Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, August 27, 1996

LOCAL
Steady Voter Turnout For Primary Election
Explosion, Fire Kills One
Nearly News
Combined Efforts Nab Enid Man For Burglarizing Several Co-Ops
Man Held On Drug Charges
Nardin Speed Limits Will be Posted Soon
Fifth Street Paving Project Gets Another Step Closer
Massive Hot Air Balloon Event Here This Weekend
Residence Damaged From Kitchen Fire
World Champion Cowgirl Remains Mystery to Many
Enrollment Figures Draw Concern
Enrollment Open For Several Art Classes

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
Frances Hardesty
Obituary
C.L. Highfill

Services Pending
Glenda O'Connor

FAMILY LIVING
Dealing With Difficult People Topic of FCE Group Lesson

BUSINESS
Chamber Board Pledges Help For Sales Tax Election Effort
Pemberton Dealership Handling Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac
Cory Bowker On National Ford Council
EDF, Conoco, DOC Marketing Vacant Space at PC Complex
Sales Tax Down For June Sales In Ponca City

SPORTS
Show-Up Scramble
Soccer Season
Flag Football

LOCAL

Steady Voter Turnout For Primary Election

Kay County voters are joining with voters from throughout the state today for the first round of elections to select party candidates for the November general election.
Voter turnout has been steady, according to a sampling of random precincts in Ponca City and some rural areas. Of particular interest are the state representative post and the Kay County sheriff's races.
Balloting was steady at Northeast Baptist Church Precinct 534. For the first 40 minutes at this precinct voters dropped their ballots into the bottom of the voting machine as it was not functioning. Seems the wrong cartridge was inserted, but was exchanged and working by 7:40 a.m., and 239 had already voted before 11 a.m.
Other precincts contacted reporting steady balloting were Precinct 530 at Pioneer Technology Center; Precinct 517 at St. Mary's Parish Hall; Precinct 516 at Southside Baptist Church; Rural Precinct 419 at Community Christian Church, and Rural precincts 414 and 415 at Pioneer Christian Church.
Polls for today's primary election will remain open until 7 p.m.
Kay County Republicans are selecting between two candidates for the District 2 County Commission seat while county voters will also be narrowing the seven man (five Republican, two Democrat) field for sheriff. Voters will also be deciding who advances in the District 37 legislative race as voting on U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative and Corporation Commission.
In races with more than two candidates, if no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top two face off in a runoff primary on Sept. 17. Winners advance to the Nov. 5 general election.
County Commission
Two candidates are vying for the Republican spot on the Nov. 5 ballot for District 2 County Commissioner against Democrat incumbent Wayne Leven.
Andy Barnett, a Ponca City businessman and investor, is going up against Marvin Johns, a Newkirk businessman.
Barnett said of his campaign, "The stewardship of the people's tax dollars is often overlooked at the county level. But it needs to be watched closely. I've seen the federal government tax-and-spend us into virtual poverty and I refuse to let our county follow in their footsteps."
Johns said he believes county business is big business and must be taken seriously. He said that he believes with his background he can lead and aggressively move the county toward the 21st century.
Kay County Sheriff
The Kay County Sheriff's race has drawn a crowded field with two Democrats and five Republicans after the office now held by Marion VanHoesen.
VanHoesen, a Ponca City Republican, is being challenged in the primary by Frank Hall of Tonkawa, Roger Sixkiller of Blackwell, Gus Ehler of Ponca City and Carl Cartlidge of Ponca City.
Democrats seeking the office are Jim Henley of Blackwell and Gerald Howard of Tonkawa.
State House District 37
With the retirement of long-time legislator Jim Holt from the district which contains Ponca City and a portion of Osage County, the campaign was thrown open for a field of aspiring representatives.
Two Ponca Citians are vying for the Democrat nomination. Bernie Jackson, 51, a retired educator, is going against Ron Buck, 49, a machinist. The winner advances to the November general election.
Three Ponca Citians have been contesting for the Republican nomination. Marilyn Andrews, current mayor, switched her registration from Democrat to Republican to join the race. Brian Harpster and Jim Newport, two local businessmen, round out the field. Andrews and Harpster are both 51 while Newport is 35.
Other Races
In other races, voters will be deciding on candidates from three parties for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Jim Inhofe; Congressional District 5 will determine a Democrat challenger to Ernest Istook while Democrats will be deciding a general election candidate for Corporation Commission.
Inhofe faces a challenge for his U.S. Senate seat from fellow Tulsan Dan Lowe in Tuesday's primary.
The Democrats have three candidates - Jim Boren of Tahlequah, David Louis Annanders of Oklahoma City and Don McCorkell of Tulsa.
Two Libertarians are on the ballot - Agnes Marie Regier of Norman and Michael A. Clem of Tulsa.
Two Independents have drawn a bye until the November election - Bill Maguire and Chris Nedbalek, both of Oklahoma City.
Congressional District 5 Democrats will also be deciding who will face Republican incumbent Istook and Independent Ava Kennedy, 44, Oklahoma City, in November.
James Forsythe, 62, of Edmond, and Cecil Pirrong, 67, of Oklahoma City, are on Tuesday's ballot.
Democrats running for Corporation Commission are Charley T. Long, 34, of Wynnewood, and Wanda Jo Peltier, 62, Oklahoma City. The winner will face incumbent Republican Ed Apple, 63, of Duncan, in November.

Explosion, Fire Kills One

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
An explosion and fire that occurred at 1225 Lakeview Drive Monday left one person dead, according to the Ponca City Fire Department. The residence was the home of Gerald E. Cooley.
Dr. M.V. Farquharson is the medical examiner working to make a positive identification of the deceased. He indicated identification should be made later today. The body is believed to have been exposed to the explosion and the fire.
Reports of an explosion were called in to the 911 telecommunication officers at 4:12 p.m. Monday. Ten PCFD firefighters initially responded with mutual aid from McCord and Osage Cove Fire Departments. Eight more PCFD firefighters were called in.
The fire originated in the kitchen area, where the Fire Marshall's investigation revealed a propane gas leak under the kitchen floor.
"It appeared that the line had been laying underground for years and rusted out. The gas built up inside the house until it found an ignition source," stated Fire Marshall Bill Hargraves.
The blaze continued for more than five hours. Damage is estimated at $150,000.
"We received the call that a house exploded. When we arrive it was fully engulfed," stated Assistant Fire Chief Gary Williams.

Nearly News

No, Bernie Jackson and Ron Buck were not eliminated from today's primary election at the last minute, despite what readers didn't see in Monday's News. Jackson and Buck, the Democrat candidates for State House of Representatives, District 37, were accidentally omitted from Monday's front page election story. They were, however, two of the candidates featured on Sunday's front page. Today's voting will decide which of these two advances to the Nov. 4 general election.

Combined Efforts Nab Enid Man For Burglarizing Several Co-Ops

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
MEDFORD - An Enid man was arrested Monday for burglarizing co-ops in Grant County, according to Grant County Sheriff Ryland Arthurs. The man is suspected of also committing burglaries in five other North Central Oklahoma counties including Blaine, Major, Alfalfa, Garfield and Kay.
Steven Allen Heffron was taken into custody at approximately 8:26 a.m. 3-1/2 miles south of Medford on U.S. 81. He is incarcerated in Grant County awaiting formal charges of six counts of burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen items and obstructing a deputy, Arthurs confirmed.
The Sheriff indicated that Heffron has admitted to committing more than 20 burglaries within the six counties. The suspect was allegedly stealing tires and batteries.
Sunday night, Heffron was observed leaving his home in Enid at 2:30 a.m. when a call-out went into effect. Grant County deputy Kreig Hill observed Heffron, five miles west of U.S. 11 and 2-1/2 miles north of Medford, pull to the rear of the Clyde Co-op at 3:26 a.m.
The deputy observed the suspect break into the building. According to Arthurs, the deputy took the suspect's keys from the truck and called for backup.
Heffron was opening the rear overhead door when the deputy confronted him. A scuffle ensued and the suspect escaped on foot, abandoning his truck.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents Charles Dancer and Frank Bourland began nightly surveillance on Aug. 21, Kym Koch, OSBI Public Information director, confirmed. The counties were notified whenever Heffron left his residence. Prospective targets as well as U.S. 60 and U.S. 11 and Interstate 35 northbound, were staked out each time a call-out was made.
Kay County Undersheriff Sid Cookerly feels that a major break in the case came mid-July when a witness in Hitchcock, drove up on a man prying on the door at the Hitchcock Co-op. The truck was loaded with new tires.
At the time, Harvey Pratt, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation's forensic artist, was in Ponca City to teach a session to local law enforcement personnel. Cookerly spoke to Pratt about interviewing the witness to make a sketch of the suspect.
Pratt went to Blaine County and made a sketch. Within four hours after the sketch was completed, the suspect was identified as Heffron, according to Cookerly.
Heffron is a known offender with an extensive rap sheet.
"He was almost impossible to follow," Cookerly recalled. "I commend all the deputies who worked on surveillance. It's been a long grind," Cookerly noted. He also stated that Heffron has admitted to the burglaries of Kelle Oil Company in Braman.
"It takes a cooperative effort to put someone like this down," the Undersheriff stated. "The Sheriff recognized that a traveling burglar like Heffron would require such an effort and he approved the dedication of time and manpower to apprehend this suspect. Marion (VanHoesen) knows it's the only way to catch a criminal like this," he noted.

Man Held On Drug Charges

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
James Stanley Stephens, of Ponca City, was arrested in the 200 block of South Washington Street at 10:45 p.m. Sunday according to the District Attorney's Office.
The 35-year-old man was arrested for delivery of a controlled dangerous substance. Ponca City police officers, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Commission, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Perry Police Department, Blackwell Police Department, Kay County Sheriff's Office, and the major crime unit of the district attorney's office worked together to make a successful arrest and execution of the search warrant, stated District Attorney John Maddox.
The arrest warrant and search warrant were issued Friday, Assistant District Attorney, Lisa Tate, confirmed. "In searching the house, certain quantities of drugs, paraphernalia and chemicals were found," she said.
Stephens made an initial appearance in court at 2 p.m. Monday related to his arrest and a bond of $100,000 was set. The judge found probable cause on the search warrant and ordered the suspect held over on supplemental charges, with an additional bond of $100,000.
Formal charges are expected to be filed at 1 p.m. Thursday on charges which developed from the search and seizure of the house, Tate stated.
Since the suspect had been arrested May 23, on charges of manufacturing methamphetamines, that $100,000 bond was exonerated.
"The District Attorney's Office appreciates the excellent cooperation from various agencies that worked together on this successful investigation and arrest. This type of team effort is very important in these cases," Maddox commented.
Capt. Jerry Neville, of the PCPD, stated, "Once again, state, county and local officials worked together. There were no injuries or incidents with the arrest."

Nardin Speed Limits Will be Posted Soon

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The former town of Nardin will acquire speed limit signs thanks to a resolution made by Kay County Commissioners Monday.
Kay County Deputy Sheriff Rod Meeks addressed the commissioners regarding complaints from residents about speeding in the Nardin area. No speed limit signs are currently posted.
Commissioners approved a 35 mile per hour speed limit for Nardin Road and 25 mph for off-streets. Commissioner Rex Purdy will order the signs. Commissioner Wayne Leven confirmed the Department of Transportation would also be notified.
In other new business, commissioners agree to go along with a state law setting the speed limit on Kay County roads at 55 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. The new limits go into effect Aug. 30. Senate Bill 685 granted the counties authority to set speed limits on county roads.
Two partial footages of lot 32, block 2, in the Dixie Hill Addition, of Ponca City were sold for $50 each. The county property was acquired at resale.
Commissioners are getting close to finalizing plans for a new phone system for the courthouse. Kip Bird, with American Telephone, submitted a proposal to the commissioners that could save the county $16,000 over five years.
The District Attorney needs time to review the contract. Bird is expected to return Tuesday for the commissioners to take further action.
Diane Jeans with the Oklahoma Blood Institute provided the commissioners with packets of information about the Institute and made a presentation on allowing county employees to donate blood. Commissioner Wayne Leven stated the board would take it into consideration.
In old business, the board approved the lease purchase of a Model 12G caterpillar motor grader for $41,000. Approval was also given to pay the cost of $1,091.52 for the transportation of juveniles.
The next meeting for the county commissioners is Tuesday, following the Labor Day holiday on Monday, when offices will be closed at the courthouse.

Fifth Street Paving Project Gets Another Step Closer

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
A portion of South Seventh Street will be closed with approval by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday. The street will be closed from Drummond Avenue to approximately 420 feet north of Lucas.
In other new business, approval was given to execute a project agreement between the city and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to grade, drain and surface Fifth Street from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue.
Commissioners also authorized a resolution for the Ponca City Police Department to provide law enforcement aid in the event of an emergency. Police Chief Raymond Ham confirmed that this was a continuation of an old resolution but with more scope and discretion.
Michael Mott and Nala Watkins were reappointed to the Main Street Authority Board. George Paczkowski, Carter Buller and Don Bishop were appointed as new members.
Additionally, Commission Policy Statement No. 23 of the Pension Fund Investment Policy was amended by the board so that assets could be invested in foreign stock accounts.
In old business, 1411 East Prospect Avenue was rezoned as a commercial district so that Bank IV can expand. President Bill Rogers stated the expansion would allow for parking and accessibility to benefit the branch.
Commissioners removed a request from the agenda related to amending the Code of Ordinances permitting electrical wiring without a license on homestead property. Approval for $1,302,557.63 in claims was granted by the board.
The following items were on the consent agenda and approved by one motion.
- A contract between the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Ponca City Library for reimbursement of OTIS interlibrary loan lending services.
- Authorization to Dondlinger & Sons Construction Company, Inc. as an agent for the city on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2 project.
An item recommending demolition and clean up of a public nuisance in the 1100 block of Scott Avenue was recalled from consideration and tabled until Sept. 9.
The board reconvened as the Ponca City Utility Authority and received an update on the Wastewater Treatment Plant from FHC, Inc.
In other new business, the Solid Waste Division was authorized to sell a tractor scrapper. PCUA approved the purchase of a 23-cubic Yard Tractor Scrapper for the Landfill operations in the amount of $392,866.
In addition, approval was granted to submit Utility Crossing Permits to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the Northwest Water Transmission Pipeline, Phase 2 project.
The following items were approved on the consent agenda.
- Submission of the monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
- Purchase of a truck chassis and roll-off hoist for the Solid Waste Division.
- Execution of the state revolving loan program document ORF-121.
- Payment of $69,129.19 for sludge handling and disposal and repairs to the Virginia Avenue Sewer Line.
PCUA also approved payment of claims before reconvening to the Ponca City Development Authority to approve payment of claims.
The commissioners entered executive session to discuss employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, discipline or resignation of individual salaried public officers or employees. No action was taken.

Massive Hot Air Balloon Event Here This Weekend

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Colorful hot air balloons from a variety of locations will be taking to the air here during the Second Annual Ponca City Balloon Festival and Air Show slated for this weekend at the Municipal Airport.
The first mass appearance is slated for 7:30 to 9 p.m., Friday during the "evening glow." Balloon rides will be offered on Saturday and a balloon launch is set between 5 to 6 p.m. On Sunday a mass balloon ascension is planned between 7:30 and 9 a.m.
The passengers aboard the first "balloon car" were a duck, a rooster and a sheep, according to ballooning history.
History of aerial sport can be traced to the beginning of aviation in 1783. A French paper manufacturer noticed that bits of burning paper would ascend up the chimney. Deciding that the smoke was magical, Joseph and Etianna Mongolfier started putting smoke in small paper bags and watching them float.
Later they tried a larger linen and paper bag filled with hot air and smoke held over a straw-fed fire and sent it aloft. So the hot air ballooning was invented in France.
First passengers in the balloon were a duck, a rooster and a sheep. Since the animals showed no ill effects in 1793, Pilatre de Rozier and a friend Marquis D' Arlandes, made man's first flight before a crowd of onlookers including Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI and Benjamin Franklin.
The balloonists floated over the city landed safely half an hour later. Another Frenchman, J.A.C. Charles launched the first gas-filled balloon shortly after the first flight. Hydrogen-filled balloons soon were floating all over Europe replacing the hard to inflate hot air balloons that got their lift by burning straw and woods.
During the 1960s ballooning made a comeback as a sport due to the development of strong lightweight fabrics and a burner system that can generate tremendous amounts of heat efficiently and economically.
The tradition of carrying wine or champagne on each flight began as a practical matter. Seems in the early days people thought the balloons were monsters, which resulted in the aeronauts being attacked. Champagne was carried so that the observers might recognize the beverage and know the passengers were fellow humans. The tradition continues today.
After Charles' first flight some 200 years ago he is quoted as saying, "Nothing will ever equal that moment of joyous excitement which filled my whole being when I felt myself flying away from the earth. It was not merely pleasure, it was perfect bliss."
A number of other activities are planned for the festival and air show. There is $1 admission charge for the Friday evening event, which includes musical entertainment. Three dollars admits one to the Saturday events, and the balloon lift off on Sunday is free.

Residence Damaged From Kitchen Fire

Thirteen firefighters from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 900 block of East Overbrook Avenue, according to the PCFD.
The fire ignited at approximately at 3:16 p.m. Monday, in the kitchen. According to Assistant Fire Chief Gary Williams, the coffee maker shorted out, causing the fire.
Damage to the property is estimated at $19,000.

World Champion Cowgirl Remains Mystery to Many

By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Bessie Herberg Carter Blackwell, world champion cowgirl and early-day performer with the Miller brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show, has remained a mystery to many, and even to Jack Keathly, who has acquired an extensive collection of her belongings. Many of Keathly's interesting and priceless mementoes are currently on display in the windows at Betty's Boutique, Fourth at Grand, through Labor Day.
During her heyday, Bessie led a colorful and fabulous life with the 101 Ranch Wild West show, and spent much time with the Millers, but no one seems to know much about her before that time, except she was born in Michigan. After the Wild West Show closed and the 101 Ranch was sold, Bessie was married to Mr. Carter, then to Marshall Blackwell.
At the time of her mysterious death in a fire at her home, south of Ponca City she was thought to be only 48 years of age. In that home, and at her store next door, were many mementoes of her colorful career. Some of the relics from her fabulous career mysteriously disappeared during the fire including a diamond and ruby studded saddle won by her in 1921, said Keathly.
Keathly, a member of the 101 Ranch Old Timers group has long collected 101 Ranch souvenirs and because of his interest was offered the extensive collection of Betty (Herberg) Blackwell's clothing, costumes, a one-of-a-kind shotgun, pictures, newspaper clippings, personal letters, (several from Joe C. Miller and a card from Pawnee Bill), and gifts given to her by the Ponca Indians, with whom she spent much time in later years.
Her funeral was held in 1943, underneath a huge tree at the home near White Eagle and where she had often sat during her last days. Her beautiful sorrel saddle horse was present at the service.

Enrollment Figures Draw Concern

By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
It was a busy night at the Monday Ponca City Board of Education meeting. Members of the Board discussed enrollment drops, curriculum committee travel restrictions, discussed and voted to approve some change orders on current construction at various locations, reported on the new teen-age parent education program, made teacher and personnel changes, approved the ACT contract, and worked on sections of the School Board policy.
Bill White, Superintendent of Ponca City Schools, reported on enrollment noting a significant drop in numbers. Enrollment the first day of school totaled 5,502 students, which is 160 students less that last year.
Only two elementary schools showed an increase over the 1995 enrollment and those were Trout Elementary with nine more students and Liberty with six. The kindergarten program showed an increased enrollment of 16 students this year, but 22 of the total enrollment were holdovers from last year.
Actual counts at the schools were Garfield down 36 students, Lincoln down 34 students, Roosevelt down 10 students, Union down 21 students, Washington down 14 students and Woodlands down 20 students. At Middle School and Mid-High the enrollment was down 38 and at the senior high down by 11.
White said he hoped the usual 60 or more late-comers would filter in within the next two weeks and bring up the count. He also noted St. Mary's School had added another grade, which accounted for some of the drop. Transfers from all schools, such as McCord, and other parochial and private schools were also down.
"If we gain the usual 60 slow enrollment students between now and the 15th of September, we will be down about 100 for the school year." He also expressed concern for the uneven proportioning of many of the grades and said some action would need to be taken to keep within state funding guidelines. "With decline in number of teachers we are reaching limit on class sizes," he said. He anticipated the district will need additional staff before the sections are situated without penalty.
First on the agenda was Board member Mike Kruk, who submitted copies of minutes of an earlier curriculum committee meeting. The report listing the goals of the committee and recommended the board reconsider an earlier decision to let employees only attend in-state curriculum study meetings.
John Young, said he felt if the school stayed within its budget, they could look at each request individually and make sure we are getting our moneys worth and recommended that each opportunity be weighed on its own merits and not on locale alone. White recommended using available local resources involving the expertise of the current administrative and teaching staff, as well.
Young mentioned a recent teachers breakfast and commended the school board members for their participation. White displayed a Hall of Honor Plaque presented to Pioneer Technology and the Ponca City School system for joint excellence.
White discussed the new Teen Parent Program being conducted at First Baptist Church, where 10 teen mothers are enrolled with their babies or small children. He told the board the program has a waiting list of seven others who want to attend. The Program is licensed for 20. Other churches have volunteered to help with child care with an increased enrollment, but more teachers would have to be added.
Other reports included an new kindergarten located at Union, the special day school for students with disorder problems and the need for a school psychologist and some counselors.
White reported on the Ponca City students ACT test improvement from 21.1 to 22.1, and said he was very pleased and excited with the progress "We are considerably above state average and somewhat above national average," said White. The test is not mandatory, but about 2/3 of all students took the test at end of the 1995 school year.
Steve Stalcup mentioned the high enrollment in English classes at high school and board members discussed how to handle the excess enrollment Adding retired teachers as part-time instructors was suggested.
Also on the agenda, was architect Troy Lewis, who requested change orders on some items of construction at the high school and new Lincoln School. The property committee, under direction of John Young, recommended including adding a $130,000 sprinkler system in the Howell Building, mandated by the state fire marshal's office. The system would be installed by the contractor, at a possible cost savings, as he is currently working on the Math Science Business building addition.
The board discussed the construction of a barrel type canopy between the Howell Building and the Fine Arts Building at approximately $20,000. The original proposed flat roof was to cost $10,000. White suggested finding the cost to include the canopy's extension to the band room door. Also suggested was the removal of a "swamp" area and some large trees, which were damaging the buildings and creating other problems.
Another change order suggested was the upgrading of roof construction to a 20 year roof on the new Lincoln Elementary project at a cost of $33,759, which was calculated to save monies over a long period of time. Another change-order discussion was the need for a higher voltage electrical change for "electrical feed" to the Fine Arts Building at the high school at a cost of $11,463.
The contractor was instructed to bring back further bids on many of the changes or suggestions made by board members.
In conclusion of the open session, building committee members briefly discussed the study of an energy management program, where more that $1 million could be realized over a seven year period. Enid and Bartlesville schools have already begun the program, said White.
The board members retired to executive session and later returned to approve personnel contracts, the 1996-97 ACT Contract and made changes on the policy for tuition for part-time students.
School board personnel present, noted "this is the second year in a row the ACT Contract has been approved at the beginning of the school year.

Enrollment Open For Several Art Classes

Enrollment is now open for several children's art classes and two adult classes to be held at the Ponca City Art Center. Most sessions will begin Sept. 9 and 11., with one watercolor class beginning in October.
Classes include a daytime watercolor class, an evening beginning watercolor class, a morning "drawing for kids" class, children's painting class, children's calligraphy class, adult calligraphy, and an after-school drawing class. The daytime children's classes are ideal for home schooled children.
Several classes begin Sept. 9, including the "drawing for kids" class from 9 to 10 a.m. each Monday for five weeks at a cost of $40. Cindy Rasche will teach the class and supplies are included in the fee. For more information call 765-5332.
Following the drawing class each Monday, a children's painting class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be taught by newcomer, Anna Adams. The cost is $40 for teaching and supplies for the five week course. Call 765-5086 for more information.
On Monday afternoons beginning Sept. 9, Anna Adams will also teach a children's calligraphy class from 2 to 3 p.m. The class will run for five weeks at a cost of $30. Minimum class size is five students.
Also beginning Sept. 9, will be an adult calligraphy class taught by Adams from 1 to 2 p.m. each Monday for five weeks at a cost of $30.
Beginning Sept. 11, children who attend public or private school can attend an afternoon drawing class to be held from 4 to 5 p.m. each Wednesday for five weeks at a cost of $30 (includes materials.)
Also beginning Sept. 11, an adult daytime watercolor class by Elaine Armstrong will be held each Wednesday from 9 to 11:30 p.m. The class will run for 10 weeks and a makeup class will be held at no additional charge on Nov. 20. Cost of the adult watercolor class is $50. For more information call 765-9609.
On Oct. 23, a six-weeks class in beginning watercolor will begin with Ruth Loucks as instructor. Classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday. Cost will be $40 with a minimum class of five students and maximum of seven students. One makeup class will be held and no class is scheduled during Thanksgiving week.
All students should enroll and pay fees at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, open from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information call 765-9746. All students must be members of the Ponca City Art Center. Art Association dues are $10 annually. In the event of insufficient enrollment, some classes will be canceled and fees returned.

NEWS BRIEFS

Bike Stolen - Two girl's pink 10-speed bikes were reportedly stolen from the 300 block of West Grand Avenue. A Ponca City police officer took a report at 10:33 p.m. Sunday.

Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a vandalism report at the Marland Conference Center at 9:10 a.m. Monday. An employee reported vandalism to a sign.

Accident - The Ponca City Police Department was notified of an accident with injury at U.S. 60 and McCord Road at 10:45 a.m. Monday. A Ponca City Fire Department ambulance took a victim to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where the victim was treated and released.

Vandalism - A woman in the 400 block of South Elm Street contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 10:48 a.m. Monday to advise that her residence was vandalized. A report was taken.

Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 24-year-old man in the 2400 block of East Prospect Avenue at 1:21 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident that occurred at North Seventh Street and Little Lane at 3:23 p.m. Monday.

Larceny - A grand larceny report was taken by a Ponca City police officer in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 4:50 p.m. Monday.

Burglary - A Ponca City police officer took a burglary report from the 1000 block of North Waverly Street at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Abandoned Bike - A Ponca City police officer found an abandoned boy's bike at 1:09 a.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of North Pine Street. The bike was brought to the police department.

DEATHS

Frances Hardesty

SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas - Frances Hardesty, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday evening, Aug. 25, 1996, at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital in Sulphur Springs, Texas. She was 86.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel in Sulphur Springs with the Rev. Tommy Hall officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park in Sulphur Springs.
Frances (Beavers) Hardesty was born Aug. 30, 1909 at Temple, the daughter of Albert and Sarah (Cotton) Beavers. She was married to William "Wade" Hardesty on Sept. 2, 1927, at Walters. Mrs. Hardesty was a homemaker and attended the Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Helen Darst of Naples, Fla, and Sally Buchanan of Sulphur Springs, Texas; three sons, Jack of Edmond, Harold of Plano, Texas, and Bert of Athens, Texas; one sister, Lillian Heckerson of Spring Valley, Minn.; two brothers, Raymond Beavers of Chattanooga, Okla.; and John Beavers of Mississippi; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Obituary

C.L. Highfill

C.L. "Dick" Highfill, former three sport coach at Northwestern State University, died Monday, Aug. 26, 1996, 6 a.m., at his home in Ponca City. He was 88.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Alva, with the Rev. Darrell Hardy, officiating. Burial will follow in the Cherokee Cemetery, Cherokee, under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. Friends may call the Trout Funeral Home until 9 p.m. Tuesday, and Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until service time.
Born October 19, 1907, on a farm southeast of Cherokee, (I.T.), he was the son of Alvin Loyd and Meron Frankie Highfill. Highfill was an all-state athlete at Cherokee High school, graduating in 1927. He attended college at Phillips University in Enid where he played football and was an honorable mention All-American in 1930.
At that time, Phillips played such schools as the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Texas. He later transferred to Northwestern and graduated in 1932.
His first teaching job was at Foster High School (now Southeast High) in Oklahoma City where he coached football, baseball and boys and girls basketball. He moved on to Britton High School (now Northeast in Oklahoma City), where he once again coached four teams.
Perhaps his greatest success came at Hollis High School where he coached four players who went on to become all-Americans. One of them was Darrell Royal, the former University of Oklahoma star and legendary coach of the University of Texas Longhorns.
Also in Hollis, Highfill met the young woman who was to become his wife, the former Hazel Barefoot. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1992.
Highfill completed his high school coaching career at Wewoka and moved to Northwestern in 1946. He headed the football program from 1946 to 1954, the basketball team from 1947 to 1955, and the baseball team from 1946 to 1960.
Highfill's greatest success came with the basketball program and he ranks as the second-winningest cage coach in Northwestern history with 115 victories. He coached the 1948-49 team to a conference championship and Northwestern's first berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
He recorded another first when he added Langston University to the Ranger's football schedule in 1958. At that time, no other college in Oklahoma played against black athletes.
Highfill retired in 1960 and one of his retirement gifts was a beautiful silver-mounted saddle and bridle. Following retirement, Highfill raised Palominos and later race horses. He also continued his interest in Northwestern and Ranger sports. He was a frequent visitor to the campus and often was invited by the coaches to speak to the various teams.
In 1993 he was the first inductee in the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame. He also had been active in the alumni baseball game played each year at Homecoming, playing until 1992. The couple moved to Ponca City in November 1995. He was a 32nd degree Mason, the past president of the Alva Lions Club, and for many years was in charge of the horse units in the Homecoming Parade at Northwestern.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel, of the home; three sons, Dr. Jim Highfill, Ponca City, Dr. Joe Highfill, Norman, and Dr. Dick Highfill of Brandon, Miss.; four grandchildren, Dr. Carrie Sessom and Matt Highfill, both of Tulsa, Lance Highfill of Ponca City, and Mike Highfill of Brandon, Miss.
Memorials may be made to the Dick Highfill Athletic Scholarship, c/o NWOSU Alumni Office, 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717.
The sons and grandsons will serve as casket bearers.
paid obituary

Services Pending
Glenda O'Connor
PASADENA, Texas - Glenda Ganz O'Connor, former Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, Aug. 26, 1996, in Pasadena, Texas. She was 54. Survivors include her husband Allen, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.

FAMILY LIVING

Dealing With Difficult People Topic of FCE Group Lesson
The lesson, "How To Deal With Difficult People," was presented by Nettie Cox at the August meeting of Fun and Fundamental FCE Group. The meeting was held at Peckham Christian Church, and all members participated in the program.
The meeting was hosted by Dorthy Tanner. Kathy Fitch, president, led the flag salute, the OAFCE Creed, and singing "I Want a Girl."
Patsy Dorl and Brent and Lance White were introduced as guests. The hostess read "Through It All," Psalms 46: 1 and Isaiah 46: 3-11 for devotions. Roll call was answered by seven members with suggestions on how to deal with difficult people.
It was reported that Nancy Tindel would assist the judge with food entries at the Fair. The sewing tip was to use dental floss to sew on buttons. The health tip was to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to remain hydrated. Members were advised that children should do the same.
The safety tip was that poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak and sumas appear everywhere in the United States except Nevada, Hawaii and Alaska. The best remedies for these rashes, members were advised, are Calamine lotion, cold compresses, cortisone creams, and time.
The newsletter was discussed and the Club Collect repeated. In her program, Ms. Cox said that complainers gripe incessantly. "Listen attentively, acknowledge what the complainer says but don't agree with the complaints," she advised.
"Take control of the situation. Accept the facts without comment. Be prepared to begin this strategy several times. Complainers are slow learners. Other difficulties are agreeables, negativists, unresponsives, indecisives, aggressives and 'know it all' experts. Be patient, firm, friendly and polite."
Kathy and Pearl Fitch received the contest prizes. Virgil Tanner, and Rodney and Austin Ross were luncheon guests.
The next meeting will be Sept. 3 with Kathy Fitch. Wanda Hutcherson will be lesson leader.

BUSINESS

Chamber Board Pledges Help For Sales Tax Election Effort

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The Economic Development Foundation (EDF) got a boost Friday, when the Chamber Board of Directors pledged up to $12,000 for the "Say Yes to More Jobs" half-cent sales tax campaign.
Oct. 8 is the date for special called election, which would earmark another half-cent for job development. The cost of running the campaign is estimated to be $35,000, with the Chamber contributing $12,000, and EDF contributing $18,000 from reserve funds, which are not taxpayer funds, and about $5,000 of private funds being raised.
Chamber Chairman Tim Burg encouraged the EDF to come up with a policy statement saying that their board members and EDF staff would not be allowed to invest in deals with prospects. Barry Bickle, reporting for EDF in the absence of chairman Pat Mulligan, assured the board this was in the works.
Jim Holt, who with Donna Jeffries White, will be heading up the Jobs campaign, announced a meeting of the steering committee would follow the board meeting. About the half cent for economic development, Holt said, "We don't have any other choice."
He noted the funds will not be used to woo more companies the size of Thorn Apple Valley but to secure smaller firms. This would be partly due to the labor force.
Other Business
Special Chamber affiliate guest David Keathly, executive director of Ponca City Main Street, told that Ponca City has been in the program 9 1/2 years. Ponca City is the No. 1 town in Oklahoma in new investment in the 40 square blocks in the downtown area with over $14 million invested.
Larry Felix reported that the next Second Friday Forum will be on Sept. 13 and will feature Kay County candidates. As chairman-elect Felix will host a planning session for the Chamber's program of work on Sept. 12 at Pioneer Technology Center from 7:30 a.m. until noon. The facilitator will be Dr. Margaret White of Oklahoma State University.
Scott Dean, vice chairman, told about the Slice of the PIE program for education and this strategy is also being used for United Way agencies with businesses and industry as sponsors.
Chairman Burg read a letter from United Way executive Helene Schwartz, expressing appreciation for the Chamber's decision to grant the agency housed in the Chamber building free rent for the remainder of the year.
Dean announced that the Night for Education is slated for Oct. 10 and the next Medical Committee meeting is set for Sept. 3. The 1996-97 Leadership Class will meet on Aug. 29 at the Fourth Street Clubhouse. A get acquainted reception for the new class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club that evening.
Carol Bouldin told about Give Ponca the Business and reported that Ed Trice, J.C. Penney manger, is directing advertising. The Conoco Holiday Show Case Day has been scheduled for Oct. 23. At this time various merchants will set up booths to display Christmas merchandise.
Discussion was held on how the search committee for a new Chamber executive should be formed and guidelines for selection established with input from the Chamber board.
The treasurer's report was by Robert Sherer.

Pemberton Dealership Handling Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac

The Pemberton automobile agency has acquired the official Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac dealership designation as a result of the General Motors 2000 year plan.
Part of the GM 2000 plan, being conducted by the North America Operations, is that the stores must be totally devoted to GM sales and service in hub cities. Ponca City is considered a hub city, according to John Murray, director of fixed operations at Pemberton.
Murray said, as a result, the main facility at 3330 North Fourteenth will provide GM products and service. In order to separate the GMC dealerships, Pemberton has moved its Chrysler, Plymouth, Mazda dealership across the street to 3501 North Fourteenth.
The building has been completely renovated and expanded with a service center. Sales and parts have already been moved to the new location. The service area move is expected to be completed about Sept. 9. About 28 persons are employed in the fixed operations, Murray said.
Murray said the separation of the dealerships and service areas will allow for better service for the customers.
Pemberton Career Connections provides scholarships for candidates at Pioneer Area Technology Center who have been in automobile repair classes for a couple of years in high school and wish to make automobile repair their livelihood. Pemberton sends trainees to Oklahoma City for General Motors schooling and to Oklahoma State University Technical School in Okmulgee for Chrysler training.

Cory Bowker On National Ford Council

Cory Bowker of Bowker Ford, has been named to the National Ford Dealer Council. He and 34 other Ford Motor Company dealers meet quarterly in Detroit.
Bowker has the charge of "customer satisfaction" and "market representation."
Dealer Council is the arm that represents all of the dealers, giving Ford Motor Company constructive ideas of how to improve the relationship with the customer and the dealer.
The Dealer Council is involved in future products of the company and are also privileged to drive futuristic automobiles for the comments.

EDF, Conoco, DOC Marketing Vacant Space at PC Complex

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
The Ponca City Economic Development Foundation (EDF), with assistance from Conoco and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, is in the process of a major target marketing effort of vacant space available on the Conoco complex.
EDF is sending a three-part mail-out to prospects for the available office park and lab facilities. The mail-out includes a letter from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, a color brochure and a composite resume of the experienced work force available here.
The first letter targeted prospects will receive is from the office of the governor and carries the state seal. This letter is actually from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Corporate Site Locations Division. The letter states that the nation's No. 1 business incentive has been expanded to include research, development and testing facilities.
It states further, "Qualifying companies are eligible for a 10-year 'cash back' incentive of up to five percent of new annual Oklahoma payroll."
Space Available
The colorful brochure relates information on the facilities available and the advantages. Square footage available at the Conoco complex includes about 150,000 square feet of office space and 50,000 square feet of laboratory space. An attractive feature, according to the brochure, is that configuration of the space is flexible.
Two 10-story office towers are obtainable with 17,000-square-foot floor plates. These facilities were completed in 1978 and 1982. The International Building which was completely renovated in 1982 and contains 18,6000 usable square feet on one story.
Also ready for occupancy is the three-story Research East facility with 50,000 square feet. This facility is operationally ready with wet/dry labs with state-of-the-art technology, as well as a chemical disposal system.
Other site characteristics that make the property attractive are a campus-like setting, ample surface parking, two full-service cafeterias, full service fitness center with indoor swimming pool, a full-motion video conference center and on-site security throughout the complex.
Labor Pool Described
Another segment of the mailing will contain a composite resume of chemical engineers, chemists and support personnel. The objective, according to Wood, is to attract a technically oriented company to Ponca City with the need for a laboratory facility and the highly-skilled, trained personnel to run such a facility.
The summary tells that "In the last year more than 400 people have left Conoco in Ponca City with early retirement or severance packages. Many of these former employees - with more than 25 years of experience - wish to remain in Ponca City having grown accustomed to the safe, low-key, small town atmosphere of this community.
"A large percentage of these employees have chemical engineering, chemistry or related degrees and experience - a plus for anyone leasing the available laboratory facility. This composite resume is a sampling of only 50 of the more than 300 resumes on file at the Conoco Career Center and reflects the caliber of the employees who have left Conoco in the past 12 months and are available for employment or consulting work in Ponca City."
The characteristics of the work force is described as strong work ethic, attention to detail, focus on results, dedicated to quality, team approach to problems and technically skilled and astute.
The work history reveals there are 31 lab technicians with a combined 539 years of experience, an average of 17 years experience each; four chemists with a combined 63 years of experience for an average of 15 years experience; 10 environmental engineers with a combined 143 years of experience, an average of 14 years experience; three mechanical engineers, with a combined 28 years of experience, an average of nine years experience; two chemical engineers with a combined 10 years of experience for an average of five years experience.
Education Levels Available
The composite resume tells that out of 50 resumes surveyed, 26 different degrees were represented from 25 colleges and universities located throughout the country.
Bachelor of science degrees include agriculture, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, ecology, geology, hydrology, industrial arts, mechanical engineering and microbiology. Bachelor of arts include business administration, journalism, political science and psychology.
Master of science degrees include biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering and environmental sciences. Doctors of philosophy degrees are in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, engineering, environmental microbiology, environmental sciences and microbiology.
The educational backgrounds of potential employees include a wide range of universities and locations.
Universities represented include Antioche College, Ohio; East Central Oklahoma University; Elizabethtown College, Penn.; Emporia State University; Georgia Tech; Indian Institute of Science, India; Iowa State University, Iowa; Karnataka University, India; Montana State University; Northwestern State College, Oklahoma; Oklahoma University; Oklahoma State University; Oregon State University.
Also, Stanford Calif., Texas A&M, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Colorado, University of Delaware, University of Idaho, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Texas and University of Wisconsin.
Specialized training is listed in Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER); Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Gas Chromatograph training.

Sales Tax Down For June Sales In Ponca City

Ponca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for business conducted during June shows that Ponca City coffers will receive a total of $742,966 compared to $746,952 for the same time frame in June 1995.
Statewide, the June distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $64,594,126. The disbursement to 481 cities and towns showed an increase of $2,641,778 from the return of $64,594,126 distributed 476 cities and towns in June one year ago.
City April 96 April 95
Barnsdall $15,940 $10,287
Bartlesville 923,722 1,010,965
Billings 9,043 3,966
Blackwell 123,667 133,882
Braman 1,208 1,872
Burbank 349 356
Deer Creek 673 1,458
Enid 1,219,136 1,143,092
Fairfax 12,112 16,175
Kaw City 3,825 2,941
Lamont 2,427 1,852
Marland 818 701
Medford 11,714 13,888
Morrison 2,373 3,437
Newkirk 27,138 20,645
Pawhuska 49,527 51,828
Pawnee 35,430 34,624
Perry 32,224 112,610
Pond Creek 6,010 6,832
Ralston 1,258 1,221
Red Rock 888 634
Shidler 2,346 2,370
Stillwater 891,316 824,177
Tonkawa 31,794 33,297

SPORTS

Show-Up Scramble

Lew Wentz Golf Course is hosting a nine-hole show-up scramble Wednesday. The event costs $10 per person plus green and cart fees.
Players should show up by 5:15 and a shotgun start will be held at 5:30.

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.

Flag Football

Registration for the YMCA Flag Football program, third through seventh grades, will run through August 30. Forms are available in all area elementary schools.
All games will be played on Saturdays beginning September 7 and ending October 12. All third and fourth graders will not be required to purchase contact equipment. Kids in the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades will need to provide their own NOSCAE approved helmet and other contact equipment and shoes. Cost is $15.00 for youth and family YMCA members and $27.00 for non-members.