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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, September 28, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALGov. Names Gibson As D.A. Replacement Gov. Names Gibson As D.A. ReplacementNEWKIRK — Po-Hi graduate-turned-prosecutor Mark Gibson was named this morning to replace District Attorney John G. Maddox, who resigned earlier this month. Gibson, the assistant district attorney in Noble County for almost 10 years, was appointed by Gov. Keating to fill the remaining three-plus years of Maddox’ term in the Eighth Judicial District, which comprises Kay and Noble counties. Members of the Governor’s staff last week interviewed Gibson, along with three other candidates — First Assistant District Attorney Phil Ross, Tonkawa attorney/judge Tom Salisbury and Ponca City attorney James Schaefer. Maddox resigned Sept. 10 amid an OSBI investigation into alleged travel claim discrepancies. Gibson, who has served in Noble County since 1990, worked previously in district attorney’s offices in Grady, Kay and Cleveland counties. In 1994, he also campaigned as a Republican candidate for state attorney general. After his graduation from Ponca City High School in 1979, he obtained his law degree and his bachelors in business adminstration from the University of Oklahoma. Gibson and his wife Terri have three children, Shaun, 18; Jillian, 14, and Cristopher, 10. City Approves Signing of FOP ContractBy LAURA CORFF News Staff Writer The Ponca City Board of Commissioners approved the labor contract between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 103 during their regular meeting Monday, at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. The contract basically remains unchanged from the 1998-1999 agreement with the exception of a three percent wage increase and a $600 physical fitness incentive. The new agreement also indicates the city will pay 100 percent of the health insurance cost for each employee. Any employee choosing to have family coverage will pay $48.80 per pay period for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Additionally, term life insurance will increase to $20,000 ($40,000 in case of accidental death). According to Personnel Director Debbie Fralix, the city is still at an impasse with the local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “The same offer was given to fire fighters, but it was overwhelmingly rejected,” she said. In other new business, the board amended Section 27-1c of the Code of Ordinances allowing cross-linked polyethylene tubing, and cross-linked polyethylene pipe to be used as water distribution piping, fitting or material. Due to new technology, this product has improved and is now a comparable alternative to copper or galvanized piping, City Planner Todd Kennemer told the commissioners. The board also deemed the situation warranted emergency action. Fire Chief Gary Denny, assisted by Deputy Chief Dale Hicks, presented the 1998 Ponca City Fire Department Annual Report. The color brochures are available at City Hall and the Ponca City Library for public viewing. Consent Agenda The following items on the consent agenda were approved with one motion. Commissioners authorized dedicating a 15 foot pipeline easement located in the Braden Rural Water District for a new waterline. According to Public Works Director Ken Parr, the city entered into a contract with the district in 1994 to sell water and allow the district to construct a waterline to the water treatment plant across city property. The agreement included dedication of an easement to the rural water district in order to maintain the line. Additionally, Larry Buck and Nick Spencer were approved to fill unexpired terms on the Economic Development Advisory Board. In other items, the board approved a resolution in support of the Ponca City Main Street program. The resolution is needed to complete the contract with the state Main Street office. Furthermore, city claims totaling $924,305, processed from September 9, through Sept. 22, were approved. Ponca City Utility Authority Working with a financial advisor and bond council, Finance Director Marc LaBossiere received the go ahead to pursue permanent financing of $8.1 million with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, through the SRF Loan Program and the Financial Assistance Program. LaBossiere says the resolution was just a formality. Consent Agenda Under the consent agenda, PCUA authorized submitting the monthly operating statement to the OWRB. Additionally, scrap aluminum and copper wire was declared surplus. The Electric Department will solicit for bids and sell about seven tons of scrap aluminum wire and about three tons of scrap copper wire to the highest bidder. In other electric related business, commissioners approved paying SignPros a total of $3,045, for a sign constructed at the Northwest Substation. In addition, city claims of $2.27 million will be paid. Ponca City Development Authority The board reconvened as the Ponca City Development Authority to review changing the name of the Ponca City Municipal Airport to the Ponca City Regional Airport. With the State Aeronautics and Space Commission reclassifying the airport as a regional airport and with a new millennium approaching, the Ponca City Airport Advisory Board and Airport Manager Don Nuzum felt the change was warranted. In addition, the board will continue leasing property with the U.S. Government for 541 square feet of office space at the terminal. According to Nuzum, the space is used for Federal Aviation Administration System Support Center and Contract Weather Observation Station. PCDA will collect annual rent of $4,378.95 at a rate of $1,095 per fiscal quarter in arrears. In other lease agreements, the board waived the land lease fee for the Humane Society for 1999-2000. In other housekeeping items, the board authorized paying claims of $9,141. The commissioners plan to meet Monday for a work session. They will tour the Water Treatment Plan, Darr School buildings and Unitherm. Veterans Day Parade Panel Will Meet Wednesday at VFWThe Veterans Day Parade committee will meet again 7 p.m. Wednesday at the VFW, East Prospect, for another planning session for the Nov. 6 parade. Their last meeting was Sept. 15 with 15 people in attendance. Although bands are once again in very short supply, community interest in the parade will more than make up for the lack of bands. A number of businesses, civic clubs and individuals have already come forward with pledges of floats, music, classic cars, motorcycles, bikes, trikes and horses. Floats are encouraged to play patriotic and marching music as they pass through the parade. An idea for this year’s parade, since there is a lack of bands available, would be a band consisting of former band members and band members who are not attending a contest. The idea is not to look and march pretty; the idea is to make music. The committee is really looking for more participation from the grade school and younger children. Children always remember a parade, particularly when they are involved. Our future is our children, and if we do not reach children respect for the flag and patriotism when they are young, how can we expect them to be the leaders of tomorrow’s free world, noted Chuck Gregg, parade chairman. “We have really appreciated the involvement of the Scouting organizations the past two years, along with the Lutheran and Roosevelt schools,” Gregg also noted. Planes and more planes are expected this year. Last year, due to the weather, the fly over of World War II era planes had to be canceled. This year, the fly over and static display is once again ready for take off, weather permitting. After the fly over, the planes will land at the airport for viewing. Transportation to the airport will be available for veterans attending the lunch. The Aviation Booster Club will be holding its monthly fly-in breakfast that morning, and will also make a fly over on their way home. The Oklahoma National Guard and Army Reserve units have once again committed their resources to the parade. Brig. Gen. Jim Morford, deputy STARC, will represent the Oklahoma National Guard on the reviewing stand. Few people realize that the Native American Indian has the largest number of veterans, percentage wise, than any other ethnic group. “We are really encouraged by their growing desire to participate in this year’s parade so that they too can be honored for a job well done,” said Gregg. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to become involved in this year’s parade and are invited to attend the Wednesday meeting. DEATHSGerald Ervin Cook Gerald Ervin CookNEWKIRK — Gerald Ervin “Jerry” Cook, Newkirk resident, died Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 60. The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at Memorial Lawn Cemetery Chapel in Arkansas City, Kan., under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home. Gerald Ervin “Jerry” Cook was born June 15, 1939, in Arkansas City, Kan., to Don E. and Freda Leota (Onstott) Cook. He grew up and received his education in Arkansas City, Kan., and southern California, graduating from Arkansas City High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army. On Nov. 26, 1980, he was married to Judy Gribble in Newkirk, where the couple made their home. Cook worked as a pipefitter/welder out of the Plumber’s and Steamfitter’s Local 171, Wichita, Kan. He was employed with Wall-Dinger Construction Co., at the time of his death. He was a member of the American Legion Post, Derby, Kan. Survivors include his wife, Judy, of the home; two daughters, Connie Vaden of Dexter, Kan., and Barbara Keller of Houston, Texas; two stepsons, Brian Hicks of Garden City, Kan., and Brad Hicks, currently serving the U.S. Army in Kosovo; his mother Leota Brooks; one brother, Donald W. Cook of Texarkana, Texas; two sisters Delores Randol of Arkansas City, Kan., and Sue Sloan of Texas; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Cooks’s name to the American Heart Association, 3545 Northwest 58th Street Suite 400C, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Robert Leon FlemingBRISTOW — Robert Leon “Bob” Fleming, former Ponca City resident, died Saturday, Sept. 25, 1999, at his home in Tulsa. He was 75. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Bristow (Okla.) City Cemetery with the Rev. Delmar Yates officiating. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Memorial Methodist Church in Tulsa. Arrangements are under the direction of Schumacher Funeral Home, Bristow. Robert Leon “Bob” Fleming was born June 7, 1924, in Holdenville to D.A. and Beulah Mae (Horn) Fleming. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1941. He continued his studies at the University of Tulsa and received his master’s degree at Oklahoma State University. He married Wanda Lee Duddridge on June 8, 1946, in Bristow and the couple had made their home in Tulsa for the last 40 years. They attended Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Tulsa. Fleming, a former Eagle Scout, served as Scoutmaster for Troop 137 in Tulsa. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Survivors include his wife, Wanda, of the Tulsa home; one son, Timothy Fleming of Tulsa; one daughter, Susanne Sanders of Tulsa; two brothers, Glenn of Village Mills, Texas, and David of Oklahoma City; one sister, Betty Whitehead of Ada; three grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends. Fred L. FisherLINCOLN, Neb. — Fred L. Fisher, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Sept. 26, 1999, in Lincoln, Neb. He was 92. A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Lincoln with the Rev. Joseph Eubanks officiating. A private burial was held at Lincoln Memorial Park under the direction of Roper and Sons Funeral Services, Lincoln. Fred L. Fisher was born in 1907 in Tobias, Neb., to James and Josephine Fisher. He and his wife, Vertie, lived in Ponca city for 22 years, while he was employed in the accounting office at Conoco. He retired from Conoco in 1982 after 44 years of service. Fisher served as an Elder at Ponca City First Christian Church and as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 52 for more than 12 years. He was also involved with Boy Scouts while living in Overland Park, Kan. Fisher was a member of the After Five Lions Club and the Ponca City Rose Society. Survivors include his wife, Vertie, of Lincoln; one son, Roger F. Fisher of Grinnell, Iowa; one daughter, Ann Marie Foster of Lincoln; one brother William Fisher of Tobias, Neb.; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister Alice Higgins. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Fisher’s name to First Christian Church, 430 South 16th and “K” Streets, Lincoln, Neb. 68510. NEWS BRIEFSMissing Items — It has been reported to The News that some items were taken during an estate sale Sept. 18 at 205 South Lake that belonged to the family. Anyone knowing about the one foot tall cloth angel and bottle of perfume taken are asked to return them to that location, no questions asked. Retirement reception for Delores Cady. Thursday, Sept. 30th. Carla’s Hallmark, downtown. adv. Citation Issued — The Ponca City Police Department was notified by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 6:50 a.m. Monday that an intoxicated 16-year-old boy was being treated for injuries after being thrown from a pickup. An officer was assigned and a citation was issued and he was released to his mother. 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. Accident — A non-injury accident at Pioneer Technology Center was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:49 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Every Wednesday price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 9:56 a.m. Monday that a 15-year-old boy was being held for assault and battery. Mail Boxes Damaged — A man from the 400 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:47 a.m. Monday that some mail boxes had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Item Missing — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:09 a.m. Monday to report that her driver’s license had been stolen from her vehicle while in the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident — An accident in the parking lot of Ponca City High School was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:02 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Suspicious Activity — A woman from Pioneer Auto requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 11:20 a.m. Monday concerning a possible fraud. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Po-Hi Stepper Home Coming Dinner. Friday October 8th, 5 - 7 p.m. at High School. Take-outs available. Cost $5.00. Tickets at the door or from any Hi-Stepper. adv. Bicycle Stolen — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:33 a.m. Monday to report that a bicycle had been stolen from the 300 block of South Perry Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Lawn Mower Missing — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:34 a.m. Monday to report that a lawn mower had been stolen from the 1400 block of North Fourth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Emporia Avenue at 11:57 a.m. Monday that a vehicle was being towed from the scene for having the wrong decal on it. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:30 p.m. Monday that a 31-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 1:41 p.m. Monday that an injury accident had occurred at the intersection of North Elm Street and West Highland Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded. A report was taken. Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:03 p.m. Monday from an employee at Drug Warehouse, 2214 North Fourteenth Street, requesting assistance with a woman shoplifter. An officer was assigned and an 86-year-old woman was held for petit larceny. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:30 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Citation Issued — An employee at Miller Market, 904 South Fourth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:08 p.m. Monday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a juvenile girl was issued a citation for petit larceny. She was released on a promise to appear in court. Alabam’s Barber Shop closed for vacation, September 30. Reopens October 5. adv. Accident — A two-vehicle accident 2.5 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177 was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:24 p.m. Monday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Wal-Mart at 7:52 p.m. Monday that a 31-year-old man was being held for petit larceny. Yard Vandalized — A man from the 300 block of South Perry reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:08 p.m. Monday that someone had driven into his yard and vandalized the mailbox. An officer was assigned and a private property accident report was taken. Dog Gone — A woman in the 900 block of North Elm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:25 p.m. Monday that someone had stolen her dog from the residence. An officer was assigned and a larceny report was taken. Structure Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 10:05 p.m. Monday from the 200 block of South Eighth Street requesting assistance to investigate a source of smoke. Four units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and an appliance fire was put out. There was an estimated $1,000 damage. LIFESTYLESFood Favorites Are Available At Oktoberfest Food Favorites Are Available At OktoberfestJust as Fall is in the air, the delicious aroma of Oktoberfest food will be in the air this weekend at the annual Oktoberfest on the grounds of the Marland Estate. As always, the selected variety of foods will please all tastes and appetites, according to Kristi Struble, publicity chairman. Special attention is paid each year to ensure a variety of foods offered to “Fest goers,” and this year is no different. From Italian Ice to Indian Tacos or German Kettle Korn to Kolachies, there will be a treat to satisfy every appetite, big or small, as food vendors from far and near prepare their specialties to be available to “Fest goers.” Just like in the old country, the traditional Beer Garden will again be set up where a new 1999 souvenir stein or mug will be available. Visit the Beer Garden, grab a Brat(wurst) and sit back relax and enjoy some great polka music. Come and sample the entire culinary lineup this weekend at Oktoberfest. As the annual event kicks off, the gates to the Marland Mansion grounds will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and will close at 9 p.m. If you can’t sample everything in one day, you can return on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for those 12 and older, and $2 for children 7 to 11. Children 6 and under are free, and a two-day pass may be purchased for $5. Miss Ponca City CandidateEditor’s Note: Candidates for the title of Miss Ponca City will be announced in The News each day through Sept. 29. They will appear as randomly selected by contestants and contest coordinators, with no preference indicated by date of publication. The Miss Ponca City Queen Contest will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Contestants are Heather Herard, Audra Ramsey, Andrea Johnson, Amanda Cobb, Jennifer Tippin, Adrienne Hines, Jessica Bowen, Halli Huffman, Christy Hassell, and Ashly Sawyers. Tickets are available from the contestants or by contacting Vicki Graves at 765-8679 or 7654736, and Jackie Cutler at 762-0437. The contest begins at 7:30 p.m., and Master of Ceremonies will be KIXR personality R.J. Masters. The winner of the contest will be awarded the traditional crown and sash, a trophy, scholarships and many other prizes. Contestants will be judged on poise, appearance and personality. They will also be judged on the three-to-five minute presentation to include personal resume information, and the answers to the questions of “Why I Want to be Miss Ponca City” and “What Ponca City Means To Me.” The contest winner will represent Ponca City as a “Visiting Queen” in the Arkalalah, Arkansas City’s annual Halloween Festival, slated Oct. 29 and 30. Miss Ponca City also acts as a goodwill ambassador, and attends various functions and speaking engagements throughout her year’s reign as her personal schedule allows. The title of Miss Ponca City is currently held by Ashley Van Hoesen, daughter of Everette and Sonja Van Hoesen. One of the candidates for the title is Christina Lynn Hassell, a senior at Ponca City High School, and daughter of Dr. Perry and Tamra Hassell, 131 Elmwood. Miss Hassell is a member of Girl Scouts, where she earned numerous awards, and is a member of orchestra, band, and colorguard. She has been a member of the NOC and NCDA honor bands, the academic team, student council, SADD, and the Ponca Playhouse. She is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, has been on the president’s honor roll, Cat-Tale yearbook staff, AP and Honors classes, drama, Foreign Language Club, Literacy Council, and National Forensics League. She has served as a youth council officer, and participated in her church and youth group activities, been a vacation Bible school teacher, and a member of the church choir, youth choir, and handbells, also participating in youth mission trips. Her hobbies include dance, flag, reading, writing, singing, playing flute, piccolo and piano. Sculptors, Past and Present, Connect at Historical EstateBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Ponca City sculptor Jo Saylors has connected with Bryant Baker, respected British sculptor of the Pioneer Woman Statue, with her wax portrait figure of him. The portrait figure is on display in the gallery of the Bryant Baker Studio opening this weekend during Oktoberfest at the Marland Estate. Saylors will have a display of her own as the guest exhibitor in the Artist Studio, which connects to the Baker Studio. She said, “I was pleased to have been able to sculpt the portrait figure of Bryant Baker and to have it become part of the exhibit.” It is in keeping with tradition that Saylors would be the first to display her works in the Artist Studio, which Marland built for his friend Jo Davidson. There is another connection as Saylors studied early on with Jo Davidson. He is the artist who sculpted the larger than life statues of Lydie Marland and her brother George, now standing in the foyer of the Marland Mansion. Another of Davidson’s works is the seated figure of E.W. Marland which reigns on the lawn of the Civic Center on Grand Avenue. Yet another Marland - Davidson connection is that the model Davidson did for the Pioneer Woman Statue is said to have been Marland’s favorite. This statue was named “Trusting,” and Davidson created it in the Artist Studio. The model of it has been returned to the Mansion and stands in the north salon of the Mansion. The voting public from across the nation chose Baker’s “Confident” out of 12 models as their ideal Pioneer Woman. Davidson also created the famous statue of Will Rogers, a friend of Marland’s, at Claremore. Rogers, at the invitation of Marland, was here for the dedication of Baker’s Pioneer Woman Statue. Saylors Concerning the finishing of the portrait figure of Baker and having her works exhibited in the Artist Studio, Saylors says, “Now I feel as if I have a connection to the two famous sculptors, Bryant Baker and Jo Davidson.” Saylors now joins these two prominent sculptors who had an impact on the aesthetic scene of Ponca City. Two of Saylors’ sculptures adding to the artistic enrichment of Ponca City are Centennial Monument in Centennial Plaza and the children’s bronze at the entrance to the Ponca City Municipal Library. The plaza bronze depicts a homesteader astride a horse about to stake his claim. The library piece is entitled “Through the Eyes of a Child,” showing a boy and a girl reading. Like Baker and Davidson, Saylors has commissioned pieces across the nation and abroad. Lives in Ponca City A resident of Ponca City since 1957, Saylors has shown in numerous exhibitions, including the National Sculpture Society, National Audubon Society, Artists of America and the Great American Artists Exhibition. She is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, World Who’s Who of Women, Cambridge, England, and the National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institute. She has been featured in a number of publications including Southwest Art, Southwest Profiles, Santa Fean and Palm Desert Life. Her subject matter ranges from wildlife, western, to historical figures; but, it is her portrayal of children that gains her the most accolades. Saylors’ pieces range in size from miniature to monumental. Her outdoor sculpture can be found in many public places, including libraries, hospitals, financial institutions and museums throughout America, and in 10 foreign countries, and hundreds of private collections. Among her monumental commissions, besides the Centennial monument here, is the “Lady of Justice,” created for the Oklahoma Bar Foundation in Oklahoma City, and a larger-than-life size work commissioned in late 1994 and unveiled in 1995 in Cordova, Tenn. This three-piece artwork features children playing in a fountain and is the focal point of Cordova The Town. Saylors’ most recent life-size portrait bronzes of two civic leaders in Oklahoma City are located at the Oklahoma Fair Grounds. She regularly teaches short courses at Scottsdale Artist School in Arizona and at The Loveland Academy of Fine Arts in Colorado. Artist Studio Exhibit Among the pieces expected to be exhibited are “Mistaken Identity” (lifesize child); “Trophy” (Indian Boy); “The Gift” (Littlest Angel); “Red Tail Hawk” (one of a kind). Also, “Prairie Flower”; “Spirit Horse”; “Cowboy” and maquettes, “Standing Bear,” “This Land is Mine,” “Lady of Justice,” and “Through the Eyes of a Child.” The Bryant Baker Studio, Artist Studio and Lydie’s Cottage are open to the public free with the admission charge to the Oktoberfest. The fee is $3 for adults or a two-day pass for $5, $2 for children 11 and under. Children under six admitted free. Hours of the open houses are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Neighborhood Chefby Sherry Muchmore One thing I’ve discovered from the response to this column is how very large our neighborhood has become as the world shrinks through the magic of the Internet. I’ve been surprised at the response from people around the United States who have sent in recipes. One of the first recipes we received came from Aurora, Colo.; another from Oklahoma City and others from Broken Arrow, Okla., Winnfield, La. and Houston, Texas. So here we go with our first column featuring our expanding neighborhood friends. If you grow rhubarb or just love the tart, spicy flavor, then here is a cake recipe from Colorado. Kim says it is great for special occasions or picnics and is as quick to prepare as it is good. She is right, we found it is good served warm right out of the oven or chilled. Fresh rhubarb is available at several grocery stores in town. When measuring the rhubarb stalk, take note that five 18” stalks equal 4 diced cups or a 20” stalk equals approximately 1 diced cup. Rhubarb Custard Cake Kim German, Aurora, Colo. yellow or white cake mix 4 cups rhubarb* cut small 1 cup sugar 1 pint (2 cups) whipping cream Mix cake as directed on box, pour into a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with a non-stick spray. Sprinkle diced rhubarb on top of cake. Sprinkle sugar over the rhubarb and gently pour whipping cream over the top of this. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the cake’s center comes out clean. *(Can substitute peaches or berries but use less sugar) Or, when I made it, I added 1/2 cup blueberries when short on the 4 cups of rhubarb. The following is the best recipe I’ve tried for caramel corn. It can be doubled and is great for keeping around the house for company, football games or family snacking. Caramel Corn Peggy Bozeman, Winnfield, La. Pop 1 1/2 cups unpopped popcorn (best when popped 1/2 cup at a time with 3 Tbls. vegetable oil) Set aside in a shallow pan sprayed with a non-stick baking spray. In a deep saucepan, melt: 1 cup margarine (2 sticks), stir in: 2 cups dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup white corn syrup and 1/2 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp. baking soda till foamy. Immediately pour over popped corn, mix until coated. Can add 2 cups peanuts if desired. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and break into pieces as the caramel corn cools. This will prevent it from being too lumpy. If it cools in the pan before removal, you might need a sledge hammer to pry it out. However, place the pan back in the oven until warmed and the caramel corn can be removed as usual. Finish cooling on waxed paper. Store in an airtight container. Another snack food that’s so handy to have available is the old standby, Chex Mix. Today it can be purchased all made up but my family and friends still prefer the old homemade mix the kids fondly tagged “garbage” because of the hodgepodge of ingredients that make up this tasty and simple variation. Combine the following ingredients in a deep baking dish such as a roasting pan: 2 cups Cheerios, 2 cups Rice Chex, 2 cups Wheat Chex, 1 cup stick Pretzels (throw in some more if you like. Using the stick kind gives balance in form) and 1 cup peanuts. In a saucepan melt 1 stick margarine. Add: 1 heaping tsp. seasoned salt, 1 Tbl. soy sauce and a heaping 1/4 tsp. garlic powder. Mix well and pour over cereal mix till coated. Bake in a 250 degree oven for 45 minutes, stirring about midway through. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Holds it’s freshness for several weeks if it lasts that long. I usually double this recipe. BUSINESSChamber Board Endorses Civic Center Restoration Chamber Board Endorses Civic Center RestorationBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced its intention to adopt a resolution supporting continuation of the City one half cent sales tax dedicated to the completion of the restoration of the Civic Center. The election is set for Oct. 12. The announcement of the intended endorsement was made by Chairman Craig Myers at the Friday Board of Directors meeting. A resolution drawn up on the matter says in part, “The results of the renovation project on the Fire Station have clearly been done within proposed budget and time limits as proposed by the City Commission when the issue was placed before the voters for approval, thus keeping faith with voters of the community, and the finished project has shown the community the innate beauty and continued viability for the Civic Center complex as the seat for municipal government in our community.” David Myers, chairman of the Ponca City Energy Committee, was a special guest and requested letters be sent to Senators Don Nickles and Jim Inhofe requesting them to support the Gorton-Jeffords-Kerry Bond Fairness and Protection Act, Senate Bill 386. This bill concerns the deregulation of electricity and Myers expressed concern that the city would lose the tax exempt status on bonds issued previously. A House Bill by Joe Barton of Texas also addresses the tax exemption. Apparently a resolution on the matter will be presented at a future Board meeting for approval. If the Board adopts a resolution coming out against deregulation, it will be differing from the U.S. Chamber, which supports the measure. Chairman Myers reported he and Mayor Tom Leonard had made a trip to Houston to call on Conoco CEO Archie Dunham and to present him with the No. 2 Ponca City Millennium poster. Myers said it was a good meeting and that they told Dunham Ponca City intended to take a proactive approach to acquiring the carbon fiber plant Conoco is considering. Dunham reacted favorably, Myers said. Later in the meeting , Carl Renfro Chairman of the Economic Development told that the decision on where the carbon fiber plant is to be located is expected to be announced in the fourth quarter. Ponca City and several other locations are under consideration. A nominating committee composed of Richard Severance, Tim Burg and Ricky Flak was appointed by Chairman Myers to nominate members for the local Workforce Investment board. Jan Jarrett, Chamber CEO made the request after reporting that Ponca City, Stillwater and Enid will be joining to make up a region. This is the only group within the state to choose to try a new approach, according to Jarrett. Lisa Coy, Chamber vice president, announced a good will trip to Stillwater is slated for Oct. 20. IBP Seeks Workers For Full ProductionBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor A call is going out for workers at the IBP (Iowa Beef Producers) meat processing plant. IBP has recently purchased the Thorn Apple Valley plant and is need of employees. Gary Mickelson, Manager of Communications for IBP, told The News, “Now that the acquisition has been completed we’re looking to bring the plant up to full production. This is especially important as we head into fall, which is traditionally the busiest time of the year for the ham business due to the holiday season. Production levels of employment at the plant had dropped off earlier this year due to Thorn Apple Valley’s financial difficulties. “The plant produces products such as spiral ham and luncheon meat currently employees 420 people. However, the company hopes to bring the employment level back up to more than 600. Right now pay at the plant ranges from $7 to almost $10 an hour for production employees. Obviously we have a need for mechanical and maintenance employees at the plant.” Amy Lightie, office manager for Temporary Personnel Inc., (TPI) says that about 250 employees are needed for IBP. The need for employees is so critical that TPI has set up a satellite office at Workforce Oklahoma, 1201 West Grand. Lightie said that the company is making a huge effort to get employees and keep them. “These are good stable jobs,” She said. According to other sources currently 57 local hires are going through orientation and another 57 are scheduled for orientation. Minority Enterprise Development Will Honor Two Ponca City WomenBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Two Ponca City women, Catherine Haynes and Dolley Rolland are to be honored in Oklahoma City for Service Firm of the Year. The firm C&D Home Health Care is to be honored during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Oct. 4-7. After Conoco downsized, Haynes, a 22-year employee, and Rolland, 20 years, decided to form C&D Home Health Agency. Over the years they had enjoyed donating many hours of community service to the ill and elderly and saw the opportunity to provide service to the people they had grown to love. Haynes worked with corporate personalities at all levels and had many years of experience working directly with Conoco customers. Rolland held responsible administrative positions developing an outstanding record in customer service and public relations. She was recognized by Conoco for her expertise in the financial and financial analysis areas. The business began here in 1994. At that time Haynes and Rolland enrolled in Pioneer Technology Center’s self-employment training program. The SET program provided assistance by helping them develop a business plan, evaluating their business and personal goals, exploring potential markets and accounting and tax planning. The firm provides a number of services such as home health care treatments medication administration, patient and family treatment, education and drawing blood samples for laboratories. Certified Nurse Aides and supervised Registered Nurse, assist with baths and personal care. Transportation and light house-keeping, errands and respite care are also services that are available. The women have an office in the Timberlake building on North Second. They participate in a variety of business activities and Rolland serves on the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Board. The award is to be presented at the Minority Enterprise Awards Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel in Oklahoma City on Oct. 7. Keynote speaker will be Travis Smiley, host of BET Tonight with Travis Smiley on Black Entertainment Television and author of the critically acclaimed book “Hard Left.” A variety of other activities are planned for MED Week, including a kick-off reception in Crabtown in Bricktown; Central Oklahoma’s Minority Business Breakfast, Clarion Hotel; MED Week Golf Classic, Silverhorn Golf Course, and the Awards Luncheon at Marriott. Haynes Haynes organization involvement includes: Connor Chapel AME Church trustee; Ponca City Rotary Club; Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce; State Chamber Small Business Council; National Association Female Executives; Nationwide Register Who’s Who in Executives and Businesses; Ponca City Playhouse. Also, Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council; Pioneer Technology Center-Employment Training/Small Business Management Advisory Council; Central Oklahoma’s Breakfast for Small/Minority/Women Entrepreneurs; Oklahoma Consortium for Minority Business and Associate Matron - Elizabeth T. Smith Chapter 40, Order of Eastern Star. Awards and honors, New Minority Business Award (presented by the African American Coming Together - 1995; 1996 Economic Development Award from Northside Chamber of Commerce, Lawton. Haynes is married with three children and four grandchildren. Rolland Rolland’s organization involvement includes, Connor Chapel AME Church Trustee; Worthy Matron, Elizabeth T. Smith Chapter 40, Order of Eastern Star; Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors; State Chamber of Commerce; State Chamber Small Business Council. Also Ponca City Playhouse, Board of Directors; Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council; Pioneer Technology Center LPN Advisory Council; Central Oklahoma’s Minority Breakfast for Small/Minority/Women Entrepreneurs and Oklahoma Consortium for Minority Business. Awards include New Minority Business Award, presented by the African American Coming Together 1995; 1996 Economic Development Award from Northside Chamber of Commerce, Lawton. Rolland has two children, Jaye, a student at OU and Shawna a senior at Ponca City High School. In addition to an Associate of Business degree from Northern Oklahoma College, Rolland attended Pioneer Technology Center and will receive her CPR Instructor Certification in August. Ed Committee of Chamber To Facilitate PIE EffortsBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Fleming Co., the nation’s No. 2 food wholesaler, is seeking independent owners for 35 company-owned Jubilee supermarkets, including several in western New York. ‘‘Our intention is to sell these stores to independent retailers to own and operate, and Fleming would continue as their supplier through our Buffalo and York, Pennsylvania, warehouses,’’ said Joseph Scrivo, director of human resources for Fleming’s New York division. The Oklahoma City-based Fleming has not set a final date for the transfer of the markets, Scrivo said. Fleming owns about 260 markets and delivers groceries to about 3,000 food stores in 42 states. ‘‘In the best of worlds, the transition will be so smooth that customers won’t notice the ownership change,’’ he said. Among the affected Jubilee stores are those in Attica, Blasdell, Cheektowaga, North Tonawanda and Buffalo. The others are scattered from Westfield to Horseheads across New York State, and in northern Pennsylvania. Fleming acquired the Jubilee stores when it bought out competitor Scrivner Inc. in 1994. The stores are popular with consumers looking for a smaller, easier-to-shop alternative to large-format supermarkets like Tops and Wegmans. Sales Tax Continues To Go DownPonca City sales tax return from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for July continued the downward trend of recent months. However the 16.5 percent drop compared to the 1998 return was not necessarily due to a big dip in sales by Ponca City merchants. Actually a $110,000 tax credit was deducted by the Oklahoma Tax Commission from the July receipts, according to Marc LaBossiere, city financial officer. A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Tax Commission explained that the Oklahoma Legislature had passed a measure making church related non-profit purchases exempt from taxes from July 1997 to June 1998. The next year the Legislature changed the law to read “church related youth camp purchases.” Therefore 14 church-owned hospitals across the state filed for rebates totaling $5.3 million in state, city and county taxes. The September sales tax return to the City from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for July business shows $768,853 compared to $912,059 a year ago. Statewide the July distribution of city sales tax collections totaled $71,779,204. The disbursement to 488 cities and towns showed an increase of $557,019 from the return of $71,222,185 distributed to 490 cities and towns in September one year ago. The Use Tax was also down with $40,851 being collected in July compared to $51,620 a year ago. City July 99 July 98 Barnsdall $11,028 $13,030 Bartlesville 1,011,875 1,028,063 Billings 15,210 5,274 Blackwell 89,558 90,765 Braman 1,989 1,752 Burbank 584 451 Deer Creek 819 638 Enid 1,374,420 1,249,996 Fairfax 17,242 16,598 Kaw City 3,742 3,630 Lamont 2,298 1,950 Marland 948 982 Medford 27,643 22,055 Morrison 5,177 5,071 Newkirk 25,573 22,742 Pawhuska 55,078 50,512 Pawnee 38,160 28,724 Pond Creek 7,558 8,879 Ralston 1,131 804 Red Rock 821 818 Shidler 2,181 2,394 Stillwate 1,104,810 957,856 Tonkawa 40,716 34,047 SPORTSBrown Likes Strong OU Brown Likes Strong OUBy CHUCK SCHOFFNER AP Sports Writer They may be bitter rivals, they may compete in recruiting for the same players. No matter. Texas coach Mack Brown likes what first-year coach Bob Stoops is doing at Oklahoma. Stoops has the Sooners off to a 3-0 start and in the Top 25 for the first time in four years. After stumbling and bumbling to a 5-6 record last year under John Blake, No. 23 Oklahoma is operating with a machine-like precision and leads the nation in total offense, scoring and passing. It’s like the Oklahoma of old, except these Sooners are doing it through the air instead of on the ground. ‘‘OU needs to be a great football team,’’ Brown said Monday during the weekly Big 12 teleconference. ‘‘It’s something that is good for college football. The Big 12 needs OU to be good, just like Texas. We haven’t been as consistent the last number of years as we would like to be, but I think it’s important for both OU and Texas to be good.’’ Brown is doing his part. The Longhorns (4-1) are ranked 15th nationally after going 9-3 a year ago and have a hot, young quarterback in sophomore Major Applewhite. ‘‘We’re a blocked punt away from being 5-0,’’ said Brown, whose team lost its opener when North Carolina State scored off a blocked punt with 3 1/2 minutes left. But Oklahoma and Stoops have been the early story in the Big 12 this year, and while the Sooners aren’t doing it in the traditional way — by running the ball — Stoops noted: ‘‘Nobody is complaining about it right now. Let’s just hope we can continue to get better in it.’’ Quarterback Josh Heupel is doing just fine with it so far. He leads the nation in total offense and already has set school records for completions, attempts, yards and touchdown passes in a game. Oklahoma is averaging 536 yards and 44 points a game, and Stoops said the offense is just scratching the surface. ‘‘I believe our offense can be better without question,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re going to see stronger defenses, we realize that. But still, we can play better and execute in certain situations better than we have. I believe we can run the ball better and will as the year goes on.’’ Stoops will face the stiffest challenge of his young head coaching career when the Sooners play at Notre Dame on Saturday. Though Notre Dame (1-3) is struggling, the Irish will be a step up for Oklahoma after its games with Indiana State, Baylor and Louisville. ‘‘We ... have great respect for Notre Dame football and their tradition, but we also know that we’ve got a great one here,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘There’s a lot of pride here in what we’ve done in the past and I think that makes it fun. It makes the players realize that here are two tradition-rich programs ready to play. ‘‘But all that goes out the window when you kick the ball off. That will be talked about as the week goes on, but once you get into playing, it doesn’t have a whole lot of bearing.’’ Texas is coming off a 62-0 rout of Baylor and will be at home Saturday against No. 13 Kansas State (3-0) in the Big 12’s top game this week. Kansas State had to pull a great escape to beat Iowa State last week, coming from 21 points down at halftime to win 35-28, and now has to get ready for Applewhite, who has thrown for 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns. Applewhite made his first collegiate start against Kansas State last year and had a rough go as the Wildcats won 48-7. Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said Applewhite is much better now. ‘‘I like his poise, he’s a tremendous leader and he’s a tremendously focused young guy,’’ Snyder said. ‘‘I think he’s got a complete package. Of course, they do a nice job protecting him, he’s got fine receivers, but I think it starts with him. He’s a pretty special player.’’ After a week off, Texas Tech returns to action against No. 5 Texas A&M, and with an upset or at least a strong performance, the Red Raiders could take some of the heat off coach Spike Dykes. Dykes has come under fire after Tech lost to North Texas 21-14, but he professes not to be worried. ‘‘The only thing I’m trying to do is get us ready to play A&M,’’ Dykes said. ‘‘The distractions are there, like ’em or not. You don’t have any control over what they say anyway. ‘‘They say in this business about every year you coach, you lose 10 percent of your support. I’ve been here 13 years, so figure that out.’’ Mental State Crucial to OSUBy OWEN CANFIELD AP Sports Writer STILLWATER (AP) — One year ago, Oklahoma State came within a yard of perhaps tying or beating Nebraska. This year, the Cowboys are nearly a four-touchdown underdog. Defensive lineman Zac Warner says the big spread is ‘‘like a slap in the face.’’ Coach Bob Simmons says it’s just the way things go. What’s important, he said, is what Oklahoma State believes. ‘‘That’s what we’ve got to go in with, with our mental framework together,’’ he said Monday. ‘‘Will it be a tough ballgame? Yeah, it’s going to be a tough ballgame, based on Lincoln, based on Nebraska being a good football team, but that’s a fact of life.’’ There are solid reasons why oddsmakers have No. 6 Nebraska such a heavy favorite. The Cornhuskers are unbeaten, they’re playing at home, they just beat Missouri 40-10 on the road and they haven’t lost to Oklahoma State since 1961. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are coming off a 29-11 loss to Mississippi State two weeks ago. Their two young quarterbacks played poorly that day, and this week they travel to one of the toughest stadiums in college football. ‘‘When you go into Lincoln, you’ve got to make sure that you’re poised, that your confident, that you don’t turn the football over,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘Because the history up there is the crowd, when you have a turnover, they get into the football game. ‘‘In that kind of atmosphere, you’ve got to give yourself a chance to win. If you go up there and you turn it over, it’s like a shark, and you know what sharks do.’’ Against Mississippi State, B.J. Tiger and Ben Bowling combined for eight turnovers, 95 yards passing and were sacked eight times. Tiger, who has started the past two games in place of injured Tony Lindsay, is listed No. 1 on the depth chart although Simmons said he wouldn’t settle on a starter until Thursday. He said both will play Saturday, as has been the case since Lindsay went down in the opener with a knee injury. Lindsay tore the medial collateral ligament and stretched the anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg during a Sept. 4 game with Louisiana-Lafayette. Doctors opted not to do surgery and said the injury would be evaluated again in a month. Lindsay, who has had the knee in a brace, went through some light drills with the team last week, but it is highly unlikely he would return as soon as Saturday. ‘‘I would love to tell you yes, but at this point in time I don’t think I can say that, just based on what the trainers have told me,’’ Simmons said. It does appear, however, as though Lindsay will try to return at some point this season. ‘‘There’s a possibility of that,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘It just remains to see how far he comes. Just based on the doctors, it could be as early as next week or it could be the week after if he continues to have success with that knee the way it is.’’ Lindsay’s solid play was one reason Oklahoma State nearly upset Nebraska a year ago. The Cowboys got stopped at the 1-yard line as time expired and lost 24-17 in Kansas City, Mo. This week, Oklahoma State is nearly a four-touchdown underdog. COWBOY NOTES: Linebacker Kenyatta Wright, who had surgery last week to fix a hairline fracture of a bone in his left hand, is ‘‘very, very doubtful’’ for Saturday, Simmons said. ... Tailback Nathan Simmons, banged up in the loss to Mississippi State, will play this week. ... Oklahoma State has opened conference play against Nebraska nine times in the past 20 years, more than against any other opponent. ... This will be OSU’s fourth straight conference opener on the road. ... Saturday’s game kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and will be televised by the Big 12 network. Lady Cats Open Play In DistrictPonca City’s Lady Wildcat softball team will open district play against host Owasso Thursday at noon. The other two teams in the tournament, Jenks and Bartlesville, will play at 2 p.m. in the first round of the double elimination tournament. The Lady Wildcats have lost twice to Owasso during the regular season — the last time in the Western Heights Tournament over the weekend — but both games have been close, according to coach Tracy Scott. The Lady Cats won two of three games in pool play at Western Heights, beating Jenks and Del City, before losing to the host team, by one run. Ponca City also lost a one-run decision to Choctaw in the Silver Bracket play on Saturday before falling to Owasso. “That is the 17th time we’ve lost by one run this season,” Scott said of the Choctaw defeat.
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