LOCAL

Nearly News
Eastern State Hospital Faces Reduction In Number of Beds

Nearly News

Nearly News believes the old adage “one good turn deserves another” and is always looking for a good example of that happening. Last week, a 16-year old Po-Hi girl entered the beauty shop at J.C. Penney’s to have her long blond hair cut for the first time in a stylish much shorter length. She asked the operator to save the thick luxurious hair for her because she was going to donate it to an organization who makes wigs for cancer patients. Meanwhile, an employee of the telephone company was working on the phones in the shop and overheard the conversation. When the young donor got ready to pay for her hair-cut, she found the telephone service man had already paid her bill! In the spirit of true giving — without accolades — the telephone worker left quietly without leaving his name, and the young donor asked us not to use hers!

Les Gilliam will be performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Tuesday at 5 p.m. Central Time. The show can be accessed on the Internet at: www.kennedy-center.org/stage/millennium.

NN has discovered a short story written by a former resident, now a successful author, Lou Dean. The story is in the August issue of Guideposts. “Robbing the Bookshelf Bank” is a short story with a distinctive Dean touch, and NN thinks Ponca Citians will enjoy reading it. Folks will remember Dean as the author of “Angels in Disguise”, the story of her childhood. She now resides in Dinosaur, Colo. Lou spent her early years at Braden School, and still thinks of this area as “home.”

Eastern State Hospital Faces Reduction In Number of Beds

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

All but the seriously ill, mental health patients will soon be served through expanded community based services through Edwin Fair Community Health Center. Under the provision of Senate Bill 149, passed in the 1999 legislative session, Eastern State Hospital must reduce its capacity for civil patients to 44 beds by Jan. 1, 2001.

Community-based programs, in Eastern State Hospital’s 21-county service area, are making preparations to expand in order to accommodate patients who previously would have been admitted to the hospital. The region’s seven mental health centers will receive additional funding to provide these services, either at their facilities or through contract with other local health care providers, such as general hospitals.

Officials expect the additional funding will be realized through a reduction in expenditures for state hospital services and Medicaid revenue that community programs can receive for providing services to eligible Medicaid clients.

However, according to William Burkett, superintendent of Eastern State, costs may not be reduced. He says it’s not necessarily less expensive, but more humane. The patients won’t have to be displaced so far from their natural support systems.

Although Governor Frank Keating initiated the reduction in February, the superintendent says he was not aware of the time factor until earlier this summer.

After the reduction, the hospital will have 44 beds for enhanced residential care for persistent and severe symptoms and difficult to treat patients with no criminal background. This will require the reduction of 200 or 225 employees.

“It is our hope that because we have well trained staff that they can take advantage of the expanded services in the community-based programs,” Burkett said. “Some employees are retiring, some will be lost through attrition, but every effort will be made to keep them aware of opportunities and vacancies.

Already the staff is down to 543, compared to 650 in 1998.

Public Hearings

Public hearings have been scheduled in four Oklahoma cities to provide an opportunity for citizen input on the downsizing of the hospital and the development of additional community based services in northeastern Oklahoma. The meetings will be held Sept. 14 and 16 in Muskogee, Vinita, Stillwater and Tulsa. To ensure all interested parties are heard, public comment will be limited to five minutes per speaker.

The first will be on Sept. 14, at 9 a.m. at the Muskogee Public Library, 801 West Okmulgee Street, in Muskogee. At 1 p.m., A second hearing will be held at Big Dawg Catering, 320 South Wilson Street, in Vinita.

On Sept. 16, the Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech will host a public hearing at the Seminar Center, 1500 West Seventh Street, in Stillwater. At 1 p.m., the last hearing is set in the Martin East Regional Library auditorium, 2601 South Garnett Road, in Tulsa.

Citizens unable to attend the public hearings are invited to submit written comments until Sept. 17. These should be mailed to John Hudgens, director of community based prams, department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, P.O. Box 53277, Oklahoma City, 73152 or faxed to Hudgens at 405-522-3650.

The department’s completed transition plan must be submitted to legislative leaders and the governor no later than Jan. 1, 2000, though department officials may finalize it earlier. The service area impacted by Senate Bill 149 includes Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Kay, McIntosh, Mayes, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner and Washington Counties.

Eastern State additionally treats forensic patients, which the state has no plans to reduce. During the 1950s, hospitals were treating about 2,300 patients. But when better medicines began to be introduced in the 1960s, states have continued to make an effort to beef up community-based services.

DEATHS

Vernon Francis Hudnall
Harold L. Lockhart Sr.

Vernon Francis Hudnall

ENID — Vernon Francis Hudnall, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 1999, in Ponca City. He was 81.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 1999, at the Garland Road Church of Christ in Enid with the Rev. Terry Butler officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Vernon Francis Hudnall was born Jan. 8, 1918, on a farm near Marshall, to Walter M. and Hermia (Nagel) Hudnall. He attended Marshall High School. During World War II he served with the U.S. Civil Field Engineer’s Corps.

After his discharge, he was married to Mary Agnes Steiferman in 1946, and the couple made their home in Ponca City. After his wife’s death in July 1969, he moved to Enid and later married Edith Webb, who also preceded him in death. Hudnall was employed with Art’s Machine Shop and Central Machine and Tool in Enid. He retired in 1980, and enjoyed fishing, traveling and visiting with friends.

He is survived by two sons, Ronald Hudnall of Ponca City and Robert Hudnall of Newkirk; one brother, Walter Hudnall of Nowata; one sister, Marcella Rogers of Enid; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both wives; his parents; and three sisters, Mary Ann Lowry, Madonna Sullins and Mabel Hudnall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Circle of Love, c/o Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home, P.O. Box 3501, Enid, OK 73702.

Obituaries

Harold L. Lockhart Sr.

Harold L. Lockhart Sr., Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1999 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 70.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Aug. 31, 1999, at the First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Tom Ramsey, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Harold was born on Aug. 14, 1929, in Grove City, Pa., to Emery Lincoln and Nila Mae (Ewing) Lockhart. He attended and graduated from Shidler Public Schools.

He married Betty Harmon on Sept. 12, 1949, in Oklahoma City. She preceded him in death on August 13, 1997. Harold worked as a welder for Ponca Fab. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and traveling. He was Scout Master for Troop 24, First Lutheran Church, for six years, and was a member of First Lutheran Church.

He is survived by Harold L. Lockhart Jr and his wife Dee of Purcell and Richard D. Lockhart and his wife Glenda of Ponca City; one daughter, Rebecca L. Conner and her husband Joe of El Reno; his mother-in-law, Ester Harmon of Pawhuska; seven grandchildren, Tamara Lockhart, Mark Lockhart and his wife Tabi, Joe Conner and his wife Gretchen, Suzie Spears, Leslee Womack and her husband Tony, Holly Lockhart, and Donnie Lockhart; nine great-grandchildren; and his close and dear friend, Zola Mae Dollarhide. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 12 brothers and sisters, one son, and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 1101 North Fourth Street, Ponca City, Ok 74601.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Cities Service and Sequoia Meet — Former employees of Cities Service and Sequoia will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Furr’s for lunch.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Car Fire — At 9:47 a.m. Saturday, Ponca City firefighters responded to the report of a car fire in the 1700 block of North Fifth Street.

Continuing The tradition this Fall...Country Harvest Antique and Craft Show, Sept. 10th and 11th at Hutchins. adv.

Burglary — A Ponca City police officer took a burglary report at 1 p.m. Saturday in the 400 block of South Oak Street.

Sale: Sterling jewelry for children! See our limited edition of dolls, wall crosses, and a wide variety of clocks. New shipments daily. Christy’s 3005 N. 14th. Open everyday. adv.

Assault — At 1:58 p.m. Saturday, a resident in the 200 block of South Osage Street advised the Ponca City Police Department of an assault. An officer responded and took a report.

Want to start your own business? Pioneer Tech’s Self-Employment Training program can

show you how to start for less cash. This program can also help you determine the feasibility and legal requirements of starting your own business. Evening classes begin September 2. Call 762-8336, Ext. 262 to reserve your seat! adv.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 23-year-old man from a traffic stop at North Union Street and West Prospect Avenue at 3:46 p.m. Saturday for driving under suspension and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Pauline's Every Monday Night Special. Fried Chicken Only- all white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — At 9:25 p.m. Saturday, two Ponca City police officers stood by until the Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrived to the scene of a non-injury accident four miles east of North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road.

Burglary — A subject advised the Ponca City Police Department at 9:32 p.m. Saturday of a vehicle burglary in the 200 block of West Oklahoma Avenue. An officer responded and took a report.

Mischief — At 10:31 p.m. Saturday, an employee of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, contacted the Ponca City Police Department to complain about a vehicle that was ramming into shopping carts on the east side of the parking lot. Two officers responded and issued citations to several juveniles.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 22-year-old man at North Fourth Street and East Roosevelt Avenue at 11:06 p.m. Saturday for no drivers’ license and a city warrant.

Burglary — At 11:14 p.m. Saturday, a resident in the 2700 block of East Hartford Avenue advised the Ponca City Police Department that a CD player and CD’s were stolen from a vehicle. An officer responded and took a report of auto burglary.

DUI — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 31-year-old man from a traffic stop in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street at 1:44 a.m. Sunday for driving under the influence.

Arrest — At 8:23 a.m. Sunday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 27-year-old man in the 1200 block of South Ninth Street for driving under suspension and no insurance.

Assault — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 54-year-old man in the 1900 block of Joe Street at 11:38 a.m. Sunday for domestic assault and battery.

Accident — At 3:43 p.m. Sunday, a resident in the 300 block of South Lincoln Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department to report a minor accident. An officer responded.

Accident — A Ponca City police officer responded to the report of a non-injury accident at South Ash Street and West South Avenue at 4:26 p.m. Sunday.

Stolen Car — At 7:57 p.m. Sunday, a subject advised the Ponca City Police Department that a Chevrolet Camaro was apparently taken from the owner. Ponca City communication officers advised surrounding agencies to attempt to locate the vehicle. At 10:11 p.m. Sunday, a Fort Oakland officer recovered the car.

Theft — A clerk at the Triple T, South Waverly Street and West South Avenue, advised the Ponca City Police Department at 7:57 p.m. Sunday that a subject took three backs of cigarettes and left in a green Dodge neon. An officer responded and took a report.

Arrest — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 21-year-old man at North Second Street and East Highland Avenue at 12:16 a.m. Monday for driving under the influence, no drivers’ license, no insurance and careless driving.

LIFESTYLES

New Stamp Depicts Vietnam War
Campus Housing Specialist Advocates College Dormitory

New Stamp Depicts Vietnam War

By SYD KRONISH

For AP Special Features

The Vietnam War, longest and most controversial war in U.S. history, is remembered on a 33-cent U.S. commemorative stamp.

The stamp is based on a photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Howard C. Breedlove of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry. It shows American paratroopers jumping from a helicopter near Chu Lai in the spring of 1967.

It is one of a set of 15 reprising the 1960s as part of the U.S. Postal Service “Celebrate the Century” program. Other stamps marking the decade honor The Beatles, the Peace Corps, Super Bowl I, Star Trek, Roger Maris and Barbie. All will be released Sept. 17.

In 1957, North Vietnamese guerrillas began a campaign of sabotage and assassinations in South Vietnam. The United States sent troops and military advisers to South Vietnam and stepped up its activities in 1965. On Jan. 27, 1973, the U.S. agreed to withdraw its forces, and the last Americans pulled out in March 1973. In all, 46,397 Americans were killed and 306,653 were wounded.

The conflict, however, continued until April 1975 when the Communist North Vietnamese captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam.

First day covers of the 1960s series will be available from the Stamp Fulfillment Services of the U.S. Postal Service. Call (800) STAMP-24.

Campus Housing Specialist Advocates College Dormitory

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Going away to college in another town probably represents your first transition to independence. Wouldn’t it be great fun to have your own apartment?

Maybe not, says Christina Bilinski, campus housing specialist at Rutgers University. There are many advantages to living on campus in a dormitory or similar facility, among them avoiding the hassles of dealing with rent deposits, security problems, paying bills each month, and finding the requisite number of housemates to chip in to cover expenses.

A major positive of on-campus residence is better grades, says Bilinski. She says studies show campus dwellers do better academically, are more likely to graduate, and have more opportunity to develop leadership skills.

It’s also easier to make new friends and feel connected. And when you live in a residence hall, there’s always someone nearby for study help, socializing, and having fun.

Furthermore, classes, labs, the library, the computer center, the student center, and campus-sponsored activities are there where you are. You’re already where the action is.

Bilinski points out that dorm living still gives you independent living and responsibilities. Usually, you’ll have a choice of room layouts and a relatively free hand in decorating it as you wish. And most colleges or universities have systems to match you to a compatible roommate, based on your interests, your habits, and any particular needs.

Most colleges or universities offer a variety of amenities for those who choose dormitory life. You can expect to find washers and dryers, lounges, study areas, kitchenettes, vending machines and public telephones in or near residence halls. Some even provide microwave-refrigerator units in each room.

You’ll also probably be able to use a community storage room for large items — such as the big trunk you shipped your belongings in — that you won’t keep in your room or its closets.

You should check with the school about what kinds of appliances and other items are off-limits for safety reasons.

Contact your roommate about decorating decisions and what items to bring, such as entertainment equipment, houseplants, telephones, etc.

Bilinski says the source for information on housing questions is the housing and residence life office at your college or university. They can fill you in about residence facilities, dining, parking, telephone and mail services, safety and security, policy and procedures, and other issues.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback

Monday Evening Quarterback

Playing evenly or even a little better than one poll’s top 10 team in their final scrimmage was a big boost for the Wildcat footballers as they move toward the season opener Friday.

“It was a big confidence booster,” coach Rusty Benson said of the Cats’ play against No. 10 Del City here Thursday.

After gaining just three first downs in their first scrimmage against Bartlesville, the Cats were a bit ragged against the bigger, faster Del City Eagles. But they managed one long scoring drive and one long scoring run.

In between the offense sputtered, but Benson saw nothing that couldn’t be fixed.

Defensively, the Wildcats gave up two scores, but maybe more importantly held Del City out twice deep in Po-Hi territory.

The scrimmage showed the Wildcats could play with the big boys.

That’s good, because they’ll be meeting a lot of big boys during the season.

A look at the preseason polls shows the Cats will face four Top 10 teams and a fifth rated in the Top 15.

Tulsa Union (13-1 last year) is ranked No. 2 in Class 6A, Stillwater (9-3) is No. 8, Edmond Memorial (5-6) is No. 9 and Tahlequah (5-5) No. 10. Owasso (8-3) is ranked 10th in one poll, 13th in another.

The schedule gives the Cats a break early with three of the first four games at home.

Sept. 3, Tulsa Hale, Home

The Rangers were hit hard by graduation and also lost 1,000-yard rusher Kejaun Jones to Tulsa Union (like the Redskins needed another running back).

But Hale was supposed to be down last year before blitzing the Wildcats 42-14 in the opener. The Rangers cooled off late in the season against the tough 6A-4 foes to finish 7-4.

Sept. 10, Tahlequah, Home

In any other district (6A-4), Tahlequah would have been a title contender last season. This year the Tigers could give Jenks, Broken Arrow and Muskogee a run for their money. That mainly because of quarterback Justin Southerland (6-4, 205), who threw for just over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns last year. The Tigers mauled the Wildcats, 43-14 last year.

Sept. 17, Tulsa Memorial, Away

This was Ponca City’s only win last year, 35-14. But Memorial has improved and is starting to get coach Blair Philbrick’s system down. The Chargers are hoping for a first-division finish in a very tough district. Their main weapons are quarterback Joe Hull and receiver Buzz Esau (6-0, 175). Hull passed for 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns with Esau catching five of those scores.

Sept. 24, Stillwater, Home

This is a tough way to start district play. The Pioneers are picked to give Union a run at the title — again. This will also be the third straight 1,500-yard-or-better passer the Wildcats face. Quarterback Josh Fields has some more experienced receivers, including John Martin and Leonard Jones and a hard-running fullback in Dustin Diener. Stillwater raked the Wildcats for nearly 400 yards in total offense in a 34-7 win last year.

Oct. 1, Edmond Memorial, Away

Ponca City’s faces blue chip quarterback No. 4 in the person of Memorial’s Darren Swiggert, who threw for 2,000 yards last year. The Bulldogs scored on passes and runs of 59, 57, 43, 21 and 41-yards in building a 34-0 halftime lead against the Wildcats last year en route to a 41-14 win.

Memorial finished 5-6 last year, but looks to challenge Union and Stillwater this time out.

Oct. 8, Owasso, Home

Guess what? The Rams will throw the ball again, mainly to wide receiver David Porter, who had catches for 459 yards last season. Owasso also got help from a transferee, Lamont Moore, who will strengthen the running game. Last year, the Rams shut out the Poncans, 38-0.

Oct. 15, Enid, Away

Despite a 44-17 win over Ponca City, the Plainsmen finished 3-7 last year and will have a new coach this season in Ed Jones, formally of Frederick.

This, as usual, is a pivotal game for the Wildcats. Enid returns a number of starters, but the Plainsmen’s success depends on how quickly they adjust to Jones’ system.

Oct. 21, Sand Springs, Away

The Sandites nudged the Poncans 19-7 last year, but boast one of the top offensive lines in the district this time around.

Oct. 29, Sapulpa, Home

The Chieftains, hurt by injuries, finished 5-5 last year despite beating Ponca City 41-0. But Sapulpa has a solid group of returnees.

Nov. 5, Union, Away

What can be said that hasn’t been said about the Redskins? Enough said.