LOCAL

Early Voter Turnout Very Light For City Commission Election
Area Students Receive Rotary Awards
Number of Problems Draw Attention Of City Officials on Education Future
Innovative, Traditional Blues Player Comes To Poncan Theatre
Peachtree Landing Sets Logo Design Contest
Youth Taskforce Groups Set Up Meetings for April

Early Voter Turnout Very Light For City Commission Election

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

They were prepared for an onslaught of voters, but they never showed and according to several precincts throughout the city, hardly anyone had shown at the polls this morning.

“It is slow, slow, slow,” reported Precinct 504 Inspector Margaret Yeakley at Grace Episcopal Church at Grand Avenue and Thirteenth Street.

The story was the same on the west side of the city at Precinct 523.

“It has been real slow, and I doubt if we reach 100 by the end of the day” Inspector Albert Isaac says from the Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand Avenue. “I tell people it’s their city and their money and if they don’t take the time to vote then they have no business griping.”

Regardless of how many vote, voters will decide the next two city commissioners and whether city elections will be held a month earlier under a proposed change in the city charter.

Incumbent city commissioners Dick Stone and Lyn Boyer are both facing opponents in today’s election. Marvin Rider is running against Dick Stone for position one and Ron Smith is seeking the position of city commissioner, position three.

On the northeast part of town, the “slow” morning caused a retreat to the treats.

“It’s so slow that we are already into the goodies we have brought,” DeAnn McDaniel, 530 Precinct Inspector, said from Pioneer Vo-Tech, 2101 North Ash Street. “It’s the slowest I have seen in years.”

The turnout was no different on the east side of town.

“I knew it would be slow and it has been,” Precinct 533 Inspector Janet Pappan said from St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect Avenue.

Although a few more had voted at the N.E. Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan Street, the turnout was still described as light.

“It has been slow — there has never been a line,” Precinct 534 Inspector Joyce Huddleston said.

Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. and any registered voter residing inside the city limits is encouraged to vote.

Area Students Receive Rotary Awards

One hundred and nine school juniors from more than 50 area schools attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Conference in Ponca City on March 5-7, at the Marland Estate.

Local students attending included Scott Mitchell, Tamra Banks, Katie Mulligan, and Lacey Goodger.

The week-end conference focused on leadership skills for youth. The students also celebrated the event with a 70s theme dance at the Mansion. Highlight of the conference were skits produced by the students themselves.

“The students this year were so impressive. The Class of 2000 definitely shows excellent leadership capabilities,” said district 5750 chairman, Mary Austin.

Noted speakers for the event included professor Andy Urich of the OSU College of Business, attorney Jim Sharrock of the McAfee Taft firm in Oklahoma City and Terry Ballard, assistant dean of students and head baseball coach at Northern Oklahoma College.

Presentations were also made by Rich Rudebock of the Dale Carnegie Institute and Karen Bearden of KB Enterprises. Funding for the conference were provided by the local Rotary Clubs and a donation from Conoco Inc.

Since 1971 Rotary International has sponsored the leadership conferences all over the world. Opportunities to participate in the student exchange program and the Wings of Rotary exchange with Japan was also presented by Rotarians.

Number of Problems Draw Attention Of City Officials on Education Future

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

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

From the drop-out rate, to substance abuse, to low achievement, the problems facing the future generation seem to be multi-faceted, and sometimes interrelated.

“I see low achievement as the number one problem facing our students,” Ponca City Superintendent Bill White says.

According to White low achievement is the direct result of children’s disinterest in learning and education. While there are solutions they are long term solutions.

“Those children that are at drop-out risk can be identified in elementary school so if we can reach children in their formative years and then address and implement programs at that level it will benefit them in later years,” White says. “In the 21st century we need to find a delivery system that creates students that not only learn 175 days out of the year but creates life-long learners.”

While change may ultimately lie in younger children there are problems currently facing the teenagers that also need to be addressed.

According to Ponca City High School Principal Jerry Winkle, alcohol abuse is the number one problem at the high school.

“The biggest problem facing teenagers today is their interest with immediate gratification. Sometimes they do things that are detrimental and harmful which can have a life-long negative impact, namely alcohol and drugs,” Winkle explains. “The result is that we have very bright students that do not have academic records which reflect their capabilities.”

Who’s To Blame?

The principal views the problem not only as a school problem but a social issue.

“I see this problem as a result of a change in family behaviors in which parents have the attitude that if their kids are going to drink they’d rather they do it at home and they don’t realize the consequences. The other problem is we have a more tolerate society.”

Winkle believes the problem is one that parents need to address.

“What scares me is that there is no sense of fear on the part of parents and the urgency of the abuse,” the principal says. “They seem to think that they’ll grow out of it but the potential danger is what it does to their level of productivity when kids are going through their formative stage in life.”

While he may not have the answer to the problem Winkle does believe that the key to the solution lies in both understanding and realizing the behavioral impact of substance abuse.

“I don’t have the answers — if I did I could market it, however nothing appears to be long term to our young adults today,” Winkle says. “They live for right now and we need to get it across to them that things are not always as they are now.”

Cites Lost Opportunities

The current trend is very upsetting to the man who has dedicated the vast majority of his life to children and their education.

“A lost opportunity is so sad,” Winkle says. “I don’t think that teenagers see the impact that current behavior and decisions can have on their future, how one mistake can destroy the possibility of a scholarship or become a very real obstacle to a student’s future.”

Despite the current trend, Winkle does see a brighter future for the local educational system.

“I am not a fatalist so I don’t see the problem worsening. I remember when Ponca City schools were the icon for public schools across the state,” he recalls. “We have enough on staff that can remember the quality of education. But Ponca City has somehow neglected to make the strategic changes in procedures to make school relevant to students.”

It won’t take much for the necessary changes to occur, Winkle says.

“I do believe that people working together and being open-minded can accomplish the things necessary to help kids understand why school makes sense. We can reach that standard again.”

It is a more individualized school system that Winkle feels is the ultimate key to the educational success of students.

“We need to reach kids at their level and not lower the standards,” he says. “With the increasing level of competition out there kids are no longer buying into the notion they need to stay in school to get a better job. I feel we need to find a way to personalize high school and have enough flexibility to design curriculums around the future aspirations of our kids.”

Next: The current changes and trends in local crime.

Innovative, Traditional Blues Player Comes To Poncan Theatre

Tradition and innovation are the hallmarks of Mark Hummel’s playing. He’s a true virtuoso of the blues harmonica, and he is one of the real inventors of the new West Coast Blues. For Hummel, that means reaching out to some of the great traditions of blues. Hummel and his fine group the Blues Survivors will perform at the Poncan Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Working within a tradition does not preclude innovation, according to Hummel. So he loves to do both. Hummel’s fascination with blues began in high school in the early 1970s. He says he was listening to “Cream and Jimi Hendrix, Big Brother, stuff like that.” But when he looked at the song writers, he “kept seeing Willie Dixon’s name, Muddy’s name, Wolf’s name on these song titles.” So he started buying Willie Dixon albums, and Muddy Water’s, and Howlin’ Wolf’s. “Then I just started buying blues albums all the time.”

He found the harmonica and loved it. “For some reason, harmonica just seemed real natural for me,” he says. But he’s quick to point out that it wasn’t easy. “I was just so taken with it and so into it, I’d literally sit for four and five hours at a time.” Soon after graduating, Hummel was traveling around the country. He went in search of the most authentic blues he could find.

Hummel loved to jam with the best artists he could find. “I met Cool Papa Sadler one night,” Hummel remembers. “And then you’d meet people through him.” From Cool Papa he met the men who formed The Blues Survivors with him. They were the only Chicago-type players in Oakland, where Hummel had settled down. The group toured Europe and made some recordings. It was tough through the Reagan years, Hummel recalls, but now there’s a blues revival.

Hummel loves originality in traditional frameworks. He enjoys incorporating riffs from a wide range of sources, stitching them together in a sold grove. You may be able to name the sources of some of his licks, but they’re combined in interesting, fresh ways.

Blues Revue magazine says Hummel has “a pure, chiseled tone,” and it praises the player for “technical mastery of the instrument.” The magazine calls Hummel “a harmonica virtuoso.” “Quite simply, he is one of a handful of the best players ever on the instrument,” and he continues to “get better.”

Tickets for Hummel and the Blues Survivors are available at main Ponca City banks, at Quality Pools and Spas, at Motor City, at Installations Unlimited, and at the Poncan Theatre. The event is brought to Ponca City by the Poncan Theatre with the help of KLOR radio. The Poncan Theatre box office at 104 East Grand is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. The phone is 580-765-0943.

Peachtree Landing Sets Logo Design Contest

The Peachtree Landing homeless shelter in Ponca City is sponsoring a student art logo contest for a new logo. The logo will be used as a symbol to identify Peachtree Landing. Deadline for entries is April 30.

The new logo will be used on Peachtree Landing’s informative brochure which explains the work of the shelter and its purpose in Ponca City and surrounding areas. In addition, it may be used on newsletters, T-shirts, stationery or cards, and perhaps a community Christmas ornament.

Prizes of savings bonds and gift certificates will be awarded for first, second and third place in each age division. Age categories are grades 4-6, grades 7-9, and grades 10-12. The overall logo entry winner will receive a $10O savings bond from Home National Bank. Winning entries will be announced the first week of May. Judging will be based on best design and use of the Peachtree Landing theme.

The contest theme is “ Peachtree Landing: Hope for the Homeless.”

Peachtree Landing is a place where homeless people can find a good meal, warm clothing and a place to sleep for a period of time. This project also provides counseling services, transportation and medical care to its visitors. Peachtree Landing is a United Way agency.

Without a place like Peachtree Landing, the homeless people of Ponca City would be living on the streets without care and direction for a better future. The main goal of Peachtree Landing is to help homeless people become more self-sufficient, able to take care of their own and their family’s needs. Peachtree Landing gives training to its visitors so they can lead a better life after they leave the shelter.

Contest Rules

1. Draw a design to represent Peachtree Landing Homeless Shelter on white unlined paper, approximately 9 x 11 inches. The name “Peachtree Landing” and the theme or a motto may be incorporated into the logo, but it is not required.

2. The entry must be original, and hand crafted by the student.

3. The logo should be done in pen or pencil (if desired, the student may also include a second sheet with a color design, to show the artist’s suggested colors.)

4. On the back side, in the bottom left corner, place the student’s name, grade, school, and home phone number or address.

5. By entering the contest, the student agrees to duplication and use of his/her design, and some possible alteration. All entries become the property of Peachtree Landing.

Entries will be collected by 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, 1999, from each school office in Ponca City. Open entries may be submitted to the office of Peachtree Landing, 105 West Hazel, Ponca City, by 5 p.m. April 30.

For more information, contact the Peachtree Landing office, 762-3208 or Nancy Shields, 765-3804.

Youth Taskforce Groups Set Up Meetings for April

The Ponca City Alliance for Youth Taskforce Committees have set their meetings for the month of April. Each committee continues to work on projects and activities designed to benefit the children and youth of the community.

The taskforce committees continue to focus their efforts on six key issues. Those issues include: teen pregnancy, race relations, substance abuse, physical/sexual abuse, school drop out rates and juvenile crime/violence and gangs. Teens and adults who have attended the taskforce committee meetings in the past are encouraged to continue their commitment to finding solutions to the problems the youth of our community face on a daily basis. All other interested individuals are invited to serve on the committees so that they may give new insight or suggestions regarding the programs and activities the groups are coordinating.

The taskforce committees meeting dates, times and locations are:

*Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention meeting — Wednesday, April 7, Ponca City Library, Board Room at noon.

*Juvenile Crime/Violence & Gangs — Tuesday, April 13, Lincoln Center, 700 W. Broadway, 2 p.m.

*Substance Abuse Prevention meeting — Thursday, April 15, Tracy Young Army Reserve Center, 805 West Hartford, 4 p.m.

*School Dropout Rate meeting — Thursday, April 15, Board of Education Building, 111 West Grand, 6:30 p.m.

*Teen Pregnancy Prevention meeting — Monday, April 19, First Baptist Church Teen Pep Room, 6:30 p.m.

*Race Relations meeting — Thursday, April 22, Board of Education Building, 111 West Grand, 7 p.m.

All interested youth and adults are invited to attend the taskforce committee meetings that interest them. For more information call Michele Jean at the United Way office, 765-2476.

DEATHS

Leona Louise Hunt
Barnet Morrison Jr.
Jerry Lee McFarland
Bill Ramsey
Florence L. Lawson

Leona Louise Hunt

NEWKIRK — Leona Louise Hunt, former Ponca City area 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 Louise (Keen) Hunt was born July 21, 1908, near Kildare, the daughter of William and Oris (Hastings) Keen. She was married to Alva Lane in the 1930s and the couple made their home in Ponca City. She owned and operated Leona’s Tourist Court in the Bois d’ Arc Community for more than 25 years.

On Jan 10, 1959, she was married to Dallas W. Hunt. They moved to Arkansas City in 1965. Mr. Hunt preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 1985, and she moved back to Ponca City in 1989.

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. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Dilver, Wilber, Loris and Orville; and four sisters, Hazel, Mary, Velma and Lavera.

Barnet Morrison Jr.

FAIRFAX — Barnet Morrison Jr., longtime Fairfax area resident, died Monday afternoon, April 5, 1999, at the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 83.

The funeral will be held graveside Thursday at 3 p.m. at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow. The Rev. Robert Glasgow, pastor of First Osage Baptist Church in Fairfax, will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.

Barnet Morrison Jr., was born April 12, 1915, in Fairfax, the son of Barnet and Rosa Mae (Latimer) Morrison Sr. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1934 and served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.

He was married to Mildred Hardy in Tulsa on March 7, 1942. After his military service Morrison was employed as a clerk in the U.S. Post Office in Tulsa, retiring in 1970. He moved back to Fairfax in 1988. He enjoyed fishing and working crossword puzzles.

Survivors include a sister, Celestine Tinker of Fairfax and several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, on July 5, 1987; his parents; two brothers Charles Morrison and George Morrison and one sister, Tribly Morrison.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Morrison’s name to the Fairfax Alumni Association, P.O. Box 125, Fairfax, OK 74637-0125.

The family will be at the Clyde Moore home to receive friends and family.

Funerals

Wednesday

Jerry Lee McFarland

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

Thursday

Bill Ramsey

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at Northeast Baptist Church, Ponca City. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Other arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

Services Pending

Florence L. Lawson

Florence L. Lawson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, April 5, 1999 at her home. She was 85. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 9, at Grace Memorial Chapel. Other arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Alliance For Youth — The Ponca City Alliance for Youth Physical/Sexual Abuse Pregnancy Prevention Taskforce Committee will meet at noon Wednesday in the board room of the Ponca City Library. Call Michele Jean at 765-2476 for more information.

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

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

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

adv.

Garfield Academy — This public school, open to all students in the Ponca City area, is now accepting applications for magnet students for the 1999-2000 school year. Applications are open to students who will be in Kindergarten through fifth grade next year. An information meeting will be held in the Programming Room of the Ponca City Library on Thursday, at noon. Contact Dr. Patty Ladd, Garfield Academy principal, at 767-8030, with questions.

WCW/NOW Spring Stampede. Gripping wrestling action coming

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

early call Cable One at 762-6684. adv.

Wellness Group — The Native American Women’s Wellness Group meets Wednesday, in the Conference Room, Pawnee Bill Museum, Pawnee, Okla., from 7 to 9 p.m. This month’s topic is “Native American Gardening and Plant Exchange”. One objective is to help families help themselves in their efforts to reintroduce traditional agricultural and land management techniques, learn traditional preservation and drying; planting and harvesting; smoking and drying meat; construct drying cellars, and encourage protection of the environment. Participants are encouraged to bring plant cuttings for exchange. For more information, contact Vanessa M. Goodeagle, 918-762-3760 or Jerry Ann Kraft, 918-762-2616.

Every Wednesday ğ price clothes and shoes, except priced

items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and

Central. adv.

Seven Live Concerts — Join the Ponca City Community Concert Association by Thursday evening, and enjoy seven live concerts — all presented in Ponca City. All new members will be admitted to the 1998-99 Solomania Concert, Thursday, at 7 p.m. at Hutchins Auditorium, free, as well as enjoying the six 1999-2000 concerts scheduled for the upcoming year. Adult memberships are $30 each — and a great bargain for seven top concerts. Drop by the Commercial Federal Bank lobby this week to sign up or you may sign up Thursday night in the Hutchins Auditorium lobby prior to the Solomania Concert. Call 765-3971 or 762-5156 for more information.

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

Keathly’s Nursery. adv.

Break-In — An employee of Snyder Electric, 205 South First Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:37 a.m. Monday that someone had broken into the wire shed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

each, Keathly’s Nursery. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:41 p.m. Monday that a 48-year-old man was being held on a city warrant.

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.

Vehicle Damaged — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:48 p.m. Monday to report that his vehicle door had been damaged while parked at Pioneer Bank. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle on Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 1:04 p.m. Monday that a vehicle was on fire two miles south of Newkirk on U.S. 77. The Newkirk Fire Department was notified to handle the situation.

Break-In — An employee of Keathly Nursery, 40 Bridge Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:27 a.m. Monday that a break-in had occurred. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office was notified to handle the report.

Vandalism — An employee at Ponca City High School reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:23 a.m. Monday that some vandalism had occurred on the west side of the Fine Arts Building. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 10:24 a.m. Monday that a 28-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 100 block of South Fourteenth Street at 10:22 a.m. Monday that a 30-year-old man was being held for second degree burglary.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Glenside Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:36 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Grass Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 12:11 p.m. Monday that a grass fire was burning in the 2900 block of West North Avenue. Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department was notified to handle the situation.

Damage — An employee of the Sanitation Department reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:24 p.m. Monday that damage had been done to a business trash dumpster in the 200 block of West Cleveland Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 1:09 p.m. Monday to report some vandalism to a vehicle while at Wal-Mart. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Radio Stolen — A person from Murphy Ideal Auto, Fourth Street and South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:15 p.m. Monday that a radio had been stolen from a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of a business in the 400 block of East Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:19 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Blackwell Airman Graduates — Air Force Airman Franklin W. McLain Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He earned distinction as an honor graduate. McLain is the son of Franklin W. and Cynthia L. McLain of 1355 North Main in Blackwell. His wife, Tryna, is the daughter of Harold R. and Carolyn Mason of 2105 East Mason Prairie N.E., Benton City, Wash. The airman is a 1991 graduate of Blackwell High School.

Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart report reported at 1:28 p.m. Monday that an adult shoplifter was in custody. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a 42-year-old woman was held for petit larceny.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 12:15 a.m. Tuesday that an 18-year-old woman was being held for driving under suspension.

Subjects Held — Three officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 12:35 a.m. Tuesday that several subjects were being held. A 45-year-old woman was held for selling beer without a permit and allowing a person under 21 in the bar area. A 32-year-old man was held for public intoxication and a 28-year-old man was held on a city warrant for failure to pay. A 22-year-old woman was held on a Kay County warrant for bogus checks.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:42 p.m. Monday that a 37-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Forgery — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:21 p.m. Monday that a forgery had occurred at Chapman Shoes, 2601 North Fourteenth Street.

Burglary — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:19 p.m. Monday from a woman in the 3600 block of West Oakland Avenue that her residence had been broken into. The information was transferred to the Kay County Sheriff’s Office for a report to be taken.

Attempted Burglary — A woman from the 3500 block of North Union Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:01 p.m. Monday that someone had attempted to break into her apartment Sunday night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Fire — Three units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in the 2700 block of Homestead at 4:08 p.m. Monday, but upon arrival of the first unit, others were contacted to disregard as a result of the owner having burned a chicken and that set the fire alarm off.

LIFESTYLES

Ageless Heroes Award To Paul Martin
Magazine Survey Reports ‘Fun Findings’ About Kids and Parents

Ageless Heroes Award To Paul Martin

Paul Martin, a 78-year-old pianist for the Ponca City Retired Senior Volunteer Program, is the Eastern Oklahoma winner in the Creative Expressions category for an Ageless Heroes Award

Martin will be honored during an awards presentation and luncheon sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma on April 19 at the Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by awards and recognition featuring keynote speaker Clayton Vaughn. For information on the luncheon, call 918-592-9408.

According to his nomination, Martin has performed for and coordinated more than 27 wacky fashion shows benefiting the local RSVP chapter. Martin also serves on the RSVP advisory board and volunteers at the Sterling House assisted living facility.

In its second year, the Oklahoma Ageless Heroes Awards are part of a national Blue Cross and Blue Shield program recognizing the spirit, vitality and potential of older Americans.

Ron King, president and chief executive officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, said “through programs like the Ageless Heroes Awards, we recognize their spirit and drive, highlighting them as role models of health aging.”

JennaV Cargill was a nominee in the Vigor & Vitality category for the Ageless Heroes award. JennaV resides at 812 East Cleveland with her daughter and son-in-law, Nadine and Clyde Frisby. A former resident of Cushing, JennaV, a longtime resident of the Oak Grove community west of Drumright, continues to be active in teaching both square dancing and round dancing. Also nominated in the Vigor and Vitality category was Altha Martin, Paul’s wife. George Hoppes was a nominee in the Community Involvement category. The nominees will also be honored during the luncheon event.

Magazine Survey Reports ‘Fun Findings’ About Kids and Parents

By CHILD Magazine

For The Associated Press

Most parents have no interest in seeing their children become president one day, according to a survey in Child magazine. However, more than 50 percent of moms and dads can name a Teletubby (Po and Laa-Laa most likely).

These are some of the observations on the lighter side of parenting in Child’s Mom & Pop Culture Quiz, a quick survey of 300 parents in the magazine’s first annual reader issue.

The following are more of the fun findings in the magazine’s April issue:

* Only 3 percent of parents secretly wish their child would want to become president one day, the lowest percentage in a choice of doctor (52 percent), best-selling novelist (19 percent) and pro athlete (13 percent).

* Over half (57 percent) of those surveyed can name a Teletubby. Po (red) and Laa-Laa (yellow) were the most often cited. But Dipsy (green) and Tinky Winky (purple) were known by a quarter of parents.

* Stuffed animals are taking over kids’ rooms, say 75 percent of those surveyed.

* Your child’s fantasy dinner is cheese (29 percent), followed by a Sour Patch Kids, M&Ms, Oreos and ice-cream combos (26 percent).

* Banana is the No. 1 baby food flavor of both parents and babies. Applesauce is No. 2 for babies; peach is the No. 2 flavor for Dad and Mom.

* The majority of dads (71 percent) would buy their son a Barbie doll if asked; most (72 percent) would nix a daughter’s request for a crew cut.

* Most surveyed (49 percent) would not let Madonna babysit their child. Fran ‘‘The Nanny’’ Drescher came close behind (42 percent). Only 23 percent objected to Kathie Lee Gifford.

* Most moms (78 percent) are doing the discipline, say dads.

* ’’Barney & Friends’’ is the kids’ top show (21 percent), but most parents, if asked, would prefer sitting down to ‘‘Arthur’’ (20 percent).

* According to 76 percent of those surveyed, Bill Cosby ‘‘fits the bill’’ to be fantasy godfather to most of their children. Less popular were Bill Murray (11 percent), Bill Gates (10 percent) and Bill Clinton (1 percent).

* The household appliance parents ‘‘couldn’t make it through the day without’’ is the washer-dryer (39 percent).

———

Child magazine conducted a national survey of 300 readers. The majority were married (91 percent) with a median age of 31 and 1.4 children in the household.

BUSINESS

Chamber Accreditation Reveals Dedication of Volunteer Workers
Former Ponca Citian Heads Development for Oro Valley
City Sales Tax Collections Down During January
Local Drug Store Sells Ownership
Learning Center Topic of Friday Forum

Chamber Accreditation Reveals Dedication of Volunteer Workers

The Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce is among only a handful of chamber organizations nationwide that has completed an in-depth review of its programs, projects, organizational structure and operations and has become “Accredited” as meeting the highest standards in serving its members and the community by the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. In fact, the Ponca City Chamber has held such a designation for 25 years. According to information provided by the U.S. Chamber, less than 5 percent of all chambers of commerce in the nation share this distinction.

The Accreditation process involves a thorough review and assessment of six critical areas of operation: Organization, Program of Action, Finance, Staff, Communication and Plant and Equipment. In order to accomplish the review process, separate volunteer committees have been working diligently during the past couple of months to evaluate the local operation against a stringent set of standards, which must be met in order to achieve accredited status. This involves a total examination, both internally and externally of the chamber’s programs, policies and practices. Much like a full-scale physical exam, no stone is left unturned in making this organizational review.

In this, the first of several articles explaining the process, the area of Plant and Operations and Program of Action will be covered.

Plant and Operations

The Plant and Operation Committee is being chaired by Tim Burg and includes, Lee Evans, Chris Hand, Darrell Stolhand, Mark Welborn and Howard Wells.

The Chamber of Commerce in Ponca City serves as our community’s “Front Door to the World”. More often than not, the Chamber office is the first point of contact, the first place visited and the first impression made by Ponca City with visitors, new residents and potential new employers who come to our community. The strength of this first impression depends heavily on several factors, one of which is the Chamber building.

Several local contractors volunteered to examine the electrical and plumbing systems, review the heating and air conditioning, examine the parking lot and building exterior, look at the attractiveness and efficiency of the facility and its furnishings. All facets of the physical plant were closely scrutinized.

Following the initial survey, meetings with the chamber staff were held to identify areas which needed immediate attention, along with a “wish list” of other areas that need to be enhanced or renovated as time and funds allow. Contractors inspected equipment for such items as operational efficiency, life span, proper functioning, needed repairs and the cost estimated to complete any repairs or renovation. In some cases, recommended changes have been found to pay for themselves over a period of time, simply through operational savings.

Once the in depth reviews were completed, staff was once again consulted to discuss the findings and develop a priority listing of projects which could be studied by chamber leadership in making decisions on both long and short term improvement plans.

Safety was also a prime factor. The local fire marshal’s office was asked to complete a formal inspection of the Chamber building. Items relating to life safety, building codes, emergency support equipment and many other points were covered. Their inspection was top notch and professional and covered all areas of the building from the front lobby to the basement.

Areas of concern were pinpointed and corrective actions outlined. As a result of this intensive review of the Chambers building, equipment and furnishings, a short range and long range plan of improvement will be developed which will not only insure that the chamber has a safe facility, but also one which will be a source of pride for Ponca City as our community’s “Front Door”, both today and in the years to come.

Program of Action

Program of Action is another area of the Chamber being examined by the accreditation team. This committee is chaired by Connie McAbee and includes, Kelly Ailey, Sonny Apman, Sandy Gearhart, Randol Marzuola and Debbie Weatherly.

This group is charged with the responsibility of analyzing and rating the effectiveness of the Chamber in areas such as the annual Program of Work, membership programs and services, long-range planning goals and efforts, policy positions, federal, state and local government positions and the Annual Report.

Time will also be devoted to rating some of the newer or restructured Chamber program areas such as marketing and cultural development. The Committee will also judge the Chamber’s performance during the last five years in areas of accomplishment, which will include efforts to detect emerging community problems, opportunities and trends in demographic characteristics, economic factors, community attitudes and social issues such as employment opportunities and education.

Upon completion of rating each priority area, the Committee will then deliver a full narrative report of all areas standing which includes completion of the goals established during the previous accreditation rating period and areas for improvement in the future.

Future articles will cover the areas of Organization, Staff, Finance and Communications. If you have any question or comments regarding the reaccreditation process, contact the Chamber office 765-4400.

Former Ponca Citian Heads Development for Oro Valley

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. — Oro Valley Community Development Director Don Chatfield, a 1974 Po-Hi graduate, recently added to his graduated with a doctor of philosophy degree this January from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif.

As Oro Valley’s Community Development director, Chatfield oversees the administration and management of four Town Divisions which include Planning and Zoning, Building Safety, Transit Services, and Parks & Recreation.

His position involves the supervision of 26 employees, a $2.5-million budget, and close coordination with the town manager, council, and various advisory boards and citizen-constituent groups.

His Ph.D., which specialized in public policy, enhances an academic background that includes an masters in Organizational Development from The Fielding Institute, an masters in Urban Planning from the University of Arizona, a masters of divinity in Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo., and a bachelors in Communication from the University of Oklahoma.

Chatfield, who is the son of John and Rosemary Chatifield of Ponca City, is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, and a member of four other planning/community-development organizations.

He was hired by the Town of Oro Valley in 1993 as a Planner II, and served as the Planning & Zoning director for a few years before he was promoted to Community Development director in 1998. Prior to his Town of Oro employment, Chatfield worked as a project planner and an assistant project manager for the Planning Center in Tucson.

Chatfield’s Ph.D. dissertation research analyzed community life expectations of Sun City Vistoso (SCV) residents, and the related-impact that community environment has on an older adult’s quality of life.

According to Chatfield, he was uncharacteristically nervous and filled with emotion during his graduation ceremony.

“Completion of my Ph.D. has been a longtime dream of mine,” reflected Chatfield. “I wanted to conduct research that would help address the needs of our aging population.”

His dissertation analyzed the civic behavior and expectations of senior citizens to determine whether or not age, income, health, prior residence, and education played a role in their view of community life. Of these variables, Chatfield’s research indicated that education was the strongest predictor of civic involvement and expectations.

I believe the survey results will be useful to government leaders, service clubs religious organizations, and agencies concerned with the needs of retirement communities.” Chatfield’s 1998 survey was mailed to 1600 SCV residents, of which 46 percent responded, giving him nearly double the amount of completed surveys needed for statistical accuracy.

Although other scholars have documented a widespread decline in American civic participation, Chatfield’s survey results indicate that public involvement is an important part of everyday life in Sun City.

More than 72 percent of the respondents said their current civic opportunities were better than what was available in their former communities. High involvement levels were recorded with service organizations, religious associations, social clubs, and voting.

Nearly 31 percent of those completing the survey said they belonged to a service organization, and 99 different service groups were listed. SCV volunteer involvement spans a wide range of programs and agencies scattered across the Tucson area, including the Arizona Historical Society, American Red Cross, Northwest Interfaith Council, Pima Council on Aging, and Tu Nidito.

The respondents indicated that social and recreational opportunities were very important with 71 percent claiming membership in one or more of Sun City’s 150 clubs and organizations.

Less than 4 percent of SCV residents reported serving on a government board or council during the past two years, which is consistent with findings from other retirement community studies.

However, voter registration and voter turnout reflected a healthy 79 percent Oro Valley registered-voter rate, and of these registered voters, 90 percent said they have voted in most all elections since they began living in the Sun City-area.

Chatfield, who was recently appointed to the Pima Council Aging Commission on the New Aging, hopes his research will prove useful in planning for the needs of future retirees.

“The findings indicate that today’s older adults are an active, concerned segment of our population,” he concluded. “With baby-boomer adults entering their retirement years, it becomes even more important to effectively plan for their diverse wants and needs.

City Sales Tax Collections Down During January

Ponca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during January was down slightly compared to the same time period last year. Ponca City coffers received a total of $728,579.13 compared to $767,671.60 for the same time frame in 1998. That is a 5 percent drop.

Statewide, collections were up $6,295,935 in January of 1999, with a total of $66,586,389 distributed to 486 cities and towns

Ponca City had $89,914.39 in use tax credited, compared to $30,173.04 a year ago.

Results of other area communities:

City March 99 March 98

Bartlesville 911,514.91 853,172.96

Billings 10,6706.38 8,440.22

Blackwell 80,510.30 85,001.36

Braman 1,328.66 1,558.33

Burbank 366.71 478.89

Deer Creek 924.01 964.28

Enid 1,160,999.00 1,094,083.34

Fairfax 13,638.22 14,971.24

Kaw City 2,517.84 1,525.82

Lamont 2,378.37 2,035.55

Marland 956.87 805.23

Medford 23,113.20 19,471.13

Morrison 3,108.78 4,158.68

Newkirk 19,123.34 19,420.37

Pawhuska 48,446.27 51,326.38

Pawnee 32,558.89 30,936.80

Perry 70,100.22 67,353.19

Pond Creek 7,630.49 6,850.44

Ralston 924.91 1,599.83

Red Rock 848.18 1,098.22

Shidler 2,051.42 1,977.31

Stillwater 1,204,352.69 945,659.63

Tonkawa 41,566.24 38,452.43

Local Drug Store Sells Ownership

Two popular Ponca City business have linked efforts to provide pharmacy services to local residents.

Albertson’s Food & Drug Store, 2005 North Fourteenth Street, entered into a purchase agreement with Julie’s Drug, effective March 31. The agreement includes the employment of owner Julie Berman and the transfer of the pharmacy’s records, inventory and phone lines.

After 48 years of service to the Ponca City community, Berman says he has made the decision to “slow down, but not retire.” He decided to turn over his valued customers to the Albertson’s pharmacy, where he will continue to serve them.

“We are honored that Albertson’s has been selected as the purchaser of Julie’s Drug,” said Albertson’s Store Director John Lindley. “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to the local community, to continue providing residents with the customer service they expect and deserve.”

The Albertson’s pharmacy acquisition program was created over two years ago with the intent to provide a positive solution for independent owners.

For customer convenience, Albertson’s pharmacy is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Customers are encouraged to call Neal Smith, Albertson’s pharmacy manager, at 762-7444, with any questions.

In 1992, Albertson’s entered Ponca City with a Distribution Center at 2500 Industrial Boulevard. The store on Fourteenth Street, was opened in 1996.

Learning Center Topic of Friday Forum

Richard Severance, general manager, Conoco Mid-Continent Business Unit and Dr. Brenda Stacy, director of the newly created University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma, will be speaking at the Chamber of Commerce Second Friday Forum on April 9, to be held at Pioneer Area Technology Center from 8-9 a.m.

Chamber Vice President Lisa Coy said, “The higher learning center is a part of the overall emphasis Ponca City has put on education in the last few years. This will be a special opportunity to understand the concept of the Center and discover exactly how it came to be located at Conoco. We look forward to a large attendance, as education is an issue that is vital to the growth and welfare of our community.”

Second Friday Forums are scheduled on a monthly basis. Currently scheduled in May will be a presentation on Truth and Sentencing in Oklahoma and Kay County.

SPORTS

Wildcats Lose Control
Wind Sweeps Wildcat JV Golfers to Third
Lady Cat JVs Loan Out Players to Enid
Junior High Golfers Second

Wildcats Lose Control

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

A crafty defense, back-to-back home runs, emotional involvement ... it’s the kind of stuff that usually adds up to a notch in the win column.

Though the Wildcat baseballers had everything going their way in Monday’s match up with Union, it was the Redskins storming back in the final four innings to take the win, 10-3.

“For three innings I thought we played a great ball game,” said Ponca City coach Mike Krehbiel. “After that ... I don’t know. Like any other sport, this is a game of emotion swings.”

The Cats definitely had the emotional roller coaster going their way in the first three innings. In the top of the first, catcher Jerrod Spears threw out a runner at second, and third baseman Buddy McCoy pulled off the wildly popular hidden ball trick for out number three.

It was the second time this season the Cats have managed the ‘ol fake-out — a fan favorite, even if it does takes awhile to figure out what’s going on.

“The nice thing about (the hidden ball trick) is it gives you the momentum in that one little moment,” Krehbiel continued. “But once you apply that pressure, you gotta apply more pressure.”

In the next inning, at least, the Cats did look to be putting the squeeze on their foes.

In the top of the second, though the Redskins got on the board first with a 400-foot home run from John Kissenger, the Cats refused to crumble. After Spears and pitcher Wes Murrie teamed up to nail a runner stealing home (on a wild pitch), the Cats turned a double play — with the help of an interference call at second — to get back to the plate.

And once there, they exploded on starting pitcher Scott Aldridge. Spears led off with a walk, and Murrie — on a hit-and-run call — slammed a 400-foot homer of his own, into the student parking lot beyond deep left field.

Not to be outdone, first baseman Jeff Furnas followed with his first home run of the season, sending Aldridge’s next pitch on virtually the same trajectory as Murrie’s.

“Back-to-back home runs — that’s positive,” said Krehbiel. “We had a very predictable pitcher and we clued in on that. Some things we’ve been trying to teach these guys are finally coming together.”

With a 3-1 lead, then, the Cats took the Redskins 3-and-out in the top of the third. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get anything going offensively in the bottom of that inning, and the Unionites responded with three runs of their own — one on an error — to re-take control in the top of the fourth.

“We had a chance to put our thumb in them, finish them off, in the bottom of the third,” Krehbiel sighs. “But we gotta swing the bat, and we can’t learn to swing the bat overnight against (good pitching). Until our three and four guys start hitting we’re not going to be competitive, offensively.”

The Redskins got runs in each of the last three innings to stretch their lead even further. Though the Cats continued to play good defense — including two more pick-off throws to second by Spears, and a pick off at first by pitcher Bryan Coppock — the big Union bats proved too much to handle.

The Cats managed just four hits in the game to Union’s 15 — two of those coming off the bat of Furnas, who finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. Designated hitter Chris McCool was the only other Wildcat with a hit in the game.

“You gotta credit Union,” Krehbiel concluded. “They banged out the hits.”

Contrary to the pre-season printed schedule, the Cats will travel to (not host) Stillwater tonight, at 4.

Game Notes — the Cats have hit H-and-R home runs in consecutive games now, and homered four times in two games ... second baseman Justin Ross did a nice job of sprawling on the ground to draw the double play interference call in the second, though “it still hurt,” according to Ross ... Union is currently ranked 11th-14th in the state ... Union’s Jake Gibbons was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI ... Betty the Blue Cooler was 0-for-3 with a walk.

Tulsa Union 10, Ponca City 3

T. Union 010 312 3 — 10 15 0

Ponca City 030 000 0 — 3 4 2

Aldridge (w), Young (6), and Griffen; Murrie (l), McCoy (5), Coppock (7), and Spears.

Wind Sweeps Wildcat JV Golfers to Third

CUSHING — When the wind comes sweeping down the plains in Oklahoma at 30 miles an hour it can do weird things to a golf ball.

With those conditions in mind Ponca City coach Dan McGregor and Blackwell’s Mike Simpson were very pleased with their team’s performance in the Cushing small school golf tournament Monday.

Both coaches used the word “unbelievable” as the most apt description of the wind that raked the Cushing course.

“I saw balls headed for the green get caught by the wind and taken into the rough,” McGregor said as the Wildcat JV finished third in the 25-team tournament with a 316 total.

“Those scores were pretty good considering the conditions. The greens were a little slower than usual, thankfully. If they weren’t you wouldn’t have been able to keep a ball on the green.”

“We normally qualify on days like that in order to be prepared,” Simpson said as the Maroons took ninth place with a 339 total, “ but this was truly Spring in Oklahoma. I was proud of our improvement and our effort today. We are headed in the right direction.”

Ponca City’s Scott King finished in the top 10 individually with a 78. Aaron Sattre and Luke Cobb were just a stroke behind for the Cats, Nathan Coats posted an 83 and Aaron Cohenour had an 86.

Blackwell was paced by Tyler Greer, Brett Fry and Brandon Rourk, who all shot 84s. Tyler Dyer had 87 and Wally Schatz a 93.

Cushing won its own tournament with a 310 total. The Tulsa Union “B” team was second with a 317, two strokes in front of the Poncans.

Marlow was fourth at 323, followed by Edmond Santa Fe (323), Seminole (331), Fort Gibson (334), Cushing JV (335), Blackwell and Okmulgee (342) as the top 10 finishers.

J.R. Magdever of Cushing was the tournament medalist with a 73 while Tyler Gibson of Union, Kelly Gile of Mannford and Chris Sherrell of Marlow all posted 76s.

The Wildcat varsity will try its luck at Cushing next Monday in a big school tournament.

Blackwell is schedule to take on Woodland and Pawnee in a triangular Friday at Fairfax.

The Blackwell Lady Maroons will host the Blackwell Girls’ Invitational Wednesday at the Blackwell Municipal Course. The tournament has a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Team Scores

Cushing 310, Tulsa Union JV 317, Ponca City JV 319, Marlow 322, Edmond Santa Fe 323, Seminole 331, Fort Gibson 334, Cushing JV 335, Blackwell 339, Okmulgee 342, Coweta 343, Heritage Hall 343, Mannford 345, Pawnee 349, Purcell 349, Weatherford 349, Stroud 349, Tecumseh 354, Bethel 357, Chandler 358, Collinsville 363, Bristow 373, Hilldale 376, Woodland 392, Drumright 410.

Lady Cat JVs Loan Out Players to Enid

From the “it’s easy to be gracious when you’re good” file:

Apparently, the gracious Lady Wildcat junior varsity tennis team is so good they can afford to loan out players to arch-rival Enid, as they did in Monday’s JV tournament at the Wally Smith Tennis Center.

Even better, those mercenary Lady Wildcats — No. 2 singles player Anna Stalcup, and the No. 2 doubles team of Amber Ailley and Natasha Copple — went on to win some points for Enid, enabling the Pacers to tie Stillwater for fourth place in the tournament.

Still, it wasn’t enough to catch the Lady Wildcat starters, who finished in first place, with 14 points. Pryor had 11, while Bartlesville came in third, with nine.

“Enid didn’t have enough players, and we wanted some more of our girls to play, so they played for Enid,” explained coach Stan Wheeler. “They still wore the Lady Wildcat uniform, though.”

Racking up points for the home team, and going 4-0 on the day, were Claire Winterrowd in No. 1 singles, Erin Shaw in No. 2 singles, and Marcie Wilkinson and Morgan Mongold in No. 1 doubles. Winterrowd survived a tough, 3-set finals battle over Enid’s Evan Foster, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(10-8), while Wilkinson-Mongold came back to beat Enid’s Bure-Foster, 2-6, 6-0, 7-6(7-1).

In No. 2 doubles, Karly Merrifield and Ashley Atteberry had a tougher time of it, coming in 2-2 on the day for a third place finish.

“They had a tougher bracket,” said Wheeler. “But they still played well.”

The Lady Cat junior varsity plays again in the Bartlesville JV Tournament, Thursday.

Junior High Golfers Second

With the wind blowing scores higher, the Ponca City junior high JV golfers finished second in a 9-hole triangular meet at Arkansas City Monday.

The Cougars finished with a 248 total while Ark City won the meet with a 231. Winfield finished behind the Poncans with a 283.

Sean Lunsford paced Ponca City with a 47.

The other Cougars were Zack Gales, Tyler Hardesty, Kyle Carnish, Lance Highfield and Chris Gilbert.

The varsity Cougars had their second second place tournament finish, taking behind Bartlesville Blue (346-335) in the Ponca City Invitational at Wentz Thursday.