LOCAL

City To Expand Current Landfill Site
EDAB To Pursue Locating Officer Training Site Here
Sykes To Receive 170 Million from Sale Of Subsidiary Firm
Newkirk Police Officer Invited To Music Event
Bank of America Wins National Honor of 1999 from United Way
Presbyterian VIPs Program Slated Thursday
New Christian School Enrollment Time Extended
Summer Reading Club 2000 Opens with Rock ’n’ Roll Era

City To Expand Current Landfill Site

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City officials have been talking trash.

Of course, they’re referring to the future of the city’s landfill site.

Commissioners voted unanimously Monday night in favor of authorizing the Public Works Department to “make an offer” in the amount of $108,000 for an 80-acre tract immediately east of the city’s present landfill for future expansion.

“The current landfill has about 14 to 15 years before we fill it up,” Ken Parr, director of Public Works, told commissioners at the meeting. He said the additional land could possibly extend the landfill's lifespan to 60 years.

Also at the meeting, commissioners voted to approve the labor contract between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge No. 103.

The primary consideration in the contract was a five percent wage increase.

“I think we have a good contract here,” said mayor Tom Leonard.

The mayor and master patrolman Earl Watkins, lodge president, signed the contract in a show of goodwill before the board.

As for the dump, Parr said the tract of land in question is part of a quarter-section the city tried to purchase about nine years ago. Due to rules at the time regarding the purchase of Indian land, the city was only able to purchase one-half (80 acres) of the original tract.

Parr informed the board that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) land purchase rules have changed, and “Ponca City is now able to purchase the remaining one-eigth section.

“Today, if the majority of Indian heirs owning a tract of land approve of its sale ... it can be sold,” he explained.

He also said the majority of heirs of the tract have already indicated their positive interest in the sale.

The director cited several advantages to purchasing the land. One of the primary reasons is soil. He described the entire 160 acres as having the ideal “tight clay soil” needed for establishing a landfill.

“We have to put a composite liner at the bottom of the landfill,” he explained, noting the liner was made of clay soil covered by a plastic geo-membrane. “You can’t find the needed clay soil just anywhere,” he stressed.

A second advantage cited is permits: “It is easier to gain permits for the expansion of an existing landfill site than to gain permits for a new location.”

“If you go to a new location ... you must have an environmental review and a public hearing,” he said. “If the people who live near the proposed site choose to file a protest, they can stop you from proceeding.”

Some of the concerns people usually express over a proposed dump are traffic, pollution and blowing trash. “People are all for a place to dump their garbage ... they just don’t want it in their back yard,” Parr said.

He asserted the city had already proven itself to the neighbors of the current landfill site. “They know we don’t create environmental problems,” he said.

“There are several steps we must go through with the BIA and the Ponca Tribe Land Management director in order to purchase the property,” said Parr.

He estimated the entire process could take a year.

EDAB To Pursue Locating Officer Training Site Here

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Ponca City Economic Development Authority (EDAB) plans to aggressively pursue the possibility of locating a $24 million state agency facility here. The agency is the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

Clayton Johnson, deputy chief of the Ponca City Police Department, said Tuesday morning the state legislature has approved funding for the project.

The agency provides and oversees law enforcement in Oklahoma. It does not have jurisdiction over the Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman police departments or the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Johnson, who has been following the project, said, “The facility would involve about 40 full-time employees. The current budget is about $2.7 million.”

Included in the building project would be administrative offices, dormitories, gymnasium, dining hall, driving track and firearm ranges.

Carl Renfro, outgoing chairman, explained that EDAB had begun looking at the project a year ago, but there was no funding provided then by the legislature. The legislative body approved the funding last week.

Jan Jarrett, EDAB executive, said he would make the contact to inform CLEET that Ponca City is interested.

According to Johnson, the only other town to express an aggressive interest is Hinton.

Johnson told of the benefits of the project.

He said the training in most cases ends at 5 p.m. daily and the trainees would be would be spending money locally shopping, going to the movies and other activities.

Currently, there are 6,000 state, local and county law enforcement officers working full-time who would be involved in some type of training over the years.

CLEET operates 10 to 13 academies each year with about 45 students in each class. The facility would be an “exclusive school” that would not be open to the public.

Presently, in-service training is held at satellite sites across the state. Ponca City is one of the sites.

In Johnson’s report, he told that about a year ago CLEET director Dr. Jeanie Nelson had asked if Ponca City would be interested in obtaining the facility.

Johnson contacted EDAB in April, 1999, to form a strategy, but the funding bill died in legislative committee that year.

CLEET has had some offers of existing facilities in the state, but Johnson said the agency wants a facility that is designed especially for the type of training that it provides.

He mentioned a training project in Georgia that the Oklahoma facility could use for a model.

As to the location, Nelson has indicated that the training center will be placed where the agency gets “the most bang for its buck.”

About 300-plus acres is needed for the center. The Whirlpool site west of town was been mentioned as a possible location.

Johnson said he had been in contact with Rep. Jim Newport and Sen. Paul Muegge on the matter. Apparently, the legislature will have the last word on where the CLEET facility is located.

Police Chief Raymond Ham was also on hand to lend support for the project.

Sykes To Receive 170 Million from Sale Of Subsidiary Firm

TAMPA, Fla. — Sykes Enterprises Inc. today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its wholly owned subsidiary, SHPS incorporated, to Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe.

Pursuant to the agreement, WCAS will acquire SHPS for an enterprise value of $170 million.

Sykes also owns and operates a plant in Ponca City.

John H. Sykes, chairman and chief executive officer, stated, “We’re extremely pleased with the financial results of the sale of our ownership interest in SHPS, having delivered a significant return on the two-and-one half year investment to shareholders while eliminating debt.”

In the transaction, Sykes will receive $165.5 million in cash and will retain 6.5 percent interest in SHPS. Of the cash consideration, about $47.4 million will be used to repay intercompany debt, $688,000 to retire other debt and $7.5 million will be paid to SHPS option holders.

Proceeds form the sale of SHPS will be used to pay down about $90 million in borrowings outstanding under Sykes’ existing credit facilities. Remaining proceeds will be used for capital expenditure, possible acquisitions and for general working capital purposes.

Sykes is a a leader in providing vertically integrated, technology-based solutions and services worldwide.

Newkirk Police Officer Invited To Music Event

NEWKIRK — Cal Denison, guitarist and assistant chief of police in Newkirk, has been invited to perform at the 44th annual Gold Cross Awards held at the Jones Family Theatre in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday-Friday.

Denison received the International Country Gospel Music Association’s Gold Cross award for instrumentalist of the year in 1997.

Denison has also been invited to play for the Chet Atkins Convention held at the Nashville Sheraton July 12-15. He has three CDs out and has recently picked up corporate endorsements.

According to Denison, who has produced and played on the albums of notable performers such as Grammy Award winner Jody Miller and multiple Dove Award winner Dwayne Friend, “It’s a lot of fun, but I am not going to quit my day job.”

Bank of America Wins National Honor of 1999 from United Way

United Way of America has awarded its 13th annual Spirit of America Award, its highest national honor for corporate community involvement, to Bank of America for 1999 for excelling in all four categories — corporate contributions, employee campaign, major gifts and volunteer programs.

“Bank of America has shown what a company can do with a top to bottom commitment to community involvement,” said Betty Beene, UWA president and CEO. “They have applied solid business practices to raising resources and motivating volunteers to help thousands of nonprofit organizations which build stronger communities for all of us.”

In addition to the Spirit of America Award, United Way presented Summit Awards to companies that have achieved distinction in specific categories.

This year’s Summit Awards go to Chase Manhattan for corporate contributions, employee campaign and major gifts; United Parcel Service for corporate contributions and volunteer programs; and Holland and Knight, one of the 10 largest U.S. law firms, for corporate contributions.

United Way of America’s National Corporate Leadership program works with over 130 major corporations and 1,400 United Way organizations to strengthen corporate involvement in communities.

“This is an honor for Bank of America, and we are very proud to receive such a high commendation from the United Way,” said Kenneth D. Lewis, president and CEO of Bank of America. “Each year, we look to our United Way campaign to help bring associates together with a common goal of making a real difference in the communities we serve. This award is a testament to our associates’ hard work and dedication to helping others.”

The B of A Foundation contributed $13.6 million to local United Way organizations. In its largest commitment ever, the foundation announced a $50 million contribution, payable over five years, to Success by 6, a United Way early childhood initiative that helps prepare children for school by advocating literacy, early immunization, health care and parental skills training.

In 1999, the B of A Foundation contributed $94.7 million to more than 6,000 nonprofit groups across the country in the fields of education, health and human services, community development, and arts and culture — a $3.2 million combined increase over the previous year before B of A and NationsBank merged.

Using a marketing plan involving executive management, training of 12,000 team leaders, direct mail, weekly progress reports, and a giving guide, B of A established target contributions for each salary level.

The Team Bank of America Volunteer Network serves associates in 26 states and 24 countries. The company promotes volunteer opportunities to employees and retirees who dedicated more than 600,000 hours to more than 2,000 volunteer projects. More than 1,900 senior executives served on the boards of directors of nonprofit organizations, and 38 participated in the Loaned Executive program.

United Way of America is the national service organization providing training, resources, and technical assistance to 1,400 member United Ways. Together they raised $3.58 billion in their 1998-99 campaigns, supporting over 44,000 agencies delivering programs and services to millions of people during critical times of need.

Presbyterian VIPs Program Slated Thursday

The VIPs (Very Important People), the name selected by the Older Adults of First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City, will sponsor its first program on Thursday, June 15 at 1 p.m., featuring the artistry of pianist Virginia Campbell.

Virginia Campbell received her Bachelor Cum Laude in Piano Performance and Masters Piano degrees from Oklahoma City University. For the past several years, she has been involved in the European Master Concert Artist program with Jorg Demus, studying and teaching in his Summer Seminars in Austria.

She has performed many classical performances in Austria, as well as Finland, Moscow, Munich and Mexico. She performs regularly before many groups and organizations across Oklahoma.

Dr. Bill Guilford, Interim Minister at First Presbyterian, has known Virginia and her Episcopal priest husband, Walter, for many years. He has presented her to audiences in several churches across the state.

The VIPs are pleased to bring Virginia to Ponca City for a program in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth and Grand. The public is invited to attend.

For further information, please call 762-2431.

New Christian School Enrollment Time Extended

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Fall enrollment for the new Christian school — Ponca City Christian Academy — has been extended through next Monday (June 19).

The school will offer programs for three-year-olds through eighth grade. Over 90 students are enrolled.

The location of the new school has not been decided.

Board member Lisa Coy said other members are in negotiations with a couple of possible sites.

“We are talking with a couple of churches to decide what’s best for our school. We should be making a decision soon,” Coy said.

The curriculum for the new school will be the A Beka Curriculum. The curriculum was chosen because it is based on sound scholarship, common sense and the word of God.

Other temporary board members are Chuck VanCleave, president; Forrest Mertz, vice president; Coy, secretary/treasurer; and Derrin Hiatt and Becky Banater, members at large.

Tuition costs for the fall are $75 for three- and four-year-olds, $125 for kindergarten, and $210 for first through eighth grades. All prices are per month.

Parents will also be required to pay a $40 registration fee and a $200 facility fee per family.

“This money will be used for start up costs. Parents have the option to pay it out in 12 months or pay the entire balance and receive a discount,” Coy said.

Families with more than one child attending the school will also receive a discount.

The school will bring in lunch (including pizza, tacos, etc.) probably two to three times per week. The rest of the week will be for sack lunches.

To receive a registration form or for more information, call 765-6038.

Summer Reading Club 2000 Opens with Rock ’n’ Roll Era

The Summer Reading Club 2000 kicked off its program at the Ponca city Library with Dave and Lori May presenting dances of the rock ’n’ roll era June 8.

Following Lori’s instruction, attendees learned to do the twist, the hand jive, bunny hop, the swing and the chicken. Members of the library staff dressed for the occasion as June Cleaver, Harriet Nelson and the girls from Grease.

The book door prize, the 2000 Guinness Book of Records, was won by Kemmie Gardner, Caitlin Owens, Collin Hogan, Allie Graves, Samatha Lanman and Shelby. Over 120 attended the two hour-long programs.

Thursday programs are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for 8-year-olds and up and last about an hour. The program for Thursday is The Toys We Loved and will feature Terri Ivers with collectible toys of the 1950s and 1960s. Sign-up for the Summer Reading Club continues through June.

The Library also offers programs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary grades. On Tuesdays programs are at 10 and 11:30 and during June and July at 1 p.m. and last about 30 minutes for ages 4-7. Wednesday’s programs are at 10 and 10:30 for 2 and 3 year olds and last about 15 minutes.

For a program schedule, stop by the Library at 515 East Grand Avenue. The Summer Reading Club is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the Ponca City Library and the Friends of the Ponca City Library.

DEATHS

Kirk Edward Hiller
Marvin Harris
Robert J. Dainty Jr.

Kirk Edward Hiller

ENID — Kirk Edward Hiller, former resident of Arkansas City, Kan., died Sunday, June 11, 2000, in his home. He was 41.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, in the chapel of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home in Enid with the Rev. Mark Clark officiating. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Newkirk Cemetery with the Rev. Craig Ortwein officiating.

Kirk Edward Hiller was born Aug. 19, 1958, in Arkansas City, Kan., the son of Bill L. and Vivian Rundle Hiller. He grew up and attended schools in Arkansas City. In 1975, he joined the United States Army, where he served two years. He then returned to Arkansas City before moving to Enid. He was employed as a maintenance mechanic at Advance Foods for four years.

On March 4, 2000, he married Pam Nance. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Rebecca Fish and Jennifer McClafin, both of Arkansas City, Kan.; three stepchildren, Tiffany Nance and Heather Nance, both of the home, and Joey Nance of Enid; his father; a sister, Kathy Pappan of Newkirk; a brother, Kevin Hiller of Arkansas City, Kan.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Division, c/o Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home, P.O. Box 3501, Enid, Okla. 73702.

Services Pending

Marvin Harris

Marvin Harris, Ponca City resident, died Monday, June 12, 2000, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 61. A memorial service is pending under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte of the home.

Robert J. Dainty Jr.

Robert J. Dainty Jr., former Ponca City resident, died Monday June 12, 2000, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa. He was 51. Survivors include his wife Linda, of the home in Tulsa. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Travel Show — A PrimeTimers Hawaii cruise travel show is planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the Pioneer Bank.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced

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

RSVP Plans Special Day — Friday, June 16, at 1 p.m., you are invited to join the folks at the Senior Center, 319 West Grand. Come in out of the heat for a piece of pie and a cool drink while you listen to the piano music of Kay Anthony. Great refreshments and fun door prizes. Any questions, call 762-9412.

www.HeartandHealth.com -Buy or sell Rexall natural

health products online. adv.

Burglary — A man in the 500 block of Monument Road reported to Ponca City police at 7:52 a.m. Monday that his 18-wheeler had been broken into. 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 — The Parks and Recreations Department reported to Ponca City police at 9:50 a.m. Monday that some property had been stolen from the park. Police said there were already some signs belonging to Parks and Recreations at the police department. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Weather Lab’s 24hr. weather-line, 762-9999. adv.

Theft — A woman in the 200 block of Lansbrook Drive reported to Ponca City police at 1:01 p.m. Monday that her wallet had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pioneer Water Garden Society Pond Tour 2000 June 17 & 18th.

Watch for ad in the Mid-Week for addresses of ponds on tour. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 2200 block of North Union Street reported to Ponca City police that a 21-year-old man was being held for driving under restriction, speeding and no insurance.

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

Burglary — Someone in the 3000 block of North Union Street reported to Ponca City police at 3:48 p.m. Monday that a vehicle had been broken into. Three tool boxes were taken containing mostly sheet metal tools and a few electrical tools. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Mel’s Clothing & shoes. Buy any one item get the 2nd item for half price. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 4:29 p.m. Monday that someone had driven away without paying for $23.70 in gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Concealed Handgun class, June 24, 8:00 am, great Father’s

Day gift. More information call Dianne or Grady Rickman, 765-6589. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of West Hartford Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 6:12 p.m. Monday that a man had driven away without paying for $20.37 in gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Close Out model sale, appliances at Copeland’s, 315 East

Grand, 762-6896. adv.

Fire Run — Someone in the 1000 block of North Sunset Avenue reported at 8:35 p.m. Monday that several trees were on fire. Station No. 1 handled the call. Firefighters learned it was a club house, and took information for a report.

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LIFESTYLES

The Neighborhood Chef

The Neighborhood Chef

by Sherry Muchmore

When we’d ask Dad what he’d like for Father’s Day, he’d always say cookies, usually meaning crunchy - nutty oatmeal cookies. Of course, snickerdoodles were appreciated and sugar cookies are never turned away. So in honor of my Dad, here are some of your favorites.

Dad’s favorite are old fashioned oatmeal packed full of pecans and crunchy oat goodness. Tastes the best late night just before bed with a big glass of ice-cold milk.

Dad’s Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 cup shortening

2 eggs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

dissolved in

2 tablespoons warm water

2 cups flour

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned

oatmeal

1 cup pecans

1 cup raisins (optional)

Cream shortening and sugar. Stir in eggs, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, baking soda and water. Blend in the flour and oatmeal, adding pecans and raisins until last. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool on wire rack. Store in air-tight container.

These crisp little oatmeal cookies are wafer thin. Not only do they taste good but the dough will keep in the refrigerator for over a week. Anytime you want fresh cookies, slice and bake.

Oatmeal Refrigerator Crisps

1 cups vegetable shortening (Crisco)

1 cups dark brown sugar

1 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 cups quick oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cream shortening and sugars. Stir in eggs, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Thoroughly blend in flour, quick oats and pecans. Shape into 1 1/2 inch diameter rolls, cover with waxed paper and chill (if chilling longer than several hours, place rolls into a baggie so they won’t dry out) for several hours. Slice about 1/4 inch thick and bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Few cookies are as loved as the Snickerdoodles. Great with coffee, milk or hot chocolate. It’s recipe is pretty standard but if you’ve never tried one (can’t imagine) or never made one, experiment with the following recipe. The only difference is I add vanilla because I like the subtle flavor it gives.

Snickerdoodles

1 cup vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Blend in salt, baking soda and cream of tartar. Stir in flour and thoroughly mix. Cover and chill. When ready to bake, make into balls about the size of small walnuts and roll in a mixture of:

2 1/2 tablespoons sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes depending whether you like a softer or crunchier cookie. Makes about 5 dozen 2-inch cookies.

And, for my better half and one of the greatest Dad’s ever, I’d best not forget one of life’s staples, chocolate chip cookies. Here again is a cookie that without a doubt is America’s favorite. You’ll never go wrong when following this old chocolate chip original.

Old Fashioned

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup vegetable shortening (can substitute with

butter)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup dark brown sugar (firmly packed)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon water

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/4 cups pre-sifted flour

1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet real chocolate chips (2 cups)

1 cup pecans, chopped

Cream together shortening, sugars, vanilla, water and eggs. Beat in salt, baking soda and flour. Stir in chips and pecans. Drop by well-rounded teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, depending upon degree of crispness. Makes 100 2-inch cookies.

As with most cookie dough, all of these recipes can be frozen and brought out when wanted. When it comes to chocolate chip cookies, I’d just as soon eat the dough as the cookie, and often times do just that.

Roll the dough into balls about the size of a small walnut such as the snickerdoodle, freeze in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. When frozen, pop into baggies, store in the freezer. If you like a softer cookie, no need to thaw before baking. If you prefer a crisper cookie, let the frozen cookie balls rest on a cookie sheet about ten minutes before baking.

Happy Father’s Day and good eating to all. Still looking for a recipe for Chewy Oatmeal Cookies. Surely someone out there has one they’d like to share.

Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.)

BUSINESS

Bill Will Exempt Local Bonds from State Tax
Notes/Quotes

Bill Will Exempt Local Bonds from State Tax

OKLAHOMA CITY — After several attempts spanning more than a decade, legislation to exempt local bond issues from state income taxes has been enacted, according to an Oklahoma State Chamber news release.

The bill provides that after July 1, 2001, interest earnings on bonds “issued by, or on behalf of, or for the benefit of” Oklahoma municipalities, counties, public trusts and public school districts will be exempt from state and federal income taxes alike.

Jan Jarrett, executive director of Economic Development for the City of Ponca City, said, “I’m really pleased that this measure, which has been supported by the economic development community for the past two years, has been approved. Not only will it be of benefit to the City in terms of helping make bonds more saleable, it will provide an opportunity to have another tool available to help us grow and create new job opportunities.”

Jarrett added, “Issuance of tax exempt bonds can lower costs to the city due to the nature of the bonds. An equivalent taxable bond would have to carry a higher rate of interest in order for the bond holder to earn an equal rate of return after taxation. Paying a lower interest rate helps all parties — the city and the bond purchaser.”

The exemption was inserted in the bill at the request of Rep. Randy Beutler, D-Elk City. Beutler filed House Bill 1119 last year to accord local bonds a double tax exemption, but it bogged down when a House/Senate conference committee was unable to reach agreement on a compromise.

"Of all the things I’ve worked on since I’ve been in the Legislature, this issue has been one of the hardest to resolve,” Beutler said. “This is the culmination of years of effort.”

“We’re thrilled about finally getting this,” said Danny George of the Oklahoma Municipal League. “We’ve been after this for years,” the former city manager and former legislator said.

It’s Taken a Long Time

Records show proposals to exempt interest on locally issued bonds from state income taxes have been considered in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for at least the last 11 years.

Oklahoma is one of only four states that still collect state income taxes on local governmental obligations, said Beutler, principal co-author of HB 2635.

The four-term lawmaker noted that bonds from U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, are exempt from state and federal income taxes, but bonds issued by a subdivision of the State of Oklahoma are taxed by the state.

Also exempt from state and federal income taxes are bonds issued by housing authorities, rural water districts, water conservation districts, irrigation districts, urban renewal authorities, the Grand River Dam Authority, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, state colleges and universities, and various other units of government.

The new tax exemption “will result in savings to ad valorem taxpayers” throughout Oklahoma, Beutler said.

George concurred, saying the provision “will reduce our borrowing costs by one-quarter percent.” In addition, he said, “It will allow Oklahomans to invest in infrastructure improvements at the local level.”

Fiscal analysts calculate that when the tax exclusion goes into effect next summer it will have a nominal effect on the state treasury, costing an estimated $500,000 to $1 million in tax revenue. Nevertheless, supporters of the proposal contend it will make local bonds more attractive to investors when they choose from a menu of potential investments.

Notes/Quotes

Pollard Ranked Tenth

Susan Pollard of Coldwell Banker Heritage, Realtors was ranked in the Top 10 for the first quarter of 2000 in Buyer Controlled Sales, in the State of Oklahoma for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation, Pollard ranked number 6 out of the 578 sales associates in the state.

“Susan Pollard exemplifies the standards of excellence for which Coldwell Banker sales associates are known,” said George Pelton, Director for the Western Region for Coldwell Ranker Real Estate Corporation. “It is an honor to recognize her as one of the top ten sales associates in the state of Oklahoma.

Pollard joined Coldwell Banker Heritage, Realtors in March 1998. She is a member of the Million Dollar Club. She has attended Coldwell Banker University Courses and prides herself on having satisfied clients.

Coldwell Banker Heritage, Realtors with Jane Wilson as broker has been serving the Ponca City area for 19 years, The office is located at 424 South Fourteenth.

Caughlin Appointed

TONKAWA — Joe Caughlin, Tonkawa, has been reappointed to the Kay County Conservation District Board of Directors, according to Mike Thralls, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

The Kay County Conservation District Is the only, local unit of government responsible for the conservation, restoration and development of Oklahoma’s renewable natural resources. Assistance from the district is available to individual landowners, groups, cities and towns concerned about preventing soil erosion and water pollution, upgrading wildlife and recreational areas, and preserving nature’s beauty.

Caughlin is one of five members who serve on the board of directors. The district office is located in Newkirk.

Trucker Appointed

OKLAHOMA CITY - Glen Weaver, a resident of Pawnee, and a driver for Groendyke Transport, Inc., was awarded with first place in the Five-Axle Flatbed class at the Oklahoma State Truck Driving Championships Awards Banquet held recently at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City. Weaver posted a score of 309.

The Championships allow professional truck drivers the chance to demonstrate the talents and skills that have made them leaders in the trucking industry. Thousands of professional truck drivers compete in such state competitions each year, and to be eligible a truck driver must have an accident-free record of a least one year and must meet qualifications relating to physical conditions and employment.

SPORTS

Rod Murray Qualifies For Seniors
Brassfield Claws Past PC Legion

Rod Murray Qualifies For Seniors

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Persistence has paid off for Ponca City golfer Rod Murray who has qualified for the U.S. Senior Open to be held in Bethlehem, Pa., at the end of this month.

Murray qualified at the Sunflower Hills course in Kansas City, Kan., Monday, shooting a two-under 71 to win one of the two qualifying spots.

It was the fifth try to qualify for the senior event since Murray turned 50 in October.

“I tried to qualify for the U.S. Open numerous times,” Murray said. “But this the first year I was eligible for the senior open.”

But his qualifying round didn’t come easily.

“It is a pretty tough course,” Murray said of Sunflower Hills. “It had some big roughs, the wind was blowing pretty hard and we had to walk the course. I’m not use to that, but you have to walk the course in these qualifiers.”

The toughness of the course and playing conditions was shown when contrasted with Murray’s attempt to qualify a week earlier in St. Louis.

“I shot a 68 in St. Louis and didn’t get in,” he said.

In addition to St. Louis and Kansas City, Murray also tried to qualify at course in Chicago and Birmingham, Ala.

The U.S. Senior Open will; be played at the Saucon course just 70 miles from New York City. The tournament runs June 29-July 2 with the low 60 and ties making the cut after the second round.

Brassfield Claws Past PC Legion

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Putnam City Brassfield broke up a 3-3 deadlock in the seventh inning to post a 6-3 win over Ponca City’s American Legion major baseballers at the high school field Monday.

The Ponca City Royals make the trip to Putnam City today to play Brassfield and S&J Tire in a pair of Metro League games.

Monday’s game was a scratch and claw battle for most of the night. In that type of game ever miscue is magnified.

Ponca City opened the scoring with some help from Brassfield in the first inning. Putnam City pitcher Chris Edwards had control trouble early, walking Jerrod Spears and J. Michael Sharon.

Then Bryan Coppock’s pop up to right field was dropped. Sharon, who had stared back to first was throw out at second with Spears moving to third.

Jimmo Ozment singled to left, scoring Spears and moving Coppock to third. He tallied on Jeremy DeNoya’s ground out.

Brassfield finally got to Ponca City pitcher Jared Marshall on an RBI double by Chad Houston, the first hit off the Fairfax native.

Putnam City went ahead, 3-2, in the fifth on two singles, a throwing error and a walk.

But Ponca City came back in the home half of the fifth.

With one out Spears singled, stole second, went to third on a passed ball and scored on Coppock’s ground out.

But Brassfield, who had been held to three its in six innings, suddenly found its hitting eye in the seventh, banging out four hits off reliever Matt Wilks and got some help from a Ponca City error to score three runs.

The Poncans attempted to come back once more in the bottom of the seventh.

Pinch hitter Todd Stewart singled to start the final frame. But he was forced at second by Spears. Sharon drew a walk to put the tying run at the plate, but two long fly outs ended the threat and left the Ponca Citians 4-14 on the season.

“The kids played pretty well,” Ponca City coach Stoney Parks said. “Brassfield just played a better game and got the hits when they needed them.