From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, June
22, 1997
LOCAL
Letters
Editorial
Developers Will Seek New City Support
City To Look at Higher Utility Rates
Budget Figures On City Agenda
School Budget Cuts on Agenda
Wardogs Annual Training at Fort Chaffee
City Calendar
Traffic Panel Agrees Street Needs Fixing
Mansion Enclosed Walkway May Be Removed to End Leaks
Super Snooper Sleuths Excite Newkirk Library Reading Program Youngsters
Traveling Local Artist Excited For PC Festival
Pioneer Bank Sponsoring Brown Bag Lunch Events
Po-Hi Senior Will Attend Interlochen Arts Camp
KidCare Photo ID Project At Ponca Plaza Saturday
Native American Art Festival Set Here Saturday, Sunday
Native Ponca Citian Retires From Air Force After 23 Years
Three Organizations Set Joint Rummage/Bake Sale
Two Churches Here Combine for VBS
Oak Grove Cemetery Families Will Meet
Accident Victim Still Hospitalized
Summer Lunch
'Dance for Heart' Extravaganza Set Saturday
Barber-Stylist Here in Need Of Assistance
DEATHS
Annie Loraine Vaughan
Ethel Mae Bates
Services Pending
Stephen Cecil Richards
Teresa L. Deal
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Students Will Give Recital
Walnut Valley Doll Show, Sale To Be Aug. 16
Garden Council Awards Two Scholarships
Desk and Derrick Club Members To Tour Refinery
Lewis Family Holds Reunion
Little News
Ponca Citians to be in Tulsa Craft Show
Wheatheart Menu
Singles Network Lists Schedule
Quilters Guild Planning Class On Embroidery
Reception Honors Marland Estate Guides
Lori Anne Batt Is Bride-Elect
Pair To Marry in Lamont
July 5 Wedding Plans Set
Engagement Is Announced
Wedding Schedule Easier To Handle In Dated Stages
Couple Plans August Vows
Jennifer Kellison To Marry
Aromatherapy Program For PT Club
Garden Club Wins Award
Couple United in Marriage At Northeast Baptist Church
100th Birthday Celebration
Charity Wilhelm Becomes Bride of Cody W. Hawkins
Pair Observes Anniversary
Couple Will Renew Vows
Reception Honors Browns
Regina M. Rehl Engaged
Marriage Plans Announced
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Poncans Respond With Win
Graves Back in Nationals
A Pair of Champions
Netters Survive PC Open
Golf Notes
Golf Results
Feels 'Big Boys' Fail Their Jobs
Supposedly, our city leaders want to save money, but leaving these subjective decisions up to the individual department heads seems to only serve the interests of the department heads themselves.
OK Mr. City Manager, just how many of the "big boys" have had their jobs targeted as being "non-essential?" Probably none. How convenient that department heads have unchallenged control at determining which employees stay and which one goes. I am extremely irate at seeing good employees, making low salaries, getting targeted, while others, making great salaries, get protected!! Why do you retain employees, who could retire right now, yet you decide to eliminate the "little guy," making considerably less money?
The citizens have a right to demand that a public review board be created, to review proposed budget reductions, made by department heads, yearly, when it comes to eliminating/creating city jobs. It seems that the decision to create or terminate city jobs rests with selected individual "big shot" employees, some of which don't even reside in Ponca City!
A public review board would curtail this hanky panky. Why have we got 3 or 4 employees working year round at the airport? Why did we need to create a job for a female employee, to work out of the city manager's office, just to create newsletters? Why does our parks department need two roaming supervisors when only one is essential? How many supervisors does our sanitation department have? 5? 6? 8? Too many! Why do we have a police officer driving around in a marked police pickup truck, when he doesn't even work the streets?! Why does our chief of police need a new car every 2-3 years? Why do we need four personnel at animal control when we can get by with three? When I see engineering supervisors simply driving around town, I question their salary and necessity too!
And our city leaders allow these department heads to cut lower salary employees, while retaining those that the like!
A public review board (committee) would surely allow more information to get out to the public, concerning these matters and let city employees discuss issues, on any topic, in a public forum, free of intimidation, harassment, or loss of their job.
This board would be composed of five neutral citizens and would represent the public's desires, as to whether a city job is created or eliminated! They would meet once or twice yearly, during the times that department heads submit their proposed budget cuts.
This review board would keep department heads honest, by ensuring that they can't continue to protect their "pets," "snitches," and close friends! Personnel affected by their "budget cuts" could publicly defend themselves and air matters that our department heads would rather keep quiet. Amen! If a job needs to be created, the review board will consider all arguments and make a recommendation to be approved by the mayor. If a job needs to be eliminated, or modified, let's have the review board make a recommendation. the only difference being that affected employees could publicly address her/his matter to the "board," rather than simply letting department heads make unilateral decisions that, in reality, only serve their preferences!!
Right now, we are letting department heads and one personnel director, make decisions on city jobs that we ought to have some say-so-over.
Personnel director lives in Stillwater!
Get concerned in your City government!
P.S. Have a good look at the city budget and department heads salaries!!
Jacqueline M. Cullum
Editorial
Too Much Politics
The Republicans got into trouble recently for a typically stupid political move. They added two unrelated amendments to a bill for billions of dollars in relief to disaster ravaged areas. The president vetoed the bill in a bold attempt to keep the congress in line. It worked and the bill was later passed without the riders.
The point isn't that politics continues to get in the way of the government, for which politicians justly get enough blame. The real point is that the government should not be involved in these situations at all.
Disasters are properly handled by the private organizations which have been formed to deal with just these situations. At worst they should be handled by a more local form of government. The argument that there is not enough money begs the issue. The major reason the money isn't available is that the government is taking that money through taxation.
Taking our money to Washington so the bureaucracy can take a percentage before sending it back to us is perhaps the most ludicrous idea that has ever been foist upon the American public. The above example is one of thousands which are repeated every year throughout the United States. These come from the feeling which pervades the federal government that those inside the beltway know better how to run everything than anyone outside.
Far too many of the federal programs for which the states and cities vie every day should not exist. Highways and streets, federal grants and aid programs and the myriad of programs that feed money to states with bureaucratic strings attached are wrong at the core. They are attempts by the federal government to control the states and cities and build them in the image they have developed for us. Not coincidentally it is also the way the bureaucracy pays for itself.
Most people understand the idea of cutting out the middle man to save money. We can easily translate that thought to these areas. Let's quit feeding the bureaucratic middle man and move these programs to a local level.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Commissioners will again be asked to support a proposed apartment development for the elderly at their regular meeting Monday at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.
Last year, commissioners defeated a request to support investors in their application to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, for tax credits. The proposed project would be located east of North Fourteenth Street on Princeton Avenue, owned by Jack Bowker and Jim Buttram.
Previously, Mayor Marilyn Andrews abstained from voting and Commissioner Dick Stone favored the request. Commissioner Lyn Boyer and former Commissioners Dick Bird and Greg Gregson commented that the investors could proceed with the project without the board's support.
Bond Issue
In new business, members will analyze issuing debt through the Ponca City Utility Authority. With the guidance of Allan Brooks, bond counsel with Fagin, Brown, Bush, Tinney and Kiser, commissioners will consider issuing Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 1997C, to provide funding for the landfill expansion and electric projects of a sub-station as well as a SCADA system.
In connection with the bond issue, a provision of the Thorn Apple Valley agreement needs to be amended according to the Gary Martin, city manager. Due to the rate structure at the time, and Thorn Apple's wish not to be treated differently than any other class of customer, a contractual rate was established as a threshold not to be exceeded in the initial period. City officials believe this could affect the tax status of the new issue. Therefore, Thorn Apple has agreed to an addendum to the development agreement, which the board will consider.
Phase II of Hartford Project
Although the board voted to postpone work on Hartford Avenue for a year, they will consider staying with the original contract and sequence of construction on Phase II of the Hartford Avenue paving project. Robert W. Holcomb, owner of Cowboy Concrete and Construction, Inc., notified the city that he would hold prices quoted until July 30 ,1998.
The board will review the original contract with Cowboy Concrete, in the amount of $574,315.65, with a construction period of 120 days and including blocking Hartford Avenue off to traffic, from Gibson Place to one-half block east of Joe Street. If approved, the board will consider setting the notice to proceed no later than May 30, 1998.
Furthermore, a routine agreement between the city and state will be studied to proceed with acquisition of right-of-way for the Union Street project. In the agreement, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation basically requires the city to clear and maintain all right-of-way connected with the project, maintain all streets and traffic signals connected and provide traffic control after the project is complete.
Marland Mansion
Several items on the agenda have been requested by the Marland Estate Commission. As part of an ongoing effort to bring the Marland Estate and Mansion into compliance with standards set by national museum associations, a collections management policy and mission statement have been developed for the commissioners consideration. The policy deals with accepting responsibility for and proper accession or deaccession of items loaned or donated for exhibit at any of the estate's museums.
Additionally, the advisory group requests allowing the formal dining room be rented for functions due to frequent inquiries about using the mansion for small formal functions. Likewise, the advisory board requests the commissioners to approved revised usage policies and guidelines for the mansion and estate grounds.
Also, the board will review a recommendation to charge a rental fee for additional time required by clients for decorating or rehearsal for functions on the day preceding an event. This would require an hourly fee to accommodate the client's needs while offsetting any additional staff costs.
In other business, the mayor's nominations for citizen advisory boards including Park and Recreation, Planning, Cultural Affairs and Traffic Commission will be considered.
Street Closings
Citizens will also have the chance to voice their concerns about the closing of three streets in the Conoco greenbelt area during a public hearing. Commissioners will consider closing Brunswick Avenue, from Lucas Street to Seventh Street; Coolidge Avenue, from Lucas Street to Mercer Street, and Mercer Street, from Lucas Street to Coolidge Avenue.
If the closings are approved, Conoco plans to create walking trails throughout the area. The item had been previously tabled May 27.
Consent Agenda
- The Ponca City Tourism Authority recommends making a $3,000 grant to the Ponca City Aviation Booster Club/Hot Air Balloon and Air Show to be held the weekend of Aug. 29.
- Review a Community Development Block Grant, in the amount of $100,000, will be considered for infrastructure improvements for USA Bottling Company. If approved, the funds will be used to construct 412.56 linear feet of concrete paving curb and gutter from Thorn Apple Valley Drive east to the USA site.
- Consider an agreement contracting financial advisory services with Leo Oppenheim and Co., Inc.
- Review amendments to various operating budgets for 1996-97.
- Consider a construction contract with Rick Scott Construction, Inc., in the amount of $80,500, for leak repairs to the Mansion. Historical Building Director Kathy Adams recommends work to the north porch, steps at the northeast area to the balcony, the east terrace and the east patio.
- Discuss making Scott Construction a city purchasing agent for the repairs to the mansion.
- Consider authorizing certain city employees as purchasing officers for city and municipal trust appropriations.
Before adjourning to the Ponca City Utility Authority, the board will consider paying claims against the city processed from June 5 through June 19, totaling $1,521,987.34.
Ponca City Utility Authority
The Utility Billing Office and Finance Department have submitted a request to write off 247 delinquent accounts closed on or before April 15, in the amount of $47,056.35. The departments recommend the bad debt be forwarded to the Collection Service Bureau of Stillwater for collection.
On the consent agenda, the following items will be considered:
- Review submission of the monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resource Board as part of loan requirements.
- Consider a change order with Envirotech Services, Inc., for $6,826. for the installation of water and gas monitoring wells at the Ponca City Landfill. The change order consists of plugging and abandoning two groundwater monitoring wells and drilling new wells; development of new groundwater monitoring wells; replacement of ballards; the removal and replacement of a concrete pad; and additional time required to install the ballards on a water monitoring and gas monitoring well located along the south side of the landfill.
- Discuss payment of $7,449.03 to for east side sewer system evaluation, sludge equipment procurement and preliminary design of the Union Street waterline.
Ponca City Development Authority
Commissioners will be asked to consider an agreement to purchase 50 percent of stock of Ponca City Transportation which owns a hangar, building No. 3, at the Ponca City Airport. Apparently Modern Supply is willing to sell the shares to secure use of Units 3 and 4 in the building. If approved, the city could have them available for rental use.
The Airport Department submitted a lease agreement between the city and United Supermarkets of Oklahoma, Inc. for Unit No. 3 of building No. 3 at the airport. PCDA will also consider a lease renewal of the Darr School Building No. 5 to Dean Garroutte dba Garroutte Products.
Additionally, the airport advisory board recommends the lease renewal for Enrique's Cafe for use of the Airport Restaurant and Restaurant Office. Also, PCDA will review a request to renew the lease of Lone Star Airlines for use of the airport facilities in operating their business.
Citizens may soon be paying more for utilities, if the Ponca City Board of Commissioners approve proposed increases for solid waste, wastewater and water Monday at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. If approved, the rates will be effective July 1.
Based on recommendations from Public Works and Solid Waste Departments, charges for single-family residences, including house trailers or mobile homes, could be $10.95 per month. If the head of the household is 65 years of age or older, the charge could be $10.45.
This fee includes a 25-cent surcharge for the State of Oklahoma Solid Waste Landfill fee. The charge for trash and garbage collection outside the city limits shall be the same set for citizens who reside inside the city limits.
For each business for which a service is provided without a city-owned container, a charge of $21.65 per month, plus the 25-cent surcharge will be considered.
Users of the Ponca City Landfill may be paying $9.50 per vehicle minimum. For compacted/uncompacted refuse, the proposed charge is $21.75 per ton.
Wastewater System
The city feels the wastewater rates need to be adjusted to accommodate the additional debt service being incurred for the upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The upgrades are a direct result of federal mandates to meet EPA regulations and the need to increase the capacity of the plant.
Proposed fees to recover costs from users of the wastewater disposal system shall be the sum of the following:
- $9.30 per month for charge to service each account;
- $1.25 per 100 cubic feet of volume;
- $0.054 per pound of BOD;
- $0.054 per pound of suspended solids.
According to a summary provided by the city, the proposed rates indicate a 29.2 percent increase. The maximum amount to be charged for new and transfer service could be $24. The proposal indicates that commercial users would be charged based on the monthly water consumption. Also, all nonresident users of the sanitary sewerage system could be charged 1-1/2 times the scheduled rates.
Permit levels for the Industrial Pretreatment Program will not be changed.
Water System
As a result of federal requirements contained in the Safe Drinking Water Act, rates need to be increased to cover the debt service requirements to fund the system improvements and increased cost of operating the new plant.
The city is proposing that city residential customers be charged an average of thirty cents more per month, a 4.3 percent increase. Rural customers could notice a 9.5 percent increase, or about $0.95 per month.
Proposed monthly rate increases for city commercial and rural customers is an eight percent increase.
After months of work, the city will submit the 1997-98 annual operating and capital improvements budget for adoption Monday at the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.
The budget was developed under the direction of the commissioners to match budgeted expenditures with budgeted revenues over the next three years, according to City Manager Gary Martin.
The general fund revenue budget represents a 2.82 percent decrease from the prior year, due to the decrease in transfer revenues from the electric utility, Martin stated in a letter to the board. The transfer decrease is being effected to place the electric authority in a position to be competitive when electric deregulation occurs.
Budgeted revenues for the general fund are reported as $12.47 million, with funds available at $15 million and budgeted appropriation at $13.37 million. Revenues are expected from taxes, licenses, permits, charges for services, fines, forfeits and transfers.
The general fund expenditure budget for 1998 is presented with an increase of 3.34 percent, compared to 1997. The following reasons were provided as an offset in part by decreases in other charges and services:
- A three percent cost of living increase for employees and provisions for labor contracts.
- An increase of capital expenditures to purchase equipment necessary to provide for safety, primarily in the fire, police and streets.
- An increase in repair and maintenance expenses to prevent deterioration of city-owned structures.
Furthermore, the Ponca City Utility Authority Funds budgets were developed to keep rates at the lowest possible levels without sacrificing service quality, Martin continued.
"Long term debt on the water and wastewater facilities continues to be a major factor in rates," he stated. "However, major progress has been made toward the lifting of administrative consent orders issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Also, the provision for lateral expansion of the landfill cells, was included," he concluded.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
An additional effort will be made Monday to cut the budget of the Ponca City schools.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City, will give another budget report to find ways the Ponca City Board of Education can cut more costs at Monday night's special board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Last month the board voted to cut 12 1/3 teaching positions to reduce the budget by $450,000. The board must now cut over $800,000 to balance the budget.
One program that has already been cut for the fall semester at the high school is drivers education. According to White this program does not generate enough money to keep it alive. The program is one of the most expensive classes offered at the high school.
Several options are being talked about for the students already enrolled in drivers education. White told The News that he is trying to organize some teachers to teach drivers education before and after school during the week and possibly on Saturdays.
The cost of the drivers education program is $70, very low compared to the program at Bartlesville High School which costs $125.
Others positions the board may be cutting include some counselors and librarians.
Dr. White said, "We really have no choice but to cut some programs and positions. We have dropped in enrollment and are losing money from the state because of it. We cannot spend money that we do not have."
Other Business
Awarding the bid for asphalt for the area behind the new Lincoln Elementary will be voted on as well as awarding the bid to remodel the Howell Building.
Other items to be discussed during the meeting which were tabled at May's board meeting include a new agreement with ONENET to provide Internet access for the high school and renewing an agreement with Wetzel Insurance Agency for the Educators' Legal Liability Insurance and District Property Insurance.
The floor will also be open for public comment from any concerned citizen of Ponca City during the meeting.
The Delta Co. 1-179 Wardogs from the Ponca City and the Tonkawa Delta D 1-179 companies departed about 9 a.m. Saturday, June 14, for their two-week summer training at Fort Chaffee, Ark. The 80 men will be training on the movement technics of the TOW Missile, during the summer camp.
The convoy of approximately 20 Humvees will take the men, under the leadership of Capt. Clay Pearce of Wichita, Kan., to the training facility. In addition to the two-week summer training, the soldiers also drill one weekend each month throughout the year.
Sergeant Keith Stevens, recruiter, who reported the activities of the local company will follow the Wardogs down later this week.
Stevens also said that a new program for the soldiers allowing them free tuition to state funded colleges and vocational tech schools has been very popular with the men.
The soldiers received a safety briefing from Capt. Pearce, prior to departure.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
Anytime
FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).
May 16-July 31
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September 5-6
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Members of the Ponca City Traffic Commission agreed to move forward with plans for street improvements to John Street.
Mike Lane, traffic engineer, confirmed that over the year the city has received numerous complaints about the condition of the street, especially the first two blocks north of Hartford Avenue.
Originally, John Street was set up for as an overlay, at a cost of $85,000. Since the street has rolled curbs, an overlay could take away the drainage capacity, according to the engineer. As some houses are lower than the street, heavy rains could push the water into residents' yards and/or garages.
The board also discussed patching the road, but members agreed there is almost no end to the amount of patching needed. In addition, this option would cost about $200,000.
Public Works Director Ken Parr confirmed it would be more cost effective to rip out the existing street and redo it with concrete or asphalt. Parr estimates that one block of concrete or asphalt could run $100,000 to $150,000. He suggested doing one block at a time so as not to commit so much money to one area.
Lane will put together cost estimates to reconstruct the street with asphalt and concrete and present the proposals to the members in July.
Another area in need of repair is Jane Street. However, Parr stated the waterline needs to be replaced before any street work is discussed. He reported that city staff think that Little Lane should be addressed due to the wear and tear it received while traffic was detoured through the area during last year's work on Hartford Avenue.
"Actually, the whole neighborhood is on the list to be repaired," the director said.
Traffic Signals
Regarding area projects, Lane gave an update on the Hartford Avenue and Waverly Street project. Currently, the traffic engineer is working on timing for the new signals. He confirmed the signalization could be turned on before construction work is complete.
In old business, Lane informed the board he spoke with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission regarding repairs to railroad crossings at Hartford Avenue and Prospect Avenue. The department instructed Lane to write a letter outlining the city's concerns.
If the commission agrees the crossings are rougher than they should be, the state will refer it to the railroad company for repair. Lane felt optimistic and expects to see results.
In other new business, the board elected officers. Orville Wilks Sr. was elected as chairman and Jim Rosenbaum will be vice-chair. Derrin Hiatt will serve as the school safety committee representative.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The removal of about 25 feet of the enclosed walkway adjacent to the Marland Mansion has been approved unanimously by the Marland Estate Commission in an attempt to stop leaks in the mansion proper.
Approval of the $97,000 project by Rick Scott Construction came after reports by Nancy Severance, chairman of the Facilities Committee, and Jerry Beardsley and Bill Hirsch of Matrix of Tulsa.
Of the total $80,500 was for the leak stoppage work and removal of the breezeway portion and another $16,500 contingency was added in case of "surprises." Kathy Adams, executive director of the Marland Estate, said in dealing with leaks "surprises" often show up.
The repair work includes, the north porch steps, north porch, west area, crack in sub base, northeast area, steps to upper floor and balcony, east terrace and east patio. The matter will go to the City Commission for approval on Monday. Work would begin within ten days after the contract is signed and is to be completed in 120 days.
In other action the Estate Commission, chaired by Vice Chairman Phyllis Kennedy in the absence of Larry Stephenson, chairman, tabled approval for a portable awning. The awning would span the 25-feet of exposure to the elements that will be left uncovered.
The breezeway connects to the Marland Conference Center, which has already been advertised by Monumental Enterprises as an enclosed passage from the center to the mansion.
Reports were given by Betty Durkee on grants; Connie McAbee on fund raising; Larry Hughes of the finance committee and Marland Estate Foundation; Bettie Marsh on the garage sale set for Sept. 20 the day of the Cherokee Strip Cook-off.
Visitation Doubles
Visitation to the Mansion to date in 1997 is almost double that of the 1996 figure. Some 4,266 visitors were recorded to date compared to 2,287 for the same time frame last year. The 1995 total for the same time period was 2,339. May 1997 shows 2,138 visitors, those in groups totaled 1,461, due to the conference hotel there were 122 and Ponca City visitors totaled 567.
Revenues Up
The year to date revenue, January to May, totaled $38,821, up 71 percent from the previous year. Comparing fiscal 1996-97 for 11 months shows an increase of 29 percent with a total of $81,766 in revenue compared to the same time span in fiscal 1995-96, which listed $63,466.
The unofficial revenue for May was higher compared to 1996 with a total of $11,807, compared to $7,451 in May 1996 and $8,053 in May 1995. The gift shop was up considerably from 1996, which listed $926 and $783 in 1995.
Income from tours for May was $7,315 compared to $5,013 in 1996 and $5,745 in 1995. Revenue from events was up in May also compared to 1996 and 1995. The 1997 events accounted for $2,360 compared to $1,512 in 1996 and $1,525 in 1995.
Budget Lower
The 1997-98 proposed budget is $266,100, which is down from the $322,803 1996-97 budget. This includes a reduction from the transfer of $128,000 from the city's general fund to $107,000.
Conference Center Occupancy Up
Other good news came from Craig Myers of Monumental Enterprises, which leases the Conference Center. He reported 47 percent occupancy of the lodging rooms during May.
Adams passed out sheets asking for Estate Commissioners to sign up for various committees. She also gave out new self guided tour brochures that are being used in the Mansion. Adams told about a story and ad in the August Oklahoma Today Special Oil Collector's Edition. The cost of the ad was split with the Ponca City Tourism Authority. She also showed an article in the Kansas City Star on the Marland Estate.
Adams also mentioned some special exhibits booked for March and May.
The commissioners opted to have a committee revisit the master plan rather than have a retreat.
Super Snooper Sleuths at the Newkirk Library have been studying crime solving techniques, reading exciting mystery books, and participating in other related activities in crime solving as a part of their summer reading programs, says librarian Sandra Cline.
The children will be studying "The Scene of the Crime," Monday, and last week, special guest David May, Ponca City radio announcer and entertainer, presented a program on disguises.
The innovative reading program led by Glenna Blair and Kim Wilson is geared for three age-group levels. Library staff members assist.
Monday, Charlie Blair, director of criminal justice classes at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, will demonstrate procedures used by officers at crime scenes. Some examples include making plaster casts and lifting latent fingerprints.
"Mock crime scenes will also be staged with clues for the amateur detectives to solve," says Cline. A mystery story will be read and a short movie will also be shown during the Monday program.
During the earlier program, David May demonstrated to the young readers how makeup, wigs, posture, voice changes and clothes can be effective disguises.
At that same meeting, leaders Linnae Colson and Nancy Chaney discussed shadowing suspects, emphasizing individual characteristics to look for and remembering what would help identify suspects in a crime case.
According to Cline, "members of the two older groups must have learned their lessons well because they were able to describe in detail the person who staged an unannounced heist during the program."
The youngest children enjoyed making paper-bag wigs and pipe-cleaner sunglasses to use for disguises.
Margaret Yates, local watercolor and pastel artist and her husband Garry have been traveling extensively exhibiting her works at shows across the United States.
This year they will exhibit Margaret's works in Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado.
Margaret says, "I am really looking forward to the Ponca City Arts Festival at the Ponca City Art Center in the fall."
The next show for Margaret will be at the 28th annual Rockport Art Festival in Rockport, Texas. She was selected by a rigorous jury process from hundreds of applicants for the prestigious show along with only 124 other artists.
Artists selected will showcase pottery, glass, sculpted items, mixed media and other fine arts.
Also included in the activities at the Rockport show, which runs July 5-6, will be children's activities, artist demonstrations, a country store, continuous live music, and great food and drink.
All proceeds benefit the programs and services of the Rockport Art Association, a non-profit organization.
Rockport is a popular resort area with other attractions including the beautiful Texas coast, fishing, bird watching, water activities, and more.
Sally Thomas will present "Feng Shui, An Ancient Art" on Tuesday at the first of a series of summer brown bag lunch programs hosted by Pioneer Bank and Trust.
Feng Shui, pronounced "fung schway," is the ancient Chinese art of changing the effect of one's home environment on the mind and spirit by the careful placement of furniture and other objects in the house.
Sally Thomas, a Ponca City resident since 1973, started studying Feng Shui more than four years ago. A new concept in this country, Feng Shui is gaining credibility as large businesses and manufacturers use this technique to enhance creativity, reduce assembly-line errors and accidents and boost sales. The concepts of Feng Shui are more than 5,000 years old, but have only been made public in the last 20 years, having previously been the private domain of the Chinese royal family.
Ms. Thomas has owned The Designers and Associates, an interior design business in Ponca City, since 1977. She has a BA in interior design from Kansas State University.
"Feng Shui was a natural for me," said Thomas. "As I started my research into the subject, everything made sense and I discovered that I had been incorporating many of its concepts in my design work all along."
The current series of lunch programs hosted by Pioneer Bank and Trust will run every Tuesday through the last week in July and all but the July 1 program will be held at Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street from noon to 1 p.m. The series is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to bring a sack lunch, with Pioneer Bank providing drinks for all guests.
The program on July 1, "As American as Apple Pie," will be held at Pioneer Bank, North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Margaux Griffith, Ponca City High School Senior, has been accepted to attend Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen, Mich. The Arts Camp is considered by many to be the nation's premier fine arts camp.
This is Margaux's first trip to Interlochen, where she will study musical theater production. She is the daughter of Pam Griffith.
Margaux has trained in dance since 1989 with Suzanne Kem; in piano since 1990 with Par Perky and Leslie Rardin; in voice since 1992 with Carolyn Chaufty and also with Leslie Rardin; and has been active in numerous theatrical productions since her junior high years. She was selected to attend the Arts Adventure summer program sponsored by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council from 1993-95.
She played the part of "Fanny" in "The Gift of Willie Cry," sang in the Carnegie Hall Performance in 1995 with local singers, won first place in regional and second at state in vocal performance school competition, served as stage manager for "The 1996 Panic;" played in the Marland Mansion 1920's reenactment performance of the "Ghost of Lydie" tour for two years; and performed in many other productions and competitions too numerous to mention.
Established in 1928, Interlochen Arts Camp is the nation's oldest and most successful summer arts program. Interlochen Arts Camp was named one of the "Top 10 Summer Camps in the Country" by the national magazine "Family Life" in 1996.
The camp which attracts 2,000 students from all 50 states and 36 other countries, offers intensive training in dance, theater arts, music, visual art and creative writing. The campers, ages 8-18, attend the programs for four or eight-week sessions.
Throughout the course of the summer, more than 500 events are presented at the camp by students, faculty, staff and guest artists such as James Taylor, Tony Bennett, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Moody Blues, the Righteous Brothers, John Prine, the Ying Quartet and Willie Nelson as a part of the Interlochen Arts Festival.
Interlochen Center for the Arts is the nonprofit umbrella organization for the camp, Interlochen Arts Academy and Interlochen Public Radio. Known as the world center for arts education, Interlochen's 1,200-acre campus is located in northwest lower Michigan, 16 miles southwest of Traverse City.
For more information, call (616) 276-7472.
Parents can obtain photographs of their children during Project KidCare Photo ID , Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ponca Plaza.
According to Gordon Thompson, general manager of Mix 100 KIXR, community supporters are hosting the event as part of a national effort to provide parents with personal safety ID's of their children, in case their child is ever missing. Parents can get a free standardized, high quality photograph to be placed in a KidCare booklet, where vital statistics of their children can be recorded.
One in seven missing children are found because a current photograph, furnished by parents. With this KidCare booklet, parents would be given "piece of mind" knowing that appropriate information is available should their child be lost or abducted.
"The single most important tool to find a missing child is a good quality photograph," says Ernie Allen, president of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). "Project KidCare provides parents with free instant photographs of their children at KidCare photo ID events, and a valuable information booklet in which they can record vital data such as height, weight, age and medical information."
Originally, Project KidCare was developed by the Polaroid Corporation and the NCMEC. It was the first comprehensive program to educate families about child safety issues and encourage parents to maintain current standardized photographs of their children.
In addition to photos, the Ponca City Police Department will be available to offer fingerprints for children. Also, the Ponca City Fire Department mascot "Sparky" will be on hand to present fire safety information as well as entertainment.
The event is being sponsored by Asbury Machine, Inc. of Tonkawa, Cable One, Conoco, Crown & Rose Pub, North Central Marine, Office Suites of Ponca City, Oklahoma Natural Gas, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Sykes Enterprises, Inc. and Mix 100 KIXR.
Project KidCare events are hosted in local communities across the country.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
A Standing Bear Memorial Park Native American Art Festival has been set for Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29 at Standing Bear Memorial Park in Ponca City. The Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
In addition to Native American Art, other activities to be included in the SBMP Art Festival will be Native American crafts, a singing and dance exhibition, several activities for children, drawings for prizes, and Native American foods.
All proceeds from the Festival will go to the Native American Foundation to assist in the funding for Phase II of the Standing Bear Memorial Park development.
According to Chris Littlecook, chairman of the Festival, art and crafts, as well as other activities will be welcome from anyone as long as it has a Native American theme. All citizens in the area are encouraged to participate.
The 63-acre Chief Standing Bear Memorial Park was established by the Native American Foundation in Ponca City in 1995, and the focal interest - a 22-foot statue of Chief Standing Bear - was unveiled and dedicated in October 1996. The memorial transcends all races and embodies a concept that stands for equality between all men.
Phase II plans include a cultural center, visitor center, museum, gift shop and an educational area.
According to Littlecook, volunteers are needed in several areas to help make the Festival a success. In addition to art and craft entries, help is needed with the children's hands-on craft activities.
Littlecook also said all donations of materials for the childrens' activities would also help with the Phase II fund raiser. Needs include (for children's craft tables) 15 cinder blocks and four sheets of plywood, paint, and paint brushes. Items needed for the craft activities drum include a barrel flower planter, sheet of rubber, thin rope and dowels.
For children's face painting, materials needed include acrylic red, yellow, black, blue and green paints, paper towels, mirrors, small paint brushes, and poster board; for beaded necklaces - yarn and plastic pony beads; for head bands - construction paper (11 x 17), markers, clear tape and blunt rounded end scissors.
For more information about the Festival or to donate items or volunteer time, contact Mindy or Chris Littlecook at (405) 767 1261.
Native Ponca Citian Major Rodney D. Wilson has retired from the U.S. Air Force as of March 17, drawing an end to his 23-year career in the service.
Major Wilson plans to stay in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. with his family - wife Major Elaine S. Wilson, and children, Melissa, 20; Allan, 19; James, 16; and Sean, 13. He also has Mindy, 21; Robert, 20, both attending Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas and Daniel (deceased).
Wilson is the son of Leonard and Betty Wilson of Ponca City, and has a brother, Randy Wilson in Duncan, and a sister, Darlene Anderson in Ponca City.
A native Ponca Citian, Major Wilson graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1971. Interested in medicine, he began pre-med preparation at Southwestern State University in Weatherford, joining the Air Force in March of 1974. He graduated as honor student from Medical Service Specialist School at Sheppard AFB and was assigned to Wilford Hall Medical Center where he worked in the Emergency Department as a certified Emergency Medical Technician.
As a First Lieutenant, Wilson went to Sheppard AFB Regional Hospital in the summer of 1983 and while on staff there in the Family Practice Clinic, served as base mobility medical officer and chief of the disaster response field teams. He was promoted to Captain in 1984 and from 1987-89 was the Director of Medical Readiness for Sheppard Regional Hospital.
As Capt. Wilson he was assigned to Eglin AFB in Florida in October of 1990 and served as a staff PA in the Primary Care Clinic. During Desert Storm he was selected to activate an AF Phase II Physician Assistant Training Program at Eglin as Course Supervisor due to wartime deployment of two other Phase II sites. His program was recognized by an Air Education and Training Command IG inspection as "outstanding." He was promoted to Major in February 1992.
He accompanied his wife to Andrews AFB, Md., in June 1994 after she was accepted to the AF Midwifery Program in Washington D.C. He served as the Medical Information Systems liaison for the Operations Squadron Commander while continuing software development to enhance clinical interface for the DOD Composite Health Care System (CHCS).
His last assignment began in December 1995 at Eglin AFB where he worked fulltime with the Medical Information Systems Office in further development of clinical software applications.
Major Wilson's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, The National Defense Medal with one device, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one device, the Air Force Excellence in Competition Bronze Medals for rifle and revolver, and the Army Expert Field Medical Badge.
Three local organizations will jointly host a rummage/bake sale Friday and Saturday at 617 West Highland Avenue, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All proceeds from the event will benefit The Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Inc., Peachtree Landing and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program.
The Domestic Violence Program provides assistance to victims of domestic violence in Kay County and the surrounding areas. Funds collected from the sale will help purchase medication and supplies for victims and their children.
Also, Peachtree Landing is a community-supported temporary emergency shelter for the homeless. Services include offering solutions to meet immediate needs for individuals and families in emergency situations. Proceeds will be used for general operation expenses for the shelter.
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program assists with training required for registered nurses to examine and collect evidence from victims of sexual assault. Currently, there are over 25 registered nurses in the Kay County area who are certified sexual assault nurse examiners. Funds collected will be used to purchase supplies for the program's equipment, such as film, video cassettes and paper.
Citizens interested in making donations for the sale can call Domestic Violence at 762-2873 or Peachtree Landing at 762-3208. Individuals can identify which organization their donated items will benefit. Proceeds from items not donated to a specific organization will be divided among the three groups at the end of the sale.
In a joint effort, the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ and Grand Avenue Church of Christ are putting on a Vacation Bible School, starting June 23 and continuing through June 25, it was announced today.
The VBS will be held at Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street in Ponca City.
Theme for the school will be a "Hot Air Balloon Adventure". Plans are for a nursery and classes for all ages up and through senior high school. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and continue through 8:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.
The folks at Hartford Avenue and Grand Avenue invite everyone to come and experience "how high you can fly with the Lord on your side." You are guaranteed a great time, learning from God's Word. If there are questions, please call 765-3610.
Oak Grove family members involved in the Oak Grove Cemetery now located in Ponca City will be meeting Saturday with the Corps of Engineers from the Tulsa District.
The Oak Grove Cemetery, established in 1897, was relocated to the IOOF Cemetery "Oak Grove Section" in Ponca City in 1974 to facilitate the construction of Kaw Lake.
The important session with the Corps of Engineers will be held at 2 p.m. at the Marland Estate Conference Center in Ponca City.
The meeting is for all family members and they are encouraged to attend, since the meeting will be an informative session.
A Kaw City teen remains hospitalized after a one-vehicle accident that occurred seven miles east of U.S. 77 on Oklahoma 11 at 1:22 a.m. Wednesday.
Seventeen-year-old Maggie Caldwell was admitted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center with head, trunk internal, trunk external, arm, leg and neck injuries. According to a hospital supervisor, the victim remains in stable condition.
Lincoln School offers a free lunch program during the summer.
Lunch at Lincoln Elementary
A "Dance for Heart" exercise extravaganza will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, at a local gym.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Heart Association to fight heart disease and stroke, the number one killer in the United State today.
The event is sanctioned by the International Association of Fitness Professionals.
According to Janet White, coordinator, participants will dance for three hours. Aerobic exercise benefits the heart when performed regularly.
To register for the extravaganza and for more information, call 767-1264.
A longtime barber-stylist in Ponca City, Cheryl Tompkins, is in need of financial help due to her health problem, which is mercury poison in her hands. Tompkins has been unable to work for almost two years.
Since this is a continuous problem, Tompkins needs help to raise funds to cover testing, which can only be done in a forensic laboratory.
A fund has been set up for Cheryl Tompkins Medical Expenses at First
National Bank, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, 74602. Other donations may be
mailed to Cheryl Tompkins, Emergency Survival Fund, P.O. Box 455, Ponca
City, Ok. 74602.
DEATHS
Annie Loraine Vaughan (nee Boring) was born in Hereford, Deaf Smith County, Texas on July 23, 1908 to Jesse Kilgore and Hylda Lucille (Oliver) Boring. She died Friday, June 20, 1997 in the Masonic Home in Wichita.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, June 24, 1997 at 2 p.m. in Roberts Chapel, Blackwell with the Rev. Dale Lewis, Central Community Church of God, Wichita, officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Casket bearers will be Monte D. Boring, Gerald H. Boring, Robert D. Boring, Jesse B. Boring, Jeremy S. Johnstone and Robert W. Johnstone.
The oldest of six children, in 1912 Loraine moved with her family to Canyon, Randall County, Texas and to Kay County, Oklahoma, in 1919. In 1922 her father went to work for the Dept. of Indian Affairs and the family moved to Chilocco Indian School where they lived for several years.
Loraine, who was called "Reenie" by family and friends, began her schooling in Texas and later attended rural grade schools in Kay County. She stayed with a maternal aunt in Abernathey, Texas for her freshman year of high school, attended Arkansas City, Kan. High School her sophomore year and Blackwell High School for her junior and seniors years, graduating with the Class of 1925. Following graduation she did bookkeeping and office work in Blackwell.
She married Neil W. Vaughan on May 24, 1926, in the Methodist Parsonage in Perry, Okla. The couple celebrated 67 years of marriage before Neil's death on July 2, 1993.
Loraine was a homemaker, an excellent cook and beautiful seamstress. In 1940, the Vaughans moved to Wichita, Kan. Following the death of her son in 1947, Loraine worked as a cashier for Buck's Department Store and The Wichita Beacon.
In 1949, Loraine and Neil moved back to Blackwell where they resided until August 1991 when, because of ill health, they again moved to Wichita to be near their daughters.
Loraine was a long-time member of the First Church of God in Blackwell and taught Sunday School for many years. She was also active in the Women's Mission Group. At the time of her death, she was a member of Central Community Church of God in Wichita. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil W. Vaughan; one son, Keith Vaughan; one grandson, Rick Johnstone; one sister, Willa Jo Cowherd, and two brothers, Herschel Boring and Robert Boring.
Loraine is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clinton (Charlotte) Brown of Wichita, and Mrs. Richard (Judi) Johnstone of Mulvane, Kan.; two sisters, Sister Christeta Boring of Chicago, Ill. and Mrs. Joseph (Mary Ruth) Van Der Sluis of San Dimas, Calif.; three grandchildren, Melinda Brown Doucette, Kerri Brown Keller and Scott Johnstone; and six great-grandchildren, Jeremy and Aimee Johnstone, Dominique Doucette, Kendra, Danea and Michelle Keller, all of Wichita, and numerous nieces and nephews.
paid obituary
Ethel Mae Bates, longtime area resident, died Friday, June 20, 1997, at 8 a.m. in the Highland Nursing Home. She was 95.
The funeral service will be Monday, 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, Ponca City, with the Rev . Paul Volz, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery, Fairfax, Okla., under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born Jan. 9, 1902 at Lewisburg, Mo., she was the daughter of Ernest and Minnie Bradshaw Hinkle. At the age of thirteen, she traveled with her family by covered wagon to Osage Indian Territory.
On Feb. 23, 1927 she married Joseph Bates at Greyhorse, Okla. The couple farmed in Osage County for a number of years. Mr. Bates preceded her in death on April 21, 1981.
She was a member of the First Lutheran Church and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.
She is survived by one son, Joseph D. "Joe" Bates, Ponca City; four grandchildren, Teresa Rutherford of Ponca City, Tiana Rodgers of Houma, La., Stacy Laskey of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Douglas L. Wilkins of Oklahoma City; great-grandchildren, Jennifer McKenney, Errin Rutherford, Tiana Rodgers, Jessica Rodgers, Heather Laskey, Brooke Laskey, Katy Laskey, and Christopher Wilkins.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister.
Casket bearers will be Herbert Hinkle, Bob Stingley, Jerry Smith, Walter Witty, Bill Marchesoni, and Truman Fisher.
Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 1101 North Fourth, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the Bates home, 1303 Bradbary.
paid obituary
NEWKIRK - Stephen Cecil Richards died in the Blackwell Regional Hospital on Friday, June 20, 1997. He was 80.
He is survived by his wife, Lois of the Newkirk home.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk, and will be announced later.
Teresa L. Deal, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday, June 20, 1997, in Salem, Ore. She was 92.
The funeral service is pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will
be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
DUI Course Set - The Alcohol and Drug Training and Education, Inc. will conduct the "DUI School" June 27 and 28 at the Rose Stone Inn. Classes will be from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The fee is $85, set by the state. To enroll, call 765-1998. Walk-ins are welcome.
Vehicle Check- White Eagle Police Department will hold a vehicle check point at the main entrance to the White Eagle community Saturday to help curb the number of motorists driving under the influence. According to Police Chief Earl Howe III, the check will begin at 12:30 a.m. Saturday. For more information, call 765-3587.
Forgery - A Ponca City police officer took a report of forgery at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 8:14 a.m. Friday.
Arrested - A 53-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of South Lake Street at 8:49 a.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Bike Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a grand larceny report in the 300 block of East Ponca Avenue at 1:21 p.m. Friday. The resident advised a Huffy mountain bike was stolen.
Unlawful Entry - A 21-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 4:35 p.m. Friday for unlawful entry.
Loaded Firearm - A Ponca City police officer took a 27-year-old man into custody from a traffic stop at Cardinal Road and North Pecan Street at 5:08 p.m. Friday for transporting a loaded firearm. At 6:51 p.m., the officer arrested a 22-year-old woman for transporting a loaded weapon, driving under suspension, no insurance, improper tag and speeding.
Disturbing the Peace - A 26-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of South Lake Street at 5:08 p.m. Friday for public intoxication and disturbing the peace.
Stop Ends in Arrest - A Ponca City police officer stopped a vehicle in the 500 block of North Fourteenth Street at 9:55 p.m. Friday for speeding. Also, the officer arrested a 22-year-old man for operating a motor vehicle without a driver's license, speeding and no seat belt.
Resisting Arrest - The owner of rental property in the 500 block of North Pine Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 11:05 p.m. as renters were tearing up the property. Three officers responded and a 29-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication and resisting arrest. Since the problem was mostly a civil matter, officers were unable to speak with renters.
Loitering - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 31-year-old man at Jaycee Park, on Hubbard Road, at 11:37 p.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to pay and loitering after dark.
Carrying Firearm - A man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 600 block of West Highland Avenue at 12:22 a.m. Saturday for possession of a firearm, actual physical control, possession of a firearm while in a bar, public intoxication and assault with a deadly weapon. The Ponca City Police Department received notice at 12:18 a.m. that a window of a vehicle had been shot out. Four officers arrived to find the subject in the business, intoxicated and carrying a gun.
Power Line Down - A resident in the 600 block of North Union Street
contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 1:07 a.m. Saturday to report
a power line down. Three officers responded along with Ponca City firefighters.
Ponca City telecommunication officers notified the Electric Department.
LIFESTYLES
Deena Neely will present her piano students in a recital at 7 p.m. June 24, in the Sanctuary of Sunset Baptist Church. Friends and family of students are invited to attend.
Songs and students are "Morning Prayer" and "Hand Bells," Janette Pameticky; "Water Lily," "Mister Machine," and "Big Ben," Joseph Skaggs; "America the Beautiful," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "Theme from the Symphony No. 15," Angela Skaggs; "O Sole Mio," Sergio Villarruel, "The Dance," "Solfeggietto," and "Chopsticks," Christal Allen; "Polly Wolly Boogie" and "Friends," Micah Thompson.
Also "Love Me Tender" and "Scarborough Fair," Andrea Bennett; "Oom-Pa-Pa" and "Rock Around the Clock," Chelsie Baldwin; "Bingo," Kyle Baldwin; "Dreamer" and "Parade of the Woodpeckers," Ann Ziegenhain; "Indian Song," Chelce Rouse; "Blue Danube" and "Somewhere Out There," Tyler Fender; "Dance in E Minor" and "Everything I Do, I Do It For You," Mackenzie Fender; "The Purple Cow" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," Kaci Epperson.
Others will be "Old West Rodeo" and "Candle on the Water," Amanda Wiles; "Love Somebody" and "Lost My Partner," Tyra Gowdy; "Enchanted City" and "Tahitian Sunset," Sarah Myers; "The Entertainer" and "Appaloosa Pony," Megan Lablue; "Leroy Rogers, Angie Sue" and "Over the Rainbow," Amanda Lee; "Kum-ba-Yah!" and "On Two Wheels," Jennifer Dove; "Alouette" and "Copycat," Erika Jones; "Dyno, My Pet Dinosaur" and "Fuzzy Wuzzy," Kisha Oakes; "Just Friends," "Go For It," and "Waltz for Two Pianos," Sheray Bouchard.
Also Tyler Fender and Mackenzie Fender will perform the duet "A Whole New World." Each student will receive a famous composer statuette in honor of their accomplishment in piano during the past year.
The Seventh Annual Walnut Valley Doll Show and Sale, sponsored by the Winfield Arts and Humanities Council will be August 16 at the Winfleld Community Center at Baden Square.
This is the only competition doll show in Kansas. Dolls may be entered in various categories under "Antiques Collectibles" and "Modern" and "Hand crafted".
Prizes totaling $1,500 will be given. These include books, dolls, supplies and cash awards. The doll winning Best of Show will be awarded a cash prize. Best of Show winner at the 1996 show was Tim Arnce of Derby who entered a hand carved Babe Ruth doll.
Antique, Collectible, and Modern dolls are judged as: composition, foreign, collectible, modern, cloth, vinyl and hard plastic, miniatures, porcelain, bisque, china, antique, Barbie and other.
Hand-crafted doll entries include those that are original sculpture, antique reproductions in china or porcelain, modern porcelain or china, cloth, other media and best dressed. Professional and hobbyist dolls in these hand-crafted categories must have been made, signed and dated by the persons entering them.
The show will feature 24 vendor booths where dolls and doll-related items will be sold. There will also be special features, a doll appraiser, and food available on site.
There is a $2 entry fee for each doll, and all dolls must be able to sit by themselves or be on a stand. Dolls remain on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 16. Admission at the door is $2.
All dolls must be pre-registered by August 12. Entry forms are available from Ann Moore Laws, Winfield Arts and Humanities Council, 700 Gary/Suite A, Winfield, Kansas 67156.
During the June 4 meeting of the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs Kay Martin, scholarship chairman, presented $700 in academic awards to Jean McMullen and Clydette Alsup Borthick. Both are students in the Horticulture Department at Oklahoma State University.
Mrs. McMullen, mother of five children, returned to school in 1991 to pursue a degree in Horticulture. She is a senior student with 22 hours remaining toward her degree. She has completed the internship program with the Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum Studio Gardens for "Oklahoma Gardening" telecasts. She has assisted with telecasts and conducted tours of the gardens. She has also been active in the National Intercollegiate Floral Quality Evaluation and Design Competition. Mrs. McMullen has served as vice-president for the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Collegiate branch,
Ms. Borthick is a graduate student in the Department of Horticulture at OSU. Her master level graduate studies are in the area of vegetable production. She has completed an internship at the Powell Botanical Gardens in Kansas City, Mo. and has co-authored five extension publications. She returned to school while a single parent and has earned a number of Horticulture scholarships and holds membership in various honor societies. She has served as a Consumer Horticulture Assistant while at OSU.
More information about the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs or the scholarship program may be obtained by calling 762-8008 or 762-4426.
Members of the Ponca City Desk and Derrick Club held the June meeting at the home of Phyllis Kennedy. The picnic meeting was moved inside due to the weather. June Jeffries presided at the meeting and the devotional was given by Mary Faken.
Vicki Davis read an article about the duties and activities of the Desk and Derrick Club. It is an educational organization as well as social. She stated that the group had presented three $250 scholarships this year. Membership is open to men and women.
The local club is part of Region VI which is comprised of 11 clubs in Kansas and Oklahoma. There are seven regions in the United States Ms. Davis said. Conventions are scheduled in Calgary, Canada for 1997; Minneapolis, Minn. for 1998 and Edmonton, Canada, 1999.
Members of the local club are asked to make reservations by July 14 with the Tulsa club for a tour of the Sun Refinery July 20. The next meeting of the Ponca City Desk and Derrick Club will be July 14 in Tonkawa at the First National Bank. Gary Robinson will speak about "Civil Defense." The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
On Sept. 9 the local club will observe the 40th anniversary of the group. Several members are planning on attending the September convention in Canada.
Members met in May at St. Mark's Tea Room in Blackwell with Bev Cunningham as a guest. Mary Faken read two poems for the devotional and Phyllis Kennedy gave a report on the Regional meeting in Bartlesville.
Joyce Johnson introduced the speaker, Marilyn Harmon, Member Service Representative for Kay Electric. Her program was entitled "Who Are We and What Do We Do?"
Joy Asbury and Phyllis Kennedy reported on the scholarships awarded this year to Jacob Thomas Roy of Newkirk, Brian James Kanalakos and Michelle Cathryn Means of Ponca City.
Ninety-five descendants and several guests attended the C.V. Lewis annual family reunion held the weekend of June 6 at Osage Cove on Kaw Lake.
Those attending were: Ron and Josephine Lewis; Dorothy Edgecomb; Lacy and Helen Fleenor; Lori Vice, Kenneth, Kimberly; Keith, Janice, Connor and Austin Inskeep; Gerald, Carla, Alison and Jared Arrington; Becki, Kristin and Megan Howdeshell; Lindsay and Madison Lewis; Leon and Doris Lewis; Kirby, Denise, Shane, Garrett and Bailee Logan; Vernon, Darla, Michelle and Erin Treiber; Ernie and Johna Lewis, Ila and Les Axton; Cyndi Barnett; Mark Winter; Tiffany Barnett and Blake McCrabb; John and Connie Parker; Stacy Parke; Jeff and Tate Lackey; Nancy Schepis; David, Angie, Torrie and Hunter Scott; Lee and Naomi Chartier; John and Lillian Lewis; Mark, Amanda, Dylan, Darien and Dalton Elmore; Allan and Judy Lewis; Bill and Vicki Elmore; Andy, Allison, Bryon and Jacob Lewis; Calvin and Delora Lewis; Dale and Cledra Lewis; David, Nina, Monica, Brady and Julie Lewis; Janell King; Norma Lewis; Jeanette Lewis; Marcia Coffey; Patty, Brad, Brenda and Joey Kirchenbauer; Darren, Michael and Julie Kirchenbauer; David Nash; May and Lee Chapman, and Carol Pepper.
Alfred and Janet McDaniel of El Cajon, Calif. announce the birth of twins May 16, 1997 at Mary Burch Women's and Children's Medical Center in San Diego, Calif. Christopher William McDaniel was born at 12:06 p.m. and weighed 5-pounds, 1-ounce. Emily Elizabeth McDaniel was born at 12:08 p.m. and weighed 4-pounds, 8-ounces.
Paternal grandparents are Jack and Ruby McDaniel of Ponca City. Maternal grandparents are the late William and Ruth Fisher.
The 1997 Heart of Tulsa exhibition of American Country, Victorian and Contemporary crafts has been expanded to a three-day format, July 18-20 at the Exposition Center building at Expo Square in Tulsa.
The show is sponsored by An Affair of the Heart, Inc., an Oklahoma-based craft show production organization. exhibitors from 100 communities throughout Oklahoma, as well as other states, will display wares throughout the weekend. The show opens at 9 a.m. July 16 and July 19, and at 11 a.m. July 20. Closing time is 6 p.m. all three days. The $4 admission is good for all four days.
Items for exhibition and sale will include quilts, antique furniture, baskets, dried flower arrangements, stenciling, wooden and painted folk art, antique toys and dolls, furniture, stoneware, country clothing, patio and garden items, water colors and punched tin.
Among those exhibiting will be Ponca Citians Suzanne Devinney of Ponca City; Sterling House International ,jewelry; Cindy and Norma Grubb, Grubbies, calligraphy, and Lisa Trueba-Sinha, Glass Garden (garden stones (glass).
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, June 23: Hamburger with bun; baked beans; lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion; peanut butter cookie.
Tuesday, June 24: Roast turkey with gravy; mashed potatoes; steamed broccoli; roll with butter; chilled peaches.
Wednesday, June 25: Frito chili pie; tossed salad with tomato; frito chips; cinnamon roll with butter; chilled pineapple.
Thursday, June 26: Chicken pot pie; vegetables in entree; Mexican coleslaw; biscuit with butter; chilled apricots or plums.
Friday, June 27: Fish crispies with tartar sauce; corn O'Brien; buttered carrots; cornbread with butter; fruit cup with citrus.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults, divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the network is not a dating service.
The Discussion group meets at 6:30 this evening at the First Presbyterian Church. A snack will be served afterward. The group is currently studying the book "Maybe, Maybe Not."
On Tuesday at 7 p.m. a VCR party is planned at Jay's. Those attending are asked to bring snacks and to call 765-7883. Members will meet for dinner Thursday at the Amarillo Grill at 6 p.m. Reservations must be made with Dorothy, 765-1403, by June 25. Saturday is slated as "Watermelon time" at Mary's beginning at 7 p.m. Call her at 762-6588.
PM Patches and Pieces Quilters Guild is featuring Barbara Rasmussen for the June 23 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner Road. She will present a "Beginners Silk Ribbon Embroidery Demonstration." Non-guild members are invited to attend.
Previous embroidery experience is not necessary to participate in this class. Ms. Rasmussen has prepared a basic beginners kit for $5 that includes silk ribbons, needles and fabric. Those participating are asked to bring a 5-inch embroidery hoop, pencil and scissors.
Members interested in making the blocks from the 1997 Piecemakers calendar can learn how during this class. More information about the meeting or the guild may be obtained by calling Debra Burgess, vice president, 762-0166 or Mary Alice Sinton, workshop chairman, 765-4992.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Marland Estate Guides were honored at a reception Tuesday afternoon at the Marland Mansion. The event was hosted by the Marland Mansion staff, members of the Marland Estate Commission, and the Marland Estate Foundation.
During the year over 700 hours have been logged by the volunteers according to Kathy Adams, Marland Estate executive director. Currently, there are 34 guides, but more are needed according to Adams. She said her personal goal is to have enough volunteers to have guided tours on the hour. Anyone wishing to become a docent can contact Adams at 767-0420.
The docent applicants are asked to have a commitment to the vision of the Marland Estate. The vision is that the Marland Estate is a beautifully restored and well-maintained 1920s Estate/Villa which is a regional and national attraction with strong local use and support. Also the Marland Estate enhances the community on an economic, recreational, cultural and educational level. Its multi-functional uses prove a sound financial basis for its future.
The policy asks the docents to commit six hours of volunteer time monthly to the Marland Mansion, or a total of 72 hours a year. The sign up dates for tour guides is every three months in advance. Also, the docent is responsible for informing the Mansion staff of requested work dates. If they are not able to report on the specified day they are to contact a replacement and inform the Mansion staff.
Other requirements are to attend two training classes. Classes are held monthly and limited to 10 participants. On the guide applications there are a variety of areas of interest, which include being a guide, cataloging historic artifacts, news releases, tourist surveys, repairs, furniture refinishing, painting, sewing repair, inventory gift shop, training tour guides, special after hours tours, gift shop for special tours, new displays, special events and others.
Lori Anne Batt and John Robert Munger have selected Aug. 2 as the date for their wedding in St. Paul's United Methodist Church. The bride-elect is the daughter of Dan and Phyllis Larson and Thomas and Grace Batt, all of Ponca City. Munger is the son of Jim and Carolyn Munger, also of Ponca City.
Miss Batt is a 1989 graduate of Ponca City High School. She received a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism from Oklahoma State University in 1993 and a bachelor's degree in French in 1994. The bride-to-be is currently pursuing a master's degree in Telecommunications Management at OSU. A member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Miss Batt is employed at Conoco.
The prospective bridegroom, a 1988 Po-Hi graduate, received an associate of science degree from Northern Oklahoma College in 1990. He graduated from OSU in 1993 with a bachelor of science degree in Education and is presently working toward a master's degree in Secondary Education at Phillips University. He is employed as a Biology teacher at Ponca City High School.
Kari Ann Black and Lonnie Joe Lively will exchange wedding vows Aug. 9 in a 7 p.m. ceremony at the Lamont United Methodist Church. Richard Leonard will officiate. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the ceremony and reception following.
Parents of the couple are Jack and Ann Black of Lamont and Leon and Linda Lively of Guthrie. Grandparents of the couple are George and Estelle Bee Muegge, Thelma and Jack Black, Herb and Edna Langley of Lamont, J. D. and Ruby Womack of Deer Creek, Leland and Eleanor Lively of Blackwell.
Miss Black is a 1993 graduate of Deer Creek-Lamont High School and a 1997 graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She is currently employed at Clyde Coop in Medford.
Lively is a 1992 graduate of Deer Creek-Lamont High School. He earned his Emergency Medical Technician license from Eastern Oklahoma County Vo-Tech. He is employed at Continental Carbon in Ponca City.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Deem of rural Blackwell have announced the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Joyce Ann Deem, to Terry Wayne Moore. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Moore of Burbank. The wedding will be July 5 at the First Baptist Church in Burbank. The couple extends an open invitation to family and friends to attend a wedding reception and dance at 8 p.m. at the Circle C Arena in Ponca City.
The bride-to-be is a 1987 graduate of Tonkawa High School. She graduated in 1992 from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva with a bachelor of science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She is employed by McCord Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher.
Moore, a 1984 graduate of Shidler High School, received an associate's degree in Industrial Technology from Northern Oklahoma College in 1986. He is employed by Bill Elliott Ranch of Fairfax.
Announcement has been made of the engagement of Shea Elizabeth Wilson to William Alfred Mitlehner. The future bride is the daughter of Ms. Karen Owen of Houston, Texas and Steve G. Wilson of Ponca City. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Alfred and Geraldine Mitlehner of Cheshire, Conn. An Oct. 12 wedding in the Cheshire Lutheran Church is planned.
Miss Wilson is a 1987 graduate of Ponca City High School and received a bachelor of science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Oklahoma State University in 1991. She completed a certificate program in Adventure Education at Northwestern Community Technical College in Connecticut in May. She is a Rehabilitation Therapist for the state of Connecticut, Addiction Services.
Mitlehner, a 1982 graduate of Cheshire High School, received a bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1986. He is currently a Senior Systems Analyst for Aetna, Inc.
(CNS)-Try not to sweat every detail If you're feeling overwhelmed, make a list of tasks and enlist the help of your friends, siblings or relatives. Most people will be more than happy to pitch in and help you with your wedding preparations.
After you've shared the news of your engagement with friends and family, your first step should be to set a date for your wedding.
In general, you'll probably want to avoid the big holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Passover, Yom Kippur and the Fourth of July.
Most people have family obligations during these periods, which may preclude them from attending
While it's not mandatory, you may want to check with key people in your wedding to determine if they have prior commitments such as graduations, wedding anniversaries or vacations before setting a date. Keep in mind that June is the most popular month to get married, so if you choose this month you'll need to book your ceremony and reception sites as early as possible.
Twelve months before your wedding:
Set a date for your wedding, and book the wedding and reception sites. Most hotels, restaurants, clubs and reception halls require a deposit of 25 percent of the anticipated total bile Make sure you get a signed contract outlining all expectations, including date, times, cancellation fees, refund policies, gratuities, taxes, terms of payment, security and liability.
Establish a budget and discuss expenses with your family. Determine who is going to pay for what and set realistic parameters and expectations. The purpose of a budget is to make sure you don't spend more than you can realistically afford. Try to remain flexible and be prepared to make compromises along the way. As a safety net, you may want to factor in an extra 25 percent for miscellaneous and unexpected costs that will undoubtedly arise.
Buy a wedding planner or date book to keep track of appointments with vendors and suppliers, deadlines, social events and other wedding-related dates. You may want to buy a wedding software package to help you organize all the details. Most feature a desktop planner, spreadsheet for budgeting and a database for inputting names of guests, gifts and vendor information.
Choose your attendants. Keep in mind that the people you choose and the roles they play is entirely up to you. You do not have to include people in your wedding party just because they're related to you or because you were in their wedding.
(Editor's note: For additional suggestions for the wedding countdown check the Lifestyle pages June 29.)
The United Methodist Church in Medford will be the setting Aug. 9 for the 2 p.m. wedding of Shauna Faye Sterling and Brent Ray Gilliland. The announcement of their engagement has been made by her parents, Rena Sterling of Stillwater and Bob and Carol Sterling of Ponca City. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Bob and Deloris Gilliland of Medford.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Medford High School and the Medical Assisting program offered by the vo-tech. She is currently enrolled at Northern Oklahoma College and is employed as a Registered Medical Assistant with Fairview Pathology Consultants.
The prospective bridegroom is also a graduate of Medford High School and attended the Denver Diesel and Automotive College. He is employed with Smith International.
Announcing the engagement of Jennifer Bliss Kellison and Christopher Kelly Banwart are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Kellison, 128 Parkview. Banwart is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Banwart of Hitchcock. The Marland Mansion will be the setting for the Aug. 9 wedding.
Miss Kellison, a Ponca City High School graduate, is a junior at Southwestern Oklahoma State University majoring in Pre-Med. She is currently employed by the Ponca City Junior Baseball Association.
Banwart graduated from Okeene High School and is a senior at Southwestern majoring in Recreational Therapy. He is currently working for the Okeene Police Department.
Gael Hancock, member of Professionals Today, gave the program at the Thursday meeting of the Club. Hancock's program was entitled "Scents Just Make Sense," and was about "aromatherapy."
She explained that aromatherapy is the art/science of using essential oils for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well being. Hancock explained that these "essences" are found in plants.
The oils can be found in special cells within plant roots (ginger), bark (cinnamon), wood (cedar and sandalwood), branches (petitgrain), leaves (rosemary), sap resins (benzoin and myrrh), flowers (jasmine) and fruit (orange).
Lavender is one essential oil for every household, Hancock said. Lavender is good for burns, calms fretful children, helps cure headaches and smells wonderful.
Other oils she considers "essential" are Tea Tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Geranium and Peppermint.
Hancock conducts classes on aromatherapy and printed materials for handouts were from Just Yesterday, Herbs, Antiques, Teas and Gifts.
The meeting was conducted by Vice President Debbie Whitener in the absence of President Phyllis Worley. Roses and Raspberries were by Kate Kelly and Louise Abercrombie. Kelly, who is moving out of town, announced this was her last meeting.
The members signed a card for member Mary Mitchell, who is moving to Tulsa. Whitener announced the business meeting on July 3 will be at Fifth Street park. Members are to bring their lunch and a drink. Prizes will be awarded for the most patriotically dressed member and the best decorated picnic basket.
Aline Heartsill was hostess for the recent "end-of-season" luncheon for members of the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club. Co-hostesses were Johanne Mead and Cathy Davis.
Marlene Roth, president, welcomed new member Georgia Cline and reminded members that meetings would resume in September. It was announced that member Helen Widner had been recognized as "Gardener of the Year" by the garden council and that Sage, Rosemary and Thyme club had earned the "Garden Club of the Year" award.
Next season's officers were introduced and incoming president, Mary Anne Potter, talked about the new board's plans for the club. Helene Schwartz gave a report on the success of the June 7 Herb Festival. Motions were made and approved to acknowledge the contributions made to the festival by the Cann Garden groundskeeper, Brenda DeBuhr; the First Presbyterian Church and local boy scouts.
The group decided that a portion of this year's proceeds would be used as a gift to the Cann Garden Center. This is in keeping with the festival's mission of utilizing profits for the beautification of Ponca City's public areas. More information about the club may be obtained by calling Mrs. Potter, 767-1957.
Jennefier Inez Cooper and Darrel Ray Dye were united in marriage May 17, 1997 at Northeast Baptist Church. Dr. Larry E. Nigh solemnized the double ring vows in a 7 p.m. ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Barbara Cooper of Ponca City, and the late Reese Cooper. The bridegroom's parents are Dennis and Stephanie Dye of Ponca City.
The musical selections performed on piano and organ by Becky Dye included "Etude in A-Flat Major" by Chopin, "Jessica's Theme," and Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin. Andrew James sang "Years From Here" and "I Do."
Escorted to the altar by a friend of the bridal couple, Bill Coleman, the bride wore a gown designed with a sweetheart neckline, heavily beaded bodice with short, ruffled sleeves and a full skirt. The attached cathedral length train was accented with multiple ruffles and bows. Her waistlength veiling was secured by a crown inset with pearls and sequins. The bride carried a bouquet of white roses, blue cornflowers and ivy with pearl accents and blue and white ribbon streamers.
Zella Mashburn of Anthony, Kan. served her sister as matron of honor and bridesmaids were the bridegroom's sister, Amy Dye, and Tanya Tuckett of Houston, Texas. Each was attired in a Royal blue satin and white Chantilly lace ballgown with sweetheart neckline, puffed sleeves and sequined appliques. Each carried a bouquet of white roses accented with Royal blue roses, white lace and blue and white ribbon streamers.
Similarly dressed was the flower girl, Katie Andrews, cousin of the bridegroom. She carried a white heart-shaped basket decorated with blue satin ribbon and lace and containing red rose petals. Stoney Dorl, nephew of the bride, was ringbearer.
Brad Royster of Oklahoma City was best man and groomsmen were Brian and Jeremy Dye, brothers of the bridegroom. The groomsmen also served as ushers. Candlelighters were Ashley Watters and Susan James and the guest book was attended by Sandy Marckesoni.
The fellowship hall at the church was the setting for the reception. Assisting with the event were Betty Hinshaw, Sandy Marckesoni, Lindsey Wilson, Betty Tautfest, Ashley Watters, Betty Johnston, Nikki Andrews, Sandy Nigh. The wedding cakes were made by the bridegroom's grandmother, Ruth Dye.
Special guests included Inez Eaton of Corbin, Ky., grandmother of the bride; Ruth Dye, grandmother of the bridegroom, and Archie Neese, both of Ponca City. Also Joe Eaton of Corbin, Ky., Ben and Edith Frazier of Rockhold, Ky., Joe Emerick of Beebe, Ark., Ken and Julie Fuller of Albany, Ore., Wally Emerick of Freemont, Calif., Burl and Zella Landers and Kim Landers, all of Cape Fair, Mo.
Following a wedding trip to Cancun, Mexico the couple has established a home on Route 1, Ponca City. The bride is employed at Albertson's Distribution Center and will attend Oklahoma State University this fall, majoring in accounting. The bridegroom is an account executive at KPNC-FM and KOKB-AM Radio Broadcasting.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Elizabeth Hatch Fredricks, resident of Ponca City for more than 70 years, will be celebrating her 100th birthday Saturday, June 28, at a reception at Longwood Baptist Church. All friends and relatives are invited to the celebration from 2-4 p.m.
Elizabeth began her early life as a pioneer child in the Cherokee Strip and in her lifetime traveled in a covered wagon to Oklahoma, harvested wheat crops on the family farm with a team of horses; lived through five wars and several 'conflicts;' corresponded with Presidents and numerous government leaders, and has sent her poems out into space with astronauts.
Elizabeth was born June 25, 1897, in Protection, Kan. She was 3-years old in 1899, when she traveled in a covered wagon with her family to "settle-up" 160 acres in the Cherokee Outlet. Located 16-miles west of Alva, she and her parents and siblings lived in a 24 x 16- foot half-dugout for several years and experienced the hardships, sorrows and good-times of the pioneers. Her father, Dwight Hatch, died when she was seven.
At age nine, Elizabeth was left at home for several days to care for three younger siblings while her mother and older children were gone to pull broomcorn for much needed cash. At age 10 she hired out to help a neighbor family, which included doing the laundry on a washboard, chopping wood, caring for two small children, "doing" the dishes, feeding calves and some field chores.
While working there, the kindly neighbors taught Elizabeth to read. At age 15, she attended public school in Alva for the first time, working for her room and board. In 1915, she entered high school, then after one term, attended Northwestern Normal (now Northwestern Oklahoma State University). The following July Elizabeth earned a third-grade teacher's certificate and was hired to teach school at Coy, Okla., for $50 per month. She also attended Peabody College in Nashville, working on a graduate degree.
Elizabeth was married to Robert O. Fredricks on March 31, 1920, while still teaching school, near Alva. They later moved to Minneapolis, Kan., when their oldest son Robert Verni was six months old. In 1923, a second son, Marion Lee, was born, then the family moved to Ponca City in 1925. Ilet Henry was born in 1926. During the Depression years in the 1930's the family lived in Osage Heights, where they built their own home from flattened oil drums. Mr. Fredricks worked 37 years for Marland Oil company before his retirement in 1963.
When her boys entered school at McCord, she became active in the McCord PTA and also created an interdenominational Sunday School class in the two-room school house. She served as superintendent and taught a class in those humble beginnings, which later saw two churches organized from it, - Osage Heights Baptist Church and Glad Tidings Assembly of God. During World War II, all three sons enlisted and served their country. Ilet was also called back for the Korean War. In 1955, she and her husband moved to the Bois d' Arc Community and her husband died in 1974.
During the 1980s, Elizabeth became increasingly interested in national politics and was certified as a charter member of the 1980 Republican Presidential Task Force, founded by Ronald Reagan. Throughout her years of volunteer service to the various governmental agencies, she received hundreds of medals, flags, and other mementoes of recognition and appreciation.
Elizabeth has created humorous, spiritual and time-relevant poetry since her early days on the farm. Her works were published in the Conoco "Grapevine," and 87 compositions were published in 1950 in a book titled "Poems of Variety." Her lyric dedicated to John Glenn's voyage in space entitled "Go" was published in the "Travelers" magazine, and her Bicentennial poem, was placed with other memorabilia in a large time capsule to be opened in 2076. Her tribute, "The Castle on the Hill" is hung in the halls at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
About three years ago, Elizabeth moved to Ponca Nursing Home, but even there found a way to be busy and useful by teaching a Bible Class to residents.
In her long and interesting life, Elizabeth has remained a dedicated Christian with a positive outlook on life. Bright and cheerful, she has always found a way to be busy and helpful, say members of her family.
Sons Marion and Robert, both live in Ponca City and Ilet lives in Hong Kong. Marion and his wife, Dene, are hosting the birthday party for his mother. She has several grandchildren living in the area, including Marion Lee and his wife Mary, and Dennis and his wife Geneva, who will also help host the party. Elizabeth also has numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, living in the area.
Hosts have requested no gifts.
Happy 100th Birthday, Elizabeth!
The Webb City Church of God was the setting May 24, 1997 for the wedding of Charity L. Wilhelm and Cody W. Hawkins. The double ring vows were officiated in a 2 p.m. ceremony by the Rev. Charles Richey. Parents of the couple are Tommy and Trina Wilhelm of Shidler and Allen and Maxine Hawkins of Apperson.
Altar decorations included a brass archway with greenery and white tulle topped with a blue satin bow and heart-shaped brass candelabra adorned with greenery and blue bows. Musical selections were the traditional wedding march, played by Andrea McNown; "Your Love Amazes Me" sung by Terri Vogele; "I Do" by Paul Brandt and taped music "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain.
The bride wore a gown designed with a vee neckline, short ruffled sleeves and fitted waist accented with pearls, sequins and beading. The taffeta ruffled train cascaded from the waistline in back. Her fingertip veiling was adorned with daisy appliques, roses and beading and she carried a teardrop bouquet of burgundy, Navy blue and white silk roses, sweet peas, stephanotis and babies breath and ivy with ribbons.
The bride's upsweep coiffure was created by her aunt, Ranee´ Van Buren and the flowers for the wedding party were created by the bride, her mother, and the bride's aunt, Rhenea Smith. Joe Van Buren was the photographer.
Angie Felty was maid of honor and bridesmaids were Rachel Wood and Sheila Wilhelm. Mrs. Nikki Wilhelm was bridesmatron. Each wore a Navy blue street length dress with diamond-shaped cutout on the back bodice and carried an arm bouquet of flowers similar to the bride's. Ashley Wilhelm, niece of the bride, was flower girl. She wore a burgundy and Navy blue floral dress. The attendants' dresses were created by the bride's mother.
Justin Hawkins served as best man and groomsmen were Tommy Wilhelm, Joseph McClead and José Ramirez. Ushers and candlelighters were Billy Brown and Jace Gullic. Stephanie Wilhelm attended the guest book.
Following the wedding a reception was held in the home of the bridegroom's parents. The wedding cake was designed and created by the bride's aunt, Rhenea Smith of Winfield, Kan. Assisting with the reception were LuAnn Christian, Cathy Dowler and Terri Bradley.
Following a wedding trip to Arapahoe Basin, Colo. the couple has established a home in Ponca City. The bride is a secretary at Hughes Lumber and the bridegroom is a welder at HMT Tonkawa Tank.
Beverly and Gary Phillips were honored recently with a surprise dinner at the home of her parents, Joe and Lila Welch, 2815 Cann Drive. The occasion was the couple's 25th wedding anniversary. The family dinner was planned and hosted by their daughters, Kelly and Kimberly.
Beverly Welch and Gary Phillips were united in marriage June 10, 1972 at St. Mary's Catholic Church where both are active members. Mrs. Phillips is a Registered Nurse with Home Health, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and Phillips is employed with Smith International in Ponca City.
The couple's daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Steve Whiles, were unable to attend the dinner as they have recently relocated to Minot, N. D. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have a granddaughter, Alexis Whiles of Minot.
Phillips is the son of Mrs. Ella Phillips of Ponca City and the late Tom Phillips.
Dan and Shirley Dyck, 1604 North Fourth, are renewing their wedding vows in a 1:30 p.m. ceremony June 28. A silver wedding anniversary reception is planned for 2-4 p.m. that day at the Ponca City Cultural Center. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the event.
Hosting the reception will be the couple's daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Brian Cross of Sulphur, La. and Shawn and Johnny Nolan. Also hosting the event will be Chris Welch, a friend of the honorees. Mr. and Mrs. Dyck have a grandson, Matthew Coy Maudlin of Sulphur, La.
Mr. and Mrs. Dyck were married June 30, 1972 at Liberty Baptist Church. He has been employed with the Post Office for 23 years and served as president of the National Association of Letter Carriers for 21 years. He served with the U. S. Marine Corps 1962-66. His hobbies include collecting postal memorabilia.
Mrs. Dyck has worked for various restaurants in the area and owned "Shirley's Place". She takes care of her father, Ralph Garrison, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home, and is teaching a niece to crochet.
An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend a 50th wedding anniversary reception honoring Paul and Bettie Brown. The event is planned for 2 p.m. June 28 at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue.
The couple was united in marriage at the First Christian Church in Marland and have been engaged in farming. Hosting the reception will be their sons and families, Davy Brown and Jim Brown.
A 7 p.m. wedding July 26 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Oklahoma City is being planned by Regina Michele Rehl and Kevin Gerard O'Connor. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the event.
Announcement of the couple's engagement is being made by her parents, Larry and Beverly Rehl of Ponca City. The prospective bridegroom is the son of James and Patricia O'Connor of Bartlesville.
Miss Rehl is a 1990 graduate of Ponca City High School. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in Mathematics. While in college she was a member of the women's basketball team. The bride-elect is currently employed as a Financial Analyst at Midland Mortgage Company in Oklahoma City.
O'Connor is a 1988 graduate of Bartlesville High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1993. He is employed as a Chemical Engineer at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and is pursuing a masters degree in Business Administration at Oklahoma City University.
Friends of Elizabeth L. Riley and Brian D. Shepard are invited to attend the couple's wedding at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at the First Baptist Church, 220 East Central, Arkansas City, Kan.
Miss Riley is the daughter of Joleta and Bud Riley and the granddaughter of Naomi Waldorf, all of Arkansas City. Shepard is the son of Linda and Gary Shepard and Albert and Mamie Shepard, also from Arkansas City.
The bride-elect is a graduate of Cowley County Community College with an associates of arts degree and Friends University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education. She is employed by CCCC as an Adjunct Faculty at the Mulvan Outreach Center.
Shepard is a graduate of Ponca City High School and CCCC. He hold an associate's degree in Music and Engineering. He is employed at Dillons and is owner of Phantom Sound in Arkansas City.
SUNDAY
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TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
ARK CITY, Kan. - After a tough 11-8 loss to the Wichita Sun Devils Friday afternoon, the undermanned Ponca City Majors came back with an easy 15-3 four-inning rout of an outmatched Olathe, Kan. team Saturday morning in the Ark City American Legion baseball tournament.
Ponca City scored 11 second-inning runs against Olathe East, which seemed more concerned with talk coming from the Ponca City bench than its play in the field.
Those 11 runs followed a two-run first and gave the Royals a 13-2 lead after an inning and a half.
Royals' starter Rocky Hughes (5-3) came out after shutting down Olathe in the second and notched the win, allowing two unearned runs on one hit with four strikeouts and no walks.
Regular second baseman Doug Scott came on in relief and did well in his first mound appearance of the year. He gave up one run on no hits but did walk one and hit two batters.
Offensively, Scott was 2-for-2 with a triple and an RBI. Jason Ross, Michael Quick and J.R. Fry were all 2-for-3. Ross and Quick had two RBIs apiece and Fry had 1. Left fielder Marc Smith, who was 2-for-4, led the team with 3 RBIs.
The win improved the Poncans to 19-9 on the season.
Pool play in the tournament concludes for the Royals Sunday morning at 10 a.m. against Blackwell. Unless Blackwell defeats the Wichita Sun Devils Saturday evening, the Royals will probably play in the third place game in the tourney Sunday at 4 p.m., assuming Ponca City defeats Blackwell. The Royals are 4-0 against Blackwell this season - winning 17-1, 11-3, 7-1 and 8-2.
Should Ponca City win its pool, the championship game is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Royals are playing this tournament without two starters - shortstop Justin Thomas and first baseman Josh Shafer. Thomas is playing in the Junior Sunbelt baseball series and Shafer is playing for Oklahoma's Sun Belt team, which is currently taking on a group of Texas all-stars.
In the tourney opener against Wichita, the Royals led 5-3 after one but found themselves down 8-5 after three and a half innings. After Ponca City fought back to tie the game at eight with two runs in the fourth and another in the sixth, Wichita won the game with a three-run seventh.
Dean Hemenway started on the mound for the Royals and gave up eight runs (two earned) on six hits with four strikeouts, eight walks and a hit batsman. Matt Holland relieved with two outs in the sixth and took the loss to fall to 3-2. He allowed three runs (all earned) on three hits with one hit batsman.
Wichita was able to score early mainly because of Ponca City miscues. The Royals committed two errors in the three-run first and another two in Wichita's three-run fourth. In all, the Poncans committed six errors in the game.
Offensively for the Royals, Smith, Hughes and Jay Bentley were all 2-for-4.
Following the Ark City Tournament, the Royals get a much-deserved break for a few day before hosting Fort Smith and Blackwell for Triangular action Thursday. Fort Smith and Ponca City are then scheduled to play a doubleheader Friday beginning at 5 p.m.
Wichita SD 11, Ponca City 8
Wichita 311 300 3 - 11 9 6
Ponca City 500 201 0 - 8 8 6
PC-Hemenway, Holland (6) and Fry. WSD-Semple, Faust (6) and Harod. WP-Faust. LP-Holland (3-2).
Ponca City 15, Olathe East 3
Ponca City 2(11)1 1 - 15 11 6
Olathe 201 0 - 2 1 5
PC-Hughes, Scott (3) and Fry, Neff (3). OL-Downard and Flinn. WP-Hughes (5-3). LP-Downard..
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Traveling to the National High School Finals Rodeo is getting to be old hat for Ponca City's Stockton Graves.
Graves will make his second trip to the national finals in Pueblo, Colo., on July 14. Actually, Graves has qualified for the nationals three straight times. But he and his family thought the trip to Wyoming was a little far afield for the sophomore.
The three-sport star will be making the trip this year as the state champion steer wrestler. Graves won that title at the recent State High School Rodeo in Shawnee.
He was also fourth in the team roping and fifth in calf roping at the state rodeo. But he did not qualify in those events for the national rodeo.
Several other Ponca City cowboys and cowgirls also finished among the top 15 in the state rodeo. They included Megan Schneeberger, Chris Locke, Jason Schneeberger, Steve Minor and Steven Denise.
"It's great to be going back," Graves said of his return to the nationals. "Maybe I'll have better luck this time."
Graves had mixed luck in the state rodeo. He had qualified in both steer wrestling and calf roping last year.
"I missed my last calf this time," he said. "I was in the running until then."
Part of the reason for Graves' success in the rodeo arena is his horse, Batman.
Batman was named Horse of the Year by the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association for the second straight year. He was also the 1996 Reserve National Horse of the Year.
It promises to be a hectic summer for Graves. In addition to the high school state and national rodeos, Graves is also working on weekdays and making area rodeos on the weekend whenever possible.
"I find an open place here and there to go to rodeos," he said.
But staying busy is a way of life for Graves, who was the leading tackler on the football team this year as well as placing third in the state wrestling tournament.
Graves is looking to take his considerable talents to college this fall, but hasn't decided on which one just yet.
"I'm leaning toward going out to Alva (Northwestern State)," Graves said. "Several of the guys I've met on the rodeo circuit are going."
There is also a chance one of his football teammates will play with the Rangers.
Wherever he goes Graves will be an asset.
STATE CHAMPIONS Stockton Graves and his horse, "Batman," head for the National High School Finals Rodeo in Pueblo, Colo., next month. It will be the seceond straight year the Ponca City duo will be vying for national honors.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
A brave group of tennis players braved the sweltering heat of the Wally Smith Tennis Center during the adult division play of the Ponca City Open Saturday.
The temperature hovered in the mid-90's, but the high humidity had the heat index soaring well over 100. The water flowed heavily as the netter struggled against the heat and some strong opposition.
A handful of championships were decided by mid-afternoon with another handful of finals on the court late Saturday.
At least four championships were due to be decided today, starting at 9 a.m.
Ponca City's Dean Fake won the Men's Open Singles crown, defeating another Ponca Citian, Jon Hoover, 6-4, 6-0. Hoover had advanced with a win over Steve Byrd of Bartlesville while Fake topped Win Bower of Edmond in the semifinals.
The much-touted Men's 50 Singles saw one major upset as Jim Elliott of Wakita tripped up No. 2 ranked Roger Dabner of Oklahoma City. 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals.
However, top rated Richard Perry of Enid prevailed in the other semifinal, 7-5, 6-3, over George Hubbard of Cleveland.
Elliott and Perry were to meet in the first finals of the day this morning at 9:30.
Ben Nguyen of Edmond won the Men's 4.5 Singles trophy when Bob Schoen of McAlester had to default after being down 4-6, 1-3.
Ed Warren of Oklahoma City won the Men's 30 Singles crown by blasting Wayne McMillian of Enid, 6-0, 6-0.
Jimmy Holloway of McAlester took the Men's 3.5 Singles title with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Shain Vivian of Pryor.
In the women's division, Ponca City's Lee Ann Cavener topped Margaret Knight of Oklahoma City, 6-0, 6-0.
Several trophies were to be taken home late Saturday.
Rick Hockmeyer of Enid was battling Doug Rodwell of Oklahoma City for the Men's 4.0 Singles plaque.
Perry and Dabney were playing Hubbard and Parry Marshall of Tulsa for the Men's 40 Doubles crown.
Brothers Tony and Bob Mason of Bartlesville were to decided the Men's 40 Singles titleholder.
In addition to the Men's 50's finals, titles were also to be bestowed today in the Mixed Doubles and the Family Doubles.
Golf Calender
Blackwell
June 28 - Day-Night (four-person team) Scramble. Tee time 6:30 p.m. Entry fee $20.
Winfield
June 25 - Quail Ridge Golf Club 18-hole qualifier for State Independent Insurance Agent Junior Golf Classic. Tee-time 8 a.m. Entry fee $30.
WLGA
The Wentz Ladies Golf Association Ladies Day play will be Tuesday with President's and B flights and unflighted teeing off at 8 a.m. Championship, A and C flights will follow.
Last week's winners were Bobbi Isenberg in Championship flight, Frosty Erkenbeck in President's Flight, Sue Lawson in A flight and Betty Walsh in B flight.
PCCC-WGA
The Ponca City Country Club Women's Golf Association will hold Low Net on Par 4's and In-Flight Low Putts for Ladies Day play Tuesday.
The hostesses are Kathy Paczkowski and Diana Mills.
The Thursday Ladies will hold a Guest Day on July 10 starting at 5:15 p.m. Members can call the Golf Shop to sign-up. In last week's Thursday's play, Sonya Rogers took first place and Louse Abercrombie had the Low Putts.
Wentz
Dream Drive Scramble
1 - (118) Ollie Blackstar, Junior Dixon, Carl Reutter, Dale Thompson
2 - (118) Mike Hunsaker, Dan Sample, Ollie White, Roger Woods
3 - (121) Ritchie Romine, Doug Revard, Jay Casey, Ron Dick
3 - (121) Bryant Hearon, Tom Lane, Dennis McCeary
3 - (121) Tom Delaney, John Simon, Steve Vidricksen, Monte Evens
PCCC
Tee Cup Invitational
Troon Flight
1 - (60) Leonard Epperson-Mel Knight
Winged Foot Flight
1 - (60) Larry-Pat Murphy
Congressional Flight
1 - (63) John Brown-Tom Blankenship
Augusta Flight
1 - (59) Ron Locke-Bill Brown