LOCAL

P.C. Millennium Effort Honored by Clintons
ULC Setting Enrollment On Thursday
George Paczkowski Being Transfered To Malaysia
City Sales Tax Share For Fire Station Shows Increase
Major Renovation At Albertson’s Tops Permits
Two Area Contestants Will Vie For Cavalcade Queen Position
First Christian VBS Includes Adult Sessions
Golf Tournament Friday Benefit For Ponca City Hospice Efforts

P.C. Millennium Effort Honored by Clintons

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

Ponca City has been selected as the first official Millennium Community in Oklahoma, and is one of only two that have been designated in the state. The recognition comes from the President and Mrs. Bill Clinton, who created the White House Millennium Council to encourage all Americans to mark this milestone. Yukon is the other city to share this honor.

“I am delighted that you are planning meaningful community projects that will reflect the Millennium Council’s theme to ‘honor our past and imagine our future,’” the first lady said in a recent letter to Mayor Tom Leonard. “Your community’s plans for commemorating the millennium can serve as an example for the rest of the nation.”

The goals of the White House Millennium Council are to lead the country in a celebration of the new millennium by initiating and recognizing national and local projects that contribute in educational, creative and productive ways, how Americans are observing this bench mark.

Criteria for Millennium Council partners include being a national nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to preserve, recognize and educate the public about historic American sites, buildings and objects of national significance or to facilitate public discussion and awareness regarding important health, environmental, educational, economic, scientific, cultural or social issues that the Nation will face in the period.

“The news that Ponca City is the first White House-designated Millennium City in Oklahoma, while welcome, comes as no surprise,” said former mayor John Raley, who serves as chairman of the Ponca City Millennium Commission. “Since last fall a large number of dedicated, energetic and creative volunteers have been hard at work planning and developing a celebration worthy of this great town,” he continued.

“Throughout the remainder of this year, as we approach the Third Millennium, volunteers will be joined by hundreds of fellow citizens working on this community-wide effort. It is our objective to provide not only Ponca City, but the surrounding area, a time and place to celebrate this significant moment in history with solemnity and joy,” he said.

“We will honor the heroic achievements of the past and look forward to the awesome opportunities of the future,” said Raley.

In a special announcement during the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, Raley presented the Mayor with a plaque of the official White House Millennium Community certificate. While before the board, he asked the commission to place signs at the city entrances depicting Ponca City’s newest designation.

The local Millennium Commission has been busy coordinating tree plantings, presenting News from 999, planning street banners, and commissioning a special painting. Organizers say activities for Dec. 31, will include a time capsule, parade, performance at the Poncan Theatre, a Christian concert at the Hutchins, a Millennium Run, mall entertainment, a ball drop, fireworks, and a B25 bomber flyover, just to name a few.

Commission members included: Raley, Cathryn Ferguson, Tim Burg, Diane Mitchell, James York, Diane Anderson, Danny Thompson, Kennis Wessel, Commissioner Dick Stone, Leonard, Gary Martin, Susan Powell, Susan Ladner, Sally Downey, T. L. Walker, Ruslyn Hermanson, Missy Morland, Tamara Sharp, Larry Stephenson, Sharon Lawler, Chuck Gregg, Steve Sprehe, Connie McAbee, Phil Bandy, Cynthia Crowe, Tana Wilson.

Additionally, Ponca City’s plans are registered with the national Millennium Communities website (www.millenniumcommunities.org) and will be listed in the regional “Map of Millennium Communities” web page. To find out how to participate, contact Ferguson, executive director of Ponca City Tomorrow, at 767-0823.

ULC Setting Enrollment On Thursday

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma will hold an information and enrollment on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., at the new location in the basement of the North Tower at Conoco.

Representatives from each of the Providing Institutions will be here to visit with students about the programs, provide academic advisement, and to conduct Transcript Evaluations. The public is invited to come by on Thursday, which is the enrollment deadline. After that the providing institutions will determine if enrollment numbers merit beginning their programs here in the Fall.

Students only have to begin their enrollment process by Thursday they do not have to have everything completed by that time, according to Dr. Brenda Stacy, director.

The staff is helping prospective students daily with enrollment procedures. It is not necessary to wait until Thursday if a person does not need to visit with a representative from the Providing Institution.

The center is located in North Tower of Conoco Complex. Those participating should enter gate F from South Avenue and tell the guard they want to go to the ULC.

George Paczkowski Being Transfered To Malaysia

George Paczkowski, Ponca City Conoco Refinery Manager, will become President, Conoco Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has been refinery manager at the Ponca City refinery since 1994.

Paczkowski joined Conoco in 1974 at the Wrenshall, Minn. refinery. He moved to Ponca City in 1975, where he worked for four years in Process Engineering. He later held various positions at company refineries in Denver, and Lake Charles, La.

In 1985, he transferred to corporate headquarters in Houston, where he served as manager of refining economics and planning and later as executive assistant to a vice president. Paczkowski returned to Lake Charles in 1987, as technical services director for the refinery. A year later, he was back in Houston as manager of project evaluation; in 1989, he was named manager of Conoco’s worldwide petroleum coke marketing. He transferred to England in 1992, and served as production manager at the company’s Humber refinery until becoming Ponca City refinery manager in 1994.

A native of St. Paul, Minn., Paczkowski holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He also earned a master of science degree in management through the Sloan Fellows program of Stanford University.

George and his wife Kathy, have two college age children, Christine, studying at Duke University, and Robert, at the University of Oklahoma.

Both George and Kathy have been active in the community. Kathy serves on the Ponca City Parks and Recreation Board of Directors, Ponca City Quilters Guild, was active in many school district committees, including the Ponca City High School PTSA, and is a member of the State Board of Vocational Education.

He is a member of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, board member of Ponca City Economic Development Advisory Board, Local Industrial Council, Main Street Authority, Salvation Army and Ponca City Country Club.

City Sales Tax Share For Fire Station Shows Increase

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

The Ponca City Board of Commissioners received an update on the one-half sales and use tax dedicated for the renovation of the No. 1 fire station, during their regular meeting Monday at the Public Safety Center. Marc LaBossiere, finance director, made the presentation. He reported that the tax began Dec. 1, 1997, and will end Nov. 30, 1999.

As of June 30, 17 of 24 months of revenues have been received. Initially, LaBossiere estimated the total earnings from the sales tax at a conservative $3 million. Now, with 17 months completed, he gave a revised estimate of $3.2 million.

Although the original construction contract was $2.6 million, LaBossiere reminded the board that some things were outside the scope of the contract, and would add to the cost. Randy Lauritsen, city engineer, said the costs were at $2.985 million.

Total tax revenues are $2.247 million with interest revenue annualized for June 1999, at $74,015. Total expenditure disbursements total $1.778 million and include architect fees, contractual services, miscellaneous and building construction. Cash on hand is $543,031.

In new business, the commission approved a lease agreement with Golden Villa Adult Day Care for Angela Hall, at the Marland Estate. The agreement is a five-year lease to begin August 1, at a monthly rate of $2,000. Although the Ponca City School System paid $3,000 in rent, Martin said this was better for the city and the United Way agency is responsible for maintaining the building.

“This is a great opportunity to share the mansion with a very deserving group,” said Mayor Tom Leonard.

Additionally, two items which were tabled from the June 28 meeting, were approved during unfinished business. The board renewed a contract with Candy Thomas for grant consulting services in the amount of $40,000. Also, the board voted 4-to-1 for a resolution endorsing a boundary of a Workforce Investment Area. Commissioner Chris Hand voted against the item. The resolution includes the following counties: Kay, western Osage, Noble, Pawnee, Payne and parts of Lincoln, Logan and Grant.

In other business, Kathy Adams, Marland Estate director, received approval to finish work to repair lead guttering at the mansion. A proposal from Roger A. Smith Co. in the amount of $6,000, was accepted.

Furthermore, the Police Department obtained approval to enter a contract with the Sociology Department at Oklahoma State University for 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.

The questionnaire will measure and assess residents and merchants fear of crime, opinions of police services, concern with juvenile crime, community needs, priority of community needs and the racial makeup of the neighborhood. The survey will be conducted by graduate students on an in-person/one-on-one basis in 160 households.

A separate assessment will be conducted on the 55 businesses currently operating in the district. Each business owner or manager will be given a survey to complete. Afterwards, the data will be prepared and furnished to the Ponca City Police Department

Consent Agenda

Commissioners approved the following items listed on the consent agenda with one motion during their meeting. The requests were considered routine.

Public Works/Street and Drainage Maintenance Division can accept bids for rock, asphalt, concrete, oil, sand, Portland Cement and sodium chloride materials needed for the next six months. Additionally, the board will execute contract documents with Chitwood Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $86,000, for drainage repair projects. The contract is for 75 days. Additionally, Chitwood was made a purchasing agent for material needed on the project.

Additionally, the city will submit closeout documents on a forgivable loan for a project funded through a Home Investment Partnerships Program and the United Community Action Program, Inc. The project provided for rehabilitation of four owner-occupied homes. Projects were completed in the 800 block of North Osage, 1000 block of Sixth Street, 1500 block of Crawford Avenue, and 1000 block of Poplar Avenue. The grant totaled $162,073.

In addition, commissioners authorized the city to advertise for bids on the Waverly Street improvement project from Highland to Industrial Boulevard. The project consists of constructing a four-lane concrete curb and gutter, asphalt infill street. Sidewalks will be provided on one side of the street.

Also, the board approved 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.

In other items, the Ponca City Police Department can renew a contract with Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center and Shelter for $15,000. Additionally, the board agreed to fund $5,000 to the Ponca City Area of Chamber of Commerce to direct a program known as “Give Ponca the Business”.

In addition, commissioners agreed to contract 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 amount is $15,000.

In other agreements, the board will provide 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, was approved in the sum of $1,200.

An agreement with Ponca City Kids Incorporated was also approved, in an amount not to exceed $500, to pay for lighting at Lessert Field for youth baseball.

Along with paying $808,480 in city claims the board amended operating budgets of various city funds for 1998-99, including: transfer of $5,200 from ambulance to fire department to cover the effect of payoffs on retirements in 1999; transfer of $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 reconvened to consider the consent agenda for the Ponca City Utility Authority. Hand requested that an item related to a change order for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Phase 2 be pulled from the agenda and considered separately. Hand questioned whether eight inch bronze lettering on the buildings was necessary. All other items on the change order, which totaled $32,694., were identified as outside the scope of work. As such, the commission made a motion to approve the remaining changes, but removed the item pertaining to the bronze lettering. Options for lettering will be discussed during a future work session.

Additionally, the board authorized a request for state revolving fund partial disbursement for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $175,556.70 and agreed to release funds for northwest substation to K.C. Electric for a sum of $71,236. The funds will 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 approved contract documents — construction contract, bonds and certificate of insurance associated with the project. Also, $1.17 million in claims will be paid.

Under the Ponca City Development Authority, commissioners handled routine matters including authorizing payment of city claims totaling $23,626.

Major Renovation At Albertson’s Tops Permits

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Major renovation is under way at Albertson’s Distribution Center with $1.5 million being invested in a new fire alarm system and heating and air. Also a permit was issued for $35,000 for new offices.

Commercial permits continues to lead the building permits issued in Ponca City for June. There were four commercial permits issued by Charles Kelley, building inspector, for a total valuation of $1,949,034. A permit was also issued for the Dollar Tree on Prospect.

The trend for the last few years shows residential housing lags behind. During June there were no new single home permits issued within the city limits or utility service boundaries.

Fourteen remodel addition permits were issued with an valuation of $174,760. There were 16 miscellaneous permits issued with a total valuation of $7,700.

Thirty-one electrical permits were issued by electrical inspector Earl Whittaker and there were 118 inspections. There were 32 plumbing permits issued and 112 inspections made by Plumbing inspector Buddy R. Osborn. Osborn, mechanical inspector, issued 15 mechanical permits and 84 inspections were made.

Total building inspection revenue for June was $4,848.

Two Area Contestants Will Vie For Cavalcade Queen Position

A pair of Ponca City area contestants will be competing for the 1999 Cavalcade Queen in Pawhuska starting with the annual Queens Reception at the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The 1999 Cavalcade runs Thursday through Sunday, with two performances each day leading to the finals at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Performances Thursday through Saturday are at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The two contestants from near Ponca City include Robin Bailey, representing Osage Outlaws Roundup Club, and Stacie Smith, representing the Osage County Roundup Club.

Bailey is the 23-year-old daughter of Robert and Maxine Bailey of Ponca City, she is a graduate of Ponca City High School and received her LPN in 1997. She is employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Her activities include showing at foundation shows and rodeos and spending time with her son, with hopes to start her son in the sport of rodeo.

Honors include 1993 second runner-up at Pond Creek Fire Department Rodeo; first runner-up and Miss Congeniality in 1994 101 Ranch Rodeo; and Miss Congeniality at the 1994 Okemah Rodeo.

Smith is the 23-year-old daughter of Mike and Joyce Crouch. She and husband Jimmy, along with daughters Rachael and Madison, reside in rural Ponca City.

Smith grew up around horses and has been lucky enough to have owned and shown them for 20 years now. She is an active member of AQHA, PHBA and a 4-H alumni. She has earned numerous awards in 4-H, PHBA and other equine activities.

Highlighting Smith’s accomplishments are 7 ROMs, 4 Superiors, 1 Youth Championship and 6 time World Show Qualifier in PHBA; 1993 Reserve Champion OPEA Senior Horse Award; 1994 first runner-up/horsemanship winner of 101 Wild West Rodeo; 1996 Miss Congeniality Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Rodeo; second runner-up 1998 Cavalcade Queens Competition. She also plans to participate in the 1999 Paint Horse Congress and for NRHA competitions.

Outdoor dances will be held nightly Thursday through Saturday at 10 p.m. and a large downtown parade unfolds on Saturday in Pawhuska at 2 p.m., featuring hundreds of horses, riders and queens and the fabulous Akdar Shriner clown brigade.

Admission to the rodeo events is $3 for adults, $2 for children 6-12 and free for youngsters under 6.

Officers for the 1999 Cavalcade include co-chairmen Jim Swan and Joe Sweeden. Sheila Sweeden is the Cavalcade secretary.

First Christian VBS Includes Adult Sessions

Parents, grandparents, or anyone who works with children or simply cares about children in our community will not want to miss the speakers at First Christian Church’s Vacation Bible School each evening this week.

Monday, Lesa Ward, a trained instructor for Jim Fay’s “Parenting with Love and Logic” spoke at 6:30 p.m. Ward is a public school counselor and currently a Middle School administrator.

Educator and Christian leader, Barbara Ihrig, will discuss the use of positive affirmation and how they increase children’s self-concept and goal setting tonight. Her presentation is based on the book “Children Are Like Wet Cement.”

Kay County Judge D.W. Boyd will discuss social issues facing children and youth on Wednesday evening. Boyd works within the juvenile justice system and will help adults understand current issues and how to help kids use their faith in dealing with them on a day-to-day basis. Dr. Bruce Lutz will share insights into strengthening faith and family on Thursday evening.

The entire community is invited to participate in these seminars designed to help families adapt to contemporary pressures. Vacation Bible School for ages four through sixth grade is concurrent with the parenting seminars and children may still enroll. Opening sing-a-long at 6 p.m. and registration is in the sanctuary. Visitors may park in the Fourth and Cleveland Street lot and enter at the West door. Presentations will be in the Koinonia Classroom on the sanctuary level of First Christian Church. Refreshments and childcare are available.

Golf Tournament Friday Benefit For Ponca City Hospice Efforts

This year’s Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting Hospice, will celebrate the lives of the late Jesse and Mary Davis, both Hospice patients. The tournament begins at 8 a.m. Friday at Lew Wentz Golf Course, with lunch to follow at the Camp Mess Hall.

Jesse and Mary Davis were born and reared in Ponca City, and had two daughters, Joy Sanders and Cathy Payne, both of Ponca City, and four grandchildren — Todd Shepherd, Shelli Caldwell, Christi Caldwell and Jesse Payne.

Jesse and Mary Davis were married on July 20, 1946 — he had just returned from the U.S. Navy and begun work for Golden Stern-Stolper Tank Company. Mary finished high school and began working with her mother and later worked for the telephone company. After 25 years Mr. Davis started his own business, Oklahoma Tank Co.

Joy says her dad began playing golf on weekends and Mary became interested, as well. They joined a Sunday afternoon golf group and began playing almost every weekend. Golf became their passion. They enjoyed their time together, and they loved the game, according to family members. Mary began a golf ball collection, collecting balls from every course where she and Jesse played. Friends also brought them special golf balls from across the United States. When Mary died, she had over 150 golf balls in her collection. This collection will be on display this Friday at the beginning of the tournament. Mary became involved with the Country Club Women’s Golf Association and chaired many of the tournament committees, as well as serving twice as their president.

Jesse enjoyed fishing and woodworking and spent many hours in his woodshop creating gifts for friends and family. Mary loved dancing and the couple spent their Saturday nights dancing at the American Legion, the VFW, the Moose Lodge and the Sooner Ballroom.

“I can remember tagging along to the dances at the Sooner Ballroom ... my father taught me the two-step there,” Joy recalls.

Both grandsons, Jesse Payne and Todd Shepherd, who learned the game of golf from their grandparents, will be participating in the tournament honoring their grandparents. Hole sponsors for the tournament include: Bank of Oklahoma, Capital West Securities, Chitwood Construction, Conoco, The First State Bank of Fairfax, The Fox, Glass Wholesale, Grace Memorial Chapel, MALCO, Larry Murphy Insurance, the Mike Murphy Family, Marvin and Valoyce Musgrove, Robert and Shelley Shearer, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Stillwater Medical Center, Joe and Hollye Theobald, Waddell Tires, the Welborn Family, Roxanne, Krista and Mark Welborn.

Having been through Hospice care twice, Joy and Cathy are grateful for the experience, support and assurance they received from Hospice, and the family appreciates the opportunity to honor and celebrate the lives of their parents.

When asked to share the one thing they had learned from their parents, without hesitating they replied, “We learned to enjoy life. Mom always had a smile on her face and Dad was always thinking of others. They both knew how to enjoy life.”

For more information about playing in the Jesse and Mary Davis Memorial Tournament, or sponsoring a hole, please contact Hospice of Ponca City, at 762-9102. Hospice of Ponca City is a member of the United Way.

DEATHS

Johnnie Jacobs Bush
Elsie Baldwin
Irvin W. Wright
Silas Selvey

Johnnie Jacobs Bush

Johnnie Jacobs Bush, longtime Ponca City resident, died Saturday, July 10, 1999, at Integris Bass Memorial Baptist Hospital in Enid. She was 77.

The family will host a memorial service Wednesday, July 14, 1999, at 3 p.m. at Ranch Drive Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Calvert, pastor, officiating. Local arrangements were by Trout Funeral Home.

Johnnie Lou McDevitt Bush was born Oct. 25, 1921, in Purcell to John and Martha McDevitt. She graduated from Purcell schools where she captured the state championship on the women’s tennis team.

She married Dean C. Jacobs and they moved to a farm in Osage County in the early 1940s. She has lived in and around Ponca City most of her life. Mrs. Bush was a “kid at heart” and loved music, cooking and gardening. She was known for her great sense of humor.

She is survived by three children, David Dean Jacobs of Tonkawa, Lois Patricia “Pat” Jacobs of Blackwell, and Lou Dean Jacobs of Blue Mountain, Colo.; and four grandchildren.

Her late husband, Henry “Hank” Nelson Bush preceded her in death in December 1992. Johnnie was also preceded in death by her oldest son, John Phillip Jacobs.

Obituaries

Elsie Baldwin

Elsie Opal (Morgan) Baldwin died Saturday, July 10, 1999, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 97.

The funeral will be held today at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor, officiating. A graveside service will be held today at Neodesha, Kan., cemetery. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Elsie Opal (Morgan) Baldwin was born June 19, 1902, near Coyville, Kan., to John Mathis and Rosie Alice (Wimer) Morgan. There, she grew up on a farm with her eight brothers and sisters. She attended Liberty School in Morgan Valley near Coyville.

On Jan. 26, 1921, she married Benjamin Harrison Baldwin in Fredonia, Kan. They made their home in Neodesha, Kan., where they owned and operated a greenhouse, and this began their favorite hobby, growing plants. Also in Neodesha, they enjoyed the birth of their two daughters and one son. During The Great Depression of the 1930s, they lost their home and greenhouse. They moved to a rented farm, and their hobby became a way of life as they grew their own food and began farming. After the depression, they spent most of their married life farming in southeast Kansas.

She and her husband retired in 1958 and moved to a one-acre tract in Parsons, Kan., and gardened and enjoyed life. Mr. Baldwin died Sept. 18, 1980. Mrs. Baldwin continued to live in Parsons until moving to Ponca City in 1993 to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Bob Guinn. She also spent time in Carthage, Mo., with her daughter, Bonnie Burke.

Mrs. Baldwin was a member of the Ruth Sunday School Class at Sunset Baptist Church. During the week, she attended the Golden Villa Adult Daycare and enjoyed her friends there.

She is survived by two daughters, Shirley Guinn and her husband Bob of Ponca City, and Bonnie Burke of Carthage, Mo.; brother, Carl Morgan of Mohave Valley, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Jay Guinn and his wife Susie, Janet Tapp and her husband Mark, Joanie Bowen and her husband Craig, Brent Comer and his wife Cathy, and Beth Bass and her husband Dennis; and 13 great-grandchildren, Robert Guinn, Andrea and Errin Tapp, Bethany, Sarah, Nathan, Hannah and Josiah Bowen, Bill, Brendon and Blake Comer, Justin and Brendi Bass. In addition to her parents and husband, an infant son, Dale Leon, three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunset Baptist Church, 915 Greenwood, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Irvin W. Wright

MARLAND — Irvin W. Wright of rural Marland, died early Monday morning, July 12, 1999, at Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater. He was 75.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 14, 1999, at 2 p.m. at Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City with the Rev. Dr. Larry Nigh officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Northeast Baptist Church members will host a dinner for the family and extended family at 12:30 p.m. at the church. No visitation will be held at the funeral home. A private family committal of cremains will be held later.

Irvin Wilford Wright was born Nov. 8, 1925, at the family home in the Bressie Community to Issac Wilford Wright and Isla Andrews Wright. He attended Rein Grade School and Marland High School. Irvin served in the U.S. Army during world War II from May 1945 to November 1946.

After his discharge he met and married the love of his life, Mary Lee Failing on March 21, 1947 at the Bethel Tabernacle parsonage in Ponca City. After their marriage they lived in rural Marland, with the exception of a few years in Ponca City. Irvin was a dairyman, rancher, farmer and machinist. He had worked for Smith International and Continental Can and was working for Kaw Land and Cattle at the time of his death. He was a member of Northeast Baptist Church, where he served as usher and was a member of the Adult Six Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Irvin was a loving, kind, family man who dearly delighted in his family and grandchildren. He loved to laugh and play practical jokes. His hobbies were his family, his horse “Lucky,” taking care of cattle, crocheting and embroidery work. Irvin was a devoted Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, E.W. Wright and wife Paula of rural Marland, Irvin Lee Wright of rural Marland, Charles Glover of Ponca City and Lonnie Glover of Irving, Texas; his daughter, Sharon and her husband Robert Luis of Ponca City; a brother, Johnnie Wright and wife Molly of Norman; sisters, Mary and husband Albert Coffman of Ponca City, Wilma Foust of Ponca City, and Don Freed of Claremore; grandchildren, Jessica and Jerry Root of Bloomington, Ill., Brooke and J. Kent Davidson of Ponca City, Jill and Ashley Luis of Ponca City; great-grandchildren, Victoria Root and Breanne and Landen Davidson; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Bo.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Honorary bearers are Lee Bennett, Roy Arthur Case, Homer DeWeese, Farrel Eaton, Bruce Evans, G.E. Huddleston, Dewey Kelly, Harold Luter, David Mallory, Ray Reed, John Selvy, Don Wilkerson and other members of the Adult Six Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan, Ponca City, OK 74604 or to a memorial of choice.

The family will be at the Irvin Wright home in rural Marland, 3251 County Road No. 250.

paid obituary

Silas Selvey

TONKAWA — Silas “Si” Selvey, Tonkawa resident died Sunday evening, July 11, 1999, at the Willow Haven Nursing Home, Tonkawa. He was 81.

A graveside service and interment will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery, with the Rev. Dr. John Bartlett, pastor of First Christian Church, Tonkawa officiating. Burial is under direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Born April 9, 1918, in rural Ponca City he was the son of Malachi Esly and Lily Jane (Moore) Selvey. He had been a resident of Willow Haven Nursing Home since November 1975. Better known to the community as “Si,” he will be greatly missed by his many friends in the Tonkawa area. Upon his arrival to Willow Haven, he immediately began touching people’s lives and hearts with his outgoing personality. Si was the official “greeter” at Willow Haven. Nobody entered there without a “hello” from Si.

He was active in the community and participated in most of the town parades as an official “Honorary Firefighter.” He wore his firefighter badge faithfully each day, and enjoyed Bingo, crafts and singing. His favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me.” He collected stuffed animals and always enjoyed the special gifts he received through the years.

Survivors include his many friends in Tonkawa, a nephew, Eddie Selvey and niece Janet Smith both of Ponca City. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Buford, Virgus, Loyd, Dillard, John and Paul; and two sisters Ollie Wright and Grace Parker.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Emergency Response Training — An 8-hour Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers International Union emergency response training for local 5-857 will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the union hall, 1202 West Ponca Avenue. Lunch and a $40 stipend will be provided to attendees. To sign up, contact Debbie Robbins, 762-1112.

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 Assessments. 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.

Vandalism — An employee at No Limit Custom, 318 North First Street, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:06 a.m. Monday to report a window was shot out. An officer responded and took a report.

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

Vandalism — At 8:12 a.m. Monday, a resident in the 500 North Eleventh Street advised the Ponca City Police Department that the fence was vandalized. An officer responded and took a report.

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.

Stolen — At 8:26 a.m. Monday, the Ponca City Police Department received a report of mail stolen from Modern Supply, 1202 West Summit Avenue. An officer was assigned and took a report.

Every Wednesday ð price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Arrest — A 48-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 700 block of South Tenth Street at 2:43 p.m. Monday for a Kay County warrant.

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.

Warrant Served — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old man in the 1000 block of West Hartford Avenue at 11:59 a.m. Monday for a Kay County warrant.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 36-year-old man from a traffic stop at North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road at 1:06 p.m. Monday for driving under suspension, transporting an open container, false information to an officer, no insurance and improper tag display.

Found — A victim of a stolen bike informed the Ponca City Police Department at 1:36 p.m. Monday that the bike was located at a local pawn shop.

Accident — An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper responded at 2:51 p.m. Monday to the report of an accident which occurred four miles east of the New River Bridge on U.S. 60. A Ponca City fire department rescue unit and two ambulance crews responded. Two victims were taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released.

Arrest — An employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 3:29 p.m. Monday that a girl was in custody. An officer picked up the subject, issued her a citation and released her to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

Smoke Investigation — Two Ponca City Fire Department units responded to the 500 block of East Walnut Avenue at 6:03 p.m. Monday to the report of a smoke investigation. Firefighters discovered there had been a short in an electrical cord of a window unit.

Vandalism — A resident in the 3500 block of North Union Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:52 a.m. Monday to report a window was broken out. An officer responded and took a report.

Car Recovered — At 6:15 p.m. Monday, the Ponca City Police Department received notice that a white truck was abandoned in the driveway in the 300 block of South Oak Street. An officer responded and discovered the car was one taken from the 700 block of North Sunset Avenue. A recovery form was signed and the vehicle was released to the owner.

Warrant Served — At 6:30 p.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 45-year-old man at East Madison Avenue and South Eleventh Street for a city warrant.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old man in the 1500 block of North Fourth Street at 9:40 p.m. Monday for a city warrant.

Fireworks — A Ponca City police officer responded to the report of juveniles popping fireworks in the area of 3500 North Union Street at 1:01 a.m. Tuesday. The officer arrested a 21-year-old man for a Kay County warrant.

Stolen — An employee of Triple T, South Waverly Street and West South Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday that two men in a red Chevrolet truck took two cases of coke and left westbound on U.S. 60. An officer responded and took a report.

LIFESTYLES

Historical Items Donated To Mansion
These Bears Welcome At Picnic

Historical Items Donated To Mansion

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

A small delicately personalized silver spoon with embossed flowers in an elaborate cut-out design was given to the Marland Estate this week by Goodwin Porter Broaddus. He is known to his friends as “Goody.”

The former Ponca City insurance agent and civic leader gave the rare spoon engraved “Lydie” 6-15-14 to the Estate Friday. He turned it over to Kathy Adams, executive director. Adams said she had plans to put it in the Marland family exhibit.

Adams assured Broaddus that anything pertaining to the Marlands was important and that it also encouraged others to donate articles relating in some way to the family history.

As far as the spoon story goes, Goody said, “My Aunt Anna Lee Broaddus had the spoon, which was a favor at a party.” Broaddus also brought to the Mansion a picture of the young women attending the party.

He said, “I always thought it was Lydie’s birthday as the spoon was referred to as ‘Lydie’s birthday spoon,’ but that apparently was not the case.”

Those in the picture at the party held over 85 years ago, when Lydie was 14 years old, included Ruth McDowell, Anna Lee Broaddus, Marie Hall, Lydie Marland, Rose Soldani, Jessie Scott and Gwendolyn Moore.

Broaddus said he did not know where the photograph was taken, but thought perhaps the party was at the Hall residence on North Second or North Third in the 300 Block.

An interesting thing about the photograph is that it is a postcard. In those days, it was popular to have a professional photographer come to events, take the photo, and have it made up in the form of a postcard.

He remembers seeing Lydie and E.W. when they lived in the Artist’s studio and they came outside. Broaddus recalls seeing a large Cord automobile parked nearby. “They were always real friendly to us kids,” he said.

The last time Broaddus recalled seeing Lydie was after she returned to Ponca City in 1975. His son was married on the Estate grounds, and he said he saw Mrs. Marland watching from a distance.

About his early life in Ponca City, Goody remembers the Marland Gardens, downtown, and the nine-hole golf course. This is where he started playing golf, a hobby he still pursues today.

Broaddus was here visiting friends last week. Before he moved to Texas, Broaddus served as president of the Chamber in 1965. He now lives in Dallas and is in the insurance business there. Broaddus moved from Ponca City in 1974. Always active in civic affairs, he also served as president of the Ponca City YMCA, and Better Business Bureau. He was also a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Active in politics, he headed up the Bud Wilkinson statewide organization for the U.S. Senate. He also served as state chairman of the Oklahoma Citizens for Nixon-Agnew Committee in 1968 and made a run for the GOP chairmanship in 1969.

“Ponca City had a history, we have been very fortunate to be able to enjoy some of it,” Broaddus said.

While here, Broaddus visited Lydie’s Cottage, which has just been opened to the public following renovation of the building, where Lydie and E.W. last resided.

Adams said there has been a steady stream of visitors to the Mansion and the Cottage and Artist’s Studio, which has also been restored, since the buildings were opened to the public on Friday.

These Bears Welcome At Picnic

Next picnic, invite the bears… sort of. These adorable Bear Buns — piled high with barbecue and beans — will bring humans running to your easier-than-it-looks outdoor party.

Bear in mind, making these bread buns is easy when you start with frozen dough from your grocer’s freezer. Thaw some handy rolls, shape eyes, ears and a nose, and bake! Better yet, let the kids join in the fun by making their own “beany” baby bears.

And when it’s time to feed those growling, ravenous tummies, Rhodes knows about kid-friendly fillings! They will devour this delicious Sloppy-Joe Bean concoction — and you will go wild for the quick and easy recipe!

Bear Buns

4 rolls, thawed but still cold

1 egg, beaten

Combine 2 1/2 rolls to form the head. Press them into a rounded triangle shape and place on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Flatten the other 1/2 roll into an oval shape and place it on the triangle for the muzzle.

For the ears, cut the last roll in half and shape one half into 2 ovals. Place on each side of the top of the head and tuck them under slightly. Make depressions in each ear with your thumb.

Form 3 teardrop shapes from the remaining half roll. Use 2 for the eyes and the 3rd, a little smaller, for the nose. Press eyes and nose into small indentations made with the point of a knife.

Brush bear with beaten egg and let rise for 30 minutes. Just before baking, reform depressions in ears with thumb. Bake at 350F 20-30 minutes. Let cool and slice. Fill with Sloppy Joe Beans.

Sloppy Joe Beans

2 pounds hamburger,

browned and drained

1 pint BBQ sauce

1 16-oz. can baked beans, drained

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.

For those Mama and Papa Bear appetites, serve a cool crab appetizer made with summer avocados, garden-fresh tomatoes and Swiss cheese. It is an outdoor appetizer sure to bring guests out of their shells and over to the snack table. So, try these delicious summer frozen dough recipes — as they’re not too hot, not too cold… but just right!

Crab and Avocado Appetizer

12 Rhodes Texas rolls,

thawed and risen

2 cups grated Swiss cheese

1 can (7 1/2 ounce) crab meat

1 can (4 ounce) chopped olives

1 avocado, peeled and diced

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1 large tomato, diced

Press rolls to cover the bottom of a 12 x 17 inch baking pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover dough with grated cheese.

Combine crab, olives, avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic salt. Spread over cheese. Top with diced tomato. Bake at 350°F 25 minutes. Cut into wedges or bars to serve.

BUSINESS

Local Resident Set To Retire After 73 Years Work
EDAB Receives Information Following Trip To Washington
Conoco Community Advisory Council Receives EPA Update
Ponca City Delegation Tours Candle Factory
EDAB Officer Roles Take Unusual Turn of Events

Local Resident Set To Retire After 73 Years Work

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

It will be the end of an era when the Dollar Savor store closes on South Second later this month and Blanche Didlake-Lambert retires after 73-years in the work force.

Two months ago she sold her part of the business to her son Russell Didlake and her grandson Russell Jr., who is son of her late son Jimmy Didlake.

At the age of 89, Mrs. Lambert says she may do some social work volunteering at local rest homes to help others. She has saved material to make quilts and aprons for the rest homes. Blanche also plans to do some church work at Northeast Baptist.

Talking about work ethics, Mrs. Lambert said, “I think employees should be loyal to their employer. They should work the hours they are supposed to work, when they do they are happier and the employer is happier.”

A dedicated worker, Mrs. Lambert works a full eight hours and more at the store and often takes work home with her. Blanche’s seven decade plus work career has spanned locations from Okmulgee to, Seattle and Ponca City.

From the Okmulgee area, she began her working career there at the age of 16 staying with an elderly lady for two summers, while she was going to college. She went to college at Northeastern at Tahlequah working toward a teaching certificate. She taught at Liberty School in Okmulgee County and also taught in other schools in the county.

Her last school teaching assignment was in Hoffman, where her husband Delmar Didlake had been superintendent for a number of years.

Previously they had lived in Seattle and Boeing offered Delmar more money than both were making teaching school so they returned to that location. During the next 25 years Blanche was a bookkeeper for a meat company.

They came to Ponca City in 1966 to enter the business here with Paul Hutchinson, her brother. Shortly after moving here Delmar died of a heart attack.

Later Blanche would marry Clark Lambert a minister and they lived in Seattle until he became ill and moved back here, where he entered a nursing home. He died two years later and she has worked in the business ever since.

Mrs. Lambert had two sons, the late Jimmy Didlake, Russell Edward Didlake Jr., and a daughter Ruth Ballard, of the Seattle area.

In addition to the store on South Second there is a store on Grand that will remain open. Dollar Saver has a warehouse about five miles west of town. The firm owns the building on South Second, where the store is being liquidated.

Dollar Saver opened here in 1962 at First and South Avenue and there were three free shows put on by Smiley Burnette, known as “Old Frog” who was the sidekick of movie star Gene Autry.

Over the years the firm had been located in a number of stores in Ponca City including the former Safeway store on West Grand.

EDAB Receives Information Following Trip To Washington

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

A report on a recent trip to Washington, D.C. to call on Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation was a success, according to newly elected Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) Chairman Carl Renfro.

Renfro told of meeting with Senators Don Nickles and Jim Inhofe and Congressmen J.C. Watts and Ernest Istook. The legislators were made aware of the Conoco space that is available and also the fact that Ponca City is in the running for the proposed Conoco Carbon Fiber Plant.

Renfro reported on a meeting with Conoco officials and a presentation made by the City of Ponca City and Oklahoma on behalf of locating the plant here. There are three other states competing for the facility and George Paczkowski, refinery manager, said he felt that Ponca City has a good chance. The financial package offered by the State and the City apparently are comparable or better than the other states in the race.

If Ponca City is successful in landing the Conoco carbon fiber plant there apparently will be some spin off industries and this could require either a spec building or some property. About property Renfro appointed George Ferguson, Brian Harpster and Bob Cain as a committee to look at some of the property the City owns and see if there is some that could be designated for use for economic development.

Renfro also announced that a committee is working on a plan for spec 50,000 square foot building and will be bringing a plan to the City.

On the Unitherm company Jarrett reported that the firm has been given a settlement advisory that it has not lived up to its projected employment of 70 and needs to take care of its commitment.

On the Housing Committee Larry Buck reported there are two organizations, one from Missouri and the other from Texas, vying for funds from the Oklahoma Finance Authority to be used for development of apartment complexes in Ponca City

Paczkowski reporting for the Local Industry Council, told about the Work Force Development program and about the Y2K issue. Paczkowski told that the council favors the concept of Ponca City and Stillwater working together.

Jan Jarrett, EDAB executive, said the deadline for presenting the project to the Task Force is July 15 and the Chamber had gone on record favoring the two communities working together. The project is designed to be employer driven, but apparently some politics have been involved. Tim Burg a member of the state organization gave his view of the project.

Jarrett told that there are three companies that are planning expansion He noted that one needed some help for access from the Department of Transportation and Sen. Paul Muegge had helped in solving the problem.

Conoco Refinery Update

Paczkowski, Conoco refinery manager, gave an update on the refinery saying it had never looked better that production was at record levels with some 185,000 barrels a day. “We are definitely the low cost producer in the whole Midwest area of the United States and we’ve done it while maintaining the best safety record in the industry and our environmental compliances are second to none. We’re real proud of what the refinery has done in the last several years. It is going to be a viable moneymaking refinery as long as people need gasoline.”

Responding to is the employment at Conoco stable? Paczkowski said, “Our employment is pretty well stabilized at this time. What we have chosen to do is to grow that denominator with existing fixed costs and if you can do that your costs per barrel will go down, which is a much more palatable way than downsizing.”

Ricky Flak, Smith International manager, reported that the company had offered an early separation program. He said the peak of employment a year ago was 540 and now the employment figure is 240. He indicated there would be more workers departing probably in mid-August.

Karen Furman told about signage and landscaping and as marketing chairman, commended Renfro for recent articles in the Daily Oklahoman telling about Ponca City.

Renfro announced the University Learning Center is up and running and that Universities offering programs will be onsite at the Learning Center in the lower level of Conoco on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., to take enrollment.

Conoco Community Advisory Council Receives EPA Update

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

George Paczkowski, Refinery Manager, told the Conoco Community Advisory Council (CAP) about “Business, Government and Social Values,” at the Friday meeting.

Equipped with a set of overhead visuals and a presentation made by Jim Nokes, Paczkowski explained Conoco’s position to the advisory group, which includes members from Ponca City, Newkirk, Kaw City and elsewhere.

Paczkowski said, “The balance between society, value that business tries to have and the government, all need to work together and I think they are starting to realize that.”

Included in the membership are neighborhood groups, the medical community, educators, local churches, realtors, Native Americans and environmental activists.

Community Advisory Councils were established in 1990 and 1991 at all Conoco refineries as one of Conoco’s nine environmental initiatives for the company.

Mission of the councils are to watch and work with Conoco to ensure that the company’s operations are environmentally responsible.

According to the council’s brochure, the scope of the Ponca City council has been broadened to include all issues, environmental or otherwise, that are of interest to the community.

One of the objectives is to provide a credible forum in which Conoco can explain its policies and procedure to the community.

Tom Myers, who is new to the job coming here from Denver, made a report on environmental issues. He said they had no category A or B incidents, which are higher end incidents. There were some category C’s which involved oil sheen due to the substantial amount of storm water, Myers said. There were also some incidents from lightning strikes in the refinery. He said these are relatively miner.

Giving the refinery report, Paczkowski said, “We’ve had a real good month at the plant running about 185,000 barrels a day. All units are running smoothly. The rain has been a struggle. With all that rain and water run off it is a real struggle to keep water systems running right.”

Facilitator for the meeting was Helen Hatlelid-Hester. Those in attendance asked questions and these were answered.

The next meeting is 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 19, at the Fourth Street Clubhouse and will be an update on the ground water situation. For more information call (580) 767-4093.

Ponca City Delegation Tours Candle Factory

BARTLESVILLE/PAWHUSHA - A Ponca City delegation of nine, representing the Ponca City Area chamber of Commerce learned recently of the happenings in Bartlesville and Pawhuska.

To start the day, the group toured the Keepsake Candle Factory in Bartlesville. During the tour the group was able to see candles being made and the process to the end. Keepsake began its operation in 1969 as a suggestion to help raise money for a Church bazaar. Now almost 30 years later they are known worldwide. Each member of the group was given a keepsake candle.

Following the tour, the group moved on into Bartlesville to the Chamber office, located in a restored train depot. The President of the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce Pam Dunlap gave a status on Bartlesville. Dunlap reviewed her Chamber and Committee structure with the group and discussed the recently held Fourth of July Disney Parade and the impact that was expected on their community.

Following lunch, the group made a stop in Pawhuska to meet with David Keathly, Executive Director of the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce. Keathly presented a documentary prepared by National Geographic on the Tallgrass Prairie. Following the documentary they went on a walking tour of Pawhuska.

Making the trip were Committee Members Diane Anderson, Chuck Rager, Paula Coppock, Patsy Bray, Raj Phansalkar, Russ Parker and Shaun Searle, from the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Coy and the City of Ponca City Richard Phipps.

EDAB Officer Roles Take Unusual Turn of Events

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

An interesting turn of events at the Ponca City Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) meeting happened this morning when Carl Renfro was elected chairman. Renfro, Chairman and CEO of Pioneer Bank, was slated to be vice chairman and George Paczkowski, Conoco Refinery manager, was to be chairman.

However, Conoco announced today, that Paczkowski will be heading up Conoco operations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Yesterday, Paczkowski, chairman of the nominating committee, contacted Renfro to see if he was willing to take on the chairmanship. Renfro agreed and Ricky Flak, manager of Smith International, accepted the vice chairman’s position, and Tim Burg agreed to be secretary.

The role of chairman of the Economic Development body is not new to Renfro, who is serving currently as a Board member heading up the New Prospects Committee. Several years ago he was chairman of a forerunner the Economic Development Foundation and the EDAB. That body was known as the Ponca City Industrial Foundation.

The officer election became official this morning with the approval of the Board. Linda Brown, outgoing chairman, conducted the election of officers after a report by Paczkowski. After the election she relinquished the chair and Renfro conducted the meeting.

He welcomed new members on the board who were appointed by Mayor Tom Leonard. They are Bob Cain, Brian Harpster and Ricky Flak.

Outgoing Board members Brown and Larry Atteberry were presented plaques for their years of service. Brown had served two terms as chairman and received a round of applause for her dedicated work. A plaque will also be presented to the family of the late David Mills, in recognition of his service.

SPORTS

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