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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, June 24, 1998 LOCALHundreds Help Relay For Life Hundreds Help Relay For LifePhotos and Text by Patti Pfeiffer More than 260 people traded in their business suits, dresses, panty hose and high heels for shorts and tennis shoes June 5-6 and pounded the pavement for a cure. It was the Fourth Annual Kay County Relay For Life and 22 teams raised $37,100 toward the cure for cancer. The 14-hour event began at 7 p.m. Friday with the opening ceremony and introduction of the attending 58 cancer survivors, among them 18-month-old liver cancer survivor Alex Erickson — the Honorary Chairman. They walked non-stop from dusk to dawn and they walked for a cause and for a cure. They walked with determination and admiration. Whether they walked in a group or walked by themselves, they walked together. Stories Shedding Some Light on Westside LandmarksEDITOR’S NOTE: A recent story in The News generated some response from readers, when the Historic Preservation group asked for more information. The following information was provided by Bret Carter, president. By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Alma Miller England, sister of the Miller Brothers of the 101 Ranch, lived in one of the three big houses in the 1000 Block of Highland, according to persons responding to a request for information. The information says further that Mrs. England and two of the Miller brothers lived in the three homes. One of the covenant restrictions in the addition, started by Mrs. England, was that all the homes were to be two-story. Apparently some of the property owners thwarted this requirement by building smaller homes at the back of the lots saying they were to be servants’ quarters. One source says that Alma believed that everyone would soon have garbage disposals and trash removal, so she didn’t plan for alleys in the addition. Another story passed along says that during the depression, Sunset Park was known as “Tourist Park,” for travelers to camp there. Greenwood Park was known as the “home brew” area during prohibition. Greenwood Park is north of the Sunset addition. One source knew of a least two stills found in homes in Sunset Park when the homes were bought by new owners. The following information and recollections come from Pat Davis North, 1946 Ponca City High School graduate, who lived at 1009 West Highland. By Pat Davis Norton The rock fence definitely spanned the 1000 Block when my parents bought their house at 1009 in 1928. My sister Helen and I think the houses and fence were about eight years old at that time. I’ve come to realize I have a profound psychological attachment to that fence, thought it’s hard to define — it was always there, like Edmund Hilary’s reason for climbing Mt. Everest — it was there. The fence was a symbol of boundary (as a small child, I was not allowed beyond it); identity, you knew when you were home when you saw it; uniqueness, being the only one of its kind, and of play. An older neighbor girl, Lillian Bowles, took my brother Paul and me to the top of the big pillar at the Peachtree corner and tore up a grasshopper to use as pretend fried chicken. Ugh. More than once, we Davis youngsters hid behind the fence well before dawn to watch the circus wagons come down the street to the field across from 1100 West Highland. We saw the barred cages with lions and tigers and Gargantuan, the nasty-tempered gorilla, and a whole line of elephants softly plodding along, trunks hooked to the tail of the one ahead, and all the trucks hauling gear and workers. This was always in August, when hay fever was already in progress and made worse by the animal and hay odors. My sister Helen remembers watching late at night from our upstairs bedroom window as the circus left after the last show ,the heavy chains of the elephants striking sparks from the pavement. The circus was Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey. My brother Bob remembers a curved iron pipe that arched across the street (maybe Peachtree) from the big pillars. He says the pipe blew down in a wind storm. The only alteration to the fence we know of is when brother Paul, at a young age was asked why he was breaking rocks from it and replied “to frow at people!” He now says there was a loose rock where you could hide things — or if there wasn’t, there should have been. Houses At 1009, we always referred to the address as “ten-oh-nine,” not as “one-thousand-nine.” This house was purchased by Edith Kaufman and Lloyd L. Davis for $6,000 in 1928. The five Davis children were Helen, 7, Bob, 6, Bill, 4, Paul, 2, and Pat six months. Davis was a chemical engineer, head of Research and Development at Conoco. He designed the “new” research building about 1950, and retired in 1952. The Highland house was sold in 1952 for $9,000. The house at 1017 West Highland was purchased by Bertha Phillips and Fred G. Fellows, a civil engineer at Conoco, who later designed the Kaw Dam. They had three children, Fred, Violet and Faith. The home at 1001 West Highland had a series of inhabitants during the 1930s, including Floyd Story, a motorcycle policeman, whom we kids confused with the desperado Pretty Boy Floyd; The Flinthill Cowboys who had a western band; the family of a little girl named Polly Black; and in the 1940s the Appling couple, and their niece Betty Collier. Betty married Jerry Berry in 1942 and bought the house at 1009 West Highland. The three houses had nearly identical floor plans and each had an open L-shaped front porch at the southeast corner, with no room above the porch. All the rooms in the house had windows on two or three sides, which helped with the pre-airconditioning ventilation. All three houses have been altered. At 1017 West Highland the back porch was expanded for a larger laundry and a bedroom and bath adapted for Faith, who had polio at the age of six and used a wheelchair. The front porch was enclosed and a room added above it. In the late ’30s a studio was built on the back of the lot, variously used for recreation, as a rental, and office. There was a swimming pool behind the garage and a barbecue beside the studio. The Fellows owned two lots, one with the house and the other was a vacant lot on the corner of Peachtree. You can see an opening the fence with small pillars into that empty lot. Actually, there was a garage apartment at the back of the lot where renters lived. At 1009 my dad built a half-basement under the west side, expanding the back porch for a laundry room and built a sleeping porch above it. The neighbors use to come over when there was a tornado or cyclone threat since we had the only basement. The houses at 1001 and 1009 each occupied one and a half lots, with a sundial on the property line between them. Shortly after my family moved in, Mrs. Alma Miller England sent a crew to dig up and remove the sundial. My mother vigorously protested, and the sundial stayed until about 20 years later when Mrs. England returned, apologized and was given permission to take it. I don’t know where she placed it, but it may well be somewhere in Ponca City. It was made of the same rock as the fence, and was about waist high. The sundial stirred many memories. I once split my skirt as a girl, jumping over the sundial. It was also used as a vase for snowmen. My brother Bill left his bike leaning against it and dad woke him late that night to put his bike away. Helen was chased by the neighbors’ two goats that were tied together by a rope. She ran past the sundial, snagging and stopping the goats. In the early days the north side of the street was in the city and was paved with bricks. The south side was in the county. There were alfalfa fields south of Highland in the 900 and 1000 blocks. We wore a path across the fields going to Lincoln school. There was a small swimming pool on the southeast corner of the school for summer use, boys and girls swam on alternate schedules. There were American Elm trees along the parking strip in front of our house and in the backyard. They all died from Dutch Elm beetle. There were Chinese Elms in front of the Fellows’ house. My brother Bill remembers honeysuckles along our back fence. They were replaced with a row of Poplar trees. Nobody seems to remember, but I wonder if they were part of the federal free-tree program that resulted in rows of poplar trees scattered across the west. During World War II, the Royal Air Force trained at the airport northwest of town. The Fellows invited some of them to their home and Helen and I got to know them. I still correspond with the sister of one who was killed while training in Ponca City. Two Win Trips In Kay Electric Energy ContestBLACKWELL — Laren Lamer of Garber Junior High School and Matt McConnell of Braman won trips to Youth Power Energy Camp in a contest sponsored by Kay Electric Cooperative for eighth grade students. The Energy Camp Contest was open to eighth grade students in area schools. Students were required to write essays on “Imagine A Day Without Electricity.” Laren and Matt went to Camp Goddard, and joined winners from throughout Oklahoma at camp. While at Camp, they had the opportunity to climb a utility pole and ride in a bucket truck. The camp formed a candy and soft drink cooperative, organized similarly to how rural electric cooperatives are formed. Participants elected a board of trustees, hired a manager and sold their products. Any profits they made were reinvested in their business. Other highlights of the trip included a trip to an electric cooperative and to Arbuckle Wilderness. Cash winners in the competition included Denise Danielson of Braman, John Robinson of Tonkawa, Jenny Cantu of St. Mary’s School in Ponca City and Colby Armstrong of Tonkawa. “We are proud of these winners. Writing this essay makes students stop and think of what their life would be like without electricity,” said Marilyn Harmon, Kay Electric’s Energy Camp Coordinator. New CASA Volunteers Sworn InMerely eight months since its official kickoff, the county’s new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) project “has blossomed,” according to the project director. Director Janice Bell estimated the local CASA volunteers — recruited to help juvenile court officers make appropriate decisions for foster children — have already devoted close to 1,400 hours to help almost four dozen kids who for various reasons have found themselves in the court system. The project’s third group of special advocates was sworn in last week, bringing the total to 27 since last October. District Judge D.W. Boyd said the local CASA project, which is a response to a national movement, provides “a unique, unbiased perspective.” During the course of a case, the CASA volunteer reviews all records and documents, and speaks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, teachers, doctors and others, frequently becoming the most knowledgeable person regarding a child’s situation. The CASA volunteers receive training from mental health experts, law enforcement officers and other officials. Bell said the project is also enhanced by assistant district attorney Elizabeth Hocker, who handles juvenile matters for District Attorney John Maddox. The advocates work closely with Hocker and the judge, she said. The CASA program is designed to make a serious dent in the county’s juvenile delinquency problem because a 1991 study found that children who suffer abuse or neglect are 53 percent more likely to become juvenile delinquents. They are 38 percent more likely to be arrested as adults and 38 percent more likely to become violent criminals. Last year, Kay County handled 246 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect, with approximately 175 children adjudicated as wards of the court. Cornerstone Christian Academy Honors GraduatesBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Cornerstone Community Christian Academy ended its 1997-98 school year with an Honors Ceremony and Graduation Exercises. Each year the staff and faculty give recognition to the students in the areas of athletics, fine arts, scholastic achievement and character. Also honored are the many volunteers who have faithfully served the school throughout the year. Each year one student is selected by his/her peers to receive the Christian Character Award. This award is given to the student that best exemplifies that Jesus Christ is in his/her daily life. This year the students selected Kierna Craig to receive the award. Following the Honors Ceremony the Class of 1998 was recognized. Graduates this year were Jennilee Craig, CCCA graduate; and Mitzi Busby and Mandy Osborn, both homeschool graduates. The Commencement Exercises began with the pledge to the American flag led by Jennifer Poling, Christian flag led by Jecole Craig, and Bible led by Brandy Jester. The Invocation was given by Dr. Bracy Hill, pastor at First Assembly of God Church. The speaker for the evening was Dr. Ron Appleman, vice-president for academic affairs at Northern Oklahoma College. Dr. Appleman, who was born in Ponca City, is a resident and former Mayor and Municipal Judge of Tonkawa. He has served NOC for 40 years, beginning his time there as a science instructor and rising to the position he presently holds. Carole Craig, administrator of Cornerstone Community Christian Academy, presented the diplomas to the graduates. Commencement exercises ended with a benediction by Ronnie Wilson, youth pastor at St. Luke’s of the Nazarene. Mitzi Busby, with the guidance and encouragement of her aunt and uncle Josie and Russell Busby, is a 1998 homeschool graduate. Mitzi has played two years with the Lady Saints Basketball team and was a 1997-98 cheerleader with the Saints basketball team. She enjoys membership at St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene where she is NYI College Representative and is on the college ministry team. Her parents are Ron Busby of Hennessey, Okla., and Patricia Naden Weyhrauch of Wisconsin. Jennilee Craig, daughter of Jeff and Carole Craig of Ponca City, has attended CCCA since eighth grade. Jennilee has been an honor roll student each of those years. She was concurrently enrolled at NOC during the spring semester and will enter the University of Oklahoma as a pre-med major in the fall. For the past six years, Jennilee has participated with the Ponca City Sailfish Swim Team. She attends Word of Life Christian Center Church. Mandy Osborn is the daughter of Casey and Vicki Osborn of Ponca City. She attended Ponca City Public Schools prior to CCCA and homeschooling. Her honors include the Principal’s Honor Roll, Mat Maid, 1997-98 cheerleader for the Saints basketball team, women’s basketball for three years, volleyball for two years, drama for three years, and student council. She is enrolled at NOC and plans to major in law. She is a member of the First Assembly of God Church. Kaw Reservoir Authority Gets Short History LessonBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer PERRY — Water is a precious resource and should be guarded, Bill Ree, 85, of Stillwater told the Kaw Reservoir Authority (KRA) meeting in Perry. Ree, a trustee of the board for 20 years, recounted the history of the organization for the group. Ree, who joined the board in 1973, recalled the exciting days of the organization. In the beginning the group met once a month. Currently the organization meets quarterly. He told that the group established its goal as being to design a water system that would supply treated water to various members of the authority. The authority hired Brice Engineering to do a study on what to build. In preparing the report, the engineering firm indicated they had to know how much water was going to be needed for distribution to the various member cities. Ree said that is generally done by estimating the user population. Ree said now that 25 years has elapsed it is fun to go back and see “how well or how poor we did.” In the case of Stillwater the projected population was 60,000, but in essence it is 38,000 within the city limits. However there are those outside the city that are using the water too, Ree noted. Future Water Resources “Regarding estimates and future growth,” Ree, who was an alternate representing then-Stillwater-Mayor Bill Thomas, said, “I would say in the case of water supply or electric energy or that sort of commodity — it is better to overestimate. You don’t have to build a facility for your peak estimate right away — you can add to it by increment. “What is the future of the authority? Why do you even meet? Sometimes it seems pretty dull, you look over the expenditures and that's it and you even wonder why do we have any expenditures? “But time has marched on — the system that was designed by Brice may not be applicable today, so you can expect maybe in the near future to make a reevaluation of a system to supply the water needs of the members, whatever that might be. So you might need to start another study,” Ree advised. “This time there is a big difference to cope with. That is the fact that Stillwater is getting its own raw water and treating it and delivering it at home. That was not in the original plan. And then there are other things that come up — somebody needs water. The Indian tribes along the line at Ponca need water. So all these things need to be taken into consideration,” Ree explained. The proposal that he advised is tagged his “Christmas Tree arrangement.” “The trunk is the pole extending from Ponca City to Stillwater, and the smaller line to Perry, with branches at right angles to the other communities not right on the line.” He recalled in the early days of KRA of discussing one proposal was that the line cut diagonally across the country and terminate near the OG&E power plant.” “What the needs are of the various communities are probably different than they were 25 years ago,” Ree said as he encouraged the group to have a new needs study done. He said the study with Brice cost about $15,000. He asked, “Where are you going to get $20,000 for a study? In the early days we had a part-time manager Ray Pool. He was an opportunist and if there was money available in grants he knew where to get it. That’s how we financed the study.” Ree said, “When you look to the future, you know things are changing, new demands need to be met, water rights need to be revaluated. Stillwater, which is the only municipality drawing water from Kaw, might need to be revised downward. You need a new system taking into account all these various demands, variations and minor deviations. Build in some flexibility when you make a needs readjustment estimate on the high side so you’ll be prepared to add in increments.” He also warned that the KRA should take precautions to guard the water rights working through the Water Resources Board. KRA has a certain amount of water rights, as do the cities. Some of the exciting times were when Kaw Reservoir was being constructed. At that time KRA was considering building a water treatment plant. Other major issues were the hydro-electric plant, which was put in operation in 1989, and the building of the pipeline to Stillwater. Hydro Power At first, Ree said he immediately was concerned about the power plant and felt the Authority should be because maybe the water we needed would be going through the turbines for the power plant. “So I talked to the Corps about it and still don’t quiet understand the answer — it related to averages. I didn’t want it to impact unfavorably on the water supply.” The agreement between the Corps and Oklahoma Municipal Power is that the Corps releases the water when they want to release it and OMPA generates it. If the Corps doesn’t want it released, they don’t release it and the power plant doesn’t generate as it is a “run of the river.” Ree noted there are regulations as to what the water can be used for and that the water from Kaw cannot be used for irrigation. He told that a 48-inch pipe had been built into the dam and when the Stillwater pipeline project came about in 1989 a valve was attached to this pipe to allow drawing of the water. KRA paid for the value, according to Ree. In the beginning a member of the Corps of Engineers always attended the meetings of KRA as well as a reporter, Ree said. He said they were exciting times because they had something to talk about. Kaw Dam was dedicated in 1976. He urged the group to continue to remain protective of water and to plan for the future. Bud Hollingsworth of Perry noted that the KRA had been fortunate to have visionaries such as Ree on the board in the past. Nine member cities pay dues to the KRA. These include Ponca City, Kaw City, Perry, Stillwater, Tonkawa, Blackwell, Newkirk, Perkins and Enid. All but Newkirk were represented at the meeting at the Shady Lady Restaurant in Perry. Ken Parr, Public Works director for Ponca City, was reelected chairman, and Bud Hollingsworth, Mayor of Perry, was reelected vice chairman. Other officers elected were Carl Weinaug, Stillwater, secretary, and Verne Bartell, Enid, treasurer. After hearing a report by Deanna K. Kelley, office secretary, stating that the dues for the member cities may need to be adjusted. She said if the same financial support continues, by the year 2035 there will not be enough funds to pay the principal on the pipeline to Stillwater. KRA borrowed the funds from the U.S. Corps of Engineers on a 50-year loan at the interest rate of 3.222 percent for the pipeline from Kaw Lake to run to the City of Stillwater. When the pipeline was built, KRA agree to make the principal payments with Stillwater paying the interest. Currently the principal payment is $4,665, but would increase to $15,081 by 2035. The City of Stillwater will pay $10,902.89 in interest. Parr said he would meet with Perry’s administrative assistant and the City of Ponca City’s financial officer Marc Labossiere, to study the dues structure and make a recommendation to a special meeting of the KRA set for Aug. 7 in Perry. If a restructuring of the dues is necessary it will apparently be initiated this year. Currently the assessment, which is based on population, list the dues as follows: Blackwell, $94.25; Enid, $566.50; Kaw City, $4; Newkirk, $27; Perkins, $24; Perry, $62.25; Ponca City, $329.50; Stillwater, $458.50; Tonkawa, $39; Morrison, $8. The total income would be $9,513. KRA also has certificates of deposit totaling $60,000. City of Braman Getting Ready for Centennial CelebrationBRAMAN — It’s a 100th Birthday celebration, so everyone should plan to bring lawn chairs, card tables, and other picnic type things to the park with them to enjoy all our activities that will be happening there. Coordinators of the Braman Centennial Festival — coming on July 17, 18 and 19 — are compiling a list of needs to prepare for the event. They are looking for historical photos old and new of Braman and surrounding areas with residents who can be identified — videos, movies transferred to video, historical narratives on tape, and anything else that anyone feels would be of historical value for a video production that is currently under progress. With the historical video under production, orders are being taken now at Braman Town Hall, 580-385-2369 (at a cost of $20). The video will be completed and ready for pickup or mail delivery (cost $3) around September 1. Crafters with items for sale for the Craft Show/Sale — Saturday July 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — should call Susie Ingram at 580-385-2184 to reserve a booth for $10. Items are needed for a Farmers Market on Saturday morning — actually every Saturday morning at 7 a.m. on Main Street just North of the BancFirst building. Artists or would-be artists (ANYONE) who would like to help paint murals on some of our downtown buildings are asked to call Pam Kelle at 580-385-2378 to schedule some painting times. They need turn-of-the-century clothing for men, women, and children and volunteers to model, and for the Olde Tyme Photography booth on Saturday July 18. Volunteers are needed to help set up Braman Gym for historical displays and to set up other areas on Friday July 17 at 8:30 a.m. They will meet at Braman Town Complex for initial instructions and plans for the day. Highlights for the three-day event include: Friday July 17 Mini Carnival, 4 to 8:30 p.m. Bingo-Braman Town Complex, Mechanical Bull Riding,Downtown — Broadway Street, Kiddie Amusements, Downtown — Broadway Street, food booths. Centennial Variety Show 8:30 p.m., Braman Park; Kaws & Squaws Square Dancers, Historical Reenactment, Drum Corps/ Native American Dancing- Ponca Tribe; Country Western Band; Historical Impersonator; Sweet Adelines of Blackwell, Cloggers of Arkansas City, local singers and other talent. Saturday July 18 8 a.m. Braman Park, no preregistration needed — just show up: Fun Runs for all ages, Fun Walks for all ages, Bicycle Races for all ages. 9 a.m. Braman Park, volleyball tournament — 4 person $5 per person (cash payback), horseshoe tournament — two age brackets, call Braman Town Hall 580-385-2369 to preregister for tournaments by 3 p.m. Friday July 17. 12 noon to 4 p.m. Talent in the Park — an array of local talented artists. A Centennial Turn of the Century Parade will be held at 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Olde Tyme Games — Water Balloon toss, 3 Legged gunney sack races, Egg Toss 5 p.m. Centennial Helium Balloon Launch/messages included. 5-7 p.m. Centennial Barbecue, free to all our area guests. Live entertainment - Rick Cole Band and guest performers. 9 p.m. - 12 Midnight, Country Western Street Dance. Sunday July 19 8-10:30 a.m. Singing Fellowship Service in the Braman Park. 11 a.m. A picnic box lunch will conclude the Centennial Festival. Pawnee Bill Wild West Show to OpenPAWNEE — With new acts featuring more local performers, the Original Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show will open for the 11th consecutive summer this Saturday at the historic Pawnee Bill Ranch. “We will have a women’s mounted drill team led by Dana Ellis of Pawnee,” said Jerry Brown, who is returning as director of the 7 p.m. show for six consecutive Saturday evenings through Aug. 1. “Saloon women will be riding in the stage coach when it’s robbed, and Peggy Coleman of Pawnee will play her banjo on horseback. We also will have an unusual snake act by Brian May of Pawnee.” These and other acts will be added to returning stars such as trick roper and rider Wendy Ratchford of Oklahoma City, Pam Ledford of Pawnee as a trick shooter, and the Adams Family of Ponca City in Native American dancing and an attack on a prairie schooner holdup. The excitement of bronc riding and horseback racing also will return, and Brown is seeking chariot races for the show at the ranch, which is operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Brown, a stunt rider who appeared in the movie, “Tombstone,” directed the show in 1995, when the production was taken over by the Pawnee community. He has appeared as a performer in the show most of the years since it was revived in 1988. The historic show is patterned after the Wild West Show that was started in 1888 by Gordon W. Lillie — known as Pawnee Bill. He toured the world with the show until 1913 and was a partner of Buffalo Bill during his last five years. He lived on the ranch until his death in 1940. Pam Ledford plays the role of Mae Lilie, Pawnee Bill’s wife, who was a trick shooter during the world wide tours. Jack, Anna and Stacy Adams are Native Americans from Ponca City and perform as a family. Jack Adams has demonstrated how to shoot a bow-and-arrow on horseback and on foot in the past. Frank Motes of Blackburn is a pardon and parole officer who brings cowboy skills to the show. “Dana Ellis offered to put together a women’s drill team on horseback,” Brown said, “and we expect that to become a new highlight of the show. Wendy Ratchford, who appeared as a trick rider last year, will add trick roping this year.” The festivities will begin each Saturday with a parade in downtown Pawnee at 3 p.m. It will be followed by a 5 p.m. barbecue dinner at the ranch with Peggy Coleman arranging for entertainment. The show again is sponsored by the Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association, the Pawnee Chamber of Commerce, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and the Oklahoma Historical Society. GOOFS to Host Annual Air ShowPONCA CITY — The Good Ole Okie Flying Society (GOOFS) will be presenting its 10th annual Miniature Air Show at GOOFS Field here July 11-12. The activities will begin at 8 a.m. both days, and will continue until 5 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The Air Show will be performed by more than 50 pilots, who are expected to come here from five states to fly their giant-scale radio controlled model airplanes. There may be as many as five airplanes in the air at the same time, all day long. To be eligible to be flown in the Air Show, single wing airplanes must have a wingspan of 80 inches or larger, and biplanes must have a wingspan of 64 inches or larger. Admission to the Air Show is free! Concessions (hamburgers, hotdogs, soft drinks, and snow cones) will be available at the flying field, which is located south of Lake Road on Pecan Road. For more information, call Alan Coats at 767-6663 (daytime) or 762-7973 (evenings). Area CalendarJuly 2 Kay-9 Dog Training Club meeting, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library. July 3 Blind Mississippi Morris and Pocket Rockets Electric Delta Blues, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, $8 advance, $10 at the door, call Poncan Theatre, 765-0943. July 4 Nations Celebration, sponsored by NationsBank, 5 p.m. to dark, Lake Ponca Park, free to the public, everyone welcome. Celebration in Tonkawa, open house at Historical Museum, 10 a.m.; free swim, 1-4 p.m.; games at Blinn Park, concession stand open, 5 p.m.; Tiny Tot and Mr. Muscle Contest, 7:30 p.m.; Entertainment, 8 p.m.; Fireworks Display “Bigger and Better,” dusk. July 5 Christmas in July, Kaw City Pioneer Beach, kids games, sand castles and other contests and food, lighted boat flotilla at dusk, followed by fireworks, Oklahoma Jubilee 6-8 p.m., call 580-269-2276 for information. July 6 Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35 and U.S. 60 west of Tonkawa, more information from 765-3164. July 8 Rural Water District No. 3 (Braden) Board of Directors, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center. July 11-12 Good Ole Okie Flying Society Annual Miniature Air Show, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, GOOFS Field, south of Lake Road on Pecan Road, Ponca City. July 14 Kawfest ’98 Committee Meeting (evaluation), 10 a.m., Ponca City Chamber of Commerce. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Keeler Road and U.S. 60. Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. July 16 Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Group, 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, Blackwell. July 17 John Fox Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting Hospice of Ponca City, 8 a.m., Lew Wentz Golf Course, shotgun start, information from Hospice 762-9102. Kaw Reservoir Authority, 10 a.m., Perkins Restaurant, Ponca City. July 18 88.7 FM presents Smalltown Poets, Christian Rock group, concert, 7 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, tickets available at Master’s Touch, Ponca City, call 767-1400 for more information. July 20 Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, Ponca City, call Beth Wright 765-6738 for additional information. July 21 Kaw Lake Association Board Meeting, noon, Golden Corral, North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue, Ponca City. July 23 Environmental Trust Authority of Northern Oklahoma, 11:30 a.m., Mayor’s Office, 822 Cedar Street, Perry. July 25 Lake Road Scurry, 5 km mile/walk, 8 a.m., Shelter House No. 3 at Lake Ponca, sponsored by Domestic Violence Program of North Central Oklahoma. August 6 Kay-9 Dog Training Club meeting, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library. August 11 McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Keeler Road and U.S. 60. Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. August 12-13-14-15 101 Wild West Rodeo, 101 Rodeo Arena, North Ash Street at West Prospect Avenue. August 17 Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, Ponca City, call Beth Wright 765-6738 for additional information. August 18 Kaw Lake Association Board Meeting, noon, Golden Corral, North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue, Ponca City. September 11-12 12th Annual Land of Country Antique and Craft Festival, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Hutchins Memorial Building, North Seventh Street and Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City, tickets $2, lunch both days from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $5. Sept. 26 Re-Opening of new and enlarged Pioneer Woman Museum, time and details to be announced later. Kaw City’s Christmas in July SetKAW CITY — Music, kids games, lighted boat flotilla and fireworks will cap off the Fourth of July holiday weekend at the 14th annual “Christmas in July” celebration Sunday, July 5, at the Pioneer Swim Beach here. Activities begin in the afternoon with swimming, greased pole climbing, moon walking, a sand castle building contest, a suntan contest and miscellaneous games for kids. From 6 to 8 p.m. Bill Brown’s Oklahoma Jubilee will perform “Branson Style” family entertainment on the beach. The show, opened in 1996 by Bill Brown’s family and friends in downtown Shidler, will feature some of Oklahoma’s finest musicians and singers. Added comedy will make it a fun-filled show. At dark, the traditional Christmas in July Lighted Boat Flotilla will parade along the Pioneer Swim Beach. Cash prizes, offered for the first time this year, include $250 for best lighted boat overall; $100 for best lighted houseboat or cabin cruiser; $100 first place for best lighted pontoon; and $100 for best lighted other entry. Plaques will be awarded to second and third place winners in each category. Merchants donating prizes include Kay Electric Cooperative, Dollar Saver, The Boat House, and North Central Marine. Participants will assemble before dark just west of the Pioneer Cove Marina at Kaw City. Entries are still being accepted for the boat flotilla until June 30. To enter, interested boat owners may complete the entry form printed in local area newspapers or contact the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce at 580-269-2276 or the Kaw Lake Association 580-762-9494 or 1-888-291-4995, ext. 2920. Christmas in July activities will conclude with the traditional fireworks display provided by the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce. For information contact the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce or the Kaw Lake Association. Admission to Christmas in July is $2 per person and will be collected at the entrance to Pioneer Swim Beach. Christmas in July is a joint promotion of the Kaw City Chamber of Commerce and the Kaw Lake Association. The purpose of the Kaw Lake Association is to build a region-wide partnership of towns, businesses, service agencies and local governments within the north central Oklahoma Kaw Lake area. Its mission includes recruitment of a broad membership base, creation of a financial support system, addressing infrastructure needs, developing tourism, broadening the business base, and marketing the region as a whole. Pawnee Ready With Another RendezvousPAWNEE — Pawnee Rendezvous has been rescheduled to this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Pawnee County Courthouse Square. With free admission, the Rendezvous will feature live polka music and dancing beginning at 1 p.m. The Polka Timers polka band will sing and play a cheery style of polkas, waltzes, schottisches with audience participation dances. There will be arts and crafts, and flea market booths on the square. Food will include smoked barbecue, Pork Spare Ribs and Sauerbraten dinners from 11 a.m. until the food runs out. The day will also feature Indian meat pies, Polish sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, corn on the cob, assorted soft drinks, lemonade and ice cream for sale. Sponsors have exclusive concession rights. The event is sponsored by the Pawnee Rendezvous Committee. For more information call 918-762-2493 mornings or evenings. Sen. Paul Muegge Will Receive ‘Rejection Scroll’ as BureaucratBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Sen. Paul Muegge has been rejected for membership in the International Association of Professional Bureaucrats, according to humorist Dr. Jim Boren, president of the group. Muegge will receive a “Rejection Scroll” at the June 27 banquet of the association. This apparently is a pat on the back instead of a slap in the chops. Dr. Boren will present the International Association of Professional Bureaucrats’ Rejection Scroll to Sen. Muegge and Rep. M.C. Leist. Boren said Senator Muegge and Rep. Leist will be rejected from membership or any other consideration for present or future awards from the association. Boren said, “Their work on the corporate hog law was unbureaucratic and too above-board to make them eligible for membership. They don’t mumble and they don’t fuzzify their thoughts. This can undermine the bureaucratic way of life.” The highest award of the organization will be presented at the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation banquet at Lawton to Rep. Larry Adair. It will be the “Order of the Bird” sculpted for Adair “who soars with the chickens.” Boren says, “Mr. Adair demonstrated great bureaucratic skill in the twisty-twisty leverage leading to the final passage of the ‘Tax-the-People’ Poultry Bill. The people, rather than big chicken companies will pay for the pollutal impactuation that chicken litter will have on the Illinois River and other rivers, streams and lakes. Mr. Adair merits our recognition,” Boren said. This award is the 66th Bird award to be presented in the 30-year history and only the second in Oklahoma,” Boren said. Check Counterfeiters Captured As Part of Multi-State InvestigationBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Three Ponca City residents have been arrested in connection with a check counterfeiting ring in an ongoing, multi-state investigation. Two women age 23 and 18 and a 20-year-old man were arrested after law enforcement officials conducted a search on both a computer and computer software located at local residence late last week. According to police the trio was involved in electronically printing bogus checks and then passing them unto merchants. According to Police Captain Dwaine Vincent the counterfeit ring was a major operation and for the most part local merchants were spared. “Through investigation we have discovered that since October checks, which so far have exceeded $29,000, have been passed mainly in South Dakota with only two being passed locally. More are expected to be found,” Vincent explained. “This was a major investigation, one that is continuing and one that may result in still more arrests — we were happy to be a part of such a successful operation.” The Ponca City Police Department as well as other county, city and state agencies including the Office of the Inspector General and law enforcement officials from Grand Folks, North Dakota were involved in the investigation. P.C. Resident Represents Literacy Council at National ConferencePonca City resident, Barbara J. Brown, has recently returned from Columbus, Ohio, where she attended the 1998 Biennial Conference of Laubach Literacy Action held June 11-14. Laubach Literacy Action is the U.S. Program Division of Laubach Literacy and the nation’s largest literacy organization. Mrs. Brown, coordinator, along with Rose Payne and Kenneth Beadman, represented the Ponca City Area Literacy Council during the four-day conference. The conference draws tutors, tutor trainers, literacy program managers, volunteers and students from Laubach’s more than 1,000 member programs nationwide. Conference highlights included a speech by former Senator Paul Simon, cosponsor of the 1991 National Adult Literacy Act and longtime literacy advocate, who was also the first recipient of the Laubach’s Paul Simon Literacy Award. “Laubach’s Biennial Conference was a very valuable experience for me,” said Mrs. Brown. “I especially enjoyed the seminars, which not only gave me new ideas, but also showed me how to implement them.” Laubach Literacy, the oldest and largest literacy organization in the world, is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to helping adults of all ages improve their lives and their communities by learning reading, writing, math and problem-solving skills. Founded in 1955 by literacy pioneer Dr. Frank C. Laubach, the organization has 1,058 member programs throughout the United States and 68 partner programs in 34 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Ponca City Area Literacy Council is a nonprofit, volunteer-based literacy council, providing literacy services to 175 adults and youths annually in the Ponca City area. Emergency Sirens To Sound ThursdayThe 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. SSA Expects Business As Usual in Year 2000By Ron Janzen District Manager A number of people have expressed fear that their Social Security checks may be affected by a computer glitch that prevents data processing systems from recognizing the year 2000. They are reading horror stories which predict a computer meltdown or at least countless errors from computers that fail to recognize the year change. Fortunately, I can assure you that for Social Security, such fears are groundless. We are on top of the problem and expect the turn of the century to be business as usual — payments delivered on time and in the right amount. With over 44 million people depending on Social Security for a monthly benefit payment, we recognized early that we needed to take the lead in addressing the problem. We have been working on the problem before most other organizations ever heard of it. According to Kathy Adams, Social Security’s Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Systems, over 90 percent of Social Security’s 33 million lines of proprietary software is ready for the year 2000 now. For the rest of the year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be testing how its various software systems work together. SSA is working closely with other agencies involved in the check delivery process. These include:
Two Po-Hi Students Attending OSAI at OUNORMAN — Ponca City High School students Robert Hwang and Robert Maril are attending the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, now taking place on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. Students have been spending six hours each day in intensive study under the guidance of nationally recognized professional artists at OSAI. OSAI, in its 21st year, is a two-week program from June 13-28 hosted this year by OU. Construction for the new Quartz Mountain State Park permanent facilities is currently under way. Robert Maril was accepted to OSAI in choral music and is attending on a scholarship provided by the Marcella Craver Young Memorial Scholarship Fund. He is the son of Rick and Marta Maril. “OSAI is different from any other arts camp I’ve been to in that it’s truly a community of artists working together to grow and produce the best art that they can,” states Maril. Robert Hwang was accepted to the OSAI orchestra and plays the violin. Hwang is attending on a scholarship provided by the Brittain Scholars Fund and the Bank of Oklahoma Scholarship Fund. He is the son of Regina Y. Hwang. “The most valuable aspect of my experience at OSAI is the opportunity to work with so many talented students and teachers. The experience has helped me with violin skills and given me the strength to play for long periods of time. It has helped me physically and mentally. This is the best experience I could ever have in my life,” said Hwang. Along with their regular studies, the students have also been attending evening performances, demonstrations, and exhibitions presented by the faculty, guest artists, and fellow students. Many of the performances are free and open to the public. OAI is a private non-profit organization governed by a statewide board of directors. Ponca City residents Warren Jensen and Jo Ann Muchmore serve as board members. The organization receives support by individuals, businesses, civic groups and foundations. OAI also receives support from the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. For more information about OAI and its programs, call (405) 842-0890 or write P.O. Box 18154, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. Otoe-Missouria Head Start Sets Public MeetingRED ROCK — Otoe-Missouria Child Care Coordinator Hayley Tah announces a public meeting on June 25 at 2 p.m. at the Otoe-Missouria Head Start in Marland. The purpose of this meeting is to ask citizens in the Marland-Red Rock area for their suggestions and input in the 1998-99 Child Care Program. Input from this meeting will help direct the program toward the child care needed in the community. The Otoe-Missouria Child Care Program is funded to provide child care for tribal members who are low income and need the assistance as they complete school, train for new jobs, and in need for short term assistance because of family or personal change. Currently, the Otoe-Missouria Child Care Program is accepting applications for the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Complex in Red Rock. For more information call (580) 723-4466. DEATHSRuby Johnson Ruby JohnsonRuby Johnson, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, June 23, 1998 at the Ponca Nursing Home. She was 85. The funeral service will be graveside, Thursday, 2 p.m. at the Longwood Cemetery with Mr. Frank Tepe, associate pastor, Eastern Heights Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Born Sept. 3, 1912, at Burns, Kan., she was the daughter of Charles Dudley and Jessie Soupernall Dunn. On April 2, 1938, she married Carl Johnson as Haukensville, Ga. The couple lived for several years at Quitman, Ga., before moving to Augusta where Mr. Johnson was employed by the State of Georgia. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1969. Mrs. Johnson was a lifelong homemaker. She is survived by three sisters, Juanita May Miller of Blackwell, Goldie Albertie of Shidler, and Edna Reeves of Ponca City; and her caregivers, Orrin and Evelyn Pederson of Ponca City. Friends may call at the funeral home until 1 p.m. Thursday. ObituariesCecil Dewey SneedCecil D. Sneed, died Sunday, June 21, 1998 at the Hospice of St. John’s in Lakewood, Colo. He was 81. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Tom Estes, pastor, Glad Tidings Assembly of God, officiating. A graveside service will follow at noon at the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee, under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. A military service will be provided by the Vance Air Force Base Honor Guard. Cecil was born on Feb. 5, 1917, outside of Pawnee to Jonah and Iona (Bradley) Sneed. In September 1939, he joined the U.S. Army, 137th Infantry 35th Division, where he served in until 1942 when he joined the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Air Force until 1945, then reenlisted in 1948, and served until 1972. In World War II he was a tail-gunner with 35 missions in the B-17 Flying Fortress “Royal Flush.” He later served in the Korean War and went on to serve as a physiological flight trainer for high altitude. Cecil was the recipient of the Medal of Commendation for his service to his country. In 1966, he married Bette J. (Ficcio) Sneed in Denver, Colo. She preceded him in death on Feb. 21, 1997. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping and coin collecting. He was active in the VFW and the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Chlora Schultz; and two brothers; Ray Sneed and Calvin Sneed. Survivors include his son Brad Sneed of Ponca City; one stepson Bob Caldwell of Washington; three daughters, Cecile Lantz of Arvada, Colo., Raylene Mallon of San Jose, Calif., and Gail Garcia of Fort Worth, Texas; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and two brothers Virgil Sneed of Ponca City, and Orville Sneed of Perkins. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. Casket bearers will be Everett VanHoesen, Chad VanHoesen, Nathan Garcia, Jeff Lantz, Damian Salazar, Matt Mallon, Frank Hasselmeier and Roderick McNee. Honorary casket bearers will be brothers, Orville Sneed and Virgil Sneed. paid obituary Vashti Marie GrantVashti Marie Grant, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, June 20, 1998, in Ponca City. She was 40 years of age. A prayer service will be held this evening at the Ponca Indian Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 1998, at the church with pastor Ted Freeman, presiding. Interment will be at the Ponca Indian Cemetery. The traditional noon feast will precede the funeral on Thursday. Vashti Marie Grant was born Jan. 26, 1958, in Pawnee, the daughter of Curtis Grant and Josephine Grant. She received her early education in the Ponca City public schools, later attending classes at Ponca Vo-Tech. She was a member of the Ponca Indian Baptist Church and had also attended the Right Track Church on South First Street. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 38 and the Scalp Dance Society. She enjoyed Indian dancing. She is survived by her mother, Josephine DeLodge Grant of the home; four sons, Luther Kemble and McKay Kemble, both of Wichita, Kan., Floyd and Collins Roubideaux, both of Ponca City; two daughters, Thelma Karty of the home and Lizzie Lightning of Broken Arrow; six sisters, Jessica Kent and Grace Howe of Ponca City, Stephanie Sisco of Minnesota, Oressa Overland of Grand Prairie, Texas and Brenda Grant and Francine Thomas, both of Nebraska; two brothers, Tom Leonard of Broken Arrow and Nathan A. Grant Sr. of Nebraska; her grandfather, Joseph Hairyback; three grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Curtis Grant, one daughter, Rachel Dominquez; one brother, Danny Grant Sr.; her maternal grandparents, Baptiste and Lizzie Hairyback DeLodge; her grandmother, Marcella Hairyback, aunts and uncles, Bennie and Florence Walker, Oliver and Marcella Cayon and Margaret DeLodge. Casket bearers will be Luther Kemble, Floyd Roubideaux, Antone DeLodge, Baptiste DeLodge, Carl DeLodge and Algernon Grant. Honorary casket bearers will be nephews. The family will be at 140 Red Hawk Lane in White Eagle. paid obituary Services PendingDorothy CrevelingDorothy Mae Creveling, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, June 24, 1998, at her home. She was 81. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Rose DonnellyRose Donnelly, resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday, June 23, 1998, in Wichita, Kan. She was 61. Survivors include her husband, Carl, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City. FuneralsThursday Blanche M. Jamieson — Funeral to be held at 10 a.m. at the Deer Creek (Okla.) First Christian Church. Burial will be in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Nardin under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.James B. Rogers Jr. — Memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Yukon (Okla.) Cemetery under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.Friday Kenneth L. Miller — Memorial service to be held at 10 a.m. at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.NEWS BRIEFS55 Club — Members of the 55 and Older Club will meet for a salad luncheon Thursday at noon at 700 West Broadway. Each person is asked to bring a salad. Cards are played on Tuesday and Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend the events. Young-At-Heart Dance — A Young-At-Heart Dance is held every Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley, 7-10 p.m. A Snack and Hillbilly night is held the first Thursday of each month. Ken Wilson and the Sunshine Playboys Band will play. Legion Meeting, Election — There will be a regular meeting of the American Legion Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Huff-Minor American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue. Elections will be held for new slate of officers. VFW Event — The calf fry and sandwich dinner for members and wives of the Veteran of Foreign Wars has been changed to 5 p.m. Saturday. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to the Post lounge and join in the fun said a spokesperson. Car Wash — The Science Club at Po-Hi will hold a car wash Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the west side of Wal-Mart. Cost is $3 for cars and $5 for vans and trucks. Proceeds will go toward club projects and field trips. Pioneer Rotary Installation — The Pioneer Rotary Club will hold its annual officer installation Friday, 6:30 p.m., E.W.’s Restaurant, Marland Mansion Estate. The regular noon Friday meeting will not be held. Next regular noon meeting will be July 10 due to July 4 holiday. Attempted Burglary — At 9:02 a.m. Tuesday, P.C. Sports, 205 East Grand Avenue, reported an attempted burglary. Vehicle Vandalism — At 9:28 a.m. Tuesday police were notified that a sanitation unit had been vandalized in the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue. A report was made. Statue Vandalism — At 10:55 a.m. Tuesday police were notified of vandalism to the Standing Bear Statue. An officer was assigned. Vehicle Vandalism — A man in the 500 block of Lora Avenue contacted police at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday reporting that his car had been hit with a paintball. Theft — At 1:04 p.m. Tuesday police were advised of a theft at Brandt’s Ace Hardware, 3203 North Fourteenth Street. A report was taken. Arrest — Police arrested a 20-year-old man at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday from Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for petit larceny. Juvenile Shoplifter — At 3:08 p.m. Tuesday a boy was taken into custody for shoplifting at Dollar Saver, 112 South Second Street. He was later ticketed and then released to his parents. Robbery — At 4:49 p.m. Tuesday a person was robbed in the parking lot in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Arrest — Police arrested a 15-year-old boy at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday for unlawful entry, vandalism and curfew violation. Minor Accident — A minor accident in the 1000 block of Poplar Avenue was reported to police at 7:34 p.m. Tuesday. A report was taken. Arrest — Police arrested a 17-year-old boy at 7:48 p.m. Tuesday for unlawful entry, vandalism and curfew violation. Missing Yard Equipment — A man in the 900 block of North Elm Street contacted police at 8:21 p.m. Tuesday reporting a grass trimmer missing from his shed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Assault — At 9:28 p.m. Tuesday police were called to the 400 block of South Oak Street after receiving a call that a person had been assaulted at that location. A report was taken. Assault — At 9:33 p.m. Tuesday a woman called police to report that her 15-year-old daughter had been “jumped” by two girls at South Eleventh Street and East Central Avenue. An officer was assigned and an assault and battery report was taken. Stolen Boat — A woman in the 300 block of South Oak Street called police at 9:33 p.m. Tuesday reporting the theft of a boat. A report was taken. Window Broken — At 10:15 p.m. Tuesday police were advised that a window had been broken out of a vehicle at Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue. Possible Prowlers — A prowler was reported to police at two different locations including one at 12:11 a.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of West Broadway Avenue and the other at 12:52 a.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of North Palm Street. An officer was assigned. Juvenile Vandalism — At 1:50 a.m. Wednesday police apprehended two 12-year-old boys and a 15-year-old from the 700 block of North Pine Street after the trio had been caught throwing pears at vehicles. LIFESTYLESSwim Registration Continues at YMCA Swim Registration Continues at YMCA“Learn to swim without shivering or sunburns, by enrolling in YMCA Progressive Swim Lessons offered in our indoor pool with a water temperature averaging 84 degrees,” encourages Sandie Penewitt, YMCA swim lesson coordinator. Water safety and perfection of swimming skills has been the goal of the YMCA for over 100 years. The Ponca City YMCA offers a teaching staff with 31 years of combined teaching experience. All swim instructors are certified lifeguards. Class enrollment is by two-week sessions with remaining sessions this summer: (June 29-July 10), (July 13-24), and (July 27-August 7). Morning and evening lessons are available. Cost per session is $20 for YMCA members and $25 for non-members. Payment is required at the time of registration. Some scholarships are available. The seven progressive swim levels include: the beginning levels; skipper, polliwog, guppy, and minnow, the intermediate levels; fish and flying fish, and shark, the most advanced level. Each level builds on physical skills learned in the preceding level, with an emphasis at all times on safety of ourselves and others. Floating and learning to relax in the water are important abilities taught in every level to further every student’s chance of survival in water for long periods of time. Even the beginners will get the chance to float in the deep well in a life jacket and give a try to jumping off the diving board. All levels will also be given the opportunity to play out scenarios of “reach or throw to assist” someone experiencing difficulty in the water. Even small children can practice throwing an object that will float to someone in the water, meaning a difference between life and death. Parent-Tot and Adult swim lessons are also offered at the YMCA. Parents and their toddlers experience a swim class together in the Parent-Tot class. Emphasis in this class is introduction to the water, blowing bubbles, and beginning to kick. Toddlers are taught to reach for the side of the pool and crawl out into the gutter for safety. Adult lessons are also offered on a small student to teacher ratio. It is never too late to learn to swim or at least feel more comfortable in the water. Enroll today to enjoy a lifetime of safe fun and fitness in the water. For more information call the YMCA at 765-5417. Little NewsJo Ellen and Cary Meister, 1 Nightingale Lane, announce the birth of a daughter at 10:28 p.m. May 7, 1998 in Stillwater. The baby weighed 6-pounds, 14-ounces and measured 19 1/2-inches long. She has been named Raegan Alexandria Meister. Her sisters are Fletcher, Morgan and Madeline Meister. Maternal grandparents are L. C. and Yvonne Coldiron of Oklahoma City and paternal grandparents are DeTroy and Margie Trammell of Tulsa. Fay Wyatt of Marlow is the great-grandmother. Busy Bee Club MeetsMembers of the Busy Bee Club met June 17 at the home of Ruth Case, 424 North Ninth. Louise Womack led the salute to the flag and “The Lord’s Prayer.” There were eight members present. Viola Haley gave the devotions titled “Man in the Glass.” Members voted to purchase the meat for picnics and Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report. Games were played with winners being Ms. Womack and Vivian Davis. There will not be a club meeting during July. The Aug. 5 meeting will be hosted by Vivian Davis, 1043 North Third. SPORTSRoad Worn Legion AA Falls Again Road Worn Legion AA Falls AgainBy MATTHEW KOENIG News Sports Writer After playing eight games over the past five days, fatigue seemed to catch up with the American Legion AA varsity, as they dropped both games of a doubleheader against Perry, Tuesday, 12-2 in the first and 6-2 in the second. Currently mired in a four-game losing streak, the Royals have fallen from a season-high five games over .500 to just one, at 15-14. In two games, the road-weary Royals managed just 10 hits, while committing a total of 11 errors in the field. Perry, meanwhile, tallied 20 hits off a drained Ponca City pitching staff, which struck out a total of just six batters in 14 innings. In the first game, after a 3-and-out inning for both teams, Perry got on the board with three runs in the second. A fielding error to put catcher Tony Kegin on base led to an RBI triple to the right field fence by shortstop Rocky Waren. That was followed by an RBI double by first baseman Erik Edgar to give Perry the lead. Two hits — by right fielder Stephen Michael and centerfielder Anthony Stark — went for naught in the bottom of that inning, and Perry stepped back to the plate in the top of the third, where they banged out five hits good for four more runs. Consecutive hits by right fielder Tony Nguyen and pitcher Wes Sparks led to Kegin, who blasted a 2 RBI double to the left field fence. One batter later, Edgar then got on with a base hit, and second baseman Brandon Hight finished the scoring assault with a 2 RBI shot to center field. The Poncans did pick up two scores in the bottom of that inning. After first baseman Jimmo Ozment sliced a shot up the third base line for a base hit, a blast to left field — which also rolled between the fielder’s legs — by second baseman J. Michael Sharon sent Ozment in to score, and Sharon on to second. Two outs later, Michael ripped one into right field, and Eads ended the Poncan effort with an RBI single up the first base line. After two scoreless innings, Perry finished off the Poncans with five more runs in the final two innings. In the sixth, a 2 RBI double by Waren, and a 3 RBI double — to drive in three walked batters — by Nguyen in the seventh completed the Perry effort. For the game, Michael was 2-for-3 at the plate. If not for one, disastrous inning, the second game might have been closer. After Perry picked up a run on no hits — but three Royal errors — in the first inning, a 4-error second inning gave Perry a quick, 5-0 lead. An overthrown ball to first base put third baseman Mike Groom on second, and Edgar dropped a fly ball — good for a double — into left field. With two in scoring position, then, centerfielder Justin Stevens sent one in with a sacrifice. Nguyen and Sparks then took advantage of Ponca City fielding errors to get on, and Kegin drove one between second and third to up the ante again. An RBI base hit by Waren then completed the Perry scoring. Though Sharon and centerfielder Buddy McCoy combined for consecutive base hits in the bottom of the third, and catcher Chase Eads picked up a hit in the fourth, the Royals would go scoreless through the first five innings. In the sixth, after pinch hitter Wes Day got on with a fielders’ choice, a lined double by Stark put both in scoring position. A sharply hit ball by first baseman Chris McCool then ricocheted off the Perry shortstop’s chest, sending two in to score. The AA varsity now take a well-deserved one day break before hosting Bartlesville on Thursday. Game time is set for 7:30. Perry 12, Ponca City 2 Perry 034 002 3 — 12 12 3 Ponca City 002 200 0 — 2 6 2 Eads and Johnson; Sparks and Kegin. Perry 6, Ponca City 2 Perry 140 100 0 — 6 8 2 Ponca City 000 002 0 — 2 4 8 Waren and Kegin; Whitsitt and Eads. Nimmo Fourth in Texas-Oklahoma GolfWICHITA FALLS, Texas, Ponca City’s Jenni Nimmo fired a 78 Tuesday in the first round of the girls’ 14 age bracket flight in the Texas-Oklahoma Junior Golf Tournament at the Wichita Falls Count ry Club. Nimmo’s score left her in fourth place in her division. She trailed Analia Lemus of Mission, Texas, who fired a first round 72, Natasha Vincent, Jackonsville, Ark., with a 76 and Hilary Duncan, Shreveport, La., 77. Liz Kester of Tulsa was fifth with a 79 on the par-72 course. Indian Stars Draw CrowdTONKAWA — Playing before a near capacity crowd at Northern Oklahoma College in 107 degree temperatures the All-State South girls narrowly defeated the North All-Staters 54 to 50, while the Boys from the North defeated the South 82 to 75. According to Dr. Joe Conner of Community Health Promotion, the sponsors of the games, these All-State Games were the biggest yet. Over 130 family members and friends attended the Honor Banquet and the Field House at Northern Oklahoma College was near capacity. “We are very pleased that these games have generated so much interest in only three short years,” said Conner. The South All-State girls, led by Game MVP, Alyssa Hale Navajo, from Cheyenne and Georgianne Brown, Creek, from Bristow had 10 points each, to pace the South girls against a strong North team lead by Jennifer Gonzales, Cherokee from Stilwell and 5-10 Bridget Selby, Cherokee from Vinita, both with 11 points. Rounding out the South scoring were Natalie McGee, Choctaw, from Bennington with 7 points; Jamie Heminokeky, Comanche from Cyril with 7 points, and Rachel Ashworth, Chickasaw from Mt. St. Mary, Oklahoma City. Other North scorers were Emily Reasor, Cherokee from Oaks Mission with 7 points; January Sheffield, Cherokee from Afton with 6; Ashley Nowlin, Cheyenne from Seiling with 3; Whitney Morrow, Cherokee from Jay 3; Rachel Shankle, Cherokee from Hulbert 2; and Brittany Davis, Osage from Hominy with 2. “These girls put on a whale of game, and we were very happy to have such a wonderful group,” said Dr. Carol Conner. The South girls were coached by Skip Ashworth from Mt. St. Mary High School and the North by Linda Baker from Hulbert High School. Michael Van Wondenburg, 6-4 Creek from Glenpool put on a fast breaking slam dunking show to lead the North All-Staters to an exciting victory the South team. VanWondenburg, the game MVP, scored 19 points. Joining the double digit scoring on the North squad was Jason Littlecook, Cherokee-Ponca from Tahlequah-Sequoyah with 14 points and Ricky Sparks, Creek from Wetumka with 12 points. The South All-Staters had four players in double digits, including Travis Love, Choctaw with 16 points; Raji Davis, Choctaw from Ft. Towson with l3; Komah Battise, Comanche-Alabama/Coushatti from Elgin with 11 and Robert Taylor, Choctaw from Antlers with 10. “A lot of credit must go to the defense to hold either of these teams to less than 90 points is amazing considering both had five or six players with season scoring averages well over 20 points per game," said Dr. Joe Conner. The North offense was further assisted by 6-7 Harbor Harjochee, Choctaw from Wetumka with 9 points; Brian Littleraven, Cheyenne/Arapaho from Geary with 8; Kevin Glenn, Cherokee from Hulbert with 7 and Darren Deluane, Creek-Kiowa from Wilson (Okmulgee) with 5, The South boys were helped by B.J. Smith, Cherokee from Sallisaw Central with 9 points Justin Durant, Choctaw from Leflore with 7 and 6-7 Mike Halberg, Kiowa from Antlers with 5. The boys North All-State team was coached by John Wright, Shidler High School, and the South All-Staters were coached by Tim Hart, Tulsa Will Rogers High School. Wildlife Camp Was AwesomeBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor “Awesome,” is a frequently used phrase by teenagers and it was an often used word to describe the Oklahoma Wildlife Department’s Law Enforcement Camp at Camp McFadden last week. “It was the best camp I’ve ever been to,” enthused 14-year-old Spencer Grace of Newkirk, who is thinking about working in game management for the Wildlife Department. “We learned a lot of things, especially about law enforcement — how to stop spotlighting and controlling people on the lake. There were just scenarios, but they were interesting,” Grace said. “It was fun,” added Ponca City’s Brad Humble, also 14. “It gave you a look at what working as a game warden is all about .” Humble isn’t sure if game management is his career choice, “At least not yet, I still have some time to decide. But this camp would help prepare you for the training you need.” These two are typical of the 30-plus 14-to-16-year-olds, who took part in this first camp of its type, according to Kay County Game Warden Tracy Daniel, who directed the camp. “We wanted the kids to have some fun and learn a little along the way,” Daniel said. “They seemed to really enjoy it. “We took a survey and the most popular part was the shotgun shooting. We taught them the safety and handling of firearms and archery as well as having some career classes.” Daniel said that a number of the youngsters expressed interest in becoming game wardens, but some just attended the camp for the challenge. “And we challenged the kids right away,” Daniel said. “We held the rope course on the first day. That was to bring together the kids who came from all over the state. It taught them to trust each other and to communicate.” Daniel hopes to offer the camp again next year, but that will depend on the funding. “As you know the department is going through some cutbacks,” Daniel said. “But this year we were funded through donations. We got great backing from groups like the Turkey Hunters’ Federation, the Friends of NRA, Conoco, Coke-Cola and Evans and Associates. “We need those kinds of donations again to hold the camp next year.” Bad Weather Cuts Fishing In Tournament By FRED HILTON News Sports Editor High winds and rain effectively cut the fishing area at Lake Eufaula in half for the three days of the BASS Central Division tournament, according to current BASS State Champion Robert Carlidge. It certainly cut his production in half. Approximately a month earlier, fishing the same lake, Cartlidge caught over 50-pounds of bass to win the state title and lead three members of the Ponca City Bassmasters club onto the state team that qualified for the regional tournament. But threatening storms, rain and wind struck the lake for the three-day divisional tournament last week. Cartlidge managed to hook 13 fish, weighing 24 pounds, 11 ounces. “The problem with wind on a big impoundment like Lake Eufaula is it keeps you from fishing the productive areas. It limits the places you can fish,” Cartlidge said. “The fish were all shallow when it was windy and you had to hunt for the protected areas. And it changed each day. The first two days it overcast and cloudy. On the third day the sun came out but the wind was up.” However, Cartlidge said that despite the poor weather, “quite a few fish were caught. The Oklahoma team did real well.” The Oklahomans, who included Ponca City Bassmasters Cartlidge, Glenn Hughes of Stillwater, Jody Linder and team captain Don Linder, used their knowledge of their “home” lake to finish in first place. The 12-member Oklahoma team — led by division champion Michael Thompson of Tulsa — caught 258-pounds, 12 ounces of fish in three days to beat out second place Arkansas by almost 10 pounds. Louisiana had just over 219 pounds, Texas 137 pounds, 15 ounces, Missouri 166 pounds, Mississippi 160 pounds, Zimbabwe 148 pounds, Kansas 146 and Nebraska 133. Hughes was 15th in the individual standings with 23 pounds, 15 ounces and Jody Linder had 20 pounds, 14 ounces. As team captain, Don Linder did not fish. Thompson, who had 39 pounds, 14 ounces, won the right to represent Oklahoma in the Wrangler/BASS national championship next April. “Having the tournament at Lake Eufaula certainly helped the Oklahoma team — especially in bad weather,” Cartlidge said. “But the Oklahomans are good fishermen. Oklahoma has won this tournament four times and finished second three times in the past 10 years. “You’ll notice that the best fishermen in tournaments come from Oklahoma, western Arkansas, northwestern Louisiana and northeastern Texas. They all spend a lot of time on the water and there is a lot of water in Oklahoma.” Spending time on the water is the key to success in tournaments, Cartlidge said. “I was building a house last year,” the Conoco employee said, “and that cut down on the amount of fishing I could do. But usually I spend 175 to 180 days a year on the water. That pays off when something like the weather changes. You’ve seen it all before.”
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