LOCAL

Po Hi To Graduate 370 Seniors
Competition On Its Way For Cable TV
Memorial Day Kicks Off Busy Summer Slate
Years Moisture Much Less Than Past 3 Years So Far
AL Post 14 To Observe Memorial Day
Area Airports Needs Will Be Discussed
Ponca City Noon Lions To Start Vision Impairment Support Group
Area Oil and Gas Report

Po Hi To Graduate 370 Seniors

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

It’s time to say goodbye.

All the hard work and dedication pays off tonight for some 370 seniors as they bid farewell to friends, teachers and classmates.

The 99th commencement exercises for Ponca City High School will be held at 8 p.m. at Sullins Stadium. In case of inclement weather, exercises will move to the Robson Field House.

Principal Jerry Winkle said he will miss the departing seniors.

“When I first began teaching many years ago, I developed a bond with my students and believed I would never have that same bond with any other class. I didn’t until I moved to Ponca City,” Winkle said.

He said the Class of 2000 is populated with compassionate and talented individuals. “I truly believe that each senior will succeed in whatever they decide to do with their lives,” he said.

Valedictorian for the Class of 2000 is Lacey Goodger. Salutatorian is Michael Goddard.

Participating in the color guard ritual will be Tamra Banks, Audra Ramsey and Tim Connelly.

Singing the National Anthem will be Brooke Boyd, Sean Love, Jessica Rhoads and Claire Winterrowd. The four seniors have performed the Anthem as a group at basketball games and wrestling matches for three years. Winterrowd will also read the school creed.

Alana Smith will recite the poem Man in the Glass.

Musical selections for the commencement exercises from the Po-Hi Chorale will be Ponca City, We Love You and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Senior members of the Chorale are Heather Barker, James Barraclough, Beth Berry, Carissa Calvert, Laura Chaney, Kelsey Clark, Colby Dick, Angela Galvin, Scott Linville, Sean Love, Kathryn Mulligan, Shawna Rolland, Ashley Root, Maria Simpson, Carol Stangeland and Caleb Stevenson.

Presenting diplomas will be Don Nuzum, school board president, and Chris LittleCook, vice president.

Local dignitaries slated to attend include Dr. John Scroggins, deputy superintendent; Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent; Chuck Bayha from Pioneer Technology Center; and board members Marvin Clark and Mike Kruck.

Assisting the class will be Becky Cole, Randy Craven, John Woody and Mark Wynn, assistant principals; and Peg Jordan, Alternative School director.

Po-Hi is asking cooperation in taking pictures. The school requests that all aisles remain open. After the Processional, all aisles, especially the front aisle, will be cleared for everyone to view the ceremony.

The annual Great Escape for seniors will be held after graduation at Conoco until 5 a.m. Games, prizes, food and casino games will highlight some of the events.

All seniors are encouraged to attend the Great Escape and to stay drug and alcohol-free during the night.

Competition On Its Way For Cable TV

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Are your cable rates too high?

A new cable television provider, coming to Ponca City within two years, may be the answer.

“In the next three weeks, we will request a permit from the city to begin construction of the new cable company,” announced co-owner Greg Deffner, currently the senior partner at Get LLC Real Cable in Blackwell.

“We’ve already transported over $1 million in cable equipment to Ponca City in preparation for future construction,” he said.

Deffner said the new company, to be named Ponca’s Choice, would provide “low-cost, high-quality cable television service” at a much lower rate than customers are presently paying.

Mayor Tom Leonard said that the city commission encourages competition in Ponca City. According to him, a new cable company could “result in increased programming and re-duced cost for our citizens.”

He added that LLC Real Cable has performed well in Blackwell: “They have developed a cost effective competition, while increasing customer channel selection.”

Leonard expressed confidence in the company being okayed by the commissioners. “I’m sure [the company’s permits] will be approved,” he predicted.

For the proposed permits to pass, they must agree with the city’s charter and be compatible with Cable One permits.

Tom Basinger, vice president of Cable One, said he would not comment until he knew more about the issue.

Deffner said that once the construction permits are approved by city commissioners, the company will begin “overbuilding” the city’s existing cable lines.

“This process should take about four years and 160 miles of cable,” Deffner said.

Overbuilding, as defined by Deffner, is when one cable line is physically placed above the competition’s.

“The installation of these cable lines will take some time,” noted Deffner. “But we should have service available to everyone west of Fourteenth Street in less than two years.”

This will amount to approximately 8,000 homes.

According to Deffner, current cable subscribers in the city shouldn’t have to wait that long before they begin enjoying lower rates.

“Any time an overbuilder comes into a market,” he explained, “the competition, in order to stay competitive, will have to add more channels and reduce their rates.

“I don’t expect Ponca City to be any different,” he said.

Since Ponca’s Choice will be a locally owned company, Deffner said he expects to keep at least $1 million from leaving the community each year through lower rates.

“Only in Blackwell, in the entire State of Oklahoma, do they have cable TV rates for just over $19 per month,” he declared, “And, there is no other place in the United States where you can get 70 channels for less than $20 per month.

“In Ponca City, the rates are expected to be a little higher — due to added costs like high speed internet service, fiber optic cable and increased programming costs — than they were when we first started in Blackwell.

“On average,” noted Deffner, “we are saving our Blackwell customers up to $200 per year. This is money they can use for other things.”

Memorial Day Kicks Off Busy Summer Slate

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Brisket is selling briskly at local grocery stores in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend. This weekend signals the beginning of the cook-out, camp-out and get-the-swimsuit-out season.

According to local grocers, hundreds of extra pounds of beef and pork ribs, ground beef, chicken and hot dogs are selling in record numbers as the amateur chefs and semi-professional cooks fire up for the outdoor “pig-out.”

Albertson’s meat market is having a weekend “rib-a-mania” special. It also reported heavy selling of brisket with lively sales of grilling steaks and ground beef for hamburgers. Hot dogs are a hot item, too.

Jim Beck, head of the meat counter at Buy for Less, said Memorial Day is always a big cook-out weekend along with the Fourth of July.

“It’s the first of the summer season, and people like to get out,” Beck said, noting that about 1,500 extra pounds of beef will be prepared for the three-day weekend.

Miller Market meat department manager Mike Simmons said his hottest selling ticket is brisket, but country style ribs, chicken leg quarters and ground beef are marketing well. In addition, side dishes of potato salad and macaroni salad were popular.

Wal-Mart reported it will prepare lots of ground beef, potato salad and other side dishes.

On the camping scene, all Corps of Engineers camping sites at Kaw Lake are filled with the exception of one RV park. There are about 30 camp sites at Lake Ponca, and these are all full, according to Jim Sindelar, head of Ponca City Parks and Recreation.

The four shelter houses at Lake Ponca have been rented for family reunions — some as far as a year in advance. Sindelar explained the shelter houses are rented from 8 a.m., to 10 p.m., with several different parties renting each facility, up to three hours each.

A special city detail will keep trash under control and the restrooms clean.

Sindelar said the shelters are to be cleaned after each reunion and the restrooms cleaned periodically. The large trash dumpsters are to be emptied today for a fresh start for the three-day weekend.

Sindelar said the in-town parks are expected to be loaded with picnickers and the park lake with boaters, jet skiers and fishermen.

On the sports scene, official opening of the outdoor swimming pools at Wentz Camp at Lake Ponca is Saturday, and the Ambuc Pool opens Memorial Day. There is the Cat Classic basketball tournament with games being played at various venues across Ponca City.

Sindelar said next weekend will also be busy.

It begins Friday evening with the Draggin’ Grand Classic Car.

On Saturday the Herb Festival is slated for Saturday at the Cann Garden Center, plus the observance of National Trails Day. Also there is a triathlon at Lake Ponca and a big softball tournament at Willow Springs Park.

On National Trails Day, the public will be invited to ride bicycles along on the proposed trail route beginning at Stand Bear Memorial Park.

From there they ride on the linkage trail on hard surfaces to Memorial Park, which is across the road south of Hutchins Memorial. Next, the ride will proceed to the Pioneer Woman Statue, Marland Mansion, Unity Gym and end at Red Bud park.

The riders are to congregate at Standing Bear between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Sindelar said the riders can leave the bike caravan at any time.

Years Moisture Much Less Than Past 3 Years So Far

By MAX STOKESBERRY

News Staff Writer

On the heels of the wettest year old-timers can remember, one wonders if a repeat performance might be waiting to happen in 2000. Ponca City and its environs are on a three-year roll, having established that many successive annual rainfall records.

The new century was a mite slow coming out of the starting blocks, if this is to be a serious effort to retain our recently earned “wet country” image. The first four months of 2000 provided only 10.19 inches of moisture, as measured by the Federal Contract Weather Observation Station at Municipal Airport.

This was the slowest take-off in four years and left 47.40 inches needed in the remaining eight months to match the rainfall record of 57.59 inches set in 1999. Time was when 47 inches were the top measurement for a year, and that mark stood for more than a decade (1986-97). Then came a 4.08-inch leap to a new record of 51.08. Another shocker followed in 1998, which chalked up a 51.29 total.

Well, surely it couldn’t happen again. But the rains continued to pour down last year and the result was an all-time mark only a couple inches short of five feet of water — a lot of H2O.

It Was Dry in 1976

Some area residents may feel that 57.59 inches is more rain than we need. But there probably were more complaints back in 1976 when clouds often showed up empty and moisture for the year totaled a mere 22.05 inches.

This year started out with January back to near normal after a record of 4.86 inches in 1999. The .69-inch of wet stuff marked the 21st time in 33 years that January’s total was less than one inch.

February produced .94-inch, but things got better with 5.16 in March and 3.40 in April. March was the only one of the four months having an above-normal amount of moisture. It was the snowiest January since 1988, but the frozen white stuff — including a little dab of ice pellets — measured only 5.3 inches. This accounted for barely a half-inch of January’s .69 precipitation total.

Actually there were two snowstorms in the first month of 2000. One, on Jan. 3, was propelled by northwest winds gusting to 25 miles an hour. The 2.1 inches of snow melted into .21-inch of water.

Slow Time for Sledding

Twenty-two consecutive days without moisture followed that storm before two-tenths inch of pellets arrived on the 26th, setting the stage for a 2.8-inch fall of snow the next day. With winds averaging only 11 mph and peaking at 14, the flakes fell more gently this time and left a fluffy white blanket that was welcomed for both its winter wonderland scenery and beneficial moisture. It afforded the winter’s best opportunity for such outdoor activities as snowman building and downhill sledding.

January’s daily average temperature was 38.5 degrees, 1.5 above normal. New Year’s Day warmed to 72 degrees, the highest reading for the month, while the coolest night-time temperature was 12 degrees on the 24th.

February was dry through its first 16 days, then received a .26-inch rain on the 17th. The rest of the month’s .94 came in showers on three days, led by a .43-incher on the 25th. February’s highest temperature was 78 degrees on the 24th and the lowest was 17 on the second day of the month. Average daily temperature of 47 was 4.9 degrees above normal.

March had 15 wet days, the rainiest being 1.01 inches on the second day of the month. The third winter snow occurred on March 10 and measured 4.8 inches.

The 3.40 inches of April showers were .26 below normal. The most rain in a 24-hour period was 1.23 inches on the 30th. This put 10.19 as the four-month figure.

With a week left in May, the month’s rainfall stood at 2.54 inches, barely over half of normal for the month.

AL Post 14 To Observe Memorial Day

Americans pay tribute on Memorial Day to those who fell in battle defending our country.

Members of American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14 will observe Memorial Day with a ceremony at Resthaven-Sunset Memorial Park Monday at 10 a.m. and Odd Fellows Cemetery at 11 a.m. Parties interesting in helping put up flags at Resthaven should be there Monday morning at 6 a.m.

The observance of Memorial Day had its beginning following the Civil War when Southerners marked the graves of those who died fighting for the Confederacy. Today, we honor all of America’s war dead — those who died that freedom might live.

“Their selfless sacrifice spans the history of America, from the Revolutionary War to Desert Storm,” said Marvin Rider, commander of Post 14. “These patriots left their homes and families when their country called and gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of freedom.”

Formed at the conclusion of World War I by freedom-loving veterans who wanted to ensure that the families of their fallen comrades would be cared for, the American Legion today has nearly 3 million members and is the nation’s largest veterans organization.

“We want everyone in Ponca City to know that the American Legion is ‘still serving America’ and will continue to serve this country, our state, and our community in the years ahead,” Rider said.

Area Airports Needs Will Be Discussed

The Oklahoma Airport System Regional Planning meeting for the Sky Park (Newkirk), Blackwell-Tonkawa, Medford, Ponca City and Pond Creek Municipal Airports will be held on Wednesday, June 21, from 9 a.m. until noon at Pioneer Technology Center, Education Business Center, 2101 North Ash Street, Ponca City.

The meeting will be conducted by the Oklahoma Aeronautics and Space Commission (OASC), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Community leaders will be asked to provide information on economic activity and development occurring in their community, and the role of the general aviation airport in supporting economic activity and development.

Airport sponsors and users will be asked to provide information on local airport activity as measured by the number of based aircraft and itinerant aircraft operations, and aviation services provided at the local airport.

During this approximately two-hour public meeting, Dr. George Dresser will discuss the status of local airport projects contained in OASC’s five-year capital improvement program and the availability of funds for the development of general aviation airports.

The meeting will concentrate on the need for airport improvements as they relate to safety, access, activity levels, local economic enhancement, and community development.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Airport System Plan approved by the State Aeronautics Commissioners in December 1999 will be discussed. The meeting will provide airport sponsors, users, and others an opportunity to discuss the capital development needs of their airport over the next ten years.

Additional information is available by contacting the Institute for Public Affairs, University of Oklahoma, Gary Gooch at (405) 325-5652.

Ponca City Noon Lions To Start Vision Impairment Support Group

Vision conservation is one of the main emphases of the Lions Club International. In order to carry on this effort, Ponca City Noon Lions Club is organizing a support group for the vision impaired.

The purpose of this group will be to identify persons with vision impairments who could be assisted by Lions Club programs, provide fellowship and support to people with common impairments and to provide informational programs for the support group members and other interested persons.

The first meeting will be held on Monday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, South Sixth Street and East Central Avenue, in Ponca City. A complimentary lunch will be served.

Rose Green, representative from the division of Visual Services of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, will be the featured speaker for this organizational meeting.

Lions Club International supports vision conservation with White Cane Day, Lions guide dog schools, eye glass recycling, glaucoma and macular degeneration awareness, visual acuity screenings and the Lions Eye Bank. Locally the Ponca City Noon Lions Club has placed seven Magni-Cams with clients who need assistance reading because of macular degeneration, maintains a fund to assist patients who need eyeglasses, recycles eyeglasses for a mission project to Mexico each year and takes part in the White Cane Day fund raiser.

There is no cost for attending the meeting or the complimentary lunch; but reservations need to be made for the meal by calling 765-4370.

Area Oil and Gas Report

A shallow outpost wildcat will seek to expand the production area of Kay County’s Tonkawa Field.

Designated as the No. 3 Chadwick, the explorer well is in a lease 5.4 miles southwest of Tonkawa. It is an 800-ft. test of a Permian Era pay horizon. Vector Exploration Inc. is the operator.

Section 31-township 25n-range 1w-sw-se.

Independent operator Garry Davis is preparing to conduct a re-entry for extended well life at the No. 15 Davis in Kay County’s Tonkawa Field. The well originally bottomed at a depth of 4,200 feet. It now will seek new production in the Wilcox Sand. Location is about four miles south of the Tonkawa townsite.

Section 27-township 25n-range 1w-nw-sw.

Marginal production potential was indicated when the No. 2 Fath was completed in Kay County’s Thomas Field. Palm Oil and Gas Co. is the operator.

Located 4.3 miles west of Tonkawa, the well bottomed at 4,609 feet and was perforated produce from 4,490 to 4,500 feet into the hole. It showed ability to pump two barrels of oil per day on an open choke.

Section 3-township 25n-range 2w-w/2-ne.

Two 1,275-ft. developmental wells are scheduled to be drilled in the South Perry field, Noble County, with BEZ Resources limited partners as the operators.

Wells include the No. 16 Bezdicek “A” and No. 1 Shepard Trust, located 3.2 and 2.7 miles south-southeast of Perry, respectively. Both wells will be seeking production in the Dotson Formation.

Section 10-township 20n-range 1w-se-nw and nw-nw.

Noble County’s East Echo Field will see more developmental action when a recompletion is conducted at the No. 2 Ramee Yost 4.4 miles west-southwest of Ceres. Originally bottomed at 800 feet, the well will be seeking production in the Herrington formation. Palm Oil and Gas is the operator.

Section 24-township 23n-range 2w-nw-ne.

Flowing 94,000 CF gas per day in adjustable choke, the No. 2 Vann has been recompleted in the Perry field on the southern edge of Perry.

Chaparral Energy Inc. is the operator.

The Noble County well originally probed to a 5,500-ft. bottom. It was plugged back for new pay ranging from 4,345 o 4,362 feet into the hole.

Section 29-township 21n-range 1w-sw-nw.

The Orlando field will see more developmental drilling when the No. 4 George is spudded 4.6 miles south of Perry. Three Sands Oil Inc. is the operator. The well will be a 1,200-ft. Hotson Formation test.

Section 20-township 20n-range 1w-ne-nw.

DEATHS

Harry M. Stucky
Helen M. Rice

Harry M. Stucky

Harry M. Stucky, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 77.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2000, in the First Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Harry M. Stucky was born May 13, 1923, in Pretty Prairie, Kan., the son of Eli and Tillie (Kaufman) Stucky. He grew up in Pretty Prairie and graduated from Pretty Prairie High School. He was engaged in farming and ranching in Pretty Prairie for many years before moving to Blackwell.

In 1965, he married Ruth Cooper in Wilberton, Okla. The couple made their home in Pretty Prairie, Kan., until moving to Blackwell in 1963. He operated the Blackwell Livestock Auction for 20 years. They moved to Ponca City in 1980.

He attended the First Baptist Church and was a member of the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association and the Kansas Cattleman’s Association. He enjoyed playing golf and trading cattle.

Survivors include his wife of the home; four children, Monte Stucky of South Haven, Kan., Donna Kruczynski of Littleton, Colo., Mark Stucky of Dallas, Texas, and George Wilburn of Altus; ten brothers and sisters, Doris Stucky of Moundridge, Kan., Esther Flickner of Moundridge, Kan., Elfrieda Brown of Lemon Cove, Calif., Laura Stucky of Moundridge, Kan., Viola McCaslin of San Clemente, Calif., Erna Ott of Wichita, Kan., Letha Schrag of Pretty Prairie, Kan., Kathryn French of Fort Collins, Colo., Geraldine Emory of Chanhassen, Minn., and Leland Stucky of Pretty Prairie, Kan.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Casket bearers will be Jack Rogers, Warren Tharp, Gary Potter, Doug Wolf, John Clemente, and Jerry Morgan.

Honorary bearers will be Clyde Becker, Dennis Impson, Dewell Brown, Paul Northcutt, Mike Lewis, Roy Dinsdale, Carl Burris, Dr. T.C. Glasscock, Jake Williams, Mark Detton, Bill Barnes and Fred Taylor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104.

Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Friday.

Services Pending

Helen M. Rice

Helen M. Rice, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, May 25, 2000, at her residence. She was 91. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Flag Raising — Volunteers, 16 and above, are needed to help place American Flags in the Veterans Court of Honor at Resthaven Memorial Park, 1901 E. Hubbard Road. Flags will be put up starting at 6 a.m. Monday and will be taken down at 5 p.m. Any and all help is appreciated.

Annual Mix and match flat sale. Jumbo 6 packs $9.99 flat. Keathly Nursery. adv.

Fraud — Someone in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a forged check to Ponca City police at 11:24 a.m. Thursday. Caller requested that an officer come down and pick-up the check. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Memorial Day flower, sprays, baskets, various styles. Come and see. 3008 East Hartford. adv.

Subject Held — An officer reported at 12:01 p.m. Thursday that an 18-year-old woman was taken into custody on a city warrant for leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, no driver’s license and no insurance.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and

coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, minor-injury accident was reported in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street to Ponca City police at 2:08 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned to the scene. A 23-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Accident — Someone at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and East Ponca Avenue reported a two-vehicle accident to Ponca City police at 12:56 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free- 8 potatoes and 8 rolls with purchase of 20 piece tub now thru Memorial Day. Snyder’s Grocery 762-4686. Open 7 days a week. adv.

Hanging Baskets $9.99 ea Reg. $12.99- Keathly Nursery. adv.

Fraud — The manager of a business in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to Ponca City police at 12:58 p.m. Thursday that someone had possibly embezzled some money. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Accident — Someone in the 700 block of East Grand Avenue reported a minor accident to Ponca City police at 3:14 p.m. Thursday. Drivers traded information. No report was taken.

www.HeartandHealth.com -Buy or sell Rexall natural

health products online. adv.

Pauline Steak and shrimp dinner $11.95 Friday the 26th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident was reported in the 1600 block of Kygar Road to Ponca City police at 3:35 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a state accident report was taken.

Vehicle Stolen — Someone in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to Ponca City police at 4:48 a.m. Friday that a vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned to investigate. A report was taken and surrounding agencies were notified. The vehicle was shortly located by police parked behind a local motel. Vehicle was locked and keys were missing. Owner contacted locksmith to make a key.

Fun For kids! Brod Bagert and Gary Dulabaum performing songs and poems. Friday night 6:00 to

8:00, Brace Books on North Fourteenth. adv.

Open Monday Memorial Day 8 to 5. R&G Style Shoppe in Newkirk. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the eastbound lane of the Lake Road and Monument Road intersection was reported to Ponca City police at 4:44 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Theft — An employee at the Ponca Plaza Twin theater, 1403 East Hartford Avenue, reported to Ponca City police at 6:15 p.m. Thursday that someone had stolen a VCR tape out of theater equipment in the front lobby. An officer was assigned and a report for petit larceny was taken.

Be Cool! Sears central air conditioning 0% financing until September 2001. Offer ends May 31. 1-877-226-1550. adv.

Burglary — Someone in the 800 block of North Union Street reported to Ponca City police at 8:26 p.m. Thursday that money had been stolen out of a wallet. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Be Your own boss with Global Communications an Internet company. Part-time or full-time.

Will train. 1-800-871-2832. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue reported at 11:05 p.m. Thursday that a 21-year-old man had been taken into custody for felony assault. Subject had been chasing someone with a baseball bat.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

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LIFESTYLES

Bliss Homemakers Meet
Marking Your Tools Might Lead To Recovery When Borrowed
Xi Beta Tau Sets Date for Socials

Bliss Homemakers Meet

Bliss Homemakers FCE group met May 17 at the Marland Methodist-Christian Church Fellowship Hall. Eleven members contributed Pennies for friendship and quarters for the quarter drill. All reported reading books to children or themselves, and the seatbelt survey revealed one person not using a seatbelt.

Linda Short, president, gave a devotion “God is Fair” from God’s Inspirational Promise Book, and led the group in the association creed. A thank-you note from Debbie Woods, president, Noble County Association for Family and Community Education, was read. Named as a new member was Chera Brewer.

Committee Reports were given with members of the Environmental committee reporting that three pounds of aluminum tabs were collected for the Ronald McDonald House, and given to Frontier 4-H Environmental Chairman Rachel Kelly. Mrs. Short presented Donald Wyckoff the 2000-21001 scholarship during the Frontier Public School award assembly May 12.

Babies in the community to be remembered with a “Golden Book” are Angela and Amos Hinton’s baby boy, Lisa Mayes’s son, Sawyer, and Sydnie Balcer, granddaughter of Marilyn Balcer.

The lesson “Microwave Cooking for Today’s Families,” was given by Linda Short, sharing recipes and informative material. The objective: To increase skills in using the microwave.

Short reminded the group about the Oklahoma Association meeting to be held July 10-11 in Oklahoma City. Arleta Pulliam will represent the Northwest District for the Heart of FCE, and Shelley Cook will represent Northwest District for the Rookie Member.

Hostess were Clara Jane Case and Maxine Tautfest. The hostess gift was given to Shelley Cook. The group will meet July 19 at the Marland Methodist-Christian Church at 7 p.m.

Marking Your Tools Might Lead To Recovery When Borrowed

By POPULAR MECHANICS

A Hearst Magazine

(AP) — Putting your personal identification on the tools you own serves as a reminder and encourages friends and neighbors to return a tool they’ve borrowed. Likewise, putting your mark on valuables — although possibly not a serious deterrent to theft — can hasten the return of any such items that may be recovered by law enforcement agencies. It can also make an important contribution to convicting the thief.

Hand tools, portable power tools and similar household items like rakes and stepladders should all be marked with simple identification. Bands of colored tape around the handles make it easy to sort out tools after working on a neighborhood project. Scratching, stamping, burnishing, or even painting your initials or name makes for positive identification. Make sure that your personal mark does not look like part of the tool manufacturer’s design.

With wooden tool handles, you can simply dip them in a can of paint to give one end of the tool a distinctive mark. Wooden objects can also be branded with a soldering iron or burnishing pencil.

Marking Metal

Marking metal is more difficult because it is harder, smoother and less porous. And, many metal objects are used in ways that tend to rub off or remove markings. Also, some are valuable and you don’t want to disfigure them.

For making durable, weatherproof identification marks on ladders and similar metal items, you can use ball cap pens. These work like oversize ballpoint pens loaded with paint instead of ink. They make a line about one-quarter-inch wide.

For more permanent marks on metal, you can scribe, etch or stamp your marks. A scribe is simply a scratch awl with a super-hard point. You can write with it as you would a pen to leave a faint mark. To make more definite marks easily, use an electrically powered engraving pen. These sell in hardware stores for about $20.

Metal stamping sets consist of steel letters and numbers on individual hardened steel bars. They are reverse images like metal type. They incise the letter or number into the metal when you hit the stamp with a hammer. Use a copper-headed hammer to avoid the danger of metal splinters.

Metal etching pens use acid to mark metals permanently.

Valuable Possessions

When you want to use one of these marking techniques to identify more valuable possessions, first consider whether the mark will deface or otherwise somewhat devalue the item. You should also consider what to mark it with. Your name or initials might not be positive enough identification. Addresses change. Using your Social Security number is hard to trace. Police suggest using your drivers license number with the initials of the state. Your name and address can be quickly found by the police by checking this number and identification is positive.

In most cases you can find an inconspicuous place where the mark will not show. However, make sure you pick a place that is on the main frame or body of the object. Handguns, for example, can be marked on the frame under the grips or rifles on the stock under the butt plate.

Xi Beta Tau Sets Date for Socials

Members of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met May 15 in the home of Jan Ellison. Sammie coats, president, called the meeting to order, and members stood for the opening ritual. June Miller read the minutes, and Cindy Wardlow gave the treasurer report.

Lois Coats read the minutes from city council and it was announced that Xi Beta Tau Chapter would be in charge of arrangements for the Valentine dance in 2001.

The chapter girl of the year celebration will be a trip to Joeseppe’s in Stillwater on June 1. Members will meet in Stillwater at 7 p.m. Secret sister names for the years were also drawn. The social committee is planning a pool party, slated July 14.

The traveling basket was presented to Jan Ellison from Sammie coats. The mystery gift was also won by Sammie coats. Lois coats gave each member two rolls of wrapping paper.

The cultural program was the chapter’s secret sister birthday party and gift exchange. Each member also brought a dish using recipes from the Taste of Home Cooking show they attended in April. Cindy Wardlow made the strawberry pie that was featured in a recent edition of The News.

EDUCATION

PTC Prepares for New Year
New Federal Loan Program Helps College-Bound Kids
Several Vo Tech Students Participate in Conference
School News

PTC Prepares for New Year

Although we are winding down the 1999-2000 school year in our daytime programs, the level of activity and excitement at Pioneer Technology Center continues to increase with our short-term training classes, client-based programs, leadership training academy, and preparations for the upcoming school year.

Some of the preparations for the upcoming school year that PTC staff and School Board members are focusing on is filling the Superintendent's position. It is our hope to have this position filled and approved at our next board meeting scheduled for June 13. So far, we have 15 applicants for the position and plan to start scheduling interviews next week.

Now that we have a full board, I feel very positive about getting this accomplished in a timely manner. One major item that we have accomplished is the recent filling of the two board vacancies for Zones 2 and 4. PTC Board members just approved two excellent candidates, Orva Rothgeb, Tonkawa and J.D. Soulek, Blackwell. We are all looking forward to working together in getting some of the immediate goals accomplished for the 2000-2001 school year.

Summer is a very busy time for Pioneer Technology Center. With more than 110 short-term training classes being offered both daytime and evening, we do continue to have students on our campus during the summer months. Currently, our short-term training classes are experiencing an increase in enrollment. Part of this increase can be attributed to some of the brand new courses that are being offered as a result of either student demand or job re-training needs.

Our client-based programs that include, Self-employment Training, Small Business Management, Agricultural Business Management, and the Management Development Group continue to provide assistance to first-time business owners, farmers, and mid-size businesses. In addition, our Customized Industry and Safety Training programs continue to provide on-going classes during the summer months. With the combined efforts of these programs, a vital resource is available to the area businesses and industries.

One program in particular, the Management Development Group (MDG), coordinated by Aaron McKinley, recently developed a new training program called the Supervisory Academy. Area businesses were surveyed regarding their supervisory training needs. The response was so great that since January, two academies have completed their initial training while two additional groups are underway. Area business and their employees benefiting from this academy include ITC (International Trading Company), Electron, Mid-America Door Company, City of Ponca City, Smith Tool, Cookshack, Oklahoma Casting, Sykes, and Air System Components. Course content for the Supervisory Academy is designed to provide knowledge and skills to help equip new supervisors in developing efficient work practices and interpersonal skills that can be integrated into the management team.

In addition to our daytime student completers, one other recent accomplishment that we [PTC] are very proud of is our Adult Basic Education (ABE) / GED and SHARE (Sharing Hope and Redefining Education) programs. Last Tuesday, a combined graduation ceremony was held for students that completed these programs. I am proud to say that more than 123 students from the Kay County area, have received their GED certificate or their high school diploma during this school year. This is truly a positive impact on our community. Individuals not only feel better about themselves, but they now have the opportunity to obtain a better job or even acquire more education.

Enrollment for the 2000-2001 school year is underway. Please feel free to visit our campus during the summer to find out more about our courses and other program offerings.

New Federal Loan Program Helps College-Bound Kids

Under the provisions of the U.S. Higher Education Act, parents may be eligible to receive their students total cost of education, including living expenses, less any other financial aid awarded.

This money is available through the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS) program, regardless of income and assets and with no collateral requirement. Many families have found the PLUS to be an attractive alternative to depleting their savings, or borrowing against their home or 401K.

All U.S. citizens and resident aliens are eligible, regardless of income level.

Your family qualifies if you are the natural, step or adoptive parent of a dependent undergraduate student who is under age 24, single with no dependents and going to school at least half time.

Most universities, colleges, trade and vocational schools participate in the Federal Family Education Loan program. EFG will confirm your school’s participation at 1-800-480-0392.

You may be eligible to borrow up to the total cost of your child’s education including tuition, room and board, books, travel and administrative fees.

School costs vary, but EFG will provide you with an estimate of your school’s costs. Contact EFG even if you are considering several schools, or are uncertain about the amount you’ll need. because processing time of PLUS applications varies from school to school, it is best to inquire as soon as possible.

The Federal PLUS is a simple interest, non-collateral loan with a variable interest rate that is capped at 9 percent.

EFG will provide details about current interest rates. The Federal PLUS is government guaranteed and offers a variety of repayment plans including deferrals in the event of financial hardships, no prepayment penalties and loan forgiveness in some circumstances.

Some repayment examples include:

— $5,000 — $64 a month

— $10,000 — $127 a month

— $15,00 — $190 a month

— $20,000 — $254 a month

EFG will provide specific payment options and details.

Credit standards for the Federal PLUS are more lenient than most private loans. Many families with negative credit histories qualify.

Under the Federal PLUS, a parent may be reimbursed for educational costs already paid that academic year. Deadlines for reimbursement vary from school to school.

For further information call 1-800-480-0392 or www.schoolfunds.net.

St Marys Teacher Earns Recognition from Wal Mart

Sister Mary Clare Doebel, a teacher at St. Mary’s School, is putting on a happy face — but not because summer break is around the corner.

Sister Mary Clare was named the Ponca City Teacher of the Year by the associates from the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Ponca City in appreciation for excellence in education.

Sister’s “happy face” is a special Teacher of the Year rendition of the familiar (blue Wal-Mart vest/red Sam’s Club vest), which the associates presented to the outstanding teacher in addition to a $500 education grant for St. Mary’s School.

Sister Mary Clare was one of 3,000 teachers from around the country who received the award. In 2000, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. contributed more than $1.5 million in grants for schools and school districts nationwide.

“Teachers have one of the most challenging and critical jobs in our country,” said Lee Scott, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “The Teacher of the Year Award program is our associates’ way of letting teachers know how much we appreciate their contributions to the education of our youth, which in turn contribute to the vitality of our communities.”

The Teacher of the Year program honors teachers in the communities in which we serve who distinguish themselves as mentors, motivators and innovators in education. Since the program began in 1996, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has saluted more than 10,700 Teachers of the Year, contributing $5.1 million in education grants to local schools.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. recognizes that the education of our youth today has a profound impact on the vitality of our communities tomorrow. It’s with this in mind that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. invests in the future success of America through a variety of educational opportunities for students, teachers and associates, including scholarships, internships, school-to-career programs, and other educational programs.

Several Vo Tech Students Participate in Conference

Several students from Pioneer Technology Center recently participated in the Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA) Spring conference in Oklahoma City.

Those attending were Steve Carnes, Blackwell; Ronnie Newman; Ponca City; Cari Chandler, Ponca City; Amanda Rogers, Ponca City; Turrena Carnes, Ponca City; and Rachel Jackson, Blackwell.

Also, Mindy Neilson, Ponca City; Dustin Ward, Blackwell; Terry LaBlue, Blackwell and April Allen, Ponca City, all students from Pioneer Technology Center who part.

Carnes, a Practical Nursing student, placed first in Medical Math with Newman, Chandler, Rogers, and Carnes, all Health Science Technology students (HST), taking first place for their Community Awareness project in hand washing. Jackson, Neilson, Ward, LaBlue, all HST students, were awarded second place in the Biomedical Debate category. Allen, HST, took fourth place in the Researched Persuasive Speaking category.

The conference also featured health-related competitive events and leadership training.

“Preparing students for leadership roles is very important because the health field is looking at a serious shortage of workers in the next four to five years,” said Lynn Hughes, HOSA state advisor.

April Hobgood, a beneficiary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was one of the featured speakers at the conference.

The foundation grants wishes to children under the age of 18 with life-threatening illnesses. HOSA students have supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their volunteer service project for several years, Hughes said.

Matt Ralls, public policy specialist and cabinet liaison for the Governor's Office, gave the keynote address at the conference.

School News

Milligan Earns Award

Elizabeth Milligan has been named a United States National Award Winner in history and government. She is a student at Po-Hi and the daughter of Dr. Stuart and LaNita Milligan of Ponca City.

Brace Graduates

Rebecca Brace, 1995 Po-Hi graduate, received a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in mathematics from the University of Texas in Austin. She is the daughter of Jerry and Jean Brace of Ponca City, and will work as a buyer for Fujitsu Network Communications in Dallas.

Craig Finishes NWOSU Degree

Saura Craig, a 1996 graduate of Cornerstone Community Christian Academy, received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and human performance and pre-physical therapy from Northeastern State University. During her senior year, she was selected to serve as head student athletic trainer and was the trainer for the NSU nationally-ranked football team. She has been accepted into Physical Therapy School at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Tulsa. Saura is the daughter of Jeff and Carole Craig of Ponca City.

OU Graduates

Several Ponca City students received degrees recently from the University of Oklahoma. Those receiving bachelor’s degrees were Travis Beekman, Lee Boelens, Mitchell Coatney, Courtney Hill, Britton Lamb, Jinny Leonard, Jennifer Martin, Jamie McGee, Michael Morriss, Patrick Thomas Muchmore, Shannan Potter, Stehanie Sattre, Kalen Silkey, Chad Soucek, Christopher Westfield, Tracy White and Eric Wolf. David Sullivan also received his doctorate degree.

Graduation Exercises

Members of the Class of 2000 will graduate tonight at Sullins Stadium at 8 p.m. In case of inclement weather, graduation exercises will be held in the Robson Fieldhouse. Seniors are also invited to participate in activities at the Great Escape until 5 a.m. Saturday as a way for seniors to stay drug and alcohol-free.

RELIGION

Church Briefs
Mark Purkey Bringing His Testimony to Ponca City
Pastor’s Notes

Church Briefs

First Methodists Announce New Summer Schedule

The First United Methodist Church is announcing the summer schedule which begins Sunday, June 4, with Sunday School at 8:45 a.m. and Worship at 10 a.m. The worship committee is asking Sunday School classes to provide treats beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. The first Sunday of the new summer schedule, however, the men and women’s softball teams are hosting a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

United Methodists Honor Seniors

Graduating seniors of the Asbury United Methodist Church were honored during the morning services last Sunday. The United Methodist Women of the church presented gifts to the honorees, who were also special guests at an all-church noon luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

This year’s graduates include Danny Harden, Nikki Harris, Erin Morris, Desiree Peterson, Alison Pickens and Angela Zarth.

Prince of Peace Lutherans Announce Services

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, on this sixth Sunday of Easter, will focus its worship on the new commandment of Christ. The challenge of the gospel is not to love others as others love us, but to love others as Jesus Christ loves us.

Prince of Peace will also celebrate the reception of new members this Sunday, mindful that we have been made friends of God in Baptism, according to Pastor Bruce Keck.

Please come and join with us, as we worship together at 10 a.m. and have fellowship, following the worship service, Pastor Keck invited.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA, is located at 2800 Turner Road in Ponca City. The telephone number is 762-7698. Prince of Peace, “The Welcome Place”, welcomes you to come and worship with them on this holy day.

City-Wide Bible Class Still Growing

The City-Wide Bible Class, “God’s Amazing Grace”, which is an in-depth study of the book of Romans, continues to meet each Sunday evening at 6 o’clock. This class is a non-denominational, Bible-only investigation of Romans. This week the class is studying chapter 4, verses 16-25.

Audio and printed lessons of all previous studies are also available.

Old Time Gospel Sing Scheduled

Folks from all over are invited to an “Old Time Gospel Sing!” on the lawn at the Cherokee Heritage Center this Saturday, May 27. Singing begins at 4 p.m. — bring your chairs and enjoy an evening of food, music and fellowship. Singing groups include the Cherokee Choir with J.B. Dreadfulwater, Jordanettes with Wahoo Buck, The Buck Family, Melody-Airs, Echota Four, David Long, Dobson Rooster, and more.

Also, Saturday, May 27 there will be a Fry Bread Cook-Off from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Cooking begins at 11 a.m. — judging is at noon.

Admission is free and you can join in the singing, if you wish. Cash prizes will be awarded. Anyone interested in becoming a contestant, please call (918) 456-6007 or (888) 999-6007.

Anniversary Services Planned

The Reach Out for Jesus Church of God in Christ will hold an Anniversary Service for their pastor and his wife, the Rev. Sylvester and Cherry Alexander on Sunday, May 28, 2000 at 3 p.m.

The service will be held in Johnson Temple COGIC at 12th and Madison in Ponca City.

The public is invited to attend.

Churches of Christ Joining for VBS

The Hartford Avenue and Grand Avenue Churches of Christ will join together in conducting Vacation Bible School June 5, 6 and 7, it was announced this week. “Club Can-do” is the theme for this year’s VBS and features a canned-food project to help children learn the blessing of helping others. Classes for ages 3 through the 5th grade will be held in the facilities of the Hartford Avenue congregation (located at the corner of Hartford and Joe) and will begin at 9 each morning and conclude at 11:30.

Each day the children will be able to participate in Bible studies, craft times, puppet shows, singing and refreshments. There is no cost for the program.

An open house and closing assembly will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. At that time parents are encouraged to come see what their children have been learning during VBS. Registration is open to all children in the community. Please call the church office at 765-3610 for further information.

Roland Family Gospel Services Set

New Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Newkirk, will be sponsoring the Roland Family Gospel Services on Sunday, May 28, to be held at the First Baptist Church, 218 North Sixth in Ponca City — use the Fifth and Oklahoma or Sixth and Oklahoma entrances to the facility.

Time of the service will be 3:30 p.m. An invitation is extended to all to join the Roland Family of Ponca City and members of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Newkirk in a service of gospel singing and praise, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Methodist Women Offer Afghans at Festival

The United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church will be attending the Herb Festival with their Pioneer Woman Afghans for sale, it was noted this week. The afghans are in four colors and a new multi-color afghan.

Treat yourself by purchasing an afghan for a graduate, someone with a birthday, a bride or as a going-away gift. All profits go to missions. The afghans may also be purchased by calling 762-1429, 765-0157 or the church at 762-1681.

Mark Purkey Bringing His Testimony to Ponca City

Since the beginning of his ministry in 1981, Mark Purkey has used his testimony as a powerful tool to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He will bring his testimony to Ponca City this Sunday, preaching at both the morning and evening services at First Assembly of God, 1308 Bradley.

Healed of Lymphoma Cancer at the age of 19, Mark experienced the touch of Jesus one unforgettable night in his hospital room. Given only three to six months to live, a grandmother literally stood on the Word of God claiming its provision. Simultaneously, the presence of God entered Mark’s hospital room and a miracle took place, according to his testimony. Shortly thereafter, Mark was released with a clean bill of health.

Purkey is a dynamic Bible preacher, it was noted, and his refreshing and straightforward style of preaching is enhanced by his humor and his ability to apply biblical principles to contemporary problems.

He and his wife, Susie, a former Revivaltime choir soloist and present day recording artist, with their two children, have declared the Gospel of Jesus Christ to thousands of people throughout the United States, Canada and in many overseas crusades. God has been faithful to perform the miraculous in hungry hearts, the Purkeys testify. They have been guests of the Trinity Broadcasting network and reside in Oklahoma City.

Visitors are invited to join with members of First Assembly for both the morning and evening worship services at First Assembly this Sunday.

Pastor’s Notes

The following is a quotation from a long ago forgotten book: “In what other book will you find such an ungodly company of vicious scoundrels as you find in the New Testament? All the evils that make men cynical are in that book. Christianity was suckled in adversity; it was cradled in pain. At the heart of its book and its gospel is a good man crowned with thorns, nailed to a cross, with a spear wound in his side.”

And yet ... no matter what the grim reality of New Testament life, Christianity has survived through all its heartache and trouble.

On this Memorial Day weekend, as we remember those who have fought and died to preserve the freedom we enjoy, let us remember the greatest example of sacrifice given: the sinless life of Christ Jesus who has made us truly free!

The Rev. Marilyn Merle,

Associate Minister

Woodlands Christian Church

SPORTS

Youth Basketball Jams PC Gyms

Youth Basketball Jams PC Gyms

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Fifty-three teams representing four states will crowd several Ponca City gyms for the Mid-America Youth Basketball Tournament Saturday and Sunday.

Eleven of those teams will be from Ponca City as seven grade-level team from Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas vie in one of the fastest growing summer basketball tournaments in the nation.

The action starts Saturday at 8 a.m. with pool play. Sunday’s games will be single elimination tournaments leading to the finals in each divisions Sunday evening and night.

The ninth through 12th grade boys will take over Robson Field House both days. The 11-12 grade girls will play in the boys’ court at the old gym while the 9-10 grade girls play on the old gym’s girls’ court.

The eighth grade boys will play at Lincoln and Union elementary school gyms. The 7-8 grade girls play at East while the 5-7 grade boys play at West. The 5-6 grade girls play at Washington and Trout elementary.

The 9-12 grade boys include Ponca City I and II along with the Ponca City Wildcats.

Ponca City Express is the lone local entry in the 11-12 grade girls division. Ponca City Express II plays in the 9-10 girls bracket.

The 8th grade boys’ group includes the Ponca City Wildcats.

Ponca City Heat is in the 5-7 grade boys play.

Oklahoma Flame and Oklahoma Netters are basically Ponca City teams in the girls’ 7-8 tournament.

Ponca City, Ponca City Storm and Ponca City Fierce are in the 5-6 grade girls’ play.

The Ponca City coaches include Ron Arthur, Joe Matlock, Jerry Orr, Mike Ratliff, Herb Roland, Dennis Wedd, Jonathan Hopkins, Ruslyn Hermanson, Greg Hunter, Freddie Garcia and Mike Starbuck.

The all-session passes are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

MAYB offers competition in nine divisions. The purpose of MAYB is to help players improve their basketball skills in a fun and yet competitive atmosphere. Each team is guaranteed at least five games in the tournament — pool play for seeding and a single elimination tournament to determine division champions.

Ponca City is one of the 50 communities sponsoring such a tournament across the United States this summer.

The Ponca City Tip-Off Club is the primary sponsor of the tournament here with help from a number of local businesses and numerous volunteers.