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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, April 4, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALRainy Visit LettersRainy VisitA friend and I flew into the airport restaurant last Thursday evening for dinner. Thinking that we would be back en route to Pryor before the weather changed, caught us having to make other arrangements. Spending time at the terminal building, watching the weather channel and talking to Flight Service on the phone, convinced us that we would wait until this batch of weather passed. But pass it did not do. The attendant at the Airline Desk called the FBO, who was closed, I might add and arranged for me to get my airplane into a hanger. To make a long story short, we ended up here until Sunday afternoon. I just wanted to thank everyone in Ponca City that we meet for a most enjoyable time, from the Hertz Rental Car Company, Bowling Alley, Rusty Barrell Super Club, Holiday Inn, Heroes, El Chico’s and Sonny at Greenwood Aviation. I couldn’t have picked a nicer town to be weathered in for four days. Who says there aren’t nice folks out there. Maybe they should visit Ponca City! Dianah Cummings Airport Manager & FBO AbuvClouds Aviation MidAmerica Industrial Airport Pryor Creek, OK Reese Is a ‘Riot’We subscribed to your newspaper several months ago and enjoy getting all the local news. We particularly enjoy the humor columns that you often include. Dave Barry is a favorite that we have been reading for years, but this Charley Reese fellow is truly hilarious. We must admit that initially we believed Charley was just a vicious hate-monger (which, of course, no self-respecting newspaper would print), but then we realized that he is just presenting a parody of the good-old-boy mentality similar to Jeff “You Know You’re a Redneck” Foxworthy. He has advocated murder to save money “bullets are cheaper than welfare,” suppression of women “the stronger will whip the weaker” and a gun-happy society. We are really looking forward to his columns that are anti-gay, anti-Jew, anti-black and anti-“Redskin,” that should really tickle the funny bone of all the local Native Americans. We are somewhat concerned that there may be a few people out there that actually take this great humorist seriously, and would like to suggest that perhaps you can place his column under a Humor heading, or use a disclaimer that he is just a raving bigot. Keep up the good work, Wendell Hendricks Karen McCall Kaw City Thanks to Alert PoliceI want to commend our Ponca City Police Department on their alertness while checking behind Ponca Plaza during the evening of March 21. While cruising, they spotted two youths in the back doors who were trying to break in. I was called because my business was involved. The two youths had been apprehended by the time I arrived. Thank you to two Ponca City Police officers. Don Crawford Thanks for HonestyI’m writing this in hopes of being able to say a big “Thank You” to the very kind, caring and honest person who turned in my billfold and keys intact to Hastings Books and Video. Also thanks to Hastings for keeping it and calling me. Praise God, there are still some people who care about others. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me. I’m a firm believer that the good we do for others will come back to us 100-fold. I pray God’s blessings be yours. Thanks again. Loretta Lawson Ramps AppreciatedWestminster residents who enjoy walking to Memorial Park on the corner of Hartford and Academy Road would like to thank the city ... for making it possible to rest on the benches and check on the ant trails. The ramps recently cut make it much easier for us to roll our man-powered “vehicles” over the cubs and enjoy the fresh air. We do appreciate the concern of the commissioners for the well being of Ponca City citizens. This really is a great place to live. Margaret Collins Westminster Resident Other EditorsHe Is RisenMany of us are looking forward to Jan. 1, 2000 (or, more correctly, Jan. 1, 2001) as the beginning of the next millennium without thinking too hard about the significance of that date. Sure, 2000 (2001) is exciting, but what happened almost 2,000 years ago is even more exciting and has led us to count the years as we do today. Whatever your religious persuasion or belief, it is impossible to deny that we count the days since Jesus Christ of Nazareth walked the earth. All of the modern world accepts the dating (if not the person who we honor with the tally). But for all of Christendom, today is a special day. This is the day set aside to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Some may not accept his death, burial and resurrection but it would take a hard heart to not appreciate the lesson of love that was exhibited when Jesus gave his life so others might live. Many will observe today as a holy day. Others as a family day, and others as a day off. Others will work. But all will know it is Easter, and hopefully will appreciate the message the day brings. FLJ OU Ballet Company To Perform in PawhuskaPAWHUSKA — The Osage Tribe of Oklahoma has announce its sponsorship of the performance of the Oklahoma Festival Ballet, the classical ballet company of the University of Oklahoma, Friday, April 23 at the Constantine Center in Pawhuska. The company enjoys a distinguished national reputation and performs not only across the state of Oklahoma but around the world. Previous international tours have taken Oklahoma Festival Ballet to France three times, as well as to Mexico, Ecuador, and Taiwan. “We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to perform in Pawhuska,” said Mary Margaret Holt, director of the School of Dance. “An important part of our mission as a School is to provide performances of exceptional quality across the state of Oklahoma. Previous tours have taken us to towns like Woodward, Lawton, Duncan, Ponca City, and Tulsa. We’re delighted to add Pawhuska to that list.” The University of Oklahoma is considered one of the top three schools in the nation for training in dance, attracting serious young dancers from across the country to study ballet in Norman, Oklahoma. From this elite group members of Oklahoma Festival Ballet are chosen by audition. “We’re very happy to welcome Oklahoma Festival Ballet,” said Charles O. Tillman, principal chief of the Osage Tribe. Tillman said the company has extended its hand in friendship to the Osage Tribe as well as the community. “It is my hope this performance will generate interest for our young people in the performing arts. I believe this is the first for this area, and I sincerely hope the community will support this endeavor.” The performance at the Constantine Center opens with “Balletudes,” a tribute to the beauty, strength, and skill of classical ballet. Set to Czerny’s well known etudes, the piece takes the viewer through the basic steps of classical ballet, making it the perfect introduction for those who have never attended a ballet before. The program continues with the “Nostalgia Pas de Deux,” an elegant and flirtatious duet for a couple in evening clothes, set to jazz tunes by Fats Waller. Other works to be performed include Aaron Copeland’s high spirited “Tender Land Suite,” with original choreography by Mary Margaret Holt, and the “Pas de Quatre,” a ballet first performed for Queen Victoria by the four greatest ballerinas of the 19th century. During this Oklahoma School of Dance visit, names of the five Oklahoma prima ballerinas will also be announced and honored. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and for more information on how to obtain tickets and costs, please notify Richard Luttrell or Julie Standing Bear, at 918-287-2773. School MenusElementary Breakfast Monday — Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuit and gravy or cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Waffles/bacon or cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk. Elementary Lunch Monday — Cheeseburger or beef taquito lettuce leaf and tomato slice, fresh fruit, tatter tots, saltine crackers, dill spears, oreo cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, juice and milk. Tuesday — Taco snack burrito or steak fingers with hot roll, potatoes and gravy, fresh carrots with ranch dressing, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, juice and milk. Wednesday — Frito pie or pizza pockets, fresh fruit, lettuce salad, Mexican rice, saltine crackers, dill spears, Curious George fruit snack, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Thursday — Macaroni and cheese with hot roll or ham and cheese hot pocket, green beans, apricots, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Friday — Chicken ringers with hot roll or hoagie fish with bun, mashed potatoes and gravy, rosey diced pears, saltine crackers, dill spears, chocolate chip cookie or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Middle School Breakfast Monday — Biscuit/egg/sausage or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Pancake/bacon or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Biscuit, egg, sausage or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Breakfast burrito or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Cinnamon rolls or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Middle School Lunch Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Domino’s Pizza. Monday — Cheeseburger/bun lettuce/tomato/onion, peaches, french fries, saltine crackers, dill spears, oreo cookies, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk. Tuesday — Steak finger with hot bun, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Wednesday — Frito pie and cheese, lettuce and tomato salad, corn, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, Curious George fruit snacks, or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate, potato bar, juice and milk. Thursday — Ham and cheese hot pocket, green beans, apricots, baked beans, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Friday — Chicken ringer with hot roll or fish with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, chocolate chip cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar juice and milk. Mid-High Breakfast Monday — Scrambled egg, toast and tots or donuts or cereal, orange juice and milk. Tuesday — Pancakes with sausage or ham/egg/cheese biscuit or cereal, orange juice and milk. Wednesday — Assorted muffins or biscuits and gravy or cereal, orange juice and milk. Thursday — Breakfast burrito with tots, or cinnamon rolls or cereal, orange juice and milk. Friday — donuts or ham/egg/cheese biscuit or cereal, orange juice and milk. Mid-High Lunch Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway. Monday — Beef taquito, mixed fruit or lettuce and tomato salad with ranch or Mexican rice or, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk. Tuesday — Steak finger with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Wednesday — Pizza pockets, fresh fruit or broccoli with cheese sauce, saltine cracker, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Thursday — Macaroni and cheese with hot roll, green beans or mixed fruit or salad, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Friday — Chicken ringers with hot roll or hoagie fish with bun, mashed potatoes and gravy or rosey diced pears or chocolate chip cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads diet plate or pasta 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 Inn and Subway. 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, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Tuesday — Steak fingers with hot roll, potatoes and gravy, broccoli with cheese sauce, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Wednesday — Indian tacos, Mexi beans, Mexican rice, jalapeno, sour cream and salsa, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Friday — Queso nachos or meat/cheese nachos, refried beans, Jello, Santa Fe rice, seasonal fruits, juice and milk. McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — Breakfast burritos, juice and milk. Tuesday — Ham/egg/cheese burrito, juice and milk. Wednesday — Biscuit and gravy, juice and milk. Thursday — Cinnamon toast, juice and milk Friday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk. Lunch Monday — Spaghetti and beef, french bread, sliced carrots, applesauce and milk. Tuesday — Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, green peas, diced pears, hot roll and milk. Wednesday — Sloppy joe, green beans, mixed fruit, tator tots and milk. Thursday — Corn dog, french fries, pineapple chunks, carrot sticks and milk. Friday — Peanut butter and jelly, fries, cheese stick, cookie and milk. Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Savory swiss steak, teriyaki chicken or baked lasagna, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. Wednesday — Beef stew, almond chicken or pork stir fry, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. Thursday — Beef enchilada, chicken cordon bleu’ or barbecue ribs, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. The cafeteria is open to the public from 11:15 a.m. to noon. School CalendarPo-Hi April 5 Girls’ golf at Enid-Meadowlake, 9 a.m. Junior varsity boys’ golf at Cushing Invitational, 9 a.m. Ponca City Junior Varsity tennis tournament, 10 a.m. Sophomore baseball vs. Tulsa Union at Po-Hi, 4:30 p.m. Junior varsity baseball at Tulsa Union, 4:30 p.m. Drill team tryout clinic at Robson Field House, 5:30 p.m. Oklahoma State University (OSU) Alumni Association board of directors meeting in Po-Hi Commons, at 6:30 p.m. April 6 O.S.U. representative for junior visit in Howell Auditorium, at 10 a.m. Varsity boys’ tennis at Arkansas City, at 10 a.m. National Honor Society meeting at Assembly Center, 11 a.m. Junior varsity baseball, 4 p.m. at Stillwater. Soccer, varsity and junior varsity boys and girls at Stillwater, at 4:30 p.m. Boys’ baseball against Stillwater, 5 p.m. at Po-Hi. Drill team tryout clinic in Robson Field House, at 5:30 p.m. Orchestras in review at Hutchins Auditorium, at 7 p.m. April 7 Girls’ golf at Blackwell, 9 a.m. Varsity boys and girls tennis at Casady School, in Oklahoma City, at 3 p.m. Drill team tryout clinic at Robson Field House, at 5:30 p.m. April 8 Faculty meeting, at Assembly Center, at 7 a.m. Junior varsity boys and girls tennis, at Bartlesville, at 8 a.m. BLT meeting at Assembly Center at 3:30 p.m. Drill team tryout clinic, at Robson Field House, 5:30 p.m. State Choral Contest, at Tulsa. Time to be announced. Drama/debate State tournament at University of Oklahoma (OU). Time to be announced. Junior varsity baseball at Broken Arrow Tournament. Time to be announced. Varsity baseball at Wildcat Classic. Time will be announced. April 9 Varsity girls’ tennis, 8 a.m. at Sapulpa. Varsity boys and girls Soccer vs. Muskogee, Sullins Stadium, at 5 p.m. Drill team tryout clinic, at Robson Field House, 5:30 p.m. “Third Half” soccer in Commons, at 10 p.m. Drama/Debate state tournament at O.U., time to be announced. April 10 ACT testing at the Math and Science Building, at 7:30 a.m. Varsity boys tennis at Sapulpa, at 8 a.m. Drama/debate state tournament at O.U., time to be announced. Redbud Jazz Festival at Northern Oklahoma College, time to be announced. Ponca Tribe Sets Public HearingThe Ponca Tribe will conduct a public hearing on April 8, to discuss a grant proposal application to assist with renovations to the tribal cultural center and construction of a new child care facility. The meeting will be held in the Jules Valdez Social Services Building at White Eagle Indian Community, five miles south of Ponca City on U.S. 177, at noon. The purpose of the public hearing will be to solicit community input on the content of the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) application. The application will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before May 10. In addition to the renovation of the tribal cultural center and construction of a new child care facility, the proposal will include renovation of ten Indian homes. All interested community members are urged to attend this meeting. For information, contact Steve L. Pensoneau at 580-763-0120. Facing the Future of Ponca CityBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series addressing the change within the community and the future of Ponca City. It happens every day, to everyone, everywhere and whether a person likes it or not “change” is a daily part of life. From the wealthy, powerful, prosperous oil “boom” days to the disturbing, depressing, downsizing oil slump “doom days,” within the last century Ponca City has experienced the tumultuous tides of change. The current wave of change sweeping over the city may be a topic of discussion and debate among small circles, but is rarely a chosen public conversational piece. However there are those that have and are willing to recognize the problems, address the issues, and suggest solutions for the future of Ponca City, its citizens and the community at large. “Ponca City is really microscopic of what is happening in the nation,” Mayor Tom Leonard says. “In the past we have been much too dependent on Conoco as an employer of first resort and patron of the community. Our economical base and middle class working population is declining and so our population is getting smaller and smaller. We are now facing the same problems every other community is facing.” The mayor is well aware that the first step in solving problems is recognizing they exist. “Problems become more of a problem when they are denied or ignored, Leonard says. “We need to take action which will help restore the economical and cultural balance in our community. We need to think like our forefathers did and determine what the future may be like and what we can do to leave a legacy for those in the next 100 years.” Identifying obstacles and the method in which to overcome those obstacles is easy for a man who has made “managing” his career. “There are a lot of things this community needs and more economical and social diversification is one,” says General Manager of Conoco’s Mid-Continent Unit Richard Severance. In addition, both the mayor and Severance, see the key issues facing the future of Ponca City as population growth, quality education, social and ethnic inclusion. “It is time for us to realize that the Hispanic population is growing and that they are a mobile, trainable work force — which should be viewed as a positive. We need to be more open to others.” The mayor sees technology as an possible threat to the community. “It is a shame what has happened to society as people spend more time in front of a television,” Leonard says. “This has prevented us from attaining our potential as a community. We need to reach out from our own preoccupation with daily life and focus on what is happening around us and to our community.” In agreement, Severance also views community cooperation as a link to a successful future for Ponca City. “We need to get people on the same page and looking forward instead of those that who like it the way that it was 10 or 15 years ago and want to keep it that way, “Severance says. “That is not reality and we need to get over that notion and decide what kind of community we want and — with a coordinated effort — make it happen.” As Severance sees it there is only one direction that is synonymous with and necessary for the future — forward. “We can’t simply sit back and remember how Ponca City was, but we have got to continuously be moving forward. The worst thing you can do is say things are good and fine so lets not rock the boat — that is real death for a community,” Severance says. “We need to find a way for Ponca City to grow towards the future and we need the community to come together, to work together, and to set goals as to where we want to be in five to ten years. Then we need to accomplish those goals.” Growth is seen as another key to Ponca City’s future. “One way to measure progress is by population. An increase in population says a lot about a community, its jobs, its education, its housing,” Severance says. “The most important issue is how to get the community growing in terms of population. You grow by having a broader economic base and an attractive educational system. Next: The issues facing the economic future of Ponca City. ‘SMART’ Camp Deadline ResetPonca City public schools announced that the registration deadline for “SMART” Summer School has been extended. Students can now register until May 1, for the four-week program. SMART Summer Camp will be held at Union Elementary School, 2617 North Union Street, from June 7 through July 2. This day long, four week camp will focus on math, the arts, reading and technology. Students will enjoy thematic units of study, learn to use technology, enrich their basic skills, sing, create art projects, share books and play organized games. Enrollment will be held at the Central Administration Center, 111 West Grand Avenue, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until May 1. A $50 deposit is required at enrollment. Remaining tuition must be paid by the first day of summer school. Tuition for the camp is based on a sliding scale with scholarships available for those who qualify. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Jean Hastings, Union Elementary principal, at 767-8035. Area Republicans Split on Insurance IssueBy RALPH SEWELL News Capitol Bureau OKLAHOMA CITY — Republicans split last week when the House voted 75-24 on SB 2, to require employer-funded group health insurance cover some mental as well as other ailments. Ponca-area legislators split their votes, too. Of the 40 House Republicans, 23 voted against the bill, including Ponca Rep. Jim Newport and Rep. Jim Reese of Nardin. Rep. Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, was one of 17 Republicans who joined the majority vote. Rep. Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, also voted for the bill. Newport and Reese both said employers in their districts had voiced concerns about legislative mandates which increase their insurance costs. Reese added one employer said he may have to drop health coverage if his costs get out of hand. When the bill passed the Senate 33 to 15 earlier, Sens. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, and J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax voted yes. The Senate vote was mostly along party lines. One Democrat voted with the Republican minority; a Republican voted with the Democrats. SB 2 is the bill the governor has threatened to veto unless legislators make it acceptable to him. He’s concerned about how mandating such coverage may affect employer costs. The title is off the bill, which leaves room for more negotiations. Ponca-area representatives also were divided over SB 323, authored by Muegge, when it passed the House 82-16. That bill would allow a terminating state employee to donate any unused sick leave to another state employee. Muegge had explained to senators it would help ailing state workers who had used up all accumulated sick leave. Again, Ferguson and Sweeden voted for Muegge’s bill while Newport and Reese voted against. Reese wondered if it’s wise to let a state employee make a decision that will wind up as a bill the public will pay. HB 1212, to ban use of unmarked police cars for traffic control, went to the governor on a 85-12 House vote after a long debate over Senate amendments. Senate changes would require such cars use concealed flashing lights and be manned by uniformed officers when chasing or stopping a vehicle. Foes claimed the change would nullify the main reason for the bill. The author, who was trying to protect women drivers from being stopped and victimized by phony cops, said he wasn’t too happy but thought it was the best he could get. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted for final passage. Sweeden voted no. HB 1147 passed the Senate 35-10, but the title is off the bill — meaning more discussion on telephone solicitation lies ahead. For the public, the main point of the bill probably is that the solicitor must first say: “This is a telephone solicitation call. If you would like to hang up, please do so now.” Muegge and Harrison voted yes. March 25 ended committee review of bills voted by the opposite house. Except for appropriation bills, floor consideration of those bills must be done by April 15. After that, each house will consider changes made by the other, and try to reconcile differences. Funding bills are not subject to deadlines. When this session started, senators had filed 832 measures. Committee culling and floor debate cut that number to 146 for the House to consider. House members had filed 864 bills. Some 242 were on the calendar when senators met last Monday for a 3-day week. Here’s what happened to some of those bills last week and how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted: *SB 493, passed the House 79-17 and has gone to the governor. It defines various kinds of child care facilities. Group homes and large family child care home are said to be those caring from 5 to 12 children. It doesn’t mean juvenile intervention centers. Ponca-area representatives voted yes. *SB 500 failed 38-62. It would have removed a provision from present law that a person the military had dishonorably discharged cannot be licensed to work in the alarm industry. Reese and Ferguson voted for; Newport and Sweeden against. *SB 473 would enlarge the bogus check definition to include checks given as payment for child support, to pay wages or to pay for services. It passed 98-1. A House amendment also made it cover bad checks for buying a car. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweden voted yes. *SB 644 , which passed the House unanimously, would let restaurants count the cost of employees’ hepatitis tests as a tax credit. *SB 182 also passed the House unanimously. It would exempt members of the military or national guard from taking hunter safety courses. *SB 336, which passed the House 80-19, would encourage better rural housing. Subject to local voter approval, it would authorize cities to issue special obligation bonds. Ponca-are representatives voted yes. *SB 43 naming the third Friday in September “POW-MIA Recognition Day,” passed the House unanimously. *SB 684 passed the House 84-14. It would tighten law on professional fund solicitors for charitable groups by making them register with the state each year. Ponca-area representatives voted yes. *SB 233, which passed 678-30, requires the 7 members of Oklahoma’s Aeronautics and Space Commission live in the district they represent. It also requires members be confirmed by the Senate. Sweeden voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson no. *SB 234 passed the House 71-26. It seeks to discourage speed traps set up by small cities on state highways, which have the main purpose of raising revenue. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Sweeden no. *HB 1066, as amended by the Senate, was passed by the House 97-0 and sent to the governor. It would transfer responsibility of running the food stamp program from county commissioners to the Department of Human Services. Ponca-area representatives voted yes. *HB 1381 passed the Senate 40-3. It provides a priority list of kin which may advise a doctor not to resuscitate a terminally ill patient who cannot speak for himself, but noting requires a doctor to take that advice. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. *HB 1176, passed 43-0 by the Senate, would give school boards the right to designate how money from vending machines of school pictures will be used. A Senate change sent the bill back to the House. Ponca-area senators voted yes. *HB 1054, which passed the Senate 29-6, would require Medicaid cover all children up to age 18. The present age is 6. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. *HB 1014 passed the Senate 36-0. It would require courts to pay for interpreters for the deaf when such testimony is needed. the bill is to remedy a situation where a judge required a deaf person to pay the interpreter. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. *HB 1136, which the Senate passed 38-0, would require state bureaus that issue emergency orders also estimate the costs and benefits from those affected by the rule. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. *SB 366 passed the House 97-0. It creates a technology advisory board made u by members of State Regents for Higher Education, the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Science and Technology. Its mission: to promote development of partnerships with private technology industries to bring such industries to Oklahoma. Ponca-area representatives voted yes. *SB 622, to require all nursing home aides to be trained and certified by the state by 2004, passed the House 85-16. The Senate again will review the bill. The Senate specified the change effective in 2001. Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Newport no. *SB 751 passed the House 91-9 after being amended. As amended, the bill reflects competing interests of trial lawyers and the medical profession. The Oklahoma Hospital Association said as the Senate approved the bill, it gave an advantage to trial lawyers in malpractice suits. The House made another change: It would put a lid of 25 percent on fees charged by the plaintiff’s lawyer. The title’s off the bill. Ponca-area representatives voted yes. *SB 627 passed the House unanimously after being amended. It would allow the courts to modify driver license suspension orders under some limited hardship conditions. *SB 462 failed in the House, 48-51, but may be reconsidered. It would let the local authority fix speed limits for school outside city jurisdiction at 25 miles an hour or at not more than 20 miles below the posted limit for the road. Sweeden voted yes; other Ponca-area representatives no. *SB 600, to transfer boxing control from the state labor commissioner to an independent board passed the House 65-36, but the title’s off the bill, so the fight’s not over. The author said labor department rules are so strict, the sport is almost non-existent in Oklahoma. Newport, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Reese no. *HB 1210 would require that health insurance policies issued after this year include prostate cancer screening for men 50 and older. It passed the Senate 29-10, but must go back to the House because of Senate changes. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor. *HB 1268, which would charge $10 for vehicle safety inspections every two years, instead of $5 every year, passed the Senate 40-5. It will return to House because the Senate made changes. Muegge voted yes while Harrison missed the vote. City CalendarItems 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). Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street. Today AMBUCS 72nd annual Easter Egg Hunt, 2 p.m., Lake Ponca. Ponca Tribe Easter egg hunt, 1 p.m., sponsored by JOM; Ponca Tribe Shinny Games, 2 p.m., cookout at 5:30 p.m., White Eagle. Monday Church Women United Board Meeting to discuss plans for 50-year anniversary celebration, 9:30 a.m., St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh Street. Ponca City Board of Commission Work Session, 2 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35, U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, more information 765-3164. “Heart-to-Heart” Cardiac Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room C, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Tuesday City Commission election, polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. “Meet and Eat” RSVP Member Monthly Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Conoco Clubhouse, special music program by Union School Honor Choir, the Unionnaires, call RSVP office 762-9412 for reservations by noon April 5. Sleep Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room B, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Wednesday Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs, Mollie Bivin presenting “The Bivin Garden,” 9:30 a.m., Cann Center. Bingo, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Thursday Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway. Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’. April 8, 9 and 10 KLVV’s annual Sharathon Fund Raiser on 88.7 FM, call 767-1400 to volunteer or pledge. Friday Historic Preservation Panel, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue. Grand Senior Center Pitch Games, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Saturday Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under six free, proceeds to children and youth activities. United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City, Okla., Chapter, Health Fair, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Stillwater Community Center gymnasium, 8th Avenue and Duck Street, Stillwater. Rummage Sale, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, proceeds to Missions. April 11 Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 25 miles, leaders Randy and Linda Coffin, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman Statue, Ponca City. April 12 Kay County Retired Educators Association, Program “Special Health Care — Patients’ Rights,” by Karen Navarro, 11:30 a.m., First Methodist Church, 6th and Coolidge, Blackwell. Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, and Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. April 13 Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. April 14 Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. Special Music Performance by Matt Stolhand, gospel and a little bit country, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center. April 15 Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. The Plummer Family Country Music Show from Branson, Mo., 7:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, sponsored by Ponca City Noon Lions Club, ticket information 580-765-5676. April 16 Historic Preservation Panel Work Session, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue. Senior Center Monthly Birthday Bash and Oklahoma Trivia, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Friendship Feast Fund Raising Spaghetti Dinner, 4:30-7 p.m., First Christian Church fellowship hall, $6 adults, $3 children. April 17 Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 30 miles, 8 a.m., Pioneer Woman Statue. Lions Club Mobile Health Screening Unit, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Ponca City Wal-Mart Parking Lot, free health screening for visual acuity, hearing, glaucoma, diabetes, and blood pressure, sponsored by Ponca City Noon Lions Club. April 18 Lions Club Mobile Health Screening Unit, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Ponca City Wal-Mart Parking Lot, free health screening for visual acuity, hearing, glaucoma, diabetes, and blood pressure, sponsored by Ponca City Noon Lions Club. April 19 Ponca City Board of Commission Work Session, 2 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., Board Room, Stillwater Medical Center. April 20 Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, interested citizens encouraged to attend. Kaw Lake Association, noon, Golden Corral, 2300 North Fourteenth Street. Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60 and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome. April 21 Crafts for the Iris Festival, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. April 22 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. April 23 Finish Iris Festival Flowers/Crafts, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Seventh Annual Taste and Tasteless, Poncan Theatre. April 24 Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 35 miles, 8 a.m., Pioneer Woman Statue. April 26 Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, and Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. April 28 Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue. Senior Center Bingo, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Ponca City Main Street Authority Inc. Board, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street. April 30 Senior Center Pitch Games, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. April 30-May 1-2 11th Annual Ponca City Iris Festival April 30 1999 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. Ponca City Humane Society “A Fetchin’ Affair” Dinner, Dance and Mutt Strutt, 6:30 p.m., Moose Lodge, Tickets 580-767-8877. May 1 Ninth Annual Victorian Chocolate Festival, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Central Station, Fifth Street and East Central Avenue, sponsored by pro-teens, lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., chocolate and craft booths, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sixth Annual “Rhythm & Blooms” Amateur Talent Contest, 11 a.m., Center Stage, sponsored by Commercial Federal Bank and Ponca City Main Street Authority. Plants for Pleasure Sale & Free Tours of Cann Memorial Garden and Home, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., sponsored by Ponca City Garden Council, Cann Memorial Garden, Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue. “Lil’ Bloomers” Children Events, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Main Street Authority. H.G.H. Antique Car Museum, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 110 North Union Street. Demonstrations of Native American Art 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. “Trail of Tails” Dog Walk and Dachshund Race, 10 a.m., Seventh Street and East Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Humane Society. Children’s Hands-on Flower Planting Session, 10 a.m., Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Library. United Way Bed Race, Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, 10 a.m., more information 580-765-2476. Iris Garden Tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chalk Art Contest, Ages 1 to 100 invited, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, sponsored by the Ponca City Library. Matzene Art Collection Tour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Ponca City Library, Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Library. Fifth Annual Community Iris Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, sponsored by Southside Neighbors. Pioneer Porcelain Artists, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street. Retired Senior Volunteer Program Iris Post Card Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., RSVP Office, 110 North Fourth Street. Retired Senior Volunteer Program Petals & Lace and Sidewalk Plant Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., RSVP Office, 110 North Fourth Street. Eleventh Annual Iris Show, 1-4:30 p.m., Commercial Federal Bank lower level, sponsored by Northern Oklahoma Iris Society. Sky Shivers and the Sounds of the Southwest, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, sponsored by the Poncan Theatre Co., tickets available at the theater. May 2 Fifth Annual Community Iris Show, 1-4 p.m., Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, sponsored by Southside Neighbors. H.G.H. Antique Car Museum, 1-5 p.m., 110 North Union Street. Iris Garden Tours, 1-4 p.m., Inquire at Community Iris Show. May 1 Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 40 miles, 8 a.m., Pioneer Woman Statue. May 8 Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 45 miles, 8 a.m., leaders, Kevin Neustador and Patti Kanawisher, Osage Cove, joint ride and picnic. National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive, residents asked to place non-perishable food donations by their mailbox. May 14 Church Women United’s 50th Anniversary, May Friendship Day, 12:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City, tickets available through participating churches. May 14-15 World Impact Tour featuring Team Extreme (Friday) and GX Jam (Saturday), two shows, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, sponsored by area churches and KLVV 88.7 FM. Letter Carrier Food Drive Planned May 8Plans are under way to restock community food banks during the annual letter carrier’s food drive scheduled for May 8. The Ponca City Chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), working with the United States Postal Service, AFL-CIO and United Way, are coordinating the one-day drive to assist more than 30 million American men, women and children suffering hunger daily. The event is deliberately planned for a time of year when community food banks, shelters and pantries become bare as supplies donated during the holiday period are exhausted. Donations help fill the need for food distribution during the summer months. The drive is especially important for those children who are deprived of a good meal from the school lunch program. Before the letter carrier arrives on Saturday, May 8, consumers are asked to place non-perishable food by their mailboxes. Non-perishable items consist of canned goods including soup and canned meats, peanut butter, as well as toilet paper and soap. When the letter carrier delivers the mail, the items will be collected and taken back to the postal station. At the station, volunteers will be on hand to sort donations and help distribute them among nine Ponca City food banks. Several United Way agencies directly benefit from the NALC drive, according to Helene Schwartz, United Way executive director. More than 7,000 pounds were gathered by letter carriers in the Ponca City area, last year. Nationally, more than 1,400 NALC branches collected 62.5 million pounds of food along postal routes in some 10,000 cities and towns. This is the seventh year that United Way has joined in sponsorship of this project. Singles Group Sets Several April EventsSingles Connection began last October for area-wide fellowship for single adults. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide a safe environment where singles — whether by choice, by divorce, or by the death of a spouse — can gather for fellowship and support. The group has grown in numbers and has a wide variety of monthly activities. A new monthly event will be dinner out on the second Friday of each month. This month the group will meet on April 9 at 6 p.m. in the Lowe’s parking lot to travel for the Seafood Buffet at Smith’s Cafe in Newkirk. For beginning dancers only, country and western dance lessons will be held on Monday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion. On Tuesday, April 13, the group will meet for peel-and-eat shrimp in the lounge of the American Legion from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by free country western dance classes at the Rockin Horse from 7 to 9 p.m. Call Diane Beekman (765-7165) for more information or any questions about country dance lessons. A Rags or Riches party will be held at 1500 Blackard on Friday, April 16, at 7 p.m. This is a costume party. Dress according to your 1040 Tax return — if you paid Uncle Sam, come in Rags, if you got money back, come in Riches. If attending and your last name begins with A-H, bring a dessert; I-P, snacks; and Q-Z, a two-liter bottle of soda. For more information about this event please call Dee Coy (765-6732) or Pat Thomas (765-2045). Singles Connection will be joining forces with Conoco singles on Saturday, April 17, at 7 p.m. for a night of Bingo at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. On Friday, April 23, the group will gather at 6:15 p.m. at the corner of Second Street and East Grand Avenue prior to attending the annual Taste and Tasteless event at the Poncan Theatre. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. For more information about Singles Connection or any of the April events call Diane Beekman (765-7165), Dee Coy (765-6732) or Pat Thomas (765-2045). Teen Parenting Ed Program Continues Work in CommunityAs a teenage girl, facing pregnancy or raising a child can make receiving a high school diploma last on the list of priorities. Through the Teen Parenting Education Program (PEP), pregnant or parenting students can set and reach a goal of completing their high school education. Through this joint effort of Ponca City Schools and First Baptist Church, ninth through 12th grade students who are pregnant or have children are provided an opportunity to finish required classes to receive their high school diploma. In addition to their educational studies, they also receive information about prenatal care, childbirth, infant and child care and parenting skills. The program came about after a speech given to the Ponca City ministerial alliance by Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools. He spoke of a 100 percent dropout rate of teen mothers because of the lack of affordable childcare. First Baptist Church offered the facilities for classrooms to begin an alternative school and also offered licensed childcare for the program’s participants. Grant funding as well as donations from local businesses and organizations were procured to purchase equipment and classroom supplies. The new program began with the 1996-97 school year and had 24 students who participated. In the program’s second year, the class size grew to 32 students. In the third, and final year of the original grant funding, the program has served over 30 students. Ponca City Schools are currently seeking funding to continue the program. “This program is meeting a need in our community," said Barbara Davis, Program Coordinator. “It is important that we continue to provide this service so that teens who are pregnant can see a way of achieving an important goal of completing their high school education.” Kay County is ranked 24 out of 77 counties in Oklahoma for the number of births to teens. The Teen PEP Program is helping to address this large problem that our community is facing. The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Taskforce Committee which developed from the Youth Summit held in September 1998, is working to identify other services and programs that could be implemented in conjunction with this program. The taskforce committee as well as the Teen Pep Program encourages the community to become more aware of this issue that has reached epidemic proportions. If you are interested in volunteering to serve on the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Taskforce Committee, contact Michele Jean at 765-2476. The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Taskforce is one of six committees that are part of the Ponca City Alliance for Youth, sponsored by the United Way. If you have questions or need further information regarding the Teen Pep Program, contact Barbara Davis at 767-9560. Trumpet Fanfare Marks Easter at First LutheranA trumpet fanfare will mark the beginning of the festive Easter services at First Lutheran Church today, Easter Sunday. The church will be dark and bare just as worshipers left it on Good Friday. With the fanfare, the lights will be turned on, the music will begin, the altar area will be decorated with thousands of flowers, and the procession of choirs and clergy will take place. The resurrection theme will be brought out in the anthems of the choirs and handbell choir and the sermon by Pastor Tom Ramsey. The Christ’s Kids Choir will sing “We Welcome Glad Easter.” The Cantate Choir will sing “He Is the Risen Lord.” The Senior Choir will sing the uplifting anthem “Rejoice This Glorious Day.” The Jubilate Bell Choir will provide special preservice music as well as music during the offering. Pastor Ramsey’s sermon is entitled “Who Will Roll Away the Stone?” Following the new worship theme “Combined in Celebration” the children of the congregation will release hundreds of balloons in the sanctuary as part of their celebration. Other celebration activities will be carried out during the Easter cycle. In connection with Pastor Ramsey’s sermon each family will be given a rock at the end of the service. This rock has been painted with a cross or symbol to remind all of their Eastern blessings. Holy Communion will be celebrated in both services. The sunrise service is at 7:30 a.m. and the second service is at 11 a.m. There will be an Easter breakfast served in the Fellowship Hall following the first service. This is being sponsored by the Aid Association for Lutherans branch in connection with the youth groups in the congregation. The Sunday school hour will follow the breakfast. All are cordially invited to join the members of First Lutheran to worship the Risen Christ in this exciting festival service. The informal evening service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Easter Sunday, as well. The study in the evening services centers around the activities of Christ during Holy Week. An invitation is extended to the public to join with the folks at First Lutheran for a time of music, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. Mathematics Equity Academy For Girls in Tulsa July 11-23TULSA — The fourth annual Tulsa Mathematics Equity Academy will be held July 11-23 for girls currently in the seventh or eighth grades. Thirty students from schools across Oklahoma will be selected for this free program. Application deadline is April 30. The University of Tulsa designed the academy for girls who have completed algebra. However, students who have taken pre-algebra and who have a strong teacher recommendation will be considered. Statistics and probability, discrete mathematics and graph theory, mathematical models of growth, and symmetry and fractals will be taught. The sessions will include classes, individual research projects as well as peer teaching and seminar presentations. Emphasis will be on small group discussion of mathematical ideas. Field trips and invited speakers will also be part of the program. “The academy offers exciting mathematics activities that will change the way middle-school girls see their world,” said Donna Farrior, academy director. “Our goal is to show the participants what they can do with the math skills they have and give them a curiosity and desire for more,” she continued. “We will work with hands’ on models, calculators, math manipulatives, electronic networks and computer software.” Participants will live in supervised student housing on the TU campus. Room, board, recreational activities, instruction materials and supplies will be provided free of charge through a grant from the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education. Girls from groups that have been traditionally under-represented in mathematics are encouraged to apply and will be given priority in selection. Teachers are faculty from the Tulsa public schools, Tulsa Community College and TU. For more information, contact Farrior at 918-631-2989 or by e-mail at donna-farrior@utulsa.edu. Community Clinic Provides Access To CareDonations from local organizations such as the Ponca City Mother’s Club assist the Community Clinic in its mission of bringing competent and compassionate care to its patients. Maureen Danielson and Norma Kinzie recently presented clinic coordinator Nelda Skinner with a check for $800 from the Mother’s Club. The contribution will go a long way in helping the clinic meet the needs of its patients. The clinic, which is jointly sponsored by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the Kay County Health Department, was established in 1993 to provide medical care to children ages birth through 17 who do not have a physician and have no insurance or entitlement coverage. In 1994, the clinic expanded to include adult patients up to age 65 who meet the same eligibility. Illnesses, injuries and routine care normally handled through a doctor’s office can be treated at the clinic, according to Skinner. The clinic does not handle emergencies, workman’s comp or auto accident injuries. If an emergency arises, patients are asked to go to SJRMC’s emergency room or call 911. In addition, the Community Clinic does not provide family planning services, psychotropic medications, narcotics or pain medications. The children’s clinic most often treats the typical range of pediatric illnesses — ear infections, sore throats, rashes and other conditions. Diagnoses in the adult clinic range wider and tend to be of a chronic, often more serious nature. Through the Community Clinic, many people who put off caring for a medical problem are receiving treatment. The children’s clinic is open each Monday from 6 to 8 p.m., while the adult clinic is open Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Appointments for children can be made by calling 765-0492 and for adults by calling 765-0196. No “walk-in” patients will be seen at the adult clinic. The Community Clinic is located in the Medical Arts Building at 1215 East Hartford just south of the medical center. Eligibility for services from the clinic is determined by family income. A screening process prior to the first appointment determines the payment level for the family. Proof of income, such as tax returns, W-2 forms and payroll stubs, are required for the screening. Eligible patients cannot be covered under any other insurance and must have lived in Ponca City or a surrounding community for 90 days. The payment schedule for Community Clinic patients is on a sliding fee scale that is determined at the family’s first visit. In addition to the small per-visit fee, there is also a $4 initial fee payable at each patient’s first visit. Laboratory tests and x-rays are available at reduced rates. Clinic patients are treated by physicians from the Ponca City medical community who volunteer their time. Other volunteers that help include nurses, laboratory professionals and support staff. The clinic staff strives to provide high-quality care with respect and courtesy. A person’s medical and income records are held strictly confidential and can be released only with written permission. Individuals and groups interested in helping the Community Clinic may do so by volunteering services or donating office or medical supplies. Also, the clinic continues to need donations to pay for prescription medications for its patients. For more information, please call Nelda Skinner, 765-0296. Ranger Cheer Squad Tryouts Set April 15-16ALVA — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University will host tryouts for the Ranger cheerleading squad on April 15 and 16, at the Alva campus. A required clinic will be held on Friday, at 5 p.m. Current students and high school students planning to attend NWOSU are eligible to compete for places on the squad. Heather Higgins, cheerleading sponsor and coach, said the clinic would teach the tryout material: a cheer, a chant and the Northwestern fight song. Participation in the clinic is mandatory in order to be eligible to tryout. Tryouts will begin Saturday in Percefull Fieldhouse at 10 a.m. Each person will be required to perform a side hurdler, a toe touch and a combination jump. Tumbling is not required. Higgins said seven to nine positions will be filled. Those selected will receive a $1,000 per year tuition waiver. Those who live in a dormitory will also receive a $300 dorm waiver for the year. In addition to cheerleading duties, each squad member is required to complete 30 credit hours and maintain a 2.5 grade point average during the year. For the clinic and tryouts, candidates will be able to remain in Northwestern dorms, but students need to bring necessary bedding. Arrangements can also be made for meals on campus. Those interested in tryouts should contact Higgins at 580-327-1108. Conoco Panel Seeks Dialogue With CitizensThe Conoco Community Advisory Council will be meeting Thursday, 4-6 p.m., at the north side of the Fourth Street Clubhouse. This is a group of local citizens interested in maintaining a dialogue with Conoco on a broad range of topics in order to understand issues of mutual interest. This provides the community the opportunity to monitor Conoco’s performance on environmental and other matters and gives Conoco an effective way to have outside perspectives considered fully in its decisions that affect the community. It allows Conoco to gain a better understanding of the community’s interests and attitudes regarding Conoco’s Ponca City operations. Each meeting contains a Refinery report, along with an environmental and safety report concerning refinery operations. Additional topics to be discussed in this meeting are Risk Management Information and the committee’s involvement in the Kay County Safety and Environmental Fair, to be held at the Hutchins Memorial on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any interested citizens are invited to attend this meeting. If you would like additional information, please contact Helen Hatlelid-Hester, facilitator, at 762-5665. Cimarron Women Artists Show To Exhibit at P.C. Art Center“Legacy,” an exhibit of painting, works on paper, fiber, pottery, sculpture and mixed media by the women of Cimarron Women Artists, opens at noon today, April 4, at the Ponca City Art Association 819 East Central. Admission is free. “Legacy” is a group of women artists from Stillwater and Payne County who work independently, in a variety of media, but exhibit together on a regular basis. Although each member of CWA works in her own medium and exhibits independently, all appreciate the benefit of joint exhibitions, which provide an added dimension to their separate pursuits. CWA exhibits are often organized around a theme, such as “Legacy”, the title selected for this show, which explores each member’s interpretation of that term. Organized in the summer of 1992, Cimarron Women Artists has exhibited collectively in Oklahoma City at the Kirkpatrick Gallery, in previous years at Ponca City at the Soldani Mansion Gallery of the Ponca City Art Association, and at several galleries and shows in the Stillwater area, including the Gardiner Gallery in the OSU Art Department in Stillwater. Artists in the “Legacy” exhibit include: Carol Bormann, who works primarily in fiber and mixed media, and has been included in several prestigious national and international juried shows. Noted for her wearable art pieces, as well as for her wall hangings, her works are often distinguished by an interrelation of geometric and abstract forms. Carol has a B.S. in graphic design from Southwest Missouri State and an MS. in interior design from OSU. She has been a member of the OSU Interior Design faculty since 1990. Barbara Dunn has been a craft jeweler and metal worker for many years and her work has been included in regional exhibits in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as in Oklahoma. Her three dimensional metal and jewelry work typically involves the use of unusual materials and simple construction techniques. She designed the Oklahoma shaped brass ornament (with a heart cut-out over the north-central part of the state) that has been featured in “Oklahoma Today.” She now serves as Coordinator for OSU Allied Arts performing arts series. Barbara Schultz Hagen, a painter in oils and pastels as well as a printmaker, has said that creating art for her is a journey of discovery and a visual means to explore the many fascinating interrelationships found throughout nature. Following a BA. in Zoology from the University of Iowa, Hagen obtained a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in Art History at OSU. Her work has been widely exhibited, both with CWA and in solo shows, and she has won numerous awards. Hagen has taught painting and drawing at Multigraphis Art Center in Stillwater, and is currently employed as a medical technologist at Stillwater Medical Center. Lou Moore Hale, a portrait sculptor who creates in terra cotta, cast stone and bronze, is an award-winning artist who exhibits widely and whose work is in many public and private collections. “Striving for likeness while communicating the subject’s character, as well as interesting the viewer, is an intriguing challenge,” says Hale, who teachers sculpture at Multigraphics Art Center and maintains her own workspace at The Studios at Berry Ponds, Stillwater. Merrillyn Hartman creates pots fashioned from slab clay in which she often presses favorite grasses, weeds or seeds from nature. Her larger pieces are fired in charcoal and sawdust and look as if they came from an ancient age. Hartman’s work has been exhibited in the nationally juried NCECA Exhibition in Wichita, and the regional Tri-State Designer Craftsmen Show, as well as in other area exhibits. She says of her work: “My pottery art is a process - a personal journey I take with the clay, my spirit and the energy of the sacred Mother Earth. From beginning to end it is a conversation with a living medium.” Sue Zann works in watercolor, collage, fiber and mixed media. She received a BA from Madonna University in Livonia, Mich., and a BFA from Wayne State University in Detroit. Zann characterizes her art as a body of work that enhances the awareness of the sacred in the ordinary — much like the Zen concept of seeing the sacred in simple things. Zann served as Director of the Multigraphis Art Center in Stillwater and has exhibited her work throughout the state. She is currently Director of the Johnson Atelier in Tulsa. C.R. Thibeau, whose painting of landscapes in oils offers her access to “the zone” says “I feel at one when I paint — that is why I continue. Whether I am painting in the field or in my studio, I am concerned with color, light, and capturing my emotional response to the place I am painting.” Thibeau has been painting the southwest landscape for 20 years. Her favorite places are Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, Big Bend in Texas, and the ponds and creeks of Oklahoma. Currently she is an adjunct instructor and graduate student in the Design, Housing and Merchandising Department at OSU. Pauli Lame is a noted enamelist, jeweler, paper maker and designer whose works are familiar to residents and visitors to Bartlesville, where her work is a part of the Phillips House and other venues. Her work has been exhibited throughout the southwest, and her commissioned works are included in many important published surveys of 20th century design. Sue Baker is a watercolor artist who describes her work as visual story telling. A graduate of OSU, Baker has also studied extensively with many noted regional artists, including the late Jacques Gallrein. She has exhibited in the regional Tri-State Show in Bartlesville, as well as several solo shows in Stillwater and area. Baker has taught classes in both oil and watercolor and has said that the purpose of her art is to create a feeling of joy and an observation of beauty by the viewer. Watercolor is her primary medium, but she often varies that for the desired result. Baker is serving as the curator of the Cimarron Women Artists “Legacy” exhibit. For more information contact Barbara Dunn at 405-377-7392 or Sue Baker at 405-372-7254. Arts Adventure Design Deadline May 15Grab your pencils and paper and draw your vision of Arts Adventure. The first annual Arts Adventure T-shirt design contest is for all students in fifth through the ninth grade. Artist of the winning design will receive a nontransferable scholarship to the 1999 Arts Adventure camp, a $125 value, and have the honor of seeing their art emblazoned on camp t-shirts. The drawing must be on 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch white paper in black ink, must be representative of the Arts Adventure program and must be submitted by May 15. No name should be on the drawing itself, but should be on an accompanying piece of paper with grade level, address and phone numbers included. Judging will be by the Arts Adventure board of directors and the winner will be announced prior to June 15. The Arts Adventure camp is scheduled this year for July 19 through 30, and is for students who will be entering sixth through 10th grades in the fall. Sessions will be held at the Marland Estate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday of each week. Students choose both a major and minor area of study from the following disciplines: creative writing, dance, dramatics, keyboard ensemble and technology, strings, visual arts and vocal music. Registration for Arts Adventure ’99 is currently under way with a registration/placement day set for April 17 at the high school from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Cost for the two week camp is $125 with full or partial scholarships available based on financial need. For information on Arts Adventure ’99 or to receive a contest entry form, call Chuck Van Cleve at 762-9684 or Patty Ladd at 767-8030. You may also mail your entry to-Arts Adventure, 747 North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601. City Library Going BattySpring is in the air and the Ponca City Library is going batty. On Monday the library will present “The Secret World of Bats” a program designed to educate all ages about the importance of bats in the environment. The program will be presented by Jim Ottman, president of the Bat Conservation Society of Oklahoma (BCSO). Ottman co-founded BCSO in 1994 to provide public information, research and conservation programs in Oklahoma. The programs are intended to promote an appreciation for Oklahoma’s biodiversity through an understanding of bats and bat habitats. “Bats are often the subjects of fear and misconceptions, but their benefits to our environment are huge,” Ottman says. “The Secret World of Bats will explain how bat habitats are being threatened, and why you should attract bats to your yard.” Not only Ottman, but “Bob” the short-tailed fruit bat will provide plans for building a bat house, as well as information about what bats eat, how they live and where to find them. The program, which will be held at 7 p.m., is open to the public and all ages are welcomed. Attendants may register for the door prize drawing, and refreshments will be served. PGS To Honor Ziegenhain, Others For Efforts in Microfilming RecordsOn Monday, at 7 p.m., Bill Ziegenhain and others will be honored by the Pioneer Genealogical Society for their monumental efforts to microfilm thousands of Kay County records dating from 1893 to present. The volunteers worked with representatives of the Latter Day Saints Church of Utah at the Kay County Courthouse to microfilm the records. The records of area funeral homes were also microfilmed. As a result of the project, chaired by Ziegenhain, the PGS earned 472 rolls of microfilm which are duplicate copies of all the records. The microfilm has been donated to the Ponca City Public Library Genealogy Department for public use. As a result of the work of the PGS volunteers, duplicate copies were also earned for the Kay County Courthouse and each area funeral home received microfilmed copies of their records. County officers and other dignitaries as well as owners and managers of area funeral homes will be present to receive credit for their part in the gigantic project as well. Members and guests at the meeting will be invited to view the new microfilm cabinets and the hundreds of rolls of microfilmed Kay County records, now located in the Genealogy Department at the library. The extensive new collection of microfilms have been named the William C. Ziegenhain collection. A brass plaque has been affixed to the files with the name. Ziegenhain will also receive a plaque for his outstanding effort. The public is encouraged to attend the event. Kay Electric To Host 62nd Annual MeetingBLACKWELL— Kay Electric’s, 62nd Annual Meeting will be held Friday at the Blackwell High School, 1524 South Main. Registration and a free buffet dinner for Kay Electric members are slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment begins at 6:15 with one of the country’s leading country gospel groups, “The Fox Brothers.” This talented group of entertainers has won numerous awards, including being named the 1996 Christian Country Group of the Year. They have appeared on Nashville Now and TNN television. The business session will begin at 7 p.m. and a second show of the Nashville recording artists is slated during this time. KEC members will also be electing trustees from Districts 1, 2 and 3 during the business session. Candidates were nominated at respective district meetings. The nominees include: District 1, J.B. Olsen from Grainola and Jim Beck of Newkirk; District 2, Steve Harden, Ponca City and Bill Horinek, Newkirk; and District 3, Bill McKenzie, Blackwell and Jim Hinton, Newkirk. Trustees filling unexpired terms include: Carl Hohmann from Deer Creek representing District 4; Mike Lebeda from Renfrow representing District 5; Rene Eggers of Covington, representing District 6; Kent McAninch of Tonkawa, representing District 7; Ray Schiltz of Ponca City, representing District 8; and J.A. Megenity of Red Rock, representing District 9. Every Kay Electric member that registers at the Annual Meeting will receive Barlow Super Pliers and carrying case. These handy pliers include an array of practical tools. Kay Electric board president, Carl Hohmann, invites every Kay Electric member and family to attend. There is something for everyone including baby sitting, beginning at 5:30 with experienced attendants in charge. For older children movies will be shown, beginning at 6:30. Prize drawings will be held in the movies and babysitting. There are a thousand reasons to attend this year’s annual meeting. One lucky Kay Electric member will go home with the grand prize of a $1,000 Savings Bond. Many other prizes will be handed out during the meeting. During the day, prior to the annual meeting, many Blackwell merchants are offering “Kay Day” specials. Members are encouraged to register at participating merchants. Blackwell Regional Hospital and KEC will also be providing a Health Fair from noon to 4 p.m. in the Kay Room. A wide variety of Health Care Providers will be offering services including a Blood Chemistry Analysis (Cost $12 — this analysis includes all critical cardiac and cholesterol values. Participants need to fast for at least 8 hours for test results to be reliable.) A prostate screening will also be available for $15, and is a simple blood test. Various other vendors will be at the Health Fair to offer services and provide information. The various departments of the Blackwell Regional Hospital will be doing blood pressure checks, body fat percentages, walking program information and various other services. The Kay County Health Department will provide free Tetanus shots. The Ear Care/Hearing Aid Center will do video otoscopy, hearing aid cleaning and check, as well as dehumidification of hearing aids. Bristow Chiropractic will do free spinal analysis. Sterling House will provide assisted living information. Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home will have nursing home information. The RSVP group will offer volunteer information. This Health Fair is open to everyone. KSKC, Kay Electric’s internet service will be offering an Annual Meeting Internet Special in the auditorium lobby. A Home Security System display will also be in the Auditorium Lobby with Special Annual Meeting pricing. Kay Electric provides electric service to all or portions of the rural areas in Kay, Grant, Noble, Osage and Garfield counties in north-central Oklahoma. Their service area includes about 2,600 miles of electric line. For more information, call Marilyn Harmon at 580-363-1260. Number of Items For Commission Work SessionA number of items are on the agenda for the Ponca City Board of Commissioners as they meet in a work session at the Public Safety Center Monday at 2 p.m. Commissioners have scheduled an item concerning city participation in the Fourth of July and Centennial celebrations. Also on the agenda will be a discussion about a private land sale adjacent to the Lew Wentz Golf Course. There is expected to be a construction progress report on the No. 1 Fire Station. The commissioners will also discuss a proposal from the Oklahoma Municipal League that would call for Ponca City to participate in a shared service center for computer software support. On the agenda also will be a review of the strategic goal No. 10, “Establish and maintain a city-wide telecommunications system.” The city manager is expected to give a report and commissioners will have time to bring up other communications on various subjects not on the agenda. Where To VotePolls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for a variety of city, town and school elections. Where to vote: Kay County Precinct Locations Rural Sub 400 Consolidated 106 School Building, River Road, 9 miles east of Newkirk 401 Consolidated 106 School Building, River Road, 9 miles east of Newkirk Sub 402 Christ’s Church, 1001 South Magnolia (south of Newkirk) 403 Christ’s Church, 1001 South Magnolia (south of Newkirk) 404 Peckham Christian Church, Peckham 406 Braman Town Hall, Braman 409 St. John’s Lutheran Church (northeast of Blackwell) Sub 410 St. John’s Lutheran Church (northeast of Blackwell) 411 Kildare School Building, Kildare 412 City Hall, Kaw City 413 Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth and Grand, Ponca City. 414 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard (Resthaven) Road Sub 415 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard (Resthaven) Road 417 National Guard Armory, U.S. 60, west of Tonkawa 419 Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, Ponca City 420 Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Dept., Ranch Drive Sub 421 Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Dept., Ranch Drive Ponca City 503 Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford 504 Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth and Grand 507 Sunset Baptist Church, 915 West Greenwood 516 Southside Baptist Church, 1518 South Fifth Street 517 St. Mary’s Parish Center, 408 South Eighth 523 Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand 527 Union School, 2617 North Union 530 Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash 532 Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodland 533 St. Luke’s Church of Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect (formerly at Trout School ) 534 Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan Newkirk 001 First Christian Church, 301 West Ninth 002 Baptist Church, 220 West Seventh Tonkawa 101 Public Library, 216 North Seventh 103 Christian Church, 115 West Grand Avenue Blackwell 201 First Christian Church, 306 East Coolidge 202 Free Will Baptist Church, 209 North Sixth 205 First Baptist Church, First and Bridge 210 Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge Fibromyalgia Issues Topic Of PresentationSherry Kincaid, ARNP, was the featured speaker at the March 21 Fibromyalgia Support Group, focusing her presentation on several issues related to the syndrome. Kincaid, a family nurse practitioner at Ponca Family Medicine, discussed Fibromyalgia in general, available treatments for it and conducted a Tai Chi session for relaxation. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects three to six million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly and men can also be affected. The syndrome is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, anxiety and other symptoms. Kincaid received her associate degree in nursing from Northern Oklahoma College in 1976. In 1985, she joined the staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as the director of the Recovery Room, Operating Room and Outpatient Surgery. While working at SJRMC, Kincaid earned her bachelor of science degree from St. Mary of the Plains. She received a master of science degree in health promotion from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1992, then entered the Family Nurse Practitioner masters program at the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and graduated in 1997. PGS Found Microfilming Project InterestingEditors note: An eight-year project by the Pioneer Genealogical Society to microfilm all Kay County public records since 1893, has been completed. For the past three years 12,000 volunteer hours were donated by PGS members and others to complete the monumental filming task. Area funeral home records and other public records were also filmed. The following story is the second half of written remembrances by PGS past-president Paula Denson to be published in The News. She relates some interesting happenings experienced by the volunteers as they worked with the Utah Genealogy Society on the 4th floor of the Kay County Courthouse. The work area had previously housed the old Kay County jail. BY KATHY ZEHR News Staff Writer Project History Initial work on the microfilming project at the Kay County Courthouse began in 1991, when the Pioneer Genealogical Society under the leadership of Bill Ziegenhain notified county officials of their desire to film all Kay County records. PGS members had agreed on the project in partnership with the Utah Genealogy Society, which offered free microfilming of public records, and free copies of the microfilms to PGS in exchange for volunteers to help with the project. It was November 1995 before the Utah group had a crew available to begin microfilming. At that time local crews of PGS workers directed by Ziegenhain and led by Joyce Mitchell, Maxine Prather, Marlene Stewart, Louise Willison and Juanita “Nita” Pepper organized to begin the actual file research and filming in January 1996. “Getting to Know You” Thousands upon thousands of files from 1893 to present were opened and researched by the volunteers through those years of monotonous, but interesting daily toil. Paula Denson writes, “one of the best treats during those long tedious hours was getting to know other workers on a much more personal basis. The stories told by Harlow Farnsworth concerning early Kay County and the 101 Ranch and the antics of the Miller brothers will not soon be forgotten.” she said. Other stories and sharings included children in college and their “love interests,” and the antics of grandchildren. The problems of the world and our own community were hashed and rehashed many times and tales of adventure were anticipated with the return of volunteers from sojourns around the world. One particular trip by Graydon Brown to the Antarctica in January 1977 was of great interest and the group gave him a “hard time” about visiting the cold climate in the winter, when most folks traveled to a warmer climate to get away from the cold. Humor to lighten the long tedious days might include a conversation which began about a record — “My that’s an old thing isn’t it?” - followed by another — “Which one of us is she talking about?” Trustees A Great Help Jail trustees provided many hours of service for the project and most of the time unfolded packets to prepare them for microfilming. The group also discovered the men had other skills that were very valuable. It seems two volunteers, worked all morning and after bidding everyone farewell, signed out and left. Others also left for lunch, but some volunteers remained to finish up work. Those remaining heard a lot of pounding in another part of the large storage area, but ignored it, thinking some construction was going on. After the noise persisted for quite a long time, one person decided to go investigate and found that the two ladies had stopped to use the ladies room in another part of the building. They had locked the door, but when it was time to leave, could not get it open. The volunteers tried in vain to get the door open from the outside but had no luck. Finally a jail trustee with special skills was called in to pick the lock (it was noted — he was very professional). The ladies where very thankful to the trustees for freeing them, and grateful that all the volunteers had not left the area. Rich History Learned Kay County is rich in history. The volunteers all learned a wealth of information about the people who first settled here. The letterheads, handwriting and terminology were all interesting. As the workers remembered that each packet of information they unfolded told a part of the story of someone’s life. It was particularly meaningful when they opened the legal documents of persons such as the Miller Brothers, E.W. Marland, and the probate record of Chief Washunga, who owned nothing but a blanket, horse and buggy at his untimely death. A complete drawer was full of the probate packets of Lew Wentz. Humor filled the pages of some records. One particular divorce packet contained a letter from the husband asking the judge not to give his wife a divorce. He said he fed her well, let her grow a garden and feed chickens but she was just not very organized. He said she never fed the chickens correctly nor watered them and they all died. To top it all off, his wife was always going to some club meeting instead of tending the chickens he had put under her supervision. Then, he said the stepson kept running off, but he would beat him good every time he returned. The PGS volunteers had several comments and opinions on the case! In another story of divorce the story spelled out the woman’s troubles. Every time the children came to visit, her spouse would ask if they planned to spend the night. If the answer was yes, he charged them board and lodging. The wife finally got enough and the divorce was on! Purpose Accomplished According to project chairman Bill Ziegenhain, the purpose of the Pioneer Genealogical Society was accomplished by the eight-year perseverance of the dedicated volunteers. The Pioneer Genealogical Society constitution states; “The purpose of this society shall be to collect and preserve genealogical and related historical material.” Ziegenhain and the volunteers and others will be honored in a special ceremony Monday, at 7 p.m. at the Ponca City Library. Editors note: An eight-year project by the Pioneer Genealogical Society to microfilm all Kay County public records since 1893, has been completed. For the past three years 12,000 volunteer hours were donated by PGS members and others to complete the monumental filming task. Area funeral home records and other public records were also filmed. The following story is the second half of written remembrances by PGS past-president Paula Denson to be published in The News. She relates some interesting happenings experienced by the volunteers as they worked with the Utah Genealogy Society on the 4th floor of the Kay County Courthouse. The work area had previously housed the old Kay County jail. City Commission Election Set TuesdayBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer As the city commission election draws near, there will not be any campaigning frenzy from the four candidates. It will be business as usual, they all say. “I will be more of the same, I won’t be doing anything that I haven’t already done,” Incumbent City Commissioner, position No. 3, Lyn Boyer says. “It has all been said and done at this point.” Having been through recent mayoral campaigns, Incumbent City Commissioner Position No. 1 Dick Stone knows that campaigning does not boil down to the last several days. “I will be doing as I have been doing, meeting people and making myself available,” Stone says. The story is the same for the first time candidates as well. Running against Boyer for position No. 3 , Ron Smith says he has done all he can do to this point. “I had something to say and it has already been said,” Smith says. “I put up my signs and I don’t plan to do a whole lot more.” Opposing Stone for city commissioner position No. 1 Marvin Rider says although his campaigning will not change there is at least one thing that has changed as the election draw nears. “I’m getting a little nervous,” he says. “But I’ll be campaigning until the last minute.” Both of the incumbents are drawing on their previous experience as commissioners and their knowledge of city issues. “I have proven that I have the time and dedication to spend in this position and I believe my experience in financial matters provides a necessary balance to the commission,” Boyer stated. “In addition, my position as a member of the Board of Directors for Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority will provide useful insight as we continue toward deregulation in the electrical industry and will be helpful as we guide Ponca City through these changing times.” His desire to see a completion of those things which began during his term, has prompted Stone to run for reelection. “The people have said they wanted a remodeled fire station and it is being built, and I feel strongly that the completion of the civic center and with it ‘one-stop shopping’ is vital to our city,” Stone says. “Through my position as city commission I have had the privilege of becoming very educated about all aspects of the city, its employees, its buildings and problems and their possible solutions. I will work hard to accomplish what the people of this city want.” However, it is a revamping of city codes that Smith feels is an important city issue. “I think that it is important that the building and electrical codes are updated and made more readily accessible to the public,” Smith says. The city budget is the focus of candidate Rider. “I think we should focus on our spending habits and create more of a surplus in the city budget,” he said. All four candidates are long time residents of Ponca City and three out of four are retirees. Boyer was a chemical engineer at Conoco before his retirement. Currently he is a technical consultant and writer for Whitworth Oil & Gas and serves on various committees. Stone, was a regional manager for J.C. Penney for many years and among other things, spends his spare time serving on various civic boards and committees. Candidate Rider was in the trucking business, owning his own company. He is currently a member of the executive Board and serves as First Vice-Commander of the American Legion. He is also involved with the Veterans of Foreign War. Smith has been employed with Conoco for 15 years and currently holds the position of documents clerk in the records management department. The election for city commissioner Position No. 1 and No. 3, is Tuesday and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All registered voters residing within the city limits are encouraged to go to the polls and vote for the candidate of their choice. Several Municipal Elections Set Plus School Board SelectionsMunicipal elections for Blackwell, Kaw City, Tonkawa and Ponca City will be held Tuesday. The annual school runoff elections for Frontier, Billings and Deer Creek-Lamont school districts also will be held the same day. Also in Newkirk, voters will decide two questions on the ballot, one for a new municipal center and the other for a change in the candidate filing period for local elections. In Blackwell, incumbent mayor Louis Gose will face challenger Lin Barnett for the seat of public safety commissioner. The office is for a three-year term. In Kaw City, incumbent Carolyne M. Goodwin will face challenger Cheryl A. Vazquez for the office of city clerk. The post is a four-year term. In Tonkawa, where voters will decide three council members posts, incumbent Paul L. Wood will face challenger John David Manley for Ward 3. Grady A. Jarvis will face Jackie Cyrus for the Ward 4 council member post, and the at-large council member post will be decided between Ronnie Blubaugh, Johnny Thornburgh and Marvin R. Minix. All three Tonkawa seats are for four-year terms. In Ponca City, incumbent Richard E. Stone will face challenger Marvin E. Rider for the commissioner No. 1 post, and incumbent Lyn Boyer will face challenger Bedford R. Smith for the No. 3 post. In Billings, Richard G. Vann and Billy D. Whitchurch are seeking election to office No. 4 of the Billings Board of Education. At Frontier School, Dwight D. Buffalo Head and Edward A. Root are vying for Board of Education office No. 4. At Deer Creek-Lamont, voters will decide between Janie Meade and Tiara Darling for Board of Education office No. 4. For more information on the Kay County elections, contact the Kay County Election Board office in the basement of the courthouse in Newkirk at 580-362-2130. For the Newkirk election, contact the Newkirk City Hall. ‘Sophomore’ Kay County State Legislator To Help With BudgetOKLAHOMA CITY — In only his second term in the Legislature, a Kay County lawmaker has garnered a coveted seat on the group that will put the finishing touches on the state budget. Rep. Jim Newport was appointed by House Speaker Loyd Benson to the House/Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations (GCCA), which will write the final version of the state budget for Fiscal Year 2000. Excluding the constitutional “rainy day” reserve fund, the Legislature will have $4.746 billion to appropriate this year compared to $4.723 billion last year, ledgers indicate. However, even though tax receipts are up again, state lawmakers are faced with more than $150 million in previous commitments and urgent requirements such as beds leased from private prisons and the third year of the statewide highway construction program. Benson, D-Frederick, said GCCA conferees will start meeting soon to reconcile state funding requests with available tax revenues before the Legislature adjourns May 28. Newport was assigned to the GCCA Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services. The Ponca City Republican is a member of the House Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. Newport’s GCCA subcommittee will help develop budget recommendations for the state Commerce Department, the Corporation Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality, the Commission on Consumer Credit, the Banking Department and the state Securities Commission, the state Labor Department, the Insurance Department, the state Horse Racing Commission plus the Department of Tourism and Recreation, the state Water Resources Board and the Conservation Commission, the state Agriculture Department, the Department of Mines and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, the state Historical Society, the Will Rogers Memorial Commission and the J.M. Davis Memorial. This will mark the first time the “sophomore” legislator has served on the state budget committee. Oklahoma Areas Face Flood ThreatBy The Associated Press A flash flood watch was issued for much of eastern Oklahoma on Saturday after heavy thunderstorms and some tornadoes swept through the state. The National Weather Service issued the watch for 19 counties in eastern Oklahoma because of a large area of showers and thunderstorms that moved across the area early Saturday and caused some localized flash flooding. A flash flood warning was issued for western Bryan County, including Durant, after more than 4 inches of rain fell since early Saturday. A warning also was issued for northern Atoka County after more than 4 inches of rain fell on Daisy overnight. Authorities said two houses were reported flooded in Durant while a nursing home in Colbert also was reportedly flooded. Police also closed the southbound lane of Oklahoma 69 in Calera because of high water. The weather service said additional showers and thunderstorms were spreading north across northern Texas into southern Oklahoma and would move back over the watch area during the day. The inclement weather was not expected to move out of the watch area until late Saturday, the weather service said. The weather service said the showers and thunderstorms would come to an end late Saturday as a slow moving cold front advances east of the area. The storms that broke out late Friday and early Saturday caused minor wind damage in Bartlesville, the weather service said. Gusts reaching 83 mph were reported near Gould in Harmon County while strong winds in Ponca City blew the roof off a building and broke numerous windows and tree limbs, the weather service said. Six mobile homes were damaged on the east side of Kingfisher, where winds reached 76 mph, the weather service said. Sixty mph winds were reported at Bixby, Mannford, Cheyenne and Bristow. Wind damage, including downed power poles and signs and a damaged barn, were reported at Piedmont in Canadian County, the weather service said. Tornado warnings were issued late Friday in Washita, Custer, Beckham, Greer, Harmon, Roger Mills, Kay, and Osage counties. The weather service said there were no immediate reports of significant damage caused by the tornadoes. DEATHSMolly Parker George Molly Parker GeorgeANADARKO — Molly Parker George, longtime Oklahoma City resident and aunt to Toby, Samuel and Oliver Blackstar Jr. of Ponca City, died Thursday, April 1, 1999 at her home in Oklahoma City following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 54. An evening Prayer Service will be held Monday, April 5, 1999 at 7 p.m. in the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Anadarko and a graveside funeral at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Saddle Mountain Intertribal Cemetery in Saddle Mountain, Okla. Her nephew, Minister Toby A. Blackstar of Greater First Deliverance Temple in Oklahoma City will officiate. The Rev. John Heidebrecht, Faith Bible church in Lawton will assist. Burial will be under the direction of Smith Funeral Chapel, Anadarko. Molly was born June 25, 1944 in Copper Center, Alaska to Nancy (Stickwan) and Bacille George. She grew up and attended schools in Copper Center and Glen Allen, Alaska and graduated from Glen Allen high school. She then moved to Lawrence, Kan. and attended Haskell Institute, graduating in 1966 with a Degree in Commercial Cooking. She married Robert Parker on June 23, 1966 in Los Angeles, Calif. and they made their first home briefly in Los Angeles, then moved around while Parker was doing military service, finally settling in Oklahoma City. Molly worked as a clerical clerk and typist for the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services from 1981 until 1991 when she retired from the Disability Determination Unit due to ill health. She was a proud member of the Athabascan Tribe of Alaska. Surviving are two daughters, LaDonna Parker-Ortley of Lawrence, Kan. and Diane Lynn Parker-Tiger of the home in Oklahoma City; three grandsons; two sisters, Mary George of Anchorage, Alaska and Glenna Stamsell of Hermithee, Mo., two brothers, Nick George of Anchorage, Alaska and Sam George of Copper Center, Alaska; also several nieces and nephews, and a number of other relatives and friends. Her parents preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Oklahoma Research Foundation for Cancer, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. William Warren StevensBLACKWELL — William Warren “Bill” Stevens, resident of Blackwell, Okla., died Friday morning, April 2, 1999 at his home. He was 72. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 1999 at the First Assembly of God Church in Blackwell with Pastor Jackie Crafton officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home. William Warren Stevens was born Aug. 28, 1926 in Purcell, Okla., the son of T.C. and Nellie Pearl (Eppler) Stevens. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a member of the American Legion Post 7. He and Farriel Lorene “Bobbie” Raper were married on June 2, 1945. They were parents of two sons and two daughters. Bobbie preceded him in death in February 1974. In June of 1974, he and Bonnie Dotson were married in Winfield, Kan. and he acquired three more daughters. Bill and Bonnie left Blackwell in January 1975 following the closing of Blackwell Zinc, and moved to Wagoner, Okla. where they operated a service station for a year. They moved to Bristow, Okla. and Bill worked for Imco Recycling in Sapulpa, Okla. until he retired in 1991. Following his retirement, he and Bonnie traveled in their motor home, moving back to Blackwell in January 1998. Surviving are his wife, Bonnie of the home; two sons, Warren Stevens of Bristow and Carl Stevens of Blackwell; five daughters, Kathy McBride of Arkansas City, Kan., Tami Watts of Wichita, Kan., Debbie Wedel of Blackwell, Teresa Johnson of Bristow and Charlene Ridgway of Aberdeen, Wash.; four sisters, Jean Arthur of Oklahoma City, Joy Halsted of Hanover, Calif., Elizabeth Trenary of Washington, D.C. and Lavern Johnson of West Virginia, 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Herb, Manferd, Allen, Carroll and Bobby, and a sister, Irene. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and until service time on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Stevens’ name to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601. Jerry Lee McFarlandJerry Lee McFarland, resident of Ponca City, died Friday, April 2, 1999 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 61. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel in Wichita with burial in Lakeview Mausoleum, Wichita. Lakeview Funeral Home, Wichita is in charge of arrangements. Jerry Lee McFarland was born Jan. 19, 1938 in Chanute, Kan., the son of Harry C. McFarland and Charlotte Graham McFarland. At the time of his death he was retired from Boeing Aircraft where he had worked in the tooling department in Wichita for a number of years. Surviving are his wife, Clarice Hobson McFarland of the Ponca City home; his parents, Harry and Charlotte McFarland; a sister, Lois Davis of Broomfield, Colo.; two brothers, Duane McFarland of Thayer, Kans. and Steven McFarland of Wichita. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. McFarland’s name to the Center for Basic Cancer Research, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. Services PendingJames M. BrakebillJames M. Brakebill, resident of Ponca City, died Friday evening, April 2, 1999 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87. Survivors will include his son, Jim. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later. The family will be at 1706 Queens. Betty L. WannBetty L. Wann, longtime resident of Ponca City, died early Saturday morning, April 3, 1999 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 73. Survivors will include her husband, Laymond D. Wann of the home, 1501 Monument Road. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later. FuneralsMondayNellie Mae WisemanGraveside memorial service at 2 p.m. in Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Paul Holmes, pastor, Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church, officiating. No public viewing nor visitation is scheduled. Trout Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. NEWS BRIEFSFree Clothing — Monday, April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., anyone with a need for clothing may stop by the First Assembly of God, 1308 Bradley. Use the entrance at the furthest northwest door of the church. Mail Carrier Food Drive — Residents are asked to help restock local food banks by placing non-perishable food donations by their mail box on Saturday, May 8. When the letter carrier delivers the mail, the items will be collected and taken back to the postal station where they will be distributed among nine Ponca City food banks. Young at Heart Dance Set — The Young At Heart Dance is held every Monday at the American Legion, 407 West South Ave. from 7 to 10 p.m. Snack and Hillbilly Night is held the first Monday of each month. Music by Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys Band. 1954 Reunion — An organizational meeting to plan the 45th anniversary reunion of the Ponca City High School graduating class of 1954 is being held at 7 p.m. April 16 at the American Red Cross office, 525 Monument. All classmates are welcome to attend. For further information call 762-2695 or 765-8623. Fairfax Sailor Receives Honor — Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Boa K. Cox, son of Carole A. Cox of 530 Tallchief Drive in Fairfax, recently received the Battle Efficiency Award (Battle “E”) while serving aboard the command ship USS La Salle, based in Gaeta, Italy. Cox and each crew member received a ribbon signifying their contribution toward the command achievement. The Battle “E” is awarded annually by the fleet commanders to ships that exhibit outstanding combat readiness. The 1990 graduate of Ross Case High School of Fairfax, joined the Navy in June 1990. Six Live Concerts — Six live top quality performances for the price of one during 1999-2000. Join the Ponca City Community Concert with a one-time annual membership. Concerts include Jan Gottlieb Jiracek, pianist; Galaxy Trio, violin and piano trio; Roslyn Kind vocalist; Taylor 2, professional dance company; Douglas Webster, baritone; and Boston Brass, a brass quintet. For annual membership information call 765-3971 or 762-5165. Fund Raiser — The Ponca City Middle School Parent Association is sponsoring a fund raiser at the Ponca Bowl, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 10. For the price of a $10 per person ticket, families can bowl, play pool, enjoy a light show as well as enjoy a free drink. Also, prizes will be given away. Tickets can be purchased in the lunchroom of the Middle School from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 6, 7, 8 and 9. Tickets may also be picked up at the Middle School office or Design Hair Studio, 2128 North Fourteenth Street. For more information contact Karol Oakes at 765-0904 or 762-7767. Business Burglarized — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 7:23 a.m. Friday that a business in the 200 block of East South Avenue had been broken into. Three officers were assigned and a burglary report was taken. Business Burglarized — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:23 a.m. Friday that a business in the 200 block of South Second Street had been burglarized. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Check on Fire — Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department returned to the scene of a house fire in the 400 block of South Oak Street at 8:31 a.m. Friday to handle extinguishing it again after it flared back up. Accident — A two-vehicle non-injury accident in the 700 block of North Elm Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:02 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burglary Attempt — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 9:49 a.m. Friday from a business in the 400 block of South Second Street that a padlock had been cut off and an attempt had been made to enter it. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Business Burglarized — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 9:52 a.m. Friday that a business in the 200 block of South First Street had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Burglarized — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:23 a.m. Friday that a vehicle had been broken into while in the 200 block of South Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Door Damaged — A person from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:33 a.m. Friday that a door had been kicked in but entry had not been gained. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 3500 block of North Fourteenth Street at 10:56 a.m. Friday that a 25-year-old woman was being held for possession of marijuana. Bicycle Stolen — A person from the 200 block of North Ash Street was ant the Ponca City Police Department at 12:21 p.m. Friday to report that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Damaged — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:16 p.m. Friday that a vehicle had been damaged while at Wal-Mart. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Hit — A person from the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:15 p.m. Friday that a vehicle had been hit. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on a hit and run accident. Accident — A vehicle accident in the parking lot of the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:44 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Wal-Mart at 3:21 p.m. Friday that a 19-year-old woman and a 25-year-old woman were being held for grand larceny. Vandalism — A person from the 900 block of West Highland Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:26 p.m. Friday that the front door of the residence had been paint-balled. The information was logged. Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:02 p.m. Friday that a vehicle had rolled over at East Hartford Avenue and Kygar Road. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. A subject was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Conoco Convenience, 1613 West South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:21 p.m. Friday that someone had driven off without paying for $7.75 worth of gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 6:36 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred in the 300 block of South Birch Street. An officer was assigned and subjects involved exchanged information. Vehicle Hit — A man from the 700 block of North First Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:41 p.m. Friday that his vehicle had been hit. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 7:49 p.m. Friday from the 800 block of North Elm Street that a disturbance was occurring. Two officers were assigned and a 42-year-old man was held on an assault on an officer and resisting arrest. Pursuit Problem — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:57 p.m. Friday that while attempting to catch a vehicle in the 300 block of North Elm Street, a passenger had thrown a full can of beer at the officer. Two other officers were assigned but unable to locate the vehicle. Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:16 a.m. Saturday that an assault had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Wallet Stolen — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:13 a.m. Saturday from a person in the 1800 block of Holbrook that a wallet had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. LIFESTYLESSue Boettcher Will Address Century Club Sue Boettcher Will Address Century ClubSue Boettcher, president of the Ponca City Humane Society, will present an informative program about the Society when members of 20th Century Club meet Friday, April 9, at the Cultural Center at I pm. A well known community worker, Sue is also serving on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Education, Friends of the Cultural Center, Great Expectations, University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma and Project Partners, as well as being a trustee of the Ponca City Art Center. She has stated, “One of the goals of the Humane Society is to institute an aggressive Spray and Neuter program in Ponca City which will curb the unwanted animal population in the area.” Mrs. Ralph Beaty, president, will conduct the business meeting. Greeters will be Mrs. Robert Bolene, Mrs. Jack Bowker, Mrs. William Majors, Mrs. Don Bouldin, Mrs. Charles Casey and Mrs. Don Stephens. A 12:15 Executive Board meeting will precede the regular meeting. AAUW Banquet Honors Area Women of the YearThere were 11 “women of the Year” from area organizations honored at the American Association of University Women event March 30. The AAUW Women’s Day banquet was held at the Ponca City Country Club. Guest speaker was United Airlines pilot and Pioneer Woman Museum Hall of Fame honoree Jane Edwards Morris. Area women honored were Karen Graham, American Business Women’s Association; Marquetta Brown, Friends of the Cultural Center; Diane Mounts, Friendship Feast; Annette Pittman and Maxine Prather, North Central Oklahoma Historical Society; Phebe Buckner, Ponca City Area Literacy Council; Susan Ladner, Ponca City Noon Lions Club; Sandy James, Professionals Today; Martha Denney, Soroptimist International of Ponca City; Carmelita Childers, Vision AMBUCS, and Kathy Tippin, American Association of University Women. Mrs. Morris spoke about her experience as a pilot for United Airlines. Demonstrating with a scale model of the 747-400, she said it is the new generation of the 747, and only takes two pilots to fly. On her route from Los Angeles to Sydney there are two crews with one sleeping while the other flies during the approximately 15 hour flight. On her route they leave at night she explained, because of the length of the flight and the time difference. In Australia there is a curfew and the plane can’t land before 6 a.m. without being assessed a fine. Pilots are limited to 78 hours in flight per month and she logs many hours on each international flight so he works about 12 days a month. She explained this worked well with a family that includes husband, Tom, and five children, ages 2-11. The speaker went on to say she feels like the “chamber of commerce” telling people she meets all over the world about Ponca City. Following her presentation, the honorees were introduced by their presenters and each given a plaque honoring her accomplishments. Karen Graham Karen Graham is Woman of the Year for the American Business Women’s Association and was introduced by Lana Byers. A member since 1994, Mrs. Graham is vice president and chairs the annual Christmas luncheon. One of ABWA’s goals is awarding a scholarship to a woman returning to school. She is employed by Throop Lawn and Garden Equipment. Marquetta Brown Honored by the Friends of the Cultural Center was historian and author Marquetta Brown. In presenting her, Paula Denson said one of Marquetta’s most important accomplishments is the organization of the Friends of the Ponca City Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc. She has been instrumental in helping organize events to fund the restoration of the historical building. She is the wife of Graydon Brown and the mother of four children. Diane Mounts This year Friendship Feast honored Diane Mounts as an organizer of the charitable event. Gini Carey, presenter, said Friendship Feast serves 60-100 people four nights a week and Diane is often there helping. A travel agent for Carlson Wagonlit Universal Travel, she and husband, Charlie, have two children. Annette Pittman Maxine Prather North Central Oklahoma Historical Society honored two women this year, Annette Pittman and Maxine Prather. Annette has worked to save the history of the Kaw City area when Kaw Lake was formed. With her help the two volume history book about Kay County became a reality. Maxine Prather, a former teacher, has contributed to history books for Kay, Logan and Grant Counties, and spent long hours, along with Annette, organizing information. They were presented by Mrs. Denson. Phebe Buckner Ponca Literacy Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the free tutoring in reading, math and English as a second language, selected Phebe Buckner as their Woman of the Year. A native of Colorado, she moved to Ponca City after graduation from high school in 1943. She retired in December 1992 from Titus with 13 years of service. According to director Barbara Brown, Phebe has volunteered one day a week to the council office since 1993 and also tutors. Susan Ladner Noon Lions Club Woman of the Year is Susan Skinner Ladner, whose father, DeRoy Skinner was an international Director of Lions. Since joining the local group she has said “yes to everything she has been asked to do” said Johnnie Hollingsworth, Lions club president. The mother of two children, Susan has served as Lions Roar Bulletin editor, formed and served as advisor of the mid-High Leo club, organized the Lions float for the Veterans Day parade, and helped with many other projects. Sandy James Professionals Today honored Sandy James, chairman of last year’s barbecue-chili cook off that benefited Hospice. According to presenter Ruth Capshaw, when not working at Conoco, Sandy serves as a board member of the Ponca City Humane Society, starting the Trail of Tails parade and the Fetchin’ Affair dinner-dance. Other activities include advisory board of Pioneer Woman Museum, chairperson of the Chamber Education Committee and board member of the Opportunity Center, and many other organizations. Married to Pete James, she has one son and two grandchildren. Martha Denney Martha Denney was honored for a second time by Soroptimist International of Ponca City. A member since 1993, she has dedicated her time and energy to serving the community said Karen Shurts. Martha has taken her career as a Nursing Education Coordinator into the community as an instructor of trainers for CPR for the American Heart Association, instructor for Smoking Cessation classes, and other functions, including putting together the first Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon. Carmelita Childers A charter member of the Vision AMBUCS, Carmelita Childers was honored as their Woman of the Year. She has been inducted into the AMBUC’s prestigious Big Hat Club for her work in membership recruitment, and in May of last year was selected Vision AMBUC of the Year. She has been honored as district AMBUC of the Year and is in contention for the national title. Carmelita, and husband Frank, have two children. She is officer manager for the Ponca Playhouse. Kathy Tippin Presented by Bette Lee, Kathy Tippin, group president, was honored as Woman of the Year for the American Association of University Women. She has been a member of the local branch for 20 years and during that time has served as membership vice president, program vice president, and for the past two years, as president. In addition, she is a member of Soroptimist International of Ponca City, Kappa Delta Sorority Alumnae Association, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Currently executive director for the Kaw Lake Association, she and husband, Jon, have a daughter. Pianists for the evening were Jason and Jeremy Stillwell. Door prizes were provided by local businesses. AAUW members assisting with the banquet were Betty Bales, Jan Cates, Grace Chism, Marjorie Dew, Joanne Giddens, Bette Lee, Charlotte Lembke, Marcia Nelson, Ruth Ritter, Nadia Salama, Martha Sharrock and Kathy Tippin. AAUW’s mission is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. Any individual who has obtained a baccalaureate d |