From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
June 25, 1997
LOCAL
Ponca City Art Center Celebrates 50th
'96 Po-Hi Grad Appearing Nightly at Discoveryland
Kevin, Cara Kem Taking Talents to OKC, Branson for Performances This Summer
OETA Seeks The Poncan, Wentz Camp Materials
Ponca City Girl Scout Will Receive Award June 29
Area Calendar
Quartz Mountain Students Study At Tahlequah This Year
Prisoner Faces Charges After Fleeing
County Democrat Women Will Meet
Sertomans Hear About Importance of Wetlands
Library Receives Time Life Medical Video Collection
Editorials
Letters
On the Passing of a Letter Writer
Title IX Celebrating 25th Anniversary
Social Security's Outlook on Financing Unchanged
OBI Mobile Blood Donor Station Heads to Wal-Mart
High Energy Country Music Set for Norm's
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
DEATHS
Helen Ruth Salinas
James W. Leigh
Obituaries
Harry Walter Gifford
Wesley Leroy Robertson III
Funerals
Jacqueline M. Cullum
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Little News
Party Honors Heather Long
SPORTS
'97 Majors on Pace To Win Most Games
Statistics
Area Dragsters Fare Well in Runs
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Art Association is planning a big party Saturday to celebrate its 50th Birthday and is inviting the citizens of Ponca City and all area artists and friends to help celebrate the event.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue, with the arrival of VIPs in vintage automobiles owned by Bob Gibson. Included in the VIP line-up will be Mayor Marilyn Andrews, city councilmen, former presidents, founders, and others.
In addition to special VIP guests - activities will include music by Bob Westmoreland and Jack Sherbon, food, remembrances and accolades. John Taylor will act as Master of Ceremonies for the black-tie optional celebration.
Bob Westmoreland, current president of PCAA recalled the early day beginnings of the Art Association over 50 years ago when a group, calling themselves the "Daubers" became Ponca City's first semi-organized group of artists. That group grew into the present day Ponca City Art Association. Some original members of that beginning "Daubers" group plan to attend the 50th celebration.
"The Ponca City Art Association is made up of area individuals, families and businesses interested in the fine arts and is quite proud of the fact it operates entirely without government tax dollars," says Westmoreland. PCAA was founded by the "Daubers" in 1942 and purchased the Soldani Mansion for use as an art center in 1966. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Built in 1925, for $92,000 by prominent French-Osage rancher Godance Soldani, the graceful mansion features a tornado-proof basement and glazed green roofing tile from France. The mansion was constructed with top-quality building materials by master craftsman. It's unique style was dubbed "Early Oil," by earlier association members.
The unique Art Center building, provides a lovely and interesting setting for blue-ribbon art exhibits, the annual Fine Arts Festival, workshops by well-known artists, classes for adults and children taught by area artists, and numerous other cultural activities. The Association is a non-profit organization, and it's Board of Trustees is chaired by C.D. Northcutt.
The unique and functional art gallery has been developed around beautiful existing architecture without disturbing the original interior of the mansion. Refurbishing of the interior was limited to only the refinishing of the original wood floors and adding carpeted columns and wall panels for display of art. Exhibits are changed on a monthly basis by Donna Seacrest, manager.
The second floor and basement areas of the mansion provide excellent classroom and storage space, while the ground floor features the exhibit areas, sales gallery, offices and reception desk.
Some special events are held annually at the Center, including the Fine Arts Festival, the Limited Media Membership Show, the annual Photography Show, and a large Childrens Art Show.
PCAA volunteers also sponsor at least two "flea market" sales annually to raise funds for various projects. Aside from fund raisers, all operating monies of the association come from donations, membership dues, and a percentage of gallery and gift sales.
Admission to all exhibits and shows is free. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
SAND SPRINGS - Kim Manning, 1996 Po-Hi graduate, is currently appearing nightly in the Discoveryland production of "Oklahoma" through the summer months. She is playing a major role, the part of "Gertie" (the flirt with the predominant laugh). Kim also sings with the Territory Singers in the production.
Fans of the show will recall that "Gertie" flirts and tries to win the leading man "Curly" from leading lady "Laurey," and in the end becomes the wife of "Ali Hakim," the wandering Persian peddler.
Kim is in her second year at Tulsa University, majoring in musical theater and mechanical engineering. Local theater fans will recall Kim in several local productions including the Ponca Playhouse, "Biloxi Blues," and the Homecoming Christmas talent shows. She credits her local theatrical dance and stage training to the Inciardi School of Dance, and vocal teacher, Charlotte Williams.
At age 12, she won first runner-up in the Oklahoma Little Miss of America State Pageant and was third runner-up in talent. She participated in the national pageant in Hollywood in 1990. She also won the title of 1990 National Universal Miss Teen Glamour in Dallas and won fourth in talent at that pageant.
At age 13, Kim won first runner-up in the Oklahoma America's National Teenager Pageant and fourth runner-up in talent. At age 17, she won the National American Kids first place award for a special ballet number, "Memories." She was also a member of the award-winning Po-Hi Drill Team and earned several individual awards at state and national levels.
Other awards include several first place and numerous other awards in drama and speech tournaments during her high-school years.
Kim is the daughter of Kathryn Manning of Ponca City and Thomas Manning of Broken Arrow.
"Oklahoma" will run nightly, at 8 p.m., except Sundays, in beautiful Discoveryland Amphitheatre in Sand Springs, through Aug. 23.
Kevin and Cara Kem, Po-Hi graduates and son and daughter of Bill and Suzanne Kem of Ponca City, are performing professionally this summer in Oklahoma City and Branson, Mo.
Cara, is now in rehearsal for one play and currently performing in another at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City. She is playing the role of Sonja with a featured vocal solo in "Godspell." "Godspell" runs through June 28 with performances at 8 p.m. Tickets and information are available by calling 405-810-9302.
"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is Cara's second play, where she has the role of Alice, the youngest bride. This show, which will run July 1-12, requires rigorous ballet and athletic dancing ability.
Kevin is dancing and acting in the newest and largest show in Branson "Branson City Lights." Located at the Remington Theatre, where they had a grand opening on May 31 with 3,000 people in attendance, the show has received rave reviews and enthusiastic audiences with standing ovations at every performance to date.
The first half of the show features I.J. Ganem, a talented singer from Tulsa and showcases Branson style entertainment spotlighting various Branson famous theaters. The second half of the show is a Las Vegas-Hollywood extravaganza complete with stunt men.
The theater boasts the largest on-stage ice skating rink in America and incorporates talented ice skaters into many of the acts, which include Hollywood, Las Vegas, Circus Circus, a world-class magic act complete with trained birds flying over the audience; a three-time Grammy Award winning vocalist; and a fire juggler, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Kevin is a part of a six-member dance team performing numerous numbers throughout the entire show. Fans of Kevin's from Ponca City will recognize him on stage performing aerial barrel roll turns and layout back flips across the stage, learned from his father in earlier years of training in Ponca City.
Kevin said, "The show is as much fun to be in, as it is to watch." He also said he enjoys getting to know and associating with the other cast members.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) is looking for home movies and photos documenting The Poncan Theatre and Wentz Camp during the decades of the 1930s to 1960s, according to Price Wooldridge, producer/director.
Wooldridge said the photos and information would be used in a two-hour production on "things that aren't here anymore" in Oklahoma.
He said, "Our production crew will be touring throughout the state in the coming months to capture stories and memories from our nostalgic past and to visit many of the wonderful sites that remain to remind us of an earlier time.
"In Ponca City we will be excited to visit The Poncan Theatre and Wentz Camp this summer. We also look forward to visiting with some hometown people who are willing to share their memories and stories about these wonderfully nostalgic places."
Wooldridge said the production will be looking for documentation in the form of home movies and photos that people are willing to share them with others through this documentary.
The OETA producer/director said anyone who has old home movies or photos of The Poncan and/or Wentz, and are willing to share, should contact him, Price Wooldridge at the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, P.O. Box 14190, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73113, or by calling him at (405) 848-8501.
Wooldridge said, "All materials will be treated with utmost care and returned to the owner after being prepared for the production. We are excited about coming to the Ponca City area and look forward to sharing the memories we uncover though this documentary which will air statewide on the Oklahoma Educational Television Network."
On June 29, a remarkable young lady will be honored for her achievement as she receives her Girl Scout Gold Award at a special recognition ceremony.
The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in the Parish Center. The public is invited to attend as Katy Bond receives the highest award a Girl Scout may earn.
A reception will follow the ceremony.
Katy is an individually registered Girl Scout and recently graduated from Ponca City High School. Her parents are Sue and Dennis Bond. Along with being honored by Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Katy will receive congratulatory messages from the National President and National Executive Director of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the department heads of several government agencies and others.
In order to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a girl must be a Senior Girl Scout in grades ten through twelve. There are five requirements that must be fulfilled in order to obtain the award. The recipient must earn the Career Exploration Pin, the Girl Scout Senior Challenge and the Leadership Award, which requires logging at least 30 hours of leadership service outside of Girl Scouting. The final activity she must complete is her Girl Scout Gold Award project, which involves a minimum of 50 hours of planning and implementation and can take up to four months to accomplish.
Katy's final activity featured a day event of archery for Junior Girl Scouts. The event included safety and shooting techniques, parts and usage of the equipment needed, practice time and archery games. She also developed a pamphlet to benefit attending troops.
Opening May 3 For The Season
June 26
June 27-28
June 28
June 28
July 5
July 10
July 21-26
July 22
July 24
July 26
August 16
August 29-31
September 5-6
September 18
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The twentieth anniversary season of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute was just completed at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Sunday. Eight students from Ponca City who participated in the 2-week intensive studies are Jamie McGugan, Kevin Goldman, Robert Maril, Katie Salmons, Sarah Armstrong, Robert Hwang, Mindy Jones and Molly Baugh.
Led by a faculty of nationally and internationally recognized artists, the teenage students were immersed in an intensive study of their chosen art form. The Institute offered instruction in orchestral music, choral music, acting, ballet, modern dance, drawing and printmaking, photography, and writing.
Students were selected through a statewide competitive audition process conducted in January and February, including an audition in Ponca City for orchestra students. This year over 1,000 applications were received for the 237 available places at the Institute. The 1997 OSAI's student body represented 40 Oklahoma counties and 58 communities.
"It is always a thrill to watch these outstanding young people explore their dreams," said Oklahoma Arts Institute Director of Programs Mary Gordon Taft. "The Summer Arts Institute has experienced a good deal of change, especially during the last two years. One thing hasn't changed, however, is the curiosity, the dedication, and the eagerness to learn that these students display year after year."
Taft alluded to the complications resulting from a February 1995 fire that destroyed much of Quartz Mountain Lodge, the Institute's permanent home since 1978. The '95 and '96 Summer Institutes were held under difficult circumstances as students, faculty and staff braved the sometimes severe Quartz Mountain elements in temporary structures erected by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.
The 1997 OSAI moved to Tahlequah while construction began on two major capital improvement projects at Quartz Mountain: the new Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center, which will replace the structure damaged in the fire, and a 750 seat Performing Arts Hall. The new facilities are expected to be operational by the spring of 1999.
While the Institute waited for the return to Quartz Mountain in 1999, it enjoyed another homecoming this summer in Tahlequah. The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute "pilot" program was held just outside of Tahlequah at Camp Egan in June of 1977. That three-day session for 100 students was the first of its kind in Oklahoma and paved the way for the arts education program that would soon become a national model. The Institute moved to Quartz Mountain the following year.
"The return to Tahlequah was a return to our roots and a wonderful way to celebrate the Institute's 20th anniversary," said Taft.
Helping the Institute mark its twentieth season were guest artists Shari Little and Kathryn Sleeper, both of whom were students at the '77 Institute at Camp Egan.
Little, then a fledgling ballet student from Oklahoma City, has since enjoyed a career as a dancer and teacher, performing professionally with Ballet Oklahoma, Ohio Ballet, Dallas Ballet, Edward Villella and Dancers, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Miami City Ballet. Sleeper, currently the Principal Bassoonist of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, performed with the Institute Orchestra in a concert conducted by her husband, Thomas Sleeper.
Also appearing as guest artists were the acclaimed Oklahoma artist Charles Banks Wilson and playwright and actor Joe Sears.
Wilson, a painter, printmaker, magazine and book illustrator, teacher, lecturer, and historian, has been featured in over 200 exhibitions in this country and throughout the world. Sears, a graduate of Northeastern State University, has garnered honors on Broadway, off-Broadway, in television and films. He is the co-author of the plays "Greater Tuna" and "A Tuna Christmas."
The 1997 OSAI faculty was a diverse and talented group of artists drawn from across the nation. Acting instructor James DePaul, formerly of the Yale School of Drama, is currently the Director of the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee's Professional Theatre Training Program.
Galina Soloveva led the OSAI ballet class. Soloveva teaches at the famed Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow. OSAI modern dance instructor Derrick Minter is on the faculty of the Alvin Ailey School in New York, N.Y.
University Oklahoma art professor Dan Kiacz taught the drawing and printmaking class. Kiacz's relationship with the OSAI dates back to 1977 when he taught at the first Institute at Camp Egan. The OSAI photography instructor was Christopher James, Director of the Photography Department at the Art Institute of Boston. Award-winning poet Ruth Schwartz of San Francisco, Calif., led the writing class.
The Institute Chorus performed its first concert under the leadership of Dr. Jerry McCoy, Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma State University. The ensemble's conductor during the second week of the Institute was Dr. Patrick Gardner, Director of Choral Activities at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.
Conductor Kate Tamarkin led the first two performances by the Institute Orchestra. Tamarkin, formerly Associate Conductor of the Dallas Symphony, is now the Music Director of the Vermont Symphony and the East Texas Symphony. The orchestra's second week conductor was Thomas Sleeper, Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Miami.
All OSAI students and faculty presented performances or exhibitions which were free and open to the public.
The 1997 Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute concluded June 22.
The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, the Oklahoma Fall Arts Institute for adults, and "Moving the Mountain," an outreach program, are all administered by the Oklahoma Arts Institute. The OAI is governed by a statewide board of directors and is supported by individuals, businesses, corporations and foundations. The Institute is also supported and endorsed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - A Ponca City man was back in court this week after he allegedly fled the judge's courtroom rather than be remanded to the county jail.
James Stanley Stephens, 36, was arrested last Wednesday in Moore, Okla., by a U.S. marshal's fugitive apprehension team, six days after he reportedly disobeyed the judge's order to sit and wait for a sheriff's deputy and instead ran from the courthouse.
Originally out on bail pending several drug-related charges, Stephens was due to appear before Associate District Judge Leslie Page on June 12. Court records show he notified the court clerk's office he was having car trouble, but the criminal docket was completed before he arrived in the courtroom.
Defense counsel M. Michael Arnett meanwhile had withdrawn as Stephens' attorney, and when the defendant failed to appear, the judge ordered his bond forfeited and issued a bench warrant with the bond doubled.
When Stephens finally showed up, Judge Page told him bench warrants had been issued for him and ordered the defendant to sit and wait to be taken into custody. The judge directed the clerk to phone the sheriff's office for a deputy.
While the clerk was on the phone and the judge was in his chambers, Stephens allegedly escaped the courtroom and the courthouse. Six days later, he was tackled by officers in a creek behind a residence in Moore as he allegedly tried to elude them.
Arrest records show officers working for U.S. Marshal Pat Wilkerson arrested Stephens, confiscated $800 and a crank pipe, and brought him back to the county jail in Newkirk.
First Assistant District Attorney Lisa Goodspeed Tate said today she was deciding whether escape-related charges would be filed against Stephens, in light of four existing court cases against him.
He currently faces 20 years to life on charges of possessing and conspiring to manufacture methamphetamines in a trailer-home laboratory at Kaw City, after he allegedly purchased chemicals and assembled lab equipment in May 1996. His conviction would also carry a $50,000 fine or more.
Stephens faces similar drug-possession charges for alleged incidents in August 1996, as well as a bogus-check charge from March 1995.
Three other people who were charged with Stephens in the drug cases pleaded guilty last year and were sentenced, including one sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy.
Stephens was in jail today, in lieu of bonds totaling $638,000, and was scheduled to appear again before the judge at 1 p.m. Thursday.
NEWKIRK - The Kay County Democrat Women's Club will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk.
Kay County Assessor, Tresa Engle will be the featured speaker for the meeting. Engle will explain the new laws and the resulting changes in the operation of the Kay County Assessor's Office.
She will also explain the new tax breaks that are now applicable for home owners under the new laws.
Other items on the agenda will include making plans for July activities and a report by the County Central Committee.
All Democrats are encouraged to attend.
Wetlands - what's all the excitement about these often swampy areas? Who cares? Lots of plants and animals who depend on these moist environments - that's who!.
This is the message Mary McIntyre, former reporter for The News and now Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Nature Conservancy in Tulsa, brought to the Sertoma Club at their Tuesday noon meeting at Western Sizzlin'.
Introduced by Nancy VanZant, Mary told the gathering the entire ecosystem that supported hundreds of plants and animals could have disappeared had it not been for The Nature Conservancy and its 37,000-acre Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County.
Here a visitor can experience the prairie as our ancestors did with 8-foot tall grasses, breathtaking wildflower displays, and roaming bison.
The prairie depends on climate, fire, and bison to survive, Mary explained. The fire is managed through controlled burns by The Nature Conservancy, allowing new plants to sprout. The bison, attracted by new growth, graze it and then move on, giving the land time to recover.
Another important function of a wetland is filtering water as it flows into a large body of water. Many toxic substances which the water has picked up during its many uses are decomposed in wetlands. Sewage is neutralized, and silt is filtered out so that the water is returned to its usual clarity. Both plants and soil of the wetlands play a vital role in the earth's built-in filtering and purifying system.
From Canada to Oklahoma, less than one percent of land remains Tallgrass country, Mary told the Sertomans, and we need to know how important the eco-system is to us - how fire affects grasses, soil reclamation, bird population.
She pointed out that 9,000 acres of tallgrass is now grazing over 600 bison this year. She said the Conservancy will sell and trade bison to other preserves to keep the number in accord, and to keep the herd healthy, genetically right.
The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and water they need to survive, Mary concluded.
Over 20,000 visitors registered last year from 50 states and several foreign countries. The tourism generated by the Tallgrass Preserve has shown up in the economy of Pawhuska, she pointed out - the town is showing growth - sporting more specialty shops, restaurants, etc.
Mary Poskey, president of Sertoma, chaired the meeting, and Glenda Brown gave the invocation. It was announced the inaugural brunch will be held Aug. 16 at the home of Glenda Brown, incoming president.
The Ponca City Library recently acquired a collection of Time Life Medical videos.
The 27 videos, donated by Albertson's Pharmacy, provide up-to-date medical information on a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes, breast cancer, menopause, depression, infertility, ulcers, migraine and gallstones.
Each video, introduced by C. Everett Koop, MD and hosted by award-winning journalists Linda Ellerbee and Mike Schneider, covers one topic in easy-to-understand terms. Diagnosis and treatment are discussed as well as answers to common questions.
The videos are accompanied by a pamphlet which corresponds with the video presentation. Additionally, other information, including a glossary and a resource guide are provided. The tapes are intended to provide the public basic information to improve understanding of their medical condition and allow better communication with doctors.
"Albertson's generous donation has enhanced our library collection," said Library Director Holly LaBossiere. "These videos will be a great help to individuals confronted with medical conditions they do not understand," she concluded.
Braving the Internet
The Ponca City Publishing Company has entered head long into a new arena, the Internet. It is exciting to start up a new business, even more so when the new business is on the cutting edge of technology.
It is a natural move for The News to become an Internet Service Provider, since the internet is all about communication and information. It is an extension of our own presence in Ponca City.
This portion of our dealing with the internet will probably be rather short lived. Sooner or later the real giants of the telecommunications Industry or others will provide access all over the world. It is our intention to make sure Ponca City has quality access throughout this period of shake out and transition.
Users of our service will have e-mail addresses that end with @poncacity.net which can only help extend Ponca City's presence throughout the world. We will use www.poncacitynews.com and perhaps www.poncacity.com for web sites to promote Ponca City, its people and its businesses.
We have only just begun our adventures on the net, we have a long way to go. It is expensive and time consuming, but we are betting that it is the direction of the future. Only time will tell if we are right. We always welcome your suggestions.
The internet is full of incompatibilities and glitches, good and bad information, wholesome and unwholesome sites and everything in between. It is raw, unpolished, awesome and exciting.
The internet may collapse under its own weight, become befuddled by government restrictions, and be mishandled by those who seek to exploit it. It may be made useless in its own anarchy, or it may revolutionize our lives.
We invite you to join us in this adventure, a chance to see a new way of communicating grow from its infancy into a giant which we cannot predict.
tmuch@poncacitynews.com
Fire Station Support
With reference to the proposed fire station, I was pleased to learn from your columns that the City Commissioners propose to put both the half-cent sales tax and the location to a vote in a coming election.
May I make the following points for the consideration of your readers:
1) Over the past few years our friends at Conoco have purchased and removed several hundred houses from the south side of Ponca City.
2) Just recently the city has taken steps to close and abandon a number of streets in that area.
3) Current building and development - commercial, residential and industrial - has been to the north, east and west.
4) The net result of 1, 2 and 3 above is that the geographical and population center of the city is moving to the north.
5) Logic then would appear to make it more reasonable to build a new fire station - which will last well into the next century - at least somewhere to the north of the existing one, rather than to the south.
6) Ponca City is well endowed with beautiful parks and green belt areas and the relatively small part of the large park between North Fifth and North Seventh on Highland needed to accommodate the fire station would not materially affect it or the people who use it.
7) Item 1 above has created a very large and attractive park-like area, which, to some extent, offsets the loss of park area for the fire station's use of the Highland location.
8) In short - I strongly support the adoption of the one-half cent sales tax to provide funding for this very necessary future protection of our lives and property, and suggest that all things considered, the northeast corner of the Fifth and Highland intersection, with four-lane roads in all directions, would logically be the ideal location.
Jack Barrington
Too often deaths go unnoticed by all but the immediate family, but a funeral notice in Tuesday's News drew the attention of many throughout the community.
Jacqueline "Jackie" Cullum was a homemaker, gardener and fisher. She was also a regular contributor to the Letters to the Editor column in The News.
Mrs. Cullum's most recent letter was published in Sunday's News. She was a vigilant observer of city government, and would not hesitate to call mayor, commissioner or newspaper editor to give her opinion of how the community's government should be run.
Not everyone agreed with everything she wrote. But what each of us must appreciate about her, was her willingness to speak out. She spoke or wrote her piece and signed her name.
In many ways, she should be an example for all of us. Be vigilant. Study the issues. Express an opinion.
Jackie Cullum's death is not unnoticed.
Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles related to the 25th anniversary of the Title IX Program. This first article looks at why Title IX was started and how it has changed the nation.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
This week the Title IX Program will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since this program was implemented in 1972, changes have risen in both women and the nation as a whole.
"One of the great failings of the American education system is the continuation of corrosive and unjustified discrimination against women. It is clear to me that sex discrimination reaches into all facets of education: admission, scholarship programs, faculty hiring and promotion, professional staffing, and pay scales. The only antidote is a comprehensive amendment such as the one now before the Senate."
With these words 25 years ago, former Senator Birch Bayh introduced a measure designed to end the myriad discriminatory practices confronting women and girls in educational institutions. This provision, enacted as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, is the federal mandate against sex discrimination in education.
Using the broadest terms possible, Congress intended to assure that girls and women no longer would be constrained by "corrosive and unjustified" gender bias in education, signaling loudly and clearly that the days when gender dictated educational opportunities in schools, colleges, or universities receiving taxpayer dollars were over.
With the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Title IX's enactment, it is fitting to assess the nation's progress towards Congress' goal of ending sex discrimination in education. From today's vantage point, there is no question that Title IX has had a significant impact on women and girls.
Indeed, a glimpse into the pre-Title IX era is instructive. Before Title IX, schools, from elementary through post secondary levels, limited the participation of girls and women in opportunities both large and small. Many colleges and professional schools had quotas limiting the number of women that could attend. Athletics programming for girls generally consisted of cheerleading.
With the exception of historically black colleges and universities, virtually no college offered women athletic scholarships. Many high schools prohibited boys from taking home economics; girls could not take auto mechanics. Female elementary and secondary school teachers frequently had to leave their jobs when they married or became pregnant. Pregnant and parenting students frequently were not allowed to attend school at all. Some schools even forbade girls from serving on the safety patrol.
Title IX was intended to be a "strong and comprehensive" measure that would tackle all those forms of discrimination, and more. Lawmakers intended Title IX to address every aspect of education: from admissions and tracking to glass ceilings that kept women from reaching the highest ranks of academics. In so doing, Title IX was intended not only to open the doors to educational opportunities formerly closed to women and girls, but also to provide avenues for enhancing their economic futures. Title IX was the nation's promise for ensuring that the talents of half its citizens no longer would be constricted by discrimination.
Twenty-five years later, educational opportunities for girls and women have increased, thanks to Title IX, but there is room for improvement. As the following progress reports make clear, Title IX has helped women and girls make strides in gaining access to higher education, athletics programming and other areas, such as science and engineering. But many barriers remain.
Access to Higher Education
Title IX has made great inroads in higher education, providing women with much greater access to our nation's colleges and universities, which is as critical to their economic well-being and success today as it was in 1972 when Congress enacted the statute. Title IX has helped reduce sex discrimination, most notably in admission standards, to the benefit of women and men alike. But other barriers to higher education persists, including sex segregation and disparities in financial aid awards, among others.
Up until the 1970s, a great many of the nation's colleges and universities, simply excluded women outright. Institutions that admitted women welcomed them with a maze of obstacles including quotas, requirements to live in and tougher admission criteria. Other colleges and universities strictly scrutinized whether women were serious about pursuing a degree, based on their assumptions that women were most interested in marriage and children. In college interviews, women applicants to doctoral programs often had to explain how they would combine a career with a family.
Twenty-five years later, most such overt practices have been eliminated throughout higher education. Women have walked through these newly opened doors of opportunity in ever increasing numbers across the board.
Financial Aid
Twenty-five years ago, just as today, financial aid meant the difference between pursuing higher education and abandoning that dream. Prior to Title IX, many colleges and universities kept women from receiving this critical assistance by:
- restricting the most prestigious scholarships;
- failing to allow for child care expenses; or
- tracking women into low paying work-study jobs.
Title IX meant an end to many policies and practices denying women financial aid. Over the past 25 years, financial aid programs have been modified to facilitate women's access into higher education, recognizing that many women must support not only themselves, but also their families, as they pursue degrees.
Women make up almost 60 percent of the part-time students and 58 percent of students over 24. Women who attend a post secondary institution also are twice as likely as men to have dependents, and three times as likely to be single parents.
However, despite these advances, disparities still exist in the distribution of financial aid. For example, according to a 1997 study by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), women athletes receive only 38 percent of scholarship dollars: for that year, men received $1.5 million in athletics scholarships, compared to $634,689 for women.
Limiting Access in the Future
Recent policy developments threaten women's access to higher education, signaling a retrenchment of the progress made through 25 years of Title IX. For example, in 1996, the Congress and President Clinton approved a new welfare law that prohibits women receiving public assistance from attending post-secondary institutions as a means of meeting their work requirements. Prior to this law, states had discretion to allow welfare recipients to attend a two-year or four-year college.
In addition, recent assaults on affirmative action could mean the end of programs that have helped women redress past sex discrimination and enhanced their educational opportunities, particularly in areas where they have been and continue to be under represented, such as math and science. The 1996 passage of California Proposition 209 and the Hopwood vs. State of Texas decision may give impetus to college and universities, in many cases unnecessarily, to dismantle the current policies and impede access to higher education for women and people of color.
The Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds, which support benefit payments to nearly 44 million Americans, are in good financial condition, according to Ron Janzen, field office manager, and will remain so well into the next century.
The 1997 report concludes that - even with no changes in current law - the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds would be able to continue paying benefits for the next 32 years. According to the trustees, the assets of the combined funds are estimated to be depleted under present law in 2029. At that time, the trustees estimate that the OASDI program would still be collecting tax revenues - $2.2 trillion in 2029 alone - sufficient to cover about three-fourths of annual expenditures.
The trustees emphasized in the report that it is important to address the issue of Social Security's long-range short fall within a reasonable period to allow time for phasing in any necessary changes and for workers to adjust their retirement plans to take account of those changes. At the same time, the Board stressed that there is ample time to discuss and evaluate alternative solutions with deliberation and care. They stated that the size of the long-range deficit - 2.23 percent of total payroll - is such that long-range balance could be restored within the framework of the present Social Security structure.
"The health of the Social Security program is important for millions of Americans and their families," Treasury Secretary and Managing Trustee Robert E. Rubin said. "There is no need for immediate action, but we believe the long-range deficit in the Social Security funds should be addressed in a timely way to allow workers an opportunity to adjust their retirement planning in response to program changes."
Commenting on the release of the report, Acting Social Security Commissioner John J. Callahan added, "This report reinforces the message that we must address the long-range issues facing Social Security, but we are not on the eve of a crisis. There is time to act carefully and wisely in a bipartisan manner to enact reforms in the coming years that will ensure the longterm financial viability of the Social Security program."
The Board of Trustees is required by law to report annually to Congress on the current and estimated future financial condition of the trust funds. The report uses annually updated economic and demographic assumptions, reflecting the Nation's recent experience and available research. Based on their intermediate assumptions, the Trustees also reported the following:
* About 144 million workers in 1996 were covered by the Social Security program and nearly 44 million individuals were receiving retirement, disability, and survivors benefit payments each month.
* Income to Social Security's OASDI trust fund in calendar year 1996 totaled $424.5 billion, and outgo totaled $353.6 billion.
* The trust fund reserves stood at $567 billion at the end of calendar year 1996.
* The trust fund reserves are invested, by law, in government securities. In calendar year 1996, the reserves earned $38.7 billion in interest at an effective annual rate of 7.6 percent.
* Administrative expenses for the OASDI program were $3 billion in 1996, or about 0.9 percent of benefit payments.
The Board of Trustees is composed of six members, four of whom serve automatically by virtue of their positions in the Federal Government; the Secretary of the Treasury, who serves as managing trustee, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Commissioner of Social Security. The other two members, Stephen G. Kellison and Marilyn Moon, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serve four-year terms as public members.
Wal-Mart employees invite Ponca City residents to help patients like Christopher Scott at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center this summer by donating blood, Thursday. The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center mobile donor station will be parked at Wal-Mart from 1 to 6 p.m.
Summer blood donors are especially important to OBI because of the increase in accidents caused during summer travel. By hosting four blood drives each year, Wal-Mart employees help OBI maintain an adequate blood supply for patients like Christopher Scott, who was involved in a motorcycle accident recently. The son of Wal-Mart food-receiving clerk Josie Scott, Christopher has already required multiple units of blood during surgery and will remain at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for several weeks.
"We encourage all residents to donate blood with OBI this summer to help patients like Christopher Scott. It's a safe and simple way you can help save lives," Wal-Mart Assistant Manager Gary Gregg said.
OBI Ponca City Center currently supplies all blood products for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and also will supply all blood products for the St. Joseph Cancer Center of Northern Oklahoma when it opens in July.
"We are grateful to Wal-Mart for their support and we encourage everyone to help keep an adequate blood supply for both these great facilities," said OBI Ponca City Center manager Pixie Rowland. "By donating blood this summer, you are giving the gift of life to Ponca City patients in need."
In addition to helping patients, all OBI donors receive free check on blood pressure, temperature, iron and cholesterol level. Written cholesterol test results are mailed within two weeks of the donation. OBI also offers prostate-specific antigen blood testing for men at a nominal fee of $15 for donors and $20 for those unable to donate.
For more information, contact Gary Gregg at 762-0395 or the Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center at 762-9488. The Oklahoma Blood Institute, a regional, not-for-profit blood center serving more than 60 hospitals across Oklahoma, including St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and all Oklahoma City hospitals.
The high energy country music sounds of Joe Mahan and Native Son will be making a visit to Ponca City for a performance at Norm's on Saturday.
Riding high from the success of it's first major release entitled "Native Son," this Oklahoma City based group credits the response of radio stations in the Southwest. Receiving considerable air play are "Bloody Mary Sunday" and "Western Miles."
Mahan became known for his personable and energetic state performances while playing with several different bands before heading up Native Son last year. Now his songwriting and front man abilities are showcased in a show that has brought many huge crowds to their feet.
Joe Mahan and Native Son are constantly asked to liven-up crowds before headline acts. He has prepared audiences for performers including: Waylon Jennings, David Allen Coe, Chris Ledoux, Jack Ingram, Robert Earl Keen, Kathy Mattea, Shenandoah, Leroy Parnell, David Kersch, Delbert McClinton and The Dixie Chicks.
Comparisons aren't always fair to an act that is thriving on uniqueness, but it is a way to attempt to explain a new group. Imagine this combination: Hank Williams Jr plus Jimmy Buffet plus Jerry Jeff Walker.
Ticket information can be obtained by calling (405) 362-2467.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed,
and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be
notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
DEATHS
Helen Ruth "Ruthie" (Gayton) Salinas died in an automobile accident in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, June 19, 1997.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 11 a.m. at the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church with the Rev. Abraham Jackson officiating. A traditional Indian feast will follow at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center at noon. Cooks for the feast will be Mr. and Mrs. Bronson Roughface Sr.
Mrs. Salinas was the daughter of Aaron Gayton of Ponca City, and Salley Overland Gayton of Cleveland, Ohio, and the granddaughter of the late Ruth Helen Overland and William "Bill" Overland of Ponca City.
All relatives and friends of the deceased are welcome to attend the service and feast, and asked to please bring their own dishes and chairs.
LAKE CHARLE, La. - James W. "Jim" Leigh, former resident of Ponca City and son-in-law of Madge Vorheis of Ponca City, died June 22, 1997 in Billings, Mont. while on vacation. He was 51, and a resident of Lake Charles, La.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church, 123 West Sale in Lake Charles, La.
Born July 15, 1945 in Comox, British Columbia, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Leigh. He graduated from the University of British Columbia and started his association with Conoco in Ponca City in June 1967. He moved to Stamford, Conn., returning to Ponca City before moving to London. He later worked in northern England helping start up Humber Refinery, returning to Ponca City for a time before moving to Lake Charles to work in the refinery there.
He received his Masters in Business at MIT in Boston through the Sloan Fellows program and was later named manager of the Conoco Billings Refinery from 1989 to 1993, and then manager of the Lake Charles Refinery in 1993. He took early retirement to pursue volunteer work and to travel with his family.
He and Marianne Vorheis were united in marriage on Sept. 10, 1971 at Grace Episcopal Church here.
Jim was active with the United Way, serving as campaign chairman in both Billings and Lake Charles, and at the time of his death was chairman of the United Way board in Lake Charles.
He was selected as a Community Hero to carry the Olympic Torch in Lake Charles in May 1996. He had served on the BSA board of directors, Foreman-Reynaud YMCA board, American Heart Association board and was a past Chamber of Commerce board member.
Jim was active in the Episcopal Church in all the locations he had resided. At the time of his death he was serving as an usher, lay eucharistic minister, and Senior Warden at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lake Charles.
Surviving are his wife, Marianne Vorheis Leigh of the Lake Charles home; three sons, Eric Leigh of Colorado, Matthew Leigh of Billings, Mont. and David Leigh of Lake Charles; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Leigh of Vancouver, British Columbia; one brother, Colin Leigh of Vancouver and a sister, Mrs. Rick (Judie) Cumming of Ottawa, Ontario.
Memorials may be made in Jim's name to St. Michael and All Angels, 123 West Sale in Lake Charles, LA 70605 or to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana, 715 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70601.
Those who would like to send a note, may address Mrs. Leigh at 1215 Belle Alee Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70605.
Harry Walter Gifford, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, June 23, 1997 at his home. He was 73 years of age.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 1997 in the Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Don Stanton, pastor, Faith Tabernacle, officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Claremore, Okla., with the Rev. Weldon Foster, officiating. Flag folding will be presented by members of the Claremore American Legion Post No. 141. Casket bearers will be Merrill Fredricks, Chuck Crane, James Irwin, Lewis Rutherford, Harry Braden, and Woody Lewis.
Born Feb. 8, 1924 in Talala, Okla., he was the son of Harry and Izora (Shaw) Gifford. He received his education in the Talala schools, graduating from high school there.
During World War II he served his country in the United States Navy from April 1942 until November 1945.
On April 4, 1948 he was united in marriage to Wanda Givens in Monahan, Texas. The couple came to Ponca City in 1951. He and his wife owned and operated the Gifford Furniture Store downtown for 34 years until his retirement in 1985.
Surviving are his wife, "Shorty", of the home; two sons, Harry Jr. and Jim, both of Ponca City; five grandchildren, Cameron and Drew Gifford, Tyler Gifford, Felicia and Barry Gifford, all of Ponca City; three sisters, Helen Kilpatrick of Chelsea, Okla., Annabel Schweasdall of Claremore, Okla., and Pauline Simpson of Urban, Ill.; one brother, Don Gifford of Claremore. He was preceded in death by his parents, and four sisters, Lois Adams, Thelma Valliere, Letitia Munson, and Verna Standard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at the home, 2233 Jane.
paid obituary
FAIRFAX - Wesley Leroy Robertson III of Encinitas, Calif., and Pawhuska, Okla., died on June 20, 1997. He was 62.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 27, 1997 at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fairfax, Okla. Interment will follow immediately at the Shunkamolah Meadow near Greyhorse. The casket bearers will be Eric and Quentin Robertson, Tracy and Troy Grotenhuis, Shea Robertson and Tim Tallchief. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home in Fairfax.
Mr. Robertson is survived by his wife, Pamela Patricia Robertson; nine children, Wesley, Gloria, Antonia, Michelle, Lisa, Eric, Quentin, Andrea, and Shea; two step-sons, Troy and Tracy; and nine grandchildren with one more on the way.
Mr. Robertson was a graduate of Pawhuska High School. Following high school he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology at Oklahoma State University. He served as an officer in the United States Air Force on active and reserve duty for thirty years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Following active duty in the Air Force he flew for Western Airlines and Delta Airlines. He retired as Captain following over 30 years of flying.
Wes was a world traveler, adventurer, thrill-seeker, sports enthusiast, and gifted speaker. He loved good vintage wines and a challenging ski slope. He will be fondly remembered for his creative and extraordinary ability to repair the "unrepairable." He was actively involved in the Osage Nation government activities. Above all, he was a devoted father and patriarch. He will be dearly missed but his spirit will remain with us always.
paid obituary
Thursday
Jacqueline M. Cullum - 10 a.m. in Northeast Baptist Church with
the Rev. Dr. Larry Nigh officiating. Burial in Longwood Cemetery under direction
of Trout Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Rummage/Bake Sale - The Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma, Inc., Peachtree Landing and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program will 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 each of the programs. For information on donating items for the sale, contact Domestic Violence at 762-2873 or Peachtree Landing at 762-3208.
No Regular Meeting - Pioneer Rotary will hold its annual installation banquet at 6 p.m. Friday at the Marland Estate. Steve Gragert, district governor, will be speaker. There will be no regular meeting at noon Friday at the Crown and Rose Pub.
Legion to Meet - Members of the American Legion are reminded of an important meeting Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion Hall. New officers will be elected and other business conducted. All members are encouraged to attend.
Delayed Enlistment - Jimmy C. Gregory has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program. The enlistment gives young men or women the opportunity to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $30,000 toward a college education. A 1994 graduate of Tonkawa High School, Gregory will report to Fort Sill on July 23. He is the son of Vicki Lee Poulter and James Gregory Lloyd of Tonkawa.
Camp Anyone? - Openings for children ages 4 through 14 are available in Camp McFadden Summer Day Camp Program. Call 762-5661 or 762-3115 after 6 p.m. for enrollments and information.
Roland Reunion - The children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mike Roland Sr. are having a family reunion at "Sun 'n Fun Saturday. Anyone wishing to visit with the family is welcome. The family will be at the First Pavilion from 2 to 5 p.m.
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.
KidCare Photo ID - 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. 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.
Bike Auction - The Ponca City Police Department will auction 140 bikes at 8 a.m. Saturday on the back drive of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. The bikes are various sizes, makes, conditions and speeds and will be sold to the highest bidder for cash. All sales are final.
Destruction - A Ponca City police officer took a report on destruction of private property in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 8:07 a.m. Tuesday. A resident informed the officer of an attempted break-in to a vehicle.
Burglary - A resident in the 400 block of Lansbrook Road advised the Ponca City Police Department at 8:43 a.m. Tuesday that a vehicle was burglarized.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of destruction of private property from a resident in the 1300 block of North Seventh Street at 9:17 a.m. Tuesday. The vehicle had been vandalized.
Accident - A 43-year-old Ponca City woman sustained minor injuries in an accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Hazel Avenue at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Found - A resident in the 2600 block of Meadow Lane advised the Ponca City Police Department at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday of an abandoned bike in the area.
City Warrant - A Ponca City police officer took a 46-year-old man into custody from the Kay County Sheriff's Office at 3:24 p.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure to appear.
Arrested - A 21-year-old woman was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer from court at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Abandoned - Burnett Security informed the Ponca City Police Department at 4:38 p.m. that an abandoned bike was behind a business in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street.
Minor Injury - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor injury accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street at 5:32 p.m. Tuesday. The victim apparently went for medical assistance by private vehicle.
Stolen - An employee in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:26 p.m. Tuesday to report a stolen 1987 Ford Ranger pickup.
Collision - Ponca City telecommunication officers advised the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Kay County Sheriff at 8 p.m. Tuesday of an accident without injury on Oklahoma 156, south of the Salt Fork River Bridge.
Assault - A subject stopped a Ponca City police officer at West Grand Avenue and Oak Street at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to report three juveniles jumped a boy at Dan Moran Park. The officer contacted the subjects and took a report for assault and battery. One youth was taken home and released to an aunt on a promise to appear in juvenile court.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer took a 63-year-old man into custody at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday on a city warrant for failure to pay. The subject had been sleeping on a street bench.
Under Suspension - A 21-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City
police officer at West Central Avenue and South Waverly Street at 1:10 a.m.
Wednesday for driving under suspension, no insurance, no seat belt, an expired
tag, improper tag, failure to dim lights and a city warrant for failure
to pay.
LIFESTYLES
Jay and Jill Copelin of Newkirk announce the birth of a daughter, Allyson Marie, on May 31, 1997. She weighed 7-pounds, 1-ounce, and was 21-inches long. She has two brothers, Kyle, 7, and Ty, 3.
Grandparents are Zeke and Pat Schieber of Newkirk and John and Ernie Copelin of Lexington, Neb. Great-grandparents are Bertha Schieber of Newkirk and Edith Wealand of Ponca City.
Heather Long, bride-elect of Stephen Heslip, was honored with a bridal shower June 21 in the Williamsburg Parlor of the First Baptist Church. The couple plans a July 26 wedding.
Hostesses for the pre-nuptial party were Marcy Bass, Terry Blubaugh, Jerri Boyer, Vickie Dodson, Sandra Harrison, Marcella Johnson, Pat Kiker, Carolyn May, Sandy Morris, Deanna Orr, Lois Skaggs, Gay Waltrip, Sue Witteman and Gayle Young.
Special guests were Mrs. Martha Long, mother of the future bride; Mrs. Amy Heslip, mother of the prospective bridegroom; Mrs. Loretta Rankin, grandmother of the bride-to-be; Mrs. Ruth Lowery, grandmother of Heslip, and Phyllis Hamill, aunt of Miss Long.
Assisting the couple with opening gifts were their sisters, Holly Long
and Elisabeth Heslip. Also assisting was Kelly Hamill. The serving table
for the party was draped with a lace cloth and appointed in crystal and
silver. The table was centered with candles and ivy.
SPORTS
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
Approximately halfway through the season the Ponca City American Legion Majors are on pace to become the winningest Ponca City Majors team in the last 31 years.
The News has researched every season from 1967 to the present and the record for most wins in a season during that time is 36. The 1975 team that advanced to the state tournament finished with a record of 36-12.
The 1997 Ponca City Majors are currently 20-10 with at least 32 regular season games still remaining on the schedule, barring rain outs.
The Royals resume their schedule Thursday afternoon against Fort Smith at 4 p.m. After Fort Smith and Blackwell play at 6, the Royals and Blackwell square off at 8 p.m.
Friday, Ponca City and Fort Smith go at it again in doubleheader action scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
Those four home games Thursday and Friday will top Ponca City's season total to date. Through 30 games the Royals Majors have played just three true home games.
The Poncans are then on the road for the weekend, playing at Stillwater Saturday and Jenks Sunday.
Head coach Jack Shears says he is pleased with his team's performance at this point in the season and is looking forward to more success.
"I'm happy with 20-10," Shears said. "We did well in Putnam City (second place in that tournament) and at Nebraska (second place in that tournament). We slipped a little at Ark City (fifth place) but I think the kids were just worn out. Plus, we played without Josh (Shafer) and J.T. (Justin Thomas).
"We've played a lot of road games, too, so to be 20-10, I'll take that. And now we're ready for the second half of the season. We'll get Josh back on the 29th and J.T. is already back. So that will solidify our infield."
Thomas missed five games while playing for one of two Oklahoma Junior Sunbelt teams. Shafer has missed four games and will be gone for at least the next five. He is currently playing for the Oklahoma Sunbelt team, which swept Texas 4-0 in the Red River Shootout that concluded Sunday. Shafer hit a home run for the Oklahoma squad in Sunday's finale as the Oklahomans won 10-5.
"We miss Josh," Shears admitted. "He's a joy to coach and a level-headed kid. But they are all good kids. I have so much fun coaching these guys."
Shears said his team's goals going into the season were "to do well in the Nebraska tournament, play well at the Bartlesville tournament and win the district tournament. I think we did play well at Nebraska and I think the kids are ready to go out and accomplish the rest of their goals."
Only five Ponca City teams in the last 30 years reached the 30-win plateau and many of the players on this year's team were on last season's 31-17 squad. No Ponca City Majors team has ever won 40 games.
In order to get to those marks, Shears said the pitching needs to improve and the squad needs to develop a killer instinct.
"The keys for us are for the pitchers to cut down on their walks. They have to keep the ball down and throw strikes.
"Offensively, we've played very well late and we've played good early. But in the middle innings we sometimes get in a coast mode and get a little lazy. We haven't shown a killer instinct yet.
"But I think one of the most positive things during the first half
of the season has been the kids' willingness to win and their teamwork."
Following is a list of Ponca City American Legion Majors leaders in several statistical categories through 30 games.
BATTING
Average (minimum 50 at-bats) - J.R. Fry, .388; Rocky Hughes, .386; Josh Shafer, .368; Chris Koenig, .351; Marc Smith, .348; Jason Neff, .330; Doug Scott, .319; Jason Ross, .310.
Walks - Jason Ross, 15; Rocky Hughes, 13; J.R. Fry, 12; Josh Shafer, 10.
Runs Scored - J.R. Fry, 41; Marc Smith, 24; Doug Scott, 22; Josh Shafer, 22; Rocky Hughes, 21.
RBIs - Rocky Hughes, 23; Josh Shafer, 22; J.R. Fry, 20; Marc Smith, 17; Jason Neff, 15; Jason Ross, 15.
Doubles - Rocky Hughes, 12; Marc Smith 7, J.R. Fry, 6; Josh Shafer, 6; Jason Neff, 6; Justin Thomas, 6.
Triples - Rocky Hughes, 2; Jay Bentley, 1; J.R. Fry, 1; Doug Scott, 1; Michael Quick, 1.
Home Runs - Jay Bentley, 1; Justin Thomas, 1; Michael Quick, 1.
Hits - J.R. Fry, 38; Rocky Hughes, 34; Marc Smith, 32; Jason Neff, 29; Josh Shafer, 28; Jason Ross, 22; Doug Scott, 22; Justin Thomas, 22.
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PITCHING
Record - Rocky Hughes, 5-4; Chris Koenig, 4-1; Jay Bentley, 3-2; Matt Holland, 3-2; Jason Neff, 2-0; Dean Hemenway, 2-1; Jason Ross, 1-0 with 1 save.
ERA - Matt Holland, 1.19; Chris Koenig, 1.33; Rocky Hughes, 2.78; Dean Hemenway, 3.23; Jason Neff, 3.62; Jay Bentley, 3.95.
Innings - Rocky Hughes, 5013; Dean Hemenway, 3023; Matt Holland, 2913; Jay Bentley, 2813; Chris Koenig, 2613.
Strikeouts - Rocky Hughes, 65; Jay Bentley, 21; Dean Hemenway, 18; Chris Koenig, 18.
Walks Allowed - Jason Neff, 7; Matt Holland, 9; Jason Ross, 10; Chris Koenig, 12; Jay Bentley, 25; Dean Hemenway 27, Rocky Hughes, 48.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Area drag racers fared well at the Mid-America Dragway this past weekend.
Jim Salisbury of Tonkawa won the Super Pro event with an elapsed time of 8.911 in the quarter mile for a sped of 146.29 mph. Toby Chaffin of Wichita was second.
Eric Harrod of Winfield was first and Ray Patterson of Arkansas City was a semifinalist in the Pro (non-electronic) division. Harrod drove his 1969 Chevelle to an elapsed time of 11.494. Jim Clark of Wichita was second with a time of 14.569. Patterson, in a '67 Plymouth, had an ET of 12.987 seconds.
Kendall Poindexter of Nardin was second in the Sportsman class, driving his 1977 Camaro to a 13.524 timing to finish behind Jim Martin of Oklahoma City.