview potential candidates.
The posted agenda states that the meeting may be adjourned and reconvened at a later date if the stated business is not completed.
The PTC board meets in Room A-110 (Conference Room A) of the center at 2101 North Ash. The meeting is open to the public.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The bulk of the Ponca City's electric utility budget goes to purchase power and help support the general fund.
This year, $14.1 million of a $24 million budget was spent to buy power. This figure is expected to increase to $14.5 or 68 percent of the utility's budget. The utility purchases all power and energy for resale from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority.
The Ponca City Utility Authority, PCUA, has an oil-fired steam generator and oil/gas fired internal combustion which generate approximately 90 megawatts of capacity. For the year ending June of 1995, the utility sold 279,349 megawatt hours.
Both plants are operated by OMPA under a contract signed in 1996. Through a capacity purchase agreement PCUA sells the output of its generating units to OMPA.
Comparatively, distribution operating and maintenance expenses for the current fiscal year remain under $2.5 million, according to Assistant City Manager Tom Short.
The utility serves 28,000 in and around Ponca City through about 16,000 meters. According to the utility consultant R.W. Beck, PCUA is in a relatively sound business position as a distribution service provider and is well positioned in the transmission business.
General Fund Transfer
The second largest budget item is the general fund transfer, which will be $3.1 million, or 14 percent, for this year. The transfer median level for the West South Central Region is 7.5 percent, according to the Selected Financial Operating Ratios of Public Power Systems, APPA, 1996. The 1998 proposed budget decreases the transfer to $2.6 million or 12.25 percent of the budget.
In Oklahoma, municipal utilities were formed to provide such support to local government, however, the current level of transfer constitutes a competitive disadvantage for PCUA, the study by R.W. Beck stated.
Short indicated the city will continue monitoring the competitiveness of the utility's rates and look at additional reductions, especially for large commercial and industrial customers.
Area of Concern
PCUA has been concerned about the frequency of service interruptions and the length of time required to restore service. On a national basis, the System Average Interruption Duration Index is 30 to 45 minutes. For PCUA customers, the average is about 70 minutes each year.
Additionally, the System Average Interruption Frequency Index estimated that PCUA customers could expect to be interrupted at least once per year.
The age and condition of the system are partially responsible for its poor reliability. Operating and maintenance costs are relatively high ($1.4 million) and capital investments have been low. According to R.W. Beck, increased levels of capital investment can be expected to improve the reliability and reduce operating and maintenance costs.
Capital Projects
Proposed capital projects for 1997-98 include the purchase of two sets of regulators for voltage control in the amount of $25,000 and capacitor controls for $3,000. Also, two sub breakers and nine OCR's are proposed and will cost $53,500. New services for residential and commercial customers are estimated at $56,250.
Additionally, six new lines, totaling $184,500, are being considered:
- Lowe's to Hughes.
- Rebuild Hartford and Fairview to Bradley.
- Rebuild Turner Road and Hartford Avenue to Donner Avenue.
- Rebuild Highland Extension to Industrial Boulevard.
- Build tie from Huffy to Prospect Avenue and Union Street.
- Convert Hartford Avenue and Fairview Avenue to Gray Avenue.
In addition, a 2400 conversion, consisting mostly of labor and transformers would cost $80,000.
Short said the utility will be debt free by July. In addition, a new distribution sub station study will need to take place as well as the implementation of a SCADA system. These projects could run $1.4 million.
R.W. Beck stated that PCUA's investment in the system should be at a minimal risk due to changing utility environment.
With more than a half a million federally recognized charities soliciting for contributions, it pays to be cautious when making a donation.
The Federal Trade Commission, the Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Office of Consumer and Business Education warn that asking questions about the nature and activities of the organization is the only way to be sure the money will support worthwhile causes.
An estimated $1.43 billion of the $143 billion raised for charities in 1995, may have been misused or ended up in the pockets of fraudulent solicitors.
The FTC recommends taking the following precautions to ensure that donation dollars will benefit the people, organization or community:
- Ask how the contribution will be used. If the contribution will be used locally, get written information.
- Call the organization or the police or fire department to verify a fund-raiser's claim to be collecting on behalf of the organization. If the claim cannot be verified, report the solicitation to police.
- Ask if the contribution is tax-deductible. Make the check payable to the official name of the group or charity. Avoid cash gifts. If deductibility is important, ask for a receipt showing the amount of the contribution and stating that it is tax deductible.
- Be wary if a fund-raiser suggests you'll receive special treatment for donating. Do not feel intimidated about declining to give. A caller who uses intimidation tactics is likely to be a scam artist. Report the call to police.
The fact that an organization has a tax I.D. number doesn't mean it is a charity. All nonprofit and for profit organizations must have a tax I.D. number.
Also, be wary of charities that offer to send a courier to collect the donation immediately.
For more information about fraud-related fund raising, visit the FTC web site at www.ftc.gov or the National Charities Information Bureau at www.give.org.
Ten free white flowering dogwood trees will be given to each person who joins The National Arbor Day Foundation during April 1997.
The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation's Trees for America campaign.
"White flowering dogwoods will add year-round beauty to your home and neighborhood," John Rosenow, the Foundation's president, said. "Dogwoods have showy spring flowers, scarlet autumn foliage, and red berries which attract songbirds all winter."
The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting in April or May with enclosed planting instructions. The six to twelve inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
Members also receive a subscription to the Foundation's bi-monthly publication, "Arbor Day," and "The Tree Book" with information about tree planting and care.
To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Dogwoods, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by April 30, 1997.
The Republican Women of Kay County Evening Chapter will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday for a Dutch treat dinner and program at the Golden Corral. The business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the West meeting room.
Margaret Goldman will be the guest speaker. She is a Victim's Assistant officer with the Office of the Kay County District Attorney John Maddox. She will discuss the assistance offered to victims via the D.A.'s office. Mrs. Goldman is a past director for two shelters assisting battered women and has experience through her current position.
Her specialized fields include domestic violence and sexual assault. Mrs. Goldman is also the D.A.'s representative on the Kay County Child Advocacy Team and the Sexual Assault Response Team. April 13-19 is the 22nd observance of National Crime Victims Rights Week.
A spokesperson for the Republican women said the organization is selling Frankoma Elephant mugs and the inventory includes mugs dated back to 1968. The pottery mugs and costume jewelry may be purchased at the monthly meetings or by contacting Carolyn Kahle, 362-2211 or 362-2145.
The Kay County Republican Women Evening Chapter meets regularly on the third Thursday of each month at the Golden Corral. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. preceded by dinner and guests are welcome.
This year's "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day" event has something different in store for students - more time to watch their parents at work. Conoco's program, sponsored by the Women's Information Network, will take place April 24.
A spokesperson said "The day will be an excellent opportunity for young women and young men, ages 9-15, to observe firsthand the workplace of a parent or guardian." The Ponca City School Board will allow the children to attend the activities with an excused absence.
Planned activities and tours at Conoco will be available from 8-11:30 a.m. for girls and 12:30-4 p.m. for boys. Registration fee is $5 and only those registered by Friday, will be accepted. Registration and check should be mailed to Frances Roady, 820-16 South Tower.
(Letters appearing in The News do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of The News. Letters will be accepted only when they are signed and include addresses and phone numbers of writers. Unsigned letters will be discarded. All letters submitted become the property of The News. No letter will be returned. We reserve the right to reject or to correct letters considered unsuitable. Letters may be edited to conserve space. We specifically decline letters for or against candidates for office.
Editor, The News,
I'm sure that I share the surprise of many followers of Ponca City basketball in reading about the ouster of Larry Rehl as Lady Cat head coach, as reported in David Brown's excellent article of April 11. I can only assume that the underlying reason for Athletic Director Rusty Benson's decision involves matters unrelated to Larry Rehl's coaching ability. To think otherwise calls into serious question the judgment of those responsible for administering the high school sports program.
Larry Rehl's winning percentage over the past 11 years speaks for itself. He has consistently coaxed maximum effort from talented players and worked miracles with those less talented. Good coaches are also good teachers of the game. I think Larry can claim some pride in the performance of former assistant, Lynn Lewallen, whose Norman basketball team achieved national ranking this past season.
There are many reasons why a high school basketball program, or any sports program for that matter, cycles through good times and lean times. Many of these reasons are beyond the control of a high school coach, such as the commitment of the administration to foster competitive sports with emphasis on participation beginning as early as grade school level. Clearly, there's scope for improvement in the school system with regard to encouraging young people to participate in basketball. As Larry commented, he can't recruit players. He must work with the talent available to him.
No doubt Larry's phone will be ringing off the hook with offers from other schools. I wish him well. If Larry's coaching style is indeed the issue, it's a sad commentary that others knowledgeable about basketball apparently hold his abilities in higher regard than does Ponca City.
James A. Brown
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.
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.
This week marks the 22nd observance of Victims' Rights Week, according to Kay County District Attorney John Maddox.
Oklahoma is leading a national movement to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, most recently by last year's overwhelming passage of a victim's bill of rights amendment to the state constitution.
Crime remains the number one concern of law-abiding citizens, therefore, public safety must be the first priority of government, said Mayor Marilyn Andrews.
One home in three falls victim to crime each year. In addition, tens of thousands of Oklahomans are victimized by criminals who have no respect for the property, person and lives of others.
Often the rights of accused criminals are placed above those of their innocent victims. Therefore, Jodie Frazier, the Victims' Witness Assistant for Kay County, reminds victims that there is a place where people care.
The Ponca City Jaycees will provide a half-day Labron Harris youth golf school for kids ages 9-14 at Lew Wentz Golf Course on May 3.
The school is named in honor of the late Labron Harris, former coach of the OSU Cowboys golf team.
PGA professionals will provide the instruction at a cost of $1 per child, beginning at 2 p.m. Only the first 50 registrations will be accepted due to limited facilities and instructors, so early registration is advised.
Registration forms with more details may be picked up at the Lew Wentz Golf Course or the 543 Practice Range.
In addition to the Ponca City Jaycees, sponsors include Mail Boxes Etc., Ball Trophy, KLVV, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, 543 Practice Range and the Lew Wentz Golf Course.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The Economic Development Foundation (EDF) will hear an update for locating a second Sykes Center here and take necessary action, according to the 7:30 a.m., Thursday agenda. The EDF Board meets at the Chamber of Commerce conference room.
The proposal, as reported by EDF consultant Don Wood at the March meeting, requires a $2 million investment in return for 500 new jobs.
Some of the EDF board members and others have been meeting with community leaders to determine if there is a possibility of providing the incentive funds.
Other agenda items include a report on the unemployment rate in Kay County by Steve Struble, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission; a report on the search committee for an executive, and a report of the status of the EDF/Chamber/Ponca City Tomorrow restructuring.
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs decided that the employment of the administrator should end, after the final investigation report concerning allegations made against the administrator at the Sulphur Veterans Center.
The decision, after review of the investigative report, additional documentation, and the advisement of agency legal counsel, was effective March 31, 1997.
Public Information Representative for the agency said, "This decision was made in the best interest of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and of the State of Oklahoma."
The assistant administrator, Donna Evans, will remain acting administrator for the Sulphur Veterans Center.
Ponca City Rotary Club celebrated its 75th anniversary by honoring a member with half that many years perfect attendance during ceremonies Tuesday at the Marland Mansion Estate Chapel.
The Ponca City Rotary was chartered April 1, 1922, with such local dignitaries as F.A. Heberling, Glen L. Wigton, W.G. Hunt, Lewis Wentz, Harry Cragin, William England, Howards S. Browne and Harvey W. Gauldy on the first board of directors.
Milt Heartsill, retired Oklahoma Natural Gas executive, was honored for 37 years of perfect attendance. Heartsill served as president of the local club in 1977-78 and was District 5750 governor in 1984-85. Heartsill has also been a member of Rotary Clubs in Claremore, Bristow, Midwest City and Clinton.
Guest speaker for the evening was Ron Burton of Norman, a past district governor for District 5770 and currently a nominee for the Rotary International Board of Directors (a 20 person international board) for 1998-2000.
Burton told the group to "build for the future with action and vision to show that Rotary cares" for its local clubs, community, state and nation.
He saluted the local club on its anniversary, saying the strength of Rotary is "the dedication and strength of the individual Rotarians multiplied throughout the community."
Larry Stephenson, long-time member of the local club and a past district governor, served as master of ceremonies for the evening.
Jim Littleton, club president, gave the welcome for the local club while Stephen Garrett of Oklahoma City, current district governor, gave the district welcome.
Richard Stone served as general chairperson for the celebration, assisted by Gary Martin, Don Nuzum, Ed Loosley, Dan Yancey, Paul Lawrence, Ralph Beaty, Lee Brown, Mike Culver, George McPherson, Tom Robb, Wynona Barber and Don Sjoberg.
The Park and Recreation Advisory Board will consider allowing the Ponca City Swimming Association to run swimming lessons this summer. The regular meeting will be held at the Public Safety Center, in the E.O.C. Room, located in the basement, Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
The Recreation and Pool Committee recommends the swimming association run the swimming lesson program at the AMBUC pool this summer. With the current budget constraints, the department was required to review services offered.
If the proposal is approved, the department's expenses for the AMBUC pool operation should be reduced and the same level of service will be offered.
In other new business, members will consider renewal of the Sooner Ski Club Agreement as written for 1998. The agreement would authorize skiers to utilize a portion of the north end of West Lake Ponca surface area for recreational activities.
Furthermore, the board will review public requests from the Ponca City Swim Association and the Bluestem Girl Scout Council. The Swim Association will ask to hold a "Division II" swim meet at AMBUC pool on July 19-20. Additionally, the Girl Scouts want to hold a Girl Scout Day Camp June 3-6, at a portion of Dan Moran Park.
Grace Episcopal Church will be holding the semi-annual rummage sale this Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon, it was announced today.
The sale will feature a number of household miscellaneous items, books, toys, clothing of all kinds, and some furniture.
Folks may stop by the Parish Hall, Thirteenth Street and East Grand Avenue for leisurely shopping on Friday and Saturday - everybody welcome.
Parking will be available in the parking lot across the street from the Parish Hall on North Thirteenth Street.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - A multi-county grand jury brought conspiracy and racketeering charges Tuesday against two men in connection with an alleged illegal gambling casino operation raided two months ago at a building southwest of Ponca City.
Additional charges were leveled against two other men, including a senior member of the Kay County Sheriff's Department.
Chief Investigative Deputy Rodney Meeks of the sheriff's office appeared before District Judge D.W. Boyd with his attorney, Ken Holmes, after the judge opened a sealed indictment that charged Meeks with two counts of collusion.
The details of the charges against Meeks were not specified, other than being alleged incidents on Jan. 20 and 23, more than a month before law enforcement officers raided and closed the alleged casino in the Bois D'Arc community near Ponca City.
Holmes told the court that his client was "absolutely innocent" of the charges. Judge Boyd released Meeks, who has served 10 years at the department and is a former Ponca City police officer, on a $2,000 own-recognizance bond.
Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen, who on Tuesday afternoon suspended Meeks without pay until the allegations are resolved, said, "Everyone is entitled to their day in court - I'm going to reserve my judgment."
District Attorney John Maddox said he turned the original case investigation and the follow-up investigation over to his chief investigator, Russell Busby, and they ultimately turned to the grand jury because of the potentially sensitive nature of the charges.
Multiple counts of conspiracy and racketeering were filed against two other men, Jeff Jake "Bob" Hargraves, 47, who has been jailed at the county since his arrest two months ago, and Loren Earl "Cookie" Scott, 54, a county employee who was already charged since the raid.
After Tuesday's appearance, Scott was released again on his own recognizance with bonds of $2,500 and $10,000 for the conspiracy and racketeering charges, respectively.
Although the judge set a bond of $50,000 for Hargraves, the suspect has a federal hold that will keep him jailed in connection with the case. He was released last September from federal prison after serving time for similar charges.
Boyd also issued an arrest warrant and set a $10,000 bond for a third man, Jerry Morris, who is charged with conspiracy after allegedly helping store gambling equipment for three years while Hargraves was incarcerated. Morris reportedly lives out-of-state.
With the new grand-jury indictments, First Assistant District Attorney Lisa Goodspeed Tate moved to have the district's original felony gambling charges dismissed against Hargraves and Scott.
The judge scheduled a 9 a.m. Friday pre-preliminary hearing for the new charges against the two men.
The indictments read by Judge Boyd described an alleged pattern of attempted gambling operations - repeatedly interrupted by law enforcement officers since 1988 and partly resulting in the recent federal prison sentence for Hargraves.
In June 1988, Osage County law-enforcement officers raided "Bob's Bar," the suspect's building in the Osage across the Arkansas River, and seized gambling equipment and stolen beer. Hargraves was convicted, receiving a three-year deferred sentence.
In February 1991, Osage County officials and federal agents raided the suspect's smoke shop south of Ponca City and found gambling paraphernalia and firearms, the indictments indicated.
After pleading guilty to four federal grand jury indictments in 1992, Hargraves was sentenced in January 1993 to 51 months in federal prison on money laundering charges.
However, after his release from prison last September, Hargraves and Scott allegedly pulled gambling equipment from storage and the alleged casino in Bois D'Arc was in operation by December, the indictments said.
The men allegedly improved parking space for patrons and installed video surveillance equipment at the building, the indictments said.
Except for a week of voluntary shutdown in late January, the new operation ran for at least two months, providing free food and beer to patrons as they gambled on electronic poker machines and other equipment, the indictments said.
After the district attorney's Feb. 28 raid on the operation, five Ponca City residents, including Hargraves and Scott, appeared in court to face the original felony commercial gambling charges in early March.
With the two men were Mildred Dorothy Erickson, 74; Rosemary Faye "Crickett" Falconer, 56, and Elizabeth Ferguson, 50, each accused of feloniously receiving, recording and forwarding bets via an electronic video poker machine in connection with incidents reported on Feb. 21, Feb. 22, or Feb. 28.
The charges followed the raid where sheriff's deputies, assisted by Ponca City police and others, raided the Bois D'Arc house and confiscated equipment. They also searched two Ponca City residences and gathered evidence.
The officers executed search warrants for the case developed by Busby
for Maddox, confiscating approximately 18 to 20 electronic and mechanical
gambling devices, as well as money, liquor, beer and other items.
DEATHS
Kathryn Elizabeth Liberton, Ponca City resident, died Monday afternoon, April 14, 1997, at Highland Nursing Center. She was 83.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today at Grace Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will be recited at 9 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Joseph Michalicka, serving as celebrant. Burial will be in the Hennessey (Okla.) Cemetery at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Kathryn Elizabeth (Luis) Liberton was born May 16, 1913, in Kingfisher, the daughter of Conrad and Anna Francis (Gruntmeir) Luis. She received her early education in the Kingfisher and Okarche schools.
On Aug. 1, 1934, she was married to John P. Liberton at Kingfisher and the couple established their first home northeast of Dover. In 1939, they moved to the Round Grove area, west of Ponca City, then into town in 1962. Mrs. Liberton was a homemaker, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Altar Society and St. Theresa Guild. She had also served as a volunteer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Survivors include four sons, Martin and Carl, both of Ponca City, Kenneth of Tyler, Texas, and Ray of Mustang; one sister, Helen Gales of Ponca City; three brothers, John Luis, of Newkirk, Gerald Luis of Coffeyville, Kan., and Harold Luis of Shawnee; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in December 1971; one infant child, Cecelia Ann; her parents; three sisters, Pauline Vap, Agnes Meyer and Mary Luis; four brothers, Carl Luis, Joe Luis, Andrew Luis and Paul Luis; and two grandchildren.
Casket bearers will be Arthur Meyer, Gary Meyer, Dewayne Vap, Neal Otto, Sherman Otto and Bob Luis.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Liberton's memory to the American Diabetes Association, 6465 South Yale, Suite 423, Tulsa, OK 74136.
The family will be at the Ralph Gales home on South McCord Road.
BLACKWELL - Louis Bennett "Louie" Slade, former longtime Braman resident, died Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at Manor Care Nursing Center in Oklahoma City. She was 102.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Gary Grady of the Church of Christ, Arlington, Va., will officiate with Ralph DeBoard, Edmond, assisting. Burial will be in the Braman (Okla.) Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home until service time, then the casket will be closed.
Louis Bennett "Louie" (Stuart) Slade was born May 20, 1894, in Lamar County, Texas, the daughter of Louis and Patty (Bennett) Stuart. She grew up near Blossom, Texas.
On Feb. 16, 1913, she was married to William C. Slade in Blossom and the couple made their home in Braman. Mrs. Slade was a homemaker and had lived in Braman for 74 years before moving to Oklahoma City to live near a daughter, in 1987. She later moved into the Manor Care Nursing Center there. She and her husband were members of the Braman Church of Christ, and later the Blackwell Church of Christ after the churches merged.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Jess (Betty) DeBoard of Choctaw; three sons, William C. Jr. and Ralph W., both of Roswell, N.M. and J.I. of Braman; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Feb. 9, 1983; her parents; two brothers, Harry and Jeff Stuart; four sisters, Adele Burke, Nina Wheeler, Bessie Lenoir and Polly Slade.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Slade's name to Search for the Lord's Way, P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083-0371.
BLACKWELL - Adranna Morehead, Blackwell resident, died early this morning, April 16, 1997, in Blackwell. She was two years of age. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
TONKAWA - Laura M. Funslar, Tonkawa resident, died at her home Tuesday, April 15, 1997. She was 84. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Thursday
Colleen Marie Jarvis - Funeral to be held at 10:30 a.m. at the
Blackwell Church of Christ. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. in the Goodhope
Cemetery at Helena. Casket bearers will be George Morgan, Darren Wright,
Bob Fletcher, Allen Taylor, Doug Wright, and Boyd Butler. Arrangements are
under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Friends of the Library - The Friends have planned a special book sale April 17-19, in celebration of National Library week. Refreshments will be served in the Library Board Room during sale hours. Patrons can shop from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday; 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Deadwood Dames- Retired Conoco women are invited to attend the next meeting of the Deadwood Dames at 11 a.m. Thursday, at the Golden Corral.
Trail of Tails - Pre-registration for the Ponca City Humane Society Trail of Tails dog walk-a-thon has been extended to April 23. Call 767-8877 for information.
In Exercise Tandem Thrust - Navy Airman Juan E. Salazar, son of Paula J. Sneed of Route 3, recently participated in Exercise Tandem Thrust off the coast of Australia while assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans, homeported in San Diego. Salazar was one of more than 28,000 U.S. and Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines participating in the combined military exercise between Australia and the United States. The 1993 graduate of Ponca City High School joined the Navy in October 1994.
Blackwell Sets Health Fair - Blackwell Regional Hospital and the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce have scheduled their Health Fair for May 17 from 8 a.m. until noon. For your health-related booth, call 405-363-2311, Ext. 198. Deadline for reserving booths is April 21.
Blood Drive - Help save lives by donating blood during the current blood drive at the Oklahoma Blood Institute Ponca City Center, 518 North Fourteenth Street. Sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Fire Fighters, the special drive will be in effect through Saturday. All donors will receive a special "Working Together to Save Lives" t-shirt and a free cholesterol check.
Mail Tampering - A resident in the 1000 block of North Osage Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:28 a.m. Tuesday to report someone was "messing with her mail." An officer took a report on mail tampering.
City Warrant - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 23-year-old man at the police department at 10:04 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure to appear. At 11:43 a.m., the officer arrested a 26-year-old woman at the station on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - A 71-year-old woman was admitted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after an accident which occurred at North First Street and East Highland Avenue at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday. Ponca City ambulance crew took the victim to the hospital where she is listed in fair condition, according to a hospital supervisor.
Found - A Ponca City police officer found an abandoned red bike at South Sixth Street and East Central Avenue at 3:06 p.m. Tuesday.
Trampoline Jumpers - A resident in the 1000 block of South Fourth Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 6:57 p.m. Tuesday that kids were climbing on the roof and jumping onto a trampoline. An officer responded and reported that the kids would not be jumping off the roof any more.
Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a report at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday of a black Huffy bike stolen from the 500 block of South Fifth Street.
Traffic Stop - A 19-year-old man was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer at a traffic stop at Lake Road and Rosedale Drive at 1:01 a.m. Wednesday for driving under the influence, transporting and open container, failure to signal, no insurance and minor in possession of beer. Additionally, a 21-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication.
Spring Clean Up - Spring clean up for Ponca City residents continues through Saturday. For more information, contact Ken Wilson, Solid Waste Superintendent at 767-0411.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident
in the 400 block of Fairview Avenue at 8:39 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were
reported.
LIFESTYLES
The Oklahoma 4-H program has long been known for providing opportunities for youth to develop life skills-skills that are necessary for them to lead productive lives. One such skill is volunteerism.
However, the 4-H program isn't the only group that believes in the importance of volunteerism. The Oklahoma City Junior League, together with KOCO Channel 5, have been presenting an award for the past 10 years to recognize those who go above and beyond what is expected when it comes to helping others.
The "5 Kids Who Care Award" is presented to five individuals each year based on their projects and activities that center around volunteerism.
The Oklahoma 4-H program apparently has fostered a strong belief in volunteerism as several 4 H'ers have been named winners of the 5 Kids Who Care Award. Missy Conner, Fairmont; Rachel Newton, Cherokee; and John Steward, Shawnee, are three of the 1997 winners. Previous winners who also have been 4-H'ers include Sarah Dillon, Jet; Charla Dobson, Weatherford; Lorna Lee, Hydro; Julie Fitzgerald, Minco; Andrea Carter, Edmond; and Heather Wedel, Tuttle.
"Volunteerism is something we encourage and emphasize throughout a 4-H'ers career," said Fred Rayfield, Oklahoma State University Extension state 4-H program leader. "Volunteerism is encouraged mainly through the aspect of community service. We encourage both our adult volunteer leaders, as well as our youth volunteers, to be involved in community service through their local 4-H programs."
Rayfield said there are a large number of activities in which 4-H members can participate: beautification of parks and recreation areas, activities with senior citizens. Adopt A Highway and the Ronald McDonald Campaign are just a few of the areas where the efforts of Oklahoma's 4-H'ers can be seen helping people in their community as well as throughout the state.
"The Ronald McDonald Campaign is one of the statewide efforts we are involved in that fosters community service and helping others," he said. "This project is two-fold - it raises money for the county programs as well as for the Ronald McDonald Houses in Oklahoma."
The two main 4-H projects that provide ample opportunity to develop the spirit of volunteerism are citizenship and leadership. Through these projects 4-H'ers do a lot of teen leadership, volunteering, working with younger 4-H'ers and volunteering in the community.
Rayfield said those types of activities fit very well into those project areas. The main goal in providing volunteer opportunities to 4-H'ers is to create an awareness that community service and helping others is important.
"We want our youth to learn that as they move into adulthood, community service and volunteering to help others is something that is very important," RayDield said. "It's our job in the 4-H program to provide them with those opportunities and engage them in as many of those activities as we can in hopes that volunteerism is almost second nature to them as adults."
Volunteerism is now playing a role at National 4-H Congress, State 4-H Congress as well as Leadership Conference in Kansas City in the form of Service Learning Projects. Delegates to these meetings have the opportunity to volunteer in a number of areas.
Oklahoma's 4-H'ers may be serving food at a soup kitchen for the homeless, decorating a nursing home for a specific holiday, visiting with mentally and physically challenged children or cleaning up a zoo.
"Oftentimes our 4-H'ers are dealing with people who are less fortunate," Rayfield. "By providing them with these opportunities, the 4-H'ers are able to do something they feel good about. It's not just doing work in their project areas. They're doing something that benefits others and that's what we want to stress as being the most important aspect of volunteerism.
The YMCA in conjunction with corporate sponsor, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, will hold the second annual Healthy Kids Day at the Ponca City YMCA, Seventh and Grand, Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding with a free open swim in the community pool from 1 to 3 p.m. Activities are geared for preschool through elementary aged children.
One of the national priorities of the YMCA is to provide programs and experiences that support and strengthen families. The YMCA believes that family members at all stages of life can build lasting habits of good health in spirit, mind, and body. Healthy Kids Day will provide families with an opportunity to participate in physical fitness, health, nutrition, and craft activities throughout the day free of charge.
"We want to encourage both children and their parents to participate in Healthy Kids Day," says Susan Henning, event coordinator. "Research has shown that parents are the best role models for their children, but recent surveys indicate that many parents get little or no exercise-and, unfortunately, children follow their lead." The U.S. Surgeon General's report Physical Activity and Health, released earlier this year, pointed out that the people who stand the most to gain are those who move from little or no physical activity (approximately 60 percent of the country's population falls into this category) to a pattern of moderate activity. "At Healthy Kids Day we will provide a diverse range of physical activities that families can participate in," Henning explained, 'we would like to emphasize that participating in a physical activity YOU enjoy, will lead to a life long commitment to improving your physical health."
Physical activities for the day include basketball shoot, jump roping, hula trooping, bowling practice on a portable lane from Ponca Bowl, golf putting green by Sun 'N Fun, fun walk to the Fifth and Grand Fire Station for a tour, and a balancing challenge on a swinging ladder bridge. Participants will also make their own visor, bracelets, and stress balloon, have their face painted, and plant their own seeds to take home. A cake walk will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the gym.
Specially scheduled demonstrations will be held in the lower level of the YMCA throughout the day. Wes Young and his youth power lifters will demonstrate weight lifting techniques at 10:30 a.m. Family aerobics and game idea classes will be offered at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. A karate demonstration will follow at noon.
Various service organizations from the community will provide information pertaining to healthy families. These include Quint Whitefield, D.D.S., Thunder Canyon Counseling Center, OSU Extension, Christian Puppet Show from First Assembly of God, Edwin Fair Mental Health Center, Kay Co. Health Department., Creative Memories, Ponca City Police Department, and Potter Chiropractic Clinic. The Ponca City FFA will provide a farm animal petting zoo.
Registration for Healthy Kids Day will take place inside the YMCA. Children will receive punch cards redeemable for healthy snacks after they have participated in the fitness and craft activities. Door Prizes will be awarded throughout Healthy Kids Day.
Come and join the fun and spend some quality time with your family at the Healthy Kids Day, April 19, at the Ponca City YMCA. For more information call the YMCA at 765-5417.
This year's Trail of Tails has something for everyone according to a spokesperson. Among the planned events are demonstrations by the Search and Rescue Group as well as the K-9 Kennel Club.
There will be contests for registered participants including a "dog look alike" and largest dog, smallest dog, best-costumed dog, etc.
Prizes will be awarded those who raised the most money in pledges for the walk-a-thon. The dog walk is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at Lake Ponca Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the fee being $15. The walk begins at 9 a.m. and signs are posted to guide the participants.
Proceeds go to the Ponca City Humane Society to help support animals being cared for there. For more information about the event or the shelter call 767-8877. Donations may be mailed to the society at post office box 2311.
David and Heather Johndrow of Edmond announce the birth of a daughter at 5:34 p.m. April 11 at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. The baby has been named Carson Laine Johndrow. She weighed 7-pounds, 7-ounces and was 19 1/2-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Malcom and Sharon McNutt of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Cathleen and Mike Howell and Larry and Diane Johndrow, all of Edmond.
Piano students of Kay Sahai will present a recital April 19 at 7 p.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church Parish Hall, 707 East Ponca. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the program and the reception following. Those students who participated in music festivals and auditions this year will be recognized.
Students participating in the recital include Amanda Behar, Courtney
Casey, Elizabeth Connelly, Meghan Deathe, Allison Huckabee, Robby Lankston,
Jake Munyon, Patrick McClain, Elizabeth Otto, Kelle Otto, Stacia Otto, Robert
Perz, Jamie Reiss, Kerianne Roggow, Renu Sahai, Kami Schieber, Catherine
Smith, Mariah Sneath, Laura Teague, Candice Vandeven, Joanna Yozzo and Natalie
Yozzo.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcats picked up five gold medals, but it was a gutsy second-place finish in the final event of the evening that pushed the Cats over the top to win the Ponca City Relays title.
David Jump led the medal parade as he set a new meet record in the pole vault, using his home field to sail to 14-2. He just missed at 14-7.
The Wildcats picked up gold by Ryan Chapman in the shot put, the 4x1600-meter relay, the 3200-meter relay and the distance medley relay.
But their battle for first place in the meet came down to the 1600 relay, which was run as the light faded at Sullins Stadium.
The Poncans needed a second place finish to grab the team title away from powerful Edmond North and got just that as Aaron Zimmerman, Sam Stalcup, Anthony Tillman and David Metzger outdistanced Stillwater to the tape for the silver.
That gave the Wildcats a 3.5-point margin over the Huskies (197.5-194) for the boys' Division I (large schools) crown.
"It's amazing we could beat Edmond North, which is the No. 3 ranked team in the state," Po-Hi coach Terry Henderson said. "The kids did a great job. The 1600 team knew what it had to do and they did it. They finished in 3:37.62, which is the first time they've been under 3:40 this season.
"People who came out for this meet saw a great meet," the Ponca City coach said. "There were some great races."
Although the field for the once-postponed meet was small, it was talented.
In addition to the Wildcats' narrow win, both titles in the girls' divisions were decided by just one point. Stillwater edged out Edmond, 188-187, for the Division II plaque while Tonkawa won the Division I crown, 177-176, over Newkirk.
The Tonkawa boys had an easier time in their run for the title, outdistancing Newkirk 227-140.
Jump set his new mark on a nearly perfect track and field day. The sunny weather, with the temperatures in the 70s most of the day, was a far cry from the wet, cold weather that caused the postponement of the meet a week earlier.
Confident with the pole vault pit in which he practices, Jump passed until the 13-foot mark. He then hit on his first attempt at that height. It took him two tries to reach 13-6 and then, all alone on the runway, he hit 14-2 on his second try.
Chapman took the other individual gold for the Cats in the shot put with a heave of 45-7.5. He was also second in the discus with a throw of 137 feet.
The other three Wildcat first places went to relay teams and in most cases the results were never in doubt.
In the special 4x1600 relay, Paul Paschal, Chris Buck, Zimmerman and Chad Niemann breezed to a 20:01 win.
Paschal, Niemann, David Metzger and Stalcup won the 3200 relay in 8:20.95.
Stalcup, Zimmerman, Paschal and Michael Newman won the distance medley in 11:47.05.
In other individual events, Jeremy Combrink was second in the 300 hurdles in 47.92, Mark Oblad was third in the pole vault in 13-0, Brad Hill was third in the 100 hurdles in 20.47 and Aaron Kreger followed Chapman in the discus with 129.9. The Poncans were second (Jason Jorgenson, 5-10) and third (Billy Swygert, 5-8) in the high jump.
The Lady Wildcats, led by Keesha West's gold in the high jump (4-10) and a season-best win in the 800 relay by Tamara Banks, Quisha Fredericks, Tia Williams and Tee West in 1:52.08, finished third with 129 points.
The Youth Board of Oklahoma Soccer Association recently selected Ponca City's Kyle Duren as the Oklahoma Soccer Association 1997 Young Referee of the Year-Boy.
Duren, a 15-year-old ninth grader, is qualified to referee Under 6 to Under 19. He has been officiating soccer matches for five years and played in the Ponca City youth league for 10 years.
Some of the attributes that gained Duren the honor were his ability to handle players and the crowd, his ability in applying the rules and his ability to keep the game flowing.
Duren, the son of Don and Brenda Duren, has also been nominated by the Oklahoma Soccer Association for the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III 1997 Young Referee of the Year-Boy award.
Wentz Scramble - The rescheduled Lew Wentz Men's Golf Association four-man scramble will be held Saturday. Sign up by Thursday at 6 p.m. to participate in the pick-your-own-team event, which costs $10 per person.
For more information or to sign up, call the pro shop at 767-0433.
Golf School - The Ponca City Jaycees will provide a half-day golf school for children ages 9-14 at Lew Wentz Golf Course Saturday, May 3, starting at 2 p.m.
Cost is just $1 per child but only the first 50 registrations will be accepted. Registration forms can be picked up at the Wentz pro shop or at 543 Practice Range.
Soccer Meeting - The Ponca City Soccer Association will hold its general meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Fourth Street Clubhouse. Coaches must attend.
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.
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.
For more information contact the Y at 765-5417.
Charity Scramble - A four-man scramble charity golf tournament will be held at the Blackwell golf course Saturday to benefit the NOC 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.
Youth Basketball - The Mid-America Youth Basketball Tournament is a multi-state tournament that will be held May 30 through June 1 in Ark City, Kan.
The tournament is for boys and girls in the fifth through 12th grades. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of five games. Entry fees are $150 for MAYB teams and $250 for non member teams.
For further information call 316-284-0884.