Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, August 21, 1996

LOCAL
Make a Difference Day Time To Help Neighbors
911 Hotline Provides Quick Emergency Help
Nearly News
Students Head to School Thursday for '96-97 Year
Art Association Recycling Fall Flea Market Set
Balloon Festival, Airshow Set for Municipal Airport
Campaign Volunteers Asked To Keep Roads Uncluttered
'Octette Bridge Club' Auditions Beginning
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Area Residents On Silver Haired Legislature Slate
SJRMC Outpatient Diabetes Program Gains Prestigious National Recognition
Letters Say
District Court
Conference Center Lease Gets Unanimous Approval by Panel
DAV Offers Help To All Veterans

AREA CALENDAR

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
Dona Sanders
Dora Bozworth
John Thomas Officer
Calvin D. Hembree
Everette Wilbur Rhodes

Obituaries
Mary Iola Crisp Fields

Services Pending
Erma Johnson Hayes

FAMILY LIVING
Reviewer Tells Story of Family Stricken With AIDS
Wedding Plans Announced
Little News
Society To Host State President
OSHD Has Place on Internet
Busy Bees Aid Legion Home

SPORTS
Wildcat Coach Sodowsky Is Pleased With Progress
No. 1 Owasso Sweeps Past Po-Hi
Local Sports Briefs
Hunters Need To Review
Dove Survey May Not Be True Look
Preference Points Explained

LOCAL

Make a Difference Day Time To Help Neighbors

Make a Difference Day is a national day of doing good. Area communities and organizations are encouraged to join Ponca City Tomorrow in giving back to the community on Oct. 26.
Last year in Oklahoma, the Slaughterville community won the national Make a Difference Day Award. The small Oklahoma town created a "burn room" for families who lose their homes to disasters.
From the assortment of projects that occurred last year, volunteers can pick and choose what they want to do, according to Cathryn Ferguson, director of Ponca City Tomorrow. "Everyone can get involved," she stated.
In Ponca City last year, kindergarteners took leaf pressings to hospital patients. Roosevelt School raised funds for a family affected by cancer.
Lincoln School, assisted by the Ponca City Fire Department, raised money to help a burn victim's family. A fifth grader saw a need and encouraged his class to visit a nursing home.
Departments at Conoco have coordinated projects to assist the elderly in painting their homes. Another group from Conoco adopted the entrance at U.S. 177 and planted iris bulbs.
Woodland School made treat bags to show their appreciation of city employees. High school students planted trees on Drummond Street for Habitat for Humanity.
Ponca City Tomorrow is encouraging participation from area communities and citizens. "It can even be bigger and better this year," noted Ferguson. "See what a difference a day can make," she concluded.

911 Hotline Provides Quick Emergency Help

The emergency hotline 911 provides immediate access to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, according to the Ponca City Information Communication Department.
Call 911 to report a crime, fire, heat attack or serious medical conditions, injuries or situations requiring immediate response of a fire truck, ambulance or law enforcement vehicle.
The telecommunication officer will need to know the location of the emergency, the phone number where the emergency is located and the nature of the emergency.
It is important to stay calm, speak clearly and stay on the telephone until you are told to hang up. Do not call 911 for severe weather information, road and travel conditions, loud noise complaints, littering complaints or auto repair complaints.
When using a mobile phone, state the name of the city from which you are dialing to avoid being routed to a different 911 center and a delay in assistance.

Hartford Project Delay Will Alter School Crossings
Two temporary school crossing locations will be available for students walking to Washington Elementary School from North of Hartford Avenue, according to Ken Parr, director of Public Works.
Due to unforeseen waterline relocation problems, the Hartford Avenue project is running behind schedule and will not be completed by the beginning of school. Temporary school crossing locations will be used until the permanent crossing is fully operational.
Students will be able to cross on Seventh Street and Hartford Avenue. A second crossing will be placed at John Street and Hartford Avenue.
Hartford Avenue from Fifth Street to Seventh Street is expected to be completed and open to traffic by Thursday. The east-west traffic on Hartford Avenue will be detoured north to Williams Avenue on John Street and Seventh Street.
For optional loading and unloading areas, Parr recommends using McGraw Drive, for third and fourth grades, and the alley behind the school for first through second grade. This option should help reduce congestion on Little Lane and increase safety of all students, Parr commented.
"We are anticipating having the entire Hartford project completed by Sept. 9," Parr stated.

Nearly News

NN has heard from Psalty, the singing songbook. Seems like he is feeling great about his appearance at The Poncan here Thursday night. All 800 seats have been sold for this children's production, sponsored by the local Christian radio station, and all signals are "go" for a great evening for Ponca City kids.

Students Head to School Thursday for '96-97 Year

Thursday is the big day for students to pack their brand-new backpacks and head off to school for another year.
While families may have readied their children with new clothes and supplies, some may have questions, such as when does the bus arrive? Does my child have all the shots required? Or even, what's on the menu for lunch?
Hopefully, your last-minute questions can be answered.
The new bus routes for the 1996-97 school year were first published in the Aug. 16 edition of the News. Bus routes will remain the same as they were at the end of last year, with some minor adjustments to be made after the first few weeks, to allow for changes in student population. Have your child check with the bus driver to ensure they are traveling to the correct school.
The State Board of Health requires all students entering kindergarten through sixth grade to present complete immunization records, including dates of shots verified by a licensed physician to school officials before school starts. Check with school officials if you are unsure if your child has received shots to meet the immunization requirements.
Lunches are planned in advance, and this year's menus are scheduled to have less fat and more nutritional value. Thursday's menu consists of queso with chips, hot dog with bun or coney with chili and cheese as main dish choices; tator tots, watermelon, refried beans and salsa as vegetable choices; a garden salad or turkey and cheese chef salad as salad choices; peanut butter and jelly sandwich, ham and cheese sandwich and turkey and cheese sandwich as fixed sandwich choices.
School information is important to have on hand and each of the schools addresses, telephone numbers and principals is listed below.
Ponca City Schools
Senior High School, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, (405) 767-9500, Principal, Dr. Don Sjoberg.
Mid-High School, Sixth Street and Grand Avenue, (405) 767-8010, Principal, Steve Nida.
Middle School, 1401 West Grand Avenue, (405) 767-8020, Principal, Barbara Cusick.
Kindergarten Center (Angela Hall), 901 Monument, on the Marland Mansion grounds, (405) 767-8065, Principal, Elizabeth Watson.
Garfield Elementary, 601 South Seventh Street, (405) 767-8030, Principal, Dr. Patty Ladd.
Liberty Elementary, 505 West Liberty, (405) 767-8040, Principal, Jerry Newsom.
Lincoln Elementary, 700 West Broadway, (405) 767-8050, Principal, David Shelton.
Roosevelt Elementary, 815 East Highland, (405) 767-8060, Principal, Tom Sipe.
Trout Elementary, 2109 East Prospect, (405) 767-8070, Principal, Ron McCleary.
Union Elementary, 2617 North Union, (405) 767-8035, Principal, Jean Hastings.
Washington Elementary, 1615 North Seventh Street, (405) 767-8080, Principal, Pat Keast.
Woodlands Elementary, 2005 East Woodlands, (405) 767-8025, Principal, Dr. Nancy Niemann.

Art Association Recycling Fall Flea Market Set

The recycling Fall Flea Market sponsored by the Ponca City Art Association will be in full swing Sept. 5-6 at the Ponca City Art Center.
According to Florence Riesen, "friends of the arts have been most generous with their recyclable items making it possible for everyone to find a treasure at the sale."
Included in this year's inventory will be jewelry, cosmetics, knickknacks, luggage, baskets, flowers, fancy work, yarns, drapes, bedspreads, pillows, blankets, down comforters, sheets and pillowcases, frames and pictures.
Also dishes, silverware, vases, glassware, toys, games, cameras, records, tapes, pots and pans, fabrics, children's clothes, jeans, men's suits, jackets, slacks, baby clothes, ladies clothing, shoes, purses, books, an assortment of furniture, and the ever-popular men's plunder boxes, overflowing with needs for fall repair jobs.
Riesen expressed her appreciation for the help of dedicated Art Association volunteers who sort and price the merchandise for customers to view and purchase.
"Come and take advantage of all the real bargains at unbelievably low prices," she invited.
The large two-day recyclable Fall Flea-market is located in the garages on the grounds of the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.

Balloon Festival, Airshow Set for Municipal Airport

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
An exciting three days of air events is slated for Labor Day weekend when the Ponca City Balloon Festival and Airshow takes to the skies over the Municipal Airport.
This second annual event features skydiving, gliders, hot air balloons, airplane and helicopter rides. Rally event sponsors are the Ponca City Aviation Booster Club and the EAA Chapter 1046.
Balloon Festival sponsors are the Ponca City Tourism Authority; Conoco Inc.; Thorn Apple Valley, Inc.; Golden Corral Family Restaurants; Outpatient Surgical Center; 101 Beverage; Lowes; 7-Up Bottling; Buy For Less; Greenwood Aviation; Bank IV; First National Bank; Pioneer Bank; Econo Lodge; Westminster Village; GOOFS - Radio Controlled Airplanes and KIXR.
A full slate of events is scheduled beginning on Aug. 30 with an evening glow, featuring hot air balloons and music from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $1.
The Aug. 31 events kick off with a breakfast, and a balloon launch from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Activities throughout the day included an aerobatic airshow slated for 11:30 a.m. Admission to the day time activities is $3.
On Sunday there will be a mass balloon ascension between 7:30 and 9 a.m., as a finale for the event.
As always these air events depend on the weather and the scheduled may change due to the circumstances.

Campaign Volunteers Asked To Keep Roads Uncluttered

It's election time in Oklahoma, and candidates are trying to catch voter attention with campaign signs. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) are reminding candidates and campaign volunteers to obey state law by keeping highway rights-of-way clear of campaign advertisements.
"Not only is placing campaign signs on highway and turnpike rights-of-way unsafe and a contributor to litter, but it's also against the law," said Neal McCaleb, Secretary of Transportation.
"Each campaign season, ODOT and OTA maintenance workers spend hours removing signs from the rights-of-way, time that could be spent repairing and maintaining roadways," McCaleb said. "Campaign signs placed on the rights-of-way can block highway warning signs, distract drivers, and endanger highway workers by forcing them to pick up signs too close to traffic. They can also hinder our mowing activities, which have been especially important after the heavy rain in July."
Oklahoma State Statute 69, Section 1208, declares material on state highway rights-of-way (between fences bordering highways) as prohibited. Candidates are allowed to place signs on private property with the owner's permission. McCaleb encourages candidates to visit with property owners to gain permission to place signs on private property.
Each year, ODOT spends approximately $3 million and OTA spends approximately $325,000 to remove litter from Oklahoma's highways.

'Octette Bridge Club' Auditions Beginning

Auditions for the Ponca Playhouse production of the "Octette Bridge Club" take place Saturday 1-4 p.m. and Sunday 7-10 p.m. at the Playhouse building located at 301 S. First Street. Scripts are available to be checked out by contacting the business office at 765-5360.
The auditions are primarily geared towards finding female roles between the ages 34-80. Men can arrange through the business office to schedule an audition time. Men sought should be in their 20s.

Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday

The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.

Area Residents On Silver Haired Legislature Slate

Three area residents have been elected to participate in the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature meeting in October at the Capitol in Oklahoma City.
Elected from this area to represent NODA as a senator representing Alfalfa, Grant, Kay and Noble counties is Dr. Alma Graven, Ponca City. Carl Balcer, former Ponca City mayor, has been named to the House of Representatives for Kay and Noble Counties. Bobby Kihega of Marland has been named as an alternate.
The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature was created to educate seniors in the legislative process and advocate the needs of senior citizens to the Oklahoma Legislature.

SJRMC Outpatient Diabetes Program Gains Prestigious National Recognition

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for Adults was recently awarded the prestigious Certificate of Recognition from the American Diabetes Association.
The ADA Recognition Program, begun in the fall of 1986, is a voluntary process that assures that approved education programs have met the national standards for diabetes patient education. Programs that achieve recognition, such as SJRMC's program, have a staff of knowledgeable health care professionals who provide state-of-the-art information about diabetes management for participants.
When the Oklahoma Department of Health cut a program designed to provide services to people with diabetes within the community, SJRMC officials felt it was important to continue to provide those services. After some planning, a diabetes management program was developed in November 1988 and the first patient utilized the program in January 1989. Over 800 patients have utilized the program since the start date.
The diabetes team at SJRMC meets patients and their care partners for individual instruction one or two times per week over a four to six week period. "This contact time enables us to better assist our patients to develop problem solving skills and behavior modification so vital to diabetes self-management," stresses Pat Blubaugh, RN, CDE, Program Coordinator. The patient is also given the opportunity to attend small group classes upon completion of the individual classes. This continuing education opportunity provides the patient with updated information and also serves as a support structure for patients and their families.
Patient education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. A participant in SJRMC's diabetes program will be taught self-care skills that promote better management of his or her diabetes treatment plan. The curriculum covers topics such as: general facts, psychological adjustment, involvement of the family, nutrition, exercise, medications, relationship between nutrition, exercise, and medication, monitoring, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, illness, complications, (prevention, treatment and rehabilitation), hygiene, benefits and responsibilities of care, use of health care systems and community resources.
Through patient education provided by the program, unnecessary hospital admissions and some of the acute and chronic complications of diabetes may be prevented.
Blubaugh, the Program Coordinator and Nurse Educator and Janie Schatz, RD , LD is the Dietitian for the SJRMC Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for Adults. The program has an advisory committee consisting of Dr. R.L. Keim, physician liaison; Schatz and Mona Phipps, dietitians; Betty Lydick, RN, and Joane Swaney, consumer advisor.
SJRMC's Hospital Administrators are very pleased with the national recognition of the program. "This recognition is even more significant, because SJRMC's program is now one of only five in the State of Oklahoma," said Mary Winters, Chief Nursing Officer.
"Because diabetes seems to be one of the more prevalent chronic diseases found in our community, it's very important patients have the highest standard of services available," added Garry England, President and CEO of SJRMC.
For more information about the program and its services, call Blubaugh at (405) 765-3321, ext. 600.

Letters Say

Editor, The News,
Having been stopped by a patrol car on the first day of school in 1994 and 1995, I feel I'm in a position to offer advice to all drivers venturing out this coming Thursday morning, the first day of school 1996!
Keep the School Zone signs on your mind from the moment you leave home! They are there, and some of them are hiding! Liberty school zone signs are hiding 'way over on Union - and on Union they are hiding amidst a throng of other signs. Liberty school signs are also 'way over on Ash, but are easier to see there because they are the only signs and are out in the open, to the north and south of Liberty Street. Ah, but keep traveling south and you are in another school zone, this time for Lincoln school!
On Osage, a Lincoln school zone sign saying "20 MPH" used to be hiding behind a regular street sign that said "25 MPH". I protested this one, and they moved the 25 MPH sign to another location.
In other school areas, trees have grown limbs and leaves to almost obscure the signs - but the policemen in their patrol cars know where they are, and for every sign there is (believe me) at least one patrol car.
I used to think this was all deliberate, and the whole police department was counting up all the money they collected the first week of school for speeding in school zones. (Even 5 mph over). But they really are just trying to protect the kids, and teaching us to notice the zones again that we have been passing by all summer long.
It would be good if every school zone sign in town could have flashing lights like some do. I don't know why they don't, but until they do - Be on the alert Thursday morning, save your money, and possibly save a child's life!
Joanna Gary

Editor, The News,
In 1895, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled the Income Tax unconstitutional, even though there wasn't one at the time. With the Supreme Court ruling, that eventually led to the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, which authorized the Federal Income Tax. When the Federal Income Tax went into effect in 1913, the rate was only 1 percent on the first $20,000 of Income, with the top tax rate being 7 percent for those in upper brackets. When the rates reached many people and started taxing them at the 4 percent, 5 percent, 6 percent, and 7 percent level, these tax rates were considered "Highway Robbery". If the 7 percent tax rate in 1913 was considered "highway robbery," and since most Americans average tax today being about 34 percent, what name do we give it today in 1996?
Perhaps if 10 percent is good enough for God, it should be adequate for Government.
John J. Young

District Court

Newkirk
Criminal Proceedings
Sentence Amended - David Wayne Schuetz of Arkansas City, Kan., charged with a felony count of larceny of a domestic animal and use of firearm during the commission of a felony. The court agreed to amend the sentence to serve 11 months 4 days or until Aug. 1. The incident occurred on Dec. 10, 1995.
Guilty Plea - Willard Edward Smith of Blackwell, pled guilty to a felony count of forcible oral sodomy. The defendant was sentenced to five years, however after serving one year, the balance is suspended upon conditions the defendant commit no further violations. The incident of oral sodomy occurred between October 1, 1994 to January 9, 1995.
Guilty Plea - Gary Dewayne Hall, Oak Dale, Iowa, entered a plea of guilty to a felony count of burglary of an automobile after former conviction of two or more felonies. Defendant was sentenced to 10 years for count one to run concurrently with Iowa state cases which the defendant has 15 years to serve. On count two, the defendant is sentenced to 10 years to run currently with count one. The incident of burglary of an auto occurred on Aug. 13, 1995.
Guilty Plea - Bryan Lee Fry of Cedar Falls, Iowa, charged with a burglary in the second degree after former conviction of two or more felonies. Defendant pled guilty. The defendant was sentenced to five years to run concurrently with Iowa state cases for which the defendant has been sentenced to 15 years. Time is to be served in Iowa. The incident of second degree burglary occurred on Sept. 1, 1995.
Defendant Pleads - Billy Ray Thurman of Ponca City, pled guilty to burglary in the second degree. The defendant was sentenced to five years, however, after serving 60 days in the Kay County jail, the balance is hereby suspended upon the conditions that the defendant commit no further law violations and order to pay restitution of $720. The incident of burglary occurred on Sept. 17, 1995.
Plea of Nolo Contendre - Ronnie Lee Crane of Tonkawa pled nolo contendre and the court found the defendant guilty as charged of rape by instrumentation, after former conviction of lewd molestation. Defendant was sentenced to 15 years to serve three years. The balance will be suspended if the defendant violates no other laws. Defendant will be on supervised probation. The court revokes three years of the suspended sentence. The incident of rape occurred on Sept. 24, 1995.
Formal Arraignment - Leslie Jones of Ponca City, was charged with three felony counts of lewd molestation. The alleged incidents of lewd molestation occurred between March 1 and July 31, 1995. Formal arraignment was held Aug. 19.
Motion Hearing Set - Courtney Michael Scott Jr. of Ponca City, charged with murder in the first degree after former conviction of two or more felonies. The accused murder occurred on Oct. 14, 1995. Motion hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9, at 1:30 p.m.
Motion Hearing Set - Christopher Howard Davis of Ponca City, charged with murder in the first degree. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 28 or Oct. 29, 1995. Motion hearing will be held Sept. 9, at 1 p.m.
Released - Christopher Michael Hamilton of Tonkawa, charged with felony of uttering a forged instrument after former conviction of a felony. The incident occurred on July 12, 1995. Hearing was held on July 24 and upon agreement the defendant's sentence was amended to 10 years. After serving six months under the CSSP program defendant will pay restitution to be determined at a later date. The defendant was released.
Not Guilty Plea Entered - Velma Lee Hutchison, Ponca City, pled not guilty to the charge of child endangerment. The alleged event occurred Feb. 1, 1995 and Sept. 5, 1995. The matter is continued for further disposition on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. for plea.
Reset for Hearing - Winfred E. Collins of Sylmar, Calif., charged with a felony count of possession of proceeds of illegal drug activity. The incident allegedly occurred on Dec. 1, 1995. The matter was reset for hearing on Oct. 16 at 9 a.m.
Guilty Plea Entered - Traci Lynn Rein of Ponca City, pled guilty to charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol and transporting an open container. The defendant is sentenced to one year in the county jail, but sentence is suspended upon no further violations. Defendant was fined $500. The incident of driving under the influence occurred Dec. 23, 1995.
Plea of Guilty - Lisa Renee Giles of Newkirk, pled guilty to charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. The defendant was sentenced to five years, however execution of sentence is suspended if the defendant commits no other violations. Defendant to pay $1,000 to the K-3 Drug Fund and fined $10,000, however, $9,000 is suspended. The incident of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute occurred on Jan. 22.
Preliminary Hearing Set - James Bradley Morgan of Ponca City, charged with felony count of rape in the second degree (count one) and forcible oral sodomy (count two). The alleged incident occurred between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 1995. Preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. and Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Formal Arraignment - Aaron Michael Lyman Struble of Ponca City, was charged with two felony counts of burglary in the second degree and false pawn declaration. The alleged incident occurred on March 1. Formal arraignment/plea is scheduled for Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.
Preliminary Hearing Set - Dennis G. Estell of Newkirk, charged with a felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon. The alleged incident occurred on April 5. Preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 9 at 3 p.m.
Plea of Guilty - Tracy Lynn Record of Enid, pled guilty to charges of larceny from a retailer. The state recommended sentencing deferred for one year and is to pay $150. Defendant is to perform 40 hours of community service within 120 days. Defendant is allowed to perform community service in Garfield County The incident of larceny occurred April 10.
Formal Arraignment Set - Anthony Michael Saltarelli Jr. of Ponca City, charged with felony of breaking and entering. The alleged incident occurred on June 18, 1994. Formal arraignment is set for Sept. 12.

Conference Center Lease Gets Unanimous Approval by Panel

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Marland Estate Commission unanimously approved a lease proposal with Monumental Enterprises for the Conference Center and Hotel in their meeting Tuesday.
The issue now goes before the Ponca City Board of Commissioners in a special meeting Thursday at 8 a.m. at City Hall. If approved, the contract will take effect on Sept. 1, for a term of five years.
Rent in the amount of $10,000 will be paid to the city at the end of the first and second annual anniversaries. During the third year, rent of $1,000 will be paid monthly. Rent in the amount of $1,500 will be paid during year four and $2,000 per month will be due on a monthly basis during the fifth year.
Additionally, five percent of the gross sales, exceeding $300,000, within the first two years of the lease will be due to the city. Five percent of gross sales exceeding $20,000, shall be paid during the third year.
MEI will be responsible for all utility charges and expenses incurred or used on the premises during the lease.
Larry Stephenson, chairman of the Marland Estate Commission, stated, "We recognize the need to maintain a close working relationship with MEI." We feel we have a good deal and are anxious that MEI succeed. We're impressed and believe the Myers will be good for this operation," he concluded.
City Attorney Kevin Murphy commented that City Manager Gary Martin handled the negotiations.
The restoration project of Lyde's cottage was also discussed. Larry Hughes, chairman of the Marland Estate Foundation, informed the group that the first half of the project will deal with the exterior of the home.
Hughes commented that three companies are expected to bid on the project, which is scheduled to go out for bid on Sept. 4. The entire project is expected to cost $300,000.
"We will have to raise the lion's share of funding through grants," Hughes commented. "Four to six more grants are expected in by Sept. 1. The foundation's current balance is $180,097.60," he said.
In other new business, the board approved changes in the Marland Estate Guide program. In addition, Connie McAbee reported $3,000 was cleared on the Rod and Custom Show. Funds came from admission and entry fees.
"We were told that due to the geographic location of Ponca City, the show could be a major event within five years," McAbee noted.
T.L. Walker, coordinator for the Marland Estate, informed the commission that occupancy at the hotel and conference center was up from last year.

DAV Offers Help To All Veterans

The Ponca City chapter of Disabled American Veterans, 401 South Lincoln, offers assistance to any veteran to help them to establish claims for medical benefits, pensions, compensation benefits, vocational rehabilitation, educational benefits, insurance or veterans loans.
DAV specializes in hospital care and transporting veterans to the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Service officer J. C. Pommitt is available every Tuesday between 9 a.m. and noon.
The local DAV encourages all veterans to take advantage of these services. For further information, call 762-3851.

AREA CALENDAR

Area Calendar
August
Exhibit "First Americans, First Oklahomans" at Ponca City Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand Avenue, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council.
August 21
Enrollment for GED Classes, daytime/evening classes, Pioneer Technology Center, Ponca City.
August 22
88.7 FM presents "Psalty and Friends," a Christian children's production, 7 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City, tickets available at Master's Touch on Aug. 3, call 767-1400 for more information.
Alzheimer's Support Group, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.
August 24
Third Annual Ponca City Area Habitat for Humanity/Dr. John Robinson Memorial fund raising golf tournament, Lew Wentz Memorial Golf Course.
Peachtree Landing Pie Festival, 7 p.m., Fifth Street Park Pavilion, Ponca City.
August 26
Enrollment for GED Classes, daytime/evening classes, Pioneer Technology Center, Ponca City.
August 27
Primary election. Polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Lake Ponca Users Association, 6:30 p.m., Lake Ponca Park Shelter House No. 3, open invitation to anyone interested.
August 30-31-September 1
Ponca City Hot Air Balloon Festival and Air Show, Ponca City Municipal Airport, North Waverly Street.
September 3
Sleep Support Group, for anybody with sleep apnea or family or friends, 7-8 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.
September 5
North Central Equine 4-H Group, 6 p.m. ride, 7 p.m. meeting, Colbath Home, 765-7119 for more information.
Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
88.7 FM presents Dove Award winning Contemporary Christian groups 4Him and Point of Grace concert, 7:30 p.m., Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater.
September 6-7
The Land of Country 10th Annual Antique and Craft Festival, Hutchins Memorial Building, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City, benefit for the new Domestic Violence Shelter.
September 7
American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed, 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to children and youth activities.
Kaw City Volunteer Fire Department Seventh annual Calf fry, Pork Barbecue and Beverages, 5-8 p.m., American Legion, Kaw City, $5 advanced, $6 at the door, proceeds for fire department equipment.
September 8
American Legion Post 14 Golf Scramble, 11 a.m., Lew Wentz Golf Course, Ponca City, $15 per person, cutoff date Sept. 4, 5 p.m., contact American Legion Post 14 Ray Lunsford or Maurice Johnson (405) 765-9073.
Grate Ponca City Spelling Bee, 1 p.m., Poncan Theatre.
September 14
10th Annual Cherokee Strip Cook-Off and Oklahoma State Bar-B-Que Championship, 11 a.m., hosted by Professionals Today, benefits Hospice, Marland Estate Grounds, Ponca City.
September 16
United Ostomy Association Inc., Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, Ostomy Support Meeting, 7:30 p.m., program to be announced, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Conference Room B, Ponca City.
September 17
Runoff primary election. Polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Women's Bible Study "Claim Your Joy," 7-8:30 p.m., First Baptist Church Parlor, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City.
September 18
Women's Bible Study "Claim Your Joy," 9-10:45 a.m., First Baptist Church Parlor, 218 South Sixth Street, Ponca City.
September 19
Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
September 24
Lake Ponca Users Association, 6:30 p.m., Lake Ponca Park Shelter House No. 3, open invitation to anyone interested.
September 28
Tulsa author Joyce Hifler, autographing "Cherokee Feast of Days," 1-3 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City.
September 27-29
Ponca Playhouse presents "The Octette Bridge Club," 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
October 4-5
Ponca Playhouse presents "The Octette Bridge Club," 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
October 5
American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed, 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue.

NEWS BRIEFS

House District 37 Candidates - All candidates running for State Representative in District 37 will speak at the McCord School cafeteria on Thursday. After candidates address the group, a question and answer session will follow. The meeting is sponsored by the McCord Rural Fire Department and McCord Senior Citizens. For more information, contact Glenn Welch at 762-4919.

Enrollment for GED Classes - Enrollment for GED Classes at Pioneer Technology for daytime/evening classes begins Aug. 26 for Blackwell and Ponca City. Tonkawa enrollment begins Aug. 21. For additional information call Mary Scott, 762-8336, Ext. 264.

Quality Time for Parents - Parents Night Out is scheduled Friday from 6-10 p.m. at the YMCA for children three to 12. An evening of games, crafts and a snack for the kids provides parents of young children quality time to spend together. Parent's Night Out is always scheduled for the fourth Friday of each month. Discounts are given for two or more children from the same family and one does not have to be a member of the YMCA. For more information, contact the YMCA, 765-5417.

Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. Pete Coli and his Country Band will provide the music for dancing. All seniors are invited to attend and bring your favorite finger food.

Completes Basic Training - Airman First Class Adam Stark has completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and is now stationed at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif., where he will attend language school. Adam is a 1994 graduate of Ponca City High School. He is the son of Janet and Dean Timmerman, former Ponca City residents, and Kenneth and Dixie Stark of Ponca City. Grandparents are Velma Timmerman of Corning, Iowa, Clyde and Marilyn Robins and Elsie Stark of Ponca City.

School Dance Set - The Ponca Mid-High Varsity Cheerleaders are sponsoring a back-to-school dance on Friday, Aug. 23 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Unity Gym. Students from grades 8 and 9 are invited and the cost is $4 per person.

Fall League - Ponca City Softball Association is now taking sign-up for Fall League. Those who wish to sign up should come to Willow Springs at 6 p.m. Friday or call Herb at 765-4710.

Special Session - Approval of the lease agreement for the Marland Estate Conference Center and Hotel will be considered in a special meeting of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners on Thursday at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held in the City Manager's office at City Hall, 516 East Grand Avenue.

Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism in the 1600 block of Hudson Drive at 7:27 a.m. Tuesday.

Burglary - A business employee in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 7:43 a.m. Tuesday to report a window was broken and someone entered the office. An officer took a burglary report.

Three Wheeler - The Ponca City Police Department received reports of a juvenile riding a three wheeler at North Fifth Street and Williams Avenue at 11:33 a.m. Tuesday. An officer contacted the boy and advised him not to ride on public property.

Stolen Bike - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a stolen bike in the 200 block of South Ash Street at 12:09 p.m. Tuesday.

Accident - A Ponca City police officer took an accident report in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue at 1:27 p.m. Tuesday.

Citation Issued - A car, which was parked facing the wrong direction at Cedar Street and North Hartford Avenue, was issued a citation by a Ponca City police officer at 2:12 p.m. Tuesday. The vehicle was causing a hazard.

Arrested - A 26-year-old man was arrested at the Ponca City Police Department at 6 p.m. Tuesday for failure to obey. The suspect turned himself in on a warrant.

Stolen - A Ponca City police officer took a grand larceny report in the 900 block of North Palm Street at 6:12 p.m. Tuesday. A woman reported her purse was stolen from Liberty School, 505 West Liberty Avenue.

Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 36-year-old man in the 300 block of West Otoe Avenue at 7:48 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to pay.

Fight - A woman in the 1600 block of Richway Drive contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:01 p.m. Tuesday to report approximately 10 juveniles fighting in the yard. Four officers responded and took three suspects to the police department. The youths were released to the custody of a parent. An assault and battery report was taken, however, no arrests were made.

Stolen - A woman in the 1400 block of South Sixth Street reported the theft of a lawn mower at 8:01 a.m. Tuesday. A Ponca City police officer took a larceny report.

Collision - A Ponca City police officer took an accident report at North Fourteenth Street and Patton Drive at 5:49 p.m. Tuesday.

DEATHS

Dona Sanders

Dona Sanders, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1996, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 83.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Marland First Baptist Church with the Rev. Randall Ivie, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Dona (Schultz) Sanders was born April 23, 1913, in Cordell, the daughter of Peter and Katrina (Voth) Schultz. She attended Cordell schools.
She was married to Ivil M. Sanders on April 5, 1980, in Bartlesville. Mrs. Sanders was a member of the Marland First Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling and gardening.
Survivors include her husband, Ivil, of the home; one son, Charles J. Collier of Bartlesville; one daughter, Ardis Tipton of Springdale, Ark.; one sister, Josie Muncy of Moweaqua, Ill.; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Casket bearers will be Doug Stout, M.H. Williams, Sam Case, Glendon DeHart, and Louie Levings.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Sanders' name to the Marland First Baptist Church, 503 North Main, Marland, OK 74644.

Dora Bozworth

Dora Bozworth, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Aug. 19, 1996, at her home. She was 76.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Salt Fork, with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor Sunset Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
Dora Bozworth was born July 27, 1920, in Drummond, the daughter of Homer and Cora (Bolt) Bozworth. She attended schools in Del Norte and Dayton, Okla., then enlisted in the U.S. Army Womens Army Corps in 1944. She served as a mechanic and driver for the motor pool at Hickman Field in Hawaii. Ms. Bozworth received the American Theater Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal and several others. Ms. Bozworth later was employed at Higdon Florist. She enjoyed gardening, whittling, fishing and being with children.
Survivors include three sisters, Iva Warren of Wewoka, Mrs. Ray (Velma) Falconer and Mrs. Ted (Opal) Neal, all of Ponca City; one brother-in-law and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Eva Kay, Neva Jean Taylor and Nadine Bozworth; and three brothers, Lloyd, Johnny, and Waldo Bozworth.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Bozworth's name to the American Cancer Society, 2233 Northwest 39th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

John Thomas Officer

John Thomas Officer, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Aug. 19, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 96.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2408 East Hartford, with Bishop Bryant Hardy officiating. Burial will be the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
John Thomas Officer was born July 9, 1900, in Stevensville, Mont., the son of Charles and Cornelia (Peters) Officer.
He was married to Anna Pauline Brank on April 25, 1922, in Oolagah, where they made their first home. The couple had celebrated 70 years of marriage before her death in September 1992. They moved to Claremore in 1923 and to Ponca City in 1926. For several years, Officer was employed by various auto agencies in Ponca City. He was later employed by Auto Electric where he was service manager for 25 years, retiring in 1967. Officer was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the 55 and Over Club.
Survivors include one son, Wallace Neal of Ponca City; one daughter, Velma Jean Shreffler of Houston, Texas; one brother, Fred of Salt Lake City, Utah; one sister, Lucille Cole of Norman; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Porter and Windsor; two sisters, Lola Curtis and Ruth Robinson; and one grandson.
Casket bearers will be Vernon Morris, Vic Webb, Frank McDaniel, Andrew Shreffler, Robert Smith, Ryan Smith, and Brent Sossamon.
The family will be at 305 North Eleventh Street.

Calvin D. Hembree

CASPER, Wyo. - Calvin D. Hembree, former Tonkawa resident died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 1996, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyo. He was 86.
The funeral was held Aug. 17, 1996, in the Bustard Funeral Home in Casper with the Rev. Douglas M. Scott, Casper First Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Calvin D. Hembree was born Aug. 3, 1910, in Tonkawa, the son of Calvin L. and Mary M. (Dye) Hembree. He grew up and received his education in Tonkawa, including attendance at Northern Oklahoma Junior College. He played both football and baseball while in college.
On Sept. 24, 1932, he was married to Sybil L. Jones in Perry and the couple made their first home in Tonkawa. Hembree was employed for Halliburton Energy in Kansas. In 1942, he was transferred to Cut Bank, Mont., where he served as division supervisor, and in 1948, to Casper as regional supervisor. In 1950, Hembree formed his own company, Rocky Mountain Cementers and in 1970, he and his wife purchased the Paradise Valley Country Club. Hembree was a member of the Casper First Christian Church, Casper Elks Lodge and Casper Petroleum Club. He and his wife enjoyed summers in Casper and winters in Mesa, Ariz. for several years.
Survivors include one daughter, Delma Galovich, and two sons Deal and Donald Hembree, all of Casper; one brother, Cecil of Wichita, Kan.; two sisters, Florence Wood and Violet Vieth, both of Tonkawa; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and other relatives living in the Tonkawa area.

Everette Wilbur Rhodes

Everette Wilbur Rhodes, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Aug. 19, 1996, at his home. He was 72.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Thursday at Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Heslip, Minister of Education, First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Everette Wilbur Rhodes was born March 25, 1924, in Hawthorne, Calif., the son of Charles A. And Emma (Hislop) Rhodes. He attended school in Sunland, Calif., and served the U.S. Army during World War II.
Mr. Rhodes moved to the Ponca City area in 1950, where he was employed for many years as custodian at Northeast Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading.
Survivors include two brothers, Paul William "Bill" and James L., both of Ponca City; three sisters, Mary Lou Hammans of Ponca City; Gertrude "Trudie" Haycraft of Reno, Nev., and Margaret Batten of Los Angeles, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen Robbins.

Obituaries

Mary Iola Crisp Fields

Mary Iola Crisp Fields, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning at a local nursing home. She was 92 years old.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 1996, in the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mary was born Oct. 16, 1903, to Tilford Austin Hawkins and Minnie Ford Hawkins in Maynard, Ark. As a young child she moved with her family to Ireton, Okla., where she received her education.
On Nov. 12, 1921, she and Arlington Height Crisp were married in her parents' home in Ireton. The Crisp family moved to Ponca City in 1933, where they made their first home in the 101 Ranch area. Mr. and Mrs. Crisp had celebrated 53 years of marriage before he died April 14, 1974.
On Oct. 21, 1975, she married a childhood friend, Eldridge Y. Fields in Ponca City. Mr. and Mrs. Fields moved to Noble, where they lived 20 years before he died Dec. 11, 1995. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fields had been members of the First United Methodist Church in Noble. After his death she moved back to Ponca City in January 1996.
Mrs. Fields was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse and had been an active member of the local, district, and state Oklahoma State Organization of LPNS. She had also been an active member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed making quilts, crocheting, china painting, ceramics, and doing for and being with her family.
Besides her parents and her two husbands, Mrs. Fields was preceded in death by three daughters, Frances Virginia Burt, Minnie Ruth Crisp, and Helen June Crisp; two sons, K. Wayne Crisp and Eugene Crisp; and two grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, Roy Crisp and his wife, Onita; eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; two step-daughters, Mrs. Aileen Trent of Phillipsburg, Mo., and Mrs. Georgia DeGuire of Torrance, Calif.; and two step-sons, Jack Fields and L. Pete Fields of Gardena, Calif.
Casket bearers will be Don Crisp, Mike Crisp, Archie Crisp, Leslie Crisp, Terry Burt, Tom Capucille and John Burt. Honorary bearers will be the remaining grandchildren and family members.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Fields' name to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 348, Ponca City, OK 74602.
paid obituary

Services Pending

Erma Johnson Hayes
NEWKIRK - Erma Johnson Hayes, Newkirk resident, died at the Newkirk Nursing Center, Sunday Aug. 18, 1996. She was 88. A memorial service is set for Monday, Aug. 26, 1996, at Miller-Stahl Funeral Service Chapel in Newkirk. Other arrangements will be announced later.

FAMILY LIVING

Reviewer Tells Story of Family Stricken With AIDS

Members of Miriam Class of First Baptist Church were treated to a book review at their recent meeting in Williamsburg Parlor. The meeting was opened with prayer and concerns for the sick and those in grief.
The review was presented by Fay Johnson, class teacher, on the "Burden of a Secret," by Jimmy Allen, the story of a family dealing with AIDS.
Ms. Johnson was a teacher at Howard Payne College and the Rev. Jimmy Allen was one of her students.
Ms. Johnson said the story began when the Allen's son, Scott, and his wife, Lydia, had their first baby, Matthew, in San Francisco. She was given contaminated blood with the HIV virus. "In the 1970s, homosexuals in the San Francisco area donated blood for their partners and were urged to donate as often as possible," Johnson said.
"Later, unaware that she was carrying the HIV virus, Lydia became pregnant again with their second son, Bryan. One day, she had a call from the hospital that their family should be tested and the results were that the mother and both babies tested positive for HIV virus.
"Scott was devastated and called his dad and mother and the 'why' questions came. Why this? Why now? Why us? How could this happen? He decided to tell his pastor, but Scott soon learned he was to take their troubles to the Lord, but not to the Lord's people, to keep this a secret - a lifetime of secrecy. Unfortunately, someone who attended their church and also worked in the hospital had spied on family records and spread the word that the family had AIDS. They were asked to remove the baby from the day care center and the family was asked not to return to church. They had to move someplace where they could be less conspicuous and their secret could be protected. They even had to go by another name in the hospital when Bryan was born.
"Later, when little Bryan was only nine months old, he died and the pastor and the mortician were afraid to handle the baby's body - and Scott and Lydia themselves prepared his body for burial. As Matthew grew older, the worst rejection for him was not from vicious kids at school, but from Christian pastors and churches. When they tried to enroll Matthew in Sunday School, the church let them down by refusing to accept him. They were afraid by accepting this one child they would scare off other prospects to their church. If word got out they were an "AIDS church" nobody would come.
"At this time, the Rev. Mr. Allen thought about the First Baptist Church in San Antonio, where he had once pastored (and often wished he were still there), where prostitutes and drug users and poor and rich alike, joined hands in singing. He remembered the congregation had a compassionate spirit, and wished all churches understood.
"Another heartbreak came to the Rev. Mr. Allen when he found out that his second son was gay, and also had AIDS. Then came the terrible loss of losing Lydia.
"Some of the churches did not meet the test of acceptance as well as did members of the news media. Finally, the story broke in 1992 in the New York Times, followed by interviews on the Today Show and Dateline. Matthew, the second grandson of the Rev. Mr. Allen, knows he is dying but is brave and, typical of his seriousness and also his humor, he laughs and cuts up with his grandpa. He is always tired and after an eight-year ordeal, Matthew also died."
Mrs. Johnson recommended the book as "must" reading - for education and for compassion. She said members would learn that HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. No cure currently exists. "The real danger in dealing with a person with AIDS, is not that you will catch something but that you will spread germs to the AIDS victim and their body cannot fight off disease," she said.
AIDS, Mrs. Johnson explained, is spread in two ways: by sexual contact or contaminated blood. She said both homosexuals and heterosexuals get AIDS. She advised members to save their own blood in case of transfusions.
"What can the churches do for this ever increasing disease?," she asked. "Simply 'be there' for the victims and their families. She added it is important to educate people that AIDS victims are not a threat to anyone and they need compassion. The families of the victims also need help with their grief, she said.
"Do not abandon families. Demonstrate Christ's love and love in action."
"You cannot get AIDS by touching, handshaking, being sneezed on; from toilets or water fountains; swimming in the same pool or even eating from the same dishes," she said.
Mrs. Johnson reminded members that Jesus reached out and was not afraid to touch the leper in compassion and healing.
Dr. Allen, founder of the American Christian Television (ACTS), was pastor of First Baptist Church of San Antonio (9,000 members); president of the Texas Southern Baptists; president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1978-79, and is currently chaplain of Big Canoe, Ga., a community 50 miles north of Atlanta.
Following the book report, refreshments were served by Fran Smith and Fay Johnson. The annual "ice cream social" was held at the home of Fay and Red Johnson.

Wedding Plans Announced

Shelly G. Gorre and Larry J. Moss will wed Saturday at 6 p.m. at Community Christian Church, with a reception following. An open invitation is extended to all friends and family.
The bride-to-be is a 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School, and her fiance is a 1988 graduate of Blackwell High School.

Little News

Andrew and Bernadette Smith of Ponca City announce the birth of a son, Tecumsha IronVoice Smith, at 8:51 p.m., July 30, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds and 8 ounces, and was 23 inches long. He joins a sister, Jasmine Smith, 16 months.
Maternal grandparents are George and Loretta Mirabal of Taos, N.M. Paternal grandparents are Richard and Marie Smith of Farmington, N.M. Great-grandparents are Levi and Sylvia Iron of Ponca City, and Bernice Bard of Winterhaven, Calif.

Society To Host State President

New president Sandy Pendergraft and the entire membership of Delta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International will be hostesses to Oklahoma state president Beth Schieber. The event is scheduled Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
Beth Schieber, an educator from Okarche, speaks to every chapter in Oklahoma emphasizing the key issues of the educational society: Leadership, Literacy, and Legislation. She represented Oklahoma at the July International Convention in Columbus, Ohio. The highlights of the convention will be part of her speech.
After the reception, in-coming officers will receive the materials for their position of responsibility. Each member will receive the new yearbook at the meeting.

OSHD Has Place on Internet

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDA) has a presence on the Internet. Located at www.health.state.ok.us, the OSDH World Wide Web pages will host much of the public data, documents and publications produced by the state health department.
"A new era of communication is upon us. Our web pages, like no other time in history, will let us communicate with the public, news media, health professionals and decision-makers, not only within the state, but world wide, as well," said J.R. Nida, M.D., state health commissioner.
The many different services and divisions of Oklahoma State Department of Health, and the county health departments, will eventually all have a place on the OSDH web pages. These pages will be used to inform and educate people about public health issues as well as make public information such as statistical, promotional and educational materials readily available to anyone with Internet access.
Although the OSDH web site is presently small, it has been growing rapidly within the past few months, Nida said.
"It may soon become an information center for public health in Oklahoma as we begin to place our documents, factsheets, brochures, newsletters, news releases and statistical information on-line," he added.
Plans for the future of the OSDH web site are to host public health data, regulation and licensing procedure, publications, service schedules and information, tips for healthy living, calendar events and anything else that might be of interest to the public.

Busy Bees Aid Legion Home

Busy Bee Club met recently in the home of Louise Phipps. Co-hostess was Ruth Case. It was reported that gifts for the American Legion Home were delivered, and Josephine Rice had made four lap robes for the Child Development Center.
Josephine Rice, president, conducted the business meeting, and Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer's report. Roll call was answered by eight members. Minutes were read by Beulah McCartney, secretary, and communications were read concerning thank-you cards.
Louise Phipps led the flag salute and "The Lord's Prayer." The devotion, delivered by Helen Taylor, was "He Asked So Little and Gave So Much," by A. Neilen.
New business included a discussion about the Thanksgiving project. Following the meeting, bingo was played and Josephine Rice won first and Louise Phipps, second. Beulah McCartney won the door prize.
The next meeting will be at the home of Vivian Davis.

SPORTS

Wildcat Coach Sodowsky Is Pleased With Progress

By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Entering Week 2 of the preseason Po-Hi head football coach Rick Sodowsky remains pleased with the progress the Wildcats are making and even happier with the promise they show.
The preseason coaches' poll of District 6A-4 has the Cats finishing sixth in the eight-team league, well out of the race for a playoff berth.
Sodowsky figures that is much too low.
"If we finish sixth in the district this year I'll be very, very disappointed." the coach said Tuesday. "These kid are working hard and I think we have as much talent as almost anyone in the district."
Ponca City was picked above struggling Bartlesville and Shawnee in the league race, but behind Tulsa Washington, Stillwater, Sand Springs, Sapulpa and Enid,
Sodowsky believes Washington is the only team which has that much more talent.
"Washington has four Division I prospects," he said. "Stillwater thinks it is going to be pretty good and the Pioneers do return some good skill people. But they lost their entire line from last year."
And Sodowsky feels his team has the talent to play with the rest of the league.

The coach is basing his optimism on the practices and brief scrimmages the Cats have had so far. They will get their first big test on Friday when they travel to Choctaw for their first outside scrimmage, starting at 6:30 p.m.
"The practices have been real good," Sodowsky said. "The kids have learned the new offensive schemes, now it's just a matter of doing them."
Thanks to the exposure most of the players have had with the Nebraska offense this spring and summer, the Cats have not experienced the lag usually associated with the installation of a different offense.
Sodowsky and his staff started workouts with some big holes to fill. There are still some, but they are growing smaller by the day.
The Cats return most of the offensive line, with guards Corey Burkett and David Newland along with tackles Aaron Kreger and Jason Fowler back. But the coaches have been surprised they are back bigger.
"We have more size on the line than any time since I've been here," Sodowsky said, "and as far as I can tell, more than Ponca City has had in a number of years.
"We are still going to be going up against some teams that are bigger than we are, but not the 30 or 40 pounds per man like in the past."
The Cats are also deeper on the line than in the recent past.
"We are still going to be hurt by injuries, but not like we were," the coach said.
The coaches are still looking for a center and tight end to fit in with that group.
Once again the Cat are deep at tailback with returning starter Dennis Shields and Billy Swygert heading the list. The Poncans also have a bevy of receivers, paced by Marlon Guess, who has 4.4 speed.
But the big question marks remain at quarterback and fullback.
"We have a senior, junior and sophomore who are real close at that position," Sodowsky notes. "That's good."
The bad part is they're all untested. The front runner is senior Brad Taylor, who is just in front of sophomore transfer Eric Michael, who is trying to make the jump from eight-man to Class 6A football.
Stockton Graves returns at fullback, but is so valuable at linebacker Sodowsky is reluctant to play him both ways.
"Stockton can do both," the coach said. "But late in the game he would be less effective."
On defense, the front down positions are set mainly because the same depth on the offense flip-flops to the defensive line.
Graves is a fixture at one linebacker spot and Sodowsky must find his partner.
The secondary also has to be rebuilt. But the coaches have been pleased with some of the new faces who have stepped forward.
"Right now I feel pretty good about this team," Sodowsky said. "We still have a long way to go. But so does every other team in the state."
Entering Week 2 of the preseason Po-Hi head football coach Rick Sodowsky remains pleased with the progress the Wildcats are making and even happier with the promise they show.
The preseason coaches' poll of District 6A-4 has the Cats finishing sixth in the eight-team league, well out of the race for a playoff berth.
Sodowsky figures that is much too low.
"If we finish sixth in the district this year I'll be very, very disappointed." the coach said Tuesday. "These kid are working hard and I think we have as much talent as almost anyone in the district."
Ponca City was picked above struggling Bartlesville and Shawnee in the league race, but behind Tulsa Washington, Stillwater, Sand Springs, Sapulpa and Enid,
Sodowsky believes Washington is the only team which has that much more talent.
"Washington has four Division I prospects," he said. "Stillwater thinks it is going to be pretty good and the Pioneers do return some good skill people. But they lost their entire line from last year."
And Sodowsky feels his team has the talent to play with the rest of the league.
The coach is basing his optimism on the practices and brief scrimmages the Cats have had so far. They will get their first big test on Friday when they travel to Choctaw for their first outside scrimmage, starting at 6:30 p.m.
"The practices have been real good," Sodowsky said. "The kids have learned the new offensive schemes, now it's just a matter of doing them."
Thanks to the exposure most of the players have had with the Nebraska offense this spring and summer, the Cats have not experienced the lag usually associated with the installation of a different offense.
Sodowsky and his staff started workouts with some big holes to fill. There are still some, but they are growing smaller by the day.
The Cats return most of the offensive line, with guards Corey Burkett and David Newland along with tackles Aaron Kreger and Jason Fowler back. But the coaches have been surprised they are back bigger.
"We have more size on the line than any time since I've been here," Sodowsky said, "and as far as I can tell, more than Ponca City has had in a number of years.
"We are still going to be going up against some teams that are bigger than we are, but not the 30 or 40 pounds per man like in the past."
The Cats are also deeper on the line than in the recent past.
"We are still going to be hurt by injuries, but not like we were," the coach said.
The coaches are still looking for a center and tight end to fit in with that group.
Once again the Cat are deep at tailback with returning starter Dennis Shields and Billy Swygert heading the list. The Poncans also have a bevy of receivers, paced by Marlon Guess, who has 4.4 speed.
But the big question marks remain at quarterback and fullback.
"We have a senior, junior and sophomore who are real close at that position," Sodowsky notes. "That's good."
The bad part is they're all untested. The front runner is senior Brad Taylor, who is just in front of sophomore transfer Eric Michael, who is trying to make the jump from eight-man to Class 6A football.
Stockton Graves returns at fullback, but is so valuable at linebacker Sodowsky is reluctant to play him both ways.
"Stockton can do both," the coach said. "But late in the game he would be less effective."
On defense, the front down positions are set mainly because the same depth on the offense flip-flops to the defensive line.
Graves is a fixture at one linebacker spot and Sodowsky must find his partner.
The secondary also has to be rebuilt. But the coaches have been pleased with some of the new faces who have stepped forward.
"Right now I feel pretty good about this team," Sodowsky said. "We still have a long way to go. But so does every other team in the state."

No. 1 Owasso Sweeps Past Po-Hi

OWASSO - Class 5A No. 1-ranked Owasso scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning to sneak past the eighth-ranked Ponca City Lady Wildcats, 2-1, here Tuesday in the first game of a doubleheader. The Lady Rams then won the nightcap 5-0.
In the opener, neither team scored in the eighth but the Cats did break through for a run in the ninth. Using international tiebreaker rules, Nikki Andrews began the inning on second base. Alena Smith sacrificed Andrews to third and then Julie Schiltz singled in the go-ahead run. Although the Cats later loaded the bases with one out, they could score no more.
Owasso then rallied for the win against starting pitcher Jamie Bellinghausen, who fell to 2-2 on the season despite pitching a very strong game - allowing just two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and two walks.
The Rams also began the bottom of the ninth with a runner on second. A ground ball then bounded over third baseman Lendsi Boyd's head, putting runners on the corners. Owasso put the double steal on and plated the tying run as both runners were safe. Following a single, a sacrifice fly won the ball game.
"We played a good game, we just got beat," said head coach Roydon Tilley.
The Poncans managed just five hits against junior hurler Angela Wedlake of Owasso. Both Schiltz (2-for-4) and senior catcher Kara Sneath (2-for-3) had two hits apiece.
After that emotional loss, the Cats floundered a bit in the second game, committing three errors and giving up two unearned runs.
Schiltz started in the pitcher's circle and took the loss to fall to 1-1. She struck out seven, walked two and gave up six hits in five innings of work. The game was called after five-and-a-half innings due to the time limit. Wedlake was the winner.
Owasso scored twice in the fourth and three times in the fifth. Ponca City had no answer. The Cats managed just two hits of their own as Schiltz went 2-for-3.
Owasso improved to 5-0 while Ponca City dropped to 3-3.
The Lady Cats will try to regroup Friday and Saturday in the difficult 32-team Broken Arrow Tournament. They open play Friday at 3 p.m. against Rogers, Ark., play 2A fourth-ranked Dewey at 5 p.m. and then 4A seventh-ranked Coweta at 6:30.

Local Sports Briefs

Fall League - Ponca City Softball Association is now taking sign-up for Fall League. Those who wish to sign up should come to Willow Springs at 6 p.m. Friday or call Herb at 765-4710.

Soccer Season - The Cherokee Strip Adult Soccer Association will start its eight-week season on Sept. 8.
The fee is $150 per team. All fees and rosters are due by Aug. 30 and must be mailed to Treasurer Kevin Kreger, 125 Glenside.
For information, to enter a team in the league or to registar to play on a team, contact league president Larry Love 976 2-6659 days or 765-8347 nights) or Kreger (765-3311 or 762-5199)

Hunters Need To Review

Good hunting and safe hunting.
The two always go together. And with the September 1 dove opener kicking off fall hunting seasons, some hunters may find their skills a little rusty after the long off season. But those who do a quick run-through of the safety rules and spend some time practicing on clay birds will be ready for some prime hunting action.
J.D. Peer, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, offers several suggestions for making this hunting season one of the best. First, review the safety rules. According to Peer, safe and successful hunting boils down to following the basic safety rules listed below.
Top 6 Dove Hunting Safety Rules
- Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
- Identify your target and where you can safely shoot at passing birds. Most dove hunting accidents occur when a hunter swings on a flying bird.
- know your gun. Learn how it operates, how the safety works and how to load and unload it.
- Fire it before you go into the field.
- Remember that shotgun pellets travel beyond the target.
Brushing up on these rules will put every hunter, from the novice to veteran, in good shape for the upcoming season.
"Hunters have a lot of responsibilities and knowing the rules is one of them," Peer said. "They also need to remember their responsibilities to landowners and the non-hunting public."
Peer added that landowners expect certain courtesies in exchange for allowing hunters access to their property. Of course, no ethical hunter would ever hunt on private land without first obtaining permission. Hunters who respect private property will help themselves earn the chance to hunt again. They also create a good climate for all hunters.
"Following these suggestions will help assure a safe and productive hunting season," said Peer. "This would also be a good time to enroll in one of the Wildlife Department's hunter education programs."
The course is offered for hunters who want to refresh their safety skills or those who need a hunter safety card. No person born on or after January 1, 1972, upon reaching 16 years of age may purchase or receive a hunting license or permit without exhibiting either a hunter safety certificate from the Wildlife Department or a like certificate from another state.
In addition, no person under 16 years of age, including lifetime license holders, may purchase a gun deer permit or hunt large game (deer, elk or antelope) with any centerfire rifle or handgun, shotgun with single rifled slug or a muzzleloading rifle without first obtaining a hunter education safety certificate and carrying it with them in the field while hunting.
Hunter safety classes are a minimum of 10 hours and are free. Numerous classes are offered in every county throughout the year. For more information on the specific courses currently being offered, call the Wildlife Department at (406) 621-4650.

Dove Survey May Not Be True Look

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) 1996 report on mourning dove breeding population status shows that dove populations in both Oklahoma and the Central Dove Management Unit, the unit Oklahoma is in, appear to be down for the second year in a row.
"That doesn't necessarily mean that hunters will see fewer dove this season," said Mike O'Meilia, migratory bird biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Our standardized surveys show breeding dove numbers are down 12 percent this year, but I think that is probably related more to unusual weather during the survey. From what I've seen, I think there has been as good a dove reproductive effort as we have seen in some time."
O'Meilia added that long-term trend data is far more important in gauging population changes. Trend data for doves in the Central Management Unit shows a modest 1.6 percent decline over the most recent 10 years, but no significant population trends are evident over the 31-year period since surveying began in 1966.
Dove population estimates are based on call-counts conducted by personnel with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. Call-counts are conducted throughout the state and consist of 20 listening stops spaced at one-mile intervals. At each stop, the number of doves heard calling, the number seen, and the level of disturbance which impairs the observer's ability to hear doves are recorded.
Call-counts begin one-half hour before sunrise and continue for about two hours. Routes are run once between May 20 and June 5. Surveys are not conducted when wind velocities exceed 12 miles per hour or when it is raining. Population trends are then calculated based on a comparison of the data from the current and previous years.
"Weather also will play a role in determining the number of birds seen by hunters," said O'Meilia. "Day length plays a significant role in triggering dove migration, but weather influences bird movement as well. Cool weather in the Northern Plains will bring birds into Oklahoma, but cool weather here will send the birds further south."
Traditional dove hunting spots include ponds, windmills, waterholes and harvested agricultural crops. Dove feed on exposed grain and seed which means hunters should concentrate on fields with large amounts of crop residue. Wheat stubble can be productive, as can weed and sunflower patches.
Dove hunters, including lifetime license holders, are reminded that they must complete and carry a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit while hunting. Hunters under 16 years of age, senior citizens (age 64 or older or those who turn 64 during the calendar year in which they intend to hunt doves or other migratory birds) and landowners hunting only on their own property are exempt from the permit. HIP permits can be obtained from any hunting and fishing license dealer.
Hunters should remember that HIP permits are similar to duck stamps, which are valid for one migratory bird season rather than one calendar year. In Oklahoma, migratory bird hunting opportunities begin with the Sept. 1 dove opener and end in March with the close of the light goose season.
HIP permits are not just required of those hunting in the Sooner State. In fact, they will be required of migratory bird hunters in every state within the next few years. Data obtained from the permits will be used by the USFWS to increase the extent and quality of migratory bird harvest information.
The daily limit for dove is 16, with 30 allowed in possession after the first day. Hunting hours are one-half hour before official sunrise to official sunset. Shotguns must be plugged so they are capable of holding no more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined

Preference Points Explained

If the questions Wildlife Department personnel have answered since the controlled hunts drawing took place are any indication, some hunters thought that they would be selected because they had a preference point from last year.
"Oklahoma's most popular hunts have always had a large number of applicants for a small number of permits, and the preference point system does not guarantee that you will be selected," said Robert Taylor, fiscal services administrator for the Wildlife Department. "Anyone who is not selected for a hunt category in which they applied receives a preference point in that category, which works like an extra application the following year. The system does not guarantee that you will be selected in the future, only that your odds will get increasingly better over first-time applicants."
Taylor added that all permits are issued by random drawing, which means someone with no preference points could be selected before someone with two, three or even 10 points.
"Even if you had a preference point this year, the odds for selection for many of the hunt categories are still not very good, simply because there are so many more applicants than available permits," said Taylor. "The preference point system certainly adds a degree of fairness to the drawing by increasing the chances that someone who hasn't been successful in the past will be selected, but again, luck plays a role in the selection process."
The odds of being selected this year for some of the popular hunt categories are:
- Deer Archery Hunts: More than 16,000 applications were received; 2,284 permits were issued; odds of selection were 1 in 7.
- Deer Primitive Firearms Hunts: More than 21,000 applications were received; 1,266 permits were issued; odds of selection were 1 in 17.
- Deer Gun Hunts: More than 26,000 applications were received; 2,608 permits were issued; odds of selection were 1 in 10.
- Elk Hunts: More than 17,000 applications were received; 43 permits were issued; odds of selection were 1 in 399.
- Antelope Hunts: More than 4,000 applications were received; 160 permits were issued; odds of selection were 1 in 28.
- Spring 1997 Turkey Hunts: More than 6,000 applications were received; 208 permits were issued; odds of selection were 1 in 31.
Taylor also said that if hunters apply for only one hunt within category, or if they apply for the most popular hunts in a category, their odds of being selected are even higher. Other details that hunters should keep in mind about the preference point system include:

- Preference points are awarded by category, not specific hunt. For example, if you are not selected for an archery hunt at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, your preference point is good for any of the archery hunts offered the following year.

- Preference points are not transferable from one category to another from one hunter to another.

- In categories where group applications are permitted, groups will be assigned a single preference point value which is determined by averaging the preference points held by each of the group's members.

Those lucky hunters who were selected in this year's drawing will receive their notification slips in August and September. Exact notification dates are listed in this year's Controlled Hunt Application Booklets.

Special Deer Hunts Due at Sequoyah
The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge will conduct two muzzleloader deer hunts in October to reduce the Refuge's rapidly expanding deer herd. Applications for these special hunts are due to the Refuge by Sept. 3.
One hunt will be held Oct. 16-17, and the other will be held Oct. 22-24. Both hunts will run from noon on Tuesday through noon on Thursday. Thirty-five applicants will be selected for each hunt and each hunter will be allowed to take two antlerless deer.
Hunters may apply individually or in groups of up to four. Anyone interested in applying for the special hunts must submit their name, address. date of birth, telephone number, social security number or driver's license number and 1996 Oklahoma hunting license number to: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Rt. 1, Box 18A, Vian, OK 74962.
Applicants should specify which hunts are their first and second choices, or if they are applying for only one hunt. Only those 14 years of age or older on the day of the hunt are eligible to apply. Non-ambulatory applicants will be accommodated.
The drawing for successful applicants will be held at the Sequoyah Refuge office Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. Applications must be received by this time to be considered. Those interested in attending the drawing are welcome.

Early Quail Season Tops Hearing Here
The earlier opening of Quail Season will head the list of topics at The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's public hearing in Ponca City on Sept. 9 .
The hearing will be in the Business Education Center of the Pioneer Technological Center, 2101 North Ash. It will be one 18 hearings the department will hold across the state.
The proposals for which the Department will be soliciting comments include:
- Changing quail season dates to open the first Saturday in November and close Jan. 31.
- Opening all Canada goose closure areas except Vann's Lake proper.
- Extending bobcat season to run from Dec. 1 through February 28, removing the daily bag limit on bobcats and changing the season limit from eight to 20.
- Allowing the use of private bobcat tagging stations and allowing a 75 cent per tag fee.
- Eliminating "let off" restrictions on archery equipment.
- Changing the fall firearms turkey bag limit in Pawnee County from one bird of either sex to one tom.

- Changing the spring turkey bag limit in Seminole County from two toms to one tom.

- Opening the remainder of Garfield County (south of Hwy. 412) to one tom during the fall firearms turkey season.

The Department also will be asking sportsmen to provide comments on a proposal to consolidate and simplify the regulations governing some of the Department's public hunting areas. In addition, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has asked to make a few parcels of Corps land open to shotgun with pellets or bow and arrow only. Descriptions of these areas will be provided at the hearings.
Bill Powers of the Kaw Lake headquarters for the Corps notes that several areas at Kaw Lake - mainly between the swimming beach Osage Cove, along with some small areas at Washunga Bay and Trader's Bend - have been open to shotgun and archery for several years. He added the Corps has no plans for additional areas.

"These hearings are an opportunity for hunters to provide us with their input on the regulation changes we are proposing," said Richard Hatcher, game chief for the Wildlife Department. "With 18 sites throughout the state there should be a hearing within a short drive of nearly everyone. We also will accept written comments by mail so if someone can't attend one of the meetings they can still let us know what they think about the proposed changes."

Hatcher said he expects most of the proposals to be well received, especially extending bobcat season and opening the Canada goose closure areas.

"Our recommendation to change quail season dates will probably stimulate the most discussion, but if last year is any indication, I think hunters will agree with our recommendation."

Seminar on Farm Ponds Set Here
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife will present a seminar entitled "Managing Your Farm Pond Fishery", Tuesday, August 27, at 7 p.m at the Conoco Clubhouse.
Fisheries Biologist Jeff Boxrucker with the Oklahoma Fishery Research Laboratory will be the guest speaker. Boxrucker has spent a large portion of his 19 year career with the Wildlife Department doing pond management research and working with pond owners to improve fishing opportunities.
Some of the subject matter to be discussed include pond construction, balanced fish populations, trophy bass ponds, quality bluegill ponds, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish ponds, fish parasites and vegetation control.