LOCAL

Services for Shirley Bellmon Scheduled Friday in Perry
Inventive Suspect Sought Following Overnight Burglary
Longtime Indian Health Issue Devotee Hired to Redesign Cherokee Program
Braman Saddle Club Prepares For Three Events
Humane Society Sponsoring Pet Photo Contest

Services for Shirley Bellmon Scheduled Friday in Perry

PERRY (AP) — A memorial service is scheduled Friday in Perry for Shirley Osborn Bellmon, two-time first lady of Oklahoma. She died Monday of an apparent heart attack while on vacation in Cape Cod, Mass.

Her husband, Henry Bellmon, was Oklahoma’s first Republican governor. He was first elected in the 1960s and became governor again in 1987. Bellmon also is a former U.S. senator.

Tributes have poured in for Mrs. Bellmon from friends and state leaders.

‘‘In a political world too often dominated by manufactured images, Shirley Bellmon was always true to herself and her values,’’ said University of Oklahoma President David Boren.

Boren is also a former senator and governor.

‘‘Oklahoma is going to miss her. She probably was one of the finest first ladies we ever had,’’ said Edward C. Joullian III, board chairman of Mustang Fuel Corp.

Gov. Frank Keating ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday.

The memorial service will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Perry. Her body will lie in state from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday at Sisson Funeral Home in Billings.

The Bellmons own a farm at nearby Billings, where Mrs. Bellmon also was operator of a cafe.

Private graveside services will be held after Friday’s memorial.

Mrs. Bellmon, who was 72 when she died, is survived by her husband, three daughters and four grandchildren.

She was accomplished in business, starting a doll factory and a line of clothing before buying the Billings cafe.

Mrs. Bellmon made her dress for Bellmon’s first inaugural in 1965.

Inventive Suspect Sought Following Overnight Burglary

An area convenience store was burglarized overnight by a very inventive suspect, according to police.

The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:19 a.m. Wednesday. The caller told police Triple T No. 2, 1301 West Highland Avenue, had been burglarized.

Ponca City police, responding to the call, discovered that someone had gained access through the air conditioning unit on the roof sometime after midnight and stolen an undisclosed amount of money.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing.

Anyone with any information regarding this burglary, or any other crime, please call Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers at 762-5100.

Longtime Indian Health Issue Devotee Hired to Redesign Cherokee Program

TAHLEQUAH (AP) — A 30-year devotee to Indian health issues has been hired to redesign the Cherokee Nation’s health system and will focus on efficiency, health education and government funding.

Mim Dixon, 51, is the new executive director of Cherokee Nation Health Services and has been charged with redesigning its health care delivery program within 12 months.

Dixon spent 22 years with Alaska’s tribal health system and seven as a policy analyst with the National Indian Health Board in Denver, where she advised Congress on health needs of Indians.

Cherokee Chief Chad Smith said hiring Dixon is in line with his administration’s plan to develop a comprehensive health care system in northeast Oklahoma.

‘‘Dixon is the ideal person to help us do this,’’ he said. ‘‘She successfully helped design the system in Alaska and understands the dynamics.’’

It will not be an easy task.

With about 100,000 members, the Cherokee Nation is the largest Indian tribe in Oklahoma and the second largest in the country. It has six health clinics across the state, sponsors various community-based programs across 14 counties and operates emergency medical services in four counties.

Dixon said a recent federal study showed only about 30 percent of Indian health needs are being met in Oklahoma, which she called ‘‘tragic.’’

‘‘The level of need is overwhelming,’’ said Dixon, who will be guiding more than 600 staff members. ‘‘It will be intense but I have some deeply dedicated and caring people here.’’

Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are among the biggest health problems among Cherokees. Some tribal leaders say diabetes is at ‘‘epidemic proportions’’ and is the most common reason tribal members visit the clinics.

Meanwhile, most tribal members cannot afford private insurance and are dependent on the underfunded tribal system, said Dr. Sohail Kahn, a tribal epidemiologist.

Dixon said she will address federal underfunding at every opportunity, blaming politics for many of the problems with the system. She said Congress didn’t increase funding for Indian health between 1992 and 1997 while medical costs grew 18 percent.

Braman Saddle Club Prepares For Three Events

BRAMAN — Plans have been made for three events sponsored by the Braman Saddle Club, the first of which will be held Sunday.

Events scheduled include Playday, on Sunday, July 30 at 7 p.m.; Barrel Racing on Monday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.; and Open Horse Show, Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 a.m.

The open Playday will consist of timed events and fun classes. There will be no fee to enter and all horse enthusiasts are encouraged to come and have a good time.

At the Barrel Racing, night exhibition classes are $3 each, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., classes will 12-and-under, $8; open, $18; $1,000 novice, $15; $500 novice, $13; $250 novice, $10; $100 novice, $8; and seniors, 45 and over riders, $15.

After a $3 timer fee, all classes will pay back 100 percent.

A rained out open horse show is rescheduled for Aug. 26, starting at 7 a.m. This event with 42 classes is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the Blackwell Free Fair. Halter, English, performance and timed classes in three age groups will be held. Placings 1-6 will be awarded as well as high point and reserve high point in each age group.

For more information on these events or other club activities, call Donna Campbell, 580-385-2565; Gloria Simernek, 580-363-0624; Stacy Smith, 580-718-0116; or Shannon Danielson, 580-894-5798. The club meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Braman arena.

Humane Society Sponsoring Pet Photo Contest

The Ponca City Humane Society is sponsoring its fourth annual Pet Photo Contest. Photos of your favorite pet, along with a $5 entry fee for each photo submitted, will be accepted through Sept. 7 at the shelter at 900 West Prospect or by mailing to P.O. Box 2311, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

Photographs must be no larger than 4 x 6 inches, and no professional photographs will be accepted. Photos must have the pet’s name and entrant’s name and address with telephone number printed on the back.

There will be three prizes awarded with the first place prize being a $100 savings bond.

All photos will be displayed in the shelter office and can be viewed by the public during normal shelter hours. Judging of the photos will be done on Sept. 8. For more details, contact the shelter at 767-8877.

DEATHS

Shirley Lee Bellmon
John J. Hardesty
Edna Armstrong

Shirley Lee Bellmon

BILLINGS — Shirley Lee Bellmon, resident of Billings and former first lady of the state of Oklahoma, died Monday, July 24, 2000, in Falmouth, Mass. She was 72.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 28, at the First Presbyterian Church in Perry with the Rev. Tim Boggess officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Sisson Funeral Home of Billings.

Shirley Lee Bellmon was born Aug. 10, 1927, in Billings, the daughter of James Ray and Laurine Osborn. She married Henry Bellmon on Jan. 24, 1947.

In 1962, she helped her husband get elected as the first Republican governor of Oklahoma. She then accompanied him to Washington, D.C., for two terms as a United States Senator as well as returning to Oklahoma for a second term as governor.

Her work includes founder of the Oklahoma Alliance of Home Based Businesses, U.S. Senate Wives Club, Oklahoma Beautification “Don’t Lay That Trash on Oklahoma” campaign, 4-H Club sponsor, Town and Country Home Demonstration Club, Billings Chamber of Commerce, First Presbyterian Church of Perry, board member of Service Bank of Tonkawa, board member of the Oklahoma Heritage Association, Billings A Walk Through History, owner of the First Lady Doll Collection, the First Lady’s Cafe, and many more. She organized the Bellmon Belles, women working for the election of her husband’s bid for governor.

She was honored in many ways throughout her life including being the recipient of the George Shirk Award for Historic Preservation and the Pioneer Woman Award.

Survivors include her husband of the home; three daughters, Pat Hoerth Copeland of Enid, Gail Wynne of Enid, and Ann McFerron of Severn, Md.; one brother, Dan Osborn of Tulsa; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Max Osborn.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Shirley Bellmon Community Service Fund — Billings A Walk Through History, c/o Sisson Funeral Home, 120 West Main Street, Billings, Okla. 74630.

Services Pending

John J. Hardesty

NEWKIRK — John J. Hardesty, resident of Newkirk, died Wednesday, July 26, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 80. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Home.

Funerals

Thursday

Edna Armstrong

Edna Armstrong — Memorial service at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Newkirk Junior Rodeo — The Newkirk Junior Rodeo will start at noon Saturday. Registration will be from 9 to 11 a.m. located at the Newkirk rodeo rounds just north of Newkirk.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and

remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Army Sergeant to Egypt — Army Sgt. Rick D. Ivie deployed on temporary duty assignment to Sinai, Egypt, as part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Forces and Observers (MFO), an independent agency responsible to the governments of Israel and Egypt. Ivie will be a part of a peacekeeping mission which operates checkpoints and observation posts and conducts reconnaissance patrols. The son of Stephen J. and Cindy M. Ivie of Ponca City, he is a 1994 graduate of Ponca City High School. Ivie is regularly assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Ky.

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.

Grand Opening — The Ponca City Senior Center grand opening will be at 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at 319 West Grand. The public is welcome to join in the celebration. Refreshments will be served and there will be a drawing for a door prize. The Earl Czaplinsky Band will be playing Dixeland music. For more information call 762-4912.

Great Trip, eight seats left. Mexico’s Fabulous Copper Canyon Tour. Call now! 762-7591. adv.

101 Wild West Rodeo Activities — President Brad Beaty of the 101 Wild West Rodeo Foundation reminds that Saturday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. will be the annual rodeo parade in downtown Ponca City. The rodeo will run Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 16-19 with performances at 8 p.m. at the 101 Ranch Arena, North Ash Street at West Prospect Avenue. There will be rodeo slack and steer roping at the arena at 4 p.m., Aug. 15 to tie in with the rodeo. The rodeo ticket office is expected to be open Aug. 1.

Only Happen twice a year, get 50% off Mel’s prices on entire

stock of men’s and woman’s clothing and shoes. adv.

Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 2000 block of Oriole Street reported to Ponca City police at 7:09 a.m. Tuesday a pick-up truck had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The information was sent to surrounding agencies.

Maytag Scratch/ dent sale, Copeland’s, 315 East Grand. adv.

Accident — A minor two-vehicle accident that blocked the entrance to a business in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday. It was a minor backing accident, no report was taken.

After The Gold Rush Antiques and wonderful junk. Opening Saturday 29th. Hours Monday through Saturday 10-5, one block north of Osage Pioneer Bank. 762-9904. adv.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident at a church in the 2400 block of East Hartford Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 9:01 a.m. Tuesday. Someone at the church told police it appeared a vehicle had hit the west side of the church. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call

765-2720. adv.

Theft — A man in the 700 block of South Ninth Street reported the theft of $200 to Ponca City police at 9:57 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Taco Stop will be closed for vacation July 17th through August

1st. Re-open Wednesday August 2nd. adv.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 2100 block of North Union Street was reported to Ponca City police at 11:53 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 1600 block of West South Avenue reported a $10 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman in the 3500 block of D Street reported to Ponca City police 12:33 a.m. Wednesday someone had tried to break into her residence. An officer was assigned and a destruction of private property report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 400 block of West Oklahoma Avenue reported a 33-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 12:43 a.m. Wednesday.

Burglary — A woman in the 1500 of Bradley Avenue reported her vehicle had been broken into the night before to Ponca City police at 3:56 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Fraud — An officer in the 100 block of West Prospect Avenue noted taking a report on embezzlement at a business in the area at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

Theft — A woman in the 200 block of South Eighth Street reported the theft of two bicycles from her back porch to Ponca City police at 5:33 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 300 block of West Hartford Avenue reported a 47-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 10:29 p.m. Tuesday.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Ninth Street and East Highland Avenue reported a 23-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop on a Kay County warrant and driving under suspension at 11:32 p.m. Tuesday.

Shoplifting — A clerk at a business in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue reported two juveniles had taken some beer from the store and headed north down the alley to Ponca City police at 11:43 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and three officers assisted. A report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer, responding to a disturbance call in the 2700 block of North Fifth Street, reported a 40-year-old woman was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday

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LIFESTYLES

Massage Therapy Program Topic for Noon Lions Meeting
Wedding Plans Announced
Stephanie Michelle Martin Marries Tommy Lee Mitchel
American Legion, Auxiliary Members Attend Convention
SJRMC Website Offers Photos of Newborns
Security Great Gift for Bride and Groom

Massage Therapy Program Topic for Noon Lions Meeting

When the Noon Lions met July 19, Sharon Holcomb Connally gave a program on massage therapy. Connally, a Ponca City native and the daughter of Paul Holcomb, graduated from Sam Houston University in Austin, Texas. She trained in massage therapy in Austin where state licensing is necessary. She spent 300 hours in course work and more than 50 hours interning.

When asked to write her philosophy and business plan, she responded with “Healing with heart and mind, body and spirit are one,” and that she would “strive to create an atmosphere of quietude and serenity.” Her business in Ponca City, called Hands for Health Massage Therapy Center, was founded with these concepts in mind, she said. Laying on of hands to relieve pain has been a tradition for thousands of years and has been increasingly accepted by the traditional medical establishment, said the speaker.

Massage is a legitimate means of relieving pain from many medical conditions. Connally said, “The benefits of massage include increased blood circulation, sensory awareness, it makes you feel good, gives you some quiet time and last, but not least, it's a great way to treat yourself with no calories. It differs from physical therapy in that it treats the whole body rather than focusing on individual areas.” Connally offers a relaxing, therapeutic combination of Swedish and deep-tissue massage plus reflexology, all using aromatherapy.

Chris Clark of Newkirk was a guest. Song leader was Ted Matson, and Russ Parker gave the invocation. Tail twister Rick Myers gave “Real Headline News,” and Jonnie Hollingsworth gave some “Attorney Wisdom.” Jim Burger and Dave Burrows were seated at “The Lucky Table.”

Noon Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the American Legion on South Avenue. The members are businessmen and women in the community who have a desire to help and serve others. The motto is “we serve.” They are known worldwide as Knights of the Blind and the focus of Lions International is prevention of blindness and providing eyeglasses and other vision aids for needy individuals, along with promoting diabetes awareness.

Wedding Plans Announced

A July 28 outdoor wedding at the home of John and Debbie Thompson near Marland is planned by Rebecca Mary Lorraine Thompson and Matthew Allen Ware. Parents of the couple are Patrick Thompson and Jerry and Neva Ware, all of Ponca City.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Newkirk High School and is attending Northern Oklahoma College. Ware is currently employed with A to Z Electric in Ponca City.

Stephanie Michelle Martin Marries Tommy Lee Mitchel

The First Baptist Church in Katy, Texas was the setting for the recent wedding of Stephanie Michelle Martin and Tommy Lee Mitchel. Their double ring vows were officiated in a 4 p.m. ceremony by Dr. Charles Wisdom.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Martin of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, former residents of Ponca City, and Mrs. Leigh Mitchel of Katy, Texas. The bride is the granddaughter of Zudora Busey of Ponca City, and the bridegroom is the grandson of Aurella Franklin of Houston, Texas, and Martha Mitchel of Bastrop, Texas.

Church decorations included white tulle bows and greenery, candelabra, and large arrangements of red roses, white snapdragons and gladioli. Lori Powell sang I Will Be Here by Chapman, and Kimberly Snauffer, harpist, played How Great Thou Art. The processionals were Trumpet Voluntary by Purcell and Wagner’s Bridal March, and the recessional was Ode to Joy by Beethoven.

Greg Martin of Flower Mound, Texas, lit the candles as the harpist played Hymne by Vangelis. Danielle Mitchel, sister-in-law of the bridegroom, was the reader. Mrs. Danny Martin of McAlester attended the guest book.

Heather Martin of Flower Mound, Texas, was Matron of Honor and Erin Galaway of Katy, Texas was Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Jane Becker, Molly Rice, Alexandra Pininia, and Elizabeth Maya. Each wore a floor-length buttercreme-colored chiffon gown with matching scarf draped around the neckline of the sleeveless silk bodice. The attendants carried bouquets of red roses.

Adam Krolikowski of San Diego, Calif., served as Best Man. Groomsmen were Greg Martin of Flower Mound, Texas, Jonathan Mitchel, Steven Mitchel, Edgar Maya, and Hernan Maya, all of Katy, Texas. Ushers were Mike Lasaine, Matt Freeman and Jerry Mitchel.

The bride was attired in a floor-length candlelight raw silk gown with a chapel-length train. The princess--styled gown featured a sleeveless bodice adorned with pearls and small fabric-covered buttons in back. She wore a candlelight tulle veil embellished with a random sprinkling of pearls. The bride carried a bouquet of red roses, stephanotis and greenery and a handkerchief belonging to her great-grandmother, the late Lydia Hutson, and a small white Bible, a gift from the Maid of Honor.

Following the wedding, the bride’s parents hosted a reception at Weston Lakes Country Club in Fulshear, Texas. Assisting with the event were Mrs. Danny Martin and Kay Anderson. Brianne Martin distributed red and yellow rose petals and bubbles to the guests.

Following a wedding trip to Cancun, Mexico, the couple resides in Katy, Texas. the bride is a teacher for the Nottingham Elementary School in Katy, and the bridegroom is an electrician for the Kenmore Company.

Out-of-town guests included Sally Richard of Green Valley, Ariz.; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Breedlove, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Stoner, Mr. and Lawrence Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Hank Peebles, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Strosberg, and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Benson, all of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Don Niemann, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Worstell and Kelly Hunsaker, all of Ponca City.

Also Mr. and Mrs. Andy Stoner, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Stoner of Austin, Texas; Matt Breedlove and Beverly Brister of Lake Charles, La.; Mr. and Mrs. Danny Martin, Bill and Brianne of McAlester; Ann Blum of Savannah, Ga.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cramp and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Noak of San Antonio, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kocian of Victoria, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Jed Crump of Dallas, Texas.

American Legion, Auxiliary Members Attend Convention

Ponca City American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 was represented at the Oklahoma American Legion and Auxiliary Convention at the Biltmore hotel in Oklahoma City July 7-9 by members Evelynn McCutcheon, Clara McCollum and Betty Brown, local president.

The Unit 14 1999-2000 history book, compiled by Historian Virginia Deda, placed second in the department contest, and McCutcheon accepted an award given to Unit 14 for their Cavalcade of Memories report.

After the banquet Saturday night, Post 14 commander, Marvin Rider, McCutcheon and Brown attended the reception for in-coming department president Debbie Hamilton and her family.

Brown attended the Past President’s breakfast Sunday morning. Velma Yeager of Enid, District Eight president, was the mistress of ceremonies for the event.

The auxiliary heard reports and elected department officers. They also held a memorial service with the American Legion members. The invocation was given by Auxiliary Department Chaplain Polly Kempton.

Past Post 14 and Unit 14 members remembered in the memorial service for 1999-2000 were: Louis R. Bellinghausen, Jack Blew, George Linden Brown, Richard C. Buckley, Benny L. Butler, Artus Cranford, Pete Cunningham, Thomas S. Dodson, George H. Green, Jr., Jerald Gregg, Roy J. Heldenbrand, Olls S. Hess, Don Keen, Nathan S. Lee, Jack Mitchell, Vaughn Nelson, Virgil Noble, Carl J. Pemberton, William Porter, Bruce J. Pumford, Robert L. Spray, Elmo Stingley, Robert Terrill, Floyd N. West, Charles C. Whiles, Irvin W. Wright, Walden Wright; Lucille Brown, Hazel Cathey, Maxine Eckler, Mary J. Halsey, Helen Rice and Lorene Walker.

American Legion Department Chaplain Charles Richmond was the Memorial Service Speaker. The audience sang “America The Beautiful” and the benediction was given by Polly Kempton.

The Auxiliary installed the 2000-2001 officers who included: Department of Oklahoma president Debbie Hamilton of Cordell, first vice president Betty McElderry of Purcell and second vice president Priscilla Welker of Cache.

An election of delegates and alternates to the National Convention followed with Unit 14 membership chairman, Clara McCollum, being selected as one of the alternates. The national convention will be Sept. 1-7 in Milwaukee, Wisc.

SJRMC Website Offers Photos of Newborns

PONCA CITY — One year ago today, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center opened the Birth and Family Center at St. Joseph’s, which introduced northern Oklahoma and south central Kansas residents to the latest in labor and delivery design and technology, said a spokesperson.

The $2 million unit features some of the most advanced labor and delivery equipment in the state including a central monitoring system and an infant security system. The unit contains 20 rooms, including eight labor, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms.

LDRP rooms allow patients to remain in the same room throughout the entire birthing process. The home-like environment these special rooms offer has been very appealing to expectant parents, according to SJRMC personnel.

“As a couple expecting our first child, we were understandably nervous about the labor, delivery and post-partum process,” said Carrie Tate, who gave birth to her daughter Hannah on July 7 at SJRMC. Expressing their appreciation, Carrie, and husband, Stuart, said, “We thank all involved from the bottom of our hearts for the care and kindness during our stay.”

The Tates took advantage of something special the hospital offers new parents through its web site (www.sjrmcpc.com). SJRMC’s Web Nursery features pictures of babies born at the hospital so family and friends, with computer internet access, can see a picture of the newborn. Parents interested in the free service are asked to call the Marketing/Public Relations Department to make arrangements for a picture to be taken. That picture, along with basic information about the baby, is then posted within two days of the birth.

After the unit opened a year ago, it was just a few hours before the first baby was born there and it has been busy ever since, said hospital personnel. There have been 560 babies born at the Birth and Family Center since the doors opened. Of those, 266 were girls and 294 were boys. SJRMC celebrated the first birthday of the Birth and Family Center with a birthday party on the unit.

Security Great Gift for Bride and Groom

(NAPS)-When wedding bells chime, give the gift that really answers the call, a fire-resistant security chest file or safe that keeps precious memories and important documents safe, organized and protected.

It's the gift of a fire-resistant security chest, file or safe.

Every day, fires start in over 2,000 American homes. Safe storage of valuable papers and other small items can be invaluable. Even couples whose homes already contain a full compliment of toasters, blenders and the like probably still don't have a household safe.

There is a wide variety of fire-resistant storage containers available, starting as low as $38 for a Sentry Fire-Safe security chest.

When choosing a safe, look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. That's your assurance that the product has passed rigorous safety tests.

You can find a fire-resistant safe in a range of sizes and styles to fit just about any budget and storage need, from shoe-box sized chests to files to full-size safes.

If the bride and groom are committed computer users, you may care to consider getting them a specially-engineered security box designed to protect computing equipment from both heat and humidity.

You can find these Sentry products at Wal-Mart, Sears, locksmiths, hardware stores and office products stores. For more information, call Sentry at 1-800-828-1438 or visit Sentry at www.sentrysafe.com.

SPORTS

Cavener Wins Big I Qualifier
PC Buddy Bass
Hunter Education
Lake Konawa Sees Drop, But Still No. 1 Lake in Survey

Cavener Wins Big I Qualifier

SHAWNEE — Ponca City’s Michaela Cavener didn’t let a little rain slow her down in her quest for a major golf tournament title Tuesday.

The golfers in the Independent Insurance Agents Junior Classic had to wait out a downpour Tuesday morning before taking to the Firelake Golf Course for the final round.

Cavener had grabbed the first-round lead with a 76 under good conditions Monday. She did even better on the wet course, firing a 75 Tuesday for a 151 total and a six-stroke victory.

That win qualified the 14-year-old for the IIAJC national finals to be held Aug. 14-18 at White Columns Golf Club in Alpharetta, Ga.

In the boys’ division, Ponca City’s Matt Ellis missed a chance at a qualifying spot by just two strokes,

Ellis shot a 78 Tuesday for a 148 total.

Ryan Henry of Broken Arrow won that division with a 143 total. Todd Dayton of Lawton was second at 144, Bradley Risenhoover of Stigler took third at 145 while Dayton Rose of Midwest City beat out Scott Watson of Lawton in a playoff for the final qualifying spot. Both shot 146.

Two other Ponca Citians vied in the tournament. Nathan Coats shot 76-77—153 while David Maddux posted an 80-86—166.

PC Buddy Bass

Ponca City Buddy Bass held its July tournament on Grand Lake.

The full moon, moderate temperatures, and clear water conditions provided an excellent setting for the all night event. However, slow summer fishing conditions produced fewer limits and lighter bag weights than expected for the tournament.

Leading the field of eighteen boats was the team of Scott and Jim Jones with a four-fish bag weighing 14 pounds, 10 ounces. That included Big Bass for the tournament, which tipped the scales at 5-12.

Dean Gratias and Mike Lewis continue their push for Anglers of the Year with a second place, five fish limit, weighing in at 12-9. While the teams of Brown and George, and Batt and Harrell filled out the leader board in third and fourth places.

The next stop on the Buddy Bass circuit is Keystone Lake in late August.

Hunter Education

Young area hunters haveone more chance to take a Hunter Education course before the start of the majorf hunting seasons.

The class will be taught Aug. 14-16 at Kay Electric, 300 W. Doolin, in Blackwell. The hours for this course are 6:30. to 10 p.m.

Students will receive instruction in hunter ethics, firearms responsibility, ammunition, laws and regulations, archery, muzzleloading, survival, game care and wildlife identification. All students must pass a written test at the end of the course with a score of at least 70 percent.

Hunter Education classes are entirely free of charge to anyone wishing to attend and all material is provided.

A number of neighboring states also require hunters take safety courses.

Certfication by Oklahoma will allow Oklahomans to hint in those states.

For additional information, contact Game Warden Tracy Daniel (580-765-1921).

Lake Konawa Sees Drop, But Still No. 1 Lake in Survey

Grand Lake Has Biggest Jump, Now Ranked Third Among Large Lakes Tested.

For bass fishing prospects on lakes larger than 1,000 acres, Lake Konawa in south-central Oklahoma appears to be a promising destination, according to spring electrofishing data released by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Covering 1,300 acres near Konawa, Lake Konawa produced 188 bass per hour of electrofishing during this year's surveys. That's a slight drop from last year, when it produced 207 bass per hour.

Ranking second was Dripping Springs Lake, which produced more than 172 bass per hour during this year's electrofishing bass surveys. The Department did not sample it last year. Grand Lake in northeast Oklahoma ranked third with 145 bass per hour. That's a considerable jump from 1999, when it produced 107 bass per hour.

Ranking fourth was Lake Broken Bow (107 bass per hour), followed by McGee Creek Lake (103 bass per hour), Lake Hudson (90 bass per hour), Lake Skiatook (83 bass per hour) and Lake Texoma (82 bass per hour).

If you're interested in big bass, Lake Konawa topped that category, too. For each hour of electrofishing, it produced about 84 bass per hour longer than 14 inches. That's a slight jump from last year, when 81 bass per hour were longer than 14 inches.

Grand Lake ranked second in that category with about 56 bass per hour that were longer than 14 inches. Ranking third was Lake Hudson (47 bass per hour over 14 inches), followed by McGee Creek (34 bass per hour over 14 inches), Lake Texoma (29 bass per hour over 14 inches) and Lake Fuqua (28 bass per hour over 14 inches).

“Lake Konawa has a good forage base, good production and good recruitment, all of which indicate a healthy bass fishery,” said Kim Erickson, chief of fisheries for the Department. “From what we've seen over the last few years, it's been a very consistent producer during spring sampling.”

This year, no lake larger than 1,000 acres produced a bass that exceeded 10 pounds. Lake Ellsworth produced the largest bass during spring electrofishing, and it weighed 8.8 pounds. Two other lakes produced bass larger than eight pounds, including Dripping Springs (8.7 pounds) and Webbers Falls (8.1 pounds).

Data from the springtime bass survey is divided between that collected from lakes larger than 1,000 acres, and lakes smaller than 1,000 acres. The data is used to determine the health and trends of individual bass fisheries. Regional fisheries management personnel capture bass using electrofishing equipment, and then they weigh and measure each fish before releasing them back into the water unharmed. The information helps biologists determine which lakes might benefit from specialized management techniques such as length and slot limits.

The Department rates a lake as high quality when it produces more than 15 bass over 14 inches per hour of electrofishing. Quality lakes yield more than 10 bass over 14 inches per hour of electrofishing, and those which produce fewer than 10 per hour are considered below average.

In terms of total numbers of bass per hour, lakes that yield more than 60 bass of any size per hour are rated as high quality. Those producing 40 bass or more per hour are considered "quality" lakes, and less than 40 per hour are considered below average.

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Editor’s Note: In Northcentral Oklahoma, Kaw Lake produced 24.4 bass per hour and 8.8 bass over 14 inches in length per hour. The heaviest fish weighed 5.1 pounds.

Skiatook Lake averaged 82 bass per hour, 16 over 14 inches with the heaviest weighing 4.7 pounds.

Birch Lake averaged 54 bass per hpour and had 18.3 over 14 inclues.The heaviest in the survey was 6.3 pounds.