From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, June
24, 1997
LOCAL
Nearly News
Board Awaits State Aid Figures Prior to Cutting More Programs
Commission Sends Developers To Planning Panel for Further Study
Water, Solid Waste, Wastewater Rates To Increase Effective July 1
Approval Of Budget In 3-1 Vote
Blood Donor Recruitment Recognition To Businesses
County OKs 18-Inch Line Under Roads
King Eagle Trailblazer Award to P.C. Woman
County's VIP Meets At Red Cross Tonight
State Airport Regional Planning Meeting Set
DEATHS
Richard David Delaney Jr.
Jacqueline M. Cullum
ElDeena Jean Beard
Obituaries
Helen V. Pass
Services Pending
Wesley L. Robertson
James W. Leigh
Harry Walter Gifford
Funerals
Teresa L. Deal
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
City To Get $100,000 To Help USA Bottling
Economic Incentive Packages Vary Throughout Oklahoma
PTC Offers Interactive Services
City Sales Tax Collections Up For Ponca City
Notes and Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Professional Secretaries Meet Thursday
VFW, Auxiliary Convention Set
Busy Bee Club Members Meet
The Standing Bear Memorial Park Native American Art Festival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Standing Bear Park has been canceled, according to Chris Littlecook, coordinator. According to volunteers the Festival the event will be scheduled and announced again for a later date.
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A member of the Ponca Omaha nation, 10-year-old Aria Lieb of Ponca City, was pictured recently in the Decatur, Ill. Herald and Review newspaper. Lieb was dancing in the Kaskaskia River Pow Wow. The Garfield Arts Academy student is the son of Stephen and Robin Lieb and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lieb, all of Ponca City.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Allen Goodwin, Tulsa, was unanimously hired as the new high school band director for the 1997-98 school year at Monday night's special board meeting held at the Administration Building.
Goodwin has been a graduate assistant for the band program at the University of Tulsa for several years. His contract will take effect on July 1, 1997.
Additional efforts were also made Monday to cut the budget of the Ponca City schools.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City, gave another budget report to find ways the Ponca City Board of Education can cut more costs.
Last month the board voted to cut 12 1/3 teaching positions to reduce the budget by $450,000. The board must now cut approximately $800,000 to balance the budget.
During executive session, however, the board decided not to make any more decisions about reducing programs and positions until the formula for state aid is received. The formula will be changing for the 1997-98 school year and the state still has not decided what the exact formula will be. This means that the board cannot make any further decisions about reducing the budget until it knows for sure how much money it will lose.
The budget will be discussed more in detail at the next board meeting on July 14.
Drivers Education
One program that has 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 still being talked about for the students already enrolled in drivers education. White told concerned citizens that he is trying to organize some teachers to teach drivers education before and after school during the week and possibly on Saturdays.
Iris Peterson and Dorothy Leonard addressed the board concerning the drivers education program. These two felt that the board should implement the program back into the school system. They both felt that it would be in the best interest of the students. Another plus according to Leonard was that insurance rates for parents would go down. She said she knows some companies where they give a 5 percent reduction if the child has taken drivers education.
The board made no further actions regarding this program.
Other Business
Evans & Associates, Ponca City, were awarded the bid to lay asphalt behind the new Lincoln Elementary.
The bid was in the amount of $9,776.
Dr. Joe Surber told the board that the area will be two inches thick and would be a great playground area for the children.
The board also rejected all bids on the remodel of the Howell Building and construction of the Commons Area at the high school.
The board set a budget of $2,046,000. The lowest bid was $2,425,000 from Rick Scott, Ponca City, and the highest bid was for $3,192,000 from Daco in Catoosa.
Troy Lewis, Lewis Associate Architects, made a recommendation to the board that they extend the time frame for the bids and let the property committee discuss what it wants to do next.
Other Business
A new agreement with ONENET will take place during the school year implementing Internet access at the high school. This access will cost the district $4,800.
Full replacement costs will be maintained at all schools in Ponca City. This agreement has been made with Wetzel Insurance Agency for the Educators' Legal Liability Insurance and District Property Insurance. The board decided to go to full coverage in case a disaster occurred.
There will be a $25,000 deductible and the replacement goes from $49 million last year to $71 million this year in coverage.
The next board meeting will be July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Board of Commissioners have sent a request for support of a proposed apartment development to the Planning Commission for review.
This is the second time the request has come before the board. Mayor Marilyn Andrews left the meeting during the discussion, due to conflict of interest, and Commissioner Lyn Boyer was absent.
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 on property east of North Fourteenth Street on Princeton Avenue, owned by Jack Bowker and Jim Buttram.
Attorney Tom Morris spoke on behalf of the property owners, telling the board that $2 million would be spent for development and construction. The 58 unit complex for residents 55 years of age or older would be a single story complex.
Bobby Gibson, co-owner of the Paladin Apartments, spoke to the commission about his concerns. He informed members that 90 apartment units were currently available in Ponca City, 29 of these vacancies were at the Broadway Plaza.
"If they have a desire to build, I don't think they need to solicit the commission for its support," Gibson said.
The investors have applied through the Oklahoma Fair Housing Authority for tax credits on the project. The request was brought back before the commission, because the investors did not receive enough credits to qualify for the incentives. Morris confirmed the support of the commission would make a difference and the investors would not pursue the project without the tax credits.
Commission Dick Stone felt the community needed to know whether there was a need for low income housing for the elderly. Furthermore, there was not sufficient information to either support or negate the request.
Bond Sale
Commissioners agreed to move forward with $1.75 million in Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 1997C, which will provide funding for the landfill expansion as well as a sub-station and SCADA system for the Electric Department.
According to bond counsel Allan Brooks, with Fagin, Brown, Bush, Tinney and Kiser, they went out for public bid and received three back. He expects the issue to be closed Friday. The low bidder was Capital West Securities, Inc. Related to the bond issue, City Attorney Kevin Murphy will be making legal opinions about the enforceability and non-litigation in behalf of the commission.
One condition to financing required approving an amendment to the provision of the Thorn Apple Valley agreement. 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 be exceeded in the initial period. City officials thought this could affect the tax status of the new issue.
Phase II of Hartford Project
After postponing work on Hartford Avenue for a year, the board agreed to sign a notice to proceed with Cowboy Concrete and Construction, Inc. Robert W. Holcomb, owner of Cowboy Concrete, notified the city that he would hold prices quoted until July 30 ,1998.
The board approved the original contract and sequence of construction on Phase II of the Hartford Avenue paving project, in the amount of $574,315.65. The project includes blocking Hartford Avenue off to traffic, from Gibson Place to one-half block east of Joe Street. The notice to proceed will be set for no later than May 30, 1998, according to Public Works Director Ken Parr.
Furthermore, the board authorized a routine agreement between the city and states so the city could proceed acquiring right-of-way for the Union Street project.
Marland Mansion
Four items on the agenda related to the Marland Mansion were tabled by commissioners to allow representatives from Monumental Enterprises to meet and reach agreement with Marland Estate Director Kathy Adams. Discussions will be held regarding renting the formal dining room, revised usage policies and guidelines and a rental fee for additional time.
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 received support from the board. 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, items related to a construction contract with Rick Scott Construction, Inc., in the amount of $80,500, for leak repairs to the Mansion, were tabled by the commission for 30 days.
Street Closings
After a public hearing, commissioners agreed to close 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. Conoco will proceed with plans to create walking trails and a greenbelt area.
Consent Agenda
- The Ponca City Tourism Authority approved 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. This item was pulled from the consent agenda and approved.
- A Community Development Block Grant, in the amount of $100,000, was approved for infrastructure improvements for USA Bottling Company. 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.
- Approved an agreement contracting financial advisory services with Leo Oppenheim and Co., Inc.
- Authorized amendments to various operating budgets for 1996-97.
- Authorized certain city employees as purchasing officers for city and municipal trust appropriations.
Before adjourning to the Ponca City Utility Authority, the board approved 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. This represents less than two percent of the total billed. The bad debt will be forwarded to the Collection Service Bureau of Stillwater.
Utility Billing Manager Sherri Tapp reported that $294,238 in bad debt was written off in 1993-94. Each year thereafter, the amount of bad debt has decreased to a total of $173,141, written off in 1996-97.
The following items were approved on the consent agenda:
- Submission of the monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resource Board as part of loan requirements.
- Approved paying $6,826, to Envirotech Services, Inc., for the installation of water and gas monitoring wells at the Ponca City Landfill.
- Approved payment of $7,449.03 for east side sewer system evaluation, sludge equipment procurement and preliminary design of the Union Street waterline.
Development Authority
Commissioners approved an agreement to purchase 50 percent of stock of Ponca City Transportation, which owns a hangar, building No. 3, at the Ponca City Airport. Furthermore, the Airport Department received approval of a lease agreement between the city and United Supermarkets of Oklahoma, Inc. for Unit No. 3 of building No. 3 at the airport. PCDA also renewed leases of the Darr School Building No. 5 to Dean Garroutte dba Garroutte Products and Enrique's Cafe for use of the Airport Restaurant and Restaurant Office. Also, the board approved renewal of the lease of Lone Star Airlines for use of the airport facilities in operating its air business.
Effective July 1, residents will be paying more in solid waste, wastewater and water rates. The Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved the increases Monday night.
Based on recommendations from Public Works and Solid Waste Departments, charges for single-family residences, including house trailers or mobile homes, are $10.95 per month. If the head of the household is 65 years of age or older, the charge is $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 will pay $9.50 per vehicle minimum. For compacted/uncompacted refuse, the new charge is $21.75 per ton.
Wastewater System
Due to requirements related to what is discharged into the Arkansas River, the city determined wastewater rates had to be adjusted to accommodate the additional costs associated with upgrading 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.
Parr said the city was 25 percent into the treatment project and expected rates to increase an additional 25 percent next year, associated with improvements. The project is covered by two construction loans that the city has just been paying interest on. One note is coming due during the new fiscal year and will require reduction to the principle amount, too.
New fees for the wastewater disposal system are as follows:
- $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.
These rates reflect a 29.2 percent increase. The maximum amount charged for new and transfer service is $24. Commercial users are charged based on their monthly water consumption. Also, all nonresident users of the sanitary sewerage system will be charged 1-1/2 times the scheduled rates.
Permit levels for the Industrial Pretreatment Program will not be changed.
Parr said the wastewater collection system needs to generate income to maintain the existing system as well as cover necessary improvements.
"We are at the mercy of the EPA, who sets the standards," Martin said.
Water System
As a result of federal requirements contained in the Safe Drinking Water Act, rates were increased an overall 8.1 percent to cover the debt service to fund improvements and increased costs of operating the new plant.
City residential customers will be charged an average of thirty cents more per month, a 4.3 percent increase. Rural customers will notice a 9.5 percent increase, or about $0.95 per month.
Monthly rate increases for city commercial and rural customers equals an eight percent increase.
Water usage from December, January and February is used as a base for customer rates, according to Parr. Staff looks at the total usage of sewage used to calculate the charge for the next year.
"We assume during these months, residents are not watering the lawn and that what they're using goes down the sewer," the Public Works director said. "However, Utility Billing Manager Sherri Tapp, tries to analyze each account and contacts customers if she notices unusual situations.
Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved the 1997-98 fiscal year budget Monday night in a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Chris Hand opposed the motion and Commissioner Lyn Boyer was absent.
Hand did not agree with matching the budgeted expenditures with budgeted revenues over the next three years.
However, according to City Manager Gary Martin, the budget reflects no reduction in city services. The general fund revenue budget represents a 2.82 percent decrease from the prior year. The city will decrease its transfer of revenues from the electric utility, to place the electric authority in a more competitive position 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 was accepted with an increase of 3.34 percent, compared to 1997. The following are offset in part by decreases in other charges and services:
- A three percent cost of living increase for employees and provisions for labor contracts for police and fire.
- 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 of facilities and structures.
By KATHY ZEHR
New Staff Writer
The American Red Cross recently celebrated a successful year of blood donor recruitment in the Ponca City area by recognizing several area businesses and volunteers at a "Businesses for Life," recognition breakfast.
Jim Blake, Mertz coordinator, acted as host for the 7:30 a.m. meeting, in the Mertz conference room, where tables were decorated with red and white Red Cross mugs filled with candy kisses; red and white balloons and streamers and colorful Red Cross place mats and posters. Workers and guests were served coffee, juice, rolls, muffins and cinnamon rolls and fruit.
Several special guests were recognized including Ann Ryan, Ponca City Red Cross Chapter Manager, and representatives of the Western Kay County and Noble County Red Cross offices. Sharon Anderson, regional director was also introduced.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of special awards and accolades to several area businesses for their participation in the "Donor Express," program.
Patsy Bray, Red Cross Recruitment Manager for the Ponca City area office, said, "Each one of the businesses and individuals here today deserves more than a 'thank you' and an award. Without your efforts and the donation of blood, the lives of many people in this area would not have been saved." Each business or organization recognized hosted one or more "Donor Express" blood drives on their premises during 1996.
Bray first presented "Business for Life" certificates to the 20 donor express sponsors in the area including Mertz Inc., Smith Tool, Thorn Apple Valley, U.S. Post Office, Ponca Plaza, Ponca Tribe, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, Boatmen's Bank, Commercial Federal Bank, Ponca City Fire Department, Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center, and Evans and Associates Construction Co.
Also The First National Bank and Trust, the Kaw Nation, K-Mart, Lowe's, Ponca City Board of Realtors, Kay Electric Cooperative in Blackwell and Smrcka's Dairy Snack in Medford.
Bray also expressed special thanks to WBBZ Radio Station for media coverage, KPNC Radio Station for hosting a blood drive and media coverage, and the Ponca City News for assisting in the blood watch reports.
Special recognition was awarded to Jim Blake, Donor Express Blood Drive coordinator for Mertz, Inc., who organized five blood drives, resulting in 86 units of blood donated by employees of that company in 1996.
The Kaw Nation at Kaw City, was also recognized for conducting four blood drives with 63 units collected in 1996. Traci Wedd was the coordinator for the successful effort. The Kaw Nation was also recognized as one of the groups recruiting the most first-time blood donors in 1996.
Third place went to Smith Tool, who conducted four Donor Express blood drives to collect 58 units in 1996. Mary Stanley was coordinator for that effort.
Also recognized, along with the Kaw Nation, for recruiting 14 first-time donors for 1996, were employees at Ponca Plaza with Maxine Anderson as coordinator and Lowe's with Tonie Kennedy as coordinator.
A special "Hustle Award" was presented to Esther Ramsey, Oklahoma Natural Gas employee who organized a group of smaller businesses to collect blood in a joint effort. In addition to recruiting ONG employees, Ramsey also recruited from ADPC, Cookshack, Head Country, Sun Manufacturing, and Mitchco. Ramsey also secured an area at ONG to accommodate the Donor Express collection team to receive donations from the participating employees of the six companies.
Special awards and plaques were presented by Bray to Head Country Barbecue for supplying refreshments at the Red Cross Blood Center; Charlie Ryan and Bill Bray for special volunteer help; and the Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for supplying volunteer members to assist at the Donor Express blood collection visits.
Dr. Mei-Chien H. Fucci, medical director for two regions of the American Red Cross Blood, spoke at length to the guests about changes in testing and government mandated regulations in the blood collection process.
She told the group that one whole-blood donation has the potential to help several people, because the Red Cross separates 99 percent of its blood into various components. This allows physicians to prescribe only the part of the blood that the patient needs.
Red cells are given to increase the transportation of oxygen in the patient's blood; platelets, a clotting factor, are used to stop bleeding; and plasma contains the protein portion of the blood used to treat shock and burn victims.
"Just one donation of blood can mean the difference between life and death for several different hospital patients," she said.
The doctor also talked about the wisdom of autologous blood donations (self blood donations for patient's own use, donated in advance of scheduled surgery). "It is the safest blood a person can receive, because it is your own," said Fucci.
She talked about some technical breakthroughs in blood studies and the safer processing of donated blood. Other subjects she covered included apheresis donations; a new CM Virus which inactivates viral productions; new hormonal substances that increase red cell production; and the problems connected to terminology required by the federal government for blood donor deferments.
She commended the people of the Central Plains and the Southwest Regions for their immediate and generous response in times of emergency, but said donations for the day-to-day ongoing needs are dropping to a dangerous level.
"I appeal to all of you who have done such an outstanding job recruiting for the Donor Express programs in the Ponca City area to encourage each donor to talk to friends about donating blood," she concluded.
Dr. Fucci graduated from Duke University and served a residency in Rochester, N.Y. In addition to several other prestigious positions she served as Medical Director of the Transfusion Service at a Hartford, Conn., hospital and at Mt. Sinai Hospital prior to accepting the position as Medical Director of the American Red Cross Blood Services Regions of Central Plains, based in Wichita and the Southwest Region, based in Tulsa.
NEWKIRK - The Kay County Commissioners approved a request Monday to permit the Phillips Pipeline Co. to install an 18-inch line under 24 road crossings from the Noble County line to the Kansas border.
Representing the company at the board's regular weekly meeting, Garry Bilger said the north-south pipeline will extend to the north side of Wichita and run 147 miles south in two segments - one from Cushing and the other west of Newkirk.
Most of the right-of-way acquisition is completed already and construction should start in late July or early August, he said. The pipeline will be a half-mile off from the Conoco line approximately 4-1/2 miles west of U.S. 77 in the central part of the county.
District One commissioner Dee Schieber said the company should try to bore under the road crossings and to avoid trenching unless the crews can assure 95-percent compaction when the job is done.
District Two commissioner Wayne Leven said if the dirtwork is not completed correctly, the trenches can eventually cause serious damage to vehicles.
Schieber's district, with 12 of the 24 crossings, will be affected the most by the pipeline work, followed by Leven's district, with 10 crossings. The work will affect only two crossings in commissioner Rex Purdy's District Three.
Marianna Stickel of Ponca City has received a Certificate of Achievement for her nomination for a King Eagle Trailblazer Award. The award was presented for "outstanding songwriting contribution to the music industry." The title of the winning composition submitted by Marianna and Jeff Stickel was "Mini Skirts & Pantyhose." Mrs. Stickel will also receive a Scout Eagle Award.
Ceremonies are planned for Sept. 26-27 in Nashville, Tenn. Mrs. Stickel said her composition "Wind in the Night" is currently on the market under Hilltop Recording. The American Legion Post in Nashville is sponsoring a dinner for award-winners during September. The top 100 composers will also be recognized according to Mrs. Stickel.
Ticket cost for the Nashville ceremonies is $100 and those wanting to attend must make reservations by Aug. 30. Information about the event may be obtained by calling Jennifer, 615-329-2618 or writing to 50 Music Square West, Suite 305, Nashville, Tenn. 37203.
The organizational meeting for Kay County's Victim Impact Panel to combat drunk driving will be held at 7 p.m. today at the American Red Cross office, located on the southeast corner of the Lake Road and Fourteenth Street intersection.
The meeting will help the county group join its efforts with the Victims' Impact Panel of Oklahoma Inc., a nonprofit court-referred program in which panels of victims share their stories with convicted DUI offenders.
In six years, the statewide organization has already reached more than 20,000 offenders. The county group is coordinated by Tammy Childers of the Kay County Community Service Sentencing Program.
BLACKWELL - The Oklahoma Airport System regional planning meeting for Blackwell, Enid, Medford, Newkirk, Ponca City and Pond Creek will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Kay Electric Coop, 300 West Doolin, here.
The public meeting will be conducted by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, a division of the state transportation department.
During the approximately two-hour meeting, the group will concentrate on the need for airport improvements related to safety, access, activity levels, local economic enhancement and community development.
It also will address the procedures to fund state and federal financial
assistance programs.
DEATHS
MEDFORD - Richard David "Ricky" Delaney Jr., Medford resident, died Sunday night, June 22, 1997, as the result of an automobile accident near Jefferson.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Hills-Ely Funeral Chapel in Medford with the Rev. Richard Kerr officiating. Burial will follow in the Eddy New Home Cemetery near Lamont.
Richard David "Ricky" Delaney Jr. was born Sept. 30, 1974, in Blackwell to Richard David and Eva Marie (Penka) Delaney. He attended Blackwell schools through fifth grade, then attended Medford schools, graduating there in 1992. He participated in football and track in high school.
Delaney was on the Dean's honor roll at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, where he attended from 1993-96. During the summer months he had been employed at Johnston's Grain Co., and worked as a machinist for Little B's Machine Shop, near Medford. He played keyboard, wrote his own songs and enjoyed lifting weights and working out. He had attended the Medford Nazarene Church for several years.
Survivors include one daughter, Melinda Renee Delaney of Medford; his fiancee, Nikki Hinklin of Medford; his mother and step-father, Eve and Benjamin Inscore of Medford; his father and step-mother, Richard and Vickie Delaney Sr. of Ponca City; one brother Clancy, of Medford; one sister, Lisa Holder of Mineral Wells, Texas; a half-sister, Chelsey Delaney of Ponca City; his grandparents, Mary Penka of Lamont and Benjamin and Trannie Delaney of Ponca City; three uncles, one aunt, one niece and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Hubert Penka Sr.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Delaney's name to the Melinda Renee Delaney Trust Fund, c/o Hills-Ely Funeral Home, P.O. Box 280, Medford, OK 73759.
Jacqueline M. Cullum, 2704 East Hartford, died Monday, June 23, 1997, at her home. She was 67.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 1997, at Northeast Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Larry Nigh, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Longwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Thursday.
Born Dec. 7, 1929, in Grainola, she was the daughter of Ray Elmer and Mabel (Nelson) Stephens. She graduated from Ponca City High School.
She was married to Gerald D. "Jerry" Cullum on April 4, 1948, in Ponca City. Mrs. Cullum worked at Tyke to Teen Children's Clothing Store, then became a homemaker. She belonged to the Ponca City Trail Blazers and had worked with Boy Scouts. Mrs. Cullum was a member of Northeast Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing and gardening.
She is survived by her son, Gregory Scott Cullum of Ponca City; one brother, Don G. Stephens of Newkirk; and two sisters, Evelyn Hoddy of Ponca City, and Joanna Noyes of Gasden, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband on March 18, 1989.
Casket bearers will be Roger Bales, Don Stephens, Kevin Stephens, Brett Stephens, Greg Stephens and Dennis Hoddy.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Cullum's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 Northeast 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
BLACKWELL - ElDeena Jean Beard, lifelong Blackwell resident, died Sunday morning, June 22, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 28.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Bill Kalfas, Blackwell First Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.
ElDeena Jean (Leon) Beard was born Dec. 2, 1968, in Blackwell, to Louie and Daisy (Hurst) Leon. She grew up and attended schools in Blackwell, graduating there in 1987. She was employed by the Safeway Grocery Store and later in the shipping department at Southwest Cupid.
On April 21, 1990, she was married to Mark Eugene Beard in Blackwell, where they established their home. Mrs. Beard was employed in the jewelry department at Wal-Mart until ill-health forced her retirement.
Survivors include her husband, Mark Eugene Beard of the home; two daughters, Terra Slavens and Tisha Beard; three sons, Dustin, Austin and Mark Jr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louie Leon; and grandfather, Billy Lee Herren; all of Blackwell. Also two brothers, Louie Leon Jr. of Ponca City and Chad Manuel Leon of Blackwell; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Luther Hurst and A.C. and Marie Leon.
Casket bearers will be Don Foudray, Merle Newland, Chris Glass, Kim Meadows, John Randolph and Tony Barrows.
Helen V. "Honey" Pass, 117 South Flormable, died Sunday, June 22, 1997, at her home. She was 75.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 25, 1997, 2 p.m. at the Chapel of the Trout Funeral Home with Mr. Joseph McNeal, First United Methodist Church, Tulsa, officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kan.
Born Feb. 26, 1922, at Newkirk, she was the daughter of Guy Edward and Nellie Blanche Charles Wieland. She attended Blackwell schools, graduating from Blackwell High School in 1941. She then attended cosmetology school in Blackwell.
During World War II, Honey (nickname given her by her first grandchild) was employed by Boeing as one of the original "Rosie the Riveters" in Wichita in the production of the B-29.
On December 16, 1945 she was married to Earl Walter Pass at Blackwell where they made their first home. In 1947 the couple moved to Ponca City where she began working for Hogan Cleaners. She later worked for Pruitt Music before going to work for Owens-Illinois, retiring in 1982.
She was a member of Community Christian Church. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, and genealogical research. She was especially fond of her years as secretary of the NOC Roustabouts Alumni.
Surviving are her husband, Earl, of the home; two sons, Waddy Alan Pass, Catoosa, and Kory Wayne Pass, Kingsland, Ga.; grandchildren, Darci Sensintaffar, Dustin Pass, Laci Pass, and Colin Pass; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Hayden Harper; and a brother, Edward Patrick Wieland, Ponca City. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Richard Franklin Wieland; and a sister, Betty Jean Round.
Casket bearers will be Rudney Round, Cody Round, Tab Round, Chris Wieland, Rustin Round, and Casey Round. Honorary casket bearers will be Jim Bennet, Bud Renbarger, Bill Pruitt, Bill Heilman, and Kenneth Deffner.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home, 117 South Flormable.
paid obituary
FAIRFAX - Wesley Leroy Robertson, former Fairfax area resident, died Friday, June 20, 1997, at the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in North Hollywood, Calif. He was 62. Arrangements are pending with Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
James W. "Jim" Leigh, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, June 22, 1997, in Billings, Mont. He was 51. Arrangement are pending. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Leigh's name to St. Michael and All Angels, 123 West Sale, Lake Charles, LA, 70605.
Harry Walter Gifford, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, June 23, 1997, at his home. He was 73. Survivors include his wife, Shorty, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
Wednesday
Teresa L. Deal - Funeral to be held at 10 a.m. at the Trout Funeral
Home . Burial will be in Highland Cemetery at Winfield, Kan. Friends may
visit at the funeral home until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
NEWS BRIEFS
Returns From Deployment - Marine Lance Cpl. Adam G. Clifton, son of Coy and Mona G. Clifton of Ponca City, has completed a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea with Marine Fight Attack Squadron 314, embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. A part of the embarked air wing, Clifton's squadron was a major contributor to the success of its mission. They flew missions in support of the U.N. mandated no-fly zone over Bosnia, participated in the largest exercise of the deployment and also supported the U.N. resolution which calls for importing and exporting sanctions against Iraq. During the deployment, Clifton visited France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Spain, Turkey and United Arab emirates, and traveled through the Suez Canal twice. He is a 1993 graduate of Ponca City High School.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report at 7:37 a.m. Monday of construction equipment vandalized at Bradley Avenue and North Fifth Street.
Under Suspension - A 30-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from a traffic stop at West Hazel Avenue and North Union Street at 9:46 a.m. Monday on charges of driving under suspension.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of burglary to a truck at East Cleveland Avenue and North Fourth Street at 10:19 a.m. Monday.
Prisoner Picked Up - Two Ponca City police officers went to Newkirk at 3:04 p.m. Monday to pick up a 21-year-old man, at the Kay County Sheriff's Office, arrested on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Theft - A resident in the 500 block of North Lake Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 4:38 p.m. Monday that someone stole speakers from a truck.
Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a report of burglary to a residence in the 1400 block of South Ninth Street at 5:50 p.m. Monday.
Stolen - A resident in the 800 block of North Palm Street requested a Ponca City police officer at 6:43 p.m. Monday to take a report of items stolen from a vehicle.
Robbery - An employee at the Fireworks Stand, Fourteenth Street and East South Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:55 p.m. Monday to report a robbery. The subject reported that five men grabbed the money box and ran. All units and surrounding agencies were advised.
Power Out - Residents in the area of Holbrook Street lost power
after a large tree reportedly split and fell on electrical lines in the
1700 block of Holbrook Street at 4:33 a.m. this morning. The Electric Department
was advised.
BUSINESS
OKLAHOMA CITY - Ponca City will soon be receiving $100,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to be used for infrastructure improvements to support the start-up of USA Bottling Company, according to State Sen. Paul Muegge, Rep. Jim Newport, and Dr. Leo Presley of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The two area lawmakers announced the grant, saying the additional money will create 10 additional labor positions over the next 24 months. Seven of those positions will be made available to persons defined as low to moderate income individuals.
Ponca City had applied for a Community Development Block Grant through the Commerce Department.
"Ponca City is always looking for ways to improve itself, and this grant will help with those efforts," said Muegge. "If we continue to modernize our city services, Ponca City will be more attractive, not only to the present residents, but new industries as well."
"This project will be of great benefit to the citizens of Ponca City," said Newport. "The grant will provide much needed jobs, as well as help the company become a leader in the beverage industry with this region and potentially nation wide."
The Ponca City road project also received funds from the city and USA Bottling Company.
"It's always gratifying when the state recognizes a worthy project like this one," Muegge said. "The team effort involving city officials and area legislators paid off."
"We will be doing everything we can in the coming weeks to make sure Ponca City receives the grant money in a timely manner," said Newport.
Editor's Note: How does Ponca City's economic development program stack up against other cities of comparable size? The News has contacted some of those cities and here are the results.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Muskogee
Muskogee passed a one cent sales tax for 10 months and raised $3.4 million to be used for incentives. At the time of the election Muskogee had a "fish on the line" so to speak.
That prospect was Waterloo Industries, which is a satellite industry of a Fortune 50 company American Brands. The firm was proposing to manufacture Craftsman tool boxes. On Valentine's Day 1995 the citizens of Muskogee voted by an 80 percent margin to pass the sales tax.
Three million was to go to Waterloo, creating 500 jobs, according to Tony Kaai, executive director for the Muskogee Development Co-operative. This organization is separate from the chamber and city, but is a public-private partnership.
In addition to the $3 million, when employment reaches 500, another incentive was 42 acres in the industrial park. According to Kaai, this property would now be worth between $1,500 or $2,500 an acre.
The Muskogee industrial park already had water and sewer facilities. In addition to the nearly $6,000 a job expended by the Muskogee Development organization, Waterloo draws funds from Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Program.
A "claw back," Kaai says, is that Waterloo must maintain 500 jobs for at least seven years. The entry level jobs paid $7.75 per hour with full benefits and elevate to $10 range when they are established as "good" employees.
The additional funds raised above the $3 million were used on more improvements on the industrial park and also for some incentives for acquiring a box plant, which is a satellite industry for Waterloo. Another industry locating in the park was a paper company.
Duncan
Wes Devero, executive of both the Duncan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEF), says that the 1994 10-month half cent sales tax passed by Duncan has been used to focus on established industry expansions.
He explained that the operations and programs are funded out of the sales tax as well as the incentives. There was no "big fish" waiting for the 80 percent citizen approved sales tax incentive.
Since that time 2,172 jobs have been announced and 900 of them have been filled. Just recently - two years early, Duncan voters re-upped to extend the half penny for another five years. So presently there is seven years of funding out of the half a cent sales tax.
Devero said Duncan did not have any guidelines for incentive dollars per job. He noted the maximum spent per job is $1,500 and the majority are $750 to $200.
A total of 22 companies that have been assisted by the DAEF. Twelve have been expansions of local industries and 10 are new industries. Some of the industries qualified for the Quality Jobs Act of the state.
He explained that companies have been aided by granting low-interest loans or by buying land for the firms. The repayment goes to a revolving loan fund. Occasionally when certain qualifications met the low interest loans are forgiven. The job salaries ranged from $6 an hour to $34,000 annually. Forty-six percent of the 2,171 announced jobs are in the $10 an hour range and above, of these some 900 are salaried at about $34,000 a year, Devero said.
DAEF purchased five acres at about $25,000 total for one company and an 10-acre parcel at $50,000 for another firm. In some cases with larger companies the DAEDF has "kicked in" for site improvement. The improvements are based on a four to one ratio of the amount of capital that is being invested by the firm.
The biggest expansion was Halliburton which has had an operation in Duncan for a number of years. Hallibuton's expansion involved 700 jobs over a 48-month period. A new industry locating there is the Elliott Home Manufacturing firm employing about 350.
Devero said his advise to those organizations seeking economic development to do a survey of established industries and business. He noted Duncan had cooperation from the area vo-tech in this endeavor. The first time 46 companies were surveyed and the second time 78 were called on.
The economic development executive said that 12 two-person teams of volunteers surveyed the industries. He said the first survey told that growth could be expected in 20 companies. The second survey revealed that 32 companies wanted to expand. Some just needed help in marketing. So the DAEDF contacted suppliers and others.
Of the DAEDF program Devero said, "We didn't overextend ourselves." Devero, who had high praise for the economic development board of directors, told that Duncan turned down Bar S, but assisted Lawton in getting the company.
He noted that the foundation felt that although the labor force at first might be supplied locally, that there would be such a turnover that employees would have to be recruited out of the area and it "wasn't worth it."
Devero said Weatherford and Ada and others have been asking him to talk about Duncan's programs. He said he is willing to help anyone one in the state because improvement in the state's economy is good for Duncan too.
Ponca City Efforts
Ponca City's Economic Development Foundation, in its bid to add another half cent sales tax on Oct. 8, 1996, (the measure failed) listed the following accomplishments, accomplished with a 10-year half cent sales tax approved by citizens in 1994: creation of 1,000 new jobs; decreased unemployment from 9 to 6.5 percent; created a yearly payroll of $20 million; increased retail sales by 9.5 percent over the last two years; $7.5 million in sales paid to local vendors by six new industries; benefited the city by $4 million in grants plus over $1 million per year from utility sales and benefited schools by an increase of half million dollars in yearly ad valorem taxes.
The 1996 EDF election promotion material said that the average salary for new jobs in Ponca City was to be more than $20,000 a year. The average incentive for new jobs attracted to Ponca City, according to the EDF information, was $7,000 (per job) and the state average was $10,000.
Pioneer Technology Center's videoconferencing equipment offers a variety of interactive capabilities including ISDN direct dial system, and a two-way audio-visual telecommunication that can call anywhere around the globe. The direct link bypasses the Internet and the One-Net System.
According to Sandy Graves, telecommunications secretary, the equipment can be scheduled for a variety of uses either day or night. "Whether its grandparents wanting to see and hear a grandchild, or an attorney needing to take a deposition from a client, arrangements can be made," said Graves.
Many businesses such as St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and the Kay County Health Department have found it advantageous to sue the equipment in training their employees. Local churches have also shown interest to interview prospective pastors as opposed to spending money for travel and lodging expenses.
The Multi-point Conference call has also provided a convenience for Multiphase Solutions, Inc., a company that provides technical support primarily overseas in the oil and gas industry.
Interactive distance learning networks are helping in school districts by bringing additional course offerings and making additional learning opportunities available for students. It also helps in remote areas where enrollment is small or maybe the resources and teachers are limited. In addition to serving education, telecommunications can also be beneficial for the community, especially in rural areas.
The Telecommunications Center at Pioneer Tech has three rooms equipped with cameras, television monitors, Internet access and a fax machine. Testing is also done prior to each conference to ensure proper connection.
Anyone interested in scheduling the videoconferencing equipment is encouraged to call Graves or Vince O'Brien (405) 762-8336, ext. 222 or 295.
Ponca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during April was up a good percentage compared to the same time frame last year. Ponca City coffers will receive a total of $683,619 up from $657,965 the same time frame in April 1996.
Statewide, the April distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $65,095,930 The disbursement to 481 cities and towns showed an increase of $3,078,843 from the return distributed 480 cities and towns in March one year ago.
City April 97 April 96
Barnsdall $10,950 $10,957
Bartlesville 946,267 947,223
Billings 8,301 9,203
Blackwell 85,884 123,359
Braman 1,457 1,313
Burbank 905 360
Deer Creek 955 564
Enid 1,187, 713 1,116,529
Fairfax 17,225 12,877
Kaw City 2,826 2,783
Lamont 1,586 1,794
Marland 858 760
Medford 10,233 9,405
Morrison 5,304 4,036
Newkirk 23,153 29,811
Pawhuska 50,871 56,167
Pawnee 32,022 32,210
Perry 38,169 35,590
Pond Creek 8,144 5,434
Ralston 1,405 1,235
Red Rock 1,207 2,104
Shidler 2,400 2,209
Stillwater 969,052 943,003
Tonkawa 22,733 35,384
Investment Broadcast
Gene Hines and Joe Alcott, local Edward Jones investment representatives, will host a free satellite broadcast for individual investors on July 8. This hour-long program, "How to Invest Through Investment Clubs," will include a panel of stock analysts form Edward Jones' equity research department, which will discuss the advantages of investing in the stock market through investment clubs.
The program will include guidelines on how to evaluate stocks and a checklist
of common pitfalls to avoid when forming a club. For more information on
the July 8 program or to reserve a seat, contact Hines or Alcott at (405)
765-6651.
LIFESTYLES
Ponca City Chapter Professional Secretaries will meet June 26 at Western Sizzlin'. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with the business session scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The June program will be presented by Sheila Foxworthy, Pioneer Technology Center Business Instructor.
The program is titled "Presentation Skills - Feel Like a Pro in Front of 5 or 500!" The speaker will discuss planning, organizing, developing and delivering oral presentation material. Ms. Foxworthy said the material indicates that "leadership and success come faster to those who can effectively express themselves." The material is provided by Anita Reed seminars.
Professional Secretaries is a national organization for office professionals. More information about the local organization may be received by calling Ernie Dixon, 767-6164 or Melinda Dexter, 767-2486.
Representatives of the Ponca City and area Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts and Ladies Auxiliary are expected to attend the VFW and Auxiliary state conventions in Oklahoma City June 26-29. There are 190 VFW Posts and 120 Auxiliaries in Oklahoma.
The convention will begin with registration at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Radisson Inn, Interstate 40 and South Meridian. Representing the posts and auxiliaries of District Eight will be Herman Allmendinger of Stillwater, District Commander, and Syble Hagar of Ponca City, District Auxiliary president.
Members of the Busy Bee Club met June 18 with Vivian Davis, 1043 North Third. There were eight members present and Beulah McCartney, president, conducted the business session. Louise Womack led the group in the salute to the flag and the Lord's Prayer. Viola Haley's devotion was titled "Trust Me and Swallow."
Josephine Rice, secretary, read the minutes and Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer's report. Members discussed various projects, including the Mission. Game prizes were awarded Ms. Hiskett and Ms. Womack with Ms. Haley receiving the mystery bowl gift.
The group brought items for the Child Development Center as well as magazines for the hospital. The next meeting is scheduled July 2 with Viola Haley.