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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, October 25, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALParent Teacher Conferences To Be Held Thursday, Friday Parent Teacher Conferences To Be Held Thursday, FridayThe end of the first nine weeks has arrived for the 2000-2001 school year. Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled for Ponca City schools on Thursday evening, Oct. 26 and Friday morning, Oct. 27. East Middle School parents may pick up their student’s report card and conference on a “first come, first serve” basis on Thursday evening from 3:30 to 7 p.m. or Friday morning from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Report cards will not be mailed out or sent home with students prior to the conference dates. Teachers will be set up in the gym, if it is ready for use, or in classrooms for conferencing. In addition to conferences, several community organizations will be represented to share information about their resources. Those scheduled to be present are the Ponca Tribe, United Way, Kaw Tribe of Oklahoma, Northern Oklahoma College, Kay County Health Department, Ponca City Police Department, Youth Shelter, Kay County Circle of Care, Child Welfare and the Salvation Army. Parents may visit with representatives from these groups and/or pick up applications for programs. Mayor and Board at Odds over Tourism DirectionBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor A blast from the past reared its head at Tuesday’s Ponca City Tourism Authority (PCTA) meeting when present and former authority members disagreed with mayor Tom Leonard on tourism promotion. The meeting began with a sobering announcement by Leonard. “There will be no more grants after June 30, 2001,” the mayor stated. Leonard’s reasoning apparently is based on his desire for tourism to “focus” more on festivals, events and attractions instead of bus tours. Leonard told the PCTA members that he was “hedging” his remarks since they were preliminary thoughts. He said any administrative decisions would be made by city manager Gary Martin and his staff. He indicated if there is a restructuring of tourism policy decisions they would be recommended by the board and the final decision made by the city commissioners. Leonard said a new plan could be drafted by the end of February, 2001. After 90 minutes of sometimes heated discussion with members of PCTA, motel owners and charter members of the authority, a tentative agreement was reached. Longtime authority member Phil Bandy disagreed with the mayor on the grants issue, but agreed that a new tourism plan is needed. He suggested a task force be formed and Leonard agreed. Leonard said that tourism should focus more on several-day festivals instead of motor coach tours. He noted more and more bus tours had been scheduled in recent years, but the revenue is down. “About four weeks ago Cathy Ferguson (Ponca City Tomorrow), T.L. Walker (authority member), James York (Conoco) and I went to the International Festivals and Events Association in New Orleans and it was a very insightful trip,” the mayor reported. “We saw a lot of things that we could do in our community to add some fun, excitement and some inspiration to some things we have here, and also to create some new events.” He added, “As a result, we have been trying to restructure a rough draft of what a new festivals and events program might look like. “One of the things, as I’ve said before — no grant promotion money. However, it would include maybe a specific technical support team that would be responsible for helping with a fixed list of things any festival or particular festival could expect from year-to-year. “A new approach would include a marketing effort that would unite the festival and events and attractions and the city itself. To the extent that festivals and events promotion are successful, it creates a positive image for Ponca City. “Personally, I like to talk about the Ponca City experience. What that is, how you get it, how you grow that experience. This is all centered around festivals, events and attractions.’ The mayor continued, “I think a focus that succeeds is a focus on what do we do for the people here in the community. How can we create things that really make them feel that Ponca City is the wonderful town we all say it is?” Grants have been used over the years to promote local events, and to bring in tourism. The grants, which came from a budget funded by a three percent motel tax, were basically to be used for advertisement of the functions and to draw tourists to town. David Lehmann, manager of Holiday Inn, pointed out that the overnight bus tours had been good for his business and also added to the coffers of tourism. He also objected to any raise in the motel tax to supplement the budget. Downtown business owner and authority member Glenn Mair strongly opposed less promotion of motor coaches tours on behalf of retail. His point was the sales tax collected from merchandise purchased by the tour bus participants add to the city’s general fund and helps downtown. When Missy Morland tendered her resignation as coordinator of the authority effective in August, the decision was made by the City Commission — according to Leonard — to take tourism in a different direction. Leonard noted that revenue (from the motel tax) had been declining and administrative costs had not. In 1997, the PCTA voted to move the Visitor’s Center from the Chamber to the Cultural Center (now known as Marland’s Grand House). At present, tourism calls are being directed to Terry Sherbon of the city and to the Chamber of Commerce. Bill Rutz, former member of the PCTA and owner of Sun n’ Fun Waterpark, heatedly objected to the city operating the tourism authority. He pointed out the movement to pass the tourism tax had originated with the Chamber when John Myers was executive. He noted at that time the meetings would have 30 or 40 in attendance. Rutz said that the Chamber has a large volunteer base and he feels the program should go back to the Chamber. As to the task force, Rutz suggested that “people who know something about tourism” should be part of the study group. There was some discussion about restaurant owners being approached for funding. Rutz pointed out this had been part of the plan when the motel tax was passed. At one point, Bandy asked Leonard if the PCTA was in effect being “sundowned.” Leonard responded that was probably the case in the future. It was not determined at the meeting who would be on the task force. Leonard suggested bringing in a consultant from Houston he had met in New Orleans and who was a friend of Mrs. L.F. McCollum, former president of Conoco. The PCTA is an advisory board to the City Commission. In fact, in recent months, the advisory board has not been required to vote on accepting the financial statements of the coordinator, as it has been deemed unnecessary by city management for the advisory boards to do so. There was no financial report shown at the meeting, but by ordinance the money can only be used for promoting tourism and administrative costs. There has been no salary paid out for a coordinator since Morland’s resignation, effective at the end of August. Marc Labossiere, finance officer for the City, said with the three months of the fiscal year gone, there is $8,801 in the account. However there are a couple of motels in arrears and letters will be going out to them soon. The 1998-1999 year ended with motel tax collection of $96,104. Labossiere said the revenue has been declining steadily and feels it is partly due to the closing of the Marland Conference Center and to more teleconferencing by Conoco. He said another factor could be the business climate in Ponca City. New License Requirements Begin November 1Beginning Nov. 1, Oklahoma drivers will be affected by three new licensing requirements. The first requirement affects all drivers, the second concerns drivers between 21-26 years of age and the last is directed at males age 18-25. People renewing, replacing or applying for a driver’s license must present two forms of identification — primary and secondary. For those between 21-26 years of age and replacing a lost or stolen driver’s license, the identification requirements become more stringent. Males, 18-25 years of age, must prove they have complied with selective service requirements to renew, replace or apply for a license. Legislators determined that requiring two forms of identification could cut down on driver’s license fraud. This is part of an effort to help prevent identity theft. “For years, all you had to do to renew your license was submit your old license,” said Karen Gentry, director of Driver License Testing. “Beginning Nov. 1, you’ll be required to not only submit your old license or another primary identification, but also present a second form of ID.” The department has developed a list of authorized primary and secondary identifications. “Our records show that the highest number of replacement licenses is for people 21-26 years of age,” Second Lieutenant Shane Slovacek, Driver License Fraud division said. “This is one of the areas that driver license fraud is a real problem. The legal drinking age in Oklahoma is 21, and we see a high number of people trying to use fake IDs so they can drink before that age.” Drivers within this age group — when replacing a lost or stolen license — will be required to present, at a minimum, a certified state birth certificate and a notarized affidavit which is available at tag agencies and the Department of Public Safety. The affidavit must be completed by another licensed Oklahoma driver who is at least 21 years of age and who verifies the identity of the applicant. Federal law requires all males, at age 18, to register with the Selective Service System. The registration form is available at many locations, including U.S. Post Offices, and on the internet at www.sss.gov. The Department of Public Safety in Ponca City is open for driver’s license applications on the second and fifth Monday and Tuesday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-4:45 p.m. in the National Guard Armory, 1015 West South Avenue. The telephone number is 762-1728. The list of primary identification includes Oklahoma driver’s license; Oklahoma identification card; out-of-state driver’s license; state-issued birth certificate; passport; I-94 card with passport; court order with full name, date of birth, district judge signature and court clerk’s seal; military ID card; military dependent ID card; Bureau of Indian Affairs ID card; Oklahoma tribal ID card approved by DPS; alien registration card; and reinstatement orders issued by the Department of Public Safety to applicants with Oklahoma license on file. Nearly NewsThe Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce reports that a Halloween night (Oct. 31) parade will be held at 5 p.m. starting at Fifth Street and Grand Avenue and heading west to First Street. Youngsters will be able to visit local merchants for trick-or-treat. That’s also the regular trick-or-treat night in the neighborhoods as well. Local Teenager Arrested for RapeBy JEFF POLITTE News Staff Writer Three local juveniles could face felony-related charges after being taken into custody by Ponca City police in two separate incidents Tuesday. One of the juveniles, a 16-year-old Ponca City boy, was arrested on two counts of rape involving a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl late this summer. The boy was taken into custody at 11:18 a.m. The second arrests involved two juveniles who were allegedly caught throwing objects from an overpass in the 100 block of West South Avenue. The juveniles, an 11-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, face felony charges of dropping an object at a moving vehicle after one of the objects broke a motorist’s windshield. The motorist, who reported the incident at 7:33 p.m., detained the juveniles until police could arrive. In the rape incident, police information officer Sherry Bowers said both rapes allegedly occurred during the summer, but were not reported until earlier this month. “Police did not receive notification [of the incident involving the 12-year-old] until Oct. 9.” The girl is now 13. The second assault was not reported until Oct. 18. That girl is now 15. “Police, acting on a Crime Stoppers tip (regarding the rapes), began an investigation” which resulted in the arrest of the boy, Bowers indicated. He is expected to appear in district court later today. In the second arrest case, the boy and girl are facing felony charges. “It is a felony to throw objects at a moving vehicle. It is also a felony to throw or project objects from a moving vehicle,” Bowers explained. “The case information will be referred to the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the District Attorney’s Office,” she added. In the meantime, the two have been released to their parents. Letters to the EditorAs a physician, I see tobacco-related illnesses nearly every day. It is no wonder, according to scientific studies, that tobacco use costs Oklahomans more than $1 billion for medical services each year. Of that billion, more than $80 million comes from Medicaid, a government program we all contribute to with our tax dollars. The fact is that tobacco is killing us in two ways. It victimizes its users with cancer, heart disease and emphysema, and victimizes the rest of us with ever-increasing health care costs. It is time to do something about it! In Oklahoma, the best solution I see is a Yes vote on SQ 692. Doctors don't usually applaud trial lawyers but, in this case, I do. Lawyers took on the big tobacco companies and won a huge settlement. Oklahoma's share, over the next 25 years, is estimated at $2.6 billion. The question now becomes how do we spend that money? I would like to see it spent under the terms of a constitutional amendment we can approve on November 7th, State Question 692. If we vote yes on SQ 692, money from the tobacco settlement will be set aside in a special trust fund and only interest earnings can be spent. Spending will be restricted to education, health care for senior citizens and children, cancer research and cost-effective programs to help people stop smoking and to help young people resist the temptation to start smoking. SQ 692 represents a tremendous opportunity for Oklahoma. We can save the tobacco settlement money in a trust fund, create a permanent revenue source of interest money and use the proceeds to stop the death tobacco is causing. I can think of no better vote to cast on November 7th than a vote for SQ 692. Please join me in voting YES! Linda Goldenstern, M.D. Watercolor Artist To Exhibit at Art CenterCarol Ranney will present a watercolor exhibit at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, from Nov. 5-26. A reception in her honor will be held Sunday, Nov. 5, from 1-4:30 p.m. Ranney will conduct a watercolor workshop prior to the exhibit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4. Those interested should call the Art Center, 765-9746. The cost of the workshop is $80. Since her first exhibit in 1982, Ranney has won over 50 awards for her paintings. She has exhibited in both regional and national competitions. Her work has appeared on magazine covers and is included in a book published by the National Academy of Science in Washington, D.C. “I love the Kansas landscape, our beautiful skies, the abundance of flowers and foliage, our homes and the people who live in them. I paint, sculpt and write about the things that capture my attention and speak to my heart,” said Ranney, of Wichita, Kan. In the past 20 years, she has had 14 one-woman shows. Poster designs by Ranney were selected by Botanica, The Wichita Gardens in 1992 and 1998, and she has designed posters for other organizations. She has been selected for membership in the Pastel Society of America, the Kansas Watercolor Society, the Mid-West Pastel Society, the Artist Guild of Wichita, Wichita Women Artist and Mid-West Pastel Society. She shares her talent, teaching classes for children and adults in her studio and in workshops. She also taught for five years at the Wichita Center for the Arts. Ranney works in several art mediums — watercolor, pastel acrylic and oil. She is a sculptor, working with various types of clay. The human figure and portrait studies are her subject matter. In addition to her art work, she has written award-winning poetry, volunteered her time to the Ministry With Persons with Disabilities, teaching arts and crafts at Holy Family Summer Camp for the past six years and recently designed a pewter sculpture as a fund raiser for Anthony Family Shelter. The pewter is a signed and numbered limited edition with all proceeds going directly to the shelter. All interested are urged to attend the workshop, reception and/or exhibit, sponsored by the Ponca City Art Association. Winter Weather Clothing Available for YoungstersThe United Way/AmeriCorps program has been serving the needs of children and families in our community since the fall of 1997. During this time, one particular need has been evident. Many of the children AmeriCorps members tutor and mentor are without appropriate clothing for winter weather. The national Make A Difference Day on Saturday gives the members an opportunity to secure and dispense clothing to area children. On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, donations will be accepted, and from 1 to 4 p.m., those in need of warm childrens clothing can pick up necessary items free. This project will take place in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church. This is the same site of Friendship Feast and is a place known and appreciated by many local citizens. Participating in this activity for Make A Difference Day is as simple as cleaning a closet. AmeriCorps members will be happy to pick up donations of clothing from those not able to drop off items on Saturday morning. The focus is on childrens clothing, keeping in mind that many 11 and 12 year olds wear adult sizes. If you know of someone that could benefit from receiving necessary clothing, encourage those who could benefit in this drive to pick up donations Saturday afternoon. Partners for the clothing drive are Lutheran School and Woodlands Elementary. Two teachers, Jeanne Freeman at Lutheran and Chawnte Sober at Woodlands, have encouraged students to help. These teachers are AmeriCorps alumni and know first hand the needs in the community as well as the benefits derived, both in receiving and giving. For further information or to schedule a pick-up, call the United Way of Ponca City office at 765-2476. Free Peer Mediation Training For Adult Volunteers SaturdayA free Peer Mediation Training for adult volunteers will be held on Make a Difference Day Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street. Lunch will be provided for participants. Volunteers will learn to train others in the art of mediation. The sponsor, Ponca City Alliance for Youth, Juvenile Crime and Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, plans to help develop Peer Mediation programs in schools and other organizations in the Kay County area. “Peer mediation programs provide a first line of defense against juvenile and adult crime,” states Byron Tribble, peer mediation trainer. “A recent newspaper article titled International Mediators to Help Resolve Conflict in the Middle East could have read ‘Ponca City Mediators to Help Resolve Conflicts in our Community.’ The concept behind mediation works to resolve conflicts in most situations,” states Tribble, a longtime trainer in conflict resolution programs. “Mediators do not solve conflicts, they assist others to resolve their own conflict,” continues Tribble. “They help others resolve conflicts in a nonviolent way.” Sue Ann Rodgers, counselor at Northern Oklahoma College, Peer Mediation sponsor says, “Teaching peer mediation equips a youth with a life-long skill to improve communication and a healthy resolution of conflict.” Tribble became interested in mediation in 1991 while attending Oklahoma State University. He has trained youth and adults in Ponca City, Newkirk, Northern Oklahoma College, Blackwell alternative school, as well as six other counties in Oklahoma and in Kansas and Arkansas. Tribble is a certified mediator in accordance with Title 12 Oklahoma Statutes, sections 1801 et. seq., and the Oklahoma Rules and Regulations for the Dispute Resolution Act promulgated by the Oklahoma Supreme Court through the Office of the Administrative Director of The Courts. Volunteers will begin training at 9 a.m. The day will begin with an overview of peer mediation in the Ponca City area. Then Tribble will begin teaching problem solving, decision making and communication skills. Therapeutic games will be used in conjunction with written, oral, and hands on activities. Adults will learn the games to use in teaching youth mediation skills. “These games are played with the purpose of teaching skills,” states Tribble. “Volunteers will have fun and not realize they are learning.” Lunch is scheduled for noon; volunteers will enjoy pizza and snacks provided by Wal-Mart and Domino’s Pizza. The training will conclude at 4 p.m. Participants will receive a certificate of completion which will identify trained volunteers desiring to work with Peer Mediation Programs in our local schools. All interested in volunteering, call Tribble at 762-9764, or Katina Combes, United Way/AmeriCorps Promise Fellow at 765-2476. County Program Provides Help For Weatherization Day 2000The U.S. Department of Energy has proclaimed Monday, Oct. 30, as “Weatherization Day 2000.” The designation of this special day will celebrate the past, present and future accomplishments of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Since its inception in 1976, more than five million households nationally have experienced energy efficiency, financial, health and safety gains through this program. The program serves every county in the nation and supports over 8,000 jobs. United Community Action Program Inc., provides weatherization services to households in Kay County each year. These households save an average of $193 annually on their heating bills after weatherization work is completed. The dollar savings alone make a big difference for these families. “Every day, in every state and every community, crew members and contractors work hard in the homes of truly needy families making a real difference in their lives,” said David Ellison, deputy director of UCAP. “After services, local families experience an average energy use reduction of 20 percent or more, which means that dollars are put back in their pockets to buy groceries, visit a doctor, buy medicine, or improve some standard of living.” Weatherization works in many ways. The program has gained a solid reputation as the nation’s core program for delivering energy conservation services to low-income households. Weatherization’s professionally trained crews use the latest energy audit technologies to identify energy-saving strategies in single-family, multi-family and mobile homes. Cost effective measures are performed, including, but not limited to installing insulation, furnace and boiler retrofits, cooling measures and sealing leaky ducts with mastic. Crews also advise clients of energy-saving habits to employ year-round, in addition to checking furnaces and appliances for carbon monoxide leaks. Therefore, weatherization not only makes the home warmer (cooler), but it provides a safer living environment. Also, the Weatherization Assistance Program prioritizes the elderly, persons with disabilities and households with children. Applications are currently being accepted for weatherization assistance. Contact United Community Action Program at 918-762-3041 and ask to speak with a representative in weatherization, to find out more about this program. DEATHSHanna Michel Rahme Hanna Michel RahmeBEIRUT, Lebanon — Hanna Michel Rahme, resident of Sin El Fil, Lebanon, died Sept. 15, 2000, in Lebanon. He was 93. The funeral was held Sept. 16 at the St. Elias Church in Sin El Fil, Lebanon, with the Revs. Mr. Audi and Samil Faysal, nephew, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of the Alfred Kahali Funeral Home. The 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City to be celebrated Sunday, Nov. 5, will be held in his honor. Hanna “Abou” Michel Rahme was born June 15, 1907, in Mercyne, Turkey, the son of Michael and Marie Rahme. He married Victoria Farah in 1925 in Latakia, Syria. He was employed as an electrician and was involved in the family clothing business. He was affiliated with the Syrian Orthodox Church. Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, George Rahme of Ponca City; three daughters, Marie Rahme Hakim, Helene Khoury and Ivonne Hachem; 17 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michel Rahme; a brother, Fouad Rahme; and two sisters, Debe Hashim and Sarah Zoueyke. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Mary’s School Foundation, c/o Home National Bank, Second Street and Grand Avenue, Ponca City, Okla. 74601. ObituariesBenedict L. BalcerOKLAHOMA CITY — Benedict L. Balcer, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at his home in Oklahoma City. His funeral was at Resthaven Chapel on Oct. 13, 2000, under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Oklahoma City. Benny was born Feb. 26, 1941, in Ponca City to Casimir and Dora Bowman Balcer. He attended St. Mary’s School where he graduated in 1960. He served three years in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Benny had recently retired from Tinker Air Force Base after 30 years. He is survived by his wife Linda of the home; two sons from his marriage to Marilyn Kelly in 1964, Eric and his wife Lisa and their children Sydnie and Weston, and Trent and his wife Angela; a stepson, Roger Mercer and his wife Dawn and their daughter Erika; and a stepdaughter, Amy Mercer-Horn and her daughter Rachel. He is also survived by a brother, Gary Balcer of Maryland; a brother-in-law, Jack McKeown; a niece and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy McKeown; and brothers, James and John Balcer. paid obituary Joe V. VickersJoe V. Vickers, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away Tuesday morning, Oct. 24, 2000, at the Vencor Health Center in Oklahoma City after a lengthy illness. He was 81. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2000, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Ed Coy Light of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church presiding. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Joe V. Vickers was born May 17, 1919. in Gainesville, Texas, the son of Joseph Sydney Vickers and Lela Mae (Cantrell) Vickers. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School in Gainesville. The family moved to Ponca City in 1932. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School of Ponca City in 1936. He was united in marriage to Pearl Malcom on Dec. 25, 1938, in the home of her parents in Ponca City. The couple had been married for 61 years. Mr. Vickers served in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 to 1945, being stationed at Amarillo, Texas, as an aircraft mechanics instructor. After military service, Mr. and Mrs. Vickers made Ponca City their home. Mr. Vickers went to work for the George Self Butane and Propane Company in 1945 and continued his employment with the company until his retirement as general manager in the summer of 1976. He was a member of the American Legion and lifetime member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. His enjoyments included traveling, reading, family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Pearl, of the home; one daughter, Nancy Taylor and husband, Gary of Ponca City; one son, Larry Vickers and wife, Patty of Lubbock, Texas; three grandchildren, Carol Vickers of the University of Texas at Austin, Ryan Taylor of Tulsa and Robb Taylor and wife, Laurie of Stillwater; two sisters, Linda Powelson and friend, John Blenz of Blackwell and Dorothy Henderson and husband, Bart of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law, Veta Bristow of Ponca City; one niece, Nancy Siler and husband, Jim of Blackwell; three nephews, Mike Stratton and wife, Cindy of Wichita, Kan., Bart Henderson and wife, Linda of Houston, Texas, and Sean Grigsba and wife, Juli of Miami, Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents. Casket bearers will be Richard Cross, Kevin Frazier, Owen Greer, Jim Siler, Doug Wilson and W.E. Kirkpatrick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Foundation for Medical and Educational Research, 200 First Street, S.W., Rochester, Minn. 55905 or to the Friends of Education, P.O. Box 1815, Ponca City, Okla. 74602. Family and friends may call at Grace Memorial Chapel from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday with family receiving friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening. The family will be at 1904 Meadowbrook. paid obituary FuneralsThursday Sandy Kay Corwin LindhorstSandy Kay Corwin Lindhorst — Funeral at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lexington, Mo. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Richmond, Mo., under the direction of Thurman Funeral Home. NEWS BRIEFS-- Halloween Dance — The Pepperette Halloween Dance will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Grand Central Station. Cost is $5 and costumes are required. Cash prizes will be awarded. Pepperettes may earn an extra point by bringing a paper product to be donated for “Make a Difference Day.” McCord School’s 19th annual Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday, October 28, 2000 from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Over 70 exhibitors. Con- cessions available. Free admission. adv. Food Share — Retired Senior Volunteer Program Heartland Food Share orders will be taken Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 2-3. Orders are taken at 319 West Grand on Thursdays and Fridays only. Pickup date is Nov. 18 at the same site. For more information call 762-9412. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Alternative to Trick or Treat — Pioneer Christian Church at 1701 East Hubbard Road will have a fun night for children sixth grade and under Oct. 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be games, candy and face painting. This is an alternative to trick or treat, no scary costumes please. Come join us for fun. Theft — Someone in the 100 block of Whitworth Avenue reported the theft of some credit cards to Ponca City police at 9:59 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Burglary — A woman in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street reported her vehicle had been broken into to Ponca City Police at 8:08 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Save 50% on all scented beeswax candles, thur saturday. Carlas Hallmark, Downtown. adv. Accident — A minor backing accident in the 300 block of South Palm Street was reported to Ponca City police at 8:26 a.m. Tuesday. A neighbor backed into the caller’s vehicle. An officer was assigned, but no report was taken. The neighbors worked out the problem between themselves. Concealed Hand gun class scheduled for October 28th, 8 a.m. to ? For more information 765-6589. adv. Burglary — Someone in the 1000 block of North Birch Street reported a vacant rental house had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 11:07 a.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Theft — A resident in the 200 block of South Palm Street reported the theft of Halloween ornaments from a porch to Ponca City police at 12:09 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years, no mess. 762-8883. adv. Burglary — A man in the 500 block of North Second Street reported his wife’s purse was stolen from their vehicle to Ponca City police at 2:37 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Spaghetti Supper- Friday, Oct 27th, Ponca City Masonic Lodge on West Grand, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm adults, $5 under 12, $3. All pro- ceeds benefit the Ponca City Literacy Council. adv. Subject Held — An officer with the District Attorney’s Office transferred a 36-year-old woman to the Ponca City Police Department on a Garfield County felony warrant at 3:42 p.m. Tuesday. Trap Shooting, Sundays 1:00. Open to public. Five miles west of Ponca City on Highway 60. adv. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of East Highland Avenue and North Seventh Street reported a 23-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop on four Kay County warrants, driving under suspension and no insurance at 6:36 p.m. Tuesday. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Barbie Ornament, 1st-in-the-series. Coming in November. Reserve yours now! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv. Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to Ponca City police at 6:56 p.m. Tuesday a 25-year-old woman was being held. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The woman was taken into custody for petit larceny. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at a business in the 700 block of South Waverly Street reported a $37.35 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. A possible description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue reported a 35-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication, no insurance and transporting an open container at 8:34 p.m. Tuesday. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Burglary — A man in the 2300 block of North Fourteenth Street reported the theft of some money to Ponca City police at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. Burglary — A woman in the 600 block of North Osage Street reported her vehicle had been burglarized overnight to Ponca City police at 6:33 a.m. Wednesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762- 6522. adv. Halloween Parade — There will be a Halloween Parade from Fifth Street to First Street on Grand Avenue at 5 p.m. Oct. 31, with merchants along the way providing treats, according to Chamber officials - LIFESTYLESReception To Honor Couple Reception To Honor CoupleMr. and Mrs. Bill C. Jeffries, 4600 North Pecan Road, will observe their 50th anniversary today. A reception in their honor will be held on Oct. 29, 2-4 p.m., at the Marland Mansion. Hosts for the celebration will be the couple’s children and their spouses. An open invitation is extended to family and friends to attend the event, and the couple requests that there be no gifts. Billy C. Jeffries and Geraldine U. Stephenson were married on Oct. 25, 1950, at the First Baptist Church in Bogata, Texas. They made their home in Wichita Falls, Texas, and, in 1965, transferred to Ponca City. He was employed by Baroid Oil Company until 1969. He owned and operated the B.C. Jeffries Distributing Company, which later became 101 Beverage Company, Inc., until his retirement in 1994. Mrs. Jeffries was employed as a beautician at Klapper’s Beauty Salon in Ponca City for a short time. They were avid bowlers for many years, and he also enjoyed playing golf. Mrs. Jeffries is a porcelain doll maker and has earned numerous awards in that field. Presently, the couple enjoys raising and showing Missouri Fox Trotting Horses. They are partners with their daughter and her husband, Donna and Ronny White, in the Busy B Arena and Stables north of Ponca City. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries attend Second Baptist Church. They have four children, Nick C. Jeffries and wife Carole of Ponca City, J. Donna White and husband Ronny of Ponca City, and Barry L. Jeffries and wife Kristy of Broken Arrow, and the late George A. Jeffries. The couple has five grandchildren, Jason L. Johnson and wife Jennifer of Germany, Jeremy L. Johnson and wife Rachel of Ponca City, Jennifer L. Sturtz and husband Troy of Broken Arrow, Jeffrey K. Johnson and wife Tiffany of Edmond, and Jillian C. Jeffries of Broken Arrow. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries have a great-granddaughter, Eryn Noelle Johnson of Germany. Miriam Class Members MeetThe members of the Miriam Class of the First Baptist Church met recently in the Williamsburg Parlor for their October meeting. Lynda Hughes presented the program and dedicated it to the late Dolores Paden. She commented that, “even though we had only known her for a few short years, she had made a large impact in our class and in our church.” Hughes also shared her experiences at the Ann Graham Lotz conference in Kansas City. The theme of the conference was based on the book, “Just Give Me Jesus,” written by Ms. Lotz. The Octoberfest and Halloween themes were carried out in the centerpiece and decorations for the table. Refreshments were served by Irene Heppler and Audrey Rogers. The next meeting will be Nov. 20 in the Williamsburg Parlor. All members are urged to attend and bring a guest. Christmas Gala Pageant PlannedA Christmas Gala Pageant, sponsored by Miss American Sweetheart Pageants, is planned for Ponca City area residents Dec. 2. The event is open to girls up to 18-years-old, and boys to age 5. No prior pageant experience is required to enter. Deadline for entries is Nov. 12, and more information may be obtained by calling 580-363-3384. The beauty pageant is combined with a toy drive with each contestant required to pay an entry fee as well as donating a toy for underprivileged children in the community. A variety of titles will be available, along with trophies. Christmas Gala Snow Royalty will be crowned during the event, and sponsors expect it to be a fun-filled day for contestants. SPORTSStoops Embraces Great OU Tradition Stoops Embraces Great OU TraditionNORMAN, Okla. (AP) — The cover of Oklahoma’s 1999 football media guide didn’t have a picture of new coach Bob Stoops. Instead, at his suggestion, it prominently listed the Sooners’ six national championship seasons. This year’s guide has two Sooners celebrating on the front. On the back is a collection of several conference, bowl and national championship rings the Sooners have won. It’s no accident. The guides are sent to recruits, and Stoops wants them to be aware of the program’s lofty goals. ‘‘I believe when you have got a great history and tradition like we have, you need to embrace it,’’ Stoops said. ‘‘I want our players to know that’s what is expected of them. That’s what they need to live up to.’’ All those rings and banners were just fond memories for Oklahoma fans during the past 10 years or so. But in his two years in charge, Stoops has the Sooners back in the chase for a conference and national title. They are 6-0 and ranked No. 3 going into Saturday’s game against top-ranked, 7-0 Nebraska. The first two coaches who followed Barry Switzer — Gary Gibbs and Howard Schnellenberger — tried to distance themselves from him and his shadow. Former players found their access to the program restricted. John Blake’s hiring as coach was billed as a member of the family coming home, but he was ill at ease as a coach and with the program’s expectations. Not Stoops. On the day of his hiring, Switzer was there. Former players are welcome again, encouraged to share their stories and experiences. ‘‘Truly, in my mind anyway, he’s one of those guys who has respect for that tradition at Oklahoma,’’ said Charlie Newton, head of the Football Letterman’s Association. ‘‘You would always think that former players would be very welcome. By and large they want to be as supportive as they can be. But it seemed like that for whatever reason, there just wasn’t as much camaraderie, that kind of thing.’’ Stoops grew up an Oklahoma fan in Youngstown, Ohio, and once painted a pair of his sneakers silver to emulate Joe Washington. He said the occasional visits from former coaches or players, and the reminders about the program’s rich past, only make sense. ‘‘Here, there is great, great tradition,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ve been in 16 Orange Bowls for goodness sake and have won 12 of them. There’s 12 Orange Bowl trophies hanging around. You just don’t neglect that. ‘‘I believe when a coach and players have accomplished that for this school and this program, they should always be tied to it.’’ It’s impossible for Oklahoma’s players not to see the history. On their way to practice or meetings each day, they walk through the Switzer Center, a shrine that features pictures, trophies, and mementos gathered since before the Bud Wilkinson era and before. ‘‘You see the number of national championships, the conference championships, the bowl champions,’’ quarterback Josh Heupel said. ‘‘You see the wall of fame, all the All-Americans they’ve had, the great players they’ve had, and you understand they’re not going to accept anything less than that.’’ Not so long ago, the thought of actually approaching that level of excellence seemed far-fetched. Oklahoma’s last conference title came in 1987, its last All-American played in 1991. Before Stoops arrived, the Sooners’ last winning season had been 1993. He insisted from the start that Oklahoma could win right away and eventually add new items to the trophy case. He asked his players to believe it, and to strive to live up to the program’s past. ‘‘Now our players embrace it,’’ he said. ‘‘They realize we’re not going to hide from this anymore. This is what we need to. Whether we can do it this year or next year, whatever, we’re going to go after it, and our players like it now.’’ Lady Mavs Defeat Enid in SoccerBy TED ATCHLEY NOC Sports Information ENID — The Lady Mavericks of Northern Oklahoma College slugged through the mud of a waterlogged Enid soccer field Tuesday afternoon and fought their way to an an outright Region II Championship by downing the NOC-Enid Jets 1-0. It was the second meeting in history for the two teams with the same result. The Lady Mavs ousted the Lady Jets, recently ranked NO. 16 in the nation, 1-0 on Sept. 16 in Tonkawa. “Enid kept after us the whole time," said NOC-Tonkawa head coach Mike Riley. BBoth teams played hard. This is turning out to be quite a rivalry.” The conference win gave the Lady Mavs a 10-6-1 record on the season, the team's first-ever double digit win record. “My girls bucked up and played hard on sloppy field conditions. Now we can say we are the best,” Riley said. The Lady Mavs stand undefeated in conference play, with eightshutouts under their belts this season. The first 40 minutes of play was intense, leaving the game scoreless at the half. Ten minutes into the second half Lady Jets freshman Summer Holman was fouled in the box by Lady Mav Goalkeeper Ki Thornberry and had an opportunity to put the Jets up by one on a penalty kick. Holman and Thornberry faced off but the experienced keeper came up with the save. “You don't block a penalty kick too often in this game,” Riley said of Thornberry's stop. “Ki stepped up for us today and did an excellent job keeping them out of the net. “Summer Holman played hard for the Enid team,” Riley said. “Everybody played hard. We're fortunate to get the win.” At about the midway point in the second half NOC-Tonkawa freshman Stephanie St. Clair blitzed the only goal of the game into the back of the net. To capture the goal the Lady Mavs worked hard to send the ball up, St. Clair made a good run up the line and then received the ball and sent it in. “We want to show our appreciation to the fans,” Riley said. Students, faculty and other supporters from the Tonkawa campus were there to cheer the Lady Mavs on. The Enid team received strong support from their fans as well. Riley's 2000 team has garnered 35 goals on the season, a new NOC-Tonkawa women's soccer record. The Lady Mavs face off against Richland for the last regular season game of the year on Friday in Tonkawa at 1 pm with the men following at 3 pm before moving on to District play in St. Louis Nov. 3-4. Mavs Win Berth In District TourneyBy TED ATCHLEY NOC Sports Information TONKAWA—Sometimes the fate of an entire season hinges on the outcome of a single game. For the Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks, Tuesday held such an opportunity. It was do-or-die to keep National Tournament appearance hopes alive after finding themselves ranked for most of the season. The Mavericks faced off against Bacone College at home for the opportunity to win and send the two teams into a conference playoff situation. Bacone downed the Mavs earlier in the season 2-1 at Bacone so the Mavs werelooking for a little revenge as well. Revenge can be sweet, but the chance to play Bacone once again for the bidto the District Tournament in Richland, Texas, Nov. 11-12 was even better as the Mavericks muscled their way to a commanding 5-1 win Tuesday before the vocal home crowd. “This was a good win for us,” said Maverick head coach Michael DuRoy. “We've been looking hard at this game for several weeks,” he said. “This situation has been in our heads all season.” Starting things off for the Mavericks was freshman Justin Stone who nailed one into the corner of the net with less than two minutes elapsed in the first half. It wasn't long before sophomore Hunter Fogaley whopped a header past the goalkeeper on a feed from freshman Marc Flusche to put the Mavs up by two. “Hunter and Chad Richmond really put things together for us in the midfield today,” DuRoy said. “Defender Andrew England and Freshman Michael Montgomery also played very well.” The Mavericks moved ahead 4-1 by halftime after sophomores Paul Broome and Jonathan Scace each scored for the Mavs following a Bacone drive that earned them their only goal on the day. The second half was a defensive battle. Both teams appeared hampered somewhat by wet field conditions and stiff competition. But Stone managed to pop another one into the net to close out the game. The nationally ranked No. 17 Mavericks have one regular season game left, a Friday home game against Richland, Texas at 3 p.m. following the Lady Mavericks who start at 1 p.m. The Mavs will face Bacone once more to decide the conference when they face off on a neutral site. OutdoorsHunters — Take a Stand For SafetyWhen it comes to deer hunting, success and safety go hand in hand. The following easy tree stand safety rules, which if followed will all but ensure a safe return home following the day's hunt. — Be particulary careful climbing up into and down from tree stands, where a significant percentage of accidents happen. Watch for slippery steps, be sure of your hand holds, and be sure of where you are putting your feet. — Once you get into the stand, always wear a safety belt. Good, protective belts only cost about $10. Attach the belt to the tree at eye level when you are seated. This will allow enough slack for you to stand up before you shoot. This also prevents you from hanging several feet below your stand should you fall. — If you hunt from a portable climbing stand, make sure it is attached securely. Double-check stability at the ground level Good Habitat Key To Quail GrowthADA — Good quail habitat is the key to maintaining quail populations, a theme that several quail experts related to around 100 landowners, hunters and quail enthusiasts who met recently in Ada. Five state quail experts, including Mike Sams, upland bird biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Dr. Fred Guthery, head of the Bollenbach Chair at Oklahoma State University, addressed the crowd regarding declining quail populations and possible solutions. Other keynote speakers included Mike Porter with the Noble Foundation, Dr. Terry Bidwell with OSU, and John Hendrix, private lands biologist for the Wildlife Department. “The bottom line is habitat,” said Sams. “You can't have quail without quail habitat. We certainly can't control weather factors, and with the right habitat, predators are not a limiting factor." Guthery, a noted national quail researcher and author, said bobwhite populations have been declining since the late 1800s, and have done so regardless of whether predator populations have been high or low. In areas with excellent habitat, though, he said densities of up to three and four birds per acre have been documented. “If you want to get rid of bobwhites, plant Bermuda grass," Guthery said, adding that "we now have a green varmint problem. Ashe juniper, Eastern red cedar and serecia lespedeza are crowding out quail habitat in the state." Other noteworthy quail information provided at the meeting: — Generally speaking, you'll find more quail in areas with sandier soils, as opposed to those soils with more clay. Also, wetter years seem to produce more quail than drier years. — Brushy prairie is the typical of "excellent" quail habitat. Habitat with five to 15 percent brush content, even distributed across the acreage, is best. — Quail nest in standing bunch grasses that are left over from the previous grazing season. — Prescibed burning is one of the best methods for stopping the spread of cedar and maintaining healthy habitat. — Most of the crosstimbers (mixed oak/prairie habitat in central Oklahoma) has been converted to "improved" pasture for cattle or cropland. Neither is good quail habitat. — Changes in vegetation are slow and subtle, and unless you have implemented an aggressive habitat manipulation program, your land probably has changed in terms of its habitat make-up. Whooping Cranes En Route Across Oklahoma to TexasOne of North America's rarest birds, the whooping crane, is about to make its annual fall journey through Oklahoma. The last remaining wild-born whooping cranes, numbering about 195 birds, are en route from their ancestral breeding grounds in the bogs and marshes of northern Canada to their wintering grounds on the Texas coast. They are expected to pass through Oklahoma in the last week of October and first week of November. “Whooping cranes have never been common in historic times,” said Mark Howery Natural Resources Biologist, “however breeding populations were scattered across the northern Great Plains from the Dakotas through central Canada, as well as along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. As Europeans began to settle this country, whooping cranes where killed for food by early settlers and the wetlands in which they nest and feed were converted to agricultural uses. “By the early 1900s only a few dozen were left and by 1941 the population had been reduced to just 15 to 20 birds. The entire resident population along the Gulf Coast had been eliminated, and the only birds in the interior of the continent were a small group that nested in a remote section of northern Canada. These birds are the founder stock for all of the whooping cranes that exist today.” Conservation measures such as the protection of the cranes' breeding and wintering habitat have helped to bring about a slow but steady increase in the population. Monitoring of cranes during their long migration has helped as well by identifying important stopover habitats for the birds as well as potential migration hazards. Additionally, in the 1960s and 1970s eggs were collected from wild whooping crane nests and hatched in captivity to establish a captive population in the event that the wild population was lost. Fortunately, the wild population continues to thrive and the captive population has reproduced and grown to over 140 birds. Though no captive-raised birds have been released back into the wild migratory population, captive-raised cranes are being used to re-establish a wild, non-migratory population in Florida. “The whooping crane is a conservation success story in the making,” Howery said. “As the population increases, so does the number of crane observations in Oklahoma. Most of the birds are seen in the vicinity of wetlands or flooded crop fields in the central part of the state. Usually the cranes remain at any one spot for only a day or two before moving on south, because they must make their long journey from northern Alberta, Canada to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge near Corpus Christie, Texas in less than 5 weeks." Whooping cranes are large birds that are identifiable by their white plumage, black wingtips and red forehead. Cranes fly with their long necks extended straight and their legs extending back well beyond the tail. “They normally migrate during the day in small flocks of two to six birds and sometimes join larger flocks of sandhill cranes for part of the migration,” Howery added. “At night, they roost in shallow water in rivers and marshes.” Several birds can be easily mistaken for whooping cranes. Sandhill cranes are primarily gray with gray wing feathers instead of being white with black wingtips. Snow geese have a similar color pattern as whooping cranes, but they are considerably smaller, usually fly in large flocks and have short legs that are barely visible behind the body. White pelicans also have a similar color patter but they have a stockier build than cranes and have short legs. Finally, the great egret is a long white bird like a crane, but it lacks the black wingtips and red forehead and it flies with its neck tucked close to the body and held in an "S" shape. Anyone spotting a whooping crane is encouraged to contact the Department's Natural Resources Section at (405) 521-4616. Such reports help Howery and other biologists gain a better understanding of the crane's migration path and habitat needs. Simply report the time, date and location of the sighting as well as the habitat and number of birds seen. Trap ShootThe Ponca City Trap Club will hold an open Trap Shooting Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Charlie Leadingfox range five miles west of Ponca City on Highway 60.
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