LOCAL

Youth Police Academy Sessions Set for Teens 15-18 This Summer
Church Sets MEGA Week During June
Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition Urges Zero Tolerance For Unbuckled Children
Brittany Project Helps Prevent Child Drownings in Oklahoma
Graduation Dance May 29 Will Honor Oliver Plumley
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
GED Takes Commitment To Improve Job Status
Nursing Students Taking Advantage of Training

Youth Police Academy Sessions Set for Teens 15-18 This Summer

Plans are under way for Ponca City’s first Youth Police Academy (YPA). Modeled after the four-year running Citizen Police Academy, the sessions will be restricted to local teens ages 15 to 18. The program is funded by the State of Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs in Oklahoma City.

The YPA is a condensed version of the police academy basic training, attended by newly hired police officers, said Major Clayton Johnson. The academy will provide a link between the youth of the community and the police department, by modifying the juvenile’s perceptions of what police officers deal with on a daily basis. The program will also enhance the police officer’s perception of what it is like to be a young person in today’s society. Furthermore, the department hopes to encourage youth to pursue careers in police services.

“Our department is excited about extending this community education to our younger citizens,” Johnson said. “The curriculum will clarify questions many young people have regarding why officers do certain things and the manner in which they do them,” he said.

Applicants from diverse races, genders and economic backgrounds will be selected to participate. Youth and guardians are warned that while the topics will be presented in a professional manner, strong language, graphic photographs and discussions will occur. Parents are invited to attend an orientation prior to the start of the academy and may attend any session or portion of any session.

Two sessions of the Youth Police Academy have been scheduled. The first will be held July 5 through July 9, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. Lunch is provided. The second session is scheduled for afternoons beginning July 19 to July 30. Each class is limited to 20 participants. There is no cost for the program.

Since each session builds on information from a previous session, youth must make a commitment to attend. Classes will be a combination of lectures, demonstrations, tours and practical applications. Topics will include: emergency communications, jail operations, police careers, patrol functions, domestic violence, traffic enforcement and crash investigations.

Additionally, students will learn about police pursuits, DUI and alcohol related cases, defensive tactics, juvenile crimes, special operations, crime scene investigation, drug investigations and crimes against persons, as well as detective functions.

All instructors are Ponca City police officers. Firearms and defensive tactics instructors are certified by the State of Oklahoma. Citizen Police Academy alumni and Ponca City Police Foundation members will assist.

Though this program is new to Ponca City, similar programs are in place in Tulsa, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The implementation of the Academy is consistent with community policing philosophies: creating, enhancing and maintaining partnerships. It is anticipated that the graduates of the Youth Police Academy will continue to be an active part of the department and assist with future programs.

Currently, survey instruments are being developed for both participants and their parents. The surveys will be given before and after the program to measure specific goals such as: trust in the police, satisfaction of police services and understanding of police practices.

Questions regarding YPA should be directed to Sherry Bowers, Chris Primeaux or Johnson at 767-0370.

Church Sets MEGA Week During June

Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, Ponca City, has scheduled a day camp for children who have completed pre-kindergarten through sixth grades this year. MEGA WEEK will be held June 7-11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guy Cooper, minister of music, will direct the week-long camp with Tressa Bird, Phyllis Luton, Laurie Graham, Sherry Palmer, Jonathan Peck and Rhonda Walker working with different age groups.

Cost for the day camp will be $25 if registered by May 30 and $30 after that date. MEGA Week will be filled with Music, Events, Games, and Activities. The music will be “Mt. Extreme — The Ultimate Good News Challenge” which will be performed on Sunday, June 13, at 6 p.m. at Northeast Baptist and on Wednesday, June 16, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell for the evening worship service. Age group rehearsals will be led by the group leaders, while the large group rehearsals will be directed by Guy Cooper. Events will include bowling and Kid’s Castle. Games will be incorporated in the daily routine, as well as having a day of outdoor games. Stage props, name tags, and videos will be included in the many activities throughout the week.

Any parent can enroll their child by calling the Northeast office at 765-2404 Monday through Friday, or mail the following information along with a check to Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road. The information needs to include the child’s name, birthdate and grade just completed, address, phone number, t-shirt size, parents’ names and an emergency number. Information must be received by Tuesday, June 1, for the $25 fee to be applicable. Any enrollment received after June 1 will require a $5 late fee. Drinks will be provided, but the children will need to bring a sack lunch each day.

Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition Urges Zero Tolerance For Unbuckled Children

Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition today announced its official support of a national mobilization this Memorial Day week to protect children by stepping up enforcement of child passenger safety laws. Thousands of law enforcement agencies across the nation are conducting the first 1999 wave of the Operation ABC Mobilization: America Buckles Up Children-the largest ever coordinated stepped-up enforcement effort on drivers who don’t buckle up children. Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition joins organizations nationwide that endorse the intensive, 50-state life saving initiative.

“Although only law enforcement officers can write the tickets, we stand firmly behind the life saving message each ticket delivers,” said Martha Collar, coordinator of the coalition, a program of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. “Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition is not only an advocacy group, we’re parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who want to protect our children. The Operation ABC Mobilization is the kind of broad community-based movement our nation needs to save children’s lives.”

A survey recently completed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 19 million more Americans buckled up in 1998. If these millions of people continue to use seat belts, an estimated 1,500 lives will be saved. In addition, a survey by the National Safety Council showed fatalities went down by more than 35 percent during last May’s Operation ABC Mobilization.

“Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition gives its official ‘Endorsement for Enforcement,’ said Collar. “We urge zero tolerance for unbuckled children and hope officers expand the Mobilization’s success to save even more lives and send a clear message to America: The law requires that children be buckled up at all times. No exceptions. No excuses.”

Increasingly, officers are strengthening enforcement of adults belt laws during Operation ABC Mobilizations. A recent study reported in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found “driver restraint use was the strongest predictor of child restraint use ... A restrained driver was three times more likely to restrain a child.” And according to surveys by NHTSA, when a driver buckled up, children are buckled up 87 percent of the time. However, when a driver is unbuckled, child restraint use drops to only 24 percent.

A survey of parents who have infants shows that the lack of adult belt use particularly endangers babies. Parents who don’t buckle up are more likely to improperly place babies in the front seat, leaving them at serious risk of being injured or killed by an air bag. According to investigations, almost all of the children who have died from air bag related injuries were completely unrestrained, improperly restrained or were infants riding in a rear-facing infant seat of the vehicle.

Brittany Project Helps Prevent Child Drownings in Oklahoma

In an effort to combat the second-leading cause of fatal unintentional injuries to Oklahoma children, the Oklahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition will kick off The Brittany Project-a life jacket loaner program-at Lake Thunderbird this Memorial Day weekend.

Named for 4-year-old Brittany Mobley, who drowned Memorial Day weekend three years ago at Lake Thunderbird and wasn’t wearing a life jacket, the program will offer free use of children’s life jackets at Little Axe campground. Interested parents will use their driver’s license to obtain a life jacket at the front gate.

In 1997, 18 Oklahoma children under age 16 drowned-mostly in lakes. Of those, two-thirds were under the age of 6.

“No one can supervise a child 100 percent of the time. The problem is, when children are in or near water, a brief lapse in adult supervision can mean death,” said Martha Collar, coordinator of the coalition, which is a program of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Dona Glenn remembers May 26, 1996, well. She had not accompanied her daughter and other family members to the lake that day. Brittany was last seen in waist-high water before she was reported missing. Although 100 people immediately helped in the search, joining hands and walking the cove, Brittany was not found in time, and drowned.

She was found in four feet of water, about 30 feet from shore. It was never really determined how she wound up being so far from shore, her mother recalls.

“That lake tends to drop off suddenly,” said Glenn. “Also, the water is very murky so once someone goes under, it’s almost impossible to find them.” Most Oklahoma lakes, in fact, do not have clear water, which is one more factor in many drownings, lake officials agree.

“We never think that it’s going to happen to us. But it does, and it happens all the time ... and I don’t think tragedies like this only happen to bad parents,” said Glenn.

She encourages parents to take advantage of the new life jacket loaner program. “When something is so accessible to us-if we can prevent another person from going through this, it just seems so simple.”

“I just want to paint fingernails with Brittany again,” she said. A similar life jacket loaner program was implemented at Lake Arcadia in 1993 after several children drowned. Since then, only one child has drowned-an 8-year-old boy who was not wearing a life jacket. In addition, the City of Edmond enacted an ordinance requiring children under age 13 to wear life jackets.

Persons interested in helping to implement life jacket loaner programs at other Oklahoma lakes should contact SAFE KIDS, (405) 271-5695.

Graduation Dance May 29 Will Honor Oliver Plumley

A Graduation Dance will be held to honor Oliver Plumley, son of Ron and Joyce Plumley Sr. on Saturday, May 29 at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Building, east of Red Rock.

The Head staff will be composed of Jimmy Kemble Sr., Head Singer; Hyde Toppah, Head Gourd Dancer; A. Taite Honadick, Head War Dancer; Ronetta Rice, Head Lady Dancer; Horsechief-Eagle Descendants, Host Gourd Club; the Rev. Thomas Roughface, Master of Ceremonies and Wesley Hudson, Arena Director.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. with gourd dancing, followed by supper at 5:30 p.m. Gourd dancing will resume at 6:30 with Intertribal Dancing scheduled for 8 p.m.

Arts and crafts are welcome, and the public is invited to attend. Bring your own dishes and chairs.

Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday

The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.

The test is scheduled throughout the year.

Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.

GED Takes Commitment To Improve Job Status

The GED that Tamera George earned this year is more than a testimony to hard work and determination. It is a gift to her two children and herself.

The gift took four years for George to complete, but it came down to commitment to improve her employment status as well as personal opportunities.

George dropped out of high school during her senior year.

“I was pregnant with my son and I was just tired of school,” said George. “I had other plans for my life, like getting married and getting a job. But, things didn’t work out and I found myself working a number of odd jobs just to support my children and myself.”

After working a few of the odd jobs, George realized she was not going to get a good job until she obtained her GED. According to Mary Scott, Pioneer Tech’s Adult Basic Education and GED instructor, George visited the class off and on for several years after she dropped out of high school.

But it wasn’t until George returned to Scott’s class this past school year that a change was seen.

“Quitting high school was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made. I was so close to getting my high school diploma with all my friends and I didn’t,” George commented. “Things would have been so much easier if I had just finished. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of dropping out of school to just stick with it,” George concluded.

Pioneer Technology Center will hold a special graduation ceremony for the GED graduates, Thursday at 7 p.m. in the EBC. If you are a graduate of the GED program and did not receive a notice, contact Scott at 762-8336, Ext. 264.

Nursing Students Taking Advantage of Training

Each year, Pioneer Technology Center trains 26 students for entry into the nursing profession. While some students choose to go right to work after completing the Practical Nursing Program, other choose to pursue an advanced degree.

Jill Hendrix is using the program to establish a solid foundation before moving on to pursue her dream in the bachelor of science degree in radiologic technology in the sonography/ultrasound program at a state university.

Although Hendrix has met all of the general education requirements, the program is hard to gain entry to. Only 15 students are accepted each year, so Hendrix decided to get additional hands-on experience through the practical nursing program.

The nursing program covers diagnostics procedures, said Beth Frantz, RN, practical nursing instructor. Other areas include the body structure and function, nursing principles and skills, pharmacology, nutrition and medical and surgical nursing.

These areas along with laboratory and clinical training are designed to prepare students for careers in health care. The program can also serve as a stepping stone toward a career in a more specialized area of training, Frantz said.

During the school year, practical nursing students go off campus to apply their knowledge at Kay County hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. Students also gain experience in networking with professionals in the health care field.

The nursing program is currently taking applications for the 1999-2000 school year. For more information, call 762-8336, Ext. 251.

DEATHS

Lester Milton Locke
Ellen Elizabeth Turner
Clyde Boyd Springer
Wilda W. Gfeller

Lester Milton Locke

NEWKIRK — Lester Milton Locke, longtime Newkirk resident, died early Tuesday morning, May 25, 1999, at the Newkirk Nursing Center. He was 81.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, at the Miller-Stahl Funeral Service chapel with Danny W. Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Burial is to follow in the Newkirk Cemetery.

Lester Milton Locke was born Feb. 1, 1918, in Jerico Springs, Mo., the son of Milton Collins and Martha (Routh) Locke. He grew up in Kay County, attending Marland School and Enterprise Rural School. After he left school he was employed on a dairy farm in the Marland area. He later moved to Pasadena, Calif., and worked as a carpenter.

On Nov. 4, 1940, he was married to Juanita May Johnston in Pasadena, Calif., where they made their first home. In 1952 they moved to Ponca City, and later to the rural Newkirk area. Locke worked as a carpenter in Arkansas City, Kan. Juanita Locke preceded him in death on June 27, 1965.

On Aug. 27, 1969, he was married to Ezelia Ford Kirkbride in Newkirk and they made their home on the farm. In addition to farming Locke was employed as custodian at the Ponca City First United Methodist Church for 21 years. He retired in August 1992. He was a member of the Ponca City First United Methodist Church and enjoyed carpentry work, playing cards and dominos.

Survivors include his wife Ezelia, of the home; three sons, Stanley Locke of Derby, Kan., and Don Locke and Clifford Locke, both of Newkirk; two step-sons, Wilbur Kirkbride of Ponca City and Raymond Kirkbride of Newkirk; one daughter, Linda Silverster of Arkansas City, Kan.; one step-daughter Earlene Lane of Newkirk; one sister, Elsie Dobson of Ponca City; one daughter-in-law; 21 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his first wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, James Locke; two daughters, Mona and Betty; three brothers, Eugene, Myrl and Raymond; and one sister, Eula Faye.

Casket bearers will be grandsons, Rick Locke, Jeff Locke, Mike Locke, Clint Locke, Seth Locke, Jase Locke, Kyle Silvester and Daniel Silvester. Honorary bearers will be Mark J. Lane, Charles E. Lane, David B. Lane, Randy Kirkbride, Chad Kirkbride, Richard Testerman, Ralph Ford, Gene Stout, Joe Ford and Jim McClung.

A memorial fund has been established with the Newkirk Church of Christ. Contributions may be made in Mr. Locke’s memory through Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647-0468.

Ellen Elizabeth Turner

FAIRFAX — Ellen Elizabeth Turner, Fairfax resident, died Monday night, May 24, 1999, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. She was 74.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at the Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home Chapel in Fairfax. The Rev. Lewis Bernard, pastor of the Full Gospel Church in Fairfax and The Rev. Harold Brewer of Caney will officiating. Burial will be in the Fairfax Cemetery.

Ellen Elizabeth (Ashford) Turner was born Aug. 13, 1924 in Peru, Kan., the daughter of A.R. and Carrie (Griffin) Ashford. She grew up and graduated from high school in Peru.

On March 3, 1942, she was married to Kenneth LeRoy Turner in Sedan, Kan. The family moved to Fairfax in November 1959. Over the years, Mrs. turner was employed as a nurses’ aid at Fairfax Nursing Home, managed Bob’s Quick Mart, and provided child-care in her home for many years.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, of Fairfax; one son, Arthur “Art” Leroy Turner of Burns Flat; one sister, Della Mae Burtchett of Sapulpa; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Arthur Eugene Ashford, Cecil Raymond Ashford, James Ashford and an infant Arthur Delois Ashford; two sisters, Pauline Lutts and an infant, Betty Jean Ashford.

Casket bearers will be Terry Dooley, Larry Dooley, Sam Anderson, Greg Anderson, James Martin and Larry Thompson. Honorary bearer will be John Paul Thompson.

The family will be at the Turner home to receive friends and relatives.

Obituaries

Clyde Boyd Springer

Clyde Boyd Springer, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, May 22, 1999 at the Crosstimbers Care Center, Lewisville, Texas. He was 100.

The funeral will be graveside at Resthaven Memorial Park, 10 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, pastor, First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Clyde was born Sept. 18, 1898, on a farm home near Robinson, Ill., the son of Dell Earnest and Eva Boyd Springer. He started his schooling in a one-room country school and later attended school in Flat Rock and Robinson, Ill., graduating from Robinson High School in 1917.

Clyde served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He came to Oklahoma by train in 1922 and started working for Marland Oil Co. in March of that year. He retired from Continental Oil Co. on Oct. 1, 1963, after 41 years of service. Most of his time was spent in the light oil division of the refinery.

He and Marie Thressa Huneke were married in Newkirk, on June 17, 1925. They are survived by two daughters, Jo Anne Themar of Lake Dallas, Texas, and Sandra Jane Dunning of Ellensburg, Wash.; six grandchildren, Rex, Mark, and Eric Themar of Lake Dallas, Texas, and Stacey, Amy and Judge Dunning of Washington; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Louis D. Springer of Robinson, Ill.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, on Oct. 23, 1988, his parents, three sisters, and two brothers.

Clyde was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Ponca City, and served as an officer in the Fellowship Class of the Sunday School and was a member of the tellers committee of the church for several years. He and Marie enjoyed traveling during their early retirement years and they both liked to work in their yard and garden. Clyde moved to Lake Dallas in October of 1992.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.

Family visitation will be held at Trout Funeral Home on Thursday evening, May 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

paid obituary

Funerals

Thursday

Wilda W. Gfeller

Funeral to be at 11 a.m. at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home in Oakley, Kan. Burial will be in the Winona (Kan.) Cemetery.

NEWS BRIEFS

Tutors Needed — The Literacy Council needs tutors to work with children during the summer months. Tutor training workshop will by held Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Programming Room of the library. An additional workshop will be set Tuesday, June 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to teach The Phonic Game. All interested in helping a child this summer, contact the Literacy Council at 767-0351.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them

when you have to leave them! 762-4205.adv.

Free Tutoring — Ponca City Area Literacy Council is once again offering free tutoring in remedial reading and math during the summer for area children. Tutoring will be held twice a week in the Ponca City Library. Interested parents may call the council office at 737-0351 to enroll a child or for additional information.

The Blue Lite Lounge, 217 S. 2nd will be closed May 28th thru

May 31st for repairs. Will re-open June 1st 10 a.m. Thank you. adv.

Election Committee Meeting — The Ponca Tribal JOM Program will be having an Election Committee meeting at 6 p.m., at the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building, on May 28.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, pa-

tios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Skating Party — Bible Baptist youth group invites the public to a Skating Party, at 7 p.m. Thursday at Skate World. Cost is $3. Rides are available by contacting 767-1633.

Pre-owned Vehicles. New Hondas, shop at home on the web. http/:www.PoncaCity.Net/MFarris/. adv.

Legion Meeting — American Legion members will meet on Thursday at 401 West South Avenue at 7:30 p.m.

Warrant Served — A 22-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 1500 block of South Ninth Street at 4:42 p.m. Tuesday for a city warrant.

Arrest — At 4:28 p.m. Tuesday, three Ponca City police officers arrested a 19-year-old woman in the 900 block of West Grand Avenue for domestic assault and battery.

Stolen — At 5:02 p.m. Tuesday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a trailer stolen from the 400 block of South Waverly Avenue.

May Is better hearing month. Better hearing means better

quality of life. Take advantage of special offers this month and

have your hearing tested for free. Heartland Hearing Aid Center,

1302 N. 7th, 767-1961.adv.

Race Relations — The Race Relations Task Force for the Ponca City Alliance for Youth will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Ponca City Schools Administration Building, 111 West Grand Avenue. The public is invited. For more information, contact Michele Jean at 765-2476.

Modern Appliance Whirlpool washers, dryers, refrigerators

and dishwashers. All on sale. 116 North Fourth, 765-9847. adv.

Stolen — A resident in the 400 block of Marland Drive contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 6:01 a.m. Tuesday to report a tape player was stolen from the front porch. An officer responded and made a follow-up in the 400 block of North Fourteenth Street. The tape player was located and returned to the owner.

5-Gallon spirea, regular $22.50, sale $17.99. Keathly Nursery, 2448

Bridge Ave., 762-2922. adv.

Abandoned — Animal Control was advised to pick up an abandoned bike at North Eighth Street and East Hazel Avenue at 9:59 a.m. Tuesday.

Jim Bowen Construction ­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper responded to the report of an accident on the Cimarron Turnpike, mile marker two, at 11:34 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported.

Spring Special on truck windshields. 73-87 Chevy pickups $125.

88-up Chevy pickup $275. 80-89 Ford pickups $200. 90-up Ford

pickups $220. All prices include tax and installation. We use fac-

tory OEM replacements exclusively! Call today for your ap-

pointment. Johnson Glass, 515 S. 1st. 762-2012. adv.

Gas Stolen — A clerk at Triple T, 425 North Fourteenth Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 2:46 p.m. Tuesday, that a subject in a late model Buick drove off without paying for $9 in gas. An officer responded and took a report.

Modern Appliance RCA big screens, TV’s, VCR’s. All on sale.

116 North Fourth, 765-9847. adv.

Accident — At 6:31 p.m. Tuesday, a citizen advised a Ponca City police officer of an accident which occurred at U.S. 60 and U.S. 177. No injuries were reported but, an officer reported that one lane of traffic was blocked until the vehicle could be towed. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 36-year-old man in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street at 2:59 p.m. Tuesday for a Kay County warrant.

Spring Is here! Mrs. Brown’s Attic is ready with picture frames

and garden gifts. 300 E. Grand. Downtown Ponca City. adv.

Violation — An employee of the Park and Recreation Department notified the Ponca City Police Department at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday that a vehicle parked in the 900 block of South Ninth Street had been tearing up the park. An officer responded, located and stopped the vehicle at South Twelfth Street and East Otoe Avenue. The subject was arrested for a probation violation from Cowley County.

Reverse Osmosis water 25 cents per gallon. Pure Water

Wagon. 1717 North 5th. adv.

Stolen — At 5:57 p.m. Tuesday, the Ponca City Police Department was contacted by a landlord with rental property in the 1200 block of South Fourth Street. The landlord advised police that former renters stole the refrigerator and stove from the property. An officer responded and took a report.

One Group 4” geraniums, sale 99 cents each. Keathly Nursery,

2448 Bridge Ave., 762-2922. adv.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 19-year-old man in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street at 6:08 p.m. Tuesday on a city warrant containing seven counts of destruction of private property.

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.

Shoplifters — An employee from Albertsons, 2005 North Fourteenth Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:01 p.m. Tuesday to report two shoplifters were in custody. An officer responded and arrested two juveniles. The subjects were issued citations and released to a houseparent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vege-

tables, $4.25, Thursday, 11-? 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Vandalism — A resident in the 1500 block of East Bradley Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:23 p.m. Tuesday to report a vehicle was vandalized. An officer responded and took a report.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and

insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 22-year-old woman at South Sixth Street and East Otoe Avenue at 10:33 p.m. Tuesday for driving under suspension and no insurance.

Vandalism — At 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, a Ponca City police officer advised the Ponca City communication officers that Willow Springs Park had been vandalized.

DUI — A 37-year-old man was arrested from a traffic stop in the 1000 block of West Summit Avenue at 1:36 a.m. Wednesday. The Ponca City police officer who made the arrest, charged him with driving under the influence and violation of a drivers’ license restriction.

LIFESTYLES

Ladies Club Bids Farewell, Group No Longer In Style
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets
Laureate Phi Hosts Picnic

Ladies Club Bids Farewell, Group No Longer In Style

By STEPHANIE BRENOWITZ

MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) — As their predecessors have done since 1904, the ladies of the Cosmopolitan Club gathered monthly for tea served on a silver set.

They laughed about their mothers and grandmothers wearing white gloves, furs and hats — even as they themselves straightened their pearls and Sunday best.

They would tell you proudly that they are more than just the wives of the elite, but admit that they met in the afternoons because they never had to work outside their homes.

They still list themselves by their husbands’ names in the club directory.

They knew their daughters and granddaughters would not carry on the tradition — who has the time? But they kept coming for each other’s company.

Until now.

At their final luncheon at the Manchester Country Club recently, the Cosmopolitan ladies acknowledged that a social club for women is no longer in style.

“They never had any purpose, just teatime and socializing,” said Gertrude Clark, referring to her predecessors.

“Well, neither do we,” laughed club president Helen Rannacher.

Cosmopolitan Club

In fact, the club did have a purpose when it began after the turn of the century. Women formed the club in 1904 to enlighten and enrich themselves. They began by preparing book reports and papers. Later on, they invited speakers and went on trips together.

“They were trying to better their minds,” said Vannesse Rowe. “That’s why they called it the Cosmopolitan Club.” They played whist during February and took a break during the summer so women could go home to be with their families. They took up collections for charity and planted trees for departed members.

In recent years, no new members joined and membership declined. There weren’t enough women to justify the trips or organize the programs.

“The world changes and women and men these days are all working,” said Mary Warrington, 60, the youngest member of the club. “They didn’t have the time anymore.”

“Maybe the club didn’t offer what young women want anymore,” she said.

Rowe said that the club was originally meant for women of all ages but that the average age had climbed over the years to 70 and older.

“I come just to see everyone,” Rowe said. “It’s camaraderie. We check in with each other, see how we are doing. I have a lot of good memories. These women are my friends.”

The women will continue to meet once a year for a luncheon to commemorate the club and will be donating their records to the historical society.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t keep going,” said Rowe. “I wanted to last until 2004.”

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Meets

Judy Mallory was the hostess May 20 when 14 members of Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met. Tobie Neal of Eureka Springs, Ark., was a guest.

Cassandra Kifiak, president, conducted the meeting with members standing for the Opening Ritual. Jill Sims called the roll and read the minutes. Doretta Jackson, treasurer, gave a report and presented the revised copy of the 1999-2000 budget. Judy Mallory announced that there will be a past executive board meeting at 7 p.m. May 27 at the home of Dottie Johnstone to go over the Beta Sigma Phi International Yard Stick.

Cassandra Kifiak asked that members vote on the Beta Sigma Phi City Council picnic tentatively scheduled for Aug. 26. Program of the 1998-99 year was voted on with Carmelita Childers winning the best program charm. Judy Watt reminded the social committee of a meeting to be held June 2, 7 p.m. at the home of Dottie Johnstone. Ms. Watt also said that from service, a $50 donation was given to the American Cancer Society. One of the chapter members, Judy Mallory, will be walking at the Moto Cross Track on June 4 for the American Cancer Society.

Cassandra Kifiak led a discussion of the Beta Sigma Phi Branson Trip to be held in November. Interested members will notify Dorothy Leonard by July 25 of their intention to participate. The friendship basket was won by Cassandra Kifiak. Following the meeting a salad dinner and secret sister gift exchange and name revealing was held.

The next meeting will be Sept. 2. On June 19, past president Dottie Johnstone will be honored with a party at Van and Jeannine Gemmill’s Ranch.

Laureate Phi Hosts Picnic

There were eight members and six guests present at the Laureate Phi chapter picnic May 16. The event took place at Lake Ponca Park. Laureate Phi is affiliated with Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Guests attending were Ed Hill, Jim Rosenbaum, Charles Starks, Alan Streeter, Bob Case, and Dave Smith.

SPORTS

Kimrey Resigns
Four Cowboys Named All Big-12 Conference
Twisters 2nd in Tourney
City Swimming Pools To Be Opening Soon

Kimrey Resigns

Ponca City schools announced today that Todd Kimrey has resigned to accept the position of principal/athletic director with the Wewoka Public Schools. Kimrey served one year as the Ponca City Wildcats’ football coach and two years as assistant principal at the Mid-High.

“Todd has a great opportunity to advance his administrative career by returning to his hometown as principal,” according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bill White.

The position will be posted for ten days as required by school policy. A selection committee will make a recommendation for a new coach possibly as early as June 14.

“A one year interim coach will be named only if we are unable to select a coach that we have full confidence can lead the Wildcats into the next century,” said Ponca City Athletic Director Rusty Benson. “We need a coach with a proven record of building a team that can be competitive in the Frontier Conference.”

Kimrey said today, “we are disappointed to be leaving Ponca City and the many friendships we have developed, but we are looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

“A primary reason for our decision was the lack of support from the athletic office. When you are told the day after you’re hired, ‘I just want you to know that you were not my choice, and I want you to know that before we get started,’ you know it’s going to be a difficult situation. I strongly believe that leadership begins at the top.”

Kimrey continued, “It is my hope that whoever is hired will receive the support of the athletic office, community, media and the school board. There are some great kids in Ponca City that deserve the support and opportunity to be successful.

“The Wewoka school and community aggressively pursued my wife and I over the past three months. It is exciting to know you are wanted, needed, and can make a difference for a community. My wife and I will miss our many close friends and we hope that everyone will stay in touch.”

Four Cowboys Named All Big-12 Conference

DALLAS (AP) — Once again, Mark Johnson of Texas A&M is the Big 12 coach of the year and Baylor’s Jason Jennings is the league’s player of the year. Only this time, Jennings doesn’t have to share the honor.

Johnson, who became the winningest coach in A&M history on May 20 with his 661st victory, guided the Aggies to their first back-to-back conference crowns since the 1977-78. Johnson will coach the Team USA national summer all-star squad.

Jennings split top player honors with Texas A&M outfielder Jason Tyner last year. He has a 12-1 record going into NCAA Regional play, with a league-leading 159 strikeouts in 133 2-3 innings. He also hit around .400 for most of the season.

The honorees named Tuesday were selected by league coaches.

Missouri pitcher Jody Harris, a junior, was named newcomer of the year and Nebraska pitcher Shane Komine was picked as the top freshman.

Harris (8-4, 2.77 ERA) had a 1.62 ERA in conference games, striking out 54 in 61 innings and holding opposing hitters batted to a .201 average.

Komine (6-2, 78 strikeouts in 76 1-3 innings) helped Nebraska win its first conference baseball postseason tournament and earn its first NCAA invitation since 1985.

Oklahoma State had four first-teamers in third baseman Josh Holliday, utility player Billy Gasparino, outfielder Lamont Matthews and pitcher Matt Smith.

Baylor honorees included Jennings, outfielder Jon Topolski and second baseman Eric Nelson.

Texas A&M was represented by outfielder Daylan Holt and pitchers Casey Fossum and Chris Russ.

Other first-teamers were Missouri’s Harris, Texas Tech catcher Josh Bard and pitcher Brandon Roberson, Nebraska first baseman Ken Harvey, Texas shortstop Jason Moore, Kansas State outfielder Kasey Weishaar and Oklahoma designated hitter Casey Bookout.

Twisters 2nd in Tourney

The Ponca City Twisters Under-16 soccer team started the 1999 season with a first place finish in the Wichita Indoor League. In the outdoor league, the Twisters are ranked in the Top 3 in league play.

In tournament play, the Twisters took second place in the Enid Tournament over Mothers Day weekend with a win over Enid High School by a score of 3-0, but lost to the Oklahoma City Royals, 3-2.

“I feel the girls have played very strong this season considering most of the teams we have played this year have been a year or two older than us,” says coach Bobby Snow.

The Twisters will finish their season with a trip to the Air Capital Tournament in Wichita this June.

City Swimming Pools To Be Opening Soon

Break out your sun screen, the Parks and Recreation Department is set to open both the AMBUC pool and Wentz pool.

AMBUC will open on Monday, May 31, at 1 p.m. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1-7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m. Cost to swim is $1. The pool is closed on Wednesday or maintenance and cleanup.

Wentz Pool and Camp will be open on Saturday, May 29 at 1 p.m. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 1-7 p.m. and on Sundays, 1-5 p.m. The pool will be closed on Mondays, but will be open on Memorial Day. Cost to swim is $1 for children and $2 for adults.

For more information, contact the Recreation Department, at 767-0430.