LOCAL

Projections Pushing Back Museum Work
Nearly News
Special Seniors Get Opportunity For Trip Tickets
See You at the Pole Wednesday
City Waives Process To Repair Sewer Line
School Board Meetings Set for TV

Projections Pushing Back Museum Work

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Higher than expected costs are delaying interior work on an Oklahoma City bombing memorial museum and may force parts of the project to be dropped, but officials promise the facility will open as planned in November 2000.

The museum is being built in the Journal Record Building, which was heavily damaged in the April 19, 1995, bombing of the nearby Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. According to an engineering report, the cost of renovating the building to house the museum and an institute for the prevention of terrorism will top the initial $7.2 million budget.

Officials of the Oklahoma City Industrial and Cultural Trust refused to say how high the cost has risen above initial estimates.

The start of interior work has been pushed back a month, officials said, and proposed replacement of marble panels that lined the building’s halls and public areas may be dropped to save about $450,000. Also, about $250,000 could be saved if project manager decide to do without a clear-coat finish that would prevent deterioration on the building’s south side.

Advertising for contractors has been pushed back to October with work to begin Nov. 1.

Project manage Max Wensel said most of the work can be completed with the museum opening on time. He expects the memorial group to begin its work on the memorial center museum by early January.

The renovation will include new electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.

The museum space must be isolated so that dust and mold can be removed before the exhibits can be built.

‘‘You need 30 to 60 days of clean air time where the air has to be pure so that you can avoid problems with dust and mold that could collect and cause problems inside your exhibit cases,’’ said Kari Ferguson, executive director of the trust.

Nearly News

Oops! right time, wrong day! in Monday’s news story about first Ponca City Community Concert to be held at Hutchins Memorial for the 1999-2000 season. The correct day for the piano concert by Jan Gottlieb Jiracek will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. Members should receive their 1999-2000 Community Concert tickets this week for admission to the six concerts scheduled for the season. A handy yearly Schedule of Concerts brochure is also enclosed with the tickets. For more information call 762-5156.

Special Seniors Get Opportunity For Trip Tickets

Northern Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging and Southwest Airlines have announced the start of the 20th annual “Home for the Holidays” program that will provide seniors with complimentary tickets to visit family and friends over the holidays. Over the years, the airline has allowed thousands of seniors the opportunity to be reunited with family and friends during the holiday season.

Winners will be selected to receive a complimentary round-trip ticket on their need for economic assistance and their reason for travel.

Applications are available at NODA Area Agency on Aging, 2901 North Van Buren, Enid, Okla. 73703 or call (580) 237-2236, (800) 749-1149.

To apply, a person must be 65 years of age or over and demonstrate a strong economic need. Deadline for submission is Oct. 10. Round-trip tickets are provided only to cities served by Southwest Airlines. The recipients may take their trips between Monday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 15.

See You at the Pole Wednesday

More than 3 million teenagers are expected to pray on their campuses before school on Wednesday observing the ninth annual See You at the Pole — National Day of Student Prayer. Local students will participate around the Northern Oklahoma area as well.

Young people have been bowing in prayer at their school flagpoles for 10 years as part of See You at the Pole event, asking God to bring moral and spiritual awakening to the nation. The theme for See You at the Pole 1999 is “We Bow Down,” taken from the Apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. The passage records a heartfelt prayer for God’s people to know Him more fully and experience His power in their lives — primary elements of spiritual awakening.

See You at the Pole is a student-initiated and student-led movement that began in Texas in 1990 with a single church youth group. In Blackwell, the High School will meet at 7 a.m. and the Middle School will meet at 7:30 a.m. Tonkawa High School and Middle School will meet at 7 a.m. with a breakfast following. Newkirk High School will meet at 7:30 a.m.

In Ponca City there will be a special adult prayer rally Wednesday starting at 7:30 a.m. for prayer at the Centennial Plaza. This is the second year for the adult rally in Ponca City.

Christian radio KLVV 88.7 FM will take live calls from area students during their morning show Wednesday. KLVV also sends in the area report to the national headquarters of See You at the Pole and encourages all participants to give them their results. Their number is 580-767-1400 or 1-800-FAITH 99.

City Waives Process To Repair Sewer Line

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

During their regular meeting Monday, the Ponca City Board of Commissioners confirmed an emergency exists where a sanitary sewer line collapsed at the intersection of North Peachtree Street and West Overbrook Avenue. The item was not originally on the agenda, however, City Manager Gary Martin asked that it be placed under new business of the Ponca City Utility Authority. Commissioner Chris Hand was absent from the meeting.

Ken Parr, director of Public Works, addressed the board, saying the wastewater collection system crews discovered a section of 10 inch sewer line collapsed resulting in a major blockage in the line and the depositing of large quantities of sand into the downstream lines.

Additionally, sewage was backing up in the lines and creating a potential health hazard that could result in overflows at manholes and inside residences. Although the crews worked continuously for a 20-hour period, crews were not able to complete the repairs, according to Parr.

Furthermore, the Public Works director expressed concern that they were in jeopardy of losing the water line, so work was shut down. Currently, sewage is being pumped from manhole to manhole around the collapsed section.

Due to the threat of public health and safety, the board agreed to declare the situation an emergency and waive the normal competitive bidding process. The city will contract with Sober Brothers, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $35,000 for repair of the sewer line.

In other new business, PCUA voted to postpone an amendment to an engineering contract with Camp, Dresser and McKee Inc. for services associated with the Water Treatment Plant residuals dewatering improvements for $10,000. The item will be discussed at the first work session in October, Mayor Tom Leonard said.

Consent Agenda

Under the consent agenda the following items were approved by one motion. PCUA voted to pprove a request for state revolving fund disbursement totaling $240,671, to address the contractor’s periodic payments on the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement. Also, payment to Chapman, Gill, & Associates for work on the Turkey Creek Sanitary sewer project will be made in the amount of $455. This is the final invoice on this phase.

Also on the consent agenda, the board approved a change order for the new northwest substation in the amount of $7,737, and authorized paying $1.58 million in bills.

Board of Commissioners

Under new business, the board gave the Warren Corporation a license to drill test bores inside the city limits to determine the location of the Cottonwood Limestone formation beneath the city. The Warren Corporation is the same company that drilled oil wells around Ponca City over the last few of years.

John Warren, owner, says the rig he plans to use is air driven and relatively small. The license would include restoring the surface. According to staff information, the bores would not be drilled for the production of oil, gas or other minerals and would be used to determine the depth of the Cottonwood Limestone formation only.

Commissioner Lyn Boyer told fellow commissioners he spoke with several authorities about the procedure and talked with the Corporation Commission, who is also familiar with this procedure.

In other business, Kathy Adams, Marland Estate director, received the authorization to set usage guidelines and rental fees for the Great Room of the Artist Studio. In addition, the board approve capital improvements for Lake Ponca at a cost of $60,000. According to Jim Sindelar, the fees were generated from the lake and will to be used at Lake Ponca. Additionally, the rental policy and function contract for the Cann Garden Center was updated. The Park and Recreation Department has taken over this facility.

In addition, the Housing Authority of the Tonkawa Tribe received approval to enlarge its grant from six to 12 residences. Martin said the previous developments have gone well. Under the original cooperation agreement between the tribe and the city, signed in April of 1998, the units will not be considered “trust property” or “Indian country”.

Commissioner Dick Stone removed an item from the consent agenda regarding purchasing agents for the city. The item was unanimously approved, Stone merely explained that Assistant City Manager, Tana Wilson, plans to be married Saturday, and will be changing her name to Tana McKinley. The resolution designates Joe Farley as an additional purchasing agent and also amends Ms. Wilson’s name so she can continue to make purchases against designated city accounts, once she is married.

Consent Agenda

Under the consent agenda, the board approved the following items with one motion. The Ponca City Foundation for Progress was granted $3,000 to promote the Millennium Celebration to be held Dec. 31. And, the finance director, city clerk and police chief were given permission to destroy various municipal records, in accordance with Oklahoma statutes.

In addition, the Ponca City Library received approval to enter a contract with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries for ILL computer workstation grant, in the amount of $2,000. The funds would be used to purchase computer hardware, software and peripheral equipment for the OLTNcat Interlibrary Loan project.

In other items, the admission to the Marland Mansion will be reduced by the amount of the gate fee for the two days of Oktoberfest. An employment agreement with Martin and other year-long appointed positions nominated by Mayor Tom Leonard, were approved. The following will continue in their current capacity: Martin, Marc LaBossiere, finance director/city clerk/treasurer; Raymond Ham, police chief; Kevin Murphy, city attorney; Dave Garrison, assistant city attorney; William Kirkpatrick, municipal judge; Gary Denny, fire chief; Phillip Johnston, interim general manager/electric; and John Northcutt, alternate municipal judge.

Additionally on the consent agenda, the city will enter an agreement with Williams Company Pipeline for the encroachment of the drainage structure on the Williams Companies Pipeline easement at the intersection of Waverly Street and Industrial Boulevard, for $3,500.

The board also approved an agreement for Oklahoma Natural Gas to move a portion of their 12-inch high-pressure gas line that will be an obstruction for the new road construction on Waverly Street at an estimated cost of $22,386.

In addition, Team Xstream Bike Club will receive a $2,500 grant to promote and advertise the Kaw Challenge, a mountain bike competition, to be held October 2 and 3 at Kaw Lake. Bills totaling $1.14 million, will also be paid.

Under the Ponca City Development Authority the commission appropriated $43,027 to pay claims incurred from August 18, through Sept. 8.

School Board Meetings Set for TV

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Future meetings of the Ponca City Board of Education will be televised as a result of a 5-1 vote at Monday night’s regular board meeting. The meetings will be televised on Cable One, Channel 11 at the October board meeting.

To avoid conflicting with the City Commissioners’ meetings which are televised on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, the board approved moving the regular board meeting dates to the third Monday of each month. They will meet the second Tuesday in March to accommodate spring break. The change will occur next month.

Creative Media Services (CMS) of Ponca City made a proposal to broadcast the meetings at a cost of $500 per month. CMS will provide the necessary equipment to televise the meetings. It was also discussed that advertising might be done in order to help with the costs.

In a community and student survey, a total of 808 citizens said they would like to see the broadcast while 106 responded no. Staff responses included 216 for the proposition while 28 voted no.

New Reading Requirement

Ponca City Public Schools will have a new elementary and middle school reading requirement before the next grade promotion. This plan requires students in grades K-8 to be within one grade level in reading of the grade to which they are to be promoted. The student will be required to attend summer school if they are below grade level.

Students must also have a 90 percent attendance rate at the elementary and middle schools (18 absences). If students fail to meet the requirements they will be retained. Absenses can be made up by attending summer school and students could be promoted if they pass (70 percent) on the Competency Based Exam in reading and math.

The plan will also require retention at the middle school for failing in two core subject areas (reading, language arts, math, science and social studies). Students who are on IEPs will be placed in a grade by their IEP Team. The principal may promote students who are working up to their full potential but not on grade level and students who have been retained previously.

National Award

Recognition was made to Ponca City Senior High School for being selected to receive a National Service-Learning Leader Schools Award. Po-Hi is one of 70 schools in the country, and the only one in Oklahoma, named a National Service Learning Leader School. The recognition was a result of a new presidential initiative to encourage students to increase service-learning opportunities for students. Service-learning combines academics with community service, and its purpose is to benefit students, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.

Gear-Up Grant

Ponca City will participate in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Gear-Up Grant Program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).

Gear-Up is a federally funded program established by Congress to fund partnerships of colleges and universities, middle schools, community-based organizations, and businesses to prepare low income students for college.

Through the Gear Up Program, Oklahoma has an unprecedented opportunity to take a giant leap forward in expanding the range of programs and services that can be offered to upper elementary, middle, and high school students. The program will provide full college scholarships to students with financial need who demonstrate a commitment to academic success in high school through expansion of the Oklahoma Learning Access Program.

New Requirements

New high school graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2003 to include a standard diploma of 23 units and a diploma of honors with 23.5 units was made.

For a Standard Diploma, students will take four units of English, three units of math and science, 3.5 units of social studies, 0.5 unit of technology and art competencies and nine electives (total of 23 credits). Required courses will be grammar and composition, literature, algebra I, biology I, World History, American History, Oklahoma History, US Government and geography.

To receive a Diploma of Honors students will take four units of English, three units of math and science, 3.5 units of social studies, 0.5 unit of technology and art competencies and 9.5 electives (total of 23.5 credits). Required courses include: grammar and composition, American and English literature, algebra I and II, geometry, biology I, chemistry, physics, World History, American History, Oklahoma History, U.S. Government and geography.

The current graduation requirements (21 total credits) are four units of English, three units of math, two units of science, 3.5 units of social studies and art competencies, and 8.5 units of electives.

Other Agenda Items

Other agenda items approved at the board meeting include:

— Agreement to participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program;

— Agreement with Customer Soft Company for support of software;

— Agreement with Josten’s Learning Corporation for new software;

— Agreement with National Computer Systems, Inc. for software for attendance and student rosters;

— Agreement with National Computer Systems, Inc. for software, support and training for InteGrade Pro (grade book program);

— Renewal agreement with United Cap Head Start and Ponca Tribe to provide early childhood education;

— Interlocal agreement with Newkirk Schools to provide alternative education;

— Renewal agreement with First Baptist Church for reimbursement of expenses from the Teen-Pep Program (Teen Moms);

— Renewal agreement with Pioneer Technology Center for the Dropout Recovery Program; and

— Agreement with Therapeutic School Services, LLC for medical reimbursement.

Students from the Alternative Center addressed the board during public comment thanking them for the alternative education programs in the district.

DEATHS

Mark Adam Colston
Auretta Mae Denton
Johnna Lee Ann Goans
Helen Cooper

Mark Adam Colston

WINFIELD, Kan. — Mark Adam Colston, Blackwell resident, died Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City, Kan. He was 33.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Swisher-Taylor and Morris Funeral Home memorial chapel in Winfield, Kan. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Winfield.

Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Family members will be present for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m.

Mark Adam Colston was born May 9, 1966 in Chanute, Kan., to Carmen Ira Colston and Ceolah K. (Drake) Jones. He attended Winfield, Kan., High School.

He was married to Monica McClaflin on April 3, 1999, in Blackwell. Colston was employed with the Ponca City Nursing Home in Ponca City at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife Monica, of the home in Blackwell; four sons, Jeremy of the Blackwell home, and Joshua, Gary, and Levi of Winfield, Kan.; one step-son Kenneth McClaflin of the home; one daughter, Ceolah Marie Colston of Chanute, Kan.; one brother, Troy Allen Colston of Atlanta, Ga.; one sister, Edith Sexton of Lawrence, Kan.; his parents Ceolah and Lee Jones of Oxford, Kan., and Carmen Colston of Chanute; and his grandparents, Edith Elaine Drake of Oxford, Kan., and Velma Jones of Newton, Kan.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Colston’s name to Winfield Alcoholics Anonymous, c/o Swisher-Taylor Funeral Home, 803 Loomis Street, Winfield, KS 67156.

Auretta Mae Denton

BLACKWELL — Auretta Mae Denton, longtime Blackwell teacher, died early Monday morning, Sept. 13, 1999, at the Halstead (Kan.) Memorial Hospital. She was 87.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at the James W. Roberts Memorial Chapel in Blackwell. Chad Knappier, Blackwell Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Auretta Mae (Bellmon) Denton was born May 19, 1912, in Braman to George Delbert and Annetta Jane Bellmon. She grew up on a farm near Braman and attended Braman schools. After graduation from Braman High School she attended Long Beach (Calif.) Junior College, then later transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where she received degrees in education and Spanish. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

She was married to Aubrey James Denton on Oct. 21, 1934, in Sumpter, and the couple established their home in Blackwell. Mrs. Denton taught in Blackwell schools for 29 years. She was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ, Oklahoma Education Association, National Education Association, Kay County Retired Teachers Association the The Bridge Club.

Survivors include two brothers, Henry Bellmon and George Bellmon, both of Billings; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband on Sept. 1, 1943; one daughter, Darla Hickam; her parents; four brothers, Randall, Weldon, Irwin and Leo Bellmon; and six sisters, Lyda Gilchriest, Lily Fisher, Cora Regnier, Adeline Eveland, Alta Blakey and Winifred Bloom.

Johnna Lee Ann Goans

WINFIELD, Kan. — Johnna Lee Ann Goans, granddaughter to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gandy of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, Sept. 11, 1999, at William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield, Kan. She was 25.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Kan. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Blackwell (Okla.) Cemetery.

Johnna Lee Ann Goans was born Feb. 27, 1974, in Blackwell, the daughter of Terry and Dena Goans. Age age three she moved to Enid, where she attended school. She moved to Arkansas City, Kan., in 1992.

Miss Goans lived in Arkansas City and Winfield, Kan. She lived in her own apartment and received accessed support services from Southwind Community Alternatives.

She is survived by her mother Dena Goans of Enid; her father Terry Goans of Geuda Springs, Kan.; brother Chad Goans of Enid; sister Terra Leavengood of Enid; maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gandy of Ponca City; paternal grandparents Jerry Goans of Kansas and Mr. and Mrs. Don Walton of Geuda Springs, Kan.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Helen Cooper

BLACKWELL — Helen Cooper, longtime Blackwell resident, died early Sunday morning, Sept. 12, 1999, at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell. She was 82.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Blackwell First Christian Church with the Rev. Daryl Donova, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Helen (Bacher) Cooper was born Feb. 11, 1917, in Blackwell to Fred and Blanche (Keith) Bacher. She moved with her family to Braman, where she grew up and graduated from Braman High School in 1934. After completing Beauty College in Ponca City, she worked several years at Dottie Mae’s Beauty Shop in Blackwell.

She was married to Harold Cooper on April 13, 1941, in Blackwell, where they established their home. Mrs. Cooper was an active member of the Blackwell First Christian Church, where she served as CYF Youth Group leader, youth choir director and song leader. She was also a member of the Chi Rho.

Survivors include her husband, Harold Cooper of Blackwell; one son, Fred Cooper of Palm Springs, Calif.; two sisters, Alma Hutton of Blackwell and Perdita Ebert of Edmond; one granddaughter; and one step-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Casket bearers will be Harold Hutton II, Danny Hutton, Dennis Hutton, Eddie Hutton, Larry Laughlin and Frank Dyer.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Cooper’s name to the First Christian Church, 306 East Coolidge, Blackwell, OK 74631.

NEWS BRIEFS

German Wedding Customs — The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia will present “Old Time German Wedding Customs” at their monthly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m. at Marianne’s Rentals, 2701 West Britton Road, Oklahoma City. Guests are welcome.

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.

Watchfire — Any member of the community who needs to retire a United States flag is invited to bring it to a watchfire sponsored by the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. The 24 hour watch will continue until 10 a.m. Sunday and will honor all MIA/POW and veterans. The event is being held at Resthaven Cemetery. Special ceremonies will also be conducted at Resthaven over the weekend.

Assault — A Ponca City police officer took information for a report of assault and battery in the 300 block of North Osage Street at 10:55 p.m. Monday.

Warrant Served — At 8:02 a.m. Monday, two Ponca City police officers responded to a 911 from the 600 block of South Eleventh Street. Officers arrested a 53-year-old man for a Kay County warrant.

Farming & Grazing lease sale!!!! On Ponca restricted trust land to be held at 10 a.m. on September 17,1999. For bid packets call land management office @ 763-0137 or 763-0120. adv.

Arrested — A Ponca City police officer arrested a 20-year-old woman in the 200 block of South Birch Street at 9:54 a.m. Monday for a city warrant.

Every Wednesday price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials.

Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Shoplifter — At 6:31 p.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer arrested a 17-year-old girl at Hastings, 2900 North Fourteenth Street, for shoplifting.

Accident — A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 11:01 a.m. Monday.

Burglary — At 10:25 a.m. Monday, a resident in the 700 block of North Ash Street went to the Ponca City Police Department to report a toolbox stolen from the residence. An officer responded and took a report.

30% OFF selected Brighton handbags, wallets, belts, watches, & jewelry. Lowry’s of Pawhuska. adv.

Collision — At 3:09 p.m. Monday, a Ponca City police officer took an accident report in the Po-Hi parking lot on the Seventh Street Side. A Ponca City ambulance arrived on the scene, but no victims were taken to the hospital.

Damage — A Ponca City police officer discovered juveniles had damaged a metal building at Liberty Park, in the 1400 block of Bradbary Lane, at 6:31 p.m. Monday. The officer took a report and issued a citation before releasing a youth to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.

LIFESTYLES

The Neighborhood Chef
Taster Coupons Available Now
Busy Bee Club Members Meet

The Neighborhood Chef

by Sherry Muchmore

A good friend so eloquently stated that, with the new millennium so close at hand, now is the time to resurrect the dormant ,and so, The Ponca City News is going to allow me to resurrect a cooking column I did years ago in several Oklahoma newspapers.

The concept of this weekly column will be sharing. Sharing those favorite, special recipes from within our own community. Almost everyone has that special dessert, entree, appetizer, holiday treat or pastry that your friends are always asking for “the recipe.”

So many good memories come from our senses — smell and taste. The smell of chili brings to mind a nesting warmth of a fire in the hearth, football games, a child’s first day of school. Chicken and dumplings bring family and friends once again talking and laughing around grandmother’s dining table every Sunday after church. Food plays such an important role in our lives. One of those things people love sharing with others. Writing a column showcasing recipes from friends and neighbors just seems a natural.

Part of the reward for our culinary talents is the pleasure one gives to, as well as receives from, those partaking of our efforts.

Print or type each recipe with clear instructions and quantity. Briefly give me a few sentences about this recipe; i.e., great for children’s party, women/men love it, low-fat, chewy or crisp cookie, goes well with, grandmother’s special recipe, etc.

Be sure to give me your name, address and phone number. Only your name will be printed; but, if I have any questions, I may need to call you. If you prefer not to have your full name printed, then I will only print your initials.

I won’t be able to print all of your recipes, but I will try to do as many as possible. So, let’s have a little fun and spice up the Lifestyle page every Tuesday by sharing favorite recipes with our Ponca City neighbors. And, if you have helpful hints for me, let me hear about those too.

Send your recipes to:

The Ponca City News

The Neighborhood Chef

P.O. Box 191

Ponca City, OK 74602

or e-mail me at chef@poncacitynews.com

All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.

Taster Coupons Available Now

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Tradition with a new twist — that’s what Saturday’s Oklahoma Barbecue Championship and the Cherokee Strip Chili Cook-off will be this year according to Loretta Leathers, chairman.

The new twist for the event, benefiting Hospice of Ponca City and sponsored by the Professionals Today, is that tasting kit coupons are being sold in advance. This is intended to eliminate long lines when tasting begins at noon. “Tasting” customers can exchange their coupons for kits just prior to the tasting. Tasting kits can also be purchased onsite.

Kits are $5, and coupons can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, financial institutions, or from Professional Today members. The only ticket purchases needed this year will be for the Kiddie Korner activities, as everything else will be cash.

In another effort to streamline the cook-off, making it more convenient for the tasters, will be the shuttles. There will be three shuttles running continuously from the parking lots at the pageant area of Lake Ponca Park to Wentz Camp, where the cook-off is to be staged.

Over the years, with the support of Ponca City and surrounding communities, the proceeds from the cook-off have amounted to over $60,000 for Hospice. Professionals Today, a women’s service club, started the cook-off in 1985 and won an International Award for the best year’s fundraiser. At the time the organization was with Pilot International.

On Thursday, Professionals Today will meet at noon at Wentz Camp to fill the goody bags for the cooks. Members are encouraged to bring brown bag lunches.

Events begin on Saturday with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., which is open to the public. Cost is $3.50 for adults and $2 for children. For those who have to leave town, or are not available to taste the chili and barbecue at noon, this is another way to support Hospice, said Sally Niemann, breakfast chairman.

Superstar sponsors of the cook-off are Conoco, Dr. Pepper, Kingfisher Quality Kookers, Budweiser, KPNC. Major Sponsors are ADPC, Braudrick Printery, Home National Bank and Toni’s Westside RX.

Busy Bee Club Members Meet

Members of the Busy Bee Club met at the home of Beulah McCartney, 1029 Brentwood, for the recent meeting. Helen Taylor led the group in the salute to the flag and in “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Viola Haley gave the devotion “The Record Book” by Walt Huntley. Mrs. McCartney was in charge of the business session, and Helen Hiskett announced that three fans had been donated to the Salvation Army. The minutes were read, and Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer’s report.

Games were played and prizes won by Helen Taylor and Viola Haley. Vivian Davis won the mystery bowl prize. The Sept. 15 meeting will be hosted by Helen Taylor, 1308 Donahoe.

BUSINESS

Employers Hear Analysis About State Compensation for Workers
Anderson Promoted
Attends Office Opening in UK
Baskin Attends Symposium
Barton Honored by Stage
Major Projects In Downstream
OG&E Participates In Utility Y2K Test
Keating, State Officials Will Meet With Pawhuska Group in France

Employers Hear Analysis About State Compensation for Workers

By LAURA CORFF

News Staff Writer

A member of the State Chamber presented an analysis of the state workers’ compensation to a room full of employers Sept. 8, at Conoco’s Fourth Street Clubhouse. The luncheon was hosted by the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Health and Medical Committee.

The “bad news” is that Kay County comes in fifth in percentage of claims filed in 1998. Oklahoma and Tulsa counties rank first and second, respectively.

“The system needs to be charged so it’s not so lucrative for parties who should not be involved,” said Mike Seney, vice president-member relations and director-Manufacturing/International Trade Department of the State chamber, who made the presentation. “Workers’ comp should just be between the employee and employer.”

What’s Been Done

A fraud unit has been created which is making it tougher to prove claims. For example, Seney said claims must be filed within 60 days or a claim is presumed not to be work related. Additionally, the record indicates safety training and consultation are working.

“There are many indicators pointing to improvement, but the number of claims per 100,000 workers needs to be lowered,” said Seney. “We need to get involved and our system needs to be changed.”

In addition, the Chamber leader said that over 50 percent of claims are from sprains and strains.

“We can cut in half the number of permanent disability claims by removing the expectation that employees can win the lottery,” he said.

Seney suggests employers bring people back to work, attack medical costs and change the system so there is a mandatory process up front which can eliminate attorneys. Also, employers should work and communicate with employees.

“Treat them (employees) medically, allow them time to heal and allow them to return at the same rate of pay,” he stated. “Speak up and be involved from the time the injury occurs. If they don’t know they will be taken care of before an accident happens, they will find an attorney,” he said.

Seney believes the state has a “real good” chance for major reform under the current leadership. Workers comp has been seen as the number one economic issue to most businesses located in Oklahoma and remains one of the key economic indicators looked at by out-of-state businesses interested in relocating to the state.

Furthermore, framework for mediation is on the law books, but the program needs to be finalized and implemented state-wide, encouraging use of mediation in work comp claim disputes, according to Seney. To date, the State Insurance Fund has used mediation resulting in savings in excess of $1 million.

Notes/Quotes

Anderson Promoted

Maxine Anderson has been promoted to Senior Personal Financial Analyst by Primerica Financial Services. Primerica Financial Services is North America’s largest financial with approximately 150,000 licensed Personal Financial Analysts in the services marketing company.

In making the announcement Joseph J. Plumeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Primerica Financial Services, stated, “I am pleased to announce that Maxine has joined this exceptional group of leaders. Maxine’s success is a barometer of the number of people that she has helped prepare for a more secure future and that’s what we’re all about. Thanks to dedicated professionals like Anderson Primerica is an industry leader, providing real financial solutions to more than three million clients.

While Anderson is elated at this honor, she added that what she really enjoyed about Primerica is that she has helped her family financially by showing other families how to do the same. Her office is located at 205 North Third.

Attends Office Opening in UK

Joe Alcott and Gene Hines, Ponca City Edward Jones investment representatives, celebrated the firm’s 5,000th office in Rornford, England on August 17. Alcott and Hines were on a trip to the United Kingdom which coincided with tile official grand opening. Through its UK affiliate, Edward Jones opened its first offices overseas last year and now has more than 50 locations, including the one in Rornford.

Gathered at the event were more than 50 guests and clients of Bobby Chana, tile investment representative of the 5,000th office in Rornford, Other attendees at the grand opening included John Bachmann, Edward Jones managing partner, Doug Hill, Edward Jones COO; the Hon. Philip Lader, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K.— and tile mayor of Rornford,

“It was a privilege to participate in this event because it signifies that the financial is half way to our aggressive goal of having 10,000 offices,” said Alcott. “Edward Jones gained a strong international presence while remaining true to its hallmark of serving clients from one-broker offices in communities where they live and work."

Baskin Attends Symposium

David Baskin of Ponca City recently qualified to attend a special symposium of investment planning experts in Banff, Canada. The event was sponsored by H.D. Vest Financial Services, one of the nation’s fastest-growing financial firms, and included the firm’s top representatives.

The three-day event provided Baskin and other attendees with an invaluable networking opportunity, Invitees also attended training presentations offered by some of the nation’s leading mutual fund and insurance companies. Keynote speaker Daniel Taylor, well-known author and president of a Charlotte-based financial consulting firm, addressed the global entrepreneurial revolution.

Barton Honored by Stage

Bonnie Barton, associate at the Ponca City Stage store has received the Associate of the Quarter award for May-July. This award was presented at a recent meeting. Each quarter Stage Stores Inc., honors outstanding associates for practicing good customer service, going the extra mile for customers and setting a positive example for all associates.

Stage is owned by Stage Stores Inc., which operates 664 stores in 37 states under the name of Bealls, Palasi Royal and Stage.

Major Projects In Downstream

Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted here during the Cherokee Strip Golf Classic with Conocoan Bob Holtsmith, manager of business development for downstream. Holtsmith was in from Houston to play in the charity tourney.

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Bob Holtsmith, manager of the business development for downstream, explained that his group is a global group that does the commercial side of major projects. “This means we put together the deals - we negotiate the deals usually with an outside entity, which means we have a partnership.

“In the past my group has put together projects such as the Excel Paralubes Joint venture in Lake Charles with Pennzoil making high quality base oils. We’ve done Petrozuata, which is a joint venture between Conoco and Petabasa to develop heavy oil reserves in Venezuela.”

Holtsmith said, “We’ve sold a couple of assets that were non strategic Santa Maria Refinery in California and Jupiter Chemicals Company, which is sulfur processing facility for Lake Charles Refinery.

“We get involved in many, many different deals, most of which I can’t talk about until after they are announced, but they do take on a global nature, there is a global perspective to them. We work around the world in areas and support our corporative efforts for Conoco, whether that be upstream power or downstream we work jointly.”

He added, “We work in places like the Middle East, the Far East and Latin America. We do try to put together superior deals based on our relationship with the company, based on our competitive advantage, which is typically handling what we call ‘the bottom of the barrel.’ That has allowed us to have strategic associations with people like Petronas in Malaysia, Petabasa in Venezuela.”

Holtsmith said, “Projects that we are looking at in the future, I can’t tell you about other than say that we support our corporate efforts for high quality prospects in upstream bringing a downstream component. We have said ‘we want to be in the Middle East.’ In an upstream perspective we have said ‘we wanted to expand our presence in the Far East as well as expand our presence in Latin America and the projects I do are in support of those corporate goals.’”

OG&E Participates In Utility Y2K Test

OKLAHOMA CITY — OG&E Electric Services reported that no significant problems occurred Wednesday as electric utilities from across the nation participated in a Y2K readiness drill. In addition, the company reported that its system was unaffected by the Sept. 9, 1999, date change.

Sept. 9, 1999, is one of several dates that have the potential to affect computer systems. Numerically, Sept. 9, 1999, is denoted as 9999. In the past, computer programmers writing applications used all nines in certain fields to signify an “end-of-file” marker or for other special uses. Concern was expressed that computers encountering an “end-of-file” marker of all nines within a program may malfunction.

“OG&E was among 150 electric utilities that participated in a drill to monitor a date transition that was suspected to have an affect on computer systems,” said Paul Renfrow, OG&E’s manager of corporate communications. “It was also a test to communicate with one another without the use of a standard communications system. Overall, both tests went well.”

During the drill, the utilities used radios and satellite telephones to communicate to each.

“The purpose of the drill was to demonstrate how utilities will communicate with one another if there is a loss of primary voice or data communications,” Renfrow said. “OG&E participated in a similar communications test in the spring and only a few minor problems occurred.”

The Southwest Power Pool, made up of about 17 utilities in the region including OG&E, coordinated a Midwest regional test. The North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) coordinated the nationwide drill. NERC is charged with ensuring that electric utilities are ready for Y2K.

“OG&E has prepared for Y2K for several years,” Renfrow said. “We began our Y2K preparedness by identifying the systems that may be affected, made changes where necessary, and now we are in the process of testing and retesting those systems.

“We are confident in our Y2K readiness and believe any related problems will be minimal, if any at all,” Renfrow said.

Keating, State Officials Will Meet With Pawhuska Group in France

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Frank Keating and officials from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will depart for an eight-day European trade and investment mission to Germany, England and France beginning Saturday.

Gov. Keating, Chief of Staff Howard Bartlett and Commerce officials are to meet with prominent government and business leaders to discuss investment and trade opportunities with European companies, specifically those which export heavily to the United States.

“The people of Oklahoma understand that to be truly competitive in today’s world economy, we must. work together to build global business partnerships. By combining the unique — strengths of our respective countries, we will improve our capability to successfully compete,” said Keating.

Gov. Keating is scheduled to meet with French aerospace executives from the Toulouse area and representatives from the Foreign Ministry of the United Kingdom. He is also scheduled to meet with prominent French business leaders at the U.S. Embassy in Paris as well as a 26-member delegation from Pawhuska who are in France for the signing of a Sister City agreement with Montauban, France.

SPORTS

Cool Lady Cats Sizzle
Defensive Front Lifts OSU to 2-0

Cool Lady Cats Sizzle

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

ENID — The weather may be cooling off, but the Lady Wildcat softballers are definitely heating up.

Or maybe they’re just a cool weather team.

After a month of futility in the wicked heat of late summer, the Lady Wildcat softballers (5-21) surged to a 5-2 win over the Enid Pacers (10-14), Monday. The win was Poncans’ second straight in Frontier conference play, and bodes well for the fast approaching post season.

The Lady Cats have just three more conference games before the start of the Regional Tournament, September 30.

“You’d like to work it where you’ll be at your highest point at the end of the season,” said coach Tracy Scott. “The girls are getting the things done that need to be done right now.”

Like stepping up at the plate. The Lady Cats pounded out 11 hits off Enid’s Tessa Miller, including a 3-for-4 effort from lead off hitter Alana Smith. In the 3-hole, Teya Roughface was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Emily Helm was also 2-for-4.

Only two batters in the order finished without a hit, and there were only four strikeouts.

“We’ve been doing tons of hitting in practice,” Scott continued. “It’s paying off.”

Unlike their other four season wins, Monday’s game was almost decisive. Aside from a threatening, 2-out, 2-run rally by the Pacers in the bottom of the seventh, the Lady Cats dominated.

Pitcher Ashley Engle was in full control through most of the game, giving up just six hits and two walks, while striking out four. The defense also had just two errors.

The Lady Cats effectively put the game out of reach in the third, pounding out five hits good for four runs.

Cara Cusick got things going with a walk, and after consecutive base hits from Smith and Jena Birdsong, Roughface drove in one with a rip up the right field line. With two outs and a full count, Courtney Birdsong then finessed a shot over the second baseman to plate three runners.

Though the Lady Cats couldn’t get much going for the next three innings, some excellent defense — including another spectacular, diving catch from Smith in center field — kept the Pacers at bay.

Smith and Roughface teamed up to add an unneeded insurance run in the top of the seventh. Smith beat out a throw to first, and with two outs, Roughface drove her in with a single up the middle.

With some shuffling of players in the infield, however, the Lady Cats nearly stumbled in the bottom of the seventh. After a pop-up dropped untouched in the infield, the Pacers got consecutive hits to load the bases. With two outs, Tracee Cole then drove in two with a single.

“They were so nervous at the end,” Scott said. “We had two outs and a 5-run lead. I told ‘em to just calm down and get the out.”

Which they did, on a fly ball to left field.

Also getting hits for the Lady Cats were Gena Osborn, and Engle.

The Lady Cats travel today to Broken Arrow for a doubleheader, and face Jenks on Thursday, at noon.

Game Notes — Oops. Though they do look a little alike, Jeanne Erikson was incorrectly identified as Jeri Wright in a photo caption in Friday’s paper... Harmony Murrie, out since early in the season with an ankle injury, took over in right field in the bottom of the seventh... the Lady Cats failed to convert on a double steal, in the second... Michele McChristian was robbed of a line drive to the third baseman... Enid turned a double play in the sixth... the junior varsity was run-ruled in the second game.

Ponca City 5, Enid 2

Ponca City 004 000 1 — 5 11 2

Enid 000 000 2 — 2 6 2

Engle (w) and Helm; Miller (l) and Morse.

Defensive Front Lifts OSU to 2-0

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER. (AP) — Oklahoma State’s defense has been superb in the first two games, and the Cowboys have gotten solid play from their two young quarterbacks in the absence of starter Tony Lindsay.

One area that has yet to get going is the running game. Last week against Tulsa, the top two rushers were the quarterbacks — B.J. Tiger with 70 yards and Ben Bowling with 51.

Jamaal Fobbs leads OSU with 63 yards per game rushing. Nathan Simmons, the other tailback, is averaging just 42 yards so far.

‘‘Obviously, would I like to rush the ball better?’’ coach Bob Simmons said Monday. ‘‘I think that’s going to come.’’

Simmons said opponents, as they have in recent years, are moving up their safeties to clog the middle and force OSU to throw. The solution, he said, is to try to loosen the defense with play-action passes, which have been successful.

Shaking free this week at Mississippi State will be a challenge. The Bulldogs (2-0) have allowed 67 yards per game.

‘‘They’re very similar to our defense,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘You go east and west on them, they’re going to run you down.’’

Oklahoma State’s linebackers have been as good as advertised. The defensive backs have arguably been better than expected. Both groups can credit the defensive front, which has been outstanding.

Of the Cowboys’ 11 sacks, eight have gone to players up front — three each for defensive ends Juqua Thomas and Zak Warner, one for defensive end Kevin Williams and one for lineman Jason Russell.

Even when they haven’t gotten to the quarterbacks, the players up front have applied enough pressure to make things easier on the secondary. Or, they have bottled up offensive linemen and allowed the linebackers to make plays.

‘‘Those guys will be the first ones to tell you that a linebacker’s not any good without the techniques of the guys up front,’’ Simmons said Monday. ‘‘If they don’t keep people off them, then they’re not going to make plays.’’

Simmons said it was clear in the spring that the Cowboys would be improved in the defensive front.

Williams was redshirted last year but was good enough to tempt the coaches to play him. Simmons said Chris Tyler, who has three tackles for losses, was the most improved lineman in the spring. Warner had filled out and become stronger than a year ago.

Thomas, a junior college transfer, made his presence felt after arriving in the fall, once he understood that he had to practice hard all the time.

‘‘We knew that he had athletic ability, but sometimes when you get a player like that, he says ‘I’m a gamer.’ What happens Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday?’’ Simmons said. ‘‘The philosophy is if you’re a gamer, you practice like you’re a gamer every day.’’

COWBOY NOTES: Saturday’s game will start at 2:30 and will be shown on KOCB, Channel 34, in Oklahoma City and KWHB, Channel 47, in Tulsa. ... The Cowboys, after opening with two home games, don’t play in Stillwater again until Oct. 9 against Texas Tech. ... Oklahoma State, with 18 penalties so far, is on pace to commit nearly 100 this season. Simmons said he is most concerned about personal fouls, but isn’t happy about the penalties in general. ‘‘We’re going to lead the conference in that, and I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to be that kind of football team,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ve just got to continue to keep stressing it.’’