Local News and Sports

From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, October 15, 1996

LOCAL
State Counseling Group Selects White as Superintendent of Year
New County Drivers May Face Testing
'Little Eagles of Siberia' Charm Community Concert Audience
Sidewalk Project Will Fill Gaps at Several Locations
Man With Ax Breaks Into Cash Podium
Schools May Offer Alternative Program
'Autumn Fisherman' Captures Best of Show at Photo Exhibit
Kay County GOP Women To Meet

NEWS BRIEFS

DEATHS
William D. Slight Sr.
Donald Lewis Griffith
Taylor Webster Smyth

Services Pending
Aline Cries For Ribs

FAMILY LIVING
Books & More Adds Coffee Bar
Richard's Pools Offers Service
New Natural Nails In Shopping Area

SPORTS
Sand Springs Edges PC JV

LOCAL

State Counseling Group Selects White as Superintendent of Year

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Dr. Bill White, Superintendent of the Ponca City Public Schools, was selected by the Oklahoma School Counseling Association as Superintendent of the Year.
Later this month, Anita Walker, Oklahoma School Counseling president, will present Dr. White with a plaque at the Fall Teachers Conference in Oklahoma City.
Dr. White was nominated by the counselors in Ponca City for his support of them and the school counseling professions. The counselors agreed that, "Dr. White's positive leadership has allowed Ponca City to be one of the models in the state by employing a counselor at each school site. By doing this, he has demonstrated that he has a genuine concern for children getting the support they need at all ages. He believes that counselors are instrumental in building a student's self-esteem and setting a course for their future."
The counselors also commended him for sending them to the American Counselors Association meeting which was held in Pittsburgh, Pa., in April. They also showed their appreciation for the opportunity to have monthly meetings to coordinate their efforts in the district.
Dr. White says, "It is a great honor to receive this award for the district. The Ponca City guidance staff has worked tirelessly to help children become successful adults. This award is recognition of 17 counselors and school psychologists and their efforts to help every student reach his full potential.
"The counselors continue to develop their knowledge by attending professional development conferences and monthly in-service meetings to develop strategies for overcoming the many societal problems that come to school age children. Our guidance staff continues to grow with the addition of a specialist provided by Edwin Fair Mental Health Association. We are fortunate to be able to add to the staff a full-time psychometrist for specialized testing. This will enable our school psychologists to spend more counseling time with students with severe impediments to learning. The Ponca City Schools commitment to excellence in school counseling is reflected in this award presented to the Superintendent."
Dr. White is beginning his third year in Ponca City as superintendent. Prior to coming to Ponca City, White was the superintendent of schools in Deer Creek of Edmond for nine years. White has three degrees from Oklahoma State University, having received his doctorate degree in school administration in 1977. Prior to becoming superintendent, he served as assistant superintendent in Miami, Okla., and Muskogee. White began his career in education teaching elementary school in Stillwater and Yukon in 1972.

New County Drivers May Face Testing

By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Drug and alcohol screening may become a requirement for hiring new drivers to the county payroll, the Kay County Board of Commissioners said Monday.
So far, random drug and alcohol testing has been in place for any employee who has a commercial drivers license, needed for county workers who operate heavy machinery. All three county commissioners are included in the random screening.
Seven employees are chosen each time a test is administered. This month, District Three Commissioner Rex Purdy's crew was hardest hit, with four of his employees selected for the screening.
"I don't think any of us have a problem with this," Commission Chairman Dee Schieber said, explaining that no county employee has ever tested positive to the drug and alcohol testing.
District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven said the screening is inexpensive, however, and could be implemented for all new hires. The board said it would consider the matter at a future meeting.
In other business, the board approved its monthly appropriations to its regular highway account and other cash funds.

A Review

'Little Eagles of Siberia' Charm Community Concert Audience

By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The "Little Eagles of Siberia" - dressed formally and standing proud - performed the first song of the Ponca City Community Concert season Sunday afternoon - a Russian Patriotic Song. Members and guests rose and stood in respect.
Following the anthem, the first half of the Little Eagles program was performed by the 28 young people, ages 11-18, on risers and consisted of various choral arrangements from Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Salieri and Mozart, among others. The attractive young singers sang in clear two-three and four part harmony, many of the pieces, a Capella. Others were accompanied by pianist, Vladimir Potapov, who also performed a commanding solo in a minor key. Director Ludmilla Stebenjkova dressed in formal black gown, directed the group.
According to comments by several concert members, the second half of the program was, by far, the favorite half of the Little Eagles concert. The youngsters entered the stage dressed in bright colorful shirts and blouses, blue jeans and jean skorts with a colorful sash at the waist. Beginning with "Old McDoodle Had a Band" where several youngsters played silly sounding instruments and even danced the "twist," with a lot of other movement on stage. The chorus also sang a little blues, a little shoo-be-do and some rhythm and blues. The director was attired in black pants, kicky red heels and a colorful blouse. The pianist, attired in a red jacket, joined in the act with some boogie-beat bass.
A warmer moment in the program came, when interpreter and announcer Larissa Stebenjkova, who was celebrating her 21st birthday, was presented with a birthday cake by officers of the PCCC. The Little Eagles sang "Happy Birthday" to her in Russian and the audience warmly applauded.
A third costume change resulted in demure soft pink dresses trimmed in white ruffles and lace and wide white collars for the girls and white Eaton jackets, and black bow ties and pants for the four boys. The numbers, "Lullaby," "Clouds" and "Ladybird" were performed in "1950s Modernaires on Broadway" style with a bluesy romantic sound and occasional "stride" piano accompaniment.
The favorite part of the concert - and probably the one most expected by Community Concert members included their final costume change to colorful native costumes of brilliant reds and yellows, trimmed in gold on white. Full skirts with net can-can underskirts, red boots and colorful hats dressed the girls and equally colorful shirts, striped pants, and blue boots on the boys. The group danced and sang a group of Russian Folk songs.
The favorite number and one which sparked the most interest was played, sang and performed in a rhythmic beat with various forms of clacking spoons. Mandolins, tambourines and accordions, were also included and some solos and duets in polka beat were performed. The group received a standing ovation for the spoons number finale.
Talking to Community Concert members after the show, most patrons seem to feel the concert was basically very cultural and of good quality but most would have been better entertained with more color and action, depicting the folk-culture of Siberia.
The sound system was also on the blink and patrons toward the back and in upper sections of the Hutchins Auditorium could not hear the announcements or other information, preventing understanding of some of the more formal numbers.
All in all, the program was very well presented by Stebenjkova and her crew and the highly talented "Little Eagles of Siberia."

P.C. National Guard Enlistees Qualify for College Finances

Do you need finances to make college a reality? Six recent enlistees in Delta Company 1/179th of Ponca City and Tonkawa, cite education benefits as one of the main reasons for joining the Guard.
Members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard in good standing can receive a tuition fee waiver for any state supported college or university. Members must meet collegiate entry requirements and maintain academic and attendance standards and be residents of Oklahoma.
Of Delta Company's 73 members, 21 are presently taking advantage of the tuition fee waiver program.
Six year enlistees are eligible for the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which pays full-time (12 credit hours or more) students $197.50 per month. Three-quarter time students (9 credit hours) receive $148.42 per month, and halftime students (6 credit hours) receive $97.95 monthly for up to 36 months while in college.
New enlistees and some re-enlistees are eligible for a $2,500 bonus as well as receiving pay for weekend drill attendance and their two week annual training period.
Anyone having questions should call Sgt. Keith Stevens at (405) 762-2229 or stop by the armory at 1015 West South Avenue, Ponca City.

Sidewalk Project Will Fill Gaps at Several Locations

By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Commissioners approved reducing the scope of the Sidewalk Enhancement Project at Monday's meeting. Commissioner Dick Bird did not attend.
The project will fill the gaps of missing sidewalks on Fourteenth Street from 1/2 mile north of Prospect Avenue to Grand Avenue; on Grand Avenue from Fourteenth Street to Seventh Street; on North Seventh Street from Grand Avenue to Hartford Avenue, and on Hartford Avenue from North Seventh Street to Fourteenth Street.
Commissioner Greg Gregson stated that the project would be a big step forward.
In other new business, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation received authorization to contract for bridge inspections in Ponca City.
Additionally, the board sold a four-foot strip of land in the Ash Street Industrial Park to Precision Tool for $300. The business plans to expand their building.
Commissioners approved a recommendation from the Traffic Commission to remove the west three two-hour parking restrictions at 400 East Cleveland Avenue. The item had been pulled from the consent agenda for additional information from Mike Lane, traffic engineer.
In old business, a recommendation to demolish and clean up property in the 1100 block of Scott Avenue was removed at the request of the Fire Marshal who confirmed the building has been secured and the property has been cleaned up.
In addition, the rezoning of property at 545 North Ninth Street received the board's approval. The owner plans to add a parking lot to his business, according to City Planner Harold Harris.
The following items were approved by one motion of the board:
- Correction of an Ordinance rezoning property in the Acre Homes Addition to Hospital Medical Zoning District.
- Approve an emergency clause for an Ordinance correction rezoning property in Acre Homes to Hospital Medical Zoning District.
- Acceptance of Change Order No. 1 and the final payment to Evans & Associates Construction Company for $24,305.34 on work completed on resurfacing various streets.
- Execution of documents necessary to complete the Community Development Block Grant loan application to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to provide partial assistance for the Phase II Ponca City Landfill Improvements.
- Installation of Bus Loading Only signs on the south half of the east side of 100 North Sixth Street.
- Authorize Ram Engineering & Construction, Inc. as an agent for the city on the Northwest Water Transmission Pipeline, Phase 2 project.
- Acknowledge receipt of permit to construct water line and appurtenances to serve the city.
Commissioners approved payment of city claims totaling $2,215,613.08 before reconvening to the Ponca City Utility Authority.
PCUA approved the purchase of 12 transformers from International Transformer Company for $3,900. The board also authorized submission of the State Revolving Fund Partial Disbursement Request No. 27 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 1 for $7,463.80.
Additionally, the Mayor was authorized to submit monthly operating statement to the Oklahoma Water Resource Board as part of the OWRB FAP-93-0046-I loan.
Afterwards, commissioners entered into executive session to discuss the purchase of real property. No action was taken.

Man With Ax Breaks Into Cash Podium

A 42-year-old man used an ax to break open the cash podium at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 10:43 p.m. Monday, according to the Ponca City Police Department.
An employee alerted the PCPD that a man, wearing a mask, broke open the cash podium with an ax then left Wal-Mart on a motorcycle with an undisclosed amount of money.
The Kay County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Ponca Tribal Police assisted the PCPD in a pursuit that ended when the suspect wrecked his motorcycle at North Birch Street and West Liberty Avenue. The suspect then fled on foot and was located hiding in a tree in the 1100 block of North Sunset Street.
Officers recovered cash, believed to have been taken during the theft. The motorcycle was impounded from the site of the accident and will be held for evidence, PCPD confirmed.
A Ponca City police officer took the suspect, who gave a Stillwater address, into custody. He remained in the Ponca City jail overnight. The suspect is expected to be transported to the Kay County Detention Facility today where he will face formal charges with the District Attorney's Office., said a police department spokesperson.

Schools May Offer Alternative Program

By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Discussing a possible new Alternative Fine Arts Program at Garfield School was on the agenda Monday at the Ponca City Board of Education meeting.
Janet Goll gave a report from the Blue Ribbon Committee and she noted there could be the possibility of offering an Alternative Fine Arts Program at Garfield Schools. This school would be taking on the role of specializing in one area, like arts or science. Students that attend these schools would be able to choose to be at that school.
Andrea Morriss, board member, rose many questions concerning this possibility. She wanted to know if there was a problem at Garfield Schools. "Every school has a problem," Morriss said. As a result of all the questions surrounding this new alternative school, more people will now be attending the Blue Ribbon Committee meetings.
October 1996 Employees of the Month were also announced Monday night at the meeting. Jerry Newsom, principal of Liberty Elementary, received the Certified Employee of the Month; Mrs. Janice Wilcoxson, secretary at Trout Elementary, received the Support Employee of the Month; and Mrs. Laura Allison received the Friend of Education Award. She is a parent volunteer at Woodlands Elementary and Middle School.
Troy Lewis of Lewis Associates Architects gave a brief summary about the construction going on at the Math/Science/Business Center. A contract change was made last night in the amount of $38,862. The contract was changed: to provide over excavation and backfill near the gym wall, add fire hydrant per City of Ponca City Fire Department, revise sanitary sewer and fire line layouts to Howell Building and add a sprinkler to five classrooms. This change was approved by the board, allowing the architects to move onto Phase 2 of the building project.
John Young, chairperson, gave a report from the Property Committee, which had met earlier to discuss the possibility of a new athletic facility at the high school for a new weight training room to benefit all of the athletic groups. Coach Rick Sodowski was also on hand to answer any questions the board might have. The board decided to approve the new athletic facility and agreed to start taking bids on the new building. The building will have a metal roof and be about 5400 square feet.
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of schools, gave an update about issues in the school district. He wanted to make three dates known to everyone. Oct. 17 will be Professional Day, Oct. 28 will be the next special board meeting and there will be no school Nov. 1 due to Parent/Teacher Conferences. He said that the school system has lost 29 students so far in the last three weeks. Fifteen of these students have been from the high school and alternative education schools.
The following items were also approved by the board members:
* All financial reports received from the Russ Allen and Brenda Storie, Treasurer.
* Permissions to borrow money from another fund if needed until ad valorem is received sometime in January.
* A new contract with Jostens Learning Corporation for a new elementary computer learning lab in Roosevelt Schools.
* Re-roofing of the east portion of the Administration Building located at 111 West Grand Avenue.
* New ward boundaries and terms of office for the board members.
The board went into executive session Monday at 8:45 p.m. After the session, the board approved all new personnel changes. Janet Williams was put on contract at Roosevelt for the Alternative Center, Tamara Zilar was also hired as a Counselor at Garfield. Maternity leaves were also approved for Janna Griffin, Debbie McClellan, Leisa Parent and Paula White.

'Autumn Fisherman' Captures Best of Show at Photo Exhibit

"Autumn Fisherman," a color photograph by Enid resident Charlotte Puckett captured the "Best of Show" award at the recent 14th Annual Ponca City Art Association Photo Competition.
Puckett, an amateur photographer, took top honors from a field of 88 entries in this year's contest.
Other winners include: Advanced Color - first place: Aunt Orelena's Cabin by C.G. Arnold of Pawhuska; and second place: Negative Ideas by Brian Duram of Wichita. Duram also took third place with Rock Island. Bob Shaw of Arkansas City received an honorable mention for Majestic Reflections.
In Advanced Black and White - first place: Earth and Sky by Jack Taylor of Enid; second place: Cool Runnings by Brian Duram; third: River Through Trees by Clifton Van Brown of Norman. Bob Shaw also received an honorable mention in this category for Shades of Blue.
Amateur Color - first place: Renaissance Portal by Jean Buskirk of Ponca City; second: Cowboy Resting by Ace Cuervo of Tulsa; and third: San Francisco Seagull by Mike Morriss of Ponca City. Receiving an honorable mention were both Andrea Morriss of Ponca City for Infinite Charge, and Kelly Green of Stillwater for Silent Watch.
In the Amateur Black and White category - first place: Black Leather by Ace Cuervo; and second place by Cuervo for Grand Central Station. Jeff Schaver of Newkirk captured two honorable mentions, one for Dusty Ray Vaughn and The Sun's Finest Hour.
Student Color - first place: Sam Stalcup of Ponca City for The River; second place: Black Tusk by Michael Newman of Ponca City. Newman also won third place for River Sunset. Ponca City's Cara Linton received an honorable mention for Truly Blue.
The photography exhibit remains on display through Sunday, October 20, at the Ponca City Art Association.

Kay County GOP Women To Meet

The Republican Women of Kay County, meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday for a Dutch Treat supper and meeting, will hear Betty Durkee talk about the Standing Bear Monument and its dedication. The meeting will be held at Golden Corral.
Also on the program will be Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen, Republican, running for re-election in November.
The public is reminded that Republican Headquarters, located at 630 East Comanche, has campaign signs and buttons available, also bumper stickers. The phone number is 765-5105.

NEWS BRIEFS

Burglary - An employee of the Southside Baptist Church, 1518 South Fifth Street, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 8:50 a.m. Monday of an attempted break in. An officer took a report of attempted burglary.

Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 42-year-old woman at the police department at 10:55 a.m. Monday for failure to pay.

Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a non-injury accident at North Fourteenth Street and Glenside Avenue at 11:15 a.m. Monday. An officer took a report.

Subject Held - A 12-year-old boy was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 800 block of North Peachtree Street at 4:22 p.m. Monday for assault with a deadly weapon and destruction of private property. Allegedly the boy threw a brick through the window which hit the resident. The youth was taken to the North Oklahoma Youth Shelter.

Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of vandalism at the Motocross Track, West of Ash Street on West Prospect Avenue, at 9:17 p.m. Monday.

In Custody - A 28-year-old woman was taken into custody by a Ponca City police officer at East Harding Avenue and South Seventh Street at 1:47 a.m. Tuesday for driving under the influence and no insurance.

DEATHS

William D. Slight Sr.

HOUSTON, Texas - William D. "Bill" Slight Sr., former Ponca City area resident, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 1996, in Houston. He was 68.
The funeral will be held at the Westbury Baptist Church, 10425 Hillcroft, Houston, Texas, with Dr. Robert Cambell, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston under the direction of Earthman Bellaire Chapel.
William D. "Bill" Slight Sr. was born in Kildare the son of Elmer E. and Pearl Slight. He grew up in the Inca City area and graduated from Ponca City High School. Slight attended Northern Oklahoma College and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
He was married to Marilyn Jane Harness Sept. 2, 1956, at the Tonkawa First Baptist Church, and the couple had recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. Slight finished his engineering education at the University of Oklahoma and worked as a firefighter with the Ponca City Fire Department while living in Ponca City. The family later moved to Houston. He was a member of the Tonkawa Masonic Lodge and the Westbury Baptist Church in Houston.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn of the home in Houston; two sons, William D. Jr. of Denton, Texas and Jake of Katy, Texas; one granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Slight's name to the Westbury Baptist Church, 10425 Hillcroft, Houston, TX or to the American Cancer Society, Kay County Unit, First National Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, OK 74602.

Donald Lewis Griffith

FORAKER - Donald Lewis Griffith, former Foraker resident, died Saturday morning, Oct. 12, 1996, at the Four Seasons Nursing Home in Tulsa. He was 66.
The graveside funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Foraker Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Richey, pastor of Webb City Church of God, presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, Shidler.
Donald Lewis Griffith was born March 30, 1930, in Foraker, the son of John Lewis and Mary May (Phillips) Griffith. He grew up and attended schools in Foraker, graduating from Foraker High School in 1947. Griffith served in the U.S. Army for five years, with tours of duty in Germany and Okinawa.
On April 3, 1974, he was married to Gertrude Ann Harrison at Bartlesville and the couple established their home on Lake Hulah, north of Bartlesville. Griffith was employed as a carpet layer for several years. He was a member of the Arkansas City, Kan., American Legion and V.F.W. He enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include his wife, Gertrude, of Pawhuska; one brother Robert, of Fountain, Colo.; one sister, Phyllis Sanders of Bartlesville; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Taylor Webster Smyth

BLACKWELL - Taylor Webster Smyth, longtime Blackwell area resident, died at his home Monday afternoon, Oct. 14, 1996. He was 78.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Blackwell First Christian Church with the Rev. George Wood officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home until 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, then the casket will be closed.
Taylor Webster Smyth was born May 21, 1918, in Eddy, the son of Emory E. and Bessie (Dobbs) Smyth. He moved with his parents to the Prairie Chapel area when he was four and attended Prairie Chapel Church and Woodbine Rural School. In sixth grade, he moved with his family to the Akron-Rochester, Ind., area where he attended Akron schools. In 1935 he moved with his parents back to a farm near Eddy where he farmed and began employment with the Frisco Railroad.
On Aug. 5, 1937, he was married to Irene Congram in Medford. The couple made their first home on a farm north of Eddy, where Smyth farmed and worked in the oil fields. In 1940 they moved to a farm northwest of Blackwell, where he farmed and worked as a custom cutter from the 1950s to the 1970s. In 1973, the couple moved into Blackwell, but Smyth remained active in farming and was employed at Bill Simer Equipment Co. He retired in 1984, but kept his hand in farming by helping neighbors and friends when they needed him.
Smyth was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, rodeos, horses, horse-pulling contests and traveling. He served for many years on the New Bethel Rural School Board and was a member of the Blackwell First Christian Church and XL Sunday School Class.
Survivors include his wife, Irene of Blackwell; one daughter, Mrs. Russ (Kay Lynn) Pendleton of Blackwell; one son, Max Smyth of Blackwell; one sister, Maxine Powers of Rochester, Ind.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Smyth's name to Hospice of Ponca City, c/o Roberts Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.

Services Pending

Aline Cries For Ribs
Aline Cries For Ribs, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Oct. 14, 1996, in Minneapolis, Minn. She was 42. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.

FAMILY LIVING

Books & More Adds Coffee Bar

Call it a Coffee Bar, an Espresso Bar, a Cappuccino Bar, but put it in a bookstore and call it "the place to be."
The Coffee Bar concept has come to Ponca City, Brace Books & More, on North Fourteenth Street this week celebrates the grand opening of a new coffee bar within the bookstore.
This is a growing phenomenon, which started out in the west coast, particularly in the Seattle area, and has continued to be popular there, while spreading first to the east coast and now to middle America, according to Jerry and Jean Brace, owners.
Often, though not always, the coffee bar is associated with a book store. Always it is associated with the literary crowd, perhaps harking back to the days of the '60s coffee house fad, which featured poetry readings, free thinkers and counter culture.
The coffee bar has become the place to meet people, the new singles bar for those who do not prefer alcohol. It is a welcoming place to linger, to converse, to discover the latest books, issues, ideas.
The coffee bar at Braces occupies about 300 square feet where customers can order cappuccino (a shot of espresso with a cap of steamed, frothed milk) or any number of exotic sounding coffee drinks, such as an Amaretto Latte' or Irish Creme Espresso. For non-coffee drinkers, also offered is hot chocolate or hot tea.
No coffee bar would be complete without sweets like Biscotti or chocolate covered spoons. Also offered are coffee grinders and French Press coffee makers.
Brace Books & More Inc., first opened its doors in 1983 in 1200 square feet of space. Currently the store occupies about 5,000 square feet located at 1105 North Fourteenth Street adjacent to Drug Warehouse. In addition to books and toys, a large section of used books was added two years ago. A staff of 15 includes three full time employees in addition to the owners.
The owners have been residents of Ponca City since 1967. Both are past presidents of the Oklahoma Independent Booksellers Association. Jean serves on the Education Committee of the American Booksellers Association; Jerry is past president and current member of the Board of Directors of the MidSouth Booksellers Association.
Both are on the teaching faculty of the American Booksellers Association Booksellers Schools, and are scheduled to teach a school for prospective booksellers in San Diego, next spring. Jean will conduct a visual merchandising workshop for booksellers in Tarrytown, N.Y., later this month.
Special events planned a part of the grand opening include: Friday 6 to 8 p.m., Author Billie Letts autographing and reading from her novel "Where the Heart Is."; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ponca Citians Meyer and Manya Kornblit autographing their true story, "Until We Meet Again"; Sunday 2 to 3 p.m., Ponca City's own Cindy Grubb autographing her 1997 Grubbie Calendar; 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wes Rice - recipe sampling and autographing "When a Man's Fancy Turns to Cook," "Pecans - a Grower's Perspective" and "The Best of the Best from Oklahoma."

Richard's Pools Offers Service

A new home-based business is Richard's Pools and Spas, owned and operated by Richard and Michelle Carruth.
Michelle is a graduated of Ponca City High School and Richard graduated from Blackwell High School.
Carruth has had seven years experience in the pool and spa business. In addition to selling spas and above ground pools, the firm offers complete pool and spa service including winter maintenance, chemicals and liners.

New Natural Nails In Shopping Area

Natural Nails is a new business opening at 2716 North Fourteenth. The business, managed by Wayne Mai in the Kmart Shopping Center, does acrylic nails, acrylic fills, manicures and pedicures and fiberglass nails.
Natural Nails has another shop in Oklahoma City. The business is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

SPORTS

Sand Springs Edges PC JV

Ponca City fans are getting used to defensive struggles and they watched another here Monday night as Sand Springs edged the Wildcats, 8-0, in a JV contest.
The Sandites collected a safety midway through the second period when, stuck deep in their own territory, the Wildcats had a snap sail over the punter's head and out of the end zone.
Sand Springs mounted the only sustained drive of the game in the third period, scoring on a 10-yard run. The extra-point try was blocked.
The Poncans threatened late in the third quarter when Matt Harrison recovered a fumble at the Sand Springs 47. The Cats moved to the 23 before running out of downs.
The Po-Hi coaches were pleased with the team's defensive effort. In addition to Harrison, who harassed the Sand Springs ground game for much of the night, assistant coach Daryl Howey also had praise for defensive ends Michael Galbreath and Jason Green, lineman Nick Steichen and defensive backs Joe Roland and Toby RedLeaf.
The JVs are scheduled to play at Bartlesville in two weeks, Oct. 28.