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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, July 11, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALPersonally Offended LettersPersonally OffendedI was personally offended by Mr. Tyrrell’s editorial which bashed Williamsburg as a place to enjoy a family vacation. Evidentally the historical dramas which are geared to involve patrons are, in his opinion, either too gruesome for an audience or not gruesome enough to give a clear indication of events as they were in the eighteenth century. I have been involved with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for the past six years through their school and group services as a participant in Summer Teaching Institutes and as a peer facilitator for groups of educators. Our own Oklahoma School Foundation for Excellence scholarships Oklahoma teachers each year to obtain this valuable experience. In fact, I will be leaving next week to work with teachers from across the country as they meet in Williamsburg and attempt to bridge our past to the present. The Colonial Williamsburg staff consists of tireless workers who spend thousands of hours each year researching the authenticity of every detail in the Colonial Williamsburg in order to present an accurate picture of revolutionary times in an outdoor museum. Each note played on a colonial instrument is a documented measure from a song during this time period. Even birdhouses are designed to match those listed in colonial inventories. Tyrrell says the skits are “silly modes of dramaturgy: — and he is offended by a demonstration of discrimination of a slave during this time period. Perhaps Mr. Tyrrell would like for the world to decolorize our history and pretend that unfairness and racism did not exist. However, as an educator, I believe being confronted in an educational setting by the mistakes made throughout history, gives us a chance to come to grips with biases and prejudices that continue to exist in our world today. In this day and age of modernization and technology, it is extremely difficult for children to gain an understanding of the sacrifices throughout ALL cultures as we evolved into the most powerful nation in the world. I have seen teachers grasp what their classroom textbook had never revealed as they become rejuvenated about a subject that has been traditionally accepted as boring. There are many teachers in this area who have traveled to Williamsburg as a part of the Summer Institute. There are students from Ponca City who have been able to visit this reconstructed colonial township by traveling with a tour group. Last, but by far not the least, I have known many families — including my own — who have been enriched with a patriotic pride after vacationing in Williamsburg. I have never heard anything but praise for their experiences. Certainly, none were traumatized by their activities and as far as I know they did not require counseling upon their return. I would not label any of them a “lunatic” (Mr. Tyrrell’s word) because they gained an appreciation of history by visiting Williamsburg. Shame on Mr. R. Emmett Tyrrell for discouraging families to enjoy an educational trip back in time. Mr. Tyrrell can load up his family and go to an amusement park. If he’s lucky, he might stand in lines all day in order to ride 3-4 rides while he learns nothing about our past. As for anyone planning a family vacation — I will continue to recommend a carriage ride over a cobblestone street, a pirate walk by lamplight, a peek at a military encampment, a try at making your own bricks by standing barefoot in a vat of wet clay, or hundreds of other wholesome activities offered in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. See your there! Becky Krueger Kay County Sheep Producers To MeetThe Kay County Sheep Producers Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Western Sizzlin’ in Ponca City. Tammy Kline of Oklahoma State University will be featured for the program. For information contact the OSU Cooperative Extension Service office in Newkirk at 580-362-3194 or 580-362-2200. Airborne Division Seeks VetsThe 82nd Airborne Division Association is still trying to locate veterans who served in the Airborne during their military time, according to Shirley R. Gossett (World War II) National Membership Chairman. They realize there are over 100,000 troopers across America that they need to locate, and they do need help. The 55th Annual Convention will be held in Omaha, Nebraska August 11-14, 1999. Members from the 98 chapters will arrive to share their stories that made them “ELITE” in World War II. Today’s young troopers will attend by jumping into the convention city on Thursday. A site worth seeing, according to Gossett. The organization is trying to get Aug. 16th designated as “Airborne Day” by congress. The airborne started in 1940 and today, the 82nd Airborne is the only Airborne Division in existence. They were the first to draw the line in the sand in Saudi Arabia and they are in Albania today. 82nd Airborne is still No. 1. The association is over 55 years old but there are many troopers that we need to locate as their comrades are looking for them too. You become eligible when you earned your glider or parachute wings. Airborne is the only requirement, Gossett pointed out. For complete details write or call: OMAHA --- 1999 @ 5459 Northcutt Place, Dayton, Ohio 45414. Call 937-898-5977. Wet June Boosts Moisture TotalsBy MAX STOKESBERRY News Staff Writer The first six months of 1999 splashed their way into the history books, giving a big boost to the possibility of another record water fall this year. The Associated Press reported the six-month average for Oklahoma to be nearly 25 inches. But Ponca City easily topped that mark with 37.36 inches, 16.74 above normal for the period. June alone contributed more than a foot (12.19 inches), making it the wettest sixth month since the 14.19 posted in 1957. Last month’s rainfall was just what the wheat farmers didn’t order as they struggled in wet, muddy fields to thrash out the “golden grain.” The “gold” in the grain lost much of its luster as both quality and yields went downhill while rain was falling on exactly one-half of June’s 30 days. Most moisture for a 24-hour period was 3.20 inches on the 19th, according to Universal Weather Station observers at Municipal Airport. More than two inches were recorded on both the 16th and 24th. Several of the month’s “no rain” days produced cloudy skies, making them partly responsible for the daily average temperature of 75.9 degrees. This was below the June averages of 77.7 and 80.2 degrees the two preceding years. Record annual rainfalls were established in 1997 (51.08 inches) and 1998 (51.29 inches). Those years saw strong rallies in the last half, after standing at 23 and 19.37 inches at the end of June. This year is in a much better position, water-wise, at the halfway point with its 37.36 inches already in the rain bucket and needing less than 14 inches over the last six months to set yet another record for wetness. June ended with a final salvo of 1.55 inches and July followed with a 1.01 measurement on its first day. Then came an eight-day dry spell during which wheat harvesters returned to the fields. A Friday evening shower brought combines to another halt, with .91-inch of rain at the airport and up to two inches at Ranch Drive elevator southwest of town. Elevator personnel reported approximately 300,000 bushels of wheat received to date, with harvest in the area estimated at about 60 percent complete. In the past two years July rainfall measured 9.27 and 7.67 inches, the greatest amounts in more than 30 years. Back to the June report, the highest temperature was 95 degrees and the lowest was 54. Turns out that three other Junes also had 95 highs, and these were the lowest readings in 32 years except the 93 registered in 1993. Twenty-seven highs ranged upward from 95 degrees, with the highest a 107 in 1988. June temperatures rose to 100 or above in 11 of the past 32 years. The highest reading thus far in July was the 98 degrees on the 6th day of the month. School Starts Within Five WeeksBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor You might not want to tell your kids this, but the 1999-2000 school year starts in just five weeks (Aug. 18). State law requires school attendance between the ages of 5 and 18. A child must be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1 to be admitted to kindergarten and six years old on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in first grade. All students entering through the sixth grade must present complete immunization records including dates of shots verified by a licensed physician. In addition, kindergarten and first grade students must provide documentation of birth date. Elementary students are to register at their appropriate zoned school. Proof of residence is required for all new students. Questions regarding attendance areas or residency requirements should be directed to Dr. John Scroggins, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, at 767-8000, ext. 34. Students enrolling for the first time need to provide: birth certificate, social security number, immunization records, student’s identification and proof of residence. Student’s identification: student’s legal name as it appears on the birth certificate unless the name has been changed by a court order, and the name, address and telephone number of his or her lawful custodian(s) as required by Board policy. Any unusual custody circumstances shall require verification and be updated. The parents and/or guardians of any student, grades K-12, enrolling in the district for the first time, shall furnish evidence regarding the true nature of that student’s identity to the enrolling officer and proof of residency. All guardians other than parents must produce legal written evidence of custody or guardianship. The superintendent or designee may require the submission of evidence of residency in order to determine whether the student is eligible to attend the public schools or programs without payment of nonresident tuition. Transfer Requests It is the policy of the Ponca City Public Schools to consider on an individual basis all applications for student transfers into the district. The application must be submitted to the superintendent or his/her designee and are granted for only one year. The same process will be followed for Ponca City student applications to transfer out of the district into another school district. Transfer requests from one Ponca City school attendance area to another school within the district are to be submitted to the superintendent or his/her designee for approval. Since class size is a consideration, all such transfer requests will be considered after enrollment for that school term, and will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis. All in-district transfers are granted for only one year and will be granted for only one year and will be granted on a limited basis. The Board of Education does not encourage in-district transfers. Transportation to a school outside the attendance area will not be provided. 1999 Enrollment Dates Four-Year-Old Programs, Aug. 3 at Liberty Elementary, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Elementary Schools, Liberty and Woodlands grades K-6, Aug. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m., Garfield grades K-5 and Union grades K-6, Aug. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m., Roosevelt and Washington grades K-6, Aug. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m., Lincoln grades K-5 and Trout grades K-6, Aug. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. East Middle School, all eighth graders will enroll Aug. 11 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students have already pre-enrolled. They can pick up scheduled on Aug. 11. West Middle School, Eagles and Trackers, grade 7, Aug. 3, 3 to 7 p.m., Lions and Explorers, grade 7, Aug. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m. and grade 6 Pioneers plus Lincoln and Garfield 6, August 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. Students have pre-enrolled and may pick up their schedules on the date listed. High School, grade 9-12, Aug. 9 and 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The first day of school is Aug. 18. Information, Enrollment Day at ULCThe University Learning Center (ULC) of Northern Oklahoma will hold an Information and Enrollment Day on July 15 from 3 to 8 p.m. at their new location in the North Tower of the Conoco Complex. Representatives from the institutions who will deliver the degree programs beginning in the fall will be available to answer questions, conduct transcript evaluations, advise students, and help students with the enrollment process. Financial aid information will also be available. Programs that do not have adequate enrollment may not be brought to Ponca City. If you work full-time, have a busy schedule, and have limited “extra” time, ULC programs are designed for students like you. If you think you might want to pursue a college degree or work on a graduate degree, come by the ULC on or before July 15. The ULC is located in the North Tower of the Conoco Complex. Enter Gate F from South Avenue and tell the guard you want to go to the ULC. Pioneer Tech Team Wins National EventDuring the national competition for Health Occupations Students of American organization (HOSA) in Nashville, Tenn., four Practical Nursing students from Pioneer Technology Center took first place in the Biomedical Debate category for their team leadership efforts. The Biomedical Debate team was composed of Jill Hendrix, Ponca City; Stacy Chambers, Ponca City; Amber Martin, Arkansas City; and Amber Rhea, Ponca City. The team members were given a topic selected by the National HOSA Competitive Events program in debating a biomedical issue. The event consisted of a formal debate following the Lincoln-Douglas debate format. The team had to draw for the affirmative or negative side before entering the competitive room, they then had two minutes to prepare and present their position. After the preliminary rounds, cross examinations, and rebuttals for both the affirmative and negative side, the teams were judged and rated on each part of the debate based on total presentations, evidence, and persuasiveness. Bonus points were also given to the team members for proper dress and attire during their presentation. “I am extremely proud of my students,” said Beth Frantz, practical nursing coordinator at PTC. “Winning the National competition is quite an accomplishment especially when the team was competing against other vocational schools and colleges across the nation.” The HOSA National Leadership Conference is held yearly as an opportunity for members to learn from and share with other HOSA members from all affiliated states. HOSA is a national vocational student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Occupations Education Division of the American Vocational Association. Since its inception in 1976, HOSA has steadily grown through 33 affiliated state associations with involvement in four unaffiliated states and 1,900 chapters overall. The HOSA organization is strictly 100 percent health care and membership is restricted to health occupation students. Chambers, Hendrix, Martin and Rhea will also be a part of the practical nursing graduation that is scheduled July 16. This school year, Pioneer Technology Center will add one more health care class to this national organization. The respiratory care program will also be a part of HOSA. This program plans to add at least 22 more students to the HOSA organization. Northeast Baptist Church Begins Ultimate Good News Challenge With Mt. ExtremeRussell Segelquist, minister of education for Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road, is excited about Mt. Extreme: the Ultimate Good News Challenge, which is the theme for Northeast’s 1999 Vacation Bible School. Mt. Extreme begins Monday, July 12 and continues through Friday, July 16. Belinda Satterfield, VBS director and Teena Cotham, co-director informed daily activities will begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at noon. Each day will be filled with Bible study, crafts, recreation and refreshments, as well as a joint worship and an ending rally. Children who have completed pre-kindergarten through sixth grade will be eligible to attend Northeast’s VBS. The young pre-school classes are provided for the children of workers only. It’s never too early to begin teaching the youngest climbers in VBS about God’s love, Segelquist pointed out. The bed babies through twos will be “BackPackers” and will learn about God’s love for them. Working with this age group will be Judy Anderson, director; Jackie Sue Mott, Crystal Layton, and Doris Cline in bed babies; Phyllis Luton, director, Kitty Free, Doris Lewis, and Marlene Gregory in bed babies II; Nancy Watters, director, Donna Merz and Jennifer Arner in preschool I; and Michele Manns, director, Crystal Higgins, and Linda Arner in preschool II. Preschool III will be “PathFinders” with Lynn Delgado, director, Jordan Green, Carol Goodno, and Christy Cooper working with them. There will be two classes of “PathFinders” for pre-kindergarten. Candy Edwards, director, Renea McKain, and Jenni Peck will be in pre-kindergarten A and Mandy Fairbanks, director, Carol Wallace, and Ashley Seirer will be in pre-kindergarten B. Kindergarten and first grade will be “TrailBlazers” and also have multiple classes. Kindergarten A will be Deb Goddard, director, Erin Goddard, Sali Vasquez, and Diane Hraban; kindergarten B will be Jeanne Martin, director, Cara Segelquist, Kim Pruitt, and Lawunmi Falokun. “The Peak” will be for first and second grades. When you’re on the mountain, every child needs to climb at his or her own pace, Segelquist pointed out, and when you’re learning about the Bible in VBS, it’s important to remember there are children in this age-group with different levels of reading skill. First grade workers will be Doris Lambert, director, Emma Bryer, and Chris Landes; first grade B workers will be Ashley Watters, director, Sara James, and Cindy Pappan. Second grade workers will be Kathy Peck, director, Kenda Payne, and Karen Stafford in A, with Christi Owens, director, Marria York and Jaimee Neal in B. “The Crest” will be for children in third and fourth. There is no more enthusiastic and energy-filled group on Mt. Extreme than the third and fourth graders. Judy Hoyle, director, Joe Hoyle, Charles Emerson, and April Allen will lead third grade A; Marcie Batschelett, director, Ellen Pruitt, Jesse Freeman will lead B. Mary Cline, director, Edy Gieseker and Carol Harris will work with fourth grade A and Janice Inskeep, Khrystal Humble and Amanda Neal will be in fourth grade B. Fifth and sixth grades will mount “The Summit”. Don’t accept the myth that pre-teens are too old for VBS, Segelquist said. There is no age group that needs VBS more than pre-teens. They are about to face greater challenges than they’ve ever dreamed, he pointed out, and if they’re going to keep climbing higher, they must be anchored in Christ, the Sold Rock. Fifth grade workers will be Sherry Palmer, director, Marsha Goldman and Tim Short. Nancy Evans will be the sixth grade director with Vicki Wright and Cameron Gifford. Workers at other sites of Mt. Extreme will be: Music, Amber Gallaway, Donita Cooper, Laurie Graham, Amanda Reiss, Carl Johnston, James DeHaven, Tressa Bird, and Liz Richard; Crafts: Annette Hocevar, Fran James, Debbie Green, Gayla Gelven, Jana Green, Jackie Bufton and Holley Rosebeary; Recreation: Sharon Stuemky, Cheryl Green, Sean York, Natalie Elwood, Megan Coates, Larry Degan, Mike White, Michael Dugan, and Scott Richards. Mission sites will be staffed by Melony Westerman, Lisa Reiss, Theresa Monks, Jody Sanford, and Clyde Sheely. Extra hands that will be available to work wherever needed will be Heather Weir, Rhonda Walker, Alecia Hagerdon, and Tracey Scott. Kitchen staff will be Maurisa Pruett, director, Kym White, Ginger Howell, Diane Degan, Marilyn Sheely, Teresa DeHaven and Maxcine Bussey. Labyrinth Workshop SaturdayA labyrinth workshop, “The Labyrinth as a Tool for the New Millennium,” will be held Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, Fourteenth and Grand. Facilitating the workshop will be Nancy Harbaugh, a trained labyrinth workshop facilitator from Tulsa, who will bring a 30 foot by 30 foot periwinkle-colored labyrinth. The workshop will include a short lecture on the history of the labyrinth and its current uses, the opportunity to walk the labyrinth, a quiet time for lunch and journaling, a second opportunity to walk the labyrinth and a short ending discussion. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and bring a pillow or cushion and paper or a notebook for recording their thoughts and experiences. Labyrinths are found in traditional cultures throughout the world. There are labyrinths depicted in Hopi Indian cave drawings. Labyrinths can be found in Tibetan sand paintings. Labyrinths are even found on the floors of Cathedrals in Europe. Not to be confused with a maze, which is usually three-dimensional and is used to trap or challenge the participant, the labyrinth is flat — either painted on a surface or set in stone — and has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Walking the labyrinth involves simply taking the winding path to the center and back out again. The workshop facilitator, Nancy Harbaugh, teaches labyrinth workshops throughout the Midwest. She has studied with Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, canon for special ministries at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, and author of “Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool.” It is through Dr. Artress’ research and dedicationx that the labyrinth is being used throughout the United States in hospitals, city parks, public centers and places of work. The workshop is sponsored by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the Ponca City Labyrinth Project. “Communities throughout the country are putting labyrinths in public places — and people are using them,” said Gael Hancock, spokesperson for the Ponca City Labyrinth Project. “As we move into the year 2000 it seems appropriate to have a permanent, public labyrinth in Ponca City that would be of benefit to everyone.” According to Hancock, one of the artists who will be teaching painting and drawings of Arts Adventure this summer, Robert Posehl, is a labyrinth artist. He told her of a temporary labyrinth he constructed in a hospital in Oklahoma City between the oncologists’ office and one of the cancer treatment rooms. Patients, who walked the labyrinth as they journeyed from physician to treatment, remarked how important the labyrinth was to them and how it left that space in the hospital with a “sacredness” long after the labyrinth was removed. Cost of the workshop, including lunch, is $5. To register or to get additional information about the Ponca City Labyrinth Project, call Gael Hancock, 762-6244. Three Extreme Pursues Skate ParkBy LAURA CORFF News Staff Writer Local youth and parents continue to pursue their goal of building a skate park in Ponca City. A group of about 30 youths and adults met July 8, to appoint officers, select a name, and discuss an upcoming demonstration. Members overwhelming opted for the name Three Extreme, (signifying bikes, boards and blades). Logan Kruck agreed to design a logo to incorporate the new name. Other names considered were: PC Wheels United, PC Ramp Club, Marked 4 X and Ponca City Extreme. In addition, the group appointed officers who are: Connie Anderson, president; Chris Hand, vice president; Mike Kruck, treasurer; Logan Kruck, student advisor; Katie Kennedy, student advisor; and James Jeffries, student advisor. Additionally, members committed to perform at a public demonstration during the United Way Kickoff Parade and festivities, on Sept. 11. The youth will not only exhibit their skills but meet with the community and share their interest in the sport. In the meantime, the group will work on plans to build portable ramps to be used during the event and later locate at a skate park. Furthermore, members will circulate petitions to continue efforts to build support for their project. Future plans include selecting a site for the park, designing the park and raising funds to build the park. The next meeting will be held July 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Carpet Specialities. For more information or to join the skate park initiative, contact Hand at 762-6013 or Connie Anderson, 765-4708. Golden Villa Agreement For Angela Hall on AgendaBy LAURA CORFF News Staff Writer The Ponca City Board of Commissioners will review an agreement with Golden Villa Adult Day Care to lease Angela Hall, at the Marland Estate, during their regular meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. If approved, the agreement will be a five-year lease to begin August 1. The United Way agency would pay $2,000 in rent and be responsible for the maintenance of the building. Additionally, two items which were tabled from the June 28 meeting, will be considered as unfinished business. First, commissioners will consider renewing a contract with Candy Thomas for grant consulting services in the amount of $40,000. Secondly, they will look at endorsing a consortium with Stillwater and surrounding county areas immediate labor markets, as a single Workforce Investment Area. The counties within the area would include Kay, western Osage, Noble, Pawnee, Payne and parts of Lincoln, Logan and Grant. In new business, Kathy Adams, Marland Estate director, is asking that the board accept a proposal by Roger A. Smith Co. in the amount of $6,000 to repair lead guttering, using solder and sheetland where feasible to keep the original look. Furthermore, the Police Department will ask commissioners to enter a contract with the Sociology Department at Oklahoma State University to survey southwest Ponca City. This would be the second assessment for the Westside Community Policing project. Funds of $10,879, have been granted through the Northern Oklahoma Major Crimes Unit to pay for the work. Marc LaBossiere, finance director, is expected to present the sixth quarterly progress report on the one-half cent sales and use tax for the new fire station renovation. The report will detail receipts and disbursements. Consent Agenda The following items are listed on the Consent Agenda due to their noncontroversial and routine nature. The board will consider approving them with one motion. Public Works/Street and Drainage Maintenance Division has asked the board to accept bids for rock, asphalt, concrete, oil, sand, Portland Cement and sodium chloride materials needed for the next six months. Additionally, Public Works has requested the board execute contract documents for drainage repair projects around the city. The contract is with Chitwood Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $86,000.76 and would allow 75 days to complete the work. The department will also ask that Chitwood be made a purchasing agent for material needed on the project. Submitting closeout documents on a forgivable loan for a project funded through a Home Investment Partnerships Program and the United Community Action Program, Inc. will also be considered on the consent agenda. The project provided for rehabilitation of four owner-occupied homes. Eligible applicants were selected from an established weatherization assistance waiting list. In addition, commissioners will consider advertising for bids for the Waverly Street improvement project from Highland to Industrial Boulevard. Also, the board will look at executing a contract with Air Cleaning Technologies, Inc. of Broken Arrow, in the amount of $114,598, for the diesel exhaust system for the new fire station. The notice of award was approved on June 28. In other items, the Ponca City Police Department is asking to renew a contract with Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center and Shelter for $15,000. Additionally, the board will look at funding $5,000 to the Ponca City Area of Chamber of Commerce to direct a program known as “Give Ponca the Business” which provides media advertising of Ponca City to surrounding communities to promote special events, ongoing product displays and the Chamber Bucks program. The board will also consider an agreement with Ponca City Tomorrow to organize task forces to study, act upon and develop future plans for the beautification, transportation needs, health care needs and social services infrastructure as well as defining and establishing programs within the city. The contract would be for $15,000. In other agreements, the board will consider providing operational expense assistance in the amount of $15,000, to Ponca City Main Street Authority, Inc. for the promotion of economic activity and preservation of the historical heritage in the downtown district. Also, an agreement with Ponca City Pro-Teens, to provide a monthly program that will be open to Ponca City teenagers at Grand Central Station, will be considered in the amount of $1,200. An agreement with Ponca City Kids Incorporated is also on the consent agenda in an amount not to exceed $500. The fund would pay for lighting at Lessert Field for the youth baseball. Along with paying $808,479.98 in city claims the board will review a resolution to amend operating budgets of various city funds for 1998-99. Changes include: transfer $5,200 from ambulance to fire department to cover the effect of payoffs on retirements in 1999; transfer $2,122 to Marland Estate funds to cover the cost of accrued compensated absences; supplemental appropriation of $61,439, to allow the closure of the Hunt & Fish fund and transfer the balance to the capital improvement projects fund where they will be used only for Lake Ponca related capital purchases until funds are depleted. PCUA The commission will reconvene as the Ponca City Utility Authority to review a change order for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, totaling $32,693.82. The request is due to change in scope and includes six items. Additionally, the board will be asked to authorize a request for state revolving fund partial disbursement for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $175,556.70. PCUA will also consider releasing funds for northwest substation to K.C. Electric for a sum of $71,235.96. The funds would be paid from the 97C revenue bond proceeds. Although the board awarded a contract to Ratliff, Inc. for the water pump station enhancements for the Airport Industrial Park, they will consider approving contract documents — construction contract, bonds and certificate of insurance associated with the project. Also, $1.17 million in claims will be considered for payment. Under the Ponca City Development Authority, commissioners will handle routine matters including considering paying city claims totaling $23,625.77. School CalendarThe summer food service program will provide free meals for all children ages 1 to 18 at the following locations. The menu below will continue through July 31. Salvation Army Center — breakfast from 8 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. Union Elementary School — breakfast from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m.; lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lincoln Elementary School — no breakfast; lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast Monday, July 12 — Scrambled eggs with ham and biscuits or assorted cold cereals, orange juice or fresh fruit, and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Tuesday, July 13 — Assorted muffins or assorted cold cereals, orange juice or fresh fruit, and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Wednesday, July 14 — Sausage, egg and cheese biscuit or assorted cold cereals, orange juice or fresh fruit, and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Thursday, July 15 — Biscuits and gravy or assorted cold cereals, orange juice or fresh fruit and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Friday, July 16 — Breakfast burrito or assorted cold cereals, orange juice or fresh fruit, and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Lunch Monday, July 12 — Frito chili pie or peanut butter and jelly sandwich or ham and cheese sandwich, refried beans or salsa or fruit or raisins or orange juice or cinnamon apple and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Tuesday, July 13 — Ravioli with garlic bread or peanut butter and jelly sandwich or ham and cheese sandwich, tossed salad with ranch dressing or Italian vegetables or fruit or raisins or orange juice and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Wednesday, July 14 — Corn dogs or peanut butter and jelly sandwich or ham and cheese sandwich, chips or wacky cake or fresh fruit or raisins or orange juice, and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Thursday, July 15 — Chalupas with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes or peanut butter and jelly sandwich or ham and cheese sandwich, apple slime or salsa or fruit or raisins or orange juice or peach cups, and chocolate or 2 percent white milk. Friday, July 16 — Hot pockets or peanut butter and jelly sandwich or ham and cheese sandwich, tossed salad or steamed broccoli with cheese sauce or chocolate chip cookies or fruit or raisins or orange juice or M&M cookies, and chocolate or two percent white milk. Students may choose one main dish, two side dishes, and one milk. Must take one other selection in addition to the main dish. Annual Otoe Health Fair Is ThursdayRED ROCK — Free medical tests and a free lunch will be offered Thursday during the Otoe-Missouria Tribe’s annual Health Fair. The health fair is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cultural Building, 8151 Highway 177 east of Red Rock. Home health agent Lewis Jeans said more than 50 doctors and health care agencies, including a team from the Oklahoma Blood Institute, will participate in the fair, offering blood screenings, blood sugar tests, cholesterol screenings, etc. The Red Cross also will give a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration. The fair will also include dentists and eye-clinic nurses, and a blood drive will be conducted. Jeans said a major aim of the tribal health fair is to help diabetics. “We aim to screen people before they get into the first phase of diabetics,” he said. Sponsored by the CHR/EMS Program and open to the public, the event will include a healthy free meal catered from Ponca City. For more information, call 580-723-4386 or 580-723-4387. Arts Adventure ’99 Names Its Guest Keyboard ArtistL. Scott Donald will be the guest artist for Arts Adventure 1999 in keyboard ensemble and technology. This class offering is for students of piano who want to experiment with sounds that can be created using both an electronic keyboard and a computer. “The combining of the keyboard with the computer gives piano students an opportunity they don’t often have,” said Lanita Going, Arts Adventure camp director. “The piano is usually a solo or accompanying instrument, but with the electronic keyboards and the computer, students can play together in large groups, creating an entire orchestra of sound.” According to Donald, “When creating ensembles, each musician is responsible for their own part and for their own orchestra sound. “This summer, the students will be writing and creating their own ensembles in addition to learning how to use technology for their own solo playing,” Donald concluded. Donald comes to Ponca City from North Newton, Kansas, where he most recently served as assistant director and instructor of piano at Bethel College, Academy of Music. After leaving the two-week Arts Adventure camp, he will journey to Princeton, New Jersey, where he will begin a new position as associate director and senior faculty member at the New School for Music Study. With both bachelors and masters degree in music with an emphasis on piano performance, Donald also has a doctorate degree in music art with an emphasis on music education and piano pedagogy from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been a presenter at the annual meetings of both the Texas Music Teachers Association, the Kansas Music Educators Association and the Music Teachers National Association. In addition to keyboard ensemble and technology, other Arts Adventure offerings for this summer’s camp include voice, drama, creative writing, printmaking, painting/sketching and dance. Arts Adventure ’99 is scheduled for July 19 through 30. This two-week summer arts camp is for students who will be entering sixth through 10th grades this fall. Sessions will be held at the Marland Estate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday of each week. Registration for Arts Adventure is currently under way. Cost for the two-week camp is $125 with full or partial scholarships available based on financial need. For more information contact Chuck Van Cleave, 762-9684. East Middle School Project On School Board AgendaBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Accepting a bid from Nelson Waterproofing Company for the cleaning/repair of the exterior of East Middle School will be decided Monday night when the Ponca City Board of Education meets at 6:30 p.m. Bids were opened on July 7 for the cleaning, sealing and needed tuckpointing/repair of the exterior of the East Middle School. One bid was received from Nelson Waterproofing for $73,200. The project is set to begin on July 20. This project is part of the bond monies for the remodeling of the East Middle School. Renewal Agreements Board members will vote to renew the membership with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA). Membership in the OSSBA includes legal services, publications, in-office and school visits, answers to telephone and letter inquiries from school officials, sample copies of school policies, monitoring state and federal education legislation, and other service designed to improve the quality of management of public education in Oklahoma. The cost of the membership for this district is $1,801 per school year. A renewal agreement with Green Tree Vendor Services for a lease/purchase for two phases of software and hardware for the Campus Mart Child Nutrition Services will be decided. Campus Mart Child Nutrition Services is requesting a renewal of a lease agreement with Green Tree Services to lease/purchase the first phase of software and hardware for the point of sale, application, and production reports of the program. This is a three-year agreement for phase one of the upgrade to the Campus Mart hardware network plan. Phase two will be installed when the district’s wide area network is completed. The original contract is for $31,409.28, with a monthly payment of $872.48 for three years. An agreement with Invest Learning Corporation for the computer lab at Ponca City East Middle School will be made. This agreement is for the renewal of the support training agreement for the “Invest in the Future” computer lab at East Middle School. The amount of the agreement is $2,774. A license and system support agreement with the HOSTS Corporation at West Middle School will also be voted on. Renewal of this agreement with the HOSTS Corporation will grant the continuation of the HOSTS Language Arts Program license for West Middle School for the school year ending June 30, 2000. HOSTS will provide access to HOSTS help line technical assistance provided over HOSTS toll-free help line. The annual license fee is $5,600 to be paid in one payment. Also on the agenda is a renewal contract with Burnett Security and Investigations for security as needed for the secondary schools. The recommendation is to contract with Burnett Security Company to provide security at Po-Hi and East Middle School as needed. Cost of the service is $9.50 per man hour. The final renewal agreement is with Xerox Corporation to include a copy machine at the Administration Building and East Middle School. Presentations/Recognitions A special presentation will be made to the 1999 summer paint crew. The group has already completed painting several hallways and classrooms at the high school, many areas at Liberty, Trout and Woodlands Elementary Schools. Members of the paint crew include Christopher Adams, Brian Benson, Linda Bowhay, Cara Cusick, John Ferguson, Evan Fleishacker, Charlie Hedgcoth, Tanner Ray, Tara Trenary and Aaron Watson. Jay Snell of United Supermarkets will also be recognized for his continued support to Ponca City Public Schools and the athletic department. Snell has been responsible for a large part of the new weight room, and the schools will also purchase a new score board for Robson Fieldhouse with the money he has donated. Bob Banda will also address the board during public comment regarding the Ponca City Public Schools’ Athletic Program. Hospice Enabling Families To Aid Terminally Ill MembersEditor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of articles focusing on the services available to the Ponca City community through United Way agencies. Staff and volunteers of Hospice of Ponca City allow the terminally ill and their family to escape the clinical environment and replace it with a more personal approach. Since 1982, Hospice of Ponca City has allowed patients to remain at home among family members and personal surroundings, while providing access to medical and social services. The local agency has grown from a small all-volunteer organization into a Medicare-certified, state-licensed facility. The primary purpose of Hospice is to help patients make the most of the time that’s left — to make their dying more comfortable, less frightening and in every way more bearable. “Some people are afraid of Hospice, or they think Hospice is charity. They are too proud to ask for help, but we couldn’t have done it without them,” says Cathy Payne, daughter of Jesse and Mary Davis, who were both patients of Hospice of Ponca City. Payne’s sister, Joy Sanders, first became familiar with Hospice while attending a grief support group after the loss of her husband. So naturally, when her father became ill, she felt comfortable turning once again to Hospice. “It’s not just what they did for Dad, it’s what they did for the whole family,” Sanders remembers. “It gave us the reassurance we needed and someone for Mom to call if she was confused or scared. All she had to do was pick up the phone and Hospice was right there.” When their mother became ill four years later, the girls invited Hospice back into their lives. “If it hadn’t been for Hospice, we wouldn’t have been able to bring Mom home the last couple of weeks of her life,” Sanders said. Hospice recognizes that death is a natural process and works to minimize the pain, stress, fear and isolation which the patient and family frequently encounter. In addition to skilled nursing care, personal care and medical social services, Hospice of Ponca City assists with spiritual care, medical equipment and supplies, prescription medications and bereavement follow-up for family members. In addition to support groups, workshops are offered during the year as well as a monthly bereavement newsletter published to help those suffering from a loss. Care is always provided under the supervision of the patient’s physician. To qualify, a doctor must certify that, in his best estimate, the patient has six months left to live. According to Melody Lahann, director of the local agency, the average patient spends 71 days under Hospice care. In 1998, 148 patients were assisted by Hospice of Ponca City. Of those, 109 were from Ponca City. Sixty-eight percent were diagnosed with cancer, which confirms that Hospice helps terminally ill individuals who have other diagnosis. Hospice of Ponca City receives funding from Medicare, private insurance, the United Way and donations from the community. There is never a charge to a patient or family. Lahann confirmed that 18 percent of their patients had no source of reimbursement, but were able to receive the same services due to donations from fund raisers and allocations from United Way. Last year, $100,000 was spent just on pain medication. Hospice of Ponca City is a member of the Oklahoma State Hospice Association and the National Hospice Organization. Board of Directors are: Sandy Gearhart, chairman; John Gardner, vice-chairman; Karen Shiflet, secretary; Bill McCann, treasurer; Marybeth Glass; Dr. Paul Hagood; Phyllis Kennedy; Dr. Joe Kinzer; Rev. Wayne Majors; Ron Mersman; Pixie Rowland; and Phil Turney. The United Way of Ponca City supports the following 17 member agencies: American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council, Boy Scouts of America-Will Rogers Council, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline, Inc., Hospice of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Salvation Army and the YMCA. New Birth and Family Center at SJRMC Will Feature Central Monitoring SystemWhen St. Joseph Regional Medical Center unveils the new Birth and Family Center at St. Joseph’s later this month, the latest advances in labor and delivery care and medical technology will be available to Ponca City, Kay County and the surrounding area. The 20-room, 15,238 square foot unit will feature a central monitoring system and an advanced infant security system — two pieces of equipment not available in this area until now. SJRMC pediatrician Jane Thomason, MD, said the advanced infant security system will provide peace of mind for families and staff. “If a baby is carried close to any door leading from the unit and the sensor is still attached, an alarm will sound,” said Dr. Thomason. “Having this technology in today’s climate makes all of us feel more secure.” The central monitoring system will transmit all monitored information to the nurses’ station from each room on the unit. The system interfaces with a wide array of medical equipment used in labor and delivery. “The central monitoring system will allow the nurses to keep a constant eye on baby’s heart-tones from any room they are in, taking care of any patient,” Gaye Olson, Birth and Family Center Director, explained. “There can be earlier interventions if there are problems and I think there will be better outcomes for babies in the long run.” SJRMC obstetrician-gynecologist Ron M. Kreger, MD, said what he is looking forward to is the capability of fetal monitoring telemetry. “In addition to monitors in the patient’s room, there will be a central location where other nurses can review the fetal monitoring strip,” Dr. Kreger said. “There is also the capability to where the obstetrician can have real time review of the monitoring of the infant in his office or at home. “While I think these are definite improvements and will place us in a state-of-the-art physical plant for care of patients comparable to what Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Wichita are able to offer, I feel the most important factor that we have is our experienced and outstanding OB personnel,” Dr. Kreger said. The Dedication of the new unit will be held Sunday, July 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at 2:15 and tours will begin at 2:30. The public is invited to attend. Les Gilliam Takes On Western Swing Friday at Poncan TheatreLes Gilliam, Ponca City’s hero for aficionados of cowboy and country music, will give a lecture discussion of western swing at the Poncan Theatre on Friday. The lecture is part of the celebration of western swing that culminates in the performance of “Asleep at the Wheel” at 7:30 the same day. “We’re so proud to have Les at the Poncan,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the theatre. “I believe Les knows more about this subject than anyone I ever met.” Gilliam has performed cowboy and country music all over the world. Recently, he let his Oklahoma roots sprout in Europe, performing at several venues in Austria. Gilliam often performs as a solo artist and with the Silverlake Band. He has recently been nominated for “Male Vocalist of the Year” by the Academy of Western Artists and also by the Western Music Association. He has recorded three albums and two videos. He even has the official sanction of the Oklahoma legislature, who named him the official “Oklahoma Balladeer.” The lecture-discussion will give some of the history of western swing music. “Asleep at the Wheel,” one of the most successful western groups in the nation over the past three decades, built their repertoire around western swing. “Western swing really grew up in Oklahoma,” Gilliam says. The first great proponent of the genre was Bob Wills, who Tulsa claims as one of their own. In the discussion, Gilliam will play some tunes that put western swing on the map. He will also talk about the early development of the form. And Ponca City’s own Don Long will be on hand to lend musical accompaniment to Gilliam. “Les is one of the most interesting artists around,” Wessel says. “He gives wonderful, absorbing anecdotes for the great music he performs. There’s always a refreshing story or a great biography behind these songs, and Les seems to know them all. And he’s a fascinating man to listen to,” he adds. “Asleep at the Wheel” has devoted two of their twenty-two albums to the music of Bob Wills, and other albums also feature the great song-writers work. They also have performed all over the world. “The Wheel” was formed in the early 1970’s by a couple of young men from the east. Now Ray Benson, one of the co-founders, and the rest of the band are based in Austin, a much more appropriate home. They’ve won six Grammy Awards and they have been named the Rolling Stone Band of the Decade. Wessel says “they are great purveyors of this great western swing tradition.” The discussion of western swing is in the Pickrel Room of the Poncan Theatre. It is free to the public, and begins at 2 p.m. on Friday. “Everyone is welcome to this wonderful lecture,” Wessel says. “Just show up. But remember that this is first-come-first-serve seating in our upstairs meeting room.” The event is free to the public because the event is supported by the Oklahoma Arts Council. The “Asleep at the Wheel” concert is Friday night at 7:30. “Tickets are getting a bit scarce,” Wessel says. “I expect a sell-out by Friday, and this will be our third sell-out in the last few months.” He explains that ticket prices have been kept down because of the help of the Arts Council and because of the Corporate Support of Cust-O-Fab. For ticket information, patrons should call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943 between 1 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. City CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street. Today Grand Opening of Lydie’s Cottage and Artist Studio at Marland Estate, 901 Monument Road, guided tours on the hour 1-4 p.m. Good Ole Okie Flying Society’s 11th Annual Miniature Air Show (giant scale radio-controlled model aircraft), 8 a.m.-3 p.m., South of Lake Road on Pecan Road, admission free, concessions available. July 10-14 United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, UOA Annual Youth Rally, Boulder, Colo., University of Colorado. Monday Conoco Retirees Association quarterly meeting, 10 a.m., Moose Lodge, North Ash Street and West Prospect Avenue. Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Tuesday Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue. AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. “Masterpieces of Gilcrease Museum.” Bob Schulz will give a slide presentation chronicling the permanent collection at the Gilcrease Museum, at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, from noon to 1 p.m. Bring lunch, Pioneer Bank will provide the drinks. The event is free and open to the public. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. Wednesday Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. Crafts and Trivia, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 board of directors, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center. Thursday Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Friday Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting Hospice of Ponca City, Lew Wentz Golf Course. Special, Morning Bingo, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, call Wheatheart 767-1620 for lunch reservation. Historic Preservation Panel Work Session, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue. Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Saturday “The Labyrinth as a Tool for the New Millennium.” This labyrinth workshop will let participants experience walking a labyrinth and learn about labyrinths throughout history and their uses today. It will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A $5 registration fee includes lunch. Call Gael Hancock at 762-6244 for more information. July 18-August 18 Ponca City Arts & Humanities hosting exhibit “Moving The Fire: The Removal of Indian Nations to Oklahoma,” Ponca City Art Center, sponsored by Ponca City Arts & Humanities Council and Conoco, a program of ExhibitsUSA, a National Division of Mid-America Arts Alliance with the State Arts Council of Oklahoma, admission free. July 19 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Beth Wright 765-6738 for additional information. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, performing “The Taming of the Shrew,” 7 p.m., Marland Mansion, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco, and Oklahoma Arts Council, admission free. July 19-30 Arts Adventure 1999. A two-week summer arts camp, will be held at the Marland Estate, for students entering sixth through tenth grades. Artists from around the country will teach classes in printmaking, painting, dance, drama, creative writing and keyboard ensemble and technology. Cost is $125 and scholarships are available. For registration information, contact Chuck Van Cleave at 762-9684. July 20 Kaw Lake Association, noon, Golden Corral, Ponca City. “From Classical to Contemporary” is a musical review to be presented by Denise Jones (bassoon), Mary Grace Lebeda (clarinet) and Lisa Hermes (flute) of Mariah Trio. The review will be held at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street from noon to 1 p.m. Participants should bring a lunch. Pioneer Bank will provide drinks. It is free and open to the public. Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60 East and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome. July 21 Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library. Game of “Senior Feud,” 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, bring a friend and a smile. Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. July 22 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. Artists’ Showcase, Arts Adventure will highlight the works of the eight artists participating in the Arts Adventure summer camp, at the Marland Mansion, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. July 23 July Birthday Bash, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. July 24 “Fossils, Snakes and Spiders” is a special program for kids of all ages with snakes handled by Martin Trenary; spiders showcased by Gordon Grice, and fossils shown by Ralph Hoffman. Also, Grice will be signing his book, The Red Hourglass. The program will be held at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring lunch and Pioneer Bank will provide the drinks. It is free and open to the public. July 26 Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. July 27 “It’s a Zoo!” The Oklahoma Zoo is coming to Ponca City with live animals, their handlers and more. Bring a lunch and come to the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street, from noon to 1 p.m. Pioneer Bank will provide the drinks at this free program which is open to the public. July 28 Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue. Progressive Pitch Game, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Ponca City Main Street Authority Inc. Board Meeting, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street. July 28-31 United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 37th Annual UOA Conference, Reno, Nev., Nugget Hotel. July 30 Bingo! Come ready for action! 1 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue. Student Showcase, Arts Adventure will highlight the works of student artists participating in the Arts Adventure summer camp. It will be held at the Marland Estate, at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. July 31 Second Lake Road Scurry, 5 km run/walk, registration 7:15 a.m., race 8 a.m., Shelterhouse No. 3, Lake Ponca, $10 entry fee no T-shirt, $15 for T-shirt, 762-2873 for more information. August 2-6 Fire ’99 Summer Camp, Wentz Camp, sponsored by Fire Island Youth Ministries Inc., to register, call 580-767-8325. August 7 Pioneer Water Garden Society Annual Pond Tour, contact Ray Moreland, 762-7806, for maps of tour. August 26, 27, 28 & 29 123rd Annual Ponca Tribal Powwow, White Eagle. Literacy Council Hires New DirectorThe Ponca City Area Literacy Council announces the hiring of its new director, Pam Hodge, to replace Barbara Brown, who has coordinated the Council for the last six years. Pam has been a member of the Council and a volunteer tutor for over three years. This experience will be valuable as she takes over the management of the Literacy Office. Pam has a bachelor’s degree in arts and teacher certification in history and sociology with emphasis on the study of the American Indian. She worked for Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Home as a child care worker and the Juvenile Bureau as intake counselor. In Sand Springs, she was counselor for secondary level Indian Education students and coordinated a peer student tutoring service for Native American students. Pam and her family moved here in 1992. With three children in the Ponca City Schools, she has become very involved with school activities. This year she was a Po-Hi Building Level Team member. She has also worked as a teacher’s assistant for the schools. Pam is committed to continuing the mission of the Literacy Council, to provide free tutoring in reading, math, and English as a second language to all the citizens of the Ponca City area. If anyone is interested in receiving tutoring help or in tutoring someone, please call her at 767-0351. Four Held For Illegal Snagging Of Paddlefish Below Kaw DamBy S.L. DICKEY News Staff Writer The water just below Kaw Dam was the site of the recent arrest of four men for snagging paddlefish. The men were all from Wichita, Kan., and charges included snagging in a restricted area, possession of foul hooked fish and failure to place a name and address on paddlefish. The four men were also accompanied by a juvenile. The snagging of paddlefish has become a problem for Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation game wardens. The paddlefish is an endangered fish. Tracy Daniel, Kay County Game Warden for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said “We started stocking Kaw Lake (with paddlefish) in 1991 through ’95, for five years, increasing their numbers. Incidents like this set us way back.” The population of the paddlefish is limited by the degradation or destruction of areas used for spawning, the construction of dams which block the movement of the fish, reduced water in streams, industrial pollution and over-harvesting. The five fish snagged amounted to 225 pounds of fish. According to the American Fisheries Society Source Book for Investigation and Evaluation of Fish, the replacement value for the paddlefish confiscated in this arrest is approximately $35 per pound, a whopping $7,800 total. The paddlefish are slow growers, as they only eat plankton and insect larvae. The fish snagged in this arrest were 8 to 11 years old. Anglers are allowed to catch the paddlefish but are only allowed one fish and must be over 1,000 feet below the dam. Those arrested in this incident were only 300 feet below the dam and had already snagged five fish when stopped by Daniel. They each face fines up to $1,330 and/or 30 days in the County jail. Although he doesn’t know for sure, Daniel believes the fish were probably headed for an illegal fish market in Wichita. Those arrested had cut the paddle-like noses off the fish so they could be more easily loaded in a small Honda compact car. Another reason for the illegal snagging of paddlefish is for the eggs of the females, according to Daniel. The processed caviar is worth $90 a pound and generally there are 10 pounds of eggs in each fish. The snaggers, however, cannot tell the difference between the males and females until they slice them open, resulting in large numbers of the fish being unnecessarily killed. Daniel states that the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife game wardens need the help of individuals in preventing incidents like these. “If residents see someone illegally harvesting fish or participating in some questionable activity, please contact us,” said Daniel. “We need their help in protecting our wildlife and fish like the paddlefish.” Individuals may contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Operation Game Thief at 1-800-522-8039 or Tracy Daniel at 580-765-1921. Search On For 101 Queen ContestantsThe 101 Wild West Rodeo will be held in Ponca City once again this summer on August 18-21. Committee organizers are sponsoring a queen contest open to any Oklahoma female resident between the ages of 13 and 24 interested in supporting the sport of rodeo. If you have already qualified for the Miss Rodeo Oklahoma (MRO) pageant please do not enter this competition. This will allow others who want to compete in the MRO pageant the opportunity to qualify. Guidelines for the MRO will apply. The competition includes horsemanship, public speaking, personality and appearance. Prizes include an engraved saddle, beaded tiara and sash, solid sterling silver buckle and watch for the winner. First runner-up will receive a silver bracelet and splint boots. Horsemanship winner will receive a head stall and breast collar. Entries for the queen contest will close on Saturday, July 31. For more information and an application, contact pageant director Linda Mauk, 126 Victory Street, Ponca City, OK 74604 or call 580-762-0406 or 580-765-8864. Nearly NewsOn Tuesday, veteran firefighter Jim Socia will head to Stockholm, Sweden to represent Ponca City in the 1999 World Police and Fire Games. He will participate in three cycling events beginning on July 18. On Saturday, Socia was interviewed in downtown Ponca City by a photojournalist with Channel 4. Nearly News bids you good luck and Godspeed Jim! It’s here! The 1999-2000 Oklahoma Almanac is out and will really get your eye with the unusual cover — emphasizing Oklahoma’s natural history! This issue of Oklahoma’s official information includes sections about state government, history and museums, elections, tourism, wildlife, and nature, along with federal, county and municipal government. It also has a special feature on Oklahoma’s Natural History — 17 pages with text, photos and illustrations plus full-color fold-out timelines of the state’s geological and archaeological history. Copies are available from Oklahoma Department of Libraries, 200 NE 18th Street in Oklahoma City, OK 73105. NN thinks you need to “grab one” before they become extinct — like the dinasour on the cover. DEATHSWanda Potts Watkins Wanda Potts WatkinsBLACKWELL — Wanda Potts Watkins of Blackwell died early Saturday morning, July 10, 1999 at the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell, Okla. She was 70. Graveside service will be held Monday, July 12, 1999 at 2 p.m. in Blackwell Cemetery, Blackwell, Okla. under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell. The Rev. Carolyn Rickner of Victory Fellowship in Blackwell, will officiate. Casket bearers will be John Catt, Ivan Harvey, Rusty Watkins, Mason Catt, Travis Watkins and Dustin Watkins. Wanda Potts Watkins was born Sept. 15, 1928 in Hulbert, Okla., the daughter of John F. and Carrie (Briggs) Potts. She attended school in Lost City and Hulbert, Okla., graduating from high school in 1944. She moved with her family to Blackwell in 1945 at the age of 17, and married Lester G. Watkins on Dec. 7, 1945 in Wellington, Kan. The couple settled in Blackwell where they had lived since. She attended Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Okla. where she received her Food Manager Diploma. She worked for Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Okla. in the cafeteria where she was assistant manager for 12 years. She then began working in the cafeteria at Blackwell Middle School until 1991 when ill health forced her to retire. She was a member of the Victory Fellowship Church in Blackwell. Surviving are her husband, Lester G. Watkins Sr. of Blackwell; three daughters, Louise Catt of Wellington, Kan., Trudy McClarnon and Renea Harvey, both of Blackwell; three sons, Lester “Bill” Watkins, Ronald “Ronnie” Watkins and Gary Watkins, all of Blackwell; four sisters, Bessie Adkins of Hulbert, Fern Sisney, Hazel Baldridge and Bernis Ropp, all of Blackwell; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Clayton Potts; two sisters, Pauline Steelmon and Jessie Dunlap, and two grandsons, Rodney Watkins and Brandon Watkins. Winston Udean GaylordFAIRVIEW — Winston Udean Gaylord, father of Laddie Gaylord of Ponca City, died July 8, 1999 at his farm near Seiling. He was 80. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 12, 1999 in the Fairview Central Christian Church with the Rev. Tom Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow in the Orion Cemetery under the direction of the Fairview Funeral Home, Inc. Winston Udean Gaylord was born April 2, 1919 in Seiling, Okla., the son of Chauncey Earl and Edna Mae (Mitchell) Gaylord. He grew up in Seiling and attended school there. He played football and basketball while attending Seiling High School, graduating in 1937. He and Madeline Hurt were married Dec. 28, 1939 in Woodward, Okla. After their marriage they lived in the Seiling community. They later lived in Longdale for a short time while Udean worked as a diesel mechanic on the Canton Dam. They moved to Fairview in 1944. Udean served two years in the Marines during World War II, stationed at San Diego and Washington State. After his discharge he returned to Fairview where he resumed his job as Brakeman and Conductor for the Santa Fe Railroad for 39 years until he retired in 1980. Udean was the last Santa Fe railroader in Fairview. After retiring from the railroad, he enjoyed spending time out on the farm, working on his John Deere tractors and enjoying nature. He was a member of the Fairview Central Christian Church where he was a Deacon, Elder, Sunday school Superintendent and a former chairman of the Board. Udean was a member of the American Legion King Hagen Post No. 51, and was the Post Commander for several years. He served on the school board, helped with FFA, band trips and track meets and was a member of the Fairview Sports Booster Club. He worked with the Boy Scouts and sponsored Boys State. He was a member of the Masons and the John Deere 2 Cylinder Club and active in the Senior Citizens Center. Udean was voted Fairview’s Outstanding Citizen in 1999. He is survived by his wife, Madeline of the home; two sons, Larrie Gaylord of Bastrop, Texas, and Laddie Gaylord of Ponca City; one daughter, Nancy C. Chadd of Tonkawa; two brothers, Laverne Gaylord of Guymon and Clyde Gaylord of Seiling; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters. Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Central Christian Church in Fairview. George Harold BaumgardnerBRAMAN — George Harold Baumgardner, resident of Braman, Okla., died Thursday evening, July 8, 1999, in the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. He was 70. The graveside services will be Monday, July 12, 1999 at 10 a.m. in the Braman Cemetery, Braman, Okla. The Rev. Kent Reubell, pastor of the First Christian Church in Billings will officiate. Burial will follow under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell, Okla. George Harold Baumgardner was born Jan. 31, 1929, in Blackwell, Okla., the son of George and Dulcia (Wallace) Baumgardner. His mother passed away when he was 13 months old, and his father married Agnes Baumgardner. He grew up in Braman and attended Braman Public Schools, graduating in 1946. Following his graduation he began his farming operation and farmed until 1951, when he entered the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. Following his discharge he returned to Braman and continued his farming activities. He and Mary McMasters were married on June 25, 1954, in Braman and settled there. He later began working for Kay County in both the Newkirk and Blackwell districts. He returned from the county in 1992, and maintained his farming operation. He was a member of the Blackwell Veterans of Foreign Wars. Surviving are his wife, Mary of the Braman home; one daughter, Teri Johnson of Enid; a son, Troy Baumgardner of Carrier, Okla.; three sisters, Dorothy Oard of Wichita, Ella Mae Barclay of Bartlesville and Alyce Joyce Kohler of Blackwell; five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his birth mother and his father. ObituariesKathleen Jean MartinKathleen Jean Martin, longtime Ponca City resident, died unexpectedly Friday, July 9, 1999, at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kan. Mrs. Martin was 65. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 12, 1999, at 1 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Roy Edwards, Church of the Nazarene pastor, officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. A private committal of the cremains will be held in Newkirk cemetery at a later date. Kathleen Jean (Keen) Martin was born April 19, 1934, in Kildare to Cecil T. and Ella S. (Backhaus) Keen. She attended school at Kildare and later attended Newkirk High School. On June 4, 1952, she married Thomas Andrew “Toby” Martin in Ponca City. She then accompanied him on his tour of duty with the Marines. In 1954, they moved to Winfield, Kan., and then to Topeka, Kan., in 1955. Her husband was employed as a pipefitter and in 1964 the family followed his work to Decatur, Ill., and the following year to Taylorville, Ill. In June 1968, they returned to Ponca City and established their home on McCord Road. Her husband died Jan. 12, 1998, and Mrs. Martin moved into town in May of this year. Mrs. Martin loved to work in her yard and garden. She enjoyed canning and sewing. She was a superb seamstress and a “born” homemaker who enjoyed cooking for family dinners. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother, Ella S. Keen; step-mother, Mildred Beller Keen; brother, Virgil Lee Keen; and an infant brother. She is survived by two sons, Carl Duane Martin and Charles Thomas Martin, both of Ponca City; father, Cecil T. Keen of Ponca City; sister, Mrs. Bill (Marjory) Robinson of Newkirk; two brothers, Donald D. Keen and Thomas J. Keen, both of Newkirk; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeff, Andy and Jake Martin; and many other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601. The family will be at the Carl D. Martin home, 3422 Meadow Lane. paid obituary FuneralsMondayPauline TreftMemorial service at 10 a.m. in the Trout Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Wendell Wilkins — Memorial service at 2 p.m. in the First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey and the Rev. Charles Heyer officiating. Trout Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Services PendingLucille SimpsonNARDIN — Lucille Simpson, resident of Nardin, Okla., died early Saturday morning, July 10, 1999, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 78. Services are pending with the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home of Tonkawa, and will be announced later. Elsie Opal BaldwinElsie Opal (Morgan) Baldwin, Ponca City resident, died Saturday, July 10, 1999, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 97. Local survivors include a daughter, Shirley Guinn. Funeral arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later. Johnnie Lou BushJohnnie Lou Bush, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday, July 10, 1999, at Bass Memorial Baptist Hospital in Enid. She was 77. No visitation is scheduled at the funeral home. Other arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later. NEWS BRIEFSSunshine Playboys Dance Set — The Young at Heart Dance with the Sunshine Playboys Band is scheduled for Monday night from 7 to 10 p.m. Hillbilly and Snack Night is planned every first Monday of each month. 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. Time for Camp — Fire ’99 Summer Camp is set for Aug. 2-6 at Wentz Camp, sponsored by Fire Island YOUth Ministries, Inc. in cooperation with area churches. For more information, call 580-767-8325 or write to Fire Island YOUth Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 1722, Ponca City, OK 74602 Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv. AARP to Meet — AARP will meet Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at Wheatheart Nutrition Center for their regular monthly meeting. All members urged to be present. State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and weekend DUI Schools and Assess ments. Next school scheduled Friday, June 16th, and Saturday, June 17th, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv. Ponca Powwow Program — All interested parties in having old photographs in the Ponca Powwow Program, need to submit them to the Ponca Tribal Affairs office by July 23 closing. Contact Kinsel Lieb (580) 762-8104 or Jean Packhorse at the Tribal Affairs Building. The 123rd annual Ponca Tribal Powwow will be Aug. 26-29 at White Eagle. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Larceny — A resident in the 700 block of Monument Road contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 6:06 p.m. Friday to report money was missing. An officer responded and took a report. Conoco Retirees Association — A quarterly meeting of the Conoco Retirees Association will be held Monday, July 12, at the Moose Lodge (corner of Ash Street and Prospect Avenue, Ponca City) at 10 a.m. The speaker is from the Dallas HFCA (Health Care Finance Administration) Office. The topic will be new options under Medicare. Anyone who needs a ride to this meeting may call Mary Motz at 765-8601. He will arrange for transportation to and from the Moose Lodge. Windshield Sale: Extra July Specials! 94-98 Dodge Pickup, $275; 88 & up Chevy pickup, $275. Johnson Glass, 515 South First, 762-2012. Call today for your appointment! adv. Legion Blood Drive Coming — The American Legion Blood Drive is scheduled for Thursday, July 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Legion Hut. For appointment, call 765-9073 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Beat The Heat! Come see new Door County Candles. Spiced Apple, Mulberry, Sugar Plum Spice, Hazelnut Cappuccino. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, Downtown Ponca City. adv. Health Fair Set — The Annual Health Fair, sponsored by the CHR/EMS Program, will be held July 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cultural Building, 8151 Highway 177, Red Rock. For more information call 580-723-4386 or 580-723-4387. Lunch will be provided, along with tables and chairs. Pauline's Every Monday Night Special. Fried Chicken Only- all white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Code Enforcement — At 5:43 p.m. Friday, a citizen advised the Ponca City Police Department that the grass was tall at the intersection of West Brookfield Avenue and North Union Street. A note was left for code enforcement officials. Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 20-year-old man in the 200 block of South Osage Street at 7:09 p.m. Friday for a city warrant. The officer had been assigned to the report of youth fighting in the area. Local Serviceman in Basic — Army Pvt. Charles C. Fulks has arrived at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., to complete basic military training. During the training, the soldier will receive instruction in drill and ceremonies, map reading, tactics, military customs and courtesies, physical fitness, and first aid. Fulks is the son of Charles B. Fulks of 104 South Prospect, Ponca City. Rubber Stampers - Open House. Free “Make and takes” and door prizes. St Paul’s Church. Hartford and Pecan, July 17th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. adv. Arrest — At 11:15 a.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer took a 22-year-old man into custody from the Blackwell Police Department on a city warrant. Factory Close out on gas ranges and Jenn Air dishwashers at Copeland’s, 315 East Grand. 762-6896. adv. Forgery — A resident in the 3500 block of North Union Street went to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:13 p.m. Friday to talk to an officer about a forged check on a personal account. An officer was assigned and took a report. Furr’s Dining Now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday, 11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv. Accident — At 1:40 p.m. Friday, two Ponca City police officers responded to take a report of an accident which occurred at Third Street and East Grand Avenue. Sale 20-50-70% savings, Kids/Her Review. 309 East Grand. adv. Shoplifter — An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 2:02 p.m. Friday that a boy was in custody for shoplifting. An officer responded, picked up the boy, took him to his residence and issued a citation. Help the school of your choice. Donating a new VCR tape and ordering great entertainment from HBO or Showtime is a start. Call Cable One at 762-6684 for details. adv. Stolen — A resident in the 2900 block of North Union Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 4:55 p.m. Friday that a vehicle was missing. An officer responded and took a report. Kids Review accepting fall/winter children consignments. Fall open, July 31st. adv. Warrant Served — At 5:03 p.m. Friday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 41-year-old man in the 500 block of South Eleventh Street for a Kay County warrant. Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv. Marked — A resident in the 1100 block of South Eighth Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 5:07 p.m. Friday that a Buick had been parked in the street for about a week. An officer responded and marked the vehicle for 48 hours. Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv. Power Line — At 8:08 p.m. Friday, a resident in the 400 block of Hampton Drive advised the Ponca City Police Department that the wind blew a power line loose. The Water and Light Department was advised. Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at North Fifth Street and East Prospect Avenue at 8:13 p.m. Friday. Arrest — A resident in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 4:26 a.m. Saturday to report a subject was banging on doors and windows. Two officers responded and arrested a 25-year-old man for destruction of private property and public intoxication. Sparking — At 8:31 p.m. Friday, a resident in the 9700 block of East U.S. 60 advised the Ponca City Police Department that power lines were sparking. The Water and Light Department was advised. Abandoned — A resident in the 700 block of West Otoe Avenue advised the Ponca City Police Department at 11:17 p.m. Friday that a bike had been abandoned. A note was left for the Animal Control Department. Stolen — A resident in the 700 block of North Sunset Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 11:26 p.m. Friday to report a Ford truck was stolen. An officer was assigned and took a report. Warrant Served — Two Ponca City police officers responded to a request for assistance at West Grand Avenue and Oak Street at 12:35 a.m. Saturday and arrested a 33-year-old man in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue for a city warrant. Transformer — A Ponca City police officer advised the communication officers that a transformer blew at North Fourteenth Street and Monument Road at 1:09 a.m. Saturday. Two officers responded to assist putting cones up to help with traffic until a Water and Light crew could arrive. LIFESTYLESGilcrease Museum Art, Artifacts To Be Topic of Brown Bag Lunch Program Gilcrease Museum Art, Artifacts To Be Topic of Brown Bag Lunch ProgramThe permanent collection of art and artifacts at Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa will be the topic of the second in Pioneer Bank and Trust’s Brown Bag Lunch series. This program will be held Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South 4th St. Presenting the program will be Bob G. Schulz, former general manager of operations with Chevron/Warren Petroleum and docent at Gilcrease Museum. Using slides, Schulz will give a mini-tour of the Museum’s masterpieces. Gilcrease Museum contains a dynamic blend of art, manuin Tulsascript and anthropological collections. The Museum’s art collection includes over 10,000 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by 400 artists from colonial times to the present. Some of the important, non-western artists featured in the Gilcrease Collection include James McNeil Whistler, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, John James Audubon, William Merritt Chase, and N. C. Wyeth. Among the Western artists for which Gilcrease is renowned are Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, Frederic Remington, (including 18 of his 22 bronzes) and Charles M. Russell. The archival collection contains over 100,000 books, manuscripts, documents, and maps ranging from 1494 to the present. Items of special interest include a letter dictated and signed by Diego Columbus in 1512, The Cortez Decree of 1521, the Articles of Confederation signed by Benjamin Franklin and a Thomas Jefferson letter dated July 1, 1776. At Gilcrease, the anthropology collections and the work of the Department of Anthropology focus on the cultural history of North, Central, and South America, from initial human settlement up to the present-day. Native American tribal members, amateur researchers, students, and professional scholars regularly use Gilcrease’s anthropology collections for research. Art historians, ethnohistorians, folklorists, archaeologists, and cultuxal anthropologists utilize the invaluable materials of the anthropology collections in their publications and research studies. The current series of lunch programs will run through the end of July. Future programs will feature Ponca City’s own Moriah Trio with Deluise Jones, Mary Grace Lebeda and Lisa Hermes; a special Saturday presentation for kids with Martin Trenary and his snakes; Gordon Grice and his spiders; and Ralph Hoffman with his fossils; plus, a grand finale of a visit from the Oklahoma City Zoo with real live animals. The series is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to bring a sack lunch, with Pioneer Bank providing drinks for all guests. Report Reflects Local School PerformancesBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor Editor’s Note: The 1997-98 School Report Cards have been released. Listed below are the test scores for the local schools. The Education Oversight Board has announced that, during the 1997-98 school year, 212 public schools met the board’s 70 percent Performance Benchmark in all subject areas tested in grade 5, 8 or 11. The reports are part of the Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program established by House Bill 1017, the Education Reform Act of 1990. The program provides the state’s only comprehensive report on public schools covering school performance, educational process and community socioeconomic status. The 70 percent Performance Benchmark was adopted in 1998 by the Education Oversight Board and endorsed by Secretary of Education Dr. Floyd Coppedge. The Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests are required by state law to be administered to public school students in grades five, eight and 11. For elementary schools, the state average enrollment was 321 and schools had 18.2 teachers. The average salary was $30,285 and the average number of years of teaching experience was 12.5. On the third grade ITBS achievement test, the state average for reading was just under 60 percent, language was 68 percent, social studies was 61 percent, math was 66 percent, science was 65 percent, and the composite was 64 percent. On the fifth grade Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test, the state averages in math was 82 percent, science 85 percent, reading 76 percent, writing 91 percent, history/constitution/government at 73 percent and geography at 57 percent. Garfield Elementary had 239 students enrolled with 15.2 teachers. The average teacher salary was $28,030 and there was an average of 12 years of teaching experience. On the third grade achievement tests, they scored under the state average in all areas with a composite score of 46 percent. On the fifth grade test, they scored above the state averages in all areas but reading, writing and geography. Liberty Elementary had 351 students enrolled with an average of 17.4 teachers. The teachers have an average of eight years of experience and their average salary is $28,240. On the third grade test, Liberty scored above the state average in all areas with a composite score of 75. In the fifth grade, Liberty was above the state average in all areas but science and reading. They also scored a 100 percent mark in writing. Lincoln Elementary had 473 students with an average of 23 teachers. The average teacher salary was $30,117 and the average teaching experience was 11 years. Lincoln scored below the state average in the third grade, scoring between 42 and 60 percent in every category. In the fifth grade, they scored above the state average in all categories except reading. Roosevelt Elementary had 325 students with an average of 17.8 teachers. The teachers had an average of 12 years of experience and an average salary of $30,400. In the third grade, Roosevelt scored below the state average in all areas with a composite score of 54. In the fifth grade, Roosevelt surpassed the state scores in all areas but reading. Trout Elementary had 339 students and 19 teachers. Teachers had an average of 11 years of experience and an average salary of $28,642. Trout scored above the state average in all areas but language and social studies on the third grade tests, and well above the state average on the fifth grade tests with scores ranging between 71 to 98 percent. Union Elementary averaged 334 students with 18 teachers. The teachers have an average of 13 years experience with a salary of $30,071. Union third graders scored above average in three of the six areas tested. Scores from the fifth grade ranged from 43 to 100 percent. Washington Elementary had 307 students and 16 teachers with an average salary of $29,259 and 11 years of teaching experience. Washington scored above the state average in all areas in both the third and fifth grades. They scored between a 72 and 97 percent in all areas. Woodlands Elementary had 346 students enrolled and 17 teachers with a salary of $29,914 and 11 years of experience. Third and fifth grade students scored above the state averages in all areas with scores ranging from 77 to 98 percent. The state average of students enrolled at the middle school and mid high level was 397 and the average number of teachers was 21. Teachers had an average of 12 years of experience and an average salary of $30,453. At the Middle School, 622 students were enrolled and there were 33 teachers with an average salary of $30,566 and 12 years of experience. On the seventh grade ITBS achievement test, the Middle School scores were above average in all areas. Mid High had 987 students enrolled and 46 teachers with 11 years of experience and an average salary of $29,915. On the eighth grade core curriculum test, students scored above the average in all areas with scores ranging between 48 to 91 percent. At the high school level, the state average of students enrolled was 356, and the average number of teachers was 21. Teachers had an average of 12 years of experience and an average salary of $31,017. The state average grade point for seniors was 3.0 with an average ACT score of 20.7 and a drop out rate of 5.5 percent. The average number of graduates was 77 and the Oklahoma college going rate was 50 percent. Po-Hi had 1,284 students and 59 teachers with an average of 14 years of experience and $32,772 being the average salary. Po-Hi’s average senior grade point was 3.0 with an average ACT score of 22.1. There were 325 graduates with the Oklahoma college going rate of 52 percent. In the eleventh grade core curriculum test, Po-Hi scored higher than the state average in all areas with the highest at 96 percent in writing. Pruett-Holmes Family Holds ReunionThe annual Pruett—Holmes reunion was held the weekend of June 25 to 27. The weekend was kicked off with a pool-picnic party hosted by Toni Biby and Joe Wideman at their home. We all would like to thank them for all their genorousity. A lunch was served at the American Legion from 11:30 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.. on Saturday. The oldest person there was Isabel Pruett, 93, from Ponca City. The youngest was Allison Paige Zahradnik, 4-week-old daughter of Shawn and Amy Zahradnik and granddaughter of Kathy (Pruett) and Michael Lee of Arlington, Texas. Approximetly 85 people attended the lunch. At 8 p.m., a private dance was held in the main hall of the American Legion with music provided by Bert Pruett and various family members. Those attending from Ponca City were Don and Lynn Curfman; Donnie and Melissa Curfman; Mike and Debra Curfman; Tracy and Shannon, Devin and Haley Curfman; Kitt, Christy and Morgan Hunter; Lezlee and Wade Locke; Toni, Jacob Biby; Joe Wideman; Wayne, Carla Pemberton; Brenda Rodman; Path, Cody and Tara Wilde; Lewis and Lea Brock; Sonny and Lila Pruett; Jamie Hamrick; Teresa and Jim Powelson; Judy (Pruett) and LeRoy Grayson; Jerry Grayson; Chyenne Grayson; Sheila, Chris and Derrick Martin; Brandy Sparks; Kim and Mike Lackey; Robert Cassie; Nikki Hannon; Jeremy Evans; Tristan Evans; Rusell and Vicky (Pruett) Fox; Bonford and Elsie Holmes; Tim, Kelly, Randyl, Bryer Holmes; Danny and Jenny Holmes; Doug Green and Gary Goodno; and Elizabeth, Edith and Owen Hurst. Those attending from out of town were Thelma (Pruett) and Buddy Poppelwell from Kildare; Bert, Cindy, Luke, Amy, and Emily Pruett from Newkirk; Carol (Pruett) and Don Wilson, Donald and Shirley Wilson, Ken, Sherry, Tamara McGee, Kinzie Inkman, Kelly Inkman, Toby, Shannon, Toby Jr, Taylor Inkman, all of Cleveland; Becky (Pruett) Fiskin, Frank DeLattre, Janet Slavin, Swahayla Ley and her 5-week-old son Ricky, Kathy (Pruett) and Michael Lee, Shawn, Amy and Allison Zahradnik, David Lee, all from Arlington, Texas. Traveling the most miles were Cherri (Holmes) and Larry Harp and sons J.C. and Christopher. Family Friends attending were Ruby McCombs Smith, Jim Dodd, Ruth Woodley, Roseanna Wilson, Kenneth and Leah Epperson, Jack and LaVerne Forbes, Roy 0. Mears, Howard and Roxanne Perry, Roy and Naomi De Morr, Don & Dorthy Hammett, Alice Holmes, Michelle Boyer, Aubie, Tara, Lonnie LeRoy, Curtis Ham Gary and Barb Fent, Bob and Debra Colombe, William Wing, Pat Armstrong, Kenneth McDaniel, Paula Wilson, Martha Willaford, Milton and Betty Holman, Mary Anne Day, Jack Merciez, R.L. and Thyra Klufa, J.D. and Marlene Martin, Bill Shroff, Gary & Stephanie Sutton, Coy and Blanche Gites, Sid and Pat Osburn, Jim Whitterby, and Joann Watkins. Jacquelynn Faye Adams Bride Of Kori Micheal BentonJacquelynn Faye Adams became the bride of Kori Micheal Benton in a 2 p.m. ceremony at the First Assembly of God Church on June 12, 1999. The double-ring vows were officiated by the Rev. Tom Greene of Springfield, Mo. The heart-shaped and fan candelabras were accented with ivy, roses in burgundy, mauve, and white with baby’s breath and white tulle bows. Dineo Heilmann played the piano as the guests were seated. “All My Life” was played as the candle lighters, Alicia and Kendra Benton, nieces of the bridegroom, lit the candles. Becky Dye played the traditional “Wedding March” on the organ. Following the vows, Karen Wiseman sang “I See Jesus in You.” Mark Green sang “I Will Be Here” during the lighting of the unity candle. Parents of the couple are Doyle Adams and the late Glenda Adams of Muskogee and Tom and Rowena Benton of Ponca City. The bride is the granddaughter of Harold and Leavinna Prewitt of Beggs and the late Walter and Florence Adams. The bridegroom is the grandson of the late J.C. and Awynne Wilkey and the late Thomas and Ella Mae Benton. Myka Storie, cousin of the bride, served as the flower girl wearing a full-length white satin dress accented with pearls and white gloves. Ring bearer Joshua Benton, nephew of the groom, carried a heart-shaped satin pillow edged with white lace and accented with a burgundy bow. Matron of Honor, Jenny Hardin, was attired in a full-length burgundy crepe gown featuring an empire waist with princess seams and bow-back styling. She wore matching Bijou pumps with rhinestone bows. Dressed identically to her were the bridesmaids, Jennifer Kastendick and Deshona Mejia. Each carried a bouquet of burgundy, mauve and white roses with English ivy and German statice. Ryan Christian was the Best Man; Jeffrey Shelton and Matthew England served as groomsmen. Ushers were Jimmy Benton, nephew of the groom; Rustin Storie, cousin of the bride; Cory Nance; Hung Vo; and Jeremiah Reece. Miss Stefanie Reece attended the guest book. Escorted by her brother, Christopher Adams, the bride wore a white satin gown with a hatter-style bodice of reembroidered lace embellished with sequins and pearls. The open back had four satin strands adorned with lace flowers. Satin rosettes and streamers decorated the back of the full, A-line skirt. Her double-tiered, finer-tip veil of pencil-edged tulle was attached to a circle of lace flowers matching the flowers on the back of the gown. The veil was designed and created by Rhonda Benton, sister-in-law of the bridegroom. The bride carried a full traditional bouquet of burgundy, mauve, and white roses. Tucked in among the roses was mauve and white German statice along with mauve ribbon. Ivy surrounded the roses and formed a flowing cascade. The flowers were designed by Mrs. Jane Kendall. The bride followed the tradition of something old, new, borrowed, and blue. She carried a handkerchief belonging to her late grandmother, Florence Adams, as something old. Her dress was new and pearl drop earrings were borrowed. One of her garters had a blue ribbon on it. The traditional garter was burgundy with white lace, given to her by the groom’s mother. A reception followed the ceremony in the First Assembly Family Life Center. The triple-tiered wedding cake featured floating layers, each decorated with burgundy, mauve, and white roses with English ivy accents. The bridegroom’s chocolate cake was decorated in the likeness of a trumpet with chocolate dipped strawberries flowing from the bell of the horn. Serving the reception tables were Kylie Godberson, Melissa Schutkesting, Brooke Hines, and Rachel White. Assisting with the reception were Valynda Christian, Carolyn Galvin, Louri Bruder, and Crystal Reece. Following a honeymoon to Branson, the couple have established a home at 1729 Clarke in Ponca City. The bride is a neurology technician/radiology assistant at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The bridegroom is employed at The Ponca City Publishing Company in the Internet department. A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the bridegroom’s parents in the Fireside Room of the First Assembly of God Church. Out-of-town guests included aunts and uncles of the bride Pat Adams, Jim and Zereta Thompson, Joe and Adaina Harms, all of Muskogee; Paul and Faye Adams of Dayton, Ohio; and Harold & Maria Adams of Sajinow, Texas; and Pam Willmon of Ft. Gibson, cousin of the bride. Brothers of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Benton of Broken Arrow, and Mr. and Mrs. Kendale Benton of Hooker. An aunt and uncle of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Caldwell of Stillwater; and cousins of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Glen Morgan and Tony of Choctaw, and Mr. and Mrs. Roger Henry, Kaitlyn, and Braden of Stillwater. Neals Celebrate 35 Years MarriageMr. and Mrs. Herb and Neal celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on Saturday. A reception was held for the couple at Jack’s Downtown Grill in Ponca City where they celebrated with family and friends. Herb Neal and the former Tobie Stewart were married on July 10, 1964, in Ponca City. They made Ponca City their first home and resided there until last year. They now live in Eureka Springs, Ark. The Neals have two children, Christopher and Nikki, and five grandchildren, Britnie, Christian, Catalina, Penelope and Roman. Eureka Springs Setting For Wilson WeddingNow at home at 401 North Irving in Ponca City are Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Wilson. The bride is the former Susan E. Caldwell of Ponca City, the daughter of Elmer and Joy Irving and Cecil Jeffries, all of Ponca City. The groom is the son of Woodrow Wilson of Ponca City, and the late Arvilla Wilson. The couple was united in marriage on June 11, 1999, at 5 p.m. in Eureka Springs, Ark. Between them, they are parents of six children - Rodney, Randy and Beth Caldwell, and Cliff and Rusty Wilson. Mrs. Wilson also has four grandchildren. Little NewsThomas James and Porsche Ann Keese announce the birth of twins June 21, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Careena Reann Keese, daughter, and Jamesson Glenn Keese, son, were both born at 5:32 p.m. Careena weighed 4 pounds, 14 ounces, and measured 17 1/4 inches in length; Jamesson weighed 5 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 18 3/4 inches in length. Maternal grandparents are Glenn Reimer of Ponca City and Barbara Reimer of Ardmore. Paternal grandparents are Tina Cullerton of Enid and James Keese II of Georgia. Great-grandparents are Elvy and Jeanette Reimer of Ponca City, the late Leonard and Dorothy Sheik, and James Keese Sr. and Carol Keese of New York. Twins were born to Eric and Krystal Palmer of Kaw City June 28, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Brady Alton Palmer, son, was born at 4:35 p.m. weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces, and measuring 19 inches in length; Josie Lynn Palmer, daughter, was born 4:55 p.m. weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and measuring 18 3/4 inches in length. Grandparents are Barbara and Jerry Palmer of Kaw City, and Sherryl and Ron Kerr of Tyrone. Great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. K.I. Hook of Liberal, Kan., Mr. and Mrs. Orin Ross of Kaw City, and Laura Smith of Webb City. Great-great-grandmother is Helen Hook of Tyrone. Matthew William Mires is the name selected by David and Lorinda Mires of Lakeland, Fla., for their son. Matthew William was born 12:47 p.m. July 7, 1999, in Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, Fla. He weighed 7 pounds,1 ounce, and measured 20 inches in length. Grandparents are Art and Alice Mires of Ponca City, and Richard and Sandy Allen of Stafford, Va. Doris Mires of Ponca City and Theo and Alice Mires of Broken Arrow are great-grandparents. Jennifer Lee Jeffries Is Bride Of Troy Lewis SturtzJennifer Lee Jeffries and Troy Lewis Sturtz recently exchanged wedding vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. The Rev. John Michalicka officiated the double-ring ceremony. Parents of the couple are Nick and Carole Jeffries of Ponca City and Frank and Charlotte Sturtz of Houston, Texas. Prelude wedding music included “Blest Are They,” “Parent’s Prayer”by Greg Davis, and “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring”by Bach, accompanied by violinist, Katherine Paschal, and Connie VanAusdale, organist. Traditional wedding music was played during the processional. Beth Rady was the cantor during the ceremony and sang “I Will Be Here,” by Steve Curtis Chapman, during the lighting of the unity candle. Rebecca Brace of Austin, Texas, was the reader for the Liturgy of the Word. The bride wore a simple and elegant gown of white matte satin. The sleeveless gown had a scooped neckline, a fitted bodice with an embroidered midriff of a flat rope braid on top and bottom with embroidered scroll between the rope braid. The same embroidered rope braid also adorned the hemline of the gown. The back of the gown was open square style to the waist, with the rope braid outlining the entire top of gown. The gown featured a removable cathedral length train attached with a matte satin bow. The train was trimmed at the hemline with the embroidered rope and scroll braid. The headpiece was Juliet style of matte satin braid, outlined in matte satin piping. The bride carried a bouquet of fire and ice and champagne roses wrapped with champagne satin ribbon. Maid of Honor was Jillian Jeffries, sister of the bride, of Ponca City. She wore a two-piece gown designed from champagne silk-shantung. The back-baring halter top ended just below the waist, complimented with a slim skirt with front-side slit. She carried a colonial hand-held bouquet of fire and ice roses wrapped with champagne ribbon. Dressed identically to the honor attendent were the bridesmaids. The gowns were designed and created by Liz Johnston. Bridesmaids included Stephane Johnston of Ponca City; Jamie Bagg of Tahlequah; Stacy Sturtz of Chicago, Ill.; Kim Clevenger of Okmulgee; and Natalie Jennings of Stillwater. Courtney Sheid, friend of the bride, served as flower girl. Her dress was a Michaelangelo floor-length, white matte satin with champagne rosette rosebuds, three on each shoulder and at the waist. The waistline and bottom hemline of the gown was trimmed in champagne rosette colored pipping. The men in the bridal party wore formal tuxedos with black vests and ties. The bridegroom’s tux was complimented by a white vest and tie. Eric Yost of Muskogee, served as Best Man, and groomsmen were Jes Shiflet of Tulsa, Matt Nida of Tahlequah, Jake Aldrich of Ponca City, and Ryan Aldrich of Houston, Texas, cousins of the groom, and Chuck Hawley of Ft. Collins, Colo. They also served as ushers. Ring bearers were Ethan Yost of Muskogee and Jonah Bagg of Tahlequah, friends of the couple, and their attire matched the groomsmen’s attire. A reception hosted by the bride’s family was held at the Marland Mansion Estate following the ceremony. Attending the guest book was Courtney Keil of Edmond, Rebecca Brace of Austin, Texas; Courtney Keil of Edmond; Katie Mehew of Tahlequah; and Kasi Ross of Tulsa assisted with serving at the bride’s table. The four-tiered, white on white, bridal cake was decorated with fire and ice roses between each layer. The groom’s cake was chocolate fudge with a basket weave design in the icing, topped with chocolate covered strawberries. The cake tables were decorated with ivy. The tables at the reception were decorated with mirrors, ivy and three-tiered white lit candles. In addition, fica trees were placed throughout the reception area with white lit lights. Following a wedding trip on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas, the couple resides in Tulsa. The bride works for Summit Consolidated Group as a benefit analyst, and the bridegroom is the director of Risk Management for Trucks For You. The rehersal dinner was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sturtz, parents of the bridegroom, at Pauline’s Supper Club. A couples dinner shower was given at the First United Methodist Church in March. Host and hostesses were Phil and Ann Bandy, Tom and Betsy Carter, John and Judy Friess, Ernie and Linda Jantz, Mike and Kay Johnston, Ken and Judy Jones, Bien and Kim Ly, John and Carol Mounts, Francis and Violet Nine, Charlie and Lois Payne, Dale and Linda Pontius, John and Karen Shiflet, Lynn and Deanna Varner and Edwinna Wynn. A bridal shower was held in the home of Jill Hartman in April. Hosts assisting Ms. Hartman were, Marilyn Becker, Liz Johnston and Jeanne Brace. A personal shower was held in Tulsa, hosted by Stephane Johnston and Jillian Jeffries. A bridal luncheon was held the afternoon of the wedding in the home of Liz Johnston; she was assisted by Marilyn Becker. A special gift to the bride, from her grandmother Jerri Jeffries, was a handmade 37-inch porcelain bridal doll. The doll was dressed in a replica of the bride’s attire, using the same fabric and trim. Ms. Jeffries made both the doll and bridal attire. Final Swim Session Offered by ForemanRegistration is now being taken for the final session of swim lessons offered by June Foreman, local certified swim instructor. Classes will be held July 19-29 at 11:45 a.m., 12:45 and 1:45 p.m. at the Marland Mansion Conference Center pool, grounds of the Marland Mansion Estate. Classes will be offered for tots ages 6-24 months (accompanied by parent), toddlers ages 2-4, beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate. There will be stroke improvement classes focusing on the front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and butterfly. Classes are taught by adult instructors experienced in providing effective lessons. All classes will emphasize pool safety and accident prevention. The tots class prepares young children to become comfortable in the water through fun activities. The class will also provide parents with information and techniques to orient their child to the water and to learn how to safely supervisewater activities. Cost per child per session will be $30 with discount rates available for families enrolling more than one child. Enroll early as class size will be limited to allow for individual instruction. Cristie Foreman, Red Cross certified instructor, will assist with the classes. Class schedules and registration forms will be available daily at the Conference Center Hotel located on the east side of the Marland Mansion Estate or by contacting Foreman at 762-0035. Foreman has taught swimming for 26 years, giving lessons in Ponca City since 1983 at the Community Pool, the Ponca City Country Club, and Conoco. She is certified through the American Red Cross in Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instructor, First Aid and CPR. For more information, contact Foreman at 762-0035. Wheatheart NutritionWheatheart Nutrition Project serves seniors 60 years of age and older. Food and fellowship available. Call 767-1620 for reservations. The menu for the following week is as follows: Monday, July 12: Beef macaroni casserole; tossed salad and dressing; buttered corn; bread and margarine; and chocolate pudding with topping Tuesday, July 13: Smothered hamburger; mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned cabbage; whole wheat dinner roll and margarine; peach crisp. Wednesday, July 14: Barbecue chicken; potato salad, buttered carrots, whole wheat dinner roll with margarine; applesauce cake. Thursday, July 15: Ham and beans; mixed fruit; tomato spoon relish; cornbread with margarine; Ice cream; cookie. Friday, July 16: Chicken tetrazzini; harvard beets; buttered peas; biscuit and margarine; fresh fruit. Lookin’ With LouCoffee Klatch ......... By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer A number of unofficial “sorry-state-of-affairs” men’s coffee clubs meet each morning in various locations in town to discuss and philosophize about the state of the city, the nation and the world. There are no dues, and the price of admission is a billed ball cap advertising a location, say Alaska, Mexico, Oklahoma, or hats showing one’s allegiance to OU or OSU or touting the likes of KU or St. Louis Cardinals or a former place of employment. At a recent site, there were hats tagged “Navy,” “Conoco Retiree,” “OSU Cowboys” “Rockies,” “Coors,” and “Eskimo Joe’s.” This all-American coffee shop conversation pastime allows a cross pollination of ideas and often a kitty corner conversation going from all four corners plus several chats going straight across the table. Doesn’t seem too important for anybody to listen, just to be heard, so perhaps conversation is a misnomer since that is an exchange. The exercise of the jawing seems to be satisfying as all leave with a smile or a new story, but rarely a different point of view. What it does for the spouse is get the fellow out from underfoot for a time to do things she must and wants to do and occasionally to attend her own “hen party.” Now hen parties often come in the guise of bridge games. One can always tell who comes to play bridge and who is there for the gossip. Those there for the “scoop” have to be told what when it is their turn to play and which suit is trumps. Things are no different then they’ve ever been and hark back to the days when these ladies’ grandmothers went to a quilting bee (no offense intended to present quilting or bridge clubs), and the fellows worked at a “barn raising.” Folks just seem bound to talk and speculate about other folks — makes no difference if the news is bad or good, just so it is news. But the important thing is the human touch rather than becoming absorbed in television game shows, Internet chit chat or soap operas. Here people are face-to-face talking to people about other people and that’s what makes us the human race. Wedding Plans AnnouncedMr. and Mrs. James E. McKelva of Arlington, Texas, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Tina Mae McKelva, to Scott Allen Shuey, son of Donna Shuey of Ponca City. The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colo., will be the site of the July 16, 1999, wedding. The bride-to-be is a 1990 graduate of Arlington High School and a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. She is employed as an account executive at Quantum Plus in Dallas, Texas. The prospective bridegroom is a 1989 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School and a graduate of Oklahoma State University. He is employed as a network engineer at Brierley & Partners, also in Dallas. Pair Will Wed at MansionThe Marland Mansion will be the site of the wedding of Misti Danae Jones and Carey Dean Cox in a ceremony to be held 6 p.m. Aug. 28, 1999. All friends and family are invited to attend the ceremony and the reception following. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Stuckey of Lawrence, Kan., and Mr. Troy C. Jones of Nashville, Tenn. She is a graduate of Lawrence Senior High School and the Kansas Massage Institute and is currently self employed. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Jones of Ponca City and the late Donald Cox. A graduate of Ponca City Senior High School and Oklahoma State University, he is currently employed with American General Life and Accident Insurance Company. Jennifer Diane Skelton Bride Of Brandon Scott RandlemanWedding vows were exchanged in Tarp Chapel and Gardens in Tulsa by Jennifer Diane Skelton of Jasper, Texas, and Brandon Scott Randleman of Van Buren, Ark. The Rev. Jim King of Tulsa officiated at the ceremony, reading the double ring vows for the couple in a setting of white roses, greenery and candles. The bride is the daughter of Jerry and Paula Skelton of Jasper, Texas. Ken and Sheila Miller of Van Buren, Ark., are parents of the bridegroom. Mr. Miller grew up in Ponca City. Grandparents are Frances and Margaret Miller of Ponca City, Juanita Bullard and the late Marion Bullard of Henryetta, Harold and Opal Randleman of Henryetta, and Wilford and Billie Jean Skelton of Jasper, Texas. The couple entered the chapel to the strains of “Your Love Amazes Me,” and, as they knelt to pray, Ryan Myers, one of the groomsmen, sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” Brothers of the bride, Matt, Adam and Luke Skelton, served as candlelighters and ushers. Reeanna Keenen, cousin of the bride from Dallas, Texas, was the flower girl, and Christian Burr, cousin of the groom from Ada, was ringbearer. Katharine Gorhum of Jasper, Texas, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Bethany and Crystal McLemore, both of Jasper, Texas, and Melanie Dorman of Fayetteville, Ark. Chad Randleman of Van Buren, Ark., served his brother as Best Man, and groomsmen were Ryan Myers of Canton, S.D.; Ben Robertson of Henderson, Nev.; and Chris Everett of Huntsville, Ala. The bride was gowned in white matte satin, styled with V neckline and back, short capped sleeves and a chapel length veil. The fitted bodice was embellished with floral applique, centered with pearls and iridescents. Her cascade bouquet was of mini calla lilies, roses, tulips, freesia, stephanotis and iris in shades of yellow, lavender, purple and white and accented with flowing greenery. A reception and dance were held in the Tarp Gardens in Tulsa, catered by the wedding chapel. Following a wedding trip to Memphis, Tenn., the couple will make their home in Tulsa where both are pre-med students at Oral Roberts University. Out-of-town guests for the wedding were Francis and Margaret Miller and Terri and Gary Hibbets, all of Ponca City, Ken and Susan Fisher of Loretta, Tenn., and Heather Ziegler of Humboldt, Tenn. Glasers Celebrate 35 YearsJoseph and Jean Glaser of Ponca City are observing their 35th wedding anniversary today. A dinner in their honor will be hosted by their children and spouses. Their children are Brian Glaser, Ron and Karen (Glaser) Evans, Kirk and Sharon (Glaser) Bowker, Mary Glaser, and Maureen Glaser, all of Ponca City; William and Maricel Glaser of Redding, Calif.; and Monica Glaser of Durant. They have four grandchildren, Ethan Evans, Austin Evans, Colton Bowker and Jessica Bowker. Joseph Glaser and the former Jean Ann Wagner were married July 11, 1964, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Perry. They made their home in Ponca City and have resided in their present home since 1972. They are active members of St. Mary’s Church. At the time of their marriage, Joe Glaser was employed by Owens Illinois Can Company. He worked there for over 25 years, until the time the company was bought out, and the plant was moved to Kansas City. He has been employed by Conoco, Inc., since 1988 and works in the Grease Plant. Mrs. Glaser is a homemaker and has been self-employed for a number of years. Singles NetworkThe Singles Network is a group of single people, either by choice or by divorce or widowed, that gathers for fellowship and mutual support. The activity schedule for the week of July 12 through July 18 includes a card party at Phil’s Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., bring snacks; Amarillo Grill Thursday at 6:00 p.m. for dinner; Out of Town Mystery Lunch Saturday, call Lenora 767-1417; and on Sunday a brunch at Dorothy's at 12:30 p.m., please call 765-1403 to see what to bring. Couple Celebrates 50 YearsCelebrating 50 years of marriage are Mr. and Mrs. Lynden Howard of 401 North Sunset of Ponca City. A reception in their honor will be held Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium of the First Church of God, 1101 West Grand. All friends and relatives are invited. Hosting the reception will be the Howard’s daughters and their families — Lynnette Windsor of Augusta, Kan.; Rhonda Windsor of Arlington, Texas; and Heidi Fry of Arkansas City, Kan. They have 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Lynden Howard and the former Wanda Lea Jones were married at the First Church of God in Arkansas City on July 17, 1949. They attended college for four years in Portland, Ore., and made their first home there. Since that time, they have resided in Wakeeney, Kan., Elk City, Augusta, Kan., and Ponca City where Mr. Howard has pastored churches. He retired from his pastoral ministry in 1997, got into home improvement, and is currently an interim pastor at Ripley. Mrs. Howard has been a registered nurse with Presbyterian Manors, retiring in 1995. Harrisberger Celebrates 100 YearsMr. I. A. (Ivan Albert) Harrisberger was a Ponca City resident for about |