From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, September
23, 1997
LOCAL
Nearly News
Editorial
Fine Arts Festival Winners Named
Panel Asks To Curtail Left Turns Off Patton
Aircraft Fire Rescue Equipment Given Approval by Commission
School Board Gets Complaint On Sports Coverage Given by WBBZ
Habitat for Humanity Golf Event Saturday
New Head Man Dancer Set At Standing Bear Powwow
Volunteer Places New Handicapped Picnic Tables at Standing Bear Park
District Court
DEATHS
Eva Katherine Kelly
Emma C. Myers
George E. Warnecke
Jean S. Wilderson
Linda L. Rouse
Services Pending
Charles Ken Prather
Funerals
Jean L. Linstead
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Chamber Urges Support of STW
Tourism Authority Gives $1,000 For 'Give Ponca the Business'
Initial 'Mind Your BISiness' Session on Communications
Chamber Leaders Make Plans for '98
BancFirst Plans Purchase Of NationsBank Locations
Notes and Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Midway Marriage
Little News
Extravaganza Set Thursday
Reception for Pastor
Laureate Phi Meets
SPORTS
Cat JVs Shutout Newkirk
PC Freshmen Top Blackwell In 26-0 Win
Frontier Starting District Playoffs
NN has found a Good Samaritan in our midst - a finder of lost articles. If you have lost something important to you at Wal-Mart recently, please call 765-5751 during the working hours, or after 5 p.m., 628-3739, and perhaps you will find what you lost - there's a kind-hearted soul out there who wants to help.
----
Patrick Jordan, The News' resident puzzle master, has had two more crossword puzzles, "A Cheap Used Car" and "Our Guest Speaker," accepted by the New York Times
New Buildings Worth a Look
School buildings are the vehicles in which our children journey toward knowledge and learning. The Ponca City School System has added two vehicles of which we can be very proud. They are not fancy high priced models, they appear to be solid and well built. More importantly they appear to have all the necessities and some of the more important options, without unnecessary and expensive extras.
When spending millions of dollars, the temptation, all too often, is to spend too much on frills and not enough on the basic building blocks of education. When that happens the community does not get a full measure from it's tax dollars. That does not appear to be the case this time. Yes, Lincoln grade school and the senior high addition are very nice. They have many of the newest architectural features and the latest designs, as they should. They are attractive without being fancy and functional without being ugly. In short, we appear to have gotten just what we asked for, and what we were told we would get.
There were some variances from the original budget. With a plan of this magnitude and the amounts being spent, it is no surprise that some items changed. Some proposals were deleted, some were added. The end result still appears to have been well planned and executed.
If you didn't get the chance Sunday to tour the two buildings, try to find a time when you can. Informed citizens will want to see how the tax monies were spent, and it is interesting to see the new ideas and designs.
Congratulations to all those involved in the projects. The Ponca City Schools have far to go to bring the physical plant up to an acceptable standard. The schools have made a good start with the new buildings and we are looking forward to more of the same in the near future.
The 23rd Ponca City Fine Arts Festival ribbon and cash award winners were announced Saturday at the Ponca City Art Center. More more than 75 artists exhibited in various genres of fine arts Saturday and Sunday, enjoying the cool, but sometimes gusty weather.
Named as top winner of the show for the "Best of Show" ribbon was a colorful floral watercolor by Wilbur Elsea of Wichita.
Selected for the Trustee's award was an oil by Jim Ryon of Raytown, Mo., and the Florence Riesen Award went to Leslie A. Frazier of Ponca City.
Winners were also named by judges Maxine Warren of Ponca City and Nicholas Kyle of Joplin, Mo. Ribbons were awarded in seven categories including oils, watercolor, graphics, sculpture, pottery, photography, and other three dimensional art.
In oils first place was awarded to Gene Dougherty, Tonkawa, second to Larry Williamson of Ponca City, third to Bobby Lane and honorable mention to Floanna Crowley.
Cletus Smith, a consistent winner at the PCAA Fine Arts Festival took first place in watercolor, Le Bloemker of Fremont, Neb., placed second, Jim Rigg of Manhattan, Kan., won third place and Klaus Kuntscher of Shawnee Mission, Kan., received honorable mention.
In graphics, Kim Norton placed first, Dale Martin of Cushing, took second, Margaret Yates of Ponca City, placed third and Linda Cunningham of Oklahoma City was awarded honorable mention.
Johnny McDonald took first in sculpture and Ron and Sherry Blankenship took second place.
The first place pottery ribbon was awarded to Ray Cherehgosha, of Stillwater, second place was won by LeRoy Schultz of Weatherford, third by Kenneth Ashby of Canton, and honorable mention went to Sammye Vanderwall of Belle Plaine Kan.
Two awards were presented in photography going to Kelly Holstein of Yukon for first place and Michael Danbom of Beaumont, Texas, for second.
Other three-dimensional artworks were adjudicated and first place ribbon was awarded to Paula Sparks and Chris Lynn of Springfield, Mo., for jewelry, Jim and Mary Delso of Henryetta, for sculpture and third to Bill Maupin of Moore, for a wood entry.
The Traffic Commission has approved, by a narrow margin, to recommend restricting left turns from Patton Drive north onto Fourteenth Street.
According to Mike Lane traffic engineer, drivers attempting to make north turns from Patton Drive onto Fourteenth Street have accounted for 77 percent of the total accidents at that intersection in the last ten years. However, that only averages two accidents per year,
"In the last ten years there have been 22 collisions at this intersection," Lane wrote in his report to the commission. "Seventeen of those accidents involved the left turn movement from Patton."
There has been only one fatality accident at the intersection in the ten year period.
Commission member Ray Kinsinger voted for the restriction stating that he drives the area frequently and is very often delayed by traffic turning at the intersection. "One car turning there can literally block traffic for 10-15 minutes," he said.
According to a turning movement count taken on Sept. 4 a total of 20,992 vehicles traveled the intersection between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The peak traffic hours were between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. when a total of 2,200 vehicles traveled the intersection.
The commission voted 4-3 in favor of the restriction during last week's traffic commission session. The matter will now go before the city commission in October for final consideration.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
City Commissioners approved a bid for an aircraft fire rescue truck during Monday night's city commission meeting. However, the federal grant which will pay for 90 percent of the purchase price has yet to be awarded. Therefore the commissioner's approval is pending the FAA grant actually being awarded to the City.
According to Don Nuzum, the Ponca City airport manger, the federal grant should be awarded at the end of this month. "I have been working on this project for over five years," Nuzum said. "We can not get parts for the old truck and the new truck should last us 30 years."
The Commission approved the low bidder, the Wisconsin Oshkosh Truck Corp. The total cost of the truck is approximately $300,000. However, if all goes according to plans, the truck will only cost the city approximately $30,000 because the remaining will be paid with the pending federal grant funds.
Nuzum explained to the commissioners that the grant is 90 percent federal, 10 percent City with a potential 5 percent match from the state.
The new truck will be housed at the airport and manned by Ponca City Firefighters. It is designed to specifically fight industrial park fires. "This is a great deal for the price," Commissioner Dick Stone said. Commissioner Chris Hand agreed, adding that without the grants the city would not have been able to purchase the truck.
The truck will be replacing the 1975 International quick response truck which will be put in reserve or sold.
Commissioners also approved the release of funds from a grant with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the amount of $100,000 for the infrastructure improvements for the USA Bottling Company access street project.
The project involves building a 250 foot cul-de-sac street which, according to Public Works Director Ken Parr, will create access for smaller industrial tracts in the area. "The $100,000 grant was awarded because of jobs created by the USA Bottling Company," Parr explained. Now that the environmental review and other formalities have been completed Parr says construction should begin next spring.
An amendment to the contract for the Waverly Street/Industrial Street Project was approved. The amendment involves narrowing the width of Waverly Street, which according to project engineers Chapman, Parr and Gill, will reduce the cost of the road by approximately $65,000.
A bid in the amount of $4,150 for the demolition of a structure at 1120 South Thirteenth Street was also accepted by the commissioners Monday night. City Attorney Kevin Murphy suggested the city investigate the possibility of trying to recoup city funds spent on the demolition of privately owned structures. "We should at least consider the possibility of each owner having to pay for the cost involved with demolition," Murphy told the commissioners.
The City Commissioners approved the appointment of the Personnel Board. Appointed to May 1998 was Sharon Dennison. Stephen Crank was appointed to May 1999 and Dr. Sally Downey was appointed to May 2000.
The Commission, acting as the Ponca City Development Authority, approved a five year extension on the lease agreement of Air System Components for the Darr School Property until the year 2002.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Reevaluating the contract with WBBZ AM 1230 for that stations exclusive broadcasting rights for Ponca City High School sports could be looked into after a comment from a board member was made Monday night at the Board of Education meeting.
Michael Kruck, board member, spoke to the board and public about his concerns for the coverage given by WBBZ at the recent football games. Kruck went on to said that he would like the board to look into the current contract with WBBZ.
"They berate and belittle the officials on the field and they make their own personal opinions," Kruck said. "I feel that this is poor sportsmanship."
Other Business
Approval was given for the master contract with the Association of Classroom Teachers (ACT) for the 1997-98 school year. The contract includes full compensation and fringe benefits.
The support salary schedule and administrators salaries for the 1997-98 school year were also approved.
The support salary changes for this year will include that all health and dental insurance premiums be included in the salary schedule and will apply to meeting the state minimum salary schedule. This change is intended to satisfy the district's one-third contribution to the premium under the state plan.
A new support salary schedule was added for the Child Nutrition manager and the Child Nutrition site managers. The schedules for these positions were added this year.
Changes will occur with the maintenance and trade for the 1997-98 school year. The reason for this addition was because they are required to have a contractors license; therefore, needing a separate scale.
The final changes for support salary was for the transportation department. The waiting time was extended from $4.75 to $5.15 an hour. An example of waiting time is when a driver takes the students on a bus to athletic games and must then wait until the students return. The reason for this increase is due to the change in minimum wage.
The board adjourned at 8:20 p.m. and set the next regular board meeting for Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Ponca City Habitat for Humanity will have its fourth annual golf tournament on Saturday, beginning at noon at the Lew Wentz Golf Course. The tournament is dedicated to the memory of Dr. John Robinson, who dedicated a lot of volunteer time for the local Habitat for Humanity.
The tournament will be a 4-person scramble. Teams will be formed based on individual handicaps; or already organized 4-member teams, may also enter. Entries are available at Lew Wentz and Ponca City Country Club golf courses.
Call Jan Rodd 767-1924 or Trish Creed 767-5302 for more information.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical Christian housing ministry. The Ponca City Habitat began in 1991 and is continuing to improve the quality of the community and lives by assisting families in building and owning decent and adequate housing. Construction of a house at 305 South Franklin Street will be complete by Thanksgiving. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to help fulfill dreams of those who one day want to own their own home.
JoAnn O'Bregon, chairman of the Standing Bear Powwow Committee, has announced a change in head staff for the Sept. 26-27 Standing Bear Powwow.
"We are pleased to have A.J. Leading Fox accept the position of Head Man Dancer, said O'Bregon. "Jauquin Hamilton, previously announced as Head Man Dancer, is unable to participate due to an unexpected trip to California."
A.J. Leading Fox is a member of the Pawnee and Otoe Tribes. He attends Pawnee High School, where he is an honor roll student with high academic achievements. He plays football and wrestles for Pawnee and is a Student Council Representative and an active member of the Northern Plains Indian Club.
Leading Fox is the son of Pratt and Michelle Leading Fox and travels with his family throughout the U.S. and Canada dancing in competition powwows. He is a Champion Straight Dancer.
"I am very honored to serve as Head Man Dancer for the Standing Bear Committee," Leading Fox said. "My family and I wish the Committee success and hope everyone enjoys himself this weekend at Standing Bear Park."
The Fourth Annual Standing Bear Powwow begins Friday at 6 p.m. at Standing Bear Park and will continue through Saturday evening. Activities will include Gourd Dancing and Intertribal Dancing open to all, as well as Contest Dancing. A traditional meal will be served free to all on Saturday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Partial funding for the powwow is through the generosity of the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Ponca City Tourism Authority. The public is encouraged to attend and watch "A.J." and dozens of other colorfully-outfitted dancers show the different styles of Native American dance. "Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the shade under the traditional brush arbors around the dance arena," O'Bregon suggested, "Or sit on the bleachers provided on other sides of the arena."
The powwow is being held in the Conoco Green Belt area to the west of the developed portion of Standing Bear Park. A lighted camping area with electrical outlets and access to water is available to the north of the arena. A patrolled parking area northeast of the arena will accommodate visitors. Those driving to the powwow will be directed to the parking area from the intersection of Lucas Street and Coolidge.
Thanks to the volunteer spirit and hard work of Ponca City resident Curtis Perry, Standing Bear Park again has two handicapped-accessible picnic tables. When Perry read about the theft of the Park's table earlier this year, and of its replacement cost of $2,000, he came to Native American Foundation Chairman Carl Renfro with an offer.
"I can clone that table for far less than $2,000," Perry stated. "Also I'd like to donate my work to the Foundation and the Standing Bear project. People have been kind to me throughout my life, and I try to help others as I can."
Perry spent a total of thirty hours gathering materials and assembling the table in his well-equipped home workshop. The wood was hand-selected fir, cut to his specifications at a Wichita Lumberyard and cost $350. Total cost of materials and time was more than $1,600. When the lumberyard was unable to deliver to Ponca City, Perry made a special trip to pick up the lumber. He discovered that the dimensions of the boards differed slightly from those of the original table and generated two large bags of shavings-recycled as mulch in his granddaughter's garden - as he planed the boards to exact specifications.
When the table was completed and installed, its appearance differed from the original only in the color of the sealer Perry applied to preserve his handiwork.
Noticing that the original table was weathering, he then applied the sealer to that table as well. Both tables now are bolted and anchored in grouting and will provide visitors with a permanent picnic spot in the shade of the trees overlooking Standing Bear Lake.
Within hours after the new table was in place, a family had stopped there for a lengthy lunch.
Curtis Perry's woodworking and metalworking expertise come from a lifetime of on-the-job experience. He has spent 53 years in the construction of steel storage tanks and has traveled and worked in a majority of the United States.
Perry has owned his own firm, S&P Company, since 1960. His previous experience was with Tonkawa Tank Company, owned by his brother and son. He retired in 1997 but has a fully-equipped and well organized home workshop ready to tackle projects large and small.
His home contains beautiful pieces of furniture which he has crafted. His yard contains everything from a unique mail box to an individualized light pole to a bird feeder intended as a one-of-a-kind present for his wife, Adela.
The bird feeder was so popular with his family that children and grandchildren requested duplicates. Perry now faces the challenge of designing a new feeder for Adela that is truly unique.
Ponca City
Divorces Sought
Carol Ann Sensintaffar vs. Roy Wayne Sensintaffar.
Karna Michelle Harris vs. Brandt Allen Harris Jr.
Sharon K. Kain vs. Stanley G. Kain.
Steven Bruce Frederick vs. Barbara Jean Frederick.
Cindy Carol Seaton vs. Dennis Howard Seaton.
Darla Ann White vs. David Bruce White.
Divorces Granted
Cherell Earline Brooks vs. Paul James Brooks, Jr.
Civil Proceedings
Barbara Graves vs. Thomas V. Richardson; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
LeMonnier Construction Co. vs. J. Norman Drake and Lynne A. Drake, dba Skate World Roller Skating Rink, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.
Mark J. Carney vs. Ellen H. Sprehe; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess
of $10,000.
DEATHS
GRAINOLA - Eva Katherine Kelly, longtime Grainola resident died Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21, 1997, at Windsor Place Nursing Home in Coffeyville, Kan. She was 86.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cedar Vale (Kan.) Cemetery with the Rev. Dennis Jones of Shidler officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Graves Funeral Home, Coffeyville, Kan. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9 p.m. today and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Eva Katherine (Jackson) Kelly was born July 31, 1911, in Fairgrove, Mo., the daughter of William Wesley and Loma May (Bingaman) Jackson. She grew up and attended school in Grainola.
On June 30, 1930, she married Elmer Lee Kelly in Perry and the couple established their home in the Grainola area, where they lived and ranched their entire married lives. Mrs. Kelly was a homemaker. She was a member of the Grainola United Methodist Church and the Grainola Homemakers Unit. She was also active in establishing and maintaining the Grainola Senior Citizens Center.
Survivors include her husband, Elmer, of the home; four sons, Charles and Paul both of Grainola, Eugene of Severy, Kan., and Carl of Hewins, Kan.; two brothers, Howard Jackson of Grainola and Delmar Jackson of Ardmore; two sisters, Annie Stevens of Springfield, Mo., and Mary Yelton of Borger, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son Robert; her parents; one sister, Nellie Gammon; and five brothers, Orval, Needham, Lester, Clyde, and Loren Jackson.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Kelly's name to the Grainola United Methodist Church, Grainola, OK 74652.
TONKAWA - Emma C. Myers, longtime Tonkawa resident, died early Monday morning, Sept. 22, 1997 at the Ponca City Nursing Home in Ponca City. She was 85.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Tonkawa First Christian Church, with Dr. John Bartlett officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Emma Caroline (Kitchen) Myers was born March 29, 1912, in Canadian, Okla. She was the eldest of 10 children born to P.J. and Addie Mae (McKinney) Kitchen.
On Nov. 14, 1927, she was married to Loyd S. Myers in Wewoka and the couple moved to Tonkawa in 1929. She assisted her husband in his business, Myers Hardfacing Co. Her interests included church activities, quilting and her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include four daughters, Ellen Mitchell, Louise Furber, and Judy Esch, all of Tonkawa and Carolyn Tidwell of Ponca City; one son, Jim Myers of Arlington, Va.; two sisters, Faye Lindsay and Billie Polen, both of Tonkawa; one brother Jack Kitchen of Broken Arrow; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; two infant daughters; her parents; five brothers, Melvin, Herbert, Jim, Bob and Raymond Kitchen; one sister, Opal Duncan; and one grandson.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Myers' name to the Tonkawa First Christian Church or the American Diabetes Association c/o McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 400 East Grand, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
George E. Warnecke, longtime Ponca City area resident, died Saturday evening, Sept. 20, 1997, northeast of Ponca City. He was 59.
A graveside funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Virgil M. Swift, pastor of Crestview Baptist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
George E. Warnecke was born July 21, 1938, in Granite City, Ill. to Everett and Sarah Inez (Jones) Warnecke. He grew up in Illinois and moved to Ponca City in 1967.
On May 7, 1970, he was married to Carolyn A. Wolfe. At the time of his death he had been employed as a machinist with Nickles Industrial Manufacturing Corporation, Ponca City, for 19 years. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, rain or shine camping, fishing, and playing darts.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of the home; three sons, Terry of San Diego, Calif., George Everett Jr. of Stillwater, and John Everett of Newkirk; two daughters, Beverly J. Taylor of Edwardsville, Ill., and Stephanie Zarrabi of Stillwater; one step-daughter, Robbin (Garris) Ferguson of Stillwater; one brother Guy Francis of Kimberling City, Mo.; one sister, Beverly Bond of Bartlesville; and 11 grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death.
Honorary casket bearers will be Bob Cordwell, Jim Akers, Rich Whitteberry, John Wohletz, Tim Smith, and Mike Crosson.
WICHITA, Kan. - Jean S. Wilderson, a relative to several Ponca City residents, died Saturday Sept. 20, 1997, in Wichita, Kan. She was 73.
A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Central Community Church in Wichita, Kan. The service will also be a memorial for her husband, Bruce F. Wilderson Jr., who died Aug. 27, 1997. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, Wichita.
Jean S. (Stewart) Wilderson was born June 2, 1924, in Peru, Kan., the daughter of James W. and Lethia (Vanderhoof) Stewart. She was married to Bruce F. Wilderson Jr. and a former resident of Sedan, Kan. Mrs. Wilderson was a retired supervisor with CSC Credit Services Inc. Commercial Division, in Wichita.
Survivors include two sons, James Millikan of Evanston, Ill, and Joe Millikan of Wichita; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Wilderson's name to Central Community Church, 6100 West Maple Street, Wichita, KS 67209. Flowers for the service should also be sent to the church.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Linda L. Rouse, former Arkansas City resident, died suddenly Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. She was 63.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 1997, at Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, with a reception to follow at the Central Christian Church, Arkansas City, Kan.
Linda L. (Wheat) Rouse was born June 23, 1934, in Arkansas City, the daughter of Darrel and Nell Wheat. She was married to Warren Rouse of Newkirk, in Arkansas City. Mrs. Rouse was a homemaker and caregiver, giving generously of her time at hospitals, schools and for youth activities.
Survivors include her husband, Warren; one son, David Rouse; one daughter, Ramona Rouse; and five grandchildren; all of Everett, Wash. She is also survived by one brother, Glenn Wheat of Arkansas City, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Rouse's name to the American Heart Association, c/o Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 756, Arkansas City, KS 67005.
TONKAWA - Charles Kent Prather, former Kay County resident, died Monday, Sept. 22, 1997, in Vencor Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 72. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Thursday
Jean L. Linstead - Memorial Service to be held at 3 p.m. at the
Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
NEWS BRIEFS
Theft - A man in the 800 block of Birch Street called police at 7:26 a.m. Monday reporting the theft of some tools. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - At 9:14 a.m. Monday a man in the 1500 block of South Eighth Street reported rings stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 9:25 a.m. Monday from the 100 block of East Highland Avenue for domestic assault and battery.
Arrest - A 25-year-old woman was arrested at 10:47 a.m. Monday in the 300 block of East Ponca Avenue on a city warrant.
Accident - Police responded to a non-injury accident at Hartford Avenue and North Union Street at 1:24 p.m. Monday.
Arrest - At 1:48 p.m. Monday police arrested a 21-year-old man from the 1100 block of West Ponca Avenue on a Kay County warrant.
Arrest - Police arrested a 27-year-old woman at 2:53 p.m. Monday from the 400 block of South Pine Street for possession of another's credit card, after a business reported the woman trying to use a stolen credit card.
Accident - Police received a call at 2:54 p.m. Monday reporting a hit-and-run accident at Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue. Two officers responded and the vehicles involved were located. A report was made.
Arrest - Police arrested a 27-year-old man at 2:54 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of South Pine Street for possession of another's credit card, driving under suspension and no insurance.
Accident - At 3:43 p.m. Monday a two vehicle accident was reported in the 1000 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Obscene Calls - A man at Modern Supply, 1202 West Summit Avenue, reported to police that obscene calls were being made to a woman at the business. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Bite Victim Treated - A woman at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center emergency room reported to police at 4:41 p.m. Monday that a person was being treated for a bite received during a fight Friday night in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Destruction of Property - At 5:15 p.m. Monday a man reported to police that a man in the 2000 of North Fourteenth Street driving a pick-up truck "pulled in front of him, slammed on his brakes, got out of his truck and broke his windshield with his fist." An officer was assigned and a report on reckless driving and destruction of private property was taken.
Stop Payment - The manager at Sight 'N Sound Appliance Center, 109 West Hartford Avenue, reported to police at 5:33 p.m. Monday that a person who had purchased $1,000 of merchandise stopped payment on the check. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 6:37 p.m. Monday at North Oak Street and West Cleveland Avenue for driving under suspension, no insurance and child seat belt violation.
"Hot Wire" Attempt - Police received a call at 7:04 p.m. Monday from a resident in the 1200 block of South Fourth Street reporting that someone had tried to "hot wire" their vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft - A woman reported to police at 7:54 p.m. Monday that her purse had been stolen out of her vehicle and her driver's license had been found in a parking lot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Gas Drive-Off - A clerk at Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue, reported to police at 8:05 p.m. Monday that someone drove off without paying for $27.75 in gas. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 21-year-old man at 2:36 a.m. Tuesday
in the 200 block of West Grand Avenue for unlawful entry and public intoxication.
BUSINESS
The Paul Revere Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has been activated to encourage support of the School-to-Work (STW) program, according to Russell Shields, committee chairman.
This committee calls or faxes information about issues to those making the decisions. In this case the Chamber Board has gone on record supporting STW.
Meeting This Afternoon
A meeting of the school board's curriculum committee is slated for today at 5 p.m., at the school administration offices at 111 West Grand. The Paul Revere Committee is recommending that those favoring the STW program attend the meeting and voice their support.
Chamber Supports STW
The Chamber has officially supported the STW initiative for the past three years. On Oct. 13 the Ponca City School Board will be voting on whether to implement the Oklahoma-School-to-Work initiative.
According to the committee's news release, there appears to be significant opposition to implementation of the program by some members of the School Board.
The Chamber Board is activating the Paul Revere Network to encourage the local school board members to carefully examine the initiative in an honest and objective manner.
"It is believed that such a review will lead them to the conclusion that STW is a desirable initiative to implement in the community," according to the release.
STW is an initiative designed to help students develop career awareness and to make their educational experience relevant to multiple career options and lifelong learning. The three key elements are school-based learning, work-based learning and activities connecting the two, the release explained.
The arguments against STW fall under three broad categories: First, opponents say a huge federal bureaucracy will be running the initiative, leaving little control to the local school boards and parents.
Second, it is stated that children will be "tracked" from kindergarten on, causing them to not be exposed to other areas of learning and career awareness that are important. Finally, it is argued that the initiative will be mandated for the child, meaning that the child or child's parents will have not choice in the matter.
The release says further, "Upon closer examinations, however, it is clear that these statements are not accurate. The STW initiative in Oklahoma was developed by 13 statewide committees composed of Oklahomans from all walks of life. The STW partnerships which are springing up across the state are grass roots organizations which have the flexibility to design activities to meet their local needs.
"STW is designed to increase the student's exposure to career opportunities, not limit them.
"While students may be assessed to evaluate their career interests at various grade levels, this does not preclude them from pursuing different educational paths. STW is voluntary. Project Partners Plan is designed so all students will have the opportunity to be involved. It is not mandated."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Tourism Authority, at the September meeting, voted to give a $1,000 donation to the Retail Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce for the advertising promotion "Give Ponca the Business." This will come out of the grant allocation funds.
There is about $13,000 left in the grant allocations fund, which is to be used to promote new events. The next grant deadline is Sept. 30. Applications are available at the Visitor's Center at the Cultural Center.
Phil Bandy, grants committee chairman, specified these funds be used for advertising events to bring people to Ponca City. Appearing for the Chamber group were Lisa Coy, Paula Coppock and Debbie Weatherly.
The Chamber group announced this year there will be a community-wide event, the Holiday Preview, where Ponca City merchants exhibit their wares at Hutchins Memorial. Previously this had been held at the Conoco complex for its employees.
In other action the group approved a $435 add in the Oklahoma Today Holiday issue.
Coordinator Missy Morland showed the group items that will be sold in the Cultural Center gift shop. These included an oil derrick refrigerator magnet, 101 Calendars, pins, key chains, books and other items. Morland said she expected the gift shop to be in business in about 45 days.
A total of $3,000 was allotted for set-up and these funds are to be plowed back into inventory. She reported there were 585 visitors to the Cultural Center last month .
The PCTA is supported by a three percent hotel/motel tax, which brought in $10,521 in August compared to $8,366 in 1996. Year to date figures shows $21,670 compared to $15,682 for the same time period in 1996-97. The City's calendar runs July to June.
Morland reported on upcoming shows: the Good Sam Regional Show at Shawnee, and the Governor's Conference on Tourism. She also told about service learning students, who are helping fill the brochure racks and other errands or duties.
Chairman David Zimmerman told about meeting with the Friends of the Cultural Center and plans that are being considered for the building, which was the first home built for E. W. Marland.
Pioneer Technology Center's Business and Industry Services Center is presenting its first "Mind Your BISiness" seminar series, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, in the Educational Business Center.
The first session, Business Communications, is being presented by Jack and Mary Pryor of the Pryor Group in El Reno.
They will address the importance of communication, good communication skills and communication strategies such as building rapport, listening effectively and being able to speak the customer's language. They will also discuss goal setting, planning and ways to motivate people professionally and personally.
Mary Pryor earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska and a master's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is an award winning writer, speaker and video producer. Jack Pryor earned his bachelor's degree from Southwestern State College and a master's degree from Oklahoma State University. He is a speaker, trainer and facilitator. Both have been providing training for more than 25 years.
The business and industry services center is offering the "Mind Your BISiness" series featuring one series every month. Topics include marketing and customer service, directing marketing, tax planning, patents and copyrights, OSHA compliance, electronic data interchange, building a web page, food and agricultural products and research.
For seminar or series enrollment, contact Shelly Moffatt, Pioneer Technology Center, (405) 762-8336, ext. 238. Enrollment is limited.
A planning session for the 1998 Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce was held recently at Pioneer Technology Center. The event was attended by the officers for next year, committee chairmen and others.
The meeting began with Scott Dean, incoming chairman, introducing Ken King of the State Vo-Tech system, facilitator for the half day planning retreat. The group was made up of a cross-section of members from finance, business, industry, medical, academic and other areas. About 45 or 50 persons participated in the community "think tank" session.
Information that comes out of the retreat will become the 1998 program of work.
NationsBank and BancFirst jointly announced they have reached a verbal agreement for BancFirst to purchase the NationsBank locations in 10 Oklahoma communities.
The NationsBank branches are located in Bartlesville, Blackwell, Braman, Cushing, Guthrie, Kaw City, Perry, Shidler, Stillwater and Woodward. Terms of the agreement are still under discussion and a contract has not been finalized.
"It will be business as usual in these branches for our customers until the sale is approved and completed," said Roger Whaley, state president of NationsBank in Oklahoma. "Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible when the time comes."
Associates were advised of the pending agreement and will be kept informed of the progress of the sale, Whaley said. It is anticipated that the contract will be finalized by the end of the month. The sale will be subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 1998.
BancFirst is the largest state chartered bank headquartered in Oklahoma City with 52 branches in 26 communities. Assets at the end of the second quarter 1997 were $1.3 billion.
Magazine Honors NationsBank
NationsBank is one of America's best companies for working parents, as determined by Working Mother Magazine. For the fifth consecutive year, NationsBank has been named to the magazine's list of "Top Ten Companies for Working Mothers." The list spotlights outstanding workplaces for women and tracks workplace trends relating to families.
Pioneer Banks Hosts Luncheon
Pioneer Bank and Trust's monthly Board of Directors luncheon was hosted by Carl R. Renfro, chairman of the board and CEO, and Tom Quillin, president.
Attending the recent luncheon were Kathy Adams, executive director of the Marland Estate; Don Bouldin, owner of Bouldin Construction; Judge D.W. Boyd, Kay County Judge; Larry Brandt, owner Brandt's Ace Hardware; Jerry Evans, owner, Evans and Associates; Ken Holmes, attorney; Don Rowland, owner, Buy for Less, Kathy Zehr, staff writer, The Ponca City News.
Main Street Awards
Is ours a Great American Main Street community? That's what the National Main Street Center wants to know. The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center and the financial-services firm Edward Jones are teaming once again to sponsor the Great American Main Street Awards, a national competition designed to recognize excellence in downtown revitalization.
"I hope Ponca City will consider submitting an application,"
said Gene Hines, a local Edward Jones investment representative. "It's
a great opportunity to tell other people about our community and compete
with other towns for national recognition." For more information contact
the Edward Jones office.
LIFESTYLES
The Great Houzini is getting married and we're all invited!
That's the message received by The News Monday from his mother, Helen Crawford of Ponca City. The Great Houzini, in case you have forgotten, is Helen's son, Stephen Crawford, now a resident of Oklahoma City.
Stephen is currently performing at the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City as The Great Houzini, and his marriage to Jackie Sosca, also a resident of Oklahoma City, will take place next Sunday, the last day of the Oklahoma City Fair, on the Midway at 5 p.m.
In the next few weeks, Stephen and his bride plan to move to Tampa, Fla. where they will make their home, his mother reports. Stephen is also the grandson of Frances Welch of Riverside Flowers in Ponca City.
David and Jennifer (Sprague) Clarida of Collinsville announce the birth of a son at 5:33 p.m. Sept. 19, 1997 at St. John's Medical Center in Tulsa. The baby was named Trevor Matthew Clarida. He weighed 6-pounds, 11-ounces and was 19 3/4-inches long.
Grandparents are Dannie and Diane Clarida of Ponca City and Charles and Diane Sprague of Tonkawa. Paternal great-grandmothers are Blanche Clarida of Crab Orchard, Ill. and Lorena Coffman of Springfield, Mo. Maternal great-grandmother is Allie Sprague of Tulsa.
The fourth annual "Women's Showcase Extravaganza" will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Hutchins Memorial. There is no admission charge and participants must be 18 years of age to register for and win prizes.
The show features a variety of products, services and merchandise of interest to women of all ages. It is being sponsored by KLOR radio of Ponca City.
Listed as grand prizes are a diamond ring and carpeting. Light refreshments will also be offered free of charge. Many area businesses and professional people are sponsoring the event.
Pastor Ernest Quillen will be honored with a reception Sept. 27, 2-4 p.m., at the Fellowship Hall of the First Lutheran Church in Ponca City, 1101 North Fourth. Hosting the event in honor and celebration of 50 years of teaching and ministry will be members of St. John's Lutheran Churches, Newkirk and Blackwell.
Lil William's country home was the setting for an Autumn brunch Saturday
morning. Eight members of Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority
attended. The next meeting for the group wil be Oct. 13 at the home of Elsie
Rosenbaum.
SPORTS
NEWKIRK - The offense scored in every period and the defense threw a shutout as the Wildcat JVs blanked the Newkirk JVs 28-0 Monday night.
"The whole defense played well," Po-Hi assistant coach Joe Matlock said, refusing to single out stars. "You can tell from the score."
Quarterback Blake Geubelle, avoiding the Newkirk pass rush, scrambled 20 yards for a touchdown in the first period. Geubelle then kicked the extra point to put the Poncans up 7-0.
Mark Goddard scored in the second period on a 17-yard run up the middle to give the Wildcats a 14-0 halftime lead.
The running success continued in the second half as Deandre Dewberry went around the left side for 28 yards in the third period.
The Ponca Citians closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter with the bomb as Geubelle connected with Scott Steichen on a 47-yard pass play.
"The offensive line did a great job," Matlock said, pointing to the work of Jeremy Leavitt, Harrison Freeman, Josh Ozment, Patrick Lowther and Caleb Stevenson along with tight ends Rodney Bonham and Jason Green.
The Po-Hi JVs, now 2-1, will play Stillwater at home next Monday.
BLACKWELL - Ponca City's freshmen varsity footballers evened their record at 1-1 on the season with a 26-0 win over Blackwell Monday.
The Poncans struck early, driving for a first period score with tailback Matt Helms bowling over from the 2.
In the second quarter, Ponca City repeated the performance with Helms scoring from the 5 this time.
Just before halftime, the Cougars took the wind out of any Blackwell comeback hopes as quarterback Kyle Henderson connected with J. Michael Sharon on a 63-yard bomb that gave Ponca City an 18-0 lead at halftime.
Ponca City took the second half kickoff and drove for a touchdown with Helms scoring his third TD of the night. Henderson added the extra points for the final margin.
Helms had 120 yards on 17 carries while Henderson connected on 3-of-5 passes for 100 yards. The Cougars totaled 322 yards in offense on the night.
"The defense played great and the offensive line was superb," coach Brad Larimer said of his team's play.
The ninth graders will play a doubleheader at Sullins Stadium Thursday with the varsity taking on Jenks at 4 p.m. followed by the freshman JVs against Enid Waller at 7.
RED ROCK - Frontier will carry a 17-18 record into the district playoffs which are scheduled to start Wednesday at Cimarron.
The Mustangs will play Vici in the first round at 2 p.m.
Frontier split in its regular season finale against Agra, losing the first game 12-4 but coming back to win the second, 15-3.
Marty Williams was the winning pitcher while Jeremy Williams took the loss.
Calumet faces Cimarron in the first round of district play at noon..
The four-teamdistrict tournament finals are set for 6 p.m.