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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, April 13, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALStanding Bear Project Wins National Acclaim Standing Bear Project Wins National AcclaimBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer The Standing Bear Project has netted Ponca City a national award. One of only four recipients, Ponca City received the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Public-Private Partnership Award Friday evening during a symposium in Dallas. Assistant City Manager Tana Wilson was present to receive the award on behalf of the city of Ponca City. “It was exciting that Ponca City was among only four other cities to receive the award,” Wilson said. “There were people there from all over the country and it was a really nice affair.” According to ICMA Spokesperson Sharon Berry, Ponca City was selected from among two dozen national nominations. “This award recognizes local governments and their private sector or nonprofit partners that have demonstrated the value of working together as an effective technique for increasing resources and introducing greater efficiency, innovation, and civic awareness into local government services,” Berry stated. The recipients were chosen from four population categories. Ponca City was selected from the 49,999 and fewer population category, “for developing a unique partnership among the local government, the Ponca City Native American Foundation, six neighboring tribes, and private industry. “The partnership resulted in the establishment of a park and a living museum designed to recognize the community’s Native American contributions as well as its steadfast commitment to the education of all people and its unified vision of the multi-cultural group the city represents.” In the 50,000 to 250,000 population, the city of Visalia, Ca. received an award for its work on an equipment distributor to design and implement a new collection system which will address environmental issues. Two cities were recognized in the 250,000 and greater population category. The city of Phoenix, was recognized for its tattoo removal program which provides laser removal of visible gang-related tattoos for at-risk-youth and adults. The city of Dallas partnered with the grocery store Kroger Company, to construct a new 12,900-square-foot library, complete with new equipment. According to Berry the ICMA, which was founded in 1914, is a professional and educational association for local government mangers/administrators and other key decision makers serving cities, counties, other local governments, and regional entities throughout the world. Those involved in the partnering effort of Standing Bear are in the process of planning a reception in honor of the honor. The reception will be held May 5 at the Marland Mansion. Nearly NewsFor those planning to attend The Plummers concert Thursday, be sure to head for the Hutchins Memorial. An incorrect location was included in the photo caption in Sunday’s paper, although the story information was correct. The annual fund raiser for the Ponca City Noon Lions Club is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. Advance tickets for the country music show are available at Pioneer Bank and Trust for $8.50 ($10 at the door) for adults and $5 for children. Critter Activity Hits Some City BuildingsBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer It was a “critter” report by City Manager Gary Martin which began the city commission meeting Monday evening. “Headlines should read ‘critters invade city’ as we have termites in the library and here in the Public Safety Building,” Martin told the commissioners. “In addition squirrels disrupted electrical service twice last week on Hazel Street, a raccoon took down the northwest substation and it has been reported that there is a beaver cutting trees at Lake Ponca.” All the “critter” problems have been addressed although it was suggested that the beaver be trapped and sent to Washington, D.C. — a reference to the Capitol City’s current dilemma regarding beavers “chewing” down the treasured cherry trees there near the Tidal Basin. In other city business city commissioners received the quarterly sales tax report on the renovations of Fire Station No. 1. As of March 31 total tax revenues were $1.86 million and interest revenue was $57,834 for a total of $1.918 million. The majority of expenditures were for building construction costs which totaled $581,366. In addition $90,604 have been expended for architectural fees and contractual services totaled $101,838. The total for expenditures is $778,045 which leaves a balance as of March 31 of $1.14 million. An agreement between Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company and the City of Ponca City involving the installation of a concrete crossing at Prospect Avenue was approved. The remaining items were contained on the consent agenda and were passed by the commission which included: •A recommendation to reject all exterior repairs to the Cultural Center due to the bids coming in over the budgeted amount. •Authorization of submission of State Revolving Fund Partial Disbursement for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2 in the amount of $360,172.89. •Consider and authorize payment to Chapman, Gill & Associates for work performed on the Turkey Creek Sanitary Sewer project in the amount of $70. •Consider authorization for a $31,262 change order for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. •Consider release of funds from bond proceeds to ABB Power T&D Company in the amount of $319,125, to KC Electric Company in the amount of $207,190, and to S & C Electric Company for 78,635 all for the construction of Northwest Substation. Although commissioners entered into executive session pursuant to Title 25 Oklahoma Statutes for purposes of discussing negotiations with both the local fire and police unions no action was taken. Historic Properties Lecture At Pioneer Woman MuseumThe Pioneer Woman Museum will host Fred Wiemer, a Drumright native and freelance editor for New York publishing houses Wednesday at 7 p.m., Wiemer will present a lecture-slide show on Oklahoma historic properties. The color slides are part of a collection of 3,000 on Oklahoma properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wiemer donated the collection to the State Historic Preservation Office, which will sponsor the series, said Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Melvena Heisch. This program offers a broad overview of Oklahoma homes and buildings of the 19th century and early 20th century. It will include a wide variety of architectural examples arranged by construction materials such as wood, stone, brick and stucco, said Heisch. Wiemer took all of the slides during extensive travels through Oklahoma starting in the summer of 1990. The series will include information on the Oklahoma Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Office. Wiemer received his bachelors and masters degrees in music, but his elective courses included art and architectural history. He has worked as a free lance editor in New York City since 1967. In the spring of 1998, The Chronicles of Oklahoma published an article by Wiemer on his travels through Oklahoma during the 1990s. It was entitled “Learning from Oklahoma: Who We Are and Where We Are.” Admission will be free at the Pioneer Woman Museum for the 7 p.m. meeting. Kosovo from a Personal PerspectiveBy SALLY HODGES News Staff Writer Editor’s Note: Sally Hodges is a News staff writer. Her son is currently stationed in Macedonia. My son is a soldier in Macedonia. David is approximately 30 miles from the Kosovo border and, I am sure, is seeing things that many of us, watching this war unfold on television in the comfort of our homes, can only imagine and hope never to see for ourselves. In 1971, my former husband went off to fight in a war in a far-off land. It was a war that many believed in at the time, but time served to show the ludicrousness of the way the war was fought. Luckily, he returned home safely. Now a different war is being fought in a far-off land, and this time my son is involved. Now is worse. The feelings and concerns are far greater as the mother of a soldier — this is my child! Then, I was a young wife of an U.S. Army officer; now, I am the mother of a U.S. soldier. Then we could only know what we saw on television, what the news media and the government would allow us to know, and information we received in letters from Vietnam. Now, although we are still fed what the government and the news media choose to let us know, we do have other avenues of information, i.e., the Internet and better communications with our troops. My son communicates with me via the Internet. What a wonderful invention! Some weeks he is able to write three or four times a week, sometimes less. Usually he is only able to tell his family — his sister, his father, his grandparents (Dave and Ruth Burrows), and me — that he is doing fine, is thinking of us, loves us, and for us not to worry. Other e-mails are a bit newsier, but he is busy and not able to say much. He did ask us to “tie a yellow ribbon around the tree” for the captured soldiers. This war is likely to escalate, and NATO could send in ground troops. What is that going to mean for David? How is this going to affect him? Will he be safe? When will he be able to come home? What emotional scars will he carry during his life because of what he is experiencing and seeing. David is a part of the volunteer Army. But being military doesn’t steel a person’s psyche for the experiences of war and suffering. David knows the soldiers who were captured; they are in his unit. “Not a day goes by where I, and everyone else at this camp, don’t think about our fellow soldiers and worry how they are doing or how they are getting treated. All I can do is sit here and wonder and not forget them and pray for them; that is all I can do for them,” David wrote. Without going into my feelings concerning the politics of the war or the commander-in-chief — those who know me best know how I feel — suffice to say that all who have loved ones over there, or who are preparing to go, will be glad when this situation is over, and our loved ones are home. I cannot possibly know how the family of the three soldiers feel; I don’t even want to try to imagine — it would be too painful. I can go into denial and try not to worry. In 1971, I told myself that I would not worry until the military car drove up in front of the house; now, I tell myself that I will not get worried until the military car drives up in front of the house. Does this thinking work? Not really. Granted, the times and the situation are different. However, bombs and real bullets are still being used, and my son is considered the enemy in a land far from here. In the meantime, I can pray for him and ask that his guardian angels surround him and protect him in body and soul. As a mother, I can no longer protect him — he is a grown man. He is also one of my very best friends. I pray for all the soldiers and families caught up in this insanity, especially the soldiers that have been captured. My heart goes out as well to the displaced refugees who have experienced a horror that we cannot fully imagine. I have tied a yellow ribbon around my tree, and I urge others so inclined to do the same for our servicemen and women, and to pray for their safety. DEATHSAlta M. Ryan Alta M. RyanWINFIELD, Kan. — Alta M. Ryan, sister to Winton “Bud” Stickel and several other relatives in Ponca City, died Monday morning, April 12, 1999, at Good Samaritan Village in Winfield, Kan. She was 87. The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Friday, April 16, at Riverview Cemetery in Arkansas City, Kan. Friends may visit at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and until noon Friday. Alta M. (Wright) Ryan was born May 5, 1911, on a farm near Atlanta, Kan., the youngest of 12 children born to Robert A. and Jesse F. (Herrin) Wright. She grew up and received her early education in Atlanta, and attended high school in Arkansas City, Kan. In 1930, she was married to John W. Ryan and the couple made their first home in Arkansas City, Kan. They later moved to Norton, Kan., and Mrs. Ryan worked at the Norton T.B. Sanatorium for 12 years, where her husband was a patient. Mr. Ryan died in October 1960. In 1961, Mrs. Ryan moved to Winfield, where she lived more than 38 years. She was employed as a psychiatric aide at Winfield State Hospital and Training Center for 16 years until her retirement in 1977. She had also been employed at Whitehall Nursing Home for a time. She moved to Good Samaritan Village in December 1997. Mrs. Ryan was affiliated with the United Brethren Church in Arkansas City. Considered the caregiver of the family, she cared for two older sisters until their deaths from the flu and helped raise their children to adulthood. She enjoyed making stuffed animals and dolls, collecting dogs, watching TV and spending time with her pets. Survivors include a daughter, Gene Peacock of Winfield, Kan.; one brother, Winton “Bud” Stickel of Ponca City; numerous nieces and nephews including those she raised, Robert and Mac McWhorter, Gaylor and Smith Wright and Wenton Aaron Stickel, all of Ponca City; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son, J.D. Ryan; and 11 brothers and sisters. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Ryan’s name to Alzheimers Disease Research Foundation, Alzheimers Association, OKC Area Chapter, 711 Stanton L. Young, Ste. 603, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. James Earl GuthrieCLEVELAND, Okla. — James Earl Guthrie, father to Darrell Guthrie of Ponca City, died Friday, April 9, 1999, in Tulsa. He was 60. Visitation was held at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home in Cleveland on Sunday. The funeral will be held graveside in the Bethel (Indiana) Cemetery on Wednesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-McQuiston Funeral Home in Fountain City, Ind. James Earl Guthrie was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Berea, Ky., to Charles Howard and Marie Guthrie. At age 12, he moved with his family to Richmond, Ind., where he attended school, graduating from Whitewater High School in 1957. He entered the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 5, 1958, and attended jet engine mechanic training at Amarillo Air Force Base in 1959. He was then assigned to the 4136th Field Maintenance Squadron (Strategic Air Command) at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. He married Beatrice Marie Johns on May 26, 1960, in Bethel, Ind. After his discharge from active military service on Oct. 5, 1960, the couple made their home in Union City, Ind., for about 15 years. They moved to Hallett, Okla., in 1976, and Guthrie was employed as an inspector for McDonnell Douglas Corporation in Tulsa. He retired in 1992. Guthrie was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aero Space Workers, District 171. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Bethel, Ind., Guthrie enjoyed playing steel guitar for the Cleveland Senior Citizens and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Bea Guthrie of the home; two children, Darrell Guthrie of Ponca City and Linda Bryant of Blackburn; his mother, Marie Guthrie of Bethel, Ind.; three brothers, Robert of Clarksville, Tenn., Danny of Brick, N.J., and Gary of Chillotte, Ohio; three sisters, Penny Moore of Bethel, Ind., and Martha Deifinbaugh and Norma Null, both of Hollansburg, Ohio; two grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; one sister, Hazel Kindley; and one brother, Charles Howard Guthrie II. John Leslie HerrBLACKWELL — John Leslie Herr, Blackwell resident, died early Saturday morning, April 10, 1999, in Odessa, Texas. He was 51. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Blackwell. Pres. John Hadsell will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Elmwood Cemetery in Woodward. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell. John Leslie Herr was born Feb. 26, 1948, in Woodward to Charlie and Lillie (Bell) Herr. He grew up and attended schools in Woodward. After his schooling he began employment as a truck driver for the J&R Trucking and the Christian Trucking companies. He married Barbara Jo Plott on Sept. 11, 1976, in Follett, Texas, and the couple made their home in Woodward. He then was employed as a bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines and was stationed in various parts of the country including Salem, Mass., in 1986. The couple moved back to Blackwell in 1990, where he began working again for various trucking companies. He was employed with C.R. England Trucking at the time of his death. Herr was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Blackwell. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Herr of Blackwell; one son, Jason Herr of Edmond; one daughter, Sabrina Burkert of Blackwell; two sisters, Carol Cook of Fairview and Ona Hall of Blackwell; one brother Wendall Shannon of Oklahoma City; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Walter Herr. Casket bearers will be Sam McCrory, Tim McCrory, Garth Glass, Garrick Glass, Aaron Burkert and Marion Sumner. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Herr’s name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart or Cancer Research, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631. ObituariesWesley L. JonesWesley L. Jones, longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday, morning, April 11, 1999, at his home. He was 58. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 1999, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong, rector of Grace Episcopal Church officiating. Honorary casket bearers will be Wesley C. Jones, Buster Jones, John Comer, Mike Lively, Ron Lindly, Butch Powell. Born Dec. 5, 1940, in Bokoshe, Okla., he was the son of Charles and Verna (Clayborn) Jones. After graduation from Henryetta High School in 1959, he entered the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif., and received his honorable discharge in 1965. In 1967, Jones moved to Ponca City and began employment with Conoco. At the time of his retirement in April 1996, he was a senior operator with CIS. He had also been co-owner of C&J Kawasaki in Ponca City for a time. On May 29, 1984, he was united in marriage to Jeanne E. Lively in Winfield, Kan., and the couple made their home in Ponca City. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne, of the home; one daughter, Deborah and her husband John Comer of Ponca City; one son, Wesley C. Jones of Hawaii; one brother, Buster L. Jones of Ponca City; one sister, Patsy Geer of San Diego, Calif.; one stepdaughter, Kristine and her husband Ron Lindly of Winfield, Kan.; and one stepson, Michael and his wife Suzanne Lively of Mustang. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will be at the home 2924 Reaves. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSSpring Lunch and Craft Show — St. Paul’s United Methodist Women will hold its annual Spring Salad Luncheon and Craft Show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available at the door and are $4 for adults and $2 for children. For additional information, call the church at 765-7512. On April 6, lost prescription sunglasses in green case. Re- ward, even if broken. 765-7191, day, 765-1679, evenings. adv. Limited Hours — Effective April 26, the Ponca Tribal Tag Agency will only be open two days a week, Monday and Friday, and only from the hours of 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., according to Lana Cole of the Ponca Tribal Tax Commission. Blackwell Reunion — The 1974 graduating class at Blackwell High School is planning a 25th reunion. A meeting to make those plans is scheduled at 7 p.m. April 15 at the Parkside Center. Interested persons are invited to attend. For more information call ReaLynn Young, 363-1967, or Earla Alley, 363-1201. 55 and Older — The 55 and Older Club is planning a salad luncheon for 12 noon April 15 at 700 West Broadway. Members are asked to bring their favorite salad, crackers, etc. The group meets each Tuesday and Thursday, 12-4 p.m. Guests are welcome. City Property Vandalized — An employee of the City of Ponca City requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 8:36 a.m. Monday to the 800 block of South Third Street in reference to some vandalism to city property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 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. Checks Stolen — A person from White Eagle was at the Ponca City Police Department at 9:07 a.m. Monday to report that some checks had been stolen from the residence. The information was logged. Concrete Statuary. 25% off price marked. Keathly’s Nurs- ery. 2448 Bridge Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8-5. Sun- day 1-5. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:47 p.m. Monday that a 30-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Assault — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:21 p.m. Monday to report that her son had been assaulted while at Liberty School. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Attempted Break-In — A person requested an extra patrol by the Ponca City Police Department of the area in Willow Springs Park at 10:46 a.m. Monday where it was reported that for the third night in a row an attempt had been made to burglarize the concession stand area. An officer was assigned. Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Property Put on Hold — A customer reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:49 a.m. Monday that some property he believes was stolen from him had been found at a pawn shop. Two officers were assigned and the property was put on hold for an Osage County deputy to check. A report was taken that it had been stolen from a location in Osage County. Petunia Baskets. $9.99 wave petunia, net included. Keathly’s Nursery. 2448 Bridge Avenue. Monday-Friday 8-5:30. Saturday 8- 5. Sunday 1-5. adv. Items Missing — A man from the 3300 block of West North Avenue was at the Ponca City Police Department at 12:13 p.m. Monday to report that he was in the process of moving, but was missing some property. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Molestation of Children — A man from the 900 block of North Pine Street requested an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 12:45 p.m. Monday concerning another youngster molesting other children in the area. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of North Osage Street at 10:38 p.m. Monday that a 38-year-old woman was being held for public intoxication and a city warrant for failure to pay. Vehicle Vandalized — A man from the 400 block of Fairview Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:36 p.m. Monday that his vehicle had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East Hartford Avenue and Monument Road at 5:16 p.m. Monday that a vehicle with an expired tag had been towed from the scene. Requests Assistance — The Osage County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday to a disturbance in the area of the 2800 block of East U.S. 60. Two officers took into custody, a 38-year-old man on a burglary charge and he was turned over to Osage County. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of South Sixth Street and East Central Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:07 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Suspicious Activity — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 3:54 p.m. Monday to report that another person was harassing him. An officer was taken and a report was taken on a violation of protective custody. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:03 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:22 p.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Mid-West EZ Stop, 1100 North Union Street reported at 4:26 p.m. Monday that someone had driven off without paying for gas on Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 600 block of South Fourth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:52 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burning Brush — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:10 p.m. Monday that someone was burning brush in the yard in the 1900 block of Turner Street. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department and a unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and the fire was put out. Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 400 block of North Pine Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:19 p.m. Monday that another person had exposed himself to her and her younger sister. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. LIFESTYLESMeals on Wheels Program Needs Volunteer Drivers Meals on Wheels Program Needs Volunteer DriversMeals on Wheels held their quarterly board meeting on April 6, at the First Presbyterian Church. The meeting was called to order by Joan Jones, chairwoman, who also led the group in prayer. The 1998 Annual Report was distributed and the minutes of the November meeting were read by Phyllis Luton, secretary. Luton also gave the financial report, in the absence of Nell Barnard. Both the minutes and treasurers’ reports were approved. Marcene Young informed the group that two regular drivers are needed for Fridays. Additionally, substitute drivers are needed every day. Volunteers interested in driving, should call Marlene Gregory at 765-8575. There is also space available for anyone wishing to become a recipient of the Meals on Wheels program. To receive meals, contact Barnard at 762-4707 or Velma Ealich at 672-1434. Marion Hudson reported that, in cooperation with the Ponca City 4-H club, a list of names was provided for the Clover Card project. Clover cards provide vital health information in case of an emergency. Meals on Wheels recipients gave their permission for the project. Eloise Palmer reminded everyone of the Church Women United Friendship Day and the 50th anniversary luncheon set for May 14, at the First Presbyterian Church. Furthermore, a driver appreciation coffee is scheduled for the first week in November. Palmer agreed to chair the event, assisted by Lavon Shepler, Luton and Alice Evens. The next board meeting will be held on September 14. Endangered SpeciesTanzania, a former British protectorate in Africa, has released a new set of stamps depicting endangered wildlife species.Some of the animals featured on a first sheetlet include: the gibbon, giant anteater, tiger, mandrill, crocodile, wood turtle, giant sable antelope, cheetah, giraffe, black bear, African elephant, and the giant panda.A second sheetlet shows the bald eagle, mountain gorilla, sea lion, green sea turtle and the hippopotamus.Two souvenir sheets enlarge this issuance. One features the Florida manatee. The second illustrates the orangutan. These stamps are available at your local dealer. BUSINESSChanging Times, Family Needs Help End Lengthy Tradition Changing Times, Family Needs Help End Lengthy TraditionBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer The closing of doors at Julie’s Drug Drive-In, 310 Fairview Lane, marked not only the end of nearly a four-decade tradition in Ponca City, but the end of a half century tradition for its owner, Julius Berman. A certified accountant bound for a job at the Office of General Accounting in Washington, D.C., it was almost a “fluke” that Berman went from a bean counter to a pill counter. “I took a leave of absence from my Washington job to assist an in-law with his pharmacy in Shidler and ended up purchasing it,” Berman says. That was in 1954. From there he came here to Ponca City and opened a pharmacy downtown. With the passage of time came a shift in the local medical profession. New medical profession buildings were opening near and around the hospital located on the north side of town. Berman saw an opportunity and decided to venture where few had ventured before. “I wanted to open a pharmacy in no man’s land in and around the Ponca City hospital,” he says. “When I approached the most distinguished Ponca City physician, Dr. Yeary said ‘welcome’ but build it different like a striped elephant — be different.” That he says was the beginning to Julie’s Drug Drive-In Pharmacy which opened Feb. 1, 1966. “That was the first free-standing, drive-in pharmacy in the United States,” he says proudly. There was something else unique about the drug store Berman owned — a niche in the market that cost him valuable holidays with his family. Regardless of the day, regardless of the holiday, Julie’s was open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Who but the owner himself was behind the counter filling prescriptions on all those undesirable days. “No one wanted to work holidays so I did it,” Berman says. “On Thanksgiving I would work all day and close for just 30 minutes — long enough to run home and have a dinner with my wife.” The first several years were tough for Berman. As he pulled out his old records from that first year he remembered the days when a record day for his pharmacy was filling 12 prescriptions. “Between two stores I had 19 employees and I never had a black line until 10 years later when I closed the downtown store,” he says. Over the years Julie’s business grew and business boomed. He was happy and all was right with the world, or at least Ponca City. However government regulation, insurance rules, and chain stores prompted a change in the local pharmaceutical business and with it came a change in Berman’s course for the future. “I have been in the pharmaceutical business for 48 years and it has been good to me and family,” Berman says. “But my wife and I have never had a two-week vacation and my grandchildren are growing up without seeing much of their grandfather.” The timing was right when the offer came from a large grocery chain and after 33 years Julie made the difficult decision to sell his inventory, records and his good will. It was a change whose time had come. “Change is inevitable,” he says. “Years don’t make us old, attitudes do that.” However the man who has spent years filling pill bottles and doting on his customers, he has not yet hung up his white pharmacy jacket. Berman can still be seen taking care of those that have taken care of him all these years. “I am working three hours a day at Albertson’s Pharmacy because I wanted to take care of those that have been so loyal to me and regardless of how long the transition takes I’ll be there,” Berman affectionately says. Pioneer Transit Inc. Nears Goal Of Establishing Local SystemBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Things are moving forward for Pioneer Transit Inc. in its efforts to a bring public transportation system to Ponca City. Last week representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation were in town to meet with the Pioneer Transit Board of Directors. “Ponca City has been an area we have looked at for a number of years for a community transportation system,” ODOT Programs Director Ken LaRue told the board. “And I think, through your efforts, one will happen now.” The grant application of Pioneer Transit has been submitted, and the board is anxiously awaiting its approval, which would guarantee federal funds for the local bus system. From two buses to 35 vehicles, there are currently 18 such public transportation projects in operation throughout the state of Oklahoma. “This program has come a long way since it began 12 years ago, and it’s grown tremendously,” LaRue said. After a lengthy discussion wherein LaRue explained federal and state funding and requirements, the director explained the preferred structure of the local system. “This needs to be community driven, and private-sector involvement is something we like to see,” he said. “We can’t sit here in our ivory towers and decide what is best for you here locally.” According to Art Mires, president of Pioneer Transit, the local public transportation system will be an on-call service which may be “up and running” by early October. “We are in the process of being approved for a 501(c) 3 status allowing for tax deductible contributions, which is an extra step we have chosen to take,” Mires says. “We may be receiving federal funding as soon as early August, at which time we will hire a director and, with local cooperation, be operational by Oct. 1.” Notes & QuotesCurves Feeds HungryMembers of a local fitness and weight loss center recently helped restock the pantry of a local united way agency. Participating in a nationwide food drive, Curves For Women, 914 East Highland Avenue, collected more than 20 bags of groceries for the Domestic Violence Shelter. During March, members who took bags of non-perishable food, worked out three times per week and lost five pounds and five inches received a limited edition T-shirt. Additionally, anyone joining Curves the week of March 15, had the normal service fee waived, when they brought in a bag of groceries. According to Renee Lee, AmeriCorps volunteer, the shelter’s pantry is stocked through local donations. Murphy a PaceSetterCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Kelly Murphy of Larry Murphy Insurance Agency in Ponca City recently became a member of PacSetters, a select group of State Auto independent agents. “The goal of our year-long PaceSetter program is to form a sales/marketing partnership with each agent to improve service to all our customers,” said President Robert H. Moone. “This group is truly our ‘cream of the crop,’ and we’re proud to have members of Kelly Murphy’s caliber in the group, representing State Auto in Oklahoma.” In the coming months, State Auto sales personnel will work closely with PaceSetter agents, like Murphy, in forming a true sales alliance and providing professional assistance and feedback, as necessary. “We were very selective in choosing our PaceSetter agents who come from only our very top agencies,” Moone added. “The program was designed to ‘make a good thing even better,’ and that’s what we hope to accomplish during the program period.” State Auto operates in 26 states, through more than 2,500 agencies, and has an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best Company, an independent rater of insurance companies. Certified WQA Specialists Assure Top Quality WaterQuality Water Services provides peace of mind to customers by employing water treatment professionals who have the knowledge to solve most water quality problems. According to Kelly Johnson, president, making sure his friends and neighbors have the best quality water is an everyday priority. He carries Ecowater water treatment products and makes sure his water treatment professionals are the most knowledgeable in the business. “Even more than the products they buy, consumers need to trust people who service their water quality needs,” said Johnson. “By employing Water Quality Association-certified water treatment specialists, my employees have the technical knowledge needed to solve most water quality problems.” Although certification is not required for all water treatment specialists, Johnson believes those who have earned WQA certification definitely stand above the competition. Currently, Downing Johnson, founder of Quality Water, holds the highest rank, CWS-V. Ron LaBrue, sales manager and Kelly Johnson hold a CWS-I ranking. The certification is administrated by Water Quality Association, the international trade association that represents manufactures and dealers of water treatment products. To become certified, water treatment professionals must pass a rigorous exam as well as meet continuing education requirements. WQA began certifying water treatment professionals in 1977. Currently, more than 2,000 professionals around the world hold valid WQA certificates. WQA offers a range of services, including consumer research, to help members and certified professionals better understand the needs of their customers. According to WQA’s 1997 National Consumer Water Quality Survey, nearly 75 percent of Americans have concerns about household water supply. Additionally, one in three adults do not believe his or her water is safe as it should be. In response, nearly 32 percent of consumers currently use a home water treatment product other than bottled water, compared to 27 percent in 1995. “Because water supplies differ from county to county and sometimes from area to area, there is not one single treatment device that can fix every problem,” added Johnson. “WQA certified professionals can help match specific products to specific needs and they can be relied on to service those products for years to come.” New Director Tells About Learning CenterBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer A full house was on hand last Friday at the Chamber of Commerce’s Second Friday Forum to learn about the new higher education center which is scheduled to open this fall. “This is not intended for students who only want to take a couple of courses for the fun of it,” chairman of the university’s advisory board, Richard Severance told the crowd. “This is for those who want to continue their higher educational goals, such as achieving a baccalaureate or master’s degree.” The director of the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma, Dr. Brenda Stacey, discussed the specifics of the facility and program itself, including various instruction delivery systems. She also explained that assessment surveys were currently being collected and tabulated. “We have had a pretty good response and so far have received 260 surveys back,” Stacey said. Although there were several educational needs more prevalent than others, Stacey emphasized that no final decisions have been made as to what programs will be offered in the fall. “I want to stress that no decisions have been made yet and we are only in the process of assessing the needs in this area,” she said. “We are still accepting surveys and have a long way to go. There are more questions than answers at this point.” The five educational areas which, to this point, are in the biggest demand for under graduate and graduate courses, are business administration, education, nursing, engineering and human resources. With all the uncertainty, Stacey did state with conviction, the ultimate goal of the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma. “We want to help individuals one at a time to better themselves by meeting their educational needs,” she said. SPORTSCat Golf Team 7th, Shot Well Cat Golf Team 7th, Shot WellCUSHING — It was good news-bad news for the Wildcat golfers in the Todd Swain Invitational at the Cushing Country Club Monday. Under almost perfect playing conditions, the Cats had their best scores of the season, including placing one member in the top five of the medalists standing. “The weather was great, the course was in good shape and we shot well, including a 71 by Matt Ellis,” coach Dan McGregor said after the tournament. “The trouble was a number of other teams shot lights out. As a result we shot well but still finished back in the pack.” The Wildcats posted a 308 total, good enough for only seventh place as some of the top teams in the state lit into the Cushing course. That 308 total was 17 shots better than the Cats’ last outing at Jenks and eight strokes better that their best previous score. In a down-to-the-wire finish, Tulsa Union won the tournament with a 390 total, just one stroke in front of Bartlesville and two strokes better than Stillwater. Broken Arrow was fourth at 296, followed by Cushing at 298, Sapulpa at 302 and Ponca City in the 14-team tournament. Ellis’ 71 was good enough for fifth place in the individual standings. Tucker Rodrick of Stillwater was the tournament medalist with a 64 while Matt Allert of Union shot 65, Brandon Lewis of Bartlesville 67 and Adam Wing of Broken Arrow 69. Matt Waddell and Jason Pettigrew followed Ellis for the Poncans with a pair of 78s. Luke Cobb posted an 81 and Aaron Sattre 83. “I was not disappointed in our scores,” McGregor said. “It was just that everyone else shot so well.” McGregor and the Cats got some more bad news as the lineup for the regional tournament, which will be at Ponca City’s Lew Wentz course on May 3, was announced. Two of the teams that finished in front of the Poncans at Cushing — Union and Stillwater — top the seven-team regional field. They will be joined by Jenks, Enid, Sand Springs and Tulsa Rogers along with the Wildcats. “I can’t believe how tough they made this regional,” McGregor said. “There are five really good teams in this region and only three will advance to the state tournament. The other regions are not nearly that tough. “And with that many outstanding teams, it’s going to be hard for individuals to qualify.” Still McGregor admits that because the Wildcats had not been scoring well in recent weeks, they were not seeded, which brought in a number of good teams. “Two really good teams will be staying home (after the regionals),” McGregor noted. “We are going to have to score a lot better to make sure we’re not one of them.” The Cats get their chance to improve next Monday in the Frontier Conference Tournament at the Windmill course in Broken Arrow. That will be a 36-hole tournament. The Wildcats also are schedule to play in the Edmond Tournament at Kickingbird on April 24 and at the Guthrie Cimarron course on April 27 prior to the regional tournament. Team Scoring Tulsa Union 290, Bartlesville 291, Stillwater 292, Broken Arrow 296, Cushing 298, Sapulpa 302, Ponca City 308, Holland Hall 313, Jenks B 315, Owasso 317, Broken Arrow B 318, Sand Springs 318, Tulsa Memorial 320, Choctaw 397. Lady Netters Win on Love In TourneysBARTLESVILLE — As expected, the Lady Wildcat tennis team is enjoying another banner season, and — as expected — Stan Wheeler is enjoying his run as a first year head coach. “There’s a whole lot of love on this team right now,” says the chronically upbeat Wheeler, struggling for a creative new way to describe his team’s emotional state. “We’re playing really well.” Monday, the Lady Wildcat netters moved a step closer to the pinnacle of state tennis, blowing past seven other teams to win the Bartlesville Tournament. The Lady Cats took a first, two seconds and a third to finish with 29 points. Sapulpa and Tulsa Memorial tied for second with 21 points, followed by Bartlesville and Broken Arrow with 19 each. Romi Foreman and Abby Frick continue to rain misery on nearly everyone they face in No. 1 doubles. After a first round bye, the No. 1 seeded Lady Wildcat duo rolled over Sapulpa’s Marcie Queen and Shelley Hensley, 6-2, 6-1, and Broken Arrow’s Kirstin Torrence and Tara Murphy, 6-3, 6-1, to take the tournament title. “They’re playing awesome right now,” said coach Stan Wheeler. “They’re playing together; they’re so together they’re almost going steady. We’d send them to the prom if we could.” In No. 1 singles, Ashley Roussel bounded into the championship game, only to be frustrated — once again — by Edmond Santa Fe’s Erin Pauchnik, 6-0, 6-3. The Ponca City senior is now 13-6 on the year — with three of those losses coming to Pauchnik. Still, Wheeler likes what he’s been seeing. “Ashley’s turned the corner,” he says. “Now she’s fighting to be one of the top four in the state of Oklahoma.” Roussel won 6-1, 6-0 over Broken Arrow’s Kayci Silver and 6-0, 6-1 over Tulsa Memorial’s Ana Webb in the opening two rounds. Mea Alexander and Emily Wheeler also nabbed a second place finish, upsetting No. 1 seeded Jessica Baldwin and Sarah Donica of Broken Arrow, 6-3, 6-4, in the semifinals. The Lady Cat duo was then beaten by Bartlesville’s Kim Birk and Erika Johnson, 6-2, 6-2, in the finals. Alexander and Wheeler survived a tough match against Sapulpa, 7-5, 6-4, in round one. “They’re playing pretty steady tennis,” Wheeler said of his No. 2 doubles team. “That was a huge win over the No. 1 seed, too.” In No. 2 singles, Wheeler was also enthusiastic about the play of sophomore Gina Smith. After dropping a semifinal match to Sapulpa’s Lindsey Baker, 6-3, 6-2, Smith came back with a win over Broken Arrow’s Lindsey Smity, 6-2, 6-3, to take third. Smith also breezed past Bartlesville’s Kaci Manning, 6-2, 6-2 in round one. “Gina barely beat (Manning) the last time they played,” Wheeler noted. “This time she thumped her pretty good. And she came back strong against (Smity). That’s a real big win and it looks good for next week’s conference meet.” On Friday, the Lady Cats took second in the 12-team Sapulpa Tournament, coming in just two points off the championship pace set by Tahlequah. Roussel again won in a tough No. 1 singles bracket, while Frick and Foreman won in No. 1 doubles. Smith took fifth in No. 2 singles, and Alexander-Wheeler took second in No. 2 doubles. The Lady Cats continue play in the elite Wildcat Invitational, Thursday. Other teams in that tournament are Enid, Edmond North, Edmond Memorial, Broken Arrow, Stillwater and Moore. Play begins at 8 a.m. Sapulpa Tournament 1 — Tahlequah 43 2 — Ponca City 41 3 — Tulsa Union 32 4 — Sapulpa 31 5 (tie) — T. Metro Christian 22 5 (tie) — Stillwater 22 7 — Owasso 21 8 — Washington 12 9 (tie) — Sand Springs 11 9 (tie) — Henryetta 11 11 (tie) — Sapulpa B 10 11 (tie) — Claremore B 10 Bartlesville Tournament 1 — Ponca City 29 2 (tie) — Sapulpa 21 2 (tie) — T. Memorial 21 4 (tie) — Bartlesville 19 4 (tie) — Broken Arrow 19 6 — Stillwater 15 7 — Ed. Santa Fe 12 8 — Owasso 10 Late Rally Comes Too LateBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer BROKEN ARROW — Once again, it was too little, too late for the Wildcat baseballers. Then again, maybe it was too much, too early from the Broken Arrow Tigers. Despite a furious comeback in the sixth and seventh innings, the Poncans couldn’t overcome a 17-hit, five home run effort from Broken Arrow, Monday. Though the Cats pulled to within one run in the top of the sixth, 6-5, the Tigers went through their order in the bottom of that inning to put the game away. Another furious comeback by the Cats again fell short in the top of the seventh. “Too little, too late,” said coach Mike Krehbiel, echoing the consensus sentiment of the Ponca City fans. “I don’t know if we came ready to play, or what. “And we have a hard time hitting off guys who throw hard; we haven’t seen enough kids who throw in the 80’s.” After netting just two hits off hard-throwing Broken Arrow starter Brad Blackwell through the first five innings, the Cats finally came alive in the top of the sixth. In a 2-out rally, left fielder Barry Geheb, junior varsity graduate Matt Johnson, and centerfielder J. Michael Sharon all banged out RBI hits to get the Cats rolling. Second baseman Bryan Coppock drew an RBI walk to tack on another run and pull the Cats to within one. “I liked our bats after it got dark,” Krehbiel continued. “Our bats down the stretch paid off; we warmed up after five innings. We allowed ourselves to relax and just play.” Unfortunately, the big cats weren’t about to roll over. Right fielder Mickey Nichol led off the Tigers’ order in the bottom of the sixth with a home run, and after three straight base hits, Adam Green blasted a 3 RBI homer to put the game away. Green — the 6-hole hitter — was pure gold in the game, bashing three home runs in a 4-for-4 effort. According to the announcer, the last homer was the tenth of the year for Green. “I’d give anything to have a 350-foot park,” said Krehbiel, of the Tigers’ somewhat undersized facility. “We’d have people hitting 10 out.” Again, the Cats showed some tenacity in the top of the seventh. After catcher Jerrod Spears reached on an error, an RBI double from Jeff Furnas to deep center field (which hit inches from the top of the fence) got the Cats up and going again. Shortstop Wes Murrie then followed with his third home run of the season, a mammoth, 2 RBI blast that disappeared into the dark beyond the left field fence. That’s as close as the Cats would get, however, as closer Adam Dye revved up to throw a pair of strikeouts and a pop-out to end the game. Senior Toby RedLeaf got the Cats on the board first, banging an RBI single in the first inning. For the game, Furnas was 2-for-3 with an RBI and was hit by a pitch; while Geheb was 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. The Cats, now 7-16 on the year, will continue play today, traveling to Tulsa Union. Game Notes — Broken Arrow is 11-13 (1-3) on the season ... though the Cats committed three errors, there were some shining moments on defense, including a 6-4-3 double play in the fourth ... RedLeaf had a pick-off in the second ... Murrie and Furnas were hit by consecutive pitches in the fourth. Broken Arrow 11, Ponca City 8 Ponca City 100 004 3 — 8 9 3 Broken Arrow 112 025 x — 11 17 1 RedLeaf (l), Coppock (4), Stewart (6), and Spears; Blackwell (w), Schwegler (6), Dye (6), and Medlin. Wildcat Netters Pick Up Pair of TwosBARTLESVILLE — With their line-up finally taking on some semblance of permanence, the Wildcat netters overcame some fierce competition to finish in a second place tie with Edmond Santa Fe in the eight-team Bartlesville Tournament, Monday. The Cats also pulled out an impressive tie for second (with Owasso) in the Sapulpa Tournament, Friday. “The kids have played well, all in all,” said coach Steve Larimer. “They’ve proved that though you can get way down, there’s always a way out. They’ve also learned that going to the right on the brackets is a lot easier way to get points.” Monday, the Cats nabbed a trio of third place finishes and a fourth place finish to come in with 23 points. Bartlesville won the event without winning a single bracket — finishing with four, second place trophies and 28 points. “It was a good tournament,” Larimer continued. “Four different schools won first place; there was some good balance.” Tim Frick and Sterling Foy staged an amazing comeback in the final set of the third place match to defeat Stillwater’s Todd Darling and Brent Tonger, in No. 1 doubles. After dropping the first set, 6-3, the Wildcat duo came back to win the second, 6-4. Stillwater then jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the third set, but Frick and Foy went on a rampage from there, winning seven straight games to take the victory. “That’s picking it up, isn’t it?” laughed Larimer. “They really persevered. They played really well.” Frick and Foy edged Edmond Santa Fe’s Matt Tomby and Neil Burke, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(7-2) in round one, but fell to eventual champion Broken Arrow, 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals. In No. 2 doubles, Josh Pitts and Trevor Viljoen followed the same track as Frick-Foy, blasting past Tulsa Memorial’s Rusty Brown and Lloyd Krueger, 6-3, 6-1 in round one, only to fall to eventual champion Owasso, 6-2, 6-4, in the semis. The Poncans then got a default from Stillwater to take third. Daniel Lee finished third in No. 2 singles, surviving a 3-set match with Keith Yorman of Owasso, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3, but fell to eventual champion Grant Garton of Edmond Santa Fe, 6-3, 6-3. Lee then pulled out a 6-4, 7-5 win over Broken Arrow’s Lance Grisham in the third place game. Bilal Agha finished fourth in No. 1 singles after pulling out of the third place game with an injury. Agha, however, survived a big first round match against Broken Arrow’s Colin Torrence, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, but fell in the semis to eventual champion Davy Lee, of Tulsa Memorial, 6-1, 6-0. “Lee was one of the best in the state last year,” said Larimer. “But that was a good win for Bilal in round one. He played well.” Friday, Frick came in first in No. 2 singles, surviving a 3-set match in the semifinals, and went on to top Bartlesville’s Barry Donaldson, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 for the championship. Agha took third in No. 1 singles after a default from Claremore. After a 3-set win over Tahlequah in round one, and a win over Owasso’s Brett Duffy, Agha lost to eventual champ Kolby Wade of Tulsa Metro Christian in the semifinals. In No. 1 doubles, Daniel Lee and Josh Pitts went 2-and-2, winning 3-set matches over Tahlequah and Stillwater, but dropped matches to eventual champion Bartlesville in round two, and Claremore in the fifth place game. In No. 2 doubles, Shane Sample and Scot Mitchell also took sixth place after dropping a hard, 3-set match to Henryetta. Sample-Mitchell topped Tahlequah in a 3-setter in round one, fell to eventual champ Bartlesville in the quarterfinals, but came back to beat Tulsa Union in the loser’s bracket in three sets. The Cats will continue play in the Wildcat Invitational, Thursday. Sapulpa Tournament 1 — Bartlesville 34 2 — Ponca City 33 2 — Owasso 33 4 — Metro Christian 30 5 — Henryetta 26 5 — T. Union 25 7 — Stillwater 22 8 — Claremore 20 9 — Tahlequah 14 10 — Sapulpa 13 11 — Sand Springs 9 12 — Washington 7 Bartlesville Tournament 1 — Bartlesville 28 2 — Ponca City 23 2 — Ed. Santa Fe 23 4 — Broken Arrow 21 5 — Owasso 17 6 — Tulsa Memorial 16 7 — Stillwater 15 8 — Sapulpa 5
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