LOCAL

Most City Debts For Long Periods of Time
Nearly News
GOOFS Set Air Show July 10 and 11
Juvenile Court Hit With More Offenders
Ponca City Man Recovering From ‘Near Death’ Ordeal

Most City Debts For Long Periods of Time

Editor’s Note: This article continues the series of articles related to the fiscal year 1999-2000 budget for the city.

The Ponca City Utility Authority currently has 12 debts with an outstanding principal of about $37.88 million, a projection for June 30, 2000. During the upcoming year, PCUA has allocated about $3.18 million to service the debt. The amount will be divided to cover interest as well as pay down on principal.

Six debts include notes with the Oklahoma Water Resource Board. The oldest is a twenty year note for $1.6 million which closed on April 14, 1994. Proceeds have financed four water utility projects; water distribution, water treatment plant, wellfield improvements and the Union Street water line. It has also financed two Wastewater Utility projects on the sanitary sewer and the eastside sanitary sewer. The debt distribution is 76 percent water and 24 percent wastewater.

Another 20-year note, for $3.9 million with the OWRB, closed on 3-1-95 and funded three Water Utility projects; Industrial Park Water Tank, Northwest Transmission pipeline, Union Street water line. Additionally, is funded four Wastewater Utility projects; Wastewater Treatment plant design, Bois D’arc Lift interceptor, Virginia Street sewer line and Turkey Creek sewer line. The debt distribution is 52 percent water and 48 percent wastewater.

On February 15, 1997, PCUA signed a 20-year SRF promissory note for $1.78 million with OWRB. The note is at zero percent interest and requires principal and administrative fees be paid semiannually. The note is part of a blended SRF refinancing of the interim construction financing for Phase I of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The second part of the blended rate for the Phase I of the Wastewater Treatment plant is also a 20-year promissory note for $3 million through the OWRB.

Also, on June 23, 1998, PCUA closed on a 20-year promissory note for $7.5 million with the OWRB as part of the blended rate refinancing of interim SRF debt for Phase II of the Wastewater Treatment Plant construction. Additionally, PCUA closed a SRF promissory note with the OWRB on June 26, 1998, for principal and administrative fees only. The note is the zero percent interest portion of a blended rate refinancing of interim SRF debt for Phase II of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Other PCUA Debts

A 25-year utility system revenue bond in the amount of $12.2 million was closed on June 26, 1995, to finance three water projects; water plant construction, Fifth Street water line and the northwest transmission pipeline. Also, on July 1, 1995, PCUA closed a CDBG-EDIF promissory note between PCUA and Ponca City Development Authority in the amount of $500,000. The proceeds of the fixed rate 20-year note aided in constructing water, wastewater and electric utility system infrastructure improvements in the Industrial Park area.

In addition, a SRF interim note for Phase II of the Wastewater Treatment Plant construction was closed in 1996. The 4.25 percent interest only note is projected to be brought into permanent financing in the Fall of 1999.

On December 13 1996, the PCUA obtained a equipment series note totaling $440,000 to purchase two new pumper trucks. The PCUA receives a transfer from the general fund on an annual basis equal to debt service requirements. The term of the series is eight years.

Furthermore, on April 29, 1997, a CDBG-CD promissory note was signed between PCUA and PCDA in the amount of $250,000. Proceeds from the 20-year interest free note were used on a 12-acre landfill expansion project. In addition, PCUA obtained a utility system revenue bond with a 15-year term on June 1, 1997. Proceeds amounting to $1.75 million funded a portion of the landfill expansion and the northwest electric substation project. The debt is 34 percent solid waste and 66 percent electric.

Ponca City Development Authority

The Ponca City Development Authority currently has two outstanding debts with a principal balance of $3.7 million as of June 30, 2000. To service debt, about $1.2 million has been allocated for principal payments and approximately $310,000 has been budgeted for interest payments.

PCDA obtained a 10-year sales tax revenue bond on October 1, 1994, in the amount of $5.8 million to provide economic incentive to Thorn Apple Valley Inc., to construct a meat processing facility within the city.

On January 11, 1999, a $1.6 million note was closed between PCUA and PCDA to internally refinance the PCDA 1995A promissory note with NationsBank. The original use of the funds was to provide economic incentive to the Sykes Enterprises and Unitherm Stainless Steel. The debt servicing requirements for these two will be funded by the half-cent dedicated sales and use tax.

The 1999-2000 Budget Book is available to the public in the reference section of the Ponca City Library. Or for more information, contact Marc L. LaBossiere, finance director.

Nearly News

There seems to be a surprise almost everyday. Monday it was a second printing of Sunday’s comics in The News. Here’s hoping there are as many readers of other news and sections of The News as there must have been comic readers. For those who still look for that funny section of the newspaper, we’ve provided Monday’s and Tuesday’s side by side, Monday on Page 4B and Tuesday’s on Page 5B.

GOOFS Set Air Show July 10 and 11

The Good Ole Okie Flying Society (GOOFS) will be presenting its Eleventh Annual Miniature Air Show at GOOFS Field on July 10, and 11. The activities will begin at 8 a.m. both days, and will continue until 5 p.m. on July 10 and 3 p.m. on July 11.

The Airshow 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.

As many as five airplanes will to be in the air at a time, all day long. To be eligible to be flown in the Airshow, single wing airplanes must have a wingspan of 80 inches or larger, and biplanes must have a wings span of 64-inches or larger.

Admission to the Air Show is free. Concessions include barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, 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).

Juvenile Court Hit With More Offenders

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

Some Ponca City youth appearing in juvenile court seem confused about the new curfew law. A recent amendment to the curfew ordinance adjusted the curfew to 12:01 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, for youth ages 15 to 17. This amendment remains in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day of each year.

Nancy Hunt, Ponca City municipal court clerk, confirmed that without the approval of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners, the curfew would not be past midnight for any age group. Not only has the juvenile court seen an increase in curfew violations, but since school has been out for the summer, the court has also noticed an increase in alcohol related offenses.

Thirty-one youth were listed on the Juvenile Court docket for June 1. Juveniles aged 12 through 17, appeared before Juvenile Court Judge John Northcutt for the following misdemeanor offenses: curfew, public intoxication, minor in possession of beer and tobacco and petit larceny.

Northcutt assessed $1,900 in fines and court costs and 70 hours of community service. Additionally, four youth lost or will be denied driving privileges for six months. In addition, three trials were held and in each case, the youth were found guilty.

Hunt also confirmed that 37 juveniles were on the court docket for June 15. Youth 12 through 17 years of age were charged with committing the following misdemeanor offenses: minor in possession of beer and tobacco, transporting an open bottle of alcohol, curfew, public intoxication and petit larceny. Four trials were held, and the youth were found guilty.

Habitual offenders were hit the hardest when it came to consequences. According to Hunt, Northcutt assessed $3,132 in fines and court costs as well as 105 hours of community service. Three repeat offenders lost their drivers’ license until they reach age 21. Also, four other youth lost driving privileges for six months.

The next juvenile court date is July 6.

Ponca City Man Recovering From ‘Near Death’ Ordeal

A Ponca City man who was near death from an ordeal with flesh-eating bacteria remarked Monday night from his hospital room that he’s “going to make it.”

After a dozen rounds of hyperbaric treatment at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Mike Sherron of Ponca City said he’s doing a lot better. He’d spent much of the past three weeks in critical condition.

The doctor “wasn’t giving me much of a chance,” he said.

Sherron had been line-fishing at Kaw Lake during the Memorial Day weekend and received a puncture wound to his hand when he was finned by a fish, but he said he’s not sure what caused the infection that eventually afflicted one side of his body from his underarm to his hip.

After getting ill, he went first to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center here and then was transported to the Oklahoma City hospital.

Amid television news accounts and rumors of an outbreak of the bacteria related to Kaw Lake, local health officials last week tried to emphasize that the lake should not be blamed. They said they were aware of only one actual case in the Ponca City area of the affliction, a rare streptococcal infection known as necrotizing fasciitis.

Officials at both the county and state health departments said they had been receiving several calls from citizens concerned about the disease and its purported connection with the lake.

“It’s not an outbreak situation,” said Dr. Kristy Bradley, infectious disease epidemiologist for the state health department. The infection is caused when bacteria move into the body’s tissues or overcome the body’s defense mechanisms and enter the blood.

Dr. Bradley believed some of the public’s anxiety over the disease’s possible connection to Kaw Lake probably stems from the death of a 3-year-old girl who died last summer of primary amoebic meningoencephylitis (PAM) after swimming in two lakes, including Kaw Lake.

However, the doctor said this year’s environmental conditions are completely different that last year’s. Last summer’s PAM organism developed because of extremely hot weather and low water levels.

Group-A streptococcal infections can be treated with many different antibiotics, and their spread can be reduced by good handwashing. A person with signs of an infected wound, especially if fever develops, should seek medical care.

DEATHS

Aaron Hill
Loren Plummer

Aaron Hill

INDEPENDENCE, Kan. — Aaron Hill, father to Joe Hill of Ponca City, died Thursday, June 17, 1999, at his home in Independence, Kan. He was 85.

The funeral is set for Wednesday, June 23, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, in Independence Kan., under the direction of Webb and Rodrick Funeral Home.

Aaron Hill was born Oct. 27, 1913, in Marietta, Ga., to Fletcher and Adella Hill. He was employed as a cooler tender and truck and tractor driver for the yard department at Universal Atlas Cement Company. He retired in 1977 after 25 years of employment.

Survivors include two sons, Don Hill of Independence, Kan., and Joe Hill of Ponca City; one brother, Parker Hill of Marietta, Ga.; two sisters, Adella Hill of Marietta, Ga., and Jessie Thomas of Boston, Mass.; one grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Hill, in 1986.

Obituaries

Loren Plummer

TONKAWA — Loren Plummer passed away Friday morning, June 18, 1999, at the Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa. He was 87 years old.

The funeral service was held Monday June 21, 1999, at the First Baptist Church in Tonkawa at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Richard Thomasson officiating. Burial was conducted at the IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa. Arrangements were under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.

Loren was born Aug. 5, 1911, in Tonkawa to Alexander Campbell and Bertha Elizabeth (Brewer) Plummer. He attended what is now Northern Oklahoma College, where he was quite an athlete. He was the second of three generation of Plummers who lettered at NOC. Loren and his dad both lettered in football and Bill lettered in track after NOC stopped playing football.

He was married to Alice Shimmering on June 27, 1937, at the First Baptist Church in Tonkawa. After marriage the family moved to Oklahoma City and then later to California. They then returned to Tonkawa in 1953, where Loren farmed until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the First Baptist Church for many years, where he served as deacon and then deacon emeritus.

Survivors include one son, Bill Plummer of Plano, Texas; one brother, Clifford Plummer of Tonkawa; one sister, Marguerite Thompson of Tulsa; and four grandchildren, Nedra, Christopher, Jeff and Cam.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Plummer’s name to the First Baptist Church of Tonkawa, 212 North Main, Tonkawa, OK 74653.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Pawnee Sailor Graduates — Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jack D. Day, son of Jim W. Day of Pawnee, recently graduated from the MK-41 Vertical Launching System Operation and Maintenance Class C School at Fleet Training Center Atlantic, Dam Nec, Va. For nearly 16 weeks, Day received training on how to operate, isolate and repair the U.S. Navy’s most advance guided missile launching system. He was also required to study advanced electronics, computer language, hydraulic fundamentals and explosives safety and handling. He is a 1989 graduate of Valley Center High School in Valley Center, Kan.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced

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

Central. adv.

Local Marine Completes Deployment — Marine Cpl. Warren A. Thompson, son of Dale E. and Kimberly I. Coons, 430 Fairview, Ponca City, recently completed a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian oceans and Arabian Gulf, while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked aboard the ships of the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. During the deployment he participated in the exercise Eager Mace, an exercise conducted to improve the interoperability between Kuwait and U.S. military forces. Thomson conducted port visits to Australia, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Kenya, Singapore and Thailand. While in port he had the opportunity to be involved in multiple community relations projects. The 1994 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School joined the Marine Corps in May 1996.

Once Again it is time for the Rusty Barrel to close for cleaning. We will close Sunday June 27th thru July 4th, 1999. We will re-open Monday July 5th, 1999. adv.

Stolen — A resident in the 500 block of Linwood Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 8:47 a.m. Monday to report tools were stolen from a truck. An officer responded and took a report.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Burglary — A Ponca City police officer responded to Fredericks Appliance, 117 North Pine Street, at 9:12 a.m. Monday to take a report of burglary.

Windshield Sale: Extra June Specials! 94-98 Dodge Pickup, $275; 88 & up Chevy pickup, $275. Johnson Glass, 515 South First, 762-2012. Call today for your appointment! adv.

Warrant Served — A 26-year-old woman was taken into custody at 9:33 a.m. Monday from the Enid Police Department. The subject was charged with a city warrant.

WWF King of the Ring...Live on Pay Per View. Sunday, June 27th at 7:00pm. Explosive wrestling action, you must watch Pay Per View through the Zenith converter box. Call 762-6684 Cable One to order. adv.

Shoplifters — An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 5:37 p.m. Monday that three boys were in custody for shoplifting. An officer responded and arrested the three. They were issued citations and later released to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Embezzlement — An employee from Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 11:15 a.m. Monday that an employee possibly embezzled from the business. An officer took a report.

Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident at East Central Avenue and South Fifth Street at 12:02 p.m. Monday.

Break In — At 12:14 p.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer responded to Willow Springs Park and took a report of a break-in to the office.

Stolen — A resident in the 500 block of McFadden Drive contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 2:07 p.m. Monday to report a bike was stolen.

Vandalism — At 2:31 p.m. Monday a Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism to a vehicle at Dotson Auto Sales, 300 North First Street.

Burglary — A resident contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 2:32 p.m. Monday to report a vacant residence in the 900 block of North Pine Street had been burglarized. An officer responded and was told that if anyone is found at the residence, the owner will press trespassing charges.

Accident — At 2:56 p.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor accident in the 2000 block of North Fifth Street.

Arrest — A 24-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City police officer from a traffic stop at 2:56 p.m. Monday. She was charged with driving under suspension, no insurance and no seat belt.

Stolen — At 3:05 p.m. Monday, Ponca City police officer took a report of a bike stolen from the 900 block of Riviera Avenue.

Theft — A clerk from Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 3:15 p.m. Monday to report three girls allegedly took beer off the beer truck and left in a dark blue GMC Sierra pickup with Rebel flag stickers on the back window.

Collision — A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident at North Fourteenth Street and Whitworth Avenue at 3:21 p.m. Monday. No injuries were reported.

Arrest — At 3:42 p.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old man at West Central Avenue and South Oak Street for driving under revocation, no insurance and no seat belt.

Snake — An officer with the Animal Control Department responded to the 900 block of East Hartford Avenue at 4:02 p.m. Monday to assist a motorist who reported had a snake in a vehicle.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 35-year-old man from a traffic stop at Osage Street and West Grand Avenue at 5:27 p.m. Monday for driving under suspension, no insurance and no seat belt.

Fireworks — Two Ponca City police officers told communication officers that they were in the 900 block of North Birch Street regarding a complaint about fireworks. At 12:38 a.m. Tuesday, officers issued citations to the youth.

Arrest — A 19-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 300 block of North Pine Street at 1:07 a.m. Tuesday for driving under suspension.

In Custody — A Ponca City police officer arrested an 18-year-old woman at West Highland Avenue and North Waverly Street at 1:44 a.m. Tuesday for driving under suspension, no insurance and expired tag.

LIFESTYLES

Little News

Little News

Rodney and Dawn Jackson, 600 North Lake, announce the birth of a daughter at 8:12 a.m. June 9, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby has been named Olivia Rhiann Jackson. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20 inches long. She has a sister, Sarah Danielle, 3-years-old.

Maternal grandparents are Ray and Janelle Moreland of Ponca City and Wayne and Carolyn Garton of Nixa, Mo. Paternal grandparents are Gene and Ruth Jackson of Tonkawa, Tom and Sue Rosenthal of Austin, Texas, and Gale Doty of Kansas City, Kan.

Great-grandparents are Bill and Charlene Mock, Gene Moreland, George and Wanda Garton, all of Ponca City, Mae Jackson of Springfield, Mo., Inez Howard of Kansas City, Kan., Whit and Elsie Hemingway of Webster City, Iowa.

BUSINESS

AMC Finds Growth From Job Shop
State Banks Ready for Y2K
North Sixth Area To Be Considered Historical District
Home Magazine
Alcott Gets Award
OSBDC Rep
Hastings Forms Alliance
Conoco Table Top Drill Helps Other Key Players With Safety
OCAST Board Supports Local Conoco Project
$6.5 Million Contract For U.S. 177 Project
Buy For Less Owner Honored
SJRMC Will Test Emergency Power System Thursday
Smith International Offers Exit Plan
County Jobless Down Slightly

AMC Finds Growth From Job Shop

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

TONKAWA — Asbury Machine Corp., (AMC) is a “job” machine shop that has grown from a small firm doing $350,000 in sales a year to $1.5 million the past two years.

Success of the company is diversifying and niche marketing. Asbury manufactures parts for the mining and petroleum industry, such as Smith International, Baker-Hughes, Walker-McDonald, Nickles Machine, as well as for natural gas compressors and parts for Charles Machine.

Asbury President Garry Hayes said although the firm produces products for the oil and gas industry the company is not tied exclusively to the energy industry.

Roots of the company go back almost four decades to the 1960s. At that time Bob Asbury, an employee of Gruner (now Smith International) decided to make precision cylindrical roller bearings in Tonkawa. He later struck out on his own forming Asbury Bearing.

Asbury retired and sold the manufacturing company to Brian and Holly Harpster and Don Crummett in 1990. Crummett, a minority stockholder, served as president until 1997 and still remains on the Board.

Being a job machine shop the firm does not produce the same product year after year, but changes set-up and production to produce the needed pieces for its customers.

Using a mix of older equipment and state-of-the-art CNC machines and a “can do” attitude the company has begun aggressively marketing and it is paying off. The firm has five CNC machines, four CNC lathes, and a new vertical machining center.

Other new technology has allowed time for making some parts decrease from two minutes to one and a half minutes and this increases productivity and profitability.

Operator Kurt Pendleton is credited with figuring out the process to cut the time down making the operation more efficient. This has been effective in the manufacture of cylinder and piston heads, as well as other products, and allows Pendleton to operate another machine at the same time.

One of the recently acquired accounts is from Charles Machine (Ditch Witch) at Perry. Some of the larger parts manufactured are cylinder and piston heads for hydraulic equipment.

The firm also manufactures its own line of water well mining bits for the Throop Rock Bit Company, which is a part of Asbury. The rock bit company amounts to about 20 percent of the business. Throop has been in business since 1947 and was acquired a few years ago and merged into the business.

One operation that helps with quality control is an in-house heat treating facility. For instance the shafts for turbo chargers that are made for a company in McPherson, Kan., must have a tight tolerance of half a thousandth or less.

The turbo charger shafts are a new product as well as a sealed bearing bit. The bits are in high demand in South America. In addition to the tungsten carbon bits, the firm produces mill tooth bits and probably one of the smallest bits known which is one and seven eights inches.

The water well bits are used in road construction, soil exploration and petroleum. The bits are shipped around the world. Most of the work is marketed in the United States and shipped by UPS.

The company facilities, north of Tonkawa, have been expanded several times in recent years. By location Asbury is eligible is for tax breaks under the Rural Enterprise Zone, Oklahoma Manufacturers group and the Indian Land zone.

Currently the firm employs 14 and most of them are cross-trained. Steve Warren runs the bits side and Paul Brown is the manufacturing manager for the bearing side.

Hayes said he would like for the firm to have a 20 percent growth annually. If this happens the company could start up another shift.

State Banks Ready for Y2K

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

As far as the Y2K issue is concerned, “Banks are ready and feel like we can accommodate people needs and calm their fears as they approach the year 2000,” said Eddy Allensworth, an Oklahoma Banking Association (OBA) advisor.

Allensworth, president of Oklahoma State Bank at Vinita, and Darrell McClendon, director of Communications for the OBA, were making the rounds Friday assuring everyone that 97 percent of the Oklahoma Banks were already in compliance. The deadline for Y2K compliance is June 30.

Allensworth said, “Banks have been pro-active in their efforts with computer systems and Y2K for several years now.”

He added, “We believe that nothing is safer than people’s money in the bank, they are still FDIC insured by the United States government.”

McClendon and Allensworth both expressed concern over the scams that are going on and led to believe that the wrong thing to do is to draw out their money and some way be scammed out of it.

“We believe that the money is as safe as it can possibly be in the bank. We believe that is the best place it can be,” Allensworth said.

Telling about his own bank’s preparedness, Allensworth said, “As far back as three years ago as we updated and bought more computer system with the hardware and software we knew we had to be year 2000 compliant, we began testing not only internally but by third party providers as well as what regulators put us through.

“What you are doing is tricking the computer into believing that it is Dec. 31, 1999 and it rolls over and you check and recheck over all areas of the bank as far what the balances are and what they should be and interest accruals to see if it all works.”

On advice to customers, Allensworth said, “First if you feel like to have additional money out before then we don’t see that there is any need to take any more out than you would normally on a long weekend. Your money will be available as the bank opens its doors on the following day, Jan. 3. The bank will be open and the money will be available and there is a desire for people to keep records better.”

Allensworth said the banks will know what the customers owe them and what the interest is and likewise the bank will also know on the deposit side what money the customer has and what interest is earned.

“The main thing is to get the word out that the money is safe and don’t be scammed,” Allensworth said.

OBA urges that no one should give their account or Social Security numbers over the phone. And if someone calls and says they are from their bank wanting this information the customers should call the bank or the police.

The OBA has been organized since 1897 and currently serves more than 290 member banks. The association was created when 25 banks from Oklahoma Territory assembled to organize in pursuit of their common goals.

North Sixth Area To Be Considered Historical District

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

A public hearing has been slated for July 6th by the Planning Commission to consider implementation of a Historic Preservation District on North Sixth Street from Cleveland Avenue to Hazel Avenue including both sides of the street.

Protests against the proposed designation must be filed by a signed letter at least three days before the public hearing. The letters should be addressed to the City of Ponca City Planning Department located in Suite 305, Commercial Federal Building, 400 East Central, according to Bill Lundeen, Planning Commission chairman.

The public hearing will be in the Municipal Court Room of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma.

For more information contact the Planner’s Office at (580) 767-0334.

Notes/Quotes

Home Magazine

Faye Askew, managing broker of CENTURY 21 Group One has announced that CENTURY 21 magazine, illustrating a large number of our listings, is now available at local businesses, as well as at our office.

“We are thrilled to be able to market our listings through this medium. The magazine illustrates our ability to successfully meet the needs of our consumers,” Askew said.

“The expertise of our agents, the specially designed marketing tools and national advertising from CENTURY 21 have successfully worked together to make this opportunity possible. Additionally, customers can view these listings online at www.CENTURY21.

Alcott Gets Award

Joe Alcott of the Ponca City Edward Jones office has received the Edward Jones Recruiting Award. John Bachmann, Jones’ managing principal, said Alcott has made a valuable contribution to the firm. “Since 1980, our firm has grown from 304 branch offices to more than 4,000 and we plan to expand to 10,000 offices in the next decade,” Bachmann said.

OSBDC Rep

A representative from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OSBDC) will be in the Kay County area on July 7. The OSBDC provides free one-on-one counseling to individuals interested in starting a new business or to existing business owners needing assistance.

Clients will be seen by appointment only from 9 a.m., to noon at the offices of Kay County Electric Cooperative in Blackwell and from 1 to 4 p.m., in the south conference room of the Administration Building on the campus of NOC in Tonkawa. To schedule an appointment or receive additional information call (580) 327-8608.

Hastings Forms Alliance

AMARILLO — Hastings Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAST - news), a leading multimedia entertainment superstore and Internet retailer, today announced it has formed a strategic alliance with Formovies.com, a subsidiary of Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ: RENT - news). The relationship will provide Hastings’ online customers with information about selection availability of rental videos for each of the 131 Hastings entertainment superstores, as well as information to assist in buying or renting video products.

“This Internet alliance with Formovies.com should significantly increase the level of service we are able to provide both our store and Internet customers,” said John H. Marmaduke, president and chief executive officer. “The service enables us to enhance the entertainment experience for our existing customers, as well as introduce our unique multimedia concept to customers visiting our Web site for the first time.”

Conoco Table Top Drill Helps Other Key Players With Safety

Conoco Emergency Response Team members recently organized and sponsored a “Table Top Drill” at the Ponca City complex. Dean Maniatis, Director of Safety and Occupational Health, led the drill and explained, “These drills are part of Conoco’s ongoing efforts to manage risk, protect our employees, neighbors and community.”

Key players from Conoco Operations, Emergency Response, and Dispatch, the Ponca City Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Management, 911 /Communications Center, St. Joseph Medical Center, Kay County Emergency Management and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) were active participants.

Chief of Police, Raymond Ham; Fire Chief Gary Denny; Tom Montgomery, director of Ponca City Emergency Management; Craig Baird, director of the city’s Information Services department, led members of their respective departments as each played a role in the drill. Jerry Hilbert led Conoco’s emergency response. Pat Zehr, Kay County Emergency Management director, served as controller and Steve Szabo, LEPC, was the observer.

The exercise scenario was based on a hypothetical release from the Conoco refinery. Beginning with the refinery unit operations, simulated communication links were established throughout the Conoco complex, the city and Kay County. Appropriate action and reaction by each group or individual was captured and timed. The drill proved to be great practice for effective response to such emergencies. Zehr said, “Recognizing the risk of such unlikely emergencies helps everyone improve their state of readiness to minimize and manage that risk.”

Tom Montgomery added, “The exercise gave us an appreciation for what every group or individual is responsible for.”

Dean Maniatis concluded, “The American Petroleum Institute recognized Conoco Inc. of all oil companies as No. 1 in safety again this year. Safety is a core value and our top priority. We take every possible precaution. Drills like this will help keep Conoco the best in the business.”

Conoco is a major integrated energy company based in Houston and active in 40 countries.

OCAST Board Supports Local Conoco Project

OKLAHOMA CITY — A research project by Conoco of Ponca City and Oklahoma University is one of 15 research projects nearing the commercialization stage of development which was approved for funding recently by the OCAST Board of Directors.

Contracts for more than 15 projects is more than $1.8 million. OCAST is the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, Oklahoma’s science agency.

“With a solid base of funding applied research projects for nearly 12 years, OCAST is refocusing state resources on R&D projects close to the commercialization stage,” said Steve Biggers, acting director of the Research and Development Division of OCAST.

According to OCAST’s news release “Conoco of Ponca City and Oklahoma University are developing carbon nanotubes which would provide construction materials with a strength to weight ratio 200 times greater than steel. Lighter weight space vehicles is a potential commercial outcome: Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Resasco and Co-investigator Dr. Jeffrey H. Harwell.” The grant is for $121,300.

$6.5 Million Contract For U.S. 177 Project

Oklahoma Department of Transportation has awarded a $6,554,485 contract to Wittwer Construction Company Inc. of Stillwater to redo a portion of U.S. 177 highway.

The contract calls for grade, drain, bridges and surface asphalt on 177 beginning at the junction of U.S. 177 and I-35 and extending north to the Oklahoma/Kansas state line.

Buy For Less Owner Honored

Don Rowland, owner of Buy For Less, Ponca City joins 206 other retailers recognized nationally as a Progressive Grocer Outstanding Independent. “Retailers, like Don, who have stepped up to the challenge, are true entrepreneurs and a cut above the rest,” said Ron Kuhn, director of marketing for Fleming, a marketing and distribution company.

According to Kuhn, “Independent retailers face many competitive challenges in today’s industry in addition to the technological changes required to operate efficiently. They have an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve and the customers shopping their stores. Don truly exemplifies today’s progressive independent retailer.”

Kuhn added, “His success evolves around his commitment to provide variety at value prices for customers shopping at Buy For Less. To support this commitment, Don expanded his frozen food department to add a Value Pack frozen foods section.

“Don also realizes that store associates play important roles in providing customer satisfaction. Mike Starbuck and Todd Miner are recent graduates of Price Impact Supermarket Management University. This program allows store owners to help associates develop the management and leadership skills necessary in the operation of a successful supermarket.”

Also recognized were Jim Beck, Meat Department Manger, who has served Buy For Less since the store opened 14 years ago. According to Kuhn, “He consistently strives to provide his customers with quality meats at value prices.”

SJRMC Will Test Emergency Power System Thursday

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center will conduct a test of its emergency generating system Thursday, June 24 at 9 p.m.

At that time, SJRMC will go off city power. The only difference patients, family members and visitors should notice will be a decreased amount of lighting. The department directors and nursing unit directors will all be on hand to assist the safety committee with this important test.

“Even though we complete a load testing on our generators once a month, we are never totally removed from city power,” said Tim Burg, SJRMC Engineering Services Director. “This drill will allow us to disconnect from the grid and truly test our system under full load. As a health care facility, we can never afford to be without electricity to meet the medical needs of our patients. The maintenance department wants to be doubly sure that our emergency electrical system can meet those needs, now and well into the next century.”

The test will be postponed if there is any type of emergency at that time and city power crews will be present to return the Medical Center to city power if needed. For further information, please call Cheryle Hiebert, SJRMC’s Safety Officer, 765-0200.

Smith International Offers Exit Plan

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Smith International, a major player in the industrial base of Ponca City, is offering an exit incentive to some of its employees, according to Dennis Ward, Human Resources Director.

The reason for the exit incentive is at this stage decreased demand and reduced budgets of oil companies exploration are affecting Smith. The firm produces mill tooth and Tungsten Carbide Insert rock bits for drilling for the oil and gas industry.

Ward said although there are more rigs drilling the oil companies are going after easier and shallower reserves and as a result Smith products are in less demand.

The Human Resources director said that some of the employees have already chosen to take the exit incentive package. According to Ward these are employees who are near retirement or who have other plans or opportunities. Ward said a clearer picture will be available in August.

Currently the firm employees 280 in manufacturing and G&A. In July 1998 Smith experienced a work force reduction of a 144 at the Ponca City facility in the manufacturing group. The plant is located on Waverly in the industrial corridor.

In addition to Tungsten Carbide Insert rock bits, Smith produces blast-hole bits for mining applications.

County Jobless Down Slightly

Kay County Unemployment for April, according to the Oklahoma Security Commission figures was 6.8 percent compared to 7.5 percent in March and 5.9 percent in April 1998. The labor force was listed at 22,290 and 1,520 are unemployed.

The state unemployment percentage is 3.9 percent and the United States unemployment average is 4.1 percent. Payne County’s 1.6 percent unemployment rate is the state’s lowest among the 77 counties in Oklahoma for the 13th straight month.

Other area counties and unemployment rates are Noble, 3.2 compared to 3.5 in March and 2.8 percent a year ago; Osage, 3.4 percent compared to 3.5 percent in March and 3.4 percent in 1998; Pawnee, 5.4 percent, compared to 4.5 percent in March and 4.9 percent a year ago.

SPORTS

Local Netters Roll Into Finals Round
Adrian Peterson Tears ACL; NBA Draft Seems Unlikely
Track Club Athletes Place Well at Junior Olympics

Local Netters Roll Into Finals Round

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City players were involved in four of the six championship finals decided Monday and today in the Ponca City Bank of Oklahoma Junior Tennis Tournament.

Only one was able to walk away with a first-place trophy late Monday but the Poncans had one more chance today.

Daniel Lee played what Tournament Director Mike Larimer termed the match of the day as he outlasted Wildcat teammate Tim Frick in the Boys’ 16 and Under Singles finals, 6-4, 6-4.

“Daniel is trying to improve his rankings,” Larimer said, “and the way he played late Monday was a big step in that direction.”

Ponca City had another chance at a championship trophy this morning as Nathan Mai battled Douglas Nix of Edmond in the Boys 14 Singles finals.

Ponca City had finalists in both 18 Singles finals, but both came up just short against Claremore netters.

Emily Hufnagel lost a 6-3, 6-2 decision to Tiffany Streeter in the girls finals while Bilal Ahga fell, 6-0, 6-1, to Jeff Stoney in the boys’ division.

Ponca City’s Abby Frick, who lost a hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 verdict to Hufnagel in the semifinals, came back to win the consolation title, beating Stephanie Moore of Shawnee, 6-0, 6-0.

In the other finals late Monday, Erin Parrott of Enid took the Girls 16 Singles trophy home with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Amber Elliott, also of Enid. Kayci Silver of Broken Arrow was the consolation winner, beating Saundra North of Blackwell, 6-3, 6-4.

Beth Connors of Tulsa topped Heather Coates of Seminole, 6-0, 6-1, for the Girls 14 Singles crown. Nicole Geurin of Tulsa was the consolation champ, beating Elaine Johnson of Tulsa, 6-3, 6-2.

Josh Pitts of Ponca City was a consolation finalist in the Boys 16s but lost a three set marathon to Chuck Folson of Broken Arrow, 6-5, 4-6, 6-1.

In the Boys’ 18 consolation finals, Grant Pierce of Bartlesville topped Enid’s Luke Barron, 6-3, 6-4.

Mai reached the boys 14s finals by escaping David Martin of Edmond, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round and then beat Sid Brown of Woodward 6-2, 6-2.

Agha also had a tough second round match in the boys’ 18s, nipping Pierce, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

While Lee was blowing past opponents in the boys’ 16s, Frick had a tough start, having to come from behind to beat Kenny Sharp of Jenks in the first round, 5-6, 6-1, 7-6 (11-9).

With a wary eye on the weather, tournament officials started the 12 and under play today as well as the doubles brackets in the older age brackets.

That part of the tournament could end this evening or early Wednesday, leaving only the Novice Division play on the Wally Smith Tennis center courts Thursday.

Adrian Peterson Tears ACL; NBA Draft Seems Unlikely

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Former Oklahoma State star Adrian Peterson injured his knee during an NBA pre-draft camp and will have reconstructive surgery June 30, the same day as the NBA draft.

Peterson tore his anterior cruciate ligament when he drove to the basket earlier this month. He couldn’t decide whether to dunk or lay the ball in the basket. His knee gave way when he came down awkwardly after drawing contact on the layup attempt.

Peterson’s father, James, said rehabilitation will take four to six months. The surgery will be performed in Little Rock, Ark.

The injury likely eliminates any chance that an NBA team would draft Peterson, who was the third-leading scorer in school history and the leading scorer for three straight seasons. His family hopes a club may take him in the second round.

Track Club Athletes Place Well at Junior Olympics

Eight youth track and field athletes represented the Ponca City Track Club at the Oklahoma Association USATF Junior Olympic State Championships held Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

By virtue of placing in the top four in an event, Aaron Brooke and Eugene Phillips have qualified to compete in the USATF Region 9 Track and Field Championships to be held July 14th - 17th at Tulsa East Central High School.

Aaron will be competing in the javelin throw, high jump and triple jump and Eugene will be competing in the 100m dash, 200m dash and long jump against state placers from Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.

The results for the Ponca City athletes at the state meet are as follows:

Aaron Brooke, Intermediate boys (15-16) division, placed 6th in the discus throw (90-8), 3rd in the high jump (4-11), 2nd in the javelin throw (120-0) and 3rd in the triple jump (35-8).

Ricco Lee, Bantam boys (9-10) division, placed 6th in the long jump (9-4).

Marcelle Miller, Ryan Miller, Antwon Moore, Youth boys (age 13, 14) division, competed with the Youth boys 4 by 100m relay team which placed 6th in a time of 53.90.

Eugene Phillips, Youth boys , placed 2nd in the 200m dash in a time of 25.04, 2nd in the 100m dash in a time of 12.47 and 4th in the long jump, in addition to competing with the Youth boys 4 by 100m relay.

Tiffanie Pollard, Youth girls, placed 5th in the 100m dash (13.82), 7th in the 200m dash (28.44) and competed in the long jump.

Jonathon Powers, Midget boys (11-12) division, placed 6th in the high Jump (3-7.25).

The complete meet results can be viewed on the Internet at the following address (URL). http://www.precision-timing.com/statejo.htm