From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, April
24, 1998
LOCAL
Long-Awaited Fifth Street Project Open for Traffic
Nigh Joins List Of Book Signers At Poncan Tonight
Nearly News
Kaw Dam Road Work Planned
Letters
Po-Hi Students Receive Academic Awards
Another 'Tasteless' Performance Is History
City Calendar
School Menu
School Calendar
Teens Can Join Volunteen Effort At SJRMC
Ponca City Will Bloom During Iris Festival
Fire Station Demolition On Agenda
Dog-a-Thon To Raise Funds For Local Humane Society
Yodeling Queen Joins Gilliam at the Poncan
Citizens Police Academy Graduates 18 in 3rd Class
Soil Acidity Effects on Wheat Subject of Tour
Flamenco Guitarist Brings Gypsy Music to Ponca City
DEATHS
Lora Faye Dobson
James Roland Elam
Delbert Andrew Hight Sr.
Emma Ruth Hutchison
Grace V. Brown
Obituaries
Edith R. Taber
Alph K. Hickman
Services Pending
Mable Wood
Clarence W. Porter
Leonard Goodenough
Bernice A. Powell
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Ponca City Happenings
Piano Workshop Slates Program
Patches & Pieces Guild Will Display Quilt
Main Street Sponsors Upstairs Downtown Tour During Iris Festival
Brass Rubbing Art Program for Unit III
Busy Bee Club Donates Items
Couple To Marry June 12
Little News
Cann Memorial Garden
Lynda Bunch is Bride-Elect
Wedding Plans Announced
Oil Boom Day at Marland Mansion May 16
Wheatheart Nutrition
Sallie Peacheater Tent Sets Quarterly Meeting
Reception To Honor Couple
Pair Observing Anniversary
National Music Week
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Event To Honor Sandra Harrison
DAR Names Scholarship, Award Winners
Wichita Church is Setting For LaBlue - Barnes Vows
National Guild Piano Auditions Scheduled Here
Piano Group Hears Hymns
Bits and Pieces
Water Exercise Benefits Varied
Kay County 4-H Fashion Show Winners Announced
County 4-H'ers Reach Out From Heartland Globally and Culturally
Singles Network Lists Calendar
SPORTS
Cats in Soccer Playoffs
Cats in Finals At Wrong Time
Po-Hi Track
Tennis Results
Cats Cage Camps Set
Hershey Track Set
Girl Golfers Seventh
Volkswalk Event Set for Walkers
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
North Fifth Street was opened officially Friday morning with all the pomp and circumstance befitting such an occasion. The street adds another north-south passage and is designed to help take some of the congestion off of Fourteenth Street. An estimated 8,000 cars per day will use North Fifth Street.
The event began with fanfare with the Ponca City High School Band playing prior to the ceremony. Leading the list of dignitaries was Mayor Marilyn Andrews, who gave the welcome and introduced those seated on the podium and members of the city staff.
City Manager Gary Martin said, "The citizens of Ponca City should be proud of their tax dollars that have contributed to the for this project. We have guarded the tax dollars wisely. Through our advisory boards we have accounted for every penny and every penny has been spent on street projects.
"The extension of Fifth Street provides a north-south connection from South Avenue through our central business district to the north part of the city. It also provides an east-west connection from Fifth to Fourteenth on Bradley.
"The goal of the project was to reduce traffic on Fourteenth, congestion at the Fourteenth and Hartford intersection and to reduce traffic on local streets going north from Fifth to Fourteenth from Hartford Avenue."
Martin added, "The project was the most complicated street project we ever completed. The project cost approximately $1,975,000 and our local match money was only $1,129,000. Since the street sales tax was passed in 1987, the city has completed 18 major projects for a total cost of $6,424,000."
He expressed appreciation to Secretary of Transportation Neal McCaleb, and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, because the local match has only been $2, 237,000 for these projects.
Martin recognized the efforts of the late Lee Knight, traffic engineer. He quoted Knight as saying, "The north-south connection of Fifth Street would be the most important project to complete in our transportation plan. What is amazing about his statement is that it was made many years before Wal-Mart, El Chico and the theaters and other businesses even thought about moving west on Prospect."
Jerry Evans of Evans and Associates, prime contractor, praised those who designed the street, financed it and constructed it. He recognized his employees and other contractors involved including Larry Chitwood of Chitwood Construction, Tom Sober of Sober Brothers and Don Bouldin, Chapman, Guild and Associates for engineering.
Evans expressed appreciation to the residents of the area and the businesses along the way. He recognized Jackie Bohon, vice president of construction, Glenn Nickles, who bid the project, and Jay Bohon, construction superintendent
The contractor told about completing Fourteenth Street 21 years ago and winning the Outstanding Pavement Award in the Nation for the project and indicated that the Fifth Street project will now be entered for an award. The Fifth Street had 138 bid items and eight change orders, Evans said.
Evans also praised Knight for his foresight and noted that his widow was in attendance.
Sam Elimam, of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, said that Casey Shell had taken over the project that he started. He "tipped his hat to Evans and Associates for their extreme effort to keep the public informed of the construction activities and the careful staging of the construction. He said, "It makes a big difference to have a local contractor build the project. I guarantee you when you have someone that is going to stay around the community and use that road every day they are going to make an extra effort to get you a quality product and I think in this case Evans and Associates did that."
Elimam said the project is a little over a mile and so far ODOT had paid $1,679,000 the project lasted a little over a year and for the size of the project that was not a bad number.
About 150 persons attended the milestone event to witness the opening of a project that took a little over a year to complete. After the ribbon cutting with City dignitaries and members of the Chamber of Commerce's Presidents Club, police cars led a caravan down the mile-long stretch.
In the lead car were Mayor Marilyn Andrews, Jerry Evans, Sam Elimam in a convertible. Other members of the City Commission - Dick Stone, Lynn Boyer and Tom Leonard - followed in other show cars. Other citizens drove their cars, a large fire truck was a part of the parade and three members of the Cherokee Wheelman made the tour on bicycles.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
A benchmark is being set for an autographing party at the Poncan Theatre this evening with former Gov. George Nigh joining the ranks of the signers for "Oklahoma II." Nigh wrote the copy for this book.
Additionally, Nigh will introduce Hollywood film maker Burt Kennedy. Nigh and Kennedy became acquainted when George was lieutenant governor and heading up tourism. He flew Kennedy around Oklahoma looking for possible movie locations.
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with Nigh and Kennedy taking center stage about 7:30 p.m. Kennedy is expected to share movie making experiences and show clips of some of his movies.
Afterwards there will be an autographing session with Nigh, Kennedy, Truman Smith and Carlton Weber signing their books.
Other special guests are expected to be members of the Oklahoma Film Commission, and representatives of the film departments of Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University.
The event is free and open to the public.
Looks to NN like the Love Station (KLVV-FM) will be bringing some nationally known entertainment to the area soon. Thursday night on the nationally televised Christian Dove Awards the winner in the Song of the Year category was "On My Knees", recorded by Jaci Velasquez who will be in Ponca City May 2. Also, the group Avalon was named Best New Artist. They will be appearing in Ponca City June 13, both concerts being sponsored by KLVV radio. NN suggest folks mark those dates of their calendars.
Bringing smiles to the those parading down Fifth Street following the grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday was the street signs at the carpet store at Fifth and Hartford. The sign reads Floorcraft and Ted E. Bear Parkway.
Motorists may wish to avoid any efforts of crossing Kaw Lake Dam road in the first four days of the week.
Monday through Wednesday, one lane of the road crossing the dam will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while maintenance work is done. Flagmen will be directing traffic.
Thursday, the road over Kaw Dam will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a result of the maintenance work. Signs will be posted on Lake Road as a reminder.
Hospital Thankful
On behalf of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the community it serves, please accept this letter of gratitude to the following for their service during a ten hour time period of February 26-27, 1998, when the Medical Center's telephone switch was nonfunctional:
-The Kay County Amateur Radio Club including Marsh Pronneke, Earl Whittaker, David Balli, Carl Dewhitt, Kenny Orr, and Tom Montgomery;
-Radio Stations WBBZ, KPNC, KIXR, and KLOR.
The Medical Center's telephone switch became non-functional at about 11 a.m. on Feb. 26 and was eventually returned to function at about 9 a.m. on February 27 The Kay County Amateur Radio Club responded to the need for assisting in internal communications. The Radio Stations assisted by making public service announcements concerning the situation and providing the phone numbers of the pay phones (internal ones) which were not part of the Medical Center phone switch and which worked through this event.
The Medical Center's telephone switch is a redundant system with two sides to the switch which are mirror images (one side is a duplicate of the other so that if one side becomes non-functional, the other side comes on line and continues). However, there are a few items in the switch which if they become non-functional, the entire switch becomes nonfunctional. One of those items failed and thus the entire switch became non-functional at 11 a.m. on Feb. 26. It is worthy of note that even with the 10 hours of downtime which we experienced on the aforementioned date (the most we have ever experienced at one time due to switch problems), the switch has been very reliable with only about 36 hours of downtime due to switch problems over the past 20 years. However, Medical Centers heavily rely on telephone communications. Thus, we greatly appreciate the effort of the Amateur Radio Club and the Radio Stations in helping us deal with this communications problem on the aforementioned dates. We also wanted the general public to know of the generosity of these organizations.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Garry L. England
President and CEO
Agree to Disagree
I want to set the record straight on a few remarks made by Governor Keating at a recent appearance in Blackwell. The Governor criticized me for opposing his effort to use pension money on other initiatives.
Governor Keating and I disagree about the future of our state pension funds. I would like to keep them fully funded at the same level they are today; the Governor would like to reduce the amount of money currently going into retirement funds, using the dollars previously earmarked for pensions on other programs. The pension funding diversion is clearly spelled out on pages 81 through 87 of Governor Keating's proposed executive budget.
Governor Keating and I agree on many issues, but on this issue, we will have to agree to disagree. I just feel that state pension funds are sacred and should not be tampered with for any reason.
Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight on this very important issue.
Paul Muegge
State Senator
District 20
Wall Appreciated
I am writing in regards to the "Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall" visit of April 16-19.
I am from Ponca City and served in Vietnam for two tours of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. I have never had the opportunity to visit the wall in Washington and this event was one that completely moved me. Three names on the wall were of classmates of mine in the Po-Hi class of 1965. It would be impossible to verbalize the emotion that I felt when I was able to touch their names and finally get to tell them goodbye.
My reason for writing is to say thank you to everyone who was involved in this event. The local businesses, groups and individuals who participated were so unselfish. I have to single out Mr. and Mrs. Steve Huston and Susan Ladner. As I understand it, the local Vietnam Veterans of America, Post 750 and Steve Huston were the originators of the idea of bringing the wall to Ponca City. Susan Ladner is a wonderful lady and, in my humble opinion, the one who made sure that things got done. The number of hours that this lady committed to the process of planning and ensuring that every little detail was addressed must have been phenomenal.
I just want to say thank you to everyone who was involved. When I walked away from that wall after the opening ceremony I felt better than I have felt since I got out of the Marine Corps some 28 years ago.
Thank you Ponca City, I am proud to live in a community who can accomplish what they did.
Lonnie Burnett
Ponca City High School's top students were honored Monday at the 68th Annual Awards Night in the Howell Auditorium. Principal Dr. Don Sjoberg served as master of ceremonies.
Students were honored in a number of areas for academic achievement.
The Honors
Academic Bars, Letters and Pins were presented to: Micha Alexander, Bronze Pin; Sarah Anno, Silver Pin; Sarah Armstrong, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Keith Arterbury, Bronze Pin; Brock Bakke, Academic Bar; Casey Barnard, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Erinn Barr, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Molly Baugh, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Elizabeth Bednarski, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Rachel Beguin, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jamie Bellinghausen, Bronze Pin; A. Brian Benson, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jay Bentley, Gold Pin; Shelley Birdsong, Bronze Pin; Stephanie Blochowiak, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Melissa Boelens, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Steven Bogadi, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Matthew Bolin, Academic Bar; Kristi Bouchard, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Michelle Branum, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; J. Bradley Brewer, Academic Bar; Jill Brien, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Diane Bryer, Academic Bar; Shawn Buller, Academic Bar; Kristin Bute, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Robbi Coffelt, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jennifer Cohenour, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Stephen Collins, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Greg Cunningham, Bronze Pin; and Kristen Davis, Academic Bar, Silver Pin.
Also, Sara Day, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Amanda Dickson, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Brook Didlake, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Sarah Dorsey, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Elizabeth Dunn, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Daniel Edwards, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Kate Emig, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jennifer Frantz, Academic Bar, Gold Bar; Amy Fremin, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Melissa Fuhrman, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Nuvia Gamboa, Academic Bar, Bronze Pin; Kristal Gauger, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Kimberly Ghylin, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Courtney Gingerich, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Cassandra Gomez, Academic Bar; Mandy Grover, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Travis Hager, Academic Bar, Bronze Pin; Jenny Hardin, Silver Pin; Shalonda Hardman, Academic Letter, Gold Pin; Kathryn Dickson Harp, Bronze Pin; Amy Hayes, Silver Pin; Ginger Hazen, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Michelle Helms, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Michel Hereford, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Zachary Hodge, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Ashley Hollingsworth, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Shalanda Huff, Bronze Pin; Emily Hufnagel, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; and C. Michelle Jackman, Academic Bar, Gold Pin.
Others were Katie Johnson, Bronze Pin; Lance Johnson, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Cindy Jones, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Mindy Jones, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Christa Joosten, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Bradley Keirn, Academic Bar; Jochim Koch, Academic Letter, Bronze Pin; Kari Koch, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Christopher Koenig, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jane Koster, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Holly Ladner, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Cynthia Lanham, Academic Bar; Natalie Lindsay, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Erin Love, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Robert Maril, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jeremy Marzuola, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Sarah Merrifield, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Ryan Meyer, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Tessa Mitchell, Bronze Pin; Kristi Nash, Bronze Pin; C.J. Oster, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Murat Ozdemir, Academic Bar, Bronze Pin; Robert Paczkowski, Academic Bar; Ashley Patterson, Bronze Pin; Jenna Plagman, Academic Bar; Heidi Rahn, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jessica Rathbun, Academic Bar; Aracely Reyes, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jessica Rockett, Academic Bar, Bronze Pin; Lesley Schieber, Bronze Pin; Julie Schiltz, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Megan Schneeberger, Bronze Pin; Jennifer Shears, Silver Pin; Jason Shelton, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Justin Shurts, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Ginger Skaggs, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Ryan Smith, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Scott Smith, Bronze Pin; Shelley Smith, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Ellen Sprehe, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jeff Stahl, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Carol Stauffer, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jason Stillwell, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jeremy Stillwell, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; and Matthew Stuemky, Bronze Pin.
Also, Matt Szabo, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Aubie Tarr, Bronze Pin; Dominique Teichmer, Bronze Pin; Nikki Terry, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Justin Thomas, Academic Bar; Kyle Thomz, Silver Pin; Amber Throop, Bronze Pin; Anthony Tillman, Bronze Pin; Ryan Treadway, Bronze Pin; Leigh Ann Vap, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Kyle Vincent, Academic Bar, Silver Pin; Reona Walling, Academic Bar; Brian Weber, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Jason Winters, Bronze Pin; Stacie Wolf, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; Brian Young, Academic Bar, Gold Pin; and Ethan Zaitshik, Bronze Pin.
Oklahoma Academic Scholars were announced. They were: Brock Bakke, Erinn Barr, Molly Baugh, Elizabeth Bednarski, Arthur (Brian) Benson, Stephanie Blochowiak, Steven Bogadi, Jill Brien, Sara Day, Sarah Dorsey, Kate Emig, Jennifer Frantz, Travis Hager, Zachary Hodge, Ashley Hollingsworth, Emily Hufnagel, Cathryn Jackman, Christa Joosten, Jane Koster, Cynthia Lanham, Jeremy Marzuola, C.J. Oster, Robert Paczkowski, Julie Schiltz, Jason Shelton, Aaron Siemers, Ryan Smith, Carol Stauffer, Jeremy Stillwell, Matthew Szabo, Nelson Vining, Brian Weber, Jason Winters and Brian Young.
Oklahoma State University Scholarship Award winners were: Elizabeth Bednarski, Stephanie Blochowiak, Melissa Boelens, Steven Bogadi, Jill Brien, Jason Bussey, Kristen Clark Davis, Sara Day, Amanda Dickson, Brook Didlake, Jennifer Frantz, Kimberly Ghylin, Michelle Helms, Michael Hereford, Emily Hufnagel, Cathryn Michelle Jackman, Christa Joosten, Jane Koster, Holly Ladner, Natalie Lindsay, Tara LittleCook, Erin Love, Jeremy Marzuola, Heidi Rahn, Jason Andrew Shelton, Justin Shurts, Ellen Sprehe, Jeffrey Stahl, Carol Melony Stauffer, Anthony Tillman, Nelson Vining, Reona Walling, and Jamal Rassan Williams.
Northern Oklahoma College Scholarship winners were: Linda Allie, Melissa Coffman, Kori Dancey, Kristen Davis, Daniel Edwards, Kristal Gauger, Dee Ann Harrison, Kimberlyn Harryman, Michelle Helms, Ashley Hollingsworth, Cynthia Lanham, Erin Love, Jessica Rockett, Jason Stillwell, Jeremy Stillwell, Erin Sylvester and Jason Winters.
Scholarship winners from The University of Oklahoma were: Sarah Armstrong, Arthur Benson, Jill Brien, Stephens Collins, Kristen Davis, Kimberly Ghylin, Zachary Hodge, Christa Joosten, Kari Koch, Natalie Lindsay, Jeremy Marzuola, Julie Schiltz, Ryan Smith, Carol Stauffer, Matt Szabo and Brian Young.
Other award winners Monday night were: Linda Allie, Molly Baugh and Christa Joosten, National Merit Commended Students; Sarah Armstrong, Elizabeth Bednarski, Jeremy Marzuola and Matt Szabo, National Merit Finalists; Molly Baugh and Matt Szabo, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Awards; Jeremy Marzuola and Scott Larrison, Rensselaer Medal Scholarship; Jennifer Frantz, Joseph Fleming Memorial Freshman Scholarship; Marty Kruk, Ponca City Art Association; Diane Bryer and Nick Steichen, Matthew Hudack Memorial Scholarship; Jill Brien, Kate Emig and Julie Schiltz, Panhellenic Scholarship Award; Sarah Dorsey, Kyle Vincent and Reona Walling, Memorial Scholarship of the Medical and Dental Profession; Brock Bakke, Dr. Robert L. Lembke Memorial Scholarship; Lance Johnson, Mary Crowder Hess Memorial Scholarship; Robert Maril, Ponca City Music Club and Ruth Minor Memorial Scholarship; Sara Day, Ponca City Music Club and Martha Larson Memorial Scholarship; and Nick Steichen and Ashley Hollingsworth, Lion's After Five Scholarship.
Also, Brian Benson, Ponca City Association of Classroom Teachers; Rachel Beguin, Madge Quigley Scholarship; Jenna Plagman, Delta Kappa Gamma; Brian Benson and Ginger Hazen, Masonic Girl and Boy Awards; Kate Emig, Foreign Language Award; Molly Baugh, Mary Jane Spradlin Memorial Award; Jeremy Marzuola, Gerry Hanggi Memorial Award; Steven Bogadi, John Dew/Mauricio Santos/Robert Young Memorial Award; Carrie Cooley, Sarah Hodge, Elise Jeffries, Caydee Stalcup and Melissa Whitney, Girls' State Awards; Christopher Buck, Owen Bullard, Brian Connelly, Lucas Elmer, Andrew England, Dick Engle, Tom Engle, Michael Galbraith, Brian Geubelle, Matt Gray, Chris Kana, Chris Kiem, Raymond Lahann, Scott Larrison, Paul Paschal, Tanner Ray, Justin Ross, Jared Sindelar, Patrick Tucker, Mark Whitt, Nathan Zimmerman, Boys' State Awards; Amanda Dickson, American Choral Directors National Student Award; Robert Maril, Charles H. Cunning Memorial Award; Brock Bakke, Ponca City High School Alumni Association; Ryan Meyer, Home National Bank and Trust of Ponca City; Ginger Skaggs, Express Personnel Scholarship; Molly Baugh, American Association of University Women; Julie Schiltz, OU Alumni Scholarship Award; Brock Bakke, Kiwanis of Ponca City Scholarship Award; Jason Stillwell and Jeremy Stillwell, Rotary Club of Ponca City Scholarship; Julie Schiltz, Professionals Today; Casey Crosson, C.A. Nickles Scholarship; Lesley Schieber, Clarence Butcher Memorial Scholarship; Jeremy Stillwell, Pioneer Rotary Club Award; Molly Baugh, Kang Yang Memorial Scholarship; Diane Bryer and Jessica Rockett, Skip Ritcheson Memorial; Kristal Gauger, Professional Secretaries International; Beth Bednarski and Julie Schiltz, Ray O'Melia Scholarships; and Rachel Beguin, Ponca City American Business Club Living Endowment Flavel Perry Award.
Natasha Anderson and Ryan Treadway, American Business Club Athletic Award; Jane Koster, DAR Good Citizenship Award; Beth Bednarski, Molly Baugh, Jeremy Marzuola and Matt Szabo, W.B. Clark Scholarship; Jason Bailey, Stephen Collins, Lance Johnson and Sarah Merrifield, Pearl Pruitt Memorial Scholarship; Jason Shelton and Julie Schiltz, National Scholar Athlete Award; Jason Bussey, Temple Emanuel/Joe and Vera Goldenstern Memorial Scholarship; Kim Ghylin, Jeff Burch Memorial Scholarship; Erinn Barr, Wal-Mart Scholarship; Brock Bakke, Mid-America Cable Association Scholarship; Blake Geubelle and Alana Smith, Howard Salee Award to Outstanding Sophomore Boy and Girl; Elise Jeffries and Paul Paschal, Frank Nonnamaker Award to Outstanding Junior Boy and Girl; and Natasha Anderson and Jeremy Stillwell, Lion's Club Award to Outstanding Senior Boy and Girl.
Editor's Note: The following is a spoof review of the spoof "Taste and Tasteless." The review is intended in the humorous vein of the annual production and should not be taken seriously.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
There wasn't a dry eye left in the packed Poncan Theatre Friday night when Taste and Tasteless, a cross between Phantom of the Opera and Hee Haw, was put back in its cage for another year.
The wet eyeball syndrome was caused in part by those laughing at the annual spoof of local, state and national events. While those lampooned, shed a tear or two in humiliation. But the most tearful epidemic came from those crying openly for talent gone wrong.
Part of the crying game was triggered by "Don't Cry For Us Archie Dunham," to the tune of Madonna's "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," sung by Larry Felix, Foster Johnson, Frank Kennedy, Steve Huston, Craig Myers and Wayne Wiggins.
Another popular tune with a Conoco theme audience "We Would Like to Be Your Landlord," to the strain of "I've Been Working on the Railroad." A verse of this went "Dino built a tower on South Street, Landmark of the prairie we Know-o-o. Dino filled the place with people, Then Archie up and let 'em go."
Singers and zingers provided stingers for banks, politicians, Conoco and education. There were bankers who could sing and bankers who tried.
Director Escapes
Once more director Joanne Muchmore escaped unscathed as it was a "hit-and-run" performance. She blew into town for the rehearsal and the show and started running as echoes of the last chorus of "P-O-N-C-A" sounded.
Under the guise of needing some professional direction, Phil Bandy, who calls the cadence for the Lawn Chair Brigade, brought to the stage a "mystery guest director." Tom Carter was drafted from the audience to direct the Brigade Chorus. And for his thankless task the unsuspecting Carter was shot with water guns. Being an eye doctor isn't so bad after all Carter seemed to indicate.
Role Made in Heaven
In a role made in heaven, John Raley, former mayor and U.S. Attorney, as aging astronaut John Glenn, wobbled "And when you hear that rocket blast off, And You see this wrinkled face, Then you know that the boys at NASA have put this old geezer in space!"
Throughout the evening the Ponca City School system took several shots. One featured Raley as Superintendent Bill White. Questioned by Ponca City News scribe Louise Abercrombie (Larry Buck), on all questions White answered with "We've Got Great Expectations."
The outlandish unfashionable "bag ladies" retagged the "Old Spice Girls" got in their political statement with a rendition of "Donny Boy," aimed at Sen. Don Nickles. They sang, "Oh, Donny Boy, save our Social Security, or you will hear from AARP."
Speaking of tags, a song to the tune of "Ten Little Indians," spoofed the Native American license plates. Mike Mott and Randy McDaniel were the singers. The end result was a Jewish license plate with "Oklahoma" on top and "Promised Land" on the bottom.
Another political scene of national acclaim featured "buns of steel" Larry Bittman as Paula Jones and Jim Thomas as Monica Lewinsky, and Bayard Casey, reprising her role as Hillary Clinton. With Bittman and Thomas, both scene stealers, in "drag" it wasn't easy for Bayard to shine but she did as she belted out "Lewinsky, Lewinsky, what's going down," to the tune of Chicago.
Jim Thomas, appearing as Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, sang "5,000 Miles" about Gov. Frank Keating and his travels. He sang "While he travels out of state, As a White Chorus candidate, We will pay for each and every thousand miles."
A rolling in the aisles scene featured business man Brian Harpster (David May) and banker Carl Renfro, (Phil Bandy.) They sang "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better Than You," This was in reference to Harpster's mansion on Fourteenth and Renfro's in-progress golf castle overlooking the Country Club links.
Barry Switzer, the departing Dallas Cowboy Coach, was portrayed by Kenn Wessel, who sang "Leavin' on a Jet Plane," as he waved a gun around. This was a funny scene, almost as hilarious as the pink berets, whose moves were not exactly ballerina quality but more akin to pro-wrestling.
Undercover Work
An undercover performance by Eric Kurtz and Larry Bittman as a cow, was a show stopper as David May starring as Oprah sang, "Mamas don't let your babies grow up to eat mad cows." Pat Mulligan, as a "Big Texan" provided the other side, which might not of been heard because of the four-legged critter antics. Mulligan sang, "Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to bash mad cows!"
Some critics thought the best performance award should go to the cow, but they couldn't agree on which end.
Mike Mott, the banker who can sing, mimicked City Manager Gary Martin on the need for a new City Hall. Singing to the tune of the House of the Risin' Sun," Mott sang, "The walls are shedding plaster, The sewer overflows, The furnace up and quit last night, and all the workers froze."
The City took another hit to the tune of "Little Darlin'" as Fire Chief Larry Mullikin was spoofed and his bid for a new fire station. Rumor was that the cast had planned to get away after the show by riding in disguise in the new fire truck. However after this song a mysterious 911 call sent the truck to Kildare to put out a fire.
In the matter of bank resells, Gary Stephens sang "America's Bank" referring to the change in ownership of the bank, that four names changes ago was Security Bank.
Other notables were Tim Burg's "Bring back, bring back my Hardee's to me," to the tune of "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean." His T-shirt was covered with catsup from Carl's Jr.
Foster Johnson sang, "Don't Bury Me in a Corporate Plot," about the proposed sale of Odd Fellows Cemetery.
The Chamber was panned with "Send in the Clones; and the School System with the theme from "Mr. Ed" on drivers education and "You Gotta Have Sports And You Gotta Have Art."
The first singing skit began after the KAPOW Crew came on board. Brian Hermanson, Cheryl Fletcher and Joe Burns make up this motley announcing crew.
Next came the traditional reading by Steve Huston, who read from "Mother Goose," about the Clinton's, Kenn Starr, Gore and others involved in national scandals.
Loud Beginning to End
The evening began "loud" with the expert drum playing of Steve Danbom who drives in from Houston to help the members of the orchestra pit, give some credence to the musical farce. Others in the pit were Leslie Rardin, piano, Cynthia Crowe, guitar, and David Hart bass.
Pit members made a big hit when they joined the "580 - Oh No" chorus about the area code change.
The evening also ended "loud" with a standing ovation indicating the crowd was relieved that no one else would be panned.
Until the fire truck get-away vehicle plan fell through, the performers had hoped to wear United Super Market bags over their heads, or sunglasses from Toni's Rexall for disguises. After the event many of the performers are believed to have infiltrated the beer garden at Godfrey's posing as fans of Zen Okies Band.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
Anytime
FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs)
April 1-30
Oklahoma Watercolor Association Traveling Exhibition XII, Marland Mansion..
Today
"The State of the City," with Ponca City mayor Marilyn Andrews, 2-3:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
FreeWheel Ride Across Oklahoma! Training Rides, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman, host David Cummings.
Recital by five Ponca City area students chosen to represent Oklahoma at National Conference, 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church.
Film Director Burt Kennedy autographing his book "Hollywood Trail Boss: Behind the Scenes of the Wild, Wild Western," 5:30-7 p.m., Poncan Theatre, prior to 7 p.m. showing of "Help Support Your Local Sheriff."
ALANO Group Open Discussion meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
Monday
Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioner's Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
Truman Smith and friends autographing, 6:30-8 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, includes Burt Kennedy signing "Hollywood Trail Boss," Carlton Weber signing "A Cherokee Valley Saga," and Smith signing "The Wrong Stuff."
ALANO Group 12 X 12 meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
Tuesday
Kawfest '98 Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.
Ponca City Main Street Authority, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street.
Language Preservation Meeting, 7 p.m., Otoe Enterprise Building.
ALANO Group Beginner's meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
Wednesday
Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue.
ALANO Group Big Book meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
Thursday
12th Annual Domestic Violence Program's Phon-a-thon, volunteers calling community members in Kay County for donations to the shelter, for questions or more information, call 762-2873.
ALANO Group Women's meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
Friday
"A Fetching Affair" fund raiser for Ponca City Humane Society, 6:30 p.m.-midnight, Marland Mansion, includes dinner, entertainment and live dance music, $35 per ticket, 767-8877..
Historical Preservation Advisory Panel, noon, Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue.
Ron Radford, flamenco guitarist, and Tamara La Garbancita, flamenco dancer, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, concert free, sponsored by Conoco, the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and the Oklahoma Arts Council.
ALANO Group Speaker meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
Saturday
ALANO Group Open Discussion (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street.
May 1-31
Poster Exhibit: "Oklahoma: All That Southwest Jazz," Marland Mansion.
May 1-2-3
IRIS FESTIVAL
May 1
1998 Iris Festival Postal Cancellation, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., U.S. Post Office, Fourth Street and East Grand Avenue.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program Iris post card sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., U.S. Post Office, Fourth Street and East Grand Avenue.
VFW Post 1201 and Auxiliary Department of Oklahoma, special postal cancellation, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Ponca City Post Office.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program Heirloom Iris and sidewalk plant sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., RSVP Office, 110 North Fourth Street.
May 2
Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to baseball programs.
Victorian Chocolate Festival, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Central Station, South Fifth Street and East Central Avenue.
Iris Festival Plants for Pleasure Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Patio of Cann Garden Center, sponsored by Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs.
Trail of Tails dog walk, Seventh and Grand, Ponca City, on-site registration 9 a.m., walk at 10 a.m., $15 registration fee, information call 767-8877, proceeds benefit Ponca City Humane Society.
Fifth Annual "Rhythm and Blooms" amateur talent contest, center stage, 9 a.m., Fifth Street and Grand Avenue.
Musical Entertainment, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., center stage, Fifth Street and Grand Avenue.
"Lil' Bloomers" children events, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Main Street Authority.
P.M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild Quilt Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Commercial Federal Building, lower level.
H.G.H. Antique Car Museum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 110 North Union Street.
New Car, Boat and Recreational Vehicle Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Grand Avenue, sponsored by local dealers.
"Iris Garden" Antique and Craft Festival, Grand Avenue, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Ponca City Main Street Authority.
Demonstrations of Native American Arts and Crafts and Guided Tours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Standing Bear Park, U.S. 60 and U.S. 177, sponsored by Ponca City Native American Foundation.
Fifth Annual Community Iris Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street.
United Way Bed Race, 10 a.m., Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, more information call United Way at 765-2476.
Ninth Annual Iris Show, 1-4:30 p.m., Marland Mansion Chapel, sponsored by Northern Oklahoma Iris Society.
Mini-Clinic, "Image - Pulling It All Together," with Beauti-Control Full Image Consultants Judy McClung and Vicki Lessert, 2-4 p.m., Coffee Bar, Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
Family Holiday Magic Show, 2 p.m., Middle School Gym, 1401 West Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Noon Ambucs.
88.7 Presents Clay Crosse and Jaci Velasquez, Contemporary Christian Artists, in concert, 5 and 8 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, tickets available April 2 at Master's Touch, call 767-1400 for information.
Les Gilliam and his "Country Caravan," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, ticket information, 580-765-0943.
May 3
Fifth Annual Community Iris Show, 1-4 p.m., Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street
FreeWheel Ride Across Oklahoma! Training Rides, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman, host leader to be named.
Sequoyah Children's Book Award winner Barbara Williams autographing "Titanic Crossing," 2-4 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
May 4
Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35 and U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, more information from 765-3164.
May 5
Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
May 6
Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center.
May 7
Northern Oklahoma Youth Services series of parenting classes "Relationships," 6-8 p.m., Lincoln Center.
May 9
FreeWheel Ride Across Oklahoma! Training Rides, 8 a.m., Pioneer Woman, host Jack Rawlins.
Parks and Recreation sponsors Hershey Track Program for children 9-14, all participants must be pre-registered, contact Recreation Department 767-0432.
Elementary Breakfast
Monday - Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.
Tuesday - Biscuits and gravy or cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.
Wednesday - Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.
Thursday - Biscuit sandwich or cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.
Friday - Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.
Elementary Lunch
Monday - Chicken sticks with hot roll or corn dog, mixed fruit, whipped potatoes and gravy, saltine crackers, dill spears, sunflower nuts or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Cheese pizza or taco snack burrito, potato wedges, pineapple, saltine crackers, dill spears, pudding or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Spaghetti with meatballs and marinara sauce and bread stix or chicken patty on a bun, broccoli with cheese, sliced peaches, saltine crackers, dill spears, Jello or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.
Thursday - Soft tacos with cheese, spiced apple, green salad, saltine crackers, dill spears, bear grahams or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.
Friday - Fiesta burrito or barbecue on a bun, refried beans, corn, diced pears, saltine crackers, dill spears, chocolate chip cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.
Middle School
Breakfast
Monday - Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Tuesday - Cinnamon toast with eggs or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Wednesday - Breakfast pizza or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Thursday - Cheesy potatoes and eggs with gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Friday - Biscuits and sausage gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Mid-High
Breakfast
Monday - Ham, egg and cheese biscuits or breakfast burrito or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Tuesday - Biscuits and gravy or plain bagel with cream cheese or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Wednesday - Breakfast pizza or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Thursday - Biscuits and gravy or cutie pie or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Friday - Sausage, egg and cheese biscuit or cinnamon raisin biscuits or cereal, assorted juices and milk.
Middle School
Lunch
Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Pizza Inn, Subway, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell Burritos.
Monday - Chicken sticks with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, mixed fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Cheese pizza, refried beans, mexican rice, lettuce salad, saltine crackers, dill spear, chocolate chip cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Spaghetti with meatballs and marinara sauce and bread stix, lettuce salad, broccoli with cheese sauce, saltine crackers, dill spear, fresh fruit, Jello or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.
Thursday - Coney Island dog with the fixings, tator tots, spiced apples, salad, saltine crackers, dill spear or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.
Friday - Barbecue on a bun, baked beans, saltine cracker, dill spear, fresh fruit, chocolate chip cookie or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.
Mid-High
Lunch
Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino's, Subway, Carl's Jr., Taco Bell Burritos.
Monday - Chicken sticks with hot bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, fresh fruit, dill spear or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Burrito with cheese, lettuce salad, scalloped potatoes, dill spear, pudding or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Pizza, mexican rice, corn, fresh fruit, dill spear, Jello or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or Mexican bar, juice and milk.
Thursday - Coney Island dog with the fixings, tator tots, baked beans, dill spear, dessert or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.
Friday - Barbecue on a bun, french fries, green beans, diced pears, dill spear, chocolate chip cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or miscellaneous bar, juice and milk.
High School Lunch
Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Hut and Subway Sandwiches.
Training Table
Monday- Friday - Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches and salads, seasonal fruit.
All-American Line
Monday - Breaded chicken sandwich, french fries, lettuce and tomato, seasonal fruit.
Tuesday - Indian taco, mexi beans, lettuce and tomato, seasonal fruit.
Wednesday - Fried shrimp with corn bread, noodles alfredo, corn on the cob, seasonal fruit.
Thursday - Chicken ringers with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruit.
Friday - Queso and chips or chicken enchiladas, refried beans, green beans, Jello, seasonal fruit.
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Monday - Cereal, toast, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Egg McMuffin, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk.
Thursday - Cereal, toast, juice and milk.
Friday - Pancake and sausage, juice and milk.
Lunch
Monday - Ham and cheese sandwich, lettuce leaf, dill spear, fries, orange wedge, cookie and milk.
Tuesday - Tostados, lettuce and cheese, refried beans, apple crispitos and milk.
Wednesday - Hot turkey sandwich, potatoes and gravy, green beans, mixed fruit and milk.
Thursday - Corn dogs, tator tots, pineapple rings, carrot sticks, cookie and milk.
Friday - Ravioli and grilled cheese, corn, sliced peaches and milk.
Pioneer Technology Center
Tuesday - Pepper steak, chef's grilled chicken or catfish, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.
Wednesday - Savory swiss steak, macadamia chicken or North Caroline style barbecue, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.
Thursday - Meat loaf, fried chicken or pork chop teriyaki, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.
The cafeteria will be open to the public on Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Mid-High
April 30
The Spring Concert will be held at 7 p.m.
Po-Hi
April 27
Varsity boys and girls tennis tournament at Tulsa at 8 a.m.
Varsity boys golf invitation tournament at Bartlesville at 8 a.m.
DECA National Competition in Denver.
OIPA Conference at OU at 9 a.m.
Junior varsity baseball at Stillwater at 4 p.m.
Varsity baseball against Enid at 5 p.m.
Soccer meeting in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
April 28
State FFA Convention in Oklahoma City.
Moran Exhibits at Gilcrease in Tulsa at 9:05 a.m.
DECA National Competition continues.
Sophomore baseball at Newkirk at 4 p.m.
Varsity baseball at Sapulpa at 5 p.m.
Junior varsity baseball against Sapulpa at 5 p.m.
Sign Language Class in room 103 at 6:30 p.m.
PTSA meeting in the Howell Auditorium at 7 p.m.
April 29
State FFA Convention continues.
Varsity girls golf regionals at Jenks.
April 30
Junior varsity and varsity boys and girls tennis games at Enid at 8 a.m.
Representative from OSU for juniors will be in the Howell Auditorium at 10 a.m.
Junior varsity and sophomore baseball at Union at 4 p.m.
Chorale Nationals at Dallas.
May 1
Youth Alive meeting in room 125 at 7:30 a.m.
Departmental awards at Hutchins at 9:10 a.m.
Chorale Nationals continue.
Varsity baseball against Broken Arrow at 5 p.m.
Junior varsity baseball at Broken Arrow at 5 p.m.
Track meet at Sullins at 7 a.m.
May 2
SAT testing in the Anderson Building at 7:30 a.m.
Kay County Junior Livestock at Newkirk at 8 a.m.
Varsity baseball against East Central at noon.
Track meet at Tulsa Union with the time announced later.
Po-Hi cheerleaders Style Show and Luncheon in the cafeteria at 10 a.m.
Applications for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's 1998 Summer Volunteen Program are now available for teenagers interested in the medical profession. The deadline is Tuesday, May 5, to apply for the program.
According to Volunteer Services Coordinator Kathy Turner, teenagers 14-18 years old are eligible for the annual program. SJRMC volunteens will assist in several departments including nursing units, Emergency, Radiology and Outpatient Surgery. They will also help at the information desk and in the gift shop.
Applications are available in the Volunteer Services Coordinator's office or the Raspberry Thicket Gift Shop in the main lobby of the hospital. Following receipt of completed forms, applicants will be contacted concerning a personal interview. Volunteen interviews begin May 13. Service begins June 1 and continues through Aug. 7.
For more information contact Turner, 765-0508.
By SALLY HODGES
News Staff Writer
Spring blossoms fill the air with sweet aroma - and one of the most fragrant spring flowers is the iris. Ponca City once again comes together to celebrate the beauty and fragrance of the iris and the spirit of the community at the Iris Festival.
This year is the 10th year Ponca City has held the Iris Festival - and this one holds promise of being the best. So don't make plans to go out of town this weekend as there will be plenty to do and see here.
Starting at 8 a.m. Friday with the postal cancellation at the U.S. Post Office, Fourth and Grand Avenue, the three-day Iris Festival gets under way and will run through the closing of the H.G.H. Antique Car Museum, 110 North Union, 5 p.m. Sunday.
Activities at the festival are geared to children of all ages - from the very young to the not-so-young, and there are enough activities to keep a person going all weekend.
"There are more things going on this year than in the 10 years before," said Tamara Sharp, executive director of the Ponca City Main Street Authority. Although the focal points of the festival are the iris shows, other plants sales, tours, talent shows, activities, food, entertainment, exhibits, and arts and crafts add to the overall enjoyment of the festival.
Besides the U.S. Post Office stamp cancellation, other Friday events include the stamp cancellation sponsored by VFW and auxiliary, available in the lobby of the post office, while the Retired Senior Volunteer Program's (RSVP) limited iris post cards will be sold in front of the post office.
RSVP plans an iris and sidewalk plant sale in front of its office, 110 North Fourth Street, both Friday and Saturday.
Friday evening events include the Ponca City Humane Society's "A Fetching Affair" dinner and dance being held at 6:30 p.m. at the Marland Mansion. Tickets for the dance only are still available by calling 762-4100. Alternately, Ron Radford, flamenco guitarist, will entertain at The Poncan Theatre at 8 p.m.
Festival-goers can begin their Saturday morning with a continental breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. at the 8th annual Victorian Chocolate Festival at the Grand Central Station, Fifth and Central. The Victorian Chocolate Festival will also provide lunch between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and booths full of chocolate pastries and desserts and crafts all day for the enjoyment of chocolate lovers
The Northern Oklahoma Iris Society will sponsor the judged iris show at the Marland Mansion Chapel and will showcase the "named" varieties of iris. These iris will be judged against the registered description of the variety.
The Southside Neighbors will host the Community Iris Show at the Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, and will include iris that are unnamed and are judged for their beauty. This year the contest will include a 10-iris display.
Children will enjoy activities such as "Lil' Bloomers" which will start at 9 a.m. and include face painting, moon walks, and other events and activities. The Ponca City Library will be sponsoring a chalk art contest for children from 1 to 100 and two children's hands-on planting sessions.
The "Trail of Tails" dog walk and United Way bed race provide unusual physical amusements while a "Rhythm & Blooms" amateur talent contest provides local musicians a chance to demonstrate their talents while entertaining festival goers. A Family Holiday magic show for all ages will be at the Middle School Gym.
Tours will include Matzene Art Collection tours at the library; Upstairs, Downtown guided tours; iris garden tours; and tours of historical homes.
Car buffs will enjoy the models of the old and the new. The H.G.H. Museum at 110 North Union will open its doors to the public for a rare view at their old classics, while a new car, boat and recreational vehicle show will be held on Grand Avenue.
This year for the first time there will be demonstrations of Native American arts and crafts and guided tours at Standing Bear Park located at U.S. Highway 60 and U.S. Highway 177.
The 1998 Iris Festival T-shirt will be on sale along with 10th annual Iris Festival charms designed by a local jeweler, Troy Buller. The charms are available in silver with a limited amount available in gold. Can koozies with the 10-year logo will also be on sale at the information booth located at Fifth and Grand.
A highlight of this Iris Festival will be the drawing for a quilt made of T-shirts from past Iris Festivals. A donation of $1 is requested. The P.M. Patches & Pieces Guilt Guild will sponsor a quilt show at the Commercial Federal Building.
An "Iris Garden" antique and craft festival will continue all day Saturday on Grand Avenue.
All this viewing, touring, and enjoying can help one build up a healthy appetite. But no worry - a food court will include hamburgers, bratwurst, pizza, popcorn, candy and plenty of drinks.
Saturday evening provides delightful entertainment with The Stained Glass Tour featuring Clay Crosse and Jaci Velasquez for performances at 5 and 8 p.m. at Hutchins Memorial, Fifth and Overbrook, and a show by Les Gilliam at the Poncan Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
The Community Iris Show continues on Sunday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. Iris Garden tours will extend through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and the H.G.H. Antique Car Museum will remain open from 1-5 p.m.
For more information about the Iris Festival, call (580) 763-8082 or visit the information booth at Fifth and Grand Avenue during the event.
By BOB PATTERSON
News Staff Writer
Authorization will be sought Monday during the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting for selective demolition of the No. 1 Fire Station.
The action is part of the agenda of the regular meeting of the board, when it opens its fourth Monday of the month meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Center commissioners room.
The agenda item notes the recommendation of the awarding in the contract, to Sober Brothers, in the amount of $80,552.
In other business for the commissioners, the awarding of the audit of financial statements for fiscal year 1997-98 will be made. The firm of Baird, Kurtz and Dobson, CPA of Enid are the auditors according to Marc LaBossiere, finance director of the city.
The consent agenda includes approving a change order on the John Street improvement project; a resolution amending the operating budgets of various funds of the fiscal year, a recommendation to waive admission fee to tour Marland Mansion for Oil Boom Day, enter into agreements with AmeriCorps on a volunteer to be assigned to the Westside project and accepting a proposal from Pettus Construction on completing the asbestos abatement at the No. 1 Fire Station.
In other regular business, commissioners will take a look at an ethics policy procedure and receive a budget status report for the third quarter ended March 31.
Commissioners will also meet as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority, and consider a consent agenda that includes:
-authorization for the chairman to submit a monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
-authorization to release funds for water treatment plant improvements.
-authorizing of the release of funds on a system capacity study.
-authorization for additional wastewater treatment plant improvements.
-authorization for water treatment plant improvements.
-authorization for a change order on a contract concerning the Ponca City landfill.
The Ponca City Development Authority will consider a deed to the Lindsay Manufacturing Inc.
Vanessa is the honorary "chairdog" for the third annual Trail of Tails walk-a-thon sponsored by the Ponca City Humane Society. The 1998 walk-a-thon will begin in downtown Ponca City at Seventh and Grand on Saturday.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. for those who have not preregistered and the walk will begin at 10 a.m. Registration is $15 and all dogs must be on leashes and current on vaccinations. Teams are encouraged.
In addition to the actual dog walk, there will be several fun contests including best trick, best costume, look-a-like, largest dog and smallest dog. All contests will take place prior to the walk.
The Weiner Dog Nationals will be held on the tennis courts at 9:30 a.m. For a $5 entry fee, there will be a race to determine the fastest dachshund. The Weiner Dog Nationals is a new event and a prize will be awarded to the winner.
At the conclusion of the walk-a-thon, prizes will be awarded to the corporate sponsor whose employees raised the largest amount of money for their walk team and the individuals who raised more than $85 in pledges for their walk.
Proceeds go to help shelter dogs like Vanessa who are still waiting for lifetime homes. Come early and enjoy all planned events. For additional information call 767-8877.
LeAnn Rimes learned to yodel from Janet McBride. And so have a raft of other young country singers, because McBride is the Mecca of female yodelers. McBride brings her amazing talents to the Poncan Theatre this week, when she performs on stage with Les Gilliam and the Country Caravan for the Iris Festival. Gilliam will kick things off at the Poncan on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
McBride was part of the Lister family quartet as a young girl, mostly singing at local churches in California. But when the country music bug bit the family, it was yodeling that attracted Janet. She became obsessed with the special sound of yodeling and learned all the songs she could find. She taught herself and practiced obsessively. Soon she had the entire quartet yodeling in harmony.
She won the "Female Artist of the Year" awards for California in 1963 and 1964. She was able to quit her day job and start booking real gigs, with almost fifteen different albums released. But a real boost to her career came along in the Paul Newman movie, "Hud." McBride and her partner, Skeets McDonald, recorded "Driftwood on the River" and the song is featured on the jukebox in the town cafe. When the film took off, it helped McBride take off, too.
Janet McBride has played all across the country, with some of the biggest names in the business. Since 1981, she and her husband have lived in the Dallas area. They own the Mesquite, Texas Opery Show. In 1981, Janet's old recording masters were bought by a German recording company and re-released world-wide. She also rejuvenated her recording career.
The title "World Champion Yodeler" came to McBride in 1991 at the Western Music Festival in Tucson, Arizona. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Country Music Association has awarded McBride the "MC of the Year Award" three times. She has also been given the "Hall of Fame Award" and the "Special Achievement Award." She is a busy lady, taping shows, performing frequently in festivals around the country and in Europe, and running her own business.
And she loves teaching, even Grammy Award winners. She has a special gift with young singers. When the young LeAnn Rimes came for help in yodeling, McBride was all too happy to help. On stage at the Poncan, McBride will share how Rimes got started in the music business. In Rimes' autobiography, she credits McBride for her start in the music business and for her yodeling skills.
Tickets for the Les Gilliam Country Caravan featuring Champion Yodeler Janet McBride are available at the Ponca City banks, at the Poncan Theatre, and at the door. All tickets will be $6. For more information, patrons can call the Theatre at 580-765-0943.
By BOB PATTERSON
News Staff Writer
After weeks of classes and demonstrations by police officers and other law enforcement officials, 18 members of the Citizen Police Academy Class III received graduation certificates Thursday.
Director of the academy, Assistant Chief of Police Major Clayton Johnson, introduced and presented the certificates at the Public Safety Center with assistance from Police Chief Raymond Ham, and special guest speaker, Bob A. Ricks, cabinet secretary for Safety and Security and Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Oklahoma.
Family members and honored guests included members of the first two classes that had graduated in 1996 and 1997. Honored guests included City Manager Gary Martin, Commissioner Dick Stone and former commissioner Bill McCann, who was a graduate of the first class. Others included former Assistant Chief of Police Everette Van Hoesen, and program director, Sherry Bowers, who handles public relations for the police department.
"Just how much we can do in providing you with information, you as academy graduates, know considerably more than the average citizen about the department and the streets and citizens of Ponca City," Johnson said in opening remarks. He asked the class if it had had a good time during the course, and said "we've tried to make it interesting."
Chief Ham had the opportunity of introducing a long-time friend, Ricks, who has served in the federal law enforcement for 26 years. "The one thing I'm proud of is that we're trying to make an Oklahoman out of him, since he was born and received his education in Texas," Ham said.
Ricks did get his education at Baylor University and juris doctorate from Baylor Law School in 1969.
But much of his time has been spent with the FBI in Oklahoma, serving in various positions, including three years with the Drug Enforcement Administration where he was the chief counsel for DEA.
Ricks said in some of his opening remarks, that he had been transferred to Oklahoma City in 1988 and assisted with the investigation at Waco, and two years later, involved in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing. "The quiet respite I had expected after Waco, never materialized as a result," he said.
Upon his confirmation by the Oklahoma Senate for his present positions, he has realized that "things are going quite well now. There are 13 agencies that I am in contact with."
Ricks noted that work is being done to make the situations better for the general citizen, by sentencing and keeping inmates in for a better period of time than previously.
He said the Department of Public Safety is working hard trying to significantly upgrade the number of troopers available. There have been several instances where there were no troopers available at scenes of accidents or other needs. "It's hard to believe, but had (Timothy) McVeigh been traveling north on I-35 later in the evening, there would not have been a trooper around that would have noticed him not having a tag on his vehicle and therefore never been arrested."
"Many instances are similar to that, with staff down considerably compared to the needs," Ricks said.
"One thing I'm certain of - we do have some of the finest troopers. Citizens, like yourself, have expressed comments about how they've been handled in crisis situations and how good it is to see a trooper with a 'smile,'" Ricks said.
The good news, according to Ricks, is that there is a concerted effort to decrease the fatalities on the highways and "we're seeing this through the enforcement of the seat belt law for the most part. We had a tough time right after the speed limit law was lifted, but we feel we're on the right track now."
Ricks finished by stating that "you as CPA grads, show that an important fact of the work by your department, is the cooperation of the people. You, in participating, create an interest and in doing it, with officers, get shown what it takes to be a police officer."
Alumni President Pixie Rowland, said, "The police put their lives on the line, and they took a lot of time to spend with us in CPA. We have a wonderful department here in Ponca City."
Rowland listed several activities that the alumni is assisting with, including juvenile activities, transfers of prisoners to other facilities, the Westside project, Christmas party and picnic. "We also need more volunteers for a project of painting address numbers on streets," she said.
The 18 graduates receiving certificates were Sonny Apman, Larry Bittman, Donald Bohon, Paul Didlake, Don Duren, Janet Erhart, Bill Eubank, Gary Gregg, Lynn Hohensee, Carole Jeffries, Bill Kenney, Cynthia Linthicum, Jamie Miller, Bud Ormand, Deanna Orr, Janie Roberts, James Roland and Sharon Scroggins.
The group adjourned to a site on South Second Street, where the Ponca City Tactical Unit performed a demonstration by raiding a house that had a hostage inside. All went well, and within a matter of seconds the hostage had been freed and a suspect captured.
Upon returning to the Public Safety Center courtroom, CPA graduate Hohensee provided a "This Is Your Life" narrative with several unseen guests for Johnson.
Graduates and those in attendance were provided with refreshments following all of the presentations.
Effects of low soil pH on development of wheat plants this spring will be demonstrated by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service specialists at a morning field tour this Friday near Garber, Okla.
The field demonstration will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at wheat plots 2 1/2 miles west of Garber on Breckinridge Road in Garfield County.
The "Wheat Management in Low pH Soils" session will include comparisons of several wheat varieties' tolerance or susceptibility to soil acidity.
Comparisons also will be shown between plots that have received application of lime to raise soil pH and plots that are untreated. Different liming rates also will be discussed. Plus, effects of applying phosphorus-and its placement options-to limed and unlimed plots will be shown.
Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension specialists leading the tours include Roger Gribble, area agronomist at Enid; Gene Krenzer, state wheat specialist; Gordon Johnson, soil fertility specialist; and Hailin Zhang, director of OSU's soil testing laboratory.
Soil acidity has been shown to reduce yields of both grain and grazing forage in much of Oklahoma's main wheat-growing area. OSU research has proven that application of lime, use of phosphorus in the seed furrow, and variety selection are management tools wheat growers can use to counter yield losses.
Gribble notes that many questions remain about effectiveness of those management options individually and in combination, and the economics of each practice. The Garfield County wheat plots contain all combinations of practices for managing wheat in low pH soils so visual and economic evaluations can be made.
For more information, call the OSU Extension Office at the courthouse in Newkirk, 580-362-3194.
Flamenco guitar music is the music of gypsies. Ron Radford, the American master of Flamenco guitar, explains that the music is a centuries-old combination of music from many different cultures. He brings the special, exciting sounds of Flamenco to the Poncan Theatre on Friday, May 1 at 8 p.m. The concert is sponsored by Conoco, The Arts and Humanities Council, and the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and it is free to the public.
Radford loves to speak of his art. "Flamenco brings together the music of African Moors and the sounds of European cultures, along with European folk sounds," he says. Flamenco has been around for at least two to four hundred years. It came about in part through the Spanish Inquisition, a kind of religious persecution of the early sixteenth century. "Many different people and religious cultures were ostracized by the Inquisition," Radford explains. And these cultures banded together for self-preservation against the tyranny of the Inquisition. When they did, they shared their cultures. Flamenco is one of the results, as musical forms began to evolve by combining different artistic flavors.
Flamenco is exciting to us today, Radford believes, because it touches on so many different cultures. We live in a time of cultural plurality in America in the 1990's, and the sounds of Flamenco are exotic stimulants for our own lives. Flamenco features very powerful, exotic rhythms and vigorous melodies.
Radford will presents a varied and entertaining program of haunting Gypsy melodies and dazzling Flamenco techniques. He verbally paints a picture for his audience of the Flamenco art form, native to southern Spain, by lacing his program with warm and spontaneous commentary. This performance will appeal to all ages and a broad range of musical tastes from those who like the creativity of jazz and the fun of Bluegrass to those who love the classics.
A Fulbright Scholar and protege of the legendary Carlos Montoya, Radford is widely acclaimed as one of the foremost Flamenco guitarists touring today. His concerts have taken him to universities and concert halls in 15 countries and have included such notable places as New York's Carnegie Hall, Washington's Kennedy Center, UCLA's Royce Hall and the University of the Americas in Mexico.
Patrons who have questions about Radford's performance may call the Poncan
Theatre at 580-765-0943.
DEATHS
KAW CITY - Lora Faye (Longshore) Dobson, rural Kaw City resident, died early Friday morning, April 24, 1998, at the Ambassador Manor Nursing Home in Tulsa. She was 90.
The funeral is to be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 27, 1998, at Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City, with the Rev. Kerney Graham Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City.
Lora Faye (Longshore) Dobson was born May 8, 1907, in Cameron, Kan., one of six children born to Charles Ernest and Euphemia Beatrice "Fennie" (Stinson) Longshore. She was a graduate of the Arkansas City (Kan.) High School.
She moved with her family to the Kaw City area, where she met her future husband, James Franklin Dobson. The couple were married on Aug. 31, 1926, in Pawhuska. They established their home in the Kaw City area where they were engaged in farming and ranching. Mrs. Dobson was active as a volunteer in 4-H and numerous other school activities with her children. She was a member of the Home Demonstration Club and enjoyed crocheting and painting. She and her husband retired from farming in 1983. Mr. Dobson preceded her in death in 1989.
Surviving are three children, Cora Evelyn Ballagh of Ada, Lola Marie Glasgow of Hominy, and James Mitchell "Mitch" Dobson of Kaw City; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Leo, Fred, Leslie and Delbert Longshore; one sister, Blanche Page; one grandchild; and one great-great-grandson.
Casket bearers will be J.B. Olsen, Steve Cline, Ronnie Dobson, Joe Payne, Gallagher Rule, and Don Treadway. Honorary bearers will be Doyle Huston, Holton Payne and E.W. Williams.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Dobson's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
NEWKIRK - James Roland "Jim" Elam, died at his home, northeast of Newkirk on Friday, April 24, 1998. He was 51.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Ranch Drive Baptist Church in Ponca City with the Rev. Michael Mitchell, First Baptist Church, Davenport, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.
The casket will remain closed at the funeral but friends may visit at the funeral home today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
James Roland "Jim" Elam was born Sept. 14, 1946, in Ponca City to Raymond and Opal (Marlar) Elam. He grew up and attended schools in Ponca City, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1964.
He was married to Louise Langley on Nov. 28, 1964, in Fairfax and the couple established their home in Ponca City. Elam was employed at Miller Market in Ponca City and at Rodeo Meat Processing plant in Arkansas City for 17 years. He later worked for Standard Industries at Kaw City and for several construction contractors at the Conoco Refinery. The family moved to their home northeast of Newkirk in September 1985. Elam enjoyed fishing, gardening and visiting with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Louise, of the home; one son, Mark Ronald of Newkirk; his mother, Opal Elam of Ponca City; two brothers, Jerry Wayne of Newkirk and Michael Don of Broken Arrow; three sisters, Karen Sue Brimm and Betty Lou Biby, both of Ponca City, and Jan Elizabeth Mitchell of Davenport; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father; and one sister, Barbara Sloan.
Casket bearers will be Duane Cyre, Sonny Renfro, Dick Faulkenberg, Bill Dyer, Rusty Randol and Ty Thiry.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Elam's name to Hospice of Ponca City, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
LAMONT - Delbert Andrew Hight Sr., Lamont resident, died Thursday morning, April 23, 1998, at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid. He was 51.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the Lamont United Methodist Church with the Revs. John Sherrill, Rick Lawrenson and Bob Smith, officiating. Burial will be in the Lamont Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa. The Lamont American Legion Post and the Enid National Guard Unit will conduct the U.S. flag presentation.
Delbert Andrew Hight Sr., was born March 25, 1947, at Fredricksburg, Texas, to Orlis and Freida (Stockton) Hight. He grew up in the Mertzon, Texas, area, and graduated from Mertzon High School in 1965. Hight entered the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam until 1968, when he was honorably discharged from active duty.
Hight moved to Lamont in 1973, where he was plant manager for Farmland Gas Co. for three years. In 1977 he opened Hight Service Co., and operated it until his death.
He was married to Mary La Brue on May 15, 1980, and the couple established their home in Lamont. He was a member of the Lamont First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; three children, Delbert A. Hight II, of Tulsa; James E. Hight of Lamont and Michele R. Webster of Deer Creek; three step-children, David La Brue of Enid, Shelly Austin of Pond Creek and Yvette Tennis of Bixby; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wilburn Hight.
Casket bearers will be Jimmy Hight, Kevin Stacey, Andy Lawrenson, Monty Fitch, Wayne Muegge, and Eric Holt. Honorary Bearers will be Jim Lupo, Don Brunken, Heasley Rook, Mark Meader, John Crider, Les Moore and Kenneth Stacey.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hight's name to St. Jude's Children Research, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
KAW CITY - Emma Ruth Hutchison, former Ponca City-Kaw City resident, died Friday morning April 24, 1998, at the Bethany (Okla.) Hospital. She was 75.
The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor of Ponca City First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
Emma Ruth (Johnson) Hutchison was born June 16, 1922, in Guthrie to William and Ethel (Adair) Johnson. She grew up and attended school in Kaw City.
She was married to Merle Hutchison on Feb. 19, 1940, and after attending college, the couple made their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Hutchison taught piano. Her hobbies included ceramics, painting, cross stitch and gardening.
Survivors include three children, Guy Hutchison of Pottsboro, Texas, Jeanne Haines of Yukon and Robert Hutchison of Plano, Texas; three brothers, William Johnson of Grove, Joe Johnson of Wyandotte and Hugo Johnson of Waco, Texas; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 30, 1989; her parents; and two brothers, Robert and Melton Johnson.
Casket bearers will be James Haines, Merlin Haines, Brian Haines, Chris Haines and John McInturff.
SULLIVAN, Ill. - Grace V. Brown, former Ponca City area resident died Saturday, April 18, 1998, at the Illinois Masonic Home in Sullivan, Ill. She was 85.
The funeral was held in Sullivan, Ill, on April 22, 1998, under the direction of Reed Funeral Home.
Grace V. (Hadlock) Brown was born March 4, 1913, in Kaw City to Robert and Elizabeth (Emery) Hadlock. She was married to Bud Button in 1928 in St. Louis, Mo. He preceded her in death.
On March 16, 1943, she was married to Charles A. Brown in St. Louis, Mo., where they made their first home. In 1953, the family moved to the Ponca City area. Mr. Brown preceded her in death on Nov. 5, 1993. In 1996, Mrs. Brown moved to Sullivan, Ill., to live near a daughter. She was a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Ponca City.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. William (Elizabeth) Plough of Columbia, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to both husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by three daughters, Anna Mae Kipping, Alberta Larson, and an infant; four brothers and three sisters.
Edith R. Taber, longtime Ponca City resident died Friday, April 24, 1998, at the Westminster Village. She was 61.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church Worship Center, with the Revs. Hance Dilbeck and Larry Heslip, officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.
Casket bearers will be Kenneth Bates, Paul Buller, Lewis Wolfe, Bob Thomas, Victor Crook and Lanny Officer. Honorary bearers will be the Paul Northcutt Sunday School Class.
Edith was born on April 11, 1937, in Seminole County, Okla., to Alvin and Ida Maude (Bruner) Hamon. She graduated from Prairie Valley High School in Seminole County.
On Jan. 25, 1957, she married Ernest Taber in Shawnee and the couple moved to Ponca City in June of 1959. Her family was the greatest thing in her life - she loved her grandchildren and was known as a "Super Grandma." Her hobbies included sewing, cross stitch, working in her flowerbeds, cooking, expressing her love for birds and collecting decorative plates. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, where she served on numerous committees. Edith and Ernie enjoyed camping with the Conestoga Camper Club.
Survivors include her husband, Ernie of the home, two sons; Greg and wife Kimberly of Ponca City and David and wife Dawn of Detroit, Mich.; one brother Floyd and wife Cora Lee of Shawnee; seven sisters, Ethel and husband Angelo of Oklahoma City, Juanita Dodson of San Diego, Calif., Dorothy Marrow and husband J of Yukon, Florence Hensley and husband Vic of Oklahoma City, Edna Barlow and husband Kyle of Del City, Ella Stiffler and husband Carl of Oklahoma City, and Wilberta Wilkerson and husband Jim of Shawnee.
Also six grandchildren, Ryan Taber, Ethan Taber, Madison Taber, Ashley Taber, Andrew Taber and Abbey Taber; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Janita Kennedy; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elmer and Hazel Taber. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
paid obituary
Alph "Al" K. Hickman longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, April 24, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 27, 1998, at the First Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Larry Heslip officiating. Burial will follow at Longwood Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mr. Hickman was born on Dec. 29, 1910, in Puxico, Mo., to Ira and Flora (Starr) Hickman. He grew up in Pampa, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He then attended the Kansas School of Business in Wichita, Kan.
He married Hazel (Webb) Hickman on Aug. 24, 1936, in Wichita, Kan., and she preceded him in death on Nov. 2, 1993. The couple made their home in Ponca City where Mr. Hickman worked as a refinery mechanic for Continental Oil Company for 32 years. He retired in 1972. He enjoyed all sports and spending time with his family. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Ponca City.
Mr. Hickman is survived by one son, Ken Hickman and his wife Gretchen of Orlando, Fla.; one daughter, Ann Rogers and her husband Dale of Poteau; a special niece/caregiver, Mary Martha Sanders and her husband Mike of Ponca City; two sisters, Sue Schreckengost of Wichita, Kan., and Dorothy Shipley of Lake City, Fla.; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Hazel, he was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Ed Hickman; and one granddaughter Cortney Rogers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK. 74601 or to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK. 73104.
paid obituary
TONKAWA - Mable Wood, Blackwell resident, died Saturday, April 25, 1998, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. She was 87. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home chapel in Tonkawa. Other arrangements will be announced later.
Clarence W. Porter, 1913 ElCamino, died early Saturday morning, April 25, 1998, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 83. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Leonard E. Goodenough, longtime Ponca City resident, died at Tender Heart Nursing Center, Saturday, April 25, 1998. He was 83. Survivors include two sons, Neal and Michael. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Bernice A. Powell, Ponca City resident, died early Saturday morning,
April 25, 1998, at her home. She was 81. Arrangements are pending with Trout
Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Paycheck Stolen - A resident in the 700 block of North Sunset reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:47 a.m. Friday that her paycheck had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Egged - A person from the 500 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:24 a.m. Friday that her vehicle had been egged. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.
Attempted Break-In - A resident of the 400 block of South Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:05 a.m. Friday that someone had attempted to break into his house. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Power Lines on Fire - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:13 a.m. Friday that some electric lines were on fire in an alley between the 500 blocks of North Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and Water and Light Department was notified.
Vehicle Hit - A resident of the 1000 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:48 a.m. Friday that her vehicle had been hit during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of South Fifth Street at 1:51 p.m. Friday that a 24-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.
Juvenile Held - A Kay County District Attorney official requested assistance at Ponca City High School at 1:56 p.m. Friday. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and took into custody a juvenile male.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:10 p.m. Friday that a 31-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrested - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:09 p.m. Friday that a 25-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Suffers Injury - The Communications Center received a 911 call from the YMCA at 2:24 p.m. Friday that a juvenile female had injured her back while diving. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and took the youngster to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Subject Held - A business on South Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:46 p.m. Friday that an adult female shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 30-year-old woman was held for petit larceny.
Accident - A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of East Hartford Avenue and Virginia Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:25 p.m. Friday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - A citizen was at the Ponca City Police Department at 3:51 p.m. Friday with his son suspected of having a warrant from Kay County. An officer was assigned and took into custody a 19-year-old male on a Kay County warrant.
Suspicious Activity - A man from the 300 block of East Broadway Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:12 p.m. Friday that someone had kicked in his door. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Youngster Injured - The Communications Center received a report at 4:21 p.m. Friday that a small child had fallen out of a vehicle at the intersection of East Brookfield Avenue and North Second street and was injured. Three officers were assigned and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department took the youngster to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. A report was taken.
Item Stolen - A resident in the 500 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:37 p.m. Friday that a CD player had been stolen from the trunk of his vehicle while parked in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.
Bicycle Stolen - A person from the 200 block of North Thirteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:03 p.m. Friday that his bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Paint Spill - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:48 p.m. Friday that a bucket of yellow paint had been spilled in the roadway of Broadway Avenue and Union Street near the railroad tracks. The Street Department was notified and handled the situation.
Items Missing - A person from the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:04 p.m. Friday that a vehicle had been broken into and items taken. An officer was assigned and an auto burglary report was taken.
Beer Stolen - A clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 500 block of West Highland Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department that a male subject had taken a 12-pack of beer without paying and ran west on Highland. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Suspicious Activity - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:07 p.m. Friday from a resident in the 700 block of North Lake Street that a threat had been made. Two officers were assigned and a report of harassment and disturbing the peace was taken. A request was made for an extra patrol.
Accident - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:10 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
Beer Taken - A clerk at Westbury Market, Union Street and Prospect Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:45 p.m. Friday that two juvenile males had taken four 30-packs of beer and ran southbound. An officer was assigned and took a grand larceny report.
Suspicious Activity - The Communications Center received a report from a person in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 11:50 p.m. Friday that subjects that caused a disturbance earlier had returned. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a 23-year-old man was held for giving false information to an officer and having an open container in public.
Requests Assistance - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with a traffic stop at 12:47 a.m. Saturday in the area of Fifth Street and Greenbriar. Two other officers assisted and a 25-year-old male was held on a city warrant for assault and battery and a 23-year-old male was held for DUI.
Accident - A one-vehicle accident in the 2600 block of North Pecan Road was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:07 a.m. Saturday. Two officers were assigned and a 23-year-old man was held for DUI.
Assault - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:54 a.m. Saturday concerning an assault in the 200 block of South Pine Street. Two officers were assigned and an ambulance responded to take a victim to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. A 34-year-old female was held for domestic assault and battery and public intoxication, and a 30-year-old male was held for public intoxication.
Tootsie Roll Drive - The Knights of Columbus is holding its annual Tootsie Roll drive Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers will be located outside various businesses passing out Tootsie Rolls and accepting donations. Funds will go to help the mentally handicapped in the area.
Cheerleader Style Show - A style show sponsored by the Po-Hi cheerleaders will be held Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Po-Hi cafeteria. Tickets for the lunch and show are $10 and can be purchased from any cheerleader or at the door.
Citian Joins U.S. Army - Dustin H. Brown has joined the U.S. Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. The program gives young men and women the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive completion of basic training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career specialty. Brown, a 1997 graduate of Blackwell High School, will report to Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., for basic training on April 29, 1998. He is the son of Hershel E. Brown of Stillwater and Terry A. Brown Smetana of Ponca City.
Ranch Drive Fire Department - The Ranch Drive Rural Fire Department annual membership meeting to be held 6 p.m. Tuesday at 3454 South Ranch Drive. Business meeting will follow a ham and turkey noodles dinner. Bring a covered dish; tickets are $3 for adults, $2.50 for children. Memberships are due Friday, May 1.
NOC Musical Gala - Northern Oklahoma College is holding its third annual Gala at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Performing Arts Center. Gerald Steichen, Northern alumnus and current assistant conductor for the New York City Opera, will direct opera stars Marc Embree and Jane Bunnell, guests and Northern music faculty in a variety of music. The Gala is open to the public at no charge.
Meet The Candidate - On Monday the public is welcome to meet M. C. Smothermon, Fifth District Congressional candidate, at Western Sizzlin, 1209 East Prospect, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information about the dutch treat lunch contact Andrea Morriss, Kay County Democrat chairman, at (580) 765-6260.
Lace Faire - The Lace Guild of Oklahoma is sponsoring the Lace Faire 1998, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Oklahoma City. "A Faire to Remember" will be at the Best Western, Saddleback Inn, 4300 S.W. 3rd St., Oklahoma City. Vendors will be present and classes in bobbin lace, tatting and netting will be held. For more information or to enroll in classes, call (405) 341-5552.
Genealogy Seminar - Broken Arrow Genealogical Society to sponsor a seminar May 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced registration (by May 6) is $20; registration at the door is $25. If registrants wish a boxed lunch, include an extra $5 to Broken Arrow Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 1244, Broken Arrow, OK 74013-1244. For more information call (918) 455-8619.
PCWBA Meeting - The Ponca City Women's Bowling Association Spring meeting will be Monday, April 27, 7 p.m., at the Pioneer Drive-in bank. An installation of officers is planned.
Blood Drive - An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held May 7 at McCord School. To schedule an appointment call 765-8806.
United Way Bed Race - Join bed racers in Ponca City United Way's first annual bed race Saturday at the Iris Festival. For more information, call United Way office, 765-2476.
Birth Choice Banquet - Birth Choice of Ponca City is holding a Mother's Day banquet 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley. All are invited and reservations are requested by Friday, May 1. Tickets are $10. For more information call 765-7321.
American Family Support - The American Family Support Group will meet
5-7 p.m. Tuesday in the Ponca City Library Board Room. The topic will be
Child Welfare Services and child abuse.
LIFESTYLES
SUNDAY
Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Guided tours, Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Special Tour information, 767-0420.
11th Step AA meeting-open, 11 a.m.; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.
Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 10th and Grand. Home of Ponca City Indian Museum, Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch Museum and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. 767-0427.
Ponca City Tourism Office, 10th and Grand. Information about all tourist attractions and events in Ponca City and the surrounding area. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 763-8067.
"The State of the City" presentation with Ponca City Mayor Marilyn Andrews will be 2-3:30 p.m. April 26 at Brace Books and More on North Fourteenth.
Singles Network discussion group, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, First Presbyterian Church. All single adults welcome.
Film Director Burt Kennedy will autograph his book "Hollywood Trail Boss: Behind the Scenes of the Wild, Wild Western," 5:30-7 p.m. April 26 at the Poncan Theatre. This will precede the 7 p.m. showing of "Help Support Your Local Sheriff," a film he directed.
Sequoyah Children's Book Award winner Barbara Williams be autographing "Titanic Crossing" 2-4 p.m. May 3 at Brace Books & More on North Fourteenth.
MONDAY
Al-Anon meeting, 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony house, 212 South Third.
Domestic Violence Group, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Programs for women and children of family violence. Baby sitter provided. For info, call 76A-BUSE.
Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the First and Third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Vivian Cross, 765-8871; Lily Freeman, 762-9027; Martha Long, 762-5572.
The Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. Call Beth Wright, 765-6738, for additional information.
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.
Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, Marland Mansion Chapel.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement, 212 South Third. Use south entrance by parking lot.
Senior Citizens' Dance every Monday, 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion, Ponca City. Everyone welcome. "Hayriders Band."
Simple Steps AA-closed, 12 noon; AA Step Study- closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.
TOPS OK 308, 6:15 p.m. Monday weigh-in. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call Betty Flower, 765-5448.
Truman Smith and Friends autographing books April 27 6:30-8 p.m. at Brace Books & More on North Fourteenth. Burt Kennedy will sign "Hollywood Trail Boss," Carlton Weber, "A Cherokee Valley Saga" and Smith's "The Wrong Stuff."
TUESDAY
Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts Building (south entrance), Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information, call 765-6829. 363-1643 or 762-2885.
Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Marland Mansion Conference Center.
New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).
AA Discussion meeting at 12 noon; AA Big Book Study- closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House. 212 South Third.
Parent Support Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.
Pioneer Water Garden Society meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Cann Gardens. Anyone interested in water gardens, fish, plants or starting your own pond is welcome to attend. For more information contact Mike Welch, 765-3271 or Ray Moreland, 762-7806.
Preschool Storytime for 4, 5, and 6 year olds, Ponca City Library, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
Reorganized Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Tuesday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to "anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively." For more information call 762-2161 or 765-5958.
Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Deadline for Happenings and items for Sunday's edition of Lifestyles, 5 p.m. Wednesday. Happenings is events this week. For Happenings, include name of club, day of week, time, place and hostess.
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.
Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 to 12:30 Wednesday, East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests welcome to come discover what Toastmasters is about.
Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, for location, call 765-5695 or 762-5529.
Simple Steps AA meeting; Step Study-closed, 12 noon. AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.
Storytime for 2 & 3 year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes.
A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support group has been formed to aid veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. The group is confidential and meets at the DAV, 401 South Lincoln, on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. If you are a veteran suffering with PTSD or know someone who could use help contact 762-3851 or Steve Mallory at 580 762-7561.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Harmony House basement, (use south entrance by parking lot).
Telephone Retired Members Club meets at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Golden Corral.
THURSDAY
Al-Anon at Conoco, TBTV 50 on Mezzanine between North and South towers, 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Linda 765-7045, 767-5328.
AA Discussion meeting, 12 noon; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House , 212 South Third.
Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting on last Thursday of the month for birthdays. Call 762-3345 for more information.
Jaycees, 7 p.m. first and third Thursday, Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting.
Model Railroad Club, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Stevens Building 113 North Third. For info, call 762-8687 or 765-7996.
Parent Support Group, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.
Ponca City Newcomers Club meets the third Thursday of each month at the Marland Mansion. For more information contact Joyce Fox, 762-9578.
Story Hour for school-aged children at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.
A Young-At-Heart Dance is held every Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley, 7-10 p.m. A Snack and Hillbilly night is held the first Thursday of each month. Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys Band will play.
FRIDAY
Simple Steps AA-open, 12 noon; AA Speaker Meeting - open, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.
Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Marland Mansion.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by Smoke Free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1201 and auxiliary, Department of Oklahoma, will have a special postal cancellation during the Iris Festival. The event will be May 1, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Ponca City Post Office.
SATURDAY
AA Discussion meeting 12 noon. AA Discussion meeting 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.
New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.
Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.
Reorganized Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to "anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively." For more information call 762-2161 or 765-5958.
"Image - Pulling It All Together" mini-clinic with Beauti-Control Full Image Consultants Judy McClung and Vicki Lessert, May 2, 2-4 p.m. at Brace Books & More on North Fourteenth.
Piano Workshop members from the Ponca City Federated Music Club will present a program entitled "Rustlings of Spring" when the club meets May 1 at the Ponca City Cultural Center. Lois Rence, chairman of Piano Workshop, stated that selections to be performed will set the mood for the season which is "young every year."
Piano Workshops members performing will be Barbara Brown, Mary Sunshine Cogman, Alice Crowder, Becky Dye, Julie Goodwin, Carolyn Hook, Marge Howard, Barbara Manering, Roberta Motz, Pat Purkey, Elma Robson, Ann Salmons, Frances Thompson, Katy Tucker, and Kathy Wimberley. Selections will include solos, duets and a quartet.
Dessert and coffee will be served at I p.m. The business meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the program following the business meeting. Hostesses for the May meeting are Mary Lois Nield (Chair), Norma Hammert, Norma Suggs, Thelma Talbot, Rachel Taylor, Betty Throop, Cornelia Timberlake, Myrtle Waugh and Jody Whipple.
P. M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild will have a covered dish dinner for their meeting April 27. Members are encouraged to bring a guest and also to bring an item for Show and Share.
The guild met March 23 with 18 members present. Esther Bersche, president, presided. New officers were elected. They include Esther Bersche, president; Sue Roy,vice-president; Peggy Krider, secretary, and Nancy Bright, treasurer. Members were encouraged to sign up for committees and the responsibilities for each position were described by the current office holder.
Judy Wohletz, chairman, discussed the quilt show that the guild will sponsor at the Iris Festival on May 2. It will be displayed at the Commercial Federal Building 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Members are encouraged to bring quilt items for display and to sign up to work. A wall hanging made by Faith Kalback will be drawn for that day. There will also be a balloting for the viewers choice.
Door prizes were won by Esther Bersche, Pam Mann, Faith Kalback, Sue Roy, Rose Coffee and Deloris Pickens. Rose Coffee showed the pattern of the month. The quilt is made with a pieced star pattern providing the background for each block. Each month has a different applique design with the April block being a kite with flowers.
Sue Roy showed the presidents' blocks that have been turned in and encouraged everyone to participate in this project. Kits are still available. Ruth Zachary displayed the new donation quilt which was hand quilted by the Lutheran ladies at Cushing.
Show and Share participants were Sue Roy, Esther Bersche and Deloris Pickens. Following the meeting the group played "Quilto Bingo" with Pam Mann as leader. Hostesses were Esther Bersche and Ruth Zachary.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
A new event added to the Iris Festival this year will be the Ponca City Main Street Upstairs Downtown Tour. The tour is a mixed bag of historic buildings no longer in use, or renovated upstairs apartments for downtown living.
The tours are slated between 2 and 5 p.m., on May 2. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Iris Festival information booth, to be located at Fifth and Grand on Saturday.
Properties to be toured are the upstairs of Grand Avenue Dollar Saver; The Grand Olde Mercantile (formerly Graves Drug); Bittman Residence, 100 Block of East Grand; Hocker residence, over John's Apparel; Ponca City News Building, Second and Grand; Lewis & Associates Architectural Firm (mezzanine of Community Building) and the third floor of the Community Building.
Dollar Saver
Dollar Saver, 302-306 East Grand, is the former location of the Paris Furniture store before it moved to its new store on East Grand.
On June 22, 1927, J.C. Penney moved into this location. An additional 75 by 100 feet was added to the back for a store room. The upstairs was occupied by doctors, lawyers and a photography studio.
Grand Olde Mercantile
This entire block of 200 East Grand went up in flames in the early morning hours of April 13, 1900 as a result of arson in a meat market.
The owners of the destroyed buildings rebuilt their stores in brick and stone, making this building part of the first brick block in the Cherokee Strip.
Community Building
The Community Building, 225 East Grand, originally was planned as a two-story building. Local physicians wanted to add two additional floors to serve as offices for medical arts.
The ground floor was planned for the Oklahoma State Bank, which was bought out before the building opened on Oct. 27, 1927, so Ponca Floral moved in instead.
Ponca City News
The old Ponca City News was located at Third and Cleveland. The first issue of the Ponca City News was printed on Nov. 18, 1918. by 1923 the News had outgrown its quarters and a new building was proposed.
Designed by Charles H. Woodruff at a reported cost of $65,000, the presses were rolling at the Cleveland location by August 1924.
John's Mens Apparel
John's Mens Apparel is located at 205 East Cleveland and was built in 1925 in the commercial style for a bus depot. It was renovated in 1996 for John's Mens Apparel and apartments were opened upstairs. The Hocker apartment is one these.
Bittman Apartment
The Bittman Apartment is upstairs over Through the Lens, 113 East Grand, which was the former men's clothing store "The Hub." The Bittman residence was renovated and is a modern, attractive apartment for downtown living.
The Hub, owned by Abe Lee, had been located in several locations in the same block of East Grand until settling at 113, where it was located for many years.
Tour Instructions
Special instructions for tour participants include having their tickets purchased and being ready to start the tour promptly at 2 p.m. A second tour group will be leaving at 3 p.m. Tickets will not be sold after 3 o'clock and each person must have a ticket to participate.
Instructions to begin the tour will be given when the tickets are purchased. Tours will conclude no later than 5 p.m.
Those touring should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb stairs at each location.
For more information contact the Ponca City Main Street office at 763-8082.
"Personalities," the student-operated restaurant at the Pioneer Technology Center, was the setting for the April 17 meeting of Unit III of the Ponca City Mother's Club. There were 24 members and one guest, Mrs. Hazel Patnode of Cloquet, Minn., mother of Mrs. Maureen Danielson, present.
Tables were decorated with small birdhouses crafted from flower seed packets accented with miniature birds designed by Betty Whetstone, hostess. Joyce Felix was co-hostess.
Following the luncheon Margaret Yeakley presented the program about brass rubbings, an art she learned while living in England. She said the use of brass as a memorial medium was begun in Belgium as early as the 13th century. Increased interest in the art began about 1955 in the United States when Interior Decorators began to use them as wall hangings. Facsimiles can also be made.
Members participated in a "hands on" session to make a rubbing of the Belgian brass memorial to Marguerite DeScornay, a 15th century abbess. The completed rubbing was won by Wauneita Burger.
Following the program Louise Locke, chairman, conducted the business meeting and reports were given by Mary Joan McCann, secretary, and Ann Kennedy, treasurer.
Gloria Harris presented the 1998-99 officers: Janet Smith, chairman; Phyllis Kellenberger, vice chairman; Lynn Williams, secretary; Ann Kennedy, treasurer; Rachel Tidrow, librarian, and Louise Locke, parliamentarian.
Maureen Danielson, president of the general Mother's Club, announced the upcoming "Oil Boom Days" and "Roaring Twenties Ball" to be held at the Marland Mansion May 16. She also said tickets for the Mother's Club luncheon and fashion show May 15 at the mansion were available. Models from Unit II will include Ms. Burger, Ms. Smith and Ms. Locke.
Members of the Busy Bee Club met at the home of Helen Hiskett, 3901 North Union on April 15. Beulah McCartney was in charge of the business meeting with seven members present. Roll call was the name of a favorite flower.
Louise Womack led the group in the salute to the flag and the Lord's Prayer. Helen Taylor gave the devotion "Joy of Understanding" by Wilfred Grenfell.
Minutes were read and it was announced that Chloe Lewis of Kaw City was a guest at the April 1 meeting of the Busy Bee Club. Helen Hiskett gave the financial report and members were reminded to bring cards for the nursing home for Mother's Day and other occasions. Members brought articles for the Child Development Center such as egg cartons, plastic sacks, paper towel rolls and other items. Paper sacks were taken to the Caboose.
Mystery Bowl prize went to Louise Womack and game prizes went to Vivian Davis and Helen Taylor. The next meeting will be hosted by Beulah McCartney, 1029 Brentwood.
Announcement is being made of the engagement of Stephanie Wanice Stromberg and Christopher Allen Neal. Parents of the couple are Bill and Ruth Ann Stromberg of Hurst, Texas and Herb and Tobie Neal of Ponca City.
The couple will be married June 12 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Bedford in Bedford, Texas. The Rev. Mike Ballard will perform the ceremony.
Miss Stromberg is a graduate of River Road High School in Amarillo, Texas and received a bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree in Occupational Training and Development from the University of North Texas. She is currently employed by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District as a Marketing Education Coordinator. She is the granddaughter of Mildred Stromberg of Hurst, Texas and the late John Stromberg, Sr. and Wanda Schoonover.
Neal is a graduate of Ponca City High School and received an associates degree from Northern Oklahoma College, a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and his juris doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. He practices law in Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana and is president of The Law Office of Christopher A. Neal & Associates, P.C., located in Bedford, Texas. He is the grandson of Carl and Vera Neal, and Eleanor Stewart, all of Ponca City, and the late Ralph Stewart.
Shane and Sherry Feathers of Ponca City announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, at 12:36 p.m. April 19, 1998 at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center. The 8-pound, 2-ounce baby was 20 1/2-inches long and has been named Kailey Shaine Feathers.
Grandparents are Dave and Rita Peterson and Elmer and Connie Feathers, all of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Myra Hambleton of Fulton, Ark., Ray and Verna Peterson and Dinty and Wanda Hunt, all of Ponca City. Kailey's great-great-grandmother is Ruby Cross of Ponca City.
Makaly Don Cranford is the name selected by Dustin and Trilla Cranford, 1604 Crawford, for their daughter born at 2:43 a.m. April 10, 1998 at the Stillwater Medical Center. She weighed 8-pounds, 15-ounces and measured 22-inches long. She has a sister, Britny Cranford, 7-years-old.
Paternal grandparents are Wayne and Sue Cranford of Ponca City and maternal grandparents are Jim and Ruthie Bilderback of Loyal and Gene Guinn of Wichita, Kan.
Paternal great-grandparents are Grover and Florence Kelly of Ponca City and the late Glen and Katherine Cranford. Maternal great-grandparents are Donald and Vivian Vincent of Wichita, Kan. and Virginia Bilderback of Loyal.
The Cann Memorial Garden Center is located at 14th Street and Grand Avenue. A pathway winds through the spectacular color-coordinated beds of perennials, herbs and annuals that surround the 1908 home of Lester and Mary Cann, prominent Ponca Citians for 50 years. The botanical gardens also feature a wisteria arbor and lily pond.
Paulynda Elizabeth Bunch and Keith David Stevens have selected May 9 at the date for their wedding at First United Methodist Church. The couple extends an open invitation to friends and family to attend the 7 p.m. ceremony.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Jackie Baca of Ponca City and the prospective bridegroom is the son of Karen and Warren Rivers of Ponca City and Craig and Pam Stevens of Wichita, Kan. Miss Bunch attends Northern Oklahoma College and Stevens is a recruiter for the Army National Guard.
Howard and Patricia Foy of Ponca City announce the approaching marriage of their daughter, Emily Elizabeth, to Jeffrey Wright Glasgow, son of Terry and Linda Glasgow of Herndon, Va. The ceremony will take place at the Salt Lake, Utah LDS temple on May 1. A reception to honor the couple will be held May 9 at the Ponca City Cultural Center from 7 until 9 p.m. An open invitation is extended to friends and acquaintances to join the celebration of this event.
Miss Foy is a 1995 graduate of Ponca City High School where she was active in orchestra, Foreign Language and History clubs and Honor Society. She is presently a senior at Brigham Young University majoring in Finance and Economics. She is employed by a law firm as a legal assistant.
Glasgow is a graduate of Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs and is also a senior at BYU majoring in Communications. He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico City South Mission. He is currently employed by Franklin/Covey Corporation.
The couple will reside in Provo, Utah where they will continue with their education.
Oil Boom Day at the Marland Mansion starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16. A Roaring 20's festival of art, music, dance, food and fun, the event is a celebration of the mansion's 70th Anniversary. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students 6 to 12; children under 5 are free. Visitors are encouraged to dress in 1920's costumes to help with the spirit of the day.
"This is a celebration of an era, of a time in Ponca City that transformed a small agricultural town into a mecca of high society, polo, fox hunts, fancy homes, and a booming economy. The discovery of oil here was the beginning of what Ponca City has become and is today" said Kathy Adams, executive director of the Marland Estate.
Activities will be taking place on the grounds and in the mansion all day. At the Artist's Studio, members of the living Artist's Society will be demonstrating various art mediums, including sculpture, painting, woodcarving and pottery. A wide array of artwork will be on display and available for purchase.
Accompanying the artists will be various musicians performing near the Artist's Studio. Music will include bluegrass, acoustic, hammered dulcimer, autoharp, and guitar.
On the mansion's north terrace, local thespians will present "E. W. - The Man and the Dream," a stage show highlighting Marland's life.
Various "reenactors" will be wandering around the grounds, so one might see "Lydie Marland, a member of the polo team, or a flapper practicing the Charleston" said Adams.
Inside the mansion, several musical events will be presented throughout the day. Performers include Barbara Geary, presenting a narrated piano concert, "Gottschalk to Gershwin: The Ragtime Connection." The Foley jazz Quartet, the Mariah Wind Ensemble, and the Davanzatti Duo will also be performing. Guides will be stationed all through the mansion, so guided tours will be ongoing. Visitors can start a tour in the mansion, sit and enjoy the music for awhile, and then continue their tour.
Picnic tables will be set up on the grounds and hot sandwiches will be available for sale, along with lemonade, tea and pop.
High Tea and Dessert at E.W.'s Restaurant will be served from 2 until 4 p.m. with Jennie Olson presenting a typical 1920's era vocal concert.
That evening is the 20's Costume Ball in the Marland Mansion. From 8 p.m. to midnight, guests can dance the Charleston, enjoy special Broadway music from the 20's and 30's, and enjoy hors d'ouevres and desserts. Tickets for the ball are $20 and are available at the Marland Mansion, the Marland Estate Hotel, and Ponca City banks.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, April 27: Lasagna; tossed salad with dressing; buttered corn; bread with butter; fresh fruit.
Tuesday, April 28: Smothered hamburger; mashed potatoes with gravy; seasoned cabbage; dinner roll with butter; peach crisp.
Wednesday, April 29: Barbecue chicken; potato salad; buttered carrots; dinner roll with butter; applesauce cake.
Thursday, April 30: Ham and beans; buttered spinach; cornbread with butter; ice cream and cookie.
Friday, May 1: Turkey Tetrazzini; tomato spoon relish; herbed green beans; biscuit with butter; strawberries and bananas.
Sallie Peacheater Tent #18, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865, will hold the quarterly meeting May 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Room in the Wiley Post Building, 2100 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City.
The tent will have a business meeting followed by a program on "Civil War Music" given by Teresa Black. All prospective members and interested women with Civil War ancestors are invited to attend. For more information call Nancy Chotkey, 405 842-9598 or Leota Henning 405 728-3500.
A reception honoring Ken and Pauline Miles on their 50th wedding anniversary will be held May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ponca City Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand. An invitation is extended to their friends and relatives to attend the event. The couple requests no gifts.
The reception is being hosted by their four children and their spouses: Gary and Alvie Miles of Ponca City, Nikki and Phil Ephraim of Evanston, Ill., Kip and Karen Miles of Enid, Kelly and Shelli Miles of Colorado Springs, Colo. The honorees have 12 grandchildren.
Kenneth J. Miles and the former Pauline Deffner were married in Ponca City on May 7, 1948. They were reared in the Ponca City area and graduated from high school here. During World War II Mr. Miles spent 3 1/2 years in the Ferrying Division, Air Transport Command, U. S. Army Air Corps. Mrs. Miles worked as a secretary in Washington D. C. in the Submarine Division of the Navy Department.
They operated Miles Insurance Agency for many years before opening Ken Miles Hammond Organ Studio in 1967. They presently operate Miles Music stores in Ponca City, Enid, Oklahoma City, Wichita and Great Bend, Kan. Gary and Kip Miles are also active in the business, along with their parents.
Mr. Miles is well known throughout the area for playing the Hammond Organ at various social functions. He was active in the American Business Club for many years and is a past president of that organization. Mrs. Miles is active in the Ponca City Mother's Club. Both are members of the First Baptist Church and the Disciples Sunday School Class.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lee Williams celebrated their 30th anniversary Saturday evening with a family dinner held at the Ponca City Country Club and at a picnic today. Hosting the events were their three daughters and a son-in-law, Gina Williams of Nashville, Tenn., Tara Williams, a student at Oklahoma Baptist University, Kelli and Cary Hilliard of Waco, Texas.
Donald Lee Williams and the former Ronda Jean Baird were married April 25, 1968 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cordell. Parents of the couple are Mrs. Lera Williams and Mrs. Imogene Baird, the late Dwight Baird and the late Houston Williams.
Williams left May 5, 1968 to serve with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. The couple made their first home in Cordell, later moving to Stillwater and Oklahoma City. In 1975 they moved to Ponca City.
Williams is a home builder and land developer in the Ponca City and Stillwater areas. He has served as president of the Ponca City Homebuilders Association and the Oklahoma State Homebuilders Association and is currently on the board of the Stillwater Homebuilders Association. He also serves on the City of Stillwater Comprehensive Planning Committee. He has been involved in World Changers, Promisekeepers and is a deacon at First Baptist Church in Ponca City.
Mrs. Williams is a homemaker and is involved in the building company as bookkeeper and decorator. She is a member of the Banner Ministry Committee at First Baptist Church. Mr and Mrs. Williams have taught youth in Sunday school for the past 15 years. They both enjoy reading and gardening.
National Music Week has been proclaimed for May 3-10 by Mayor Marilyn Andrews. All citizens of the community are asked to observe the special week and take part in activities recognizing the importance of music, musicians and musical organizations to the cultural life of the city, state and world.
The proclamation states that music plays an increasingly important role in our world today and music is one "of the most sublime of human pursuits and is subscribed to by all races and creeds." Also music is the language of all peoples and one of the greatest forces in creating peace and harmony. The National Federation of Music Clubs, dedicated to encouraging young musicians, to increasing musical knowledge, and to advancing American music, and its cooperating organizations, join forces to direct attention to the "dynamic influence of music in everyday living."
Members of the TOPS OK 308 chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy presiding at the business meeting. She also gave a devotional entitled "With Every Rising of the Sun." Edith Smith led the TOPS Pledge and Marietta Nelson led the KOPS Kreed.
Robinelle Oldham called the roll and Ann McCool gave the weight report. Best Loser was Chera Brewer and Donna McCoy won the "Ha Ha" pot. A report was given on the "Fun Workshop" held April 18 and details of current contests were explained.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Brief programs are presented each week. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 p.m. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448.
A reception for Mrs. Sandra Harrison will be held at Lincoln School gymnasium, 1501 West Grand, from 2 until 4 p.m. May 3. Mrs. Harrison is retiring after 18 years teaching at Lincoln Elementary.
A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, she began teaching in Ponca City schools in 1968. She has also taught in Edmond, Oklahoma City and private schools with a total of 26 1/2 years of teaching experience.
Hosting the event will be members of the Lincoln staff, who are issuing an open invitation to friends, and current and former students to attend the reception.
At the April meeting of the Ponca City Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter, Connie McAbee, Vietnam veteran and Pioneer Bank employee, spoke to the group about her experiences in the Navy.
McAbee joined the Navy in 1967, shortly after graduating from Ponca City High School. About a year after boot camp in Maryland she became the private secretary to Rear Admiral Hiriam Massey in Rhode Island. Later she was recruited by the Naval Investigating Service to enter the intelligence unit and was in and out of the country working in that capacity.
After her three year tour of duty Connie detached from the service and 10 years later realized she missed the military life. She joined the reserves in Chicago, Ill. as a member of a special recruiting team covering a five state area.
Presently, McAbee is president of the Vietnam Veteran's Assistance Foundation of Oklahoma. The program gives grants to organizations to help veterans.
Special guests at the meeting were the American History Essay winners and their families. Winners and their placement from the fifth grade were: Elizabeth G. Otto, first; Kelle Elizabeth Otto, second, both of St. Mary's School; Jared Kelle, third, Washington School.
Also present were Sixth Grade winners: Krysten Renee Howey, first; Bayley Carter Jordan, second; Stephanie Marie Garino, third, all from St. Mary's School. Seventh Grade winners were: Darcy McIntyre, first; Stacia Jean Otto, second; Lee Andrew Pace, third, all of St. Mary's School.
Representing eighth grade were Lauren Anne Detten, first; Meghan Deathe, second; Maggie Garino, third, all of St. Mary's. Each student was presented a certificate or pin and a monetary award. Announcement was made that Andrew's mother, Rita Robbins Pace, had won a DAR essay award when she was a student.
The W. B. Clark Scholarships awarded by the Ponca DAR Chapter to two high school senior boys and two high school senior girls were given to Matthew Szabo, Jeremy Marzuola, Molly Baugh and Elizabeth Bednarski. The students, selected by the school, have the highest grade point average.
The scholarships were established by the now deceased Frances Clark Eubank in memory of her father, W. B. Clark, who was an attorney in Ponca City in the early 1900's. Frances became a member of the Ponca City Chapter in 1920.
The Pearl Pruitt Scholarship was awarded to Jason Bailey, Stephen Collins, Lance Johnson and Sarah Merrifield. This scholarship is divided between students who have a qualifying grade point average and are descendants of a Ponca City Chapter member.
The next meeting of the chapter will be May 15 at 12:45 p.m. when Dr. Bill Corbett, Professor from Tahlequah, will speak on "Courting Disaster: The Five Civilized Tribes and the Civil War."
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby G. Barnes have established a home in Ponca City following their March 21 wedding at the Cornerstone Christian Church in Wichita, Kan. The Rev. Jim Rackhan solemnized the vows in a 1 p.m. ceremony for Barnes, from Cromwell, and the former Wilma LaBlue of Ponca City. Kyle and Tracie Shepherd planned and hosted the wedding.
The bride's sons are Kyle Shepherd of Wichita and Norvel Gene LaBlue of Ponca City. The bridegroom's children are Susie Meade and Cliff Barnes, both of Cromwell, and Donald Barnes of Miami.
Escorted to the altar by her son, Kyle Shepherd, and stepson, Jim LaBlue, the bride wore a tea length gown fashioned of off-white colored lace. The high, illusion neckline was highlighted with beadwork and re-embroidered lace appliques adorned the bodice and sleeves. The skirt was designed with a handkerchief hemline and the bride wore pearl colored shoes and wore a pearl necklace and earrings. She carried a bouquet of burgundy and Navy blue silk roses and greenery.
A selection of taped music was played for the wedding. Kyle Shepherd, a deacon in the church and son of the bride, gave communion to the newlywed couple and offered prayer.
Matron of Honor was Doris Reynolds of Ponca City. She was attired in a tea-length gown of burgundy lace and silk and carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet. John Hutchins, grandson of the bridegroom, was the ringbearer.
Lighting the candles were Kyla Shepherd, Kristin LaBlue, Megan LaBlue and Camille Chanslor, granddaughters of the bride, and Ashley Barnes, granddaughter of the bridegroom.
John Reynolds of Ponca City served as the Best Man and ushers were Joshua Shepherd of Wichita, grandson of the bride, and Shawn Stephens of Cromwell, grandson of the bridegroom.
Following the ceremony the reception was held in the fellowship hall of the church. Assisting with the event were Susie Meade and Doris Reynolds.
Among the guests attending were Susan Meade, Shawn Stephens and John Hutchins, William and Mabel Sowder, Jeremy Sowder, Phyllis Curry and Ashley Barnes, all of Cromwell; Sherry and Haley Hutchins of Kellyville, Sean Bristow, John Paul Bristow of Kansas City, Mo., Camille Chanslor and Tommy Chansler of Dallas, Texas.
Also Milly Kelly and Butch Walken of Newkirk, Kristi and Megan LaBlue, Darlene and Jim LaBlue, Kathy LaBlue, Brent, Laura and Ashton LaBlue, Cindy and Zachary Brown. all of Blackwell; Virginia Wright, Naomi McCarty, Charlie and Judy Norris, Ken and Shirley Doane, all of Wichita; Joshua Shepherd and Kyla Shepherd of Rose Hill.
Attending from Ponca City were C. E. Bristow, Jim and Stacy LaBlue Jr., Joe and Pearl Vickers, Veda Bristow, Frances and Richard Klinger and Annalisa Reynolds. Also present were Judy Brown of Sugarland, Texas and Jan Anderson of Jackson, Miss.
The couple took a wedding trip to Toronto Lake and will be dividing their time between Ponca City and Clinton, Mo. where Barnes is employed with Jensen Construction Company, which is based in Oklahoma City.
Piano auditions, sponsored by the National Guild of Piano Teachers, will be held at the Ponca City Cultural Center on April 30, and at the First Presbyterian Church on May 1.
Students of seven local piano teachers will perform programs of various lengths for the adjudicator, Laurie Thompson, of Hutchinson, Kansas.
Ponca City teachers whose students are participating in this year's auditions are Becky Dye, Roberta Motz, Deena Neely, Kay Sahai, Katy Tucker, Annette Williams and Kathy Wimberley.
Laurie Thompson, a native of Vicksburg, Miss., has just recently moved to Hutchinson, Kan. from Louisiana. She has been involved in the National Guild of Piano Teachers since the age of six when she participated in the student auditions. After 12 consecutive years in the auditions, she received the High School Diploma and the Paderewski Gold Medal as well as the Guild's scholarship. She has been an active judge for the Guild for the past six years.
Mrs. Thompson received her undergraduate degree in piano and voice from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and her Master of Music degree from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana. Mrs. Thompson now maintains a private piano studio in Hutchinson. She is also an active member in the music program of the First Church of God, where her husband, Larry Thompson, is minister of worship and administration. She particularly enjoys writing arrangements for the handbell choir and will soon have her first piece published. The Thompsons have a son, Drew, who is 8-years-old and a daughter, Blaire, who is four.
The Ponca City Federated Music Club Piano Workshop section met in the home of Jackie Skidmore for its April 21 meeting. Co-hostesses for the coffee preceding the meeting were Francis Wood Thompson and Alice Crowder.
Lois Rence, chairperson, presided at the business portion of the meeting and introduced Annette Williams, who gave the program information on "Hymns Going Classics." She introduced workshop members who performed familiar hymn tunes combined with famous classical numbers in interesting arrangements. Participating as performers were Ann Salmons, Becky Dye, Pat Purkey, Elma Robson, Katy Tucker, Kathleen Wimberley and Barbara Manering.
The next meeting, which will be the last before summer recess, will be May 19 in the home of Carolyn Hook. Kathleen Chambers and Katy Tucker will serve as co-hostesses. The program will be "Marvelous Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein," with members bringing their favorite works of the duo to perform for the entertainment.
NOC Gala Stars
Opera stars Marc Embree and Jane Bunnell will headline the third annual Northern Oklahoma College Gala May 2 in the Performing Arts Center on campus. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. with the performance scheduled for 8 p.m., including a variety of music by guests and NOC faculty. Director will be Gerald Steichen, NOC alumnus and current assistant conductor for the New York City Opera. The gala is open to the public at no charge.
Susan Henning, nationally certified water exercise instructor at the Ponca City YMCA, reports "in the past 5 years, pools across the U. S have seen growing numbers of participants in water exercise,"
"People are starting to realize that swimming pools are for more than just "swimming" she said. Shallow-water exercise is performed in a vertical position, in water depths between navel and mid-chest, therefore swimming skills are not necessary, "In fact," states Ms. Henning, "most of our participants do not consider themselves swimmers at all." Pools can also accommodate more exercisers in the vertical position than in the horizontal lap swimming position.
Deep water exercise is accomplished using a flotation belt for safety and comfort. "Flotation belts are less cumbersome than the traditional life jacket, and free the arms to work as hard as the legs for an all over body workout," adds Henning. Again, swimming skills are not required in deep water classes, because the flotation belt keeps you floating at shoulder level.
The great increase in numbers can probably be attributed to early retirement ages of today's seniors and the largest demographic consumer group in history, the "baby boomers." The boomers are pursuing preventative wellness activities in the current health care environment of managed care and limited payments. The water offers great opportunities for aging baby boomers.
Participants can achieve increases in body strength and cardiovascular conditioning in the "body friendly" environment of the pool. The buoyancy of the water supports the weight of the body reducing the stress to the weight bearing joints; the hips, knees, ankles, and spine. Balance, posture, and coordination are improved by equal strengthening of the muscles in the front and rear of the body due to the natural resistance of the water. "This is especially important to the senior population to prevent falls in which a hip could be broken," explains Ms. Henning.
Unlike lap swimming, water exercise also provides opportunities for social interaction. "We've found that our participants feel more committed and connected to a class environment, and can actually serve to motivate one another to continue exercising," comments Henning.
Recommended water temperature for water exercise is 80-85 F. Since the water cools the body 12 to 25 times faster than on land, the body can gain the benefits of exercising without the concerns of conserving heat or overheating.
The Ponca City YMCA offers 20 hours of a variety of water exercise classes per week year round. For more information call the YMCA at 765-5417.
BLACKWELL - Kay County 4-H members participated in the Clothing Construction and Appropriate Dress contest held April 18 at Central National Bank in Blackwell.
The Appropriate Dress Contest is an opportunity for 4-H'ers to develop skills in planning, selecting and creating becoming clothing for different occasions; select suitable and becoming accessories and model garments made to meet individual wardrobe needs; and develop good posture and grooming habits.
Junior Appropriate Dress
Junior Champion winner was Kelle Otto (Kildare) and Reserve Champion was Bradley Schneeberger (Kildare).
Girls Junior Casualwear winners were Kelle Otto (Kildare) first; Nikki McMillen (Heir Born) second; Randi Price (OK Okies) third; Tia Willbanks (OK Okies) fourth.
Boys Junior Casualwear winners were Jaron Soulek (OK Okies) first; Bradley Schneeberger (Kildare) second; Skye Bergman (OK Okies) third.
Girls Junior Activewear winner is Randi Price (OK Okies) first.
Boys Junior Activewear winners were Bradley Schneeberger (Kildare) first and Chad Courtney (OK Okies) second.
Girls Junior Westernwear winner was Nikki McMillen (Heir Born) first.
Boys Junior Westernwear winners were Bradley Schneeberger (Kildare) first; Skye Bergman (OK Okies) second; Jaron Soulek (OK Okies) third; Chad Courtney (OK Okies) fourth.
Girls Junior Dresswear winners were Randi Price (OK Okies) first and Nikki McMillen (Heir Born) second.
Intermediate Appropriate Dress
Intermediate Champion was Jay Soulek (OK Okies) and Reserve Champion was Stacia Otto (Kildare).
Girls Intermediate Casualwear winners were Kaycee Brandon (Kildare) first; Amanda Brown (Heir Born) second; Trisha Burke (OK Okies) third; Chassie McMillen (Heir Born) fourth.
Girls Intermediate Activewear winners were Amanda Brown (Heir Born) first and Chassie McMillen (Heir Born) second.
Boys Intermediate Activewear winner was Jay Soulek (OK Okies) first.
Girls Intermediate Westernwear winners were Kaycee Brandon (Kildare) first and Trisha Burke (OK Okies) second.
Girls Intermediate Dresswear winners were Stacia Otto (Kildare) first; KayLynn Hubbard (Heir Born) second; Trisha Burke (OK Okies) third; Kaycee Brandon (Kildare) fourth.
Boys Intermediate Dresswear winner was Jay Soulek (OK Okies) first.
Girls Intermediate Formalwear winner was Chassie McMillen (Heir Born) first.
Senior Appropriate Dress Contest
Senior Champion was Stacie Schneeberger (Kildare) and Reserve Champion was Jill Courtney (OK Okies).
Girls Senior Casualwear winners were Courtney Hill (Kildare) first; Mary Grieshaber (Kildare) second; Heather Brown (Heir Born) third; Jill Courtney (OK Okies) fourth.
Girls Senior Activewear winner was Courtney Hill (Kildare) first.
Girls Senior Westernwear winners were Jill Courtney (OK Okies) first and Stacie Schneeberger (Kildare) second.
Girls Senior Dresswear winners were Stacie Schneeberger (Kildare) first; Jill Courtney (OK Okies) second; Courtney Hill (Kildare) third; Heather Brown (Kildare) fourth.
Girls Senior Formalwear winner was Stacie Schneeberger (Kildare) first.
The Clothing Construction Contest is an opportunity for 4-H'ers to build self-confidence and poise by making the most of positive personal attributes; learn to make clothing for self and others; acquire knowledge of fibers, yarns, and fiber-making processes; practice leadership skills and roles; take part in community affairs; and demonstrate citizenship responsibility.
Clothing Construction
Junior Champion was Kelle Otto (Kildare) and Reserve Champion was Randi Price (OK Okies).
Junior Active Sportswear was Kelle Otto (Kildare) first.
Junior Decorated Ready-Made Shirt was Nikki McMillen (Heir Born) first.
Junior Skirt was Nikki McMillen (Heir Born) first.
Junior Shorts were Randi Price (OK Okies) first and Nikki McMillien (Heir Born) second.
Intermediate Champion Kaycee Brandon (Kildare) and Reserve Champion KayLynn Hubbard (Heir Born).
Intermediate Sleepwear were Chassie McMillen (Heir Born) first and Stacia Otto (Kildare) second.
One-Piece Dresswear were KayLynn Hubbard (Heir Born) first and Chassie McMillen (Heir Born) second.
Intermediate Fun Item were Chassie McMillen (Heir Born) first and KayLynn Hubbard (Heir Born) second.
Two-Piece Dress was Kaycee Brandon (Kildare) first.
First Time Two-Piece Dress was Mary Grieshaber (Heir Bom) first.
First Time One -Piece Dress was Kim Miller (Heir Born) first.
Senior Champion was Leah Bolay (Heir Born).
Senior One-Piece Dress was Emily Lewis (Heir Born) first.
Senior Two-Piece Dress was Leah Bolay (Heir Bom) first.
Senior Hanging Storage Unit was Emily Lewis (Heir Born) first.
Kansas City opened its doors and welcomed 500 4-H'ers from seven states who were participating in "Reaching Out From the Heartland: Globally and Culturally."
Oklahoma 4-H'ers, along with those from Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Arkansas and Kansas, had the opportunity to learn more about cultural activities, career possibilities and leadership as they participated recently in the four-day event.
"This is just one of several opportunities Oklahoma's 4-H'ers have to travel away from their hometowns and participate in educational and leadership activities," said Valeri Terry, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension 4-H events coordinator.
Oklahoma's delegation was made up of 32 4-H'ers, including three club members from Kay County. Stacie Schneeberger and Erin Morris, both of Ponca City, and Kaycee Brandon, Newkirk, along with the rest of the delegation were able to participate in service learning opportunities, educational workshops, tours and cultural events.
Schneeberger said she thought the conference was a great experience. "It gave me a chance to look at people differently and also meet other 4-H'ers," she said.
Brandon said she thought the conference was an exciting experience. "It was fun to meet other 4-H'ers and realize we're all different type of people, but we're still the same."
Morris said she enjoyed her trip to Kansas City. "I really enjoyed the fun workshops, service learning activities and my tour of Farmland Industries," she said. "I met a lot of people from other states who will be friends forever. I'm glad 4-H has trips available to us because they are a great learning experience."
Corporate sponsors of the conference were Farmland Industries and Bayer Corporation. Both companies opened their doors to delegates for educational tours and the opportunity to learn about their respective businesses.
Delegates took part in activities such as working with day care and senior meals at the Guadalupe Community Center and sorting materials for shelters at Harvesters Food Distribution Bank. Ethnic Enrichment Night was a special event designed to introduce conference delegates to other cultures.
"About 20 different countries were represented at this event," Terry said. "Everyone had the chance to sample foods from various areas as well as buy souvenirs representing places all over the world."
This leadership conference is designed to emphasize that society is changing and becoming more diverse.
Through all of the special events planned, 4-H'ers were exposed to people, situations and opportunities they may not ever have had. "It's events like this that contribute to the personal growth of 4-H club members, who in turn continue to 'make the best better,'" Terry said.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults who are divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the group is not a dating service.
Interested persons may call Betty, 762-9776, or Dorothy, 765-1403, for more information.
Sunday, April 26: 6:30 p.m. Discussion Group meets at the First Presbyterian Church for lesson two of "Boundaries."
Monday, April 27: 6 p.m. eat out at Blimpie's.
Tuesday, April 28: 7 p.m., VCR party at Dorothy's. Bring snacks. Call 765-1403.
Thursday, April 30: 6 p.m., Meet at Pecan Place Clubhouse for potato
bar. Bring salads, desserts or toppings. Card party afterward, Call Dorothy.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTONNews Sports Editor
You never say never and you never say "for sure," when talking about the tie-breaker formula set up by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association in determining the football and soccer playoffs.
That said, it appears the Wildcat soccer team - with much help from their friends - rode a 4-0 victory over Stillwater here Friday night into the first round of the state playoffs.
That win left the Poncans 1-2 in District 7 play, tied with Enid and Stillwater for second place, behind Edmond Memorial, which went 3-0 in the district. Since those three teams had beaten each other, that meant the tie breaker would depend on marginal points - the difference in the scores in the four district games.
According to Ed Sheakley of the OSSAA, the most marginal points a team can receive or lose is four. Each team gets plus points for a win and minus points for a loss.
In order, Ponca City lost 2-1 to Enid and 5-1 to Edmond Memorial before blitzing Stillwater for the maximum points. That left the Wildcats with minus one-point in the marginal system.
Enid, after edging the Wildcats, stumbled to Stillwater 3-2 in overtime and then lost 2-0 to Memorial. That left the Plainsmen with minus two points.
Stillwater had too far to climb after opening with a 5-0 setback at the hands of Memorial. The Pioneers clipped Enid, but then fell hard to Ponca City to finish with minus seven points.
The Wildcat knew going in a win by more than three goals would put them in the playoffs despite a lackluster 2-11 record.
The Poncans struck early with a pair of goals by senior Eddie Mora and one by Murat Ozdemir for a 3-0 halftime lead.
Continuing to play good defense, the Poncans limited the Pioneer's chances at scoring and Brett Skaggs put in the deciding goal midway through the final half.
The Wildcat didn't know it - going under the assumption that the marginal limit was three - but Skaggs' goal, a header from in front of the Stillwater net, was much needed.
Or maybe it was the fact the Cats were not shutout in either of the two previous matches.
Either way it was a win, and a post season bid, that coach Geoff Morrison felt his team earned.
"The kids played really hard tonight," the first-year coach said. "All the things (assistant) coach Larry Harding and I have been trying to teach came together. The kids deserved this."
Friday night's output was the best offensive game the Wildcats have had all season.
The Cats' foe for the first round of the playoffs will be determined Monday by the Association.
That match is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 5.
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
GUTHRIE - The Ponca City Wildcat baseballers may have picked the wrong time to start winning.
The Cats (14-18) won their third straight game of the Guthrie Tournament on Friday, run-ruling Bishop McGuinness, 12-3, to launch into the finals, scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday.
Trouble is, someone scheduled the prom for Saturday at 7.
And that has thrown the proverbial monkey wrench into everyone's plans. What's a team to do?
"There isn't a person on this team who didn't want to play," said senior Chris Koenig. "It was a really hard decision."
That decision was to forgo making a serious bid for the championship. So coach Roydon Tilley and the junior varsity team will travel to Guthrie to take on likely contender Stillwater.
"They're all I've got. We'll do the best we can," said Tilley, admittedly disappointed at his team's decision.
Friday, the Cats made life rough on the Fighting Irish, 3-1 winners over Stillwater on Thursday. The Wildcats - who have now won six of their last seven games - pounded out eight hits against three Irish pitchers and capitalized on five errors to get the easy win. Justin Thomas hit his fourth home run of the tournament, a 3 RBI blast to tie the game in the third inning. One inning later, Toby Red Leaf socked a grand slam, and from there, the Poncans ran away with the game.
Jay Bentley (4-4) pitched all five innings to pick up the win, walking four while striking out eight.
It was the Irish bolting to the first inning lead, however.
Consecutive walks to the first two Irish batters brought up four hole hitter Matt Harris, who slapped a 3-RBI home run to put the Irish on the board.
After two fruitless at-bats for the Cats, lead off hitter Jerrod Spears finally got things rolling with a double to start the third. Koenig then got hit by a pitch for the fourth time in three games, and Thomas came through with another towering shot over wall to tie the game.
Three up and three down by McGuinness then brought the Cats up again, where four hits and three Irish errors led to nine more runs for the Poncans.
Nine-hole hitter Daniel Denny and Spears started off with consecutive singles, with Koenig sending in the first run with a sacrifice bunt. Thomas - who hasn't made many friends among tournament pitchers - was then hit by a pitch, and following a walk by Michael Quick, Red Leaf unloaded for the base-draining grand slam.
Seemingly shook up by the sudden change on the scoreboard, the Irish then committed a rash of errors. Bentley reached on an error, advanced on a walk, left fielder Marc Smith drew a walk, and first baseman Dean Hemenway then reached on another error to load the bases. Denny then drew an RBI walk, Spears drove in another run after an Irish error, and Koenig ended the scoring assault with an RBI on a fielders' choice.
That effectively ended the game, as Bentley struck out the side to close the fourth inning, and struck out two of three to end the game in the bottom of the fifth.
For the game, Spears was 2-for-5 with an RBI, while Thomas was 2-for-3 with a home run and 3 RBIs.
"They played real well," Tilley said.
The Wildcat junior varsity, should they win Saturday, would be out-right champions. A loss would require a second game to be played immediately following, with the winner of that game taking the title.
The Cats also play on Monday, at home, taking on Enid.
Ponca City 12, Bishop McGuinness 3
Ponca City 003 90 - 12 8 1
McGuinness 300 00 - 3 2 5
Bentley and Spears; Parker, McElvaney (4), Tobin, and Harris.
CHOCTAW - Ponca City's track teams got a look at the site of this year's Class 5A state track meet and a taste of what it was like to go against a state-like field of teams.
"Everybody, and I mean everybody, who is any good was there," Wildcat coach Terry Henderson said. The coach, not pleased with the Poncans point-total, did note the Cats, both boys and girls, are just a step away from being competitive with some of the state's top squads.
"The weather wasn't the best and the field was extremely tough, but the kids found out with just a little work in the next two weeks, we can run with these teams."
They get a chance to test Henderson's theory in the Frontier Conference meet next Saturday and in the regional meet May 9 at Bartlesville.
The regional field includes Bartlesville, Broken Arrow, Enid, Muskogee, Owasso, Sand Springs, Tulsa Hale, Sand Springs and Ponca City.
"BA and Muskogee are very tough in the boys' events and Bartlesville and Hale have two of the best girls' teams in the state," Henderson said.
Still running short-handed because of injuries and conflicting events, Henderson says his thinclads are now starting to believe they can compete with the strong teams.
"We went without Paul Paschal, who is bothered by a ham string, in the boys' 3200-meter relay but Scott Larrison, Chris Buck, Daniel Wages and Nathan Zimmerman, did pretty well considering the field.
"The girls' 3200 relay, Laura Chaney, Stephanie Bodenstein. Mary Metzger and Jane Koster ran well. They are starting to get close to the time they need to qualify in the regional."
The boys' sprint relay team of Deandra Dewberry, Larrison, Jamel Williams and Anthony Tillman, was a new lineup for the Cats, but came through with the best time of the season, the coach said.
The boys' 1600 relay team, Tillman, Dewberry, Buck and Zimmerman posted a 3:41 timing.
In the individual events, the highlight performers for the girls were Karen Meherg in the 200, Metzger in the mile (6:48), Koster in the 400, Tammy Banks in the 400, Chaney in the 800 and Carol Stangeland in the 3200.
Herman pointed to Chris Correll in the mile and Williams in the 400 for the boys.
Mid High Tennis
Ponca City 10, Wichita Collegiate 10
singles
1 - Josh Pitts lost to Sullivan, 5-8
2 - Mark Parsons lost to Smith, 3-8
3 - Trevor Viljoen def. Milsapp, 8-1
4 - Michael Stuemky lost to Paxton, 6-8
5 - Squire Lawrence lost to O'Shaughnessy, 4-8
6 - Shane Samples def. Henderson, 8-2
7 - Matt Caine def. Moore, 8-5
8 - James Cullin lost to Shah, 4-8
9 - Thomas Quillin lost to Alter, 1-8
10 - Nick Hartman def. Diego, 8-1
11 - Terry Pappan def. Zafar, 8-3
12 - Ronnie Schooley def. Mitchell, 8-6
13 - Levi Branson lost to McCarren, 6-8
14 - James Cullin lost to Chang, 8-2
doubles
1 - Pitts-Viljoen def. Sullivan-Smith, 8-5
2 - Stuemky-Samples def. Milsapp-Paxton, 8-1
3 - Parsons-Lawrence def. O'Shaughnessy-Henderson, 8-2
4 - Caine-Quillin lost to Moore-Shah, 5-8
5 - Hartman-Pappan lost to Alter-Diego, 0-8
6 - Schooley-Branson lost to Zafar-Mitchell, 4-6
Winfield Invitational
Ponca City Red, 2nd place
April 23
No. 1 singles - Mark Parsons, 4th
lost to W. Coll, 1-6
def. Ark City, 6-0
def. Winfield, 6-2
lost to Independence, 5-8
No. 2 singles - Squire Lawrence, 1st
def. Goddard, 6-3
def. Winfield, 7-5
def. Stillwater, 8-6
No. 1 doubles - Stuemky-Samples, 4th
def. Wellington, 6-0
lost to Winfield, 3-6
def. Independence, 6-0
lost to Stillwater, 6-8
No. 2 doubles - Viljoen-Caine, 2nd
def. P.C. Blue, 6-0
def. Goddard, 6-4
lost to Winfield, 4-8
Applications are now being accepted for summer Wildcat Basketball Camps. Three camps are offered, a Basic Fundamental Camp (June 8-11, grades 3-9), an Advance Fundamental Camp (June 1-4, grades 5-9), and a Guard-Post Shooting Camp (July 7-9, grades 3-12).
All camps will held on the Po-Hi campus, and are under the direction of boys head coach Ron Arthur. High school and junior high coaches, as well as former and current Wildcat players will be assisting in the Camps.
Advanced and Basic Fundamental Camps are $70 per child, while Shooting Camp is $45 per child. Cost includes instruction, a t-shirt, a certificate of participation and a basketball. A $15 discount is available to those attending multiple camps or to those with more than one camper attending.
Application and payment are due one week before the camps begin. Applications have been distributed to all grade schools and are available at both the Jocks Nitch and P.C. Sports.
Additional questions may be directed to Ron Arthur, at 767-1016.
The 21st annual the Hershey Track and Field Youth Program meet will be held. Saturday May 9 starting 8 a.m. at Sullins Stadium.
All boys and girls between the ages of 9 and14 must pre-register. The registration form must havve attached a copy of your birth certificate/legal document stating your birthdate. Registration forms are available at all Ponca City schools, local sporting good stores, Ponca City Library and at the Parks and Recreation Department.
Deadline for entries is Wednesday, May 6. All forms are top be rfeturned to to the Parks and Recreation Department at 905 West Hartford. Office hours are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m., a drop box is available in front of the office.
On the back side of the registration form, there is a sign up for parents to volunteer with the track meet. For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 767-0432.
Even with one player knocked out of action after being hit by a golf ball, the Ponca City Mid-High's girls golf team finished seventh in the 25-team Cushing Invitational Thursday.
The Lady Cougars finished with a 407 total after one player, Laura Murray, was hit on the ankle by an errant shot and could not finish the round.
Chris Rutledge lead the Ponca City scoring with a 91, good for sixth place in the medalist listing, Errin Rutherford posted a 98 while Tera Schooley had 105 and Jessica Hubbard 113.
Edmond North won the tournament title with a 376 total with Seminole second at 381. Edmond Memorial had 398, Enid Emerson 402 while Cushing and Pryor tied at 404 in front of the Poncans.
The Ponca City girls head for the Enid Invitational Friday to test their talent against another strong field.
The Tulsa Walking Club will be sponsoring a 5- or 10-K Volkswalk Event (credit only) in Ponca City, June 20, with a start time from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. The walk will start in the parking lot of the Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church.
This non-competitive event will go past a number of Ponca City sites, is open to the public and is an excellent activity for families. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please contact Linda Woodard (918) 747-4493, Dorothy
Brown (918) 437-8404, or Frank Sober (918) 481-1718.