LOCAL

PC Schools Facing a Disaster Plan
Crowd Hears About 101 White Ranch Headquarters
Funds Sought for Several Projects at Marland Mansion
Crime Stoppers
Cancer Survivor Invites Others to Relay for Life

PC Schools Facing a Disaster Plan

Construction at East Middle School Lagging Far Behind Schedule

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Ponca City schools may have to implement a “disaster plan” regarding construction delays at East Middle School.

With school starting on Aug. 17, contractors have had to deal with unforeseen circumstances, including major asbestos problems and requirements from the state fire marshal’s office.

Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of buildings and operations, said the building’s fate lies in the hands of the state fire marshal.

“We learned that the corridors on the south side of the building were too long. We had to tear down walls and make shorter corridors with steel doors as fire escapes,” Surber explained.

Previously, students used classrooms as exits from the building in case of a fire.

“We have proposed that we block off those hallways when school starts so that construction work can continue. If they deny that proposal, we will have to come up with a ‘disaster plan,’” he said.

Surber said the plan would probably include moving five or six classrooms to Grand Central Station, the public library or nearby churches. “We certainly hope that will not happen, but the students will stay in the immediate area.” he said.

The district should know in a few days if the state fire marshal has accepted its plans to shut down some of the wings.

Superintendent Dr. Bill White said classes will not be delayed at East Middle School.

“We are still starting school on time although the construction work will cause an inconvenience for a few weeks. The students will go to that school or in the immediate area if needed,” White explained.

Construction work began on East Middle School, which was built in 1935, before school ended in May. Some work, including demolition and asbestos removal, had to be delayed until students were out of school.

“This has been one of the more difficult construction projects I have ever worked on,” Surber admitted. “We have the best interest of the students in mind, but we are asking the local official to work with us so that we won’t have to have a disaster plan,” Surber said.

Before construction work even started, Surber said he expected problems with asbestos. “We knew we would have problems because it’s an old building. I guess we didn’t realize how big of a problem it would be,” he said.

Workers have encountered many delays with construction because of the asbestos.

“In one of our restrooms, a pipe was built inside the wall in 1935 and we had no way of knowing it was even there,” the assistant superintendent said. “When workers tore down the wall, they hit it and we had to stop construction before it could be removed. Little things like that have set us back.”

Surber stressed that students were never exposed to asbestos.

“We waited to take out a lot of the asbestos until after school was out. We took air tests and then removed it. We would never place the children in harm’s way,” he said.

Students will be moved to the old administrative offices on the north side of Grand Avenue.

“We will use every classroom in that building until the rest of the classrooms are finished in the main building. We will probably have to move some of the teachers over to the annex,” Surber said.

When school starts, most of the first floor at East Middle School will be finished except for the southwest corner. On the second floor, only the northeast corner will be used.

“The southwest and southeast corners of the second floor will be shut down. Our gym is also behind schedule and the auditorium should be completed because we didn’t do a lot of work in there. The library, which was moved from the second floor to the first, should be okay,” Surber said.

One of the first tasks to be completed was renovation work on the cafeteria and restrooms. “Our cafeteria will be fine, but not all of the restrooms will be finished,” he said.

Surber said the contractors are working together to complete the project.

“We have two-and-a-half months to finish a four-month job. I think the key to making this work is putting forward a team effort, and I believe we’re doing that,” he said.

Crowd Hears About 101 White Ranch Headquarters

An overflow crowd filled the Ponca City Art Center July 8. A program on the 101 Ranch brought in a number of visitors from preservation groups and 101 Ranch supporters from across the state.

They had came to Ponca City to learn about the structures that once made up the “white ranch” headquarters from Dr. Charles Leider of OSU. Dr. Leider, who leads a PhD program at OSU on the preservation of cultural resources, shared with the group how the buildings were arranged on the site and some drawings of the buildings themselves.

In 1994, he was contacted by the Historic American Building Survey Office in Washington, D.C. and asked to create a set of measured drawings of the 101 Ranch site before it was further destroyed by the floods of the Salt Fork River.

He proposed the idea to a group of OSU students who wished to work on a landscape preservation project. In 1996 the project was adopted by a group.

Very Little Left to Work On

At the time the study was done, there was very little on the site to measure, and most of the drawings were done based on what little was there. This was combined with an extensive search of photographs, plans, and maps of the area that were found in many places including the Glass Negative and Marland Mansion Museum of Ponca City, the Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Western History Collection at the University of Oklahoma.

Infrared photography of the site was also used to find imprints of long-gone buildings. The study took two years to complete, and consisted of 14 drawings. All the completed drawings were submitted to the Historic American Building Survey Office, which is a part of the National Park Service. The drawings are now part of the collection of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Leider presented some of his suggestions for the stabilization of the site and some ideas for how to increase public awareness of this National Historic Landmark. He suggested contacting the Corps of Engineers to have a hydrological study of the area done, and from that information develop a plan for future protection of the site from the encroachment of the river.

Public Needs to Know of History

Also, to increase public awareness of the history of the site, he suggested that a request be made to the OSU Landscape Architecture Program to assign a class to prepare an interpretive plan of the site including a trail system to view the foundations and sites of buildings along with signage to explain the site.

He also suggested that the site could also have an area for visitor and youth group camping which would help another generation learn about the site’s significant history. Dr. Leider did emphasize that whatever needed to be done, needed to be done now — before all that is left of the site is photographs. The 101 Ranch was so large and had such an extensive operation that photographs are not enough to convey the full story of the site.

The program was sponsored and presented by Preservation OK, the Oklahoma Arts and Humanities Council, and the Oklahoma Arts Association. Local co-sponsors were the Ponca City Landmark Conservancy and some of the funding for the program provided by Pioneer Bank and Trust of Ponca City and the Deli-icious Diner of Ponca City.

Funds Sought for Several Projects at Marland Mansion

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

A request for funds not to exceed the total of $28,500 for air conditioning for and plumbing in the Marland Mansion was approved by the Marland Estate Commission Tuesday during a meeting of the panel.

The Marland Estate is a recommending body to the City Commission. The Estate Commission, chaired by Sherry Muchmore, will be asking for the funds to install a new heating and air conditioning unit for the Outer Lounge, and plumbing for hot water in the Mansion bathroom and kitchens.

The request for money will go to the Marland Estate Foundation, which controls the money generated by fund raisers, memberships and donations. The air conditioning unit is estimated to cost $16,500 and $12,000 for the hot water installation. The Building Committee, headed by Jon Kennedy, will look into the plumbing matter and check on individual heating units.

In other action the panel voted to approve expenditures from the Madelynne Peel bequest of $10,000. Listed items include plaster repair in the kitchen hall, George Marland’s Suite and the Outer Lounge, $2,600; new tile floors in the lower kitchen hall and pantry, $500; rattan furniture repair, $900; repair and clean draperies in E.W. Marland’s bedroom.

Routine reports were given by Stan Paynter, special events; Muchmore, grounds, Sue Ziegenhain, guides, and a written report by Eldridge Manering on the Petroleum Museum.

Muchmore named chairmen of various committees and gave the directors report in the absence of Kathy Adams, director. A letter was included in the reports from the Historical Society giving the okay for a submitted plan for landscaping.

The group to continue the meetings at 4:30 p.m., on the third Tuesday on the Estate grounds. The resignation of Karen Furman from the Commission was accepted. Furman, manager of Oklahoma Natural Gas, is being transferred to Stillwater and will manage the consolidated offices of Ponca City and Stillwater.

Crime Stoppers

Search for Missing Money Bag

Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers is asking for your help in solving a crime.

Police report that between July 8-10 a blue-zippered money bag containing a significant amount of cash was taken from a residence in the 1600 block of Crawford Avenue.

The victim reported that she had hidden the bag in the master bedroom of her home between the mattress and box springs of her bed.

According to police, there were no signs of forced entry to the home.

If you have any information regarding this theft or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 762-5100.

You will remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000.

Cancer Survivor Invites Others to Relay for Life

TONKAWA — Marion Tucker, cancer survivor, invites area residents who have been diagnosed at any time with cancer to join her as special guests of the Blackwell/Tonkawa Relay for Life Friday evening, July 21, at the Northern Oklahoma College Circle Drive in Tonkawa.

That evening at 6:15 p.m. cancer survivors and their guests are invited to a reception the Memorial Student Union. At 7 p.m. they may participate with Tucker in the survivors’ ceremony and/or the opening lap of the Relay for Life, a team event to fight cancer. Each survivor will receive a complimentary T-shirt. Survivor’s interested in accepting Tucker’s invitation should contact her at her work at 580-628-6261 or at her home at 580-363-2832.

Sixteen teams of walking and running enthusiasts from the Blackwell and Tonkawa, areas will gather at Northern Oklahoma College for a 12-hour relay against cancer. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s version of a relay but with a new twist. Relay for Life is a family-oriented team event where participants can walk or run around the campus’ circle drive relay style for 12 hours. Participants camp out around the circle drive and when they aren’t taking their turn on the circle, take part in family fun activities.

A number of exciting events, including carnival activities, movies, music and much more, will take place during the event. A luminary ceremony honoring both deceased and surviving cancer victims will take place at 9:30 p.m.

From 10:30 to 11 p.m. the campsites will be judged followed directly by the Newspaper Dress-Up Contest.

The event will end at 6:30 a.m. Saturday with the closing ceremony. During this time awards will go to the top team, top individual, most spirited individual, most creative campsite and best newspaper costume.

The Relay for Life event is the third annual joint event for the Blackwell and Tonkawa communities. Funds raised by local teams will assist the American Cancer Society to continue its programs of research and education. For more information about the event, call Sandy Linton at 580-628-2575.

DEATHS

Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson
Vivian H. Stubblefield
Viola L. Long
Lee Roy Hilbert
Harold S. Cline
Richard Donnell Jr.
Ralph W. Moore
Hubert H. Butt

Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson

AUSTIN, Texas — Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson, former resident of Ponca City, died July 15, 2000, in Austin, Texas. She was 56.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin, Texas.

Janet Carol Carpenter Pearson was born June 13, 1944, in Chickasha, the daughter of Donald R. and Edna Ruth Casey Carpenter. She graduated from Del City High School and Oklahoma State University. She enjoyed her family and friends and helping others.

Survivors include her daughter, Julie Ann Pearson of Houston, Texas; her son, Geoffrey Edward Pearson of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Julia Williams of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Evelyn Elliott of Edmond; and two brothers, Donald R. Carpenter Jr. of Westminster, Colo., and John H. Carpenter of Boerne, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Joe Edward Pearson.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Houston Hospice, 8811 Gaylord, Houston, Texas 77024.

Obituaries

Vivian H. Stubblefield

Vivian H. Stubblefield, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, July 18, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 84.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2000, at Community Christian Church with the Rev. Wayne Majors officiating. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Vivian H. Stubblefield was the daughter of L.E. and Hazel Jarrell, former Ponca Citian. Born in Guthrie June 30, 1916, and reared in Shawnee, she then attended one year at Oklahoma Baptist University.

She graduated from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1939 with a bachelor of arts degree and life teaching certification in public school music. While at A&M, she was a four-year member of the college girls quartet and an original member of the Cowgirl quartet.

Vivian was married Aug. 19, 1939, in Stillwater to Clifford L. Stubblefield, and the couple moved to Ponca City in 1940. She worked as a substitute teacher in Ponca City schools for five years, was a bookbinder for Skinner and Son Printers four years, and worked at the First National Bank eight years.

Vivian was active in the IOOF Rebecca Lodge for 56 years, having served as noble grand, and was active with the National Association of Letter Carriers Union Auxiliary, serving in both state and local offices. During her children’s youth, she was active in school functions, Campfire Girls, and the IOOF Theta Rho. A longtime member of Community Christian Church, she was active in CWF, Esther Ladies Group, and she was an elder. She was very involved with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in which Vivian was awarded Volunteer of the Year for 1999. She enjoyed crafts and music of all kinds, and was available whenever needed.

Vivian is survived by her two daughters, Donna Jackson and husband James O. of Spencer, and Louise Anderson and husband Ellis of Ponca City; four grandchildren, Joe Anderson and wife Jennette of Sand Springs, Eric Anderson and wife Linda of Boerne, Texas, James Jackson and Amy Jackson of Spencer; one great-grandchild, Michael James Anderson of Sand Springs; one brother, Vernon H. Jarrell of Mary Esther, Fla.; and one niece and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and three brothers.

Casket bearers will be James O. Jackson, Ellis Anderson, Joe Anderson, Eric Anderson, James L. Jackson and Granville Sisson. Amy Jackson and Michael Anderson will be honorary casket bearers.

Memorial contributions can be made to Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, Ponca City, Okla. 74601 or Retired Senior Volunteer Program, 319 West Grand, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at 502 South 13th Street.

paid obituary

Viola L. Long

Viola L. Long, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Tuesday evening, July 18, 2000, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 87.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2000, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Ed Coy Light presiding. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Viola L. Revard was born Dec. 7, 1912, at Pawhuska, the daughter of Ralph R. Revard and Mary (Doolin) Revard. Her early schooling was at St. Mary’s School of Ponca City, later attending Mt. Carmel School at Wichita, Kan. She was married to Paul A. Long Jr. on Jan. 28, 1933, in Perry, with the couple establishing their first home in Ponca City. The couple moved to Tulsa in 1942 and returned to Ponca City in 1944.

Mrs. Long was a homemaker who enjoyed her family, good music, dancing and attending shows in Branson and Silver Dollar City. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the Chapel Sunday School class, the American Legion Auxiliary 14 of Ponca City, a past noble grand of the Rebeccah Lodge 20 of Ponca City and a past president of the Canton Ponca 2 (IOOF).

She is survived by two sons, Don A. Long and wife Fran of Ponca City, and Stanley Paul Long and wife Linda of Ponca City; two daughters, Donna Walker of Ponca City and Judith Feather and husband John W. of Stafford, Va.; 10 grandchildren, Kym Flink, Lori Long, Mark Long, Chris Leyda, Cindy Watson, Linda Shriner, Paul Feather, Jason Feather, Kendell Long and Steven Long; 12 great grandchildren, Rachael Vinyard, Emily Vinyard, Kelley Watson, Gage Watson, Christopher Leyda, Clarissa Leyda, Kandice Shriner, Brendon Shriner, Alison Shriner, Kaylee Feather, Trevor George and Kristal George; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Marks and Roberta Newman; four nephews; and four nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul A. Long Jr. in October of 1980; one sister, Helen Rice; one brother, Joe Revard; and one grandson, Patrick McCabe.

Casket bearers will be grandsons, Mark Long, Paul Feather, Jason Feather, Kendell Long, Steven Long and Doug Flink.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 1904 North Pecan, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74604.

The family will be at 1709 NE Woodland.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Lee Roy Hilbert

BLACKWELL — Lee Roy Hilbert, resident of Ponca City and formerly of Blackwell, died Thursday, July 20, 2000, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 75. Arrangements are pending with Hackler Funeral Home of Blackwell.

Harold S. Cline

NEWKIRK — Harold S. “Shorty” Cline, longtime resident of Newkirk, died Thursday morning, July 20, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 93. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Home.

Richard Donnell Jr.

Richard Donnell Jr., resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, July 19, 2000, at his home. He was 75. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Funerals

Friday

Ralph W. Moore

Ralph W. Moore — Memorial service at 3 p.m. in the Pioneer Christian Church in Ponca City. Burial with military honors will be at 3 p.m. Monday in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson.

Saturday

Hubert H. Butt

Hubert H. Butt— Funeral at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Trout Funeral Home.

GARDENING

Diggin in the Dirt

Diggin in the Dirt

By Kathy Zehr

Digging, Planting, Caring For City’s Official Flower

I recently re-ceived a letter from a friend in the Webb City area who wanted to know how best to grow the iris rhizomes given to her by a special friend. Since some of you purchased rhizomes at last Saturday’s Iris Society sale, and it’s about time to dig up iris beds in our yards, I am relaying some basic planting and care instructions contributed to The News by Jerry Cathey, local Iris grower and member of the Iris Festival committee

Before we get into planting and care details, you may have noticed that some avid iris growers in the area have already dug rhizomes from their prized specimens, but the tops of many others are still green and not ready to separate. For best results, iris should be left in the ground until at least two-thirds or more of the tops have died.

The reason for varying readiness depends on the species and those of us who have “common field run” iris beds may have to wait a few more weeks to dig. They should all be ready to divide and replant by end of July or in early August.

If you plan to create a new iris bed, it should be dug now in a sunny, well-drained location. Till the soil to a depth of 10-inches, mixing in some low nitrogen garden fertilizer and a little bone meal. Let the bed set for 2-3 weeks or longer before planting the new rhizomes. The soil should be light. If it is “clayey,” add sand or compost.

When digging up old established beds (about every three years) divide the rhizomes, cutting the newer parts free from the old. Discard the old parts. Be sure to keep them separated and labeled with any special names or at least by color. Since I no longer have the given names for mine, I separate each color in large labeled brown bags to give away. (I have a lot!) Rhizomes can remain out of the ground ( but out of the sun) without serious harm for a week or two.

In addition to the potato-like tuberous part, the iris rhizome has roots. To plant, dig two shallow trenches about four to six inches apart, with a ridge between them. Place the tubers on the ridge about 18 inches apart, and spread the roots carefully in the trenches. Cover the roots with soil patted down firmly to hold them in place.

The tuber should always remain near the surface (just barely covered with soil). If planted too deeply it will rot. Give them a good drink and forget them unless we have a drought. No, the rhizomes will not freeze but would appreciate some mulching in the winter months after the first frost.

Your new plants may not bloom the first year, but if given a little care, will give an abundance of beauty with minimum maintenance for many years to follow.

Bearded Iris

Bearded iris, which boast thick bushy “beards” on their lower petals during blooming, should not be transplanted at this time. They do best if planted later in fall or in early spring. The roots of the bearded iris are very tender and must never be allowed to dry out from the time they are dug until replanting. Watering frequently for several days after planting is also very important.

Iris have three main classifications — bearded iris, aril iris and beardless iris. We have discussed bearded and beardless. The third, aril, also has a skimpy beard but grows only in very warm, dry regions of the U.S. Each type has its unique qualities and various varieties within each classification. A collection including some varieties from both the bearded and beardless gives a diverse blooming season and possibilities for enhancement to everything from rock to water gardens.

Little Sprouts

Why not let the little sprouts in your life plant the unused seeds in leftover packets of vegetable and flower seeds. Give them some pots or a special place in the yard. It might be a real surprise for them (and you) to see what comes up. Teaching them to water, weed and care for the special plantings will help develop their love of gardening and develop their appreciation for the growing things around us.

NEWS BRIEFS

Burglary — Someone at P.C. Sports, 205 East Grand Avenue, reported a break-in to Ponca City police at 7:12 a.m. Wednesday. Caller informed police a back window had been broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country all day Friday special­ All you can eat, smoked BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Narcotics Violation — Someone came to the police department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, to turn in some drug paraphernalia at 9:28 a.m. Wednesday.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Theft — A woman in the 1400 block of South Fifth Street reported a stolen purse at 1:43 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Star Wars, Return Of The Jedi movie buffs: Close out on one of

a kind collector film cels! Also Disney motion cels. Originally

$25.00 now $6.50. Christy’s 3005 North 14th. Open every day. adv.

Fire Run — A grass fire three miles east of U.S. 77 on Oklahoma 11 was reported to the Communications Center at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday. The Kildare Fire Department was advised. Ponca City Fire Department was requested for mutual aid.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue reported a 36-year-old man was taken into custody on two Kay County warrants and one Osage County warrant at 3:56 p.m. Wednesday.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 300 block of South Perry Street reported a 19-year-old man was taken into custody on three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (a pit bull) at 4:12 p.m. Wednesday.

Pauline’s Shrimp peel, all you can eat, $11.95, Friday 21st. For reservations, call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 4:13 p.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue reported an 18-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to appear and one Kay County warrant at 4:43 p.m. Wednesday.

Subject Held — An officer in the 800 block of North Elm Street reported a 40-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday.

Burglary — A woman in the 300 block of South Ash Street reported to Ponca City police at 11:24 p.m. Wednesday someone had tried to break into her house at about 9:40 p.m. Wednesday. The woman told police the suspects were gone and didn’t make entry into the house. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A one-vehicle accident at U.S. 60 and 12 Mile Road was reported to the Communications Center at 11:43 p.m. Wednesday. Caller told police someone had ran a stop sign and driven into the ditch. The call was transferred to Osage County and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Accident — An accident in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 6:29 a.m. Thursday. Rescue one and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the call. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

SPORTS

No Sports

No Sports