LOCAL

Election Board Set For Vote
City Crews Continue Cleanup Following Storm
Nearly News
Fluctuations in Oil Market Find City Facing New Future
MDA Seeking Volunteer Camp Counselors to Help With Youth
Sale of Century For Cultural Center
Where To Vote on April 6
New Community Concert Members Get Special Bonus Treat Thursday
Orchestras in Review Tuesday

Election Board Set For Vote

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

As far as the election board is concerned, everything is ready for Tuesday’s Ponca City election. The ballots have been printed and delivered — all that is needed now is voters and it is hoped that more than normal will show at the polls.

“There is normally a low turnout for municipal elections,” Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford says. “However there may be an unusually high turnout for this one because there are so many candidates. Usually the more candidates the better the turnout.”

The Kay County Courthouse was bustling this morning as precinct judges were busy picking up ballots and voting machines for Tuesday’s elections.

On hand was Precinct 503 Inspector Ken Wright, who knows his job well.

“The first election I worked was Nov. 8, 1960, and President Kennedy was elected then,” he says with a smile. “And I haven’t missed many elections since then.”

There are two city commission positions on Tuesday’s ballot as well as one proposition. Running for position No. 1 city commissioner is incumbent Lyn Boyer who will face Ron Smith. In the other race, the incumbent for position No. 2, Dick Stone, is facing challenger Marvin Rider.

The proposition under consideration would change the timing of city elections by one month. The necessity for the change was prompted by the last — and lengthy —  mayoral election in which there were a record three elections.

“The mayor was not sworn in until June and that is too late because our budget process begins in March and we need our mayor and commissioners on board by then,” City Attorney Kevin Murphy said.

In addition, Murphy says a shorter campaign period will result in an earlier election. “The filing period begins in very early February and the election is not until April. That is a long campaign period for both candidates and voters,” Murphy explains. “If passed, this proposition will also shorten the time period between filing and the actual election.”

The poles are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. There are two changes to the voting precincts. Precinct 516 poll is located at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street and Precinct 527 is now located at Church of Christ Hartford Avenue, 1905 Joe Street.

City Crews Continue Cleanup Following Storm

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

The cleanup job was under way early this morning as city crews chopped, sawed and picked up limbs and branches throughout the city in the aftermath of Saturday’s predawn storm.

“There was a lot of tree damage especially to the Bradford pear trees in the southwest part of town,” city park employee Stephen McCauley said as he picked up branches.

The crews worked part of the weekend to clean up the mess — a job that continues through today.

“We will be driving the streets today and picking up branches and limbs,” Park Superintendent Jim Eck said.

Windows were being replaced at several locations downtown as the winds, estimated as high as 90 mph, shattered glass at several businesses on West Grand Avenue and North Second Street.

As the heavy winds whipped through the city, roofs were ripped off, electrical poles were downed, and traffic signals were torn from their poles. One traffic signal reportedly struck a vehicle as it fell to the ground.

An elderly woman was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Medical Center for injuries she received from a broken window at Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road. She was treated and later released.

Although it was a fierce storm, Ponca City was not under a severe thunderstorm warning says Ponca City Emergency Management Director Tom Montgomery.

“The National Weather Service did not issue a severe storm warning. It kind of surprised us all,” Montgomery said. “It dissipated before it entered into Kay County and then it came back up.”

The storm was a prelude to what may lie ahead for local residents. “It was a typical springtime storm and unfortunately they are normal for this time of year,” Montgomery says. “People should be prepared and alert as they can be expected now until the end of June.”

Nearly News

Nearly News is correcting the location of two precincts. According to the Kay County Election Board, voters of precinct 516 will now vote at Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street. Precinct 527 is now located at Church of Christ Hartford Avenue, 1905 Joe Street. The News apologizes for any confusion.

Fluctuations in Oil Market Find City Facing New Future

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series addressing changes within the community and the future of Ponca City.

The one thing that has changed in Ponca City over the years is that the term “economic future” is no longer synonymous with Conoco. Fluctuations in the oil market, takeovers and IPOs have caused Ponca City to look differently at the economic future.

What has happened to Ponca City did not happen overnight, it was more of an economic evolution.

“The change has been evolving for some time and to understand it you have to look historically to Conoco,” says Jan Jarrett, Chamber of Commerce President and Director of Economic Development. “At our peak we had the third highest per capita income in the state.”

That was the good news. “Then there was the downsizing wherein 1,400 jobs were lost,” Jarrett says. “Those jobs have been replaced, however it has been difficult to replace those at the same income levels.”

The past has lead to the present and as a result, the inevitable has occurred.

“That has all created change within our community and the thing about change is that it is never easy. It is the process we are currently undergoing,” Jarrett says. “For generations Ponca City enjoyed being a company town but the economical truth is that we are not going to continue in that fashion, but we’ll continue in capacity. However, the fact is there has been a downward shift in terms of wage rates in our area.”

While the problems may be easy to identify, finding and implementing the solutions can be a long and painstaking process.

“People wringing their hands and wishing for the good old days sure won’t get us into the future,” Jarrett says. “We need to get into the economical mainstream.”

There are several approaches Jarrett see as the key to the future economic success of Ponca City.

First he strongly believes in more of an emphasis on existing companies in the community.

“We need to take a look at our existing employers because they are a real source of new job growth,” Jarrett explains.

Next, he sees recruitment as a priority.

“We need to actively recruit small to moderate size companies to our area which will create livable wages for those who are here and want to better themselves,” he says.

Unique Space Available

The third option Jarrett sees as a wonderful opportunity and real potential for the future — the “hidden treasure” that is unique to Ponca City — which needs more exposure and utilization.

“Here we sit in Ponca City with an asset no one else in Oklahoma has, 200,000 square feet of laboratory and office space which is state of the art and which, with Conoco’s assistance, we can make available at a comparable rate to other cities and states.”

It is that facility which causes Ponca City to be the goose which has laid the “futuristic” golden egg.

“I feel as this state makes the transition to serve as the bridge between the present and future that we are, in essence, in a position locally to jump start the state’s technology issues,” Jarrett says. “And we are working real hard to get major state players to look at Ponca City and its potential for technological growth in our area.”

There is another asset Jarrett identifies as a real positive for Ponca City’s future.

“We not only have the space but we have people too,” Jarrett adds. “In a recent labor force survey approximately 3,900 people were identified as under-employed in our area in their current jobs and are available for staffing of jobs which require higher levels of skills.”

The future is bright for Ponca City says the President of the Chamber of Commerce.

“We have come a long way from different segments working strictly for their own benefit,” Jarrett says. “People who come to our city see people working together. We are lucky to have those in our community that take a team approach and have positive attitude and say ‘lets help our community be all it can be.’”

Next: School administrators discuss the local educational outlook.

MDA Seeking Volunteer Camp Counselors to Help With Youth

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is seeking young people to be volunteer camp counselors for their summer camps for children with muscle disease. MDA is in need of both male and female counselors to assist with the camping program; however, there is a greater need for male volunteers. The MDA camp will be held at Central Oklahoma Christian Camp near Guthrie, June 5-11 and June 26-July 2, 1999.

At the MDA camp, counselors work one on one with the campers to provide care, supervision, attention and friendship to children with limited mobility. Young men and women willing to spend the entire week at camp are needed to fill these counselor positions for the camp. The volunteers must be 16 years of age and must complete MDA’s training program.

As a summer camp counselor, young people are given the opportunity to perform a valuable community service, develop a greater understanding of individuals with disabilities and enjoy a very special week of summer camp. Brent Beson, veteran volunteer says, “Being a counselor has changed my life. We give so little of ourselves, but get so much in return.”

Volunteers are also needed to fill positions as Medical Staff and Arts & Crafts director for each week of camp. Registered Nurses, Physicians and Physicians Assistants with Oklahoma licenses are needed to provide basic medical care and first aid to campers and counselors. An organized person with basic crafts or teaching skills is needed to lead the camp’s arts and crafts hour.

Donations of supplies are also needed for MDA’s summer camp. Arts and crafts items, prizes and awards, life jackets, sunglasses, sporting equipment, bicycle helmets and the use of a golf cart are among the donations being sought to help provide a memorable camp experience to approximately 100 youngsters from around the state.

MDA supports a nationwide network of summer camps offering a wide range of activities designed for youngsters who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. Since 1955, MDA’s extensive camp program has built bridges and knocked down barriers, fostering a sense of self-worth in young people with disabilities.

For youngsters with neuromuscular disease, MDA camp is a magical place. At the more than 90 camp sessions nationwide, barriers simply do not exist. Skills are developed and taught for year-round use and a child with a disability can just be a child among friends.

MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Activities range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and bowling to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association serves more than 2,000 individuals and their families throughout Oklahoma. The summer camp program is another part of MDA’s comprehensive patient and community services which includes clinics, orthopedic equipment, and support groups as well as research and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

For more information on becoming a summer camp counselor or to donate supplies to camp, please call Jill at (918) 749-7997.

Sale of Century For Cultural Center

The “Sale of the Century” will be hosted by friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation Inc. on July 10 from 8 to 4 p.m. The big sale will be held in the parking lot of the Ponca City Cultural Center. The group is also seeking additional donations for the sale.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to make capital improvements to the former home of E.W. Marland, multi-millionaire oilman and 10th Governor of Oklahoma.

Construction on the 22 room Italian Renaissance styled home began in June 1916. The Marlands lived in the home until the completion of the larger Marland Mansion in 1928.

In 1940 the home was purchased by Jay G. Paris, owner of Paris Furniture and a local rancher. The property was sold to the City of Ponca City in 1968 for a cost of $85,000. It is used today for receptions, weddings, meetings and houses the offices of Ponca City Tourism.

According to Marquetta Brown, “Board members of Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation Inc. are looking for items to be donated for the sale.

“If you are busy with spring house cleaning and have items you would like to donate, arrangements can be made for pick-up,” says Brown.

“We will accept any good trash or treasures,” said Linda Sparks, sale chairman.

To arrange a time for a pick-up, call Brown at 765-7536, Ann Strickland at 765-7650 or Sparks at 762-2273.

All donations will be tax deductible.

Where To Vote on April 6

Many Kay County communities will have municipal or school elections Tuesday. Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The following are Kay County voting places:

400 Consolidated 106 School Building, River Road, 9 miles east of Newkirk.

401 Consolidated 106 School Building, River Road, 9 miles east of Newkirk.

402 Christ’s Church, 1001 S. Magnolia, Newkirk.

403 Christ’s Church, 1001 S. Magnolia, Newkirk.

404 Peckham Christian Church, Peckham.

406 Braman Town Hall, Braman.

409 St. John’s Lutheran Church, Northeast of Blackwell.

410 St. John’s Lutheran Church, Northeast of Blackwell.

411 Kildare School Building, Kildare.

412 City Hall, Kaw City.

413 Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth Street and Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

414 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road.

415 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road.

417 National Guard Army, U.S. 60, west of Tonkawa.

419 Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

420 Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department.

421 Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department.

Newkirk

001 First Christian Church, 301 W. 9th, Newkirk.

002 Baptist Church, 220 W. 7th, Newkirk.

Tonkawa

101 Public Library, 216 N. 7th, Tonkawa.

103 Christian Church, 115 W. Grand Ave., Tonkawa.

Blackwell

201 First Christian Church, 306 E. Coolidge, Blackwell.

202 Free Will Baptist Church, 209 N. 6th, Blackwell.

205 First Baptist Church, 1st and Bridge, Blackwell.

210 Methodist Church, 6th and Coolidge, Blackwell.

Ponca City

503 Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford Avenue.

504 Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth Street and East Grand Avenue.

507 Sunset Baptist Church, 915 West Greenwood Avenue.

516 Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse

517 St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 408 South Eighth Street.

523 Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand Avenue.

527 Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street.

530 Pioneer Vo-Tech, 2101 North Ash Street.

532 Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodland.

533 St. Luke’s Church of Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect

534 N.E. Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan.

New Community Concert Members Get Special Bonus Treat Thursday

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

New members joining the 1999-2000 Community Concert Association will be treated to a bonus free concert — “Solomania” Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium.

According to Judy Million, PCCC board member, “the additional free concert is an added bonus for new members signing up for membership in the 1999-2000 Community Concert season.” Citizens who plan to join PCCC for the new season may do so in the lobby at the Hutchins Memorial auditorium prior to the “Solomania” concert. The Solomania concert is the final concert for the 1998-99 season and all current PCCC members are reminded to attend this final concert as well.

Solomania is an outstanding and highly talented trio of young solo performers who have joined forces to celebrate the art of the solo recital. Zvi Plesser is a cellist who captured first prize in the 41st Annual Washington International Competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Daniel Blumenthal is an acclaimed pianist who has performed on five continents and made award-winning records. Tammy Hensrud-Kerian is a world-acclaimed mezzo soprano who has appeared in opera houses and on the recital stages throughout Europe and the U.S.

“For new members this free concert will make a total of seven concerts for the price of the annual PCCC membership,” says Million. “It is really a very fine bargain for new members who will be privileged to attend seven live, top quality, concerts in our own hometown for the price of one.”

Concerts scheduled for the 1999-2000 membership season include the Taylor II dance company from New York; soloist Roslyn Kind, billed as Barbara Streisand’s little sister; Boston Brass, an international award-winning brass quintet; Jan Gottlieb Jiracke an international Van Cliburn competition pianist; Galaxy Trio, composed of jazz and classical violinists and pianist; and Douglas Webster, Broadway “Les Miserables” singer.

Admission to the live PCCC concerts is by annual membership only. No individual tickets are sold. Memberships will be available at PCCC Membership Campaign Headquarters, 400 East Central (Commercial Federal Bank) April 5-9 or prior to the Solomania Concert Thursday evening.

Memberships are $30 for adults, $15 for students, $75 for family memberships and $45 for single-parent family memberships. For more information call 762-5156 or membership drive headquarters at 767-0616 during April 5-9.

Orchestras in Review Tuesday

The Ponca City school orchestras from grades 5-12 will perform at the Orchestras in Review concert at Hutchins Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Admission is free.

The concert will include selections by the Ponca City High School Symphony Orchestra, the Middle School Orchestra, the Mid-High Orchestra, as well as numbers by the combined fifth grade orchestra students, and combined sixth grade orchestra students.

The Ponca City High School Symphony Orchestra will perform two works popular in the world of orchestral music, — the overture to “The Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart and “Mars” from the Planets by Gustov Holst.

This Po-Hi Orchestra under the direction of Valarie Huffman, received straight superior ratings in February, in concert and sight-reading at the State High School Orchestra Contest. Forty students in the orchestra also received superior ratings at the recent Solo and Ensemble Festival in Tonkawa and will be participating in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival on April 21.

The Middle School Orchestra under the direction of Mary Lindsay will present two selections. The Mid-High orchestra under the direction of Valarie Huffman will present two contest pieces which received excellent ratings at the State Junior High School Orchestra Contest in February. Also, the combined fifth grade students and combined sixth grades orchestras, under the direction of Keith Powers, will each play two selections.

Future concerts for the Po-Hi Orchestra include their Annual Concerto Concert featuring soloists Carrie Cooley on trumpet, Jamie McGugan on violin, Shara Long on cello, Mark Oates on Euphonium, Kati Almons on flute, Melissa Witney on bassoon. Lucas Elmer, Clay Cooper, Paul Paschal and Kevin Goldman will be featured in a instrumental quartet. The Po-Hi Chorale under the direction of Cynthia Gass will also participate in the concert.

For more information contact the Instrumental Music Department at 767-9500, ext. 134.

DEATHS

Frances Fern Jacobs
Betty Lou Wann
Leona Lane Hunt
James M. Brakebill
Mary Elizabeth Beck
Bill Ramsey
Molly Parker George
William Warren Stevens
Jerry Lee McFarland

Frances Fern Jacobs

Frances Fern Jacobs, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, April 4, 1999, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 95.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 1999, at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery with Mr. Don Huddleston, minister of Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, officiating. Assisting with the service will be Mr. Carl Maples. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Frances Fern Jacobs was born Dec. 14, 1903, in Grenola, Kan., the daughter of Edward D. and Daisy V. (Brown) Jacobs. She attended school in Grenola and graduated high school there in 1921. She was employed as a substitute teacher for one year after graduation. In 1922, she attended the Kansas State Normal School in Emporia, Kan., and received her one-year State Teachers Certificate, then taught school in rural communities near Piedmont, Kan.

Miss Jacobs later took business courses at Fredonia, Kan., and worked for the law firm of Wright and Fredricks in Okemah in 1925. She was later employed as a legal secretary at the Oklahoma State Capital and retired from there in 1971.

Miss Jacobs also cared for her mother, who lived with her until her death in 1974. She then moved to Artesia, N.M. to live with a brother and help care for his wife. She later moved to St. Clair Shores, Mich., to live with another brother and his wife. Following that brother’s death she moved to Ponca City in 1982. She was a member of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ and enjoyed crafts and children.

Surviving are a step-sister, Sanora Rath, of Towanda, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews including Dave Jacobs and Mrs. James (Judith) Lawson of Ponca City. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, J. Vernon Jacobs, Charles Pearl “Bob” Jacobs, Victor E. Jacobs; one sister, Violet McIntire; and five step-sisters and two step-brothers.

The family will be at No. 4 Rockview Rd.

Betty Lou Wann

Betty Lou Wann, 1501 Monument, died Saturday morning, April 3, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 73.

Requiem Eucharist will be Tuesday, 2 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong, pastor, as celebrant, and the Rev. Steve Mallory, deacon, assisting. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. The casket will be not opened following the service, however friends may call at the funeral home until noon Tuesday.

Born Aug. 18, 1925, in Alfalfa County on the homestead that her grandfather had settled during the land run, she was the daughter of George Herbert and Louella (Berg) Brown. Her father died in 1928 and she and her mother, two sisters and two brothers moved to Harper, Kan., where Betty attended school, graduating from the high school in 1943.

She moved to Enid and entered Nurses training, then entered Phillips University majoring in physics and mathematics. Betty then transferred to Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) in Stillwater where she completed her BS in 1948, and after receiving a graduate teaching fellowship, she earned her MA in physics with a minor in mathematics in 1950. She was a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, physics honor society.

She was married to Laymond D. Wann in Stillwater on Nov. 6, 1948. They moved to Ponca City in 1951 where Betty was employed in the reservoir engineering section of Continental Oil Company as a physicist. She later transferred to the research and development department as a mathematics analyst and a computer programmer. She was a member of an IBM users group that helped develop the programming language that became known as “FORTRAN.”

Betty enjoyed flying the family airplanes and sailing various boats. Among the organizations in which she held membership were the Order of Eastern Star and the VFW Auxiliary. She was also active at Grace Episcopal Church, where she served as president of the Women’s organization.

She is survived by her husband, Laymond, of the home; a daughter, Jacqueline (Wann) Molloy of Stillwater; a son, Lyndall Doyle Wann of Berkeley, Calif.; one brother, Dr. Louis Brown of Huntsville, Ala.; and one sister, Mrs. Gene (Janet) Kaufman of Haysville, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 109 North Thirteenth, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Leona Lane Hunt

NEWKIRK — Leona Lane Hunt, former Newkirk resident, died Friday, April 2, 1999, at the Ponca City Nursing Home in Ponca City. She was 90.

A graveside service was held Saturday, April 3, at the Newkirk Cemetery with Danny W. Cornish, minister of Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.

Leona Lane (Keen) Hunt was born July 21, 1908, near Kildare, the daughter of William and Oris (Hastings) Keen. She attended Fairview Rural School and graduated from Kildare High School.

On March 29, 1930, she was married to Dallas W. Hunt in Perry. They moved to Arkansas City in 1965. Mrs. Hunt moved to Ponca City in 1989. She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by a stepdaughter, Mary Ann Wall of Redding, Calif.; one brother, Cecil T. Keen of Ponca City; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 11, 1985; her parents; four brothers, Dilver, Wilber, Loris and Orville; and four sisters, Hazel, Mary, Velma and Lavera.

James M. Brakebill

James M. Brakebill, 1706 Queens, died Friday evening, April 2, 1999 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 87.

The funeral will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Ponca City, with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Union Center Cemetery near Alva, under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. The casket will be not opened following the service, however friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Born July 6, 1911 at Savonburg, Kan., he was the son of the Rev. Quintin Wright and Angeline (Suttle) Brakebill. Being the son of a Methodist minister, he moved with his family to numerous cities in Kansas and Colorado. Brakebill earned his BA in Music at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., and later an MA. at Northwestern State College in Alva. In 1936 he began teaching both band and orchestra at Alva High School.

During World War II, Brakebill served under General Patton with the 7th Armored Division at Normandy, in Northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes, and at the Battle of the Bulge. He earned five bronze stars.

In February of 1943 he and the former Helen Sherrill were married in Kansas City, Mo. She preceded him in death on July 20, 1997.

The Brakebills moved to Ponca City in 1965 where he served as director of the orchestra at Po-Hi. He retired in 1974. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the American Legion at Alva, and the Retired Teachers Association. He enjoyed reading, playing and listening to classical music, and in earlier years had been an avid tennis player. He was an accomplished violinist.

He is survived by his son, James M. Brakebill Jr. of Norman, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 South Sixth Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Mary Elizabeth Beck

NEWKIRK — Mary Elizabeth Beck, former Newkirk area resident, died Thursday, April 1, 1999, in Rockdale, Texas. She was 80.

The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, at the Newkirk Cemetery with Dr. William R. Chace, minister of Newkirk First United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk.

Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Beck was born Oct. 7, 1918, east of Kildare, the daughter of George and Charlotte (Gabriel) Williams. She grew up in the rural area attending Lone Elm Rural School and Kildare School. She graduated from Ponca City High School.

During World War II, she was employed at Douglas Aircraft Plant. She later attended a business school in Tulsa and was Bill Ramsey

Services Pending

Bill Ramsey

NEWKIRK — Bill Ramsey, Newkirk resident, died Easter Sunday, April 4, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 75. Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

Funerals

Tuesday

Molly Parker George

Funeral at 1 p.m. at Saddle Mountain Intertribal Cemetery in Saddle Mountain, Okla. A prayer service will be Monday at 7 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Anadarko.

William Warren Stevens

Funeral at 2 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Blackwell. Burial will be in Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.

Wednesday

Jerry Lee McFarland

Funeral. to be at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home chapel in Wichita, Kan. Burial to be in Lakeview Mausoleum in Wichita.

NEWS BRIEFS

Dog Loose — A resident in the 400 block of South Peachtree Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 6:49 a.m. Saturday, that a Rottweiler was loose in the area. An officer responded and advised that the dog was vicious. Since he was unable to make contact with the owner, Animal Control was called to pick up the dog.

WCW/NOW Spring Stampede. Gripping wrestling action coming

on Pay Per View. Sunday, April 11th at 7:00pm. Be sure and order

early. Call Cable One at 762-6684. adv.

Burglary — At 6:49 a.m. Saturday, a resident in the 1700 block of North Osage Street, reported a vehicle was burglarized. A Ponca City police officer was assigned and took a report.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Injured Geese — A resident in the 1100 block of Rosedale Drive contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:27 a.m. Saturday, to report two injured geese were in the front yard. Animal Control was advised.

Crimson Beauty canna bulbs. Regular $0.59 each. Sale $0.39

each. Keathly’s Nursery. adv.

Gas Odor — Oklahoma Natural Gas Company was contacted after two Ponca City police officers checked a damaged apartment in the 200 block of South Lake Street at 9:46 a.m. Saturday. The department received word that a strong odor of natural gas was in the area.

Pauline's Every Monday night special. Fried chicken only - all

white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460.

adv.

Investigation — Two Ponca City fire units responded to the 2400 block of Rice Street at 10:05 a.m. Saturday, to investigate an odor. Firemen determined a light socket shorted out.

Red Bud trees, five gallon. Regular $39.99. Sale $27.99.

Keathly’s Nursery. adv.

Hit-and-Run — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor backing accident on the south parking lot of Hutchins Memorial at 11:24 a.m. on Saturday.

Vandalism — At 12:18 p.m. Sunday, a subject reported his vehicle was vandalized at South Lincoln Street and West South Avenue. A Ponca City police officer took a report.

Accident — At 2:38 p.m. Saturday, the Ponca City Police Department was advised of an accident at the northeast corner of North Ninth Street and East Broadway Avenue. Two officers responded and a report was taken.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

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appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Shoplifting — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 16-year-old boy at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 3:17 p.m. Saturday, for petit larceny.

Collision — Ponca City police officers took a report of an accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street, at 3:19 p.m. Saturday. No injuries were reported.

Under Suspension — A 27-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at South First Street and South Avenue, at 3:42 p.m. Saturday, for driving under suspension.

Firecrackers — A Ponca City police officer contacted a juvenile regarding a complaint of firecrackers in the area of South Ash Street and West Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:42 p.m. Saturday. The youth was advised of the consequences of shooting fireworks within the city limits.

Bike Found — A resident, in the 500 block of West Ponca Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:10 a.m. Sunday, to report an abandoned bike. Animal Control was contacted to pick the bike up.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old woman in the 600 block of South Thirteenth Street, at 10:23 a.m. Sunday, for Ponca City and Kay County warrants.

Curfew Violations — Two Ponca City police officers responded at 1:59 a.m. Monday, to a call of juveniles at North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue. The youth were located at North First Street and East Gary Avenue and issued citations for curfew violations.

Hit and Run — A Ponca City police officer took a private property accident report at 2200 North Pecan Road at 11:42 a.m. Sunday.

Loud Noise — A resident in the 600 block of South Twelfth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department, at 1:53 p.m. Sunday, that a subject on a motorcycle was racing up and down in the alley and being loud. An officer contacted the subject and the motorcycle was put up.

Warrant Served — At 11:23 p.m. Sunday, a Ponca City police officer arrested an 18-year-old woman at South Thirteenth Street and East Madison Avenue, on a city warrant for failure to pay.

DUI — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 21-year-old man at Bradley Avenue and Jane Street at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, for driving under the influence.

DUI — At 1:36 a.m. Monday, a 39-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street, for driving under the influence and driving left of center.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 32-year-old man at 7:41 p.m. Sunday, in the 100 block of West Gary Avenue for driving under revocation.

Fight — The Ponca City Police Department received several emergency calls about a fight in the parking lot of Highlander Apartments, 1407 West Highland Avenue, at 10:15 p.m. Sunday. Three police officers were assigned. They reported that no injuries occurred and the suspects were gone upon arrival. Officers took a report of assault and battery.

In Custody — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 37-year-old woman from a traffic stop at South Fifth Street and East Maple Avenue, at 10:27 p.m. Sunday. She was charged with driving under revocation.

LIFESTYLES

Guide To Cooking Meat Is Comprehensive
Little News

Guide To Cooking Meat Is Comprehensive

By BARBARA ALBRIGHT

For The Associated Press

Meat has played a central role as a food since mankind’s earliest days. We can only imagine the caveman grunting with delight after sampling his first bite of open-pit barbecue.

In America, beef has long been held in high esteem. As pioneers moved west, their cattle went with them. But the meat we eat has changed. That of 20 to 30 years ago was tender and juicy because it was marbled with ribbons of fat. Now, due to popular demand, the source is bred to be leaner.

There has been a renewed interest in this meat with less fat, whether as a flavoring for a dish that is mostly vegetarian, or as a steak fresh off the grill served with intensely flavored condiments.

There has been no comprehensive guide to cooking this leaner meat until the recent release of “The Complete Meat Book — A Juicy and Authoritative Guide to Selecting, Seasoning, and Cooking Today’s Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Veal.” Bruce Aidells and Denis Kelly deliver just what the lengthy title promises. It’s a good read, too.

Aidells, a chef with a Ph.D. in biology, is owner and founder of Aidells Sausage Co. Kelly is a former chef, food and wine consultant, teacher, poet and storyteller.

The two Bay Area Californians collaborated on “Real Beer and Good Eats,” “Flying Sausages” and “Hot Links and Country Flavors.” The latter won a Julia Child cookbook award.

This 604-page tome tells how to cook today’s meat and does some myth-busting along the way.

I once saw a demonstration the “meat guys” did in which they advised, against old wisdom, to salt and pepper meat before cooking. The taste test proved them right. In the book, they describe how you can do your own blind test at home.

Another myth they dispel: They say that basting roasts does nothing to keep them moist or add flavor. Rather, it washes away the seasoning. For a perfectly juicy roast, they advise, don’t overcook.

Their recipes include tips on how to add intense and delicious flavor to meat. Suggested seasonings can be as simple as dry rubs (combinations of spices and herbs rubbed on the meat’s surface) or marinades of fresh herbs and acidic ingredients such as wine or soy sauce.

The writers also categorize recipes by their main characteristics, such as Cooking on a Budget, In a Hurry, Low-Fat, Fit for Company, Good for a Crowd, Two for One, Rewarms Well, Meat as a Condiment, Mom’s Comfort Food, and Great Leftovers.

Successive chapters deal with types of meat, and the meat cuts are illustrated. The book also helps clear up confusion by listing various names, depending on where you live, that may be used for the same cut.

Following are two recipes I tested. My copy of the cookbook is laden with stickers, and I am looking forward to trying others. Most of my cookbooks are shelved in my basement home office, but this meat book is moving into the kitchen.

Sauteed Pork Chops with Onion and Mustard Sauce were very flavorful and easy to make. Directions provide exact guidance to ensure the chops turn out perfectly.

Nogales Steak Tacos are made with chuck steaks marinated in a flavorful mixture that added a wonderful aroma to my refrigerator. Slices of the cooked meat, along with Lime-Pickled Red Onions, guacamole and salsa, are tucked into cheese-filled tortillas. As the book says, it is “good for company, fit for a crowd.”

Sauteed Pork Chops

With Onion and Mustard Sauce

4 center-cut loin pork chops,

either rib or T-bone, each 1 1/4 to

1 1/2 inches thick, trimmed of

external fat

1 tablespoon olive oil

Herb Rub:

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or

dried dill or rosemary

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground

black pepper

Pan Sauce:

1 cup thinly sliced onions

1/2 cup white wine or dry

vermouth

1 tablespoon coarse or smooth

Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or

dried dill or rosemary

1/4 cup low-fat or regular sour

cream

Flavor Step: Mix Herb Rub — the dill, mustard, salt and pepper. Coat the chops with the mixture and let marinate for up to 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Let refrigerated meat come to room temperature before cooking.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over high heat. When the pan is hot enough to sear the chops but not to burn them, add the chops. They should make a gentle hissing sound when they hit the pan, not an explosive sputter. Adjust the heat if the pan seems too hot, or remove the pan from the heat for 30 seconds or so (count this time as part of the overall cooking time). Sear on one side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the chops begin to brown. Turn and sear for 1 minute more. Reduce the heat so the chops continue to sizzle; do not turn the heat so low that there is no more sizzling sound. If the heat is too low, the chops will sweat and juices will exude from the meat and leave it dry.

Cover the pan and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes, depending on how thick the chops are. Turn and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes more on the other side. The chops are done when the meat is firm but not hard when pressed with a finger. Better still, test them with an instant-read thermometer — the meat should read 145 F to 155 F and will still be acceptable at 160 F. For the juiciest results, remove the chops from the pan when they register 145 F, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes or so before serving, to stabilize the juices. After resting they should read 150 F.

To make the Pan Sauce: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan and add the onions. Saute for 5 minutes and stir in the wine or vermouth, Dijon mustard and herbs, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Boil the sauce for a minute or two until it begins to turn syrupy. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Pour the sauce over the chops and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Nogales Steak Tacos

2 chuck steaks cut closest to the

prime rib, each 3/4 to 1 inch

thick, or 2 rib steaks, 1 inch to 1

1/4 inches thick (each about 1 1/2

pounds)

Salt and freshly ground black

pepper

24 corn tortillas, preferably

handmade (or the freshest

machine-made you can find)

1 pound mild white cheese, such

as queso asadero, California

Monterey Jack, or Wisconsin

Muenster, cut into strips, 1/4 by

1 inch by 3 or 4 inches

6 fire-roasted pasilla chiles or 10

Anaheim chiles (directions fol

low), sliced, or equivalent

canned green chiles, sliced

Nogales Steak Marinade

6 garlic cloves, mashed with 1

teaspoon kosher salt in a mortar

or on a cutting board

3/4 cup fresh sour orange juice

(from Seville oranges) or 1/4 cup

fresh orange juice plus 1/2 cup

fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons tequila (optional)

2 tablespoons ground chiles

(Rancho or New Mexico)

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped fresh

oregano or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon coarsely ground

black pepper

1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil

Garnishes:

1 cup Lime-Pickled Red Onions

(recipe follows)

Salsas of your choice, such as

green chile salsa and salsa cruda

Flavor Step: To make marinade, combine garlic, juice, tequila, chiles, cilantro, oregano, salt, pepper and oil for marinade in a bowl and whisk together, or put the ingredients into a food processor and pulse briefly.

Lay 1 steak in a nonreactive dish. Puncture the meat all over on both sides with a fork or skewer. Pour over half the marinade. Put the other steak on top and repeat the process. Reverse the steaks to make sure that both are well covered with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, turning the steaks occasionally to ensure full penetration of the marinade.

About an hour before grilling, remove the steaks from the refrigerator. Soak 6 mesquite wood chunks or 2 cups of mesquite, oak, or hickory chips in water. Fire up a covered charcoal grill with about 60 briquettes or the equivalent of mesquite charcoal. When the coals are completely covered in gray ash and you can hold your hand over them only for a count of two, scatter the mesquite chunks or chips over the coals.

Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Put the steaks on the grill and cover the kettle immediately. Adjust the vents so that no flare-ups occur. Cook until steaks are done to your liking, 6 to 8 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium. Set the steaks aside on a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the tortilla-cheese setups.

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Briefly heat each tortilla over the direct heat of the grill to soften it (or heat each tortilla in a heavy skillet over high heat to soften). Heat the tortillas only enough to make them pliable, so they don’t crack when folded over the cheese. Place 2 pieces of cheese on each tortilla and fold in half. Wrap 6 or so folded tortillas in foil, and keep warm in the oven. Repeat the process for all 24 tortillas. It takes about 10 minutes to heat the folded tortillas in the oven and barely melt the cheese — don’t keep them in the oven too long or the cheese will ooze out. Pay attention to timing: if you put the tortilla packets in the oven when the steaks are done and let the steaks rest for 10 minutes, that should work out fine. You can leave the tortillas in their foil packets for serving or, if you’d like to be more authentic, wrap them in large cloth napkins or dish towels.

To serve, cut the steaks against the grain into strips 3 to 4 inches long and about 1/4 inch thick. Put the bones on a separate platter. Set out the fire-roasted chiles, pickled onions, tortilla-cheese setups, guacamole and salsas, and encourage your guests to go for it. Pass the steak bones for true carnivores to gnaw on. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

To fire-roast chiles

or bell pepper:

Char or blister the peppers, turning occasionally, over an open flame or under a hot broiler. Put them in a plastic or paper bag for 10 to 15 minutes or so to sweat and loosen the skins. Scrape off the skins and remove the stems and seeds. You can wash the peeled pepper under cold running water if you want, but this can reduce the flavor slightly.

Be careful when handling hot chiles. Use rubber gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.

Lime-Pickled Red Onions

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh

cilantro

1 teaspoon chopped fresh

oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried

Mix all the ingredients together and let the onions marinate for at least 3 hours at room temperature. The onion mixture will keep for up to 4 days, covered, in the refrigerator. Try the onions with tacos, burritos and quesadillas. They’re great on sandwiches, too, from roast beef to grilled Cheddar cheese. You can also use them to liven up grilled fish or chicken breasts. Makes 1 cup.

Little News

Chris and Stephanie Neal announce the birth of their son at 8:59 a.m. Feb. 15, 1999, in Fort Worth, Texas. Christian William Neal weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long. He is the grandson of Herb and Tobie Neal of Eureka Springs, Ark., former residents of Ponca City; and the great-grandson of Eleanor Stewart, and Carl and Vera Neal, all of Ponca City.

Jonathan Thomas Curnutt is the name selected by Brian and Krista (Couch) Curnutt, 9116 Livenshire Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75238, for their son born at 12:38 p.m. March 25, 1999, at the Baylor University Medical Center. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 20 inches long. He has two brothers, Austin, 4, and Reid, 2. Mrs. Curnutt is a former resident of Ponca City.

Grandparents are Harold and Lu Couch of Norman, former residents of Ponca City, and Don and Marge Curnutt of Broken Arrow.

SPORTS

Cowboys Hold Scrimmage
Monday Evening Quarterback

Cowboys Hold Scrimmage

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma State took spring football practice on the road Saturday afternoon as the Cowboys staged a major scrimmage at Oklahoma City’s Taft Stadium.

For the second straight year, OSU Head Coach Bob Simmons and staff conducted a free clinic for area youngsters just before the Cowboys took part in a 100-play scrimmage. The clinic was attended by approximately 250 kids ranging in age from kindergarten to eighth grade.

The scrimmage, played in front of about 3,000 fans, produced positive results on both sides of the football. Quarterback Tony Lindsay completed 12 of 17 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown. Lindsay also rushed 10 times for 32 yards and another touchdown.

Oklahoma State's offense produced four touchdowns, including Lindsay's 17-yard run and a 14 yard pass from Lindsay to tight end Garrett Steggs, Gabe Lindsay, Tony’s younger brother, scored on a 28-yard pass from B. J. Tiger and tailback Jamaal Fobbs completed the scoring with a 17-yard run.

The Cowboy defense also produced highlights, including interceptions by Marcus Jones and Evan Howell and an eight-tackle performance by Robbie Glllern. The Cowboy defense also produced six quarterback sacks during the extended scrimmage session,

Three OSU quarterbacks combined for nearly 300 passing yards. In addition to Lindsay’s 177, sophomore Tiger completed 1O of 13 for 101 yards and a touchdown, Michael Cox added 21 yards on two-of-five.

Oklahoma State will continue spring drills next week with practices on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The annual Orange-White Spring Game is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Lewis Field.

Scrimmage Statistics

Passing: Lindsay, 12-17-177; Tiger, 10-13-101; Cox, 2-5-21

Rushing: Fobbs, 9-37; T. Lindsay, 10-32; Kevin Brown, 4-30; G. Lindsay, 8-26; Tiger, 13-14.

Receiving: Steggs, 2-29; Howell 2-32; White, 3-28; G. Lindsay, 1-28; Richardson, 1-28

Monday Evening Quarterback

High school baseball players from North Central Oklahoma haven’t been getting much of a look from state four year college coaches.

That is starting to change thanks to the fledgling baseball program at Northern Oklahoma College and coach Terry Ballard.

Ballard, who had never coached baseball at the college level before, started the program at NOC last year from scratch. The Mavericks did not even have their own field that first season.

As expected, the Mavericks struggled, finishing 8-32. With over a month left in 1999 season, the Mavs have already bettered that win mark. They are 12-12 despite several rain-outs, including last Saturday’s scheduled doubleheader at Murray State and today’s games at NEO.

Currently 2-4 in the Division II Twin States Conference, the Mavericks are looking for a first division finish in the conference and a longer than one-game stay in the regional tournament in Fort Smith, May 7-10.

Ballard has the Mavericks headed in the right direction using mainly local talent. Only two players on NOC’s 28-player roster are from out of state. The majority of this year’s team is comprised of players from closer than 100 miles of the NOC campus.

Ballard has four players from Ponca City, four from Enid, four from Tonkawa and one each from Blackwell, Newkirk, Braman, Fairfax and Stillwater.

Already the Mavericks are being noticed by four-year colleges. Ballard saw three players advance to larger schools last season and he says there are seven or eight of his current players who are being courted by state colleges.

Among those is Ponca City sophomore shortstop J.R. Fry. Fry is hitting a whopping .452 on the season and is one of the top junior college hitters in the country.

“J.R., if he gets enough at bats, is almost certain to be one of the top 10 hitters in the country in (junior college) Division II,” Ballard notes.

But Fry is not the only tough hitter on the team. Six of the Mavericks’ starters are currently hitting over .300.

Tonkawa outfielder-pitcher Jason Estes is right behind Fry in hitting with a .444 average, but Ballard said Estes will probably not get enough at-bats to make the national rankings.

Centerfielder Jason Rector of Tecumseh is one of the best junior college power hitters around. He is batting .352 but has a sizzling .704 slugging average with four doubles, three triples and six home runs with 25 runs batted in.

Enid third baseman Brent Hibbets is hitting .367 with four doubles, two triples, one homer and 16 RBI’s.

“Jason Ross (Ponca City first baseman-pitcher), is on a tear,” Ballard said. “Jason is batting .333 for the year, but he is over .500 in the last week or so. And his slugging percentage is well over .500.”

The Maverick pitchers are also posting some impressive statistics.

Brandon Long, an All-stater from Enid, is 5-4 on the season, with a 3.09 ERA. He has 32 strikeouts in 48 innings.

Ponca City’s Daniel Denny, a freshman, is 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA and 13 strikeouts in the same number of innings pitched.

NOC’s ERA leader is Braman sophomore Jeff Fricouf, who is 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA.

“We are playing much better,” Ballard notes. “That’s why I was so disappointed the Murray State games were rained out. We got halfway there Saturday when the rains started.”

But the Mavs have a chance to make up some ground this week. They are scheduled to play a make-up doubleheader at Oklahoma Christian University, against the Chiefs’ JV team, on Tuesday and play the conference twinbill at Murray State Thursday. The Mavs are at home next Saturday against Murray State.

“I think we have a good chance to win all six games,” Ballard said. “We could well be 18-12 by the end of the week.”

Getting a program off the ground can be a challenge in several areas.

“This is certainly a different experience,” Ballard said of his first two seasons. “You’re dealing with all types of players. Some have been coached well, some have not.

“But actually coaching in the games is the easiest part of the job. Starting a program is tough. You have so many things to take care of. Finding a place to play, buying equipment, scheduling. There are so many facets. You have to just learn as you go along.

“But we’re getting there. We’re playing well and we’re proving ourselves in the conference.

“Last year we didn’t win a conference game. This year we have a good chance to finish second or third in the conference.”