From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
October 8, 1997
LOCAL
Teachers Consider Math, Science Ideas At Conoco's Annual 'Classroom' Forum
The Circus Comes To Well, Actually Through Town
Super Soccer Day: Challenges, Rewards
Area Calendar
National 4-H Week 4-H: 'Definitely A Family Affair'
Poncan Theatre Receives Endowment From Estate
Father, Son Victims Of Turnpike Accident
World Famous Ballerina Tells Local Students About Her Life
Statistics Prove Children and Fire Dangerous, Deadly Combination
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Letters
Noon Lions Celebrate 75th Anniversary
Honor Dance For All Veterans
Jaycees Planning Annual Run, Punt, Pass Competition
Wheatheart Fall Fest in Tonkawa Set for Oct. 25
NOC To Open Ag Facility
Hook Presents 'Conversations On Healing Arts'
Depression Common Among Mental Illness
Parents Voice Concerns Over School-to-Work Plan
Trail Ride For Disabled Set Nov. 2
DEATHS
Norma Lee Snook
Dorothea Irene Harney
Obituaries
Mary C. Schutte
Services Pending
Donald L. Lindgren
Fern Countryman
Doris Allene Riley
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Little News
Eta Zeta Meeting
Chapter Event Fetes Patsy Bray
Couple Plans Oct. 20 Vows
SPORTS
PC Powerlifter Takes State Title
Shelton, Steichen Offensive Duo
Hunter Ed. Course Set In Newkirk
Youths Can Win Hunts
Softball, Volleyball In Playoffs
Seventh Grade Team Unbeaten
Soccer Standings
Students returning to the classrooms is a familiar ritual each fall. On Sept. 26, more than 220 teachers spent the day as students while attending the "classroom" of Conoco's 12th annual Northern Oklahoma Science & Math Teachers' Workshop.
"Conoco welcomes the opportunity to provide our classroom teachers with a forum to explore new ideas for presenting science and math skills to their students," said Barry Bickle, Conoco's manager of finance in Ponca City, who greeted the participants during the opening session.
"We hope the teachers will find this workshop beneficial when they return to their classroom and strive to prepare their students for the challenges of tomorrow."
The 220 participants were elementary, middle and high school teachers representing 54 school districts across northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.
Stardust is a familiar theme in fairy tales, but teachers attending the science presentation "Stardust: A NASA Discovery Mission" found it really does exist.
The attendees could select from 16 intriguing seminars with topics such as "Cinderella: The Clue is in the Show," "Eighteenth Century Electricity," and "Acid Rain Effects on Gravestones and Other Marble Structures" for the four presentation sessions during the day. Informational materials were available at each presentation, so teachers could take them back to their classrooms.
"We look forward to providing this educational opportunity for area teachers," said Mary Graham, Conoco Corporate Center for Analytical Sciences and workshop chairperson. "Children are our future, and this is one way we try to contribute to their preparation for meeting the challenges of tomorrow."
Between educational sessions, participants browsed through more than 25 educational exhibits showcasing the latest in educational teaching aids.
No class would be complete without a report card, and teachers had an opportunity to critique the day before they departed.
"I strongly appreciate Conoco's dedication to quality education in Oklahoma," wrote Bob Linder, Owasso High School. "The speakers I visited were captivating and interesting."
Recently, a 54-car Ringling Brothers/Barnum and Bailey Circus train passed through Ponca City, perhaps too quickly for most people to notice. However Ponca Citian John Mallory, an avid photographer in his spare time, captured the spirit and color of the circus train as it passed near the underpass on US 177 north of the John B. Hayes Auction House on the north side of town. The train was traveling from Fort Worth, Texas, to a performance at the Kansas Coliseum in Wichita.
By S. L. Dickey
News Staff Writer
Words of encouragement and flying soccer balls permeated the grounds of the Marland Mansion for the first Super Soccer Saturday. The Ponca City Adult and Youth Soccer Associations joined forces to produce an event both fun and instructional for Ponca City youngsters.
Game stations were set up around the grounds, challenging and testing kids in soccer skills, including heading, juggling, shooting, passing and playing goalie.
The dunk tank was one of the youth's favorite stations -- participants tried to either kick or throw the soccer ball to trip the release lever, spilling the waiting victim in the tank. Coaches and adult league players volunteered time on the dunk tank seat.
Organizers created colorful plywood shooting boards at which the game participant would dribble a soccer ball, take aim and shoot. Various point amounts were awarded depending on the shots scored. A soccer obstacle course challenged players in their soccer ball handling skills.
Tickets were earned at each game station and were redeemed for soccer related prizes. Children eagerly engaged in all the games, trying to collect tickets to earn their targeted prize.
Some game stations were geared just for fun. They included a face painting table, a duck pond prize pool, and a sandbox where the participant dug for a toy treasure.
PC Sports had a booth where attendees could purchase assorted soccer supplies. Concessions were provided by adult and youth volunteers.
All youth league participants were given a free entrance ticket. All other children and adults were asked to provide a donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child. Tickets were required to play the games at a cost of 50 cents per ticket or 12 for $5.
All profits from this event will be used to help retire the debt incurred for the new youth soccer complex on Lake Road and increase growth in the adult soccer league.
The day ended with a soccer and volleyball challenge between the adult under-19 and the over-30 players. The game was played with six players on each side of a waist-high volleyball net.
Each side, after the serve, had five hits to return the ball to the other side, only by kicking or heading of the ball. Scoring was the same as in a volleyball game. The game was fun to watch and demonstrated a variety of soccer skills.
Children and their parents left the Mansion grounds with new soccer skills and fun game prizes earned. Super Soccer Saturday was a success.
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The 4-H Program is the largest youth-serving organization in the world, reaching more than five million youth every year.
National 4-H Week is being celebrated this week, with a theme to coincide with the kickoff for a new national ad campaign that asks, "Are You Into It?"
Oklahoma has served it youth through 4-H for more than 85 years. In the early years of the program, agricultural-related topics were the focus.
Now, however, 4-H serves young people and volunteers from urban and non-rural farm settings as well, and offers a wide variety of project areas in which members can become involved.
The 4-H program is open to all youth ages 5 to 19 in all 50 states and 80 countries around the world. The younger set, those ages 5 to 8, are in a noncompetitive program called Cloverbuds. The older members can participate in more than 70 projects and compete for various awards in the traditional 4-H programs.
4-H is an organization that serves all youth, including special interest groups and school enrichment projects. Project areas are not divided into "boys'" projects and "girls'" projects.
Oklahoma State University Extension 4-H program specialist Charles Cox said it is not at all unusual to have girls enrolled in activities such as wood science or large animal projects. At the same time, young men can often be found competing in areas such as breads, clothing and home environment.
"We try to provide our 4-H members with opportunities where they will gain life skills," Cox said. "These are skills that will be used for the rest of their lives. Learning to speak in front of a group of people or how to present themselves in a job interview are just a couple of the areas we touch on."
In addition to the benefits each individual 4-H'er gains, 4-H also fosters participation by the entire family. While children in the family are active with club work, parents, older siblings or other family members are encouraged to help out as volunteer leaders, project leaders, special project leaders and so on.
"4-H is definitely a family affair," Cox said. "4-H families work together on projects and activities and are given the opportunity to learn more about each other through their involvement in 4-H."
Not only do families benefit, but so do communities that support 4-H work. For example, many 4-H clubs are active with community projects to paint city park equipment, plant flowers downtown, decorate nursing homes for the holidays or pick up trash along roadsides.
Through community involvement, 4-H'ers are encouraged to develop a better understanding of their communities and to contribute to the betterment of their communities.
To learn more about the 4-H program in Kay County, contact Larry Klumpp at the cooperative extension service office in Newkirk or visit the office at the county courthouse.
The Poncan Theatre has announced receipt of an endowment gift from the estate of Miss Edythe DeMar. Miss DeMar, a long-time Ponca City resident and employee of Conoco, left an endowment of over $124,000 to the Poncan Theatre. It was her wish that the historic, restored theater invest the endowment and use the income for its programs.
Miss DeMar was an avid supporter of Ponca City. She had deep ties to the community, which she loved to support. Miss DeMar had a special interest in the charitable institutions of Ponca City. She and her sister, Lois, also a Conoco employee, came to Ponca City from Wichita. Both stayed and built their lives here. Miss DeMar was a member of the Methodist Church. She resided at Westminster Village at the time of her death in 1996.
Sandy James, president of the Poncan Theatre Board, says "We deeply appreciate Miss DeMar's gift to the theater."
"This is a wonderful beginning to Poncan Endowment," she adds. "An endowment such as this is really a wonderful gift to the community and to the legacy of arts appreciation that is part of Ponca City history."
The Poncan Theatre Endowment Fund was established to accrue income for the needs of the theatre. A growing number of people are remembering the Poncan in wills and trusts. Trustees of the Poncan Theatre Endowment are: Enloe Baumert, Ann Bandy, Charles Casey, Jo Ann Muchmore, and Sandy James, President of the Poncan Theatre Board.
The Poncan Theatre Company is still involved in an ongoing restoration of the 1927 building, adding to the cultural promise of Ponca City and northern Oklahoma. Restoration is still needed in the dressing rooms, the Pickrel Room, and elsewhere. In addition, the historic building itself requires ongoing maintenance.
And the Poncan Theatre board projects continued improvements to its facility, equipment, and services over the next several years.
Anyone interested in discussing an endowment to the landmark Poncan Theatre should contact the executive director, Kenn Wessel.
A missing father and two teenagers from Broken Arrow, who were subjects of a three-day search by Kay County officials, were located Tuesday as victims of a fatal car crash in Payne County.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Richard Alan Bolender, 38, and his son Michael, 13, were both pronounced dead of massive injuries at a spot near where their eastbound 1993 Ford pickup truck failed to negotiate a curve on the Cimarron Turnpike near the Morrison exit.
The other passenger, Sam Hartline, 13, survived the crash and was transported by helicopter to Tulsa's St. Francis Hospital with a broken leg. Hartline had been stranded for two-and-a-half days but reportedly was conscious when help arrived.
He was reported in critical condition later Tuesday following surgery.
The patrol said the pickup truck left the roadway at a high rate of speed, struck a ditch and continued 359 feet until it struck a fencepost, went airborne 123 feet across a creek and struck the embankment on the east side of the creek and flipped to its top.
The three victims were ejected through the front window.
The crash occurred after sunset at approximately 7:40 p.m. Saturday.
Kay County sheriff's deputies and other individuals meanwhile had searched an area from rural Ponca City to near Braman after relatives reported the trio had been dove hunting in the area earlier Saturday.
Sheriff's Deputy Craig Countryman said before news of the car crash, search parties had already concluded that Bolender, the teenagers and the truck were gone from the area.
Authorities said the site of the crash on the turnpike was scarcely noticeable from the roadway. Family friends from Broken Arrow were able to find the wreckage, however, and were able to summon help for the injured boy, reports said.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
World famous ballerina Maria Tallchief was kept on her "toes" Tuesday during an interview session for magnet students at Garfield Academy. Tallchief was in Ponca City to promote her book, "Maria Tallchief, America's Prima Ballerina," at Brace Books & More.
An interview panel consisting of Garfield students asked Tallchief many questions about her background and future. The following are some of the questions asked:
Q - Did you ever think of becoming anything other than a dancer?
A - When I was very young in Fairfax, Okla., some people thought that I was musically inclined like Mozart. After that, my mother wanted me to learn how to play the piano. I am forever grateful to her for making me spend two hours a day practicing the piano. That helped me while I was studying dancing.
Q - How did your family help you become a dancer?
A - I had a determined Scots-Irish mother and a tall, handsome Osage Nation father. The two of them made an incredible couple. Both of my parents were a great influence on my life as a dancer. They were supportive of me.
Q - What advice might you give a young dancer?
A - They have to be a very dedicated dancer. They must also look, learn and listen to others.
Q - Does art's education play an important role for kids?
A - I think it definitely does. I enjoy all types of music, ranging from rock-n-roll to country, but I also don't think there is anything wrong with classical music. Art education enriches our lives. We can enjoy all types of art, but we must know the different levels of it.
Q - How has the Osage heritage influenced you life?
A - I am very lucky and proud to be born an Osage Indian. My name, however, caused a lot of confusion while I was studying in New York. Not too many people could understand why my name was Tallchief and not some exotic French name.
Q - How is growing up different today?
A - My mother once said that I would not be able to bring up my children like she brought me up. I don't feel like we can be as demanding as some parents were when I grew up. We can, however, have an influence over what they are exposed to.
Q - Did you ever participate in powwow's?
A - During the Osage time when I was younger, the women just stood on the sides while the men danced. Women might participate in them now because so much has changed.
Q - Did you think that you would ever be famous?
A - Heavens no! Dancers are always working for perfection or a goal which you never reach. I never dreamed that I would be a famous ballerina. I thank God and my parents for allowing me to dance.
Background
Tallchief became the inspiration and wife of George Balanchine, the century's extraordinary ballet master. Together they brought dance to center stage in America's cultural life.
She thrilled America in the title role of Balanchine's first "Firebird," reduced audiences to awed silence in his "Swan Lake" and "Orpheus," and created the role of Balanchine's "Sugar Plum Fairy" in the ballet "Nutcracker."
"Maria Tallchief, America's Prima Ballerina" is a story of passion and commitment, an unvarnished memoir that trembles with the joys and rigors of a dancer's life. A woman who understood that a committed talent could transform the world around her.
Editors' Note: National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11. The following is one of a series of articles providing fire safety and prevention information.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Children and fire can be a dangerous and deadly combination. According to statistics fires are the leading cause of death in the home for children under 5 years old.
The National Fire Prevention Association reports that children under 12 set almost half of all structural fires and that in one third of all the home fires last year where children died, the children themselves set the fires.
And the statistics do not end there. According to Shriners' Burn Institute, burn injuries are a major cause of death for preschoolers and matchplay is a leading source of burn injuries.
Research shows that the curious firesetter is typically a 3-7 year old boy who is hyperactive and impulsive, often opposes authority, is curious about fire and is very determined to learn about it.
The type of fires children firesetters start have the highest death rate and largest dollar loss of all fire-related behaviors. The fires set are usually started with matches or lighters and set with ordinary and available materials like paper, cloth, carpeting, toys. They are often set in "hidden" locations such as closets or under beds and vary in terms of number, sequence or pattern.
Professionals recommend the following steps in order to prevent children from setting fires:
STEP 1- TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT FIRE - Make certain your child knows that fire is a tool used to heat homes or cook food. It is not a toy and because it makes heat, fire is very dangerous. Only adults can safely use fire. All fires - even small ones - can spread quickly. Explain that even adults must follow special safety rules for fire.
STEP 2: CONTROL YOUR CHILD'S ACCESS TO FIRE - Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of young children and remember that even a 2-year old can operate a cigarette lighter. Never allow anyone to use lighters or matches in a unsafe manner in the home. Never leave stove or candle fires unattended. Teach children to bring any matches and lighters they find to an adult.
STEP 3: SET A GOOD EXAMPLE - Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Plan and practice home fire escape drills. Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards. Always use "safety sense" when making or using fire. Point out the safety rules that are followed throughout the course of your day to children in the home.
Some curiosity about fire is normal and healthy. Professionals advise the following tips for parents to make certain curiosity remains at a normal level:
· Talk to your child in a calm, assured manner, explaining your worry for his safety. Don't try to frighten or scare your child. Don't punish him for being curious. And never try to burn your child's fingers - this is child abuse. These tactics don't work because they don't teach your child anything about fire.
· Create opportunities for your child to learn about fire safety - whenever you cook, let him get the pot holders for you; whenever you use the fireplace or woodstove, let him bring you the wood or tools; or if you light candles, let him check to make sure the candle holder fits snugly.
There are warnings signs for firesetting behavior. A parent should be alarmed if the following occur: evidence of matchplay is discovered (such as spent matches or burnt paper or cloth, or you smell smoke in a play area); if your child stares at the gas stove flame or a lit candle, or you see him reaching for the gas stove controls or matches and lighters; if your child asks or tries to light cigarettes for you or for the adults in your home; if your child rushes to the window or TV whenever he hears the sounds of sirens and fire trucks.
Professionals recommend seeking professional help if a parent becomes alarmed because a child has already discovered matches and fire through "play' and does not respond to efforts to redirect the curiosity to fire safety.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
Anti-Indian Legislation
This letter is to protest yet another anti-Indian legislative proposal. This amendment, sponsored by Sen. Mike Enzi, is particularly insidious by its circumvention of hearings and removal from the scrutiny of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, under whose jurisdiction it rightly belongs.
The amendment is for Congress to ban all new tribal-state compacts for Class III gaming. Oklahoma's Miami Tribe recently was approved for an off-track race betting enterprise. Gov. Keating scheduled a Class III statewide vote for next February. Our tribe has land adjacent to Kansas. It is legally possible for us to operate a Class III casino on the Kansas border, but we are aware that the political support in southern Kansas for such an enterprise does not presently exist.
We have seen the positive benefits to many formerly impoverished tribes in other states, and just as significantly, the tremendous vitalization of their surrounding economies.
This, and a recent spate of legislative proposals which seek to stunt the growth of tribal economies and the exercise of their inherent sovereign regulatory perquisites, are exceedingly ominous, a genuine threat to the democratic values of this country. The Constitution of the United States reads, "Indians, not taxed."
The Declaration of Independence enshrines the freedoms of a civilized nation, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." We domestic dependent indigenous nations also deserve the benefits of those freedoms, even though we did not immigrate here to search for freedom. Our Liberty includes the right to operate our own local governments. The first version of the Declaration of Independence read Property instead of Pursuit of Happiness. We would certainly be happier if we had been able to retain a lot more of our property.
It is apparent that many non-Indians still harbor resentments and malice from conflicts with Indians decades ago. Racism is a mental illness. It can be treated only with a protracted and sincere process of reconciliation. We are not concerned with malice as we are with the mindlessness apparent in the media and the educational system. Non-Indians seem to be unable to conceptualize a future that contains a functioning tribal government. While we did decline by diseases, massacres and despair, the Vanishing American Myth is still mostly wishful thinking.
Please help us establish a respectful, dignified and prosperous life for us in this country's future by urging our Senators to oppose hearingless, out-of-jurisdiction anti-Indian legislation and soon discussing with us how we can cooperate to overcome the adversarial relationship we have had with other Americans, which has left us impoverished, almost landless, with only an ember of hope in our hearts for a better existence. We seek to live in harmony and prosperity with our non-Indian neighbors.
A. Lionel LeClair
Chairman
Ponca Tribe
Supports School Vote
I am writing in support of the upcoming Ponca City School System bond issue election. When we passed the previous $10 million issue, it was understood to be the start of a much-needed long-term renovation, renewal and replacement effort. The school administration has done what they said they would with the initial phase. Dr. White and his staff should be supported in their continuing efforts for the betterment of the buildings and equipment of our school system.
Our children went through the Ponca City School System a few years ago. Their later success in college and life is due in no small measure to their excellent academic grounding in the local schools. The education of our youth is vital to the ongoing health of our community, and this step to improve our schools should be supported.
The phased approach to upgrading our school's physical plant is to be commended. The upcoming vote will not increase your taxes, but passage will replace some taxes that are falling off.
Please vote "YES" in the upcoming school bond election.
Lyndon D. Boyer
By MAX STOKESBERRY
News Staff Writer
This is their night (year, actually) to howl. But, being who they are, Ponca City's Noon Lions are roaring instead. After all, a 75th anniversary only comes along once in a lifetime.
It all started back in 1922 when E.W. Marland and 56 other men of the community got themselves chartered as a club in the Lions organization then only five years old.
Planning for this year's observance was started during Martin Smith's year as president, which began July 1, 1996. Dr. Vic Andrews took over in July this year and presided at the recent 75th annual banquet, which climaxed the celebration.
Guest speaker for the occasion was Dr. William H. Wunder, a past president of the International Association of Lions Clubs. Other highlights of the evening were presentations of two awards: Lion of the Year to Ted Matson, presented by President Andrews, and a life membership to Ernie Trout from Lions International. The guest speaker made the latter presentation.
Since joining the local club in 1993 Matson has been a leader in the SightFirst campaign and in organizing the Rookie program for new members. He has headed membership committees on the local, district and state levels, and served as zone chairman.
An associate professor at Friends University, Wichita, Dr. Wunder told of his experiences while visiting Lions clubs in various parts of the world. He was international president the year of 1995-96.
Noting that 1997 is the 80th anniversary of Lionism, he said the worldwide organization now has 33,000 clubs and a membership of 1.4 million Lions in 185 countries.
Two years ago Dr. Wunder and his wife, Dorothy, traveled to 85 different nations. He was the first Lions International leader to visit Haiti after the military takeover of that country several years previously. It was only after the dictatorship ended, with election of a president, that Lions officials were able to go there.
"We received a heart-warming reception and learned that during the four or five years of tyranny the members of six clubs in Haiti had risked their lives by meeting underground while Lionism was officially banned by those in power.
The speaker said that while they encountered different cultures and different ways of doing things, they found that Lions everywhere have much in common. All come together in living up to their motto: "We serve."
A vivid contrast is seen between Haitians, whose country is almost destitute, and some of the places in the Orient where mainly moneyed individuals make up the membership. In Japan, for instance, an entrance fee of $3,000 is required to become a Lion. Affluent members are necessary in Japan, South Korea and some other Asian countries, Wunder explained, because laws prohibit fund-raising events. As a result, club projects are financed by members' contributions.
In his speech to 160 Lions and guests at Conoco, the former top leader said Lionism continues to grow, especially in Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, despite the threat of violence against members in some places. India has 150,000 members and in Europe there are waiting lists of those wanting to join.
Wunder said that in Turkey the government permits Lions to carry arms when their lives have been threatened. In Sri Lanka two personal body guards were assigned to Wunder and his wife because of bombings and other violence there.
In two African countries where there are no Lions (at least not the two-legged kind) the international association is working through the Carter Center, headed by former President Jimmy Carter, to carry on the fight against so-called "River Blindness."
Lions International is also working hard to get into China, according to Wunder. He sees this as a slow process, but said the Lions are the first non-government organization to sign an agreement with Chinese leaders for a project in that country. They propose to perform 1.75 million cataract operations there during the next five years.
This is part of the multi-million-dollar SightFirst program by which the Lions are attempting to wipe out preventable blindness throughout the world.
While hailing the growth of Lionism in other countries, Wunder revealed that clubs in the United States have lost 90,000 members in the past 10 years. He urged clubs to redouble their recruiting efforts and to give younger members more opportunities to lead.
Andrews received a club banner as a gift from Wunder, and McCann, who introduced the speaker, presented him with a framed print of the statue of Standing Bear signed by the sculptor, Oreland G. Joe.
The 1990s have seen Lions club rolls opened to female members, and the Ponca City group is among those who have benefited by adding "woman power" to their projects.
In 1917 a group of independent clubs responded to an ideal presented to them by a young insurance agent, Melvin E. Jones, in Chicago. The ideal was one of service by members to their fellow men without regard to politics, religion, race or personal interests. Activities sanctioned by Lions International include drug awareness programs, diabetes awareness, sight conservation and work with the blind, environmental services, youth programs and educational services, to name a few.
Through their state organization, Ponca City Lions help support the Boys Ranch near Perkins and the Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank.
Under the leadership of the late Ira "Buck" Rowe, the Nooners sponsored formation of a second Ponca City club in 1965. The After-Five Lions Club was formed for members who prefer evening, rather than noon-time, meetings. Dr. Bob Gibson was the first After-Five president.
An imposing list of community projects has been accomplished by the Noon Lions during their 75 years, some of which were mentioned in an abbreviated history read by Patsy Bray at this year's banquet. E.W. Marland helped organize and was elected to be the first president of the club. Several of his Marland Oil Company's top men were charter members and served as officers. Meetings were held in company facilities during those earliest years.
The club gave the new Oklahoma Crippled Children's Society the largest of any donations by a civic group. A Lions committee spearheaded the movement for construction of the Ponca City Hospital, and began working in 1927 with Lion William H. McFadden to develop a campsite for the Camp Fire Girls. Later McFadden gave $25,000 in matching funds for the camp which now bears his name.
During the Depression of the 1930s new projects included providing food for needy families at Christmas and raising money for treatment of 50 needy family emergency cases at the hospital in a six-month period. Milk for underprivileged children was provided, and a scholarship fund made available to high school graduates. Athletic sweaters were donated to local student athletes.
During those years and on through World War II members traveled more than 25,000 miles visiting other Lions over the state and helping organize eight new clubs. For several years the club's annual installation of officers was held at the Jay G. Paris home (now the Cultural Center), and Paris received the Master Key Award for bringing 50 members into the club in one year.
Since 1957 Oklahoma Lions have operated an eye bank, making possible new sight for thousands through corneal transplants. A Noon Lion, William H. McCann, served as Oklahoma Lions Eye Bank president in 1990-91.
One member, DeRoy Skinner, was elected to be an international director, and also served as a district governor. Three others have been district governors, O.P. Callahan 1926-27, Jay G. Paris 1938-39 and Ira "Buck" Rowe 1957-58.
Largely through the work of club members Danny Thompson, Dr. William Stuever and others, the Lions have been able to expand their sight conservation program by three or four times in the past few years, helping more people who cannot afford them to be fitted with eyeglasses. The After-Five Club has cooperated with the Nooners in this project.
Meanwhile, Bill and Patsy Bray headed up a committee overseeing the collection of discarded glasses. With a great response from people in this and surrounding communities, an estimated 5,000 pairs of glasses were turned in. These will be sent to countries outside the U.S., where prescriptions will be matched to those needing sight improvement.
Dr. Stuever recently made his third or fourth trip to Cancun, Mexico, where glasses were fitted to about 600 young students. The Lions continue to accept unused glasses, which may be left at the banks of Ponca City and at Stuever's office.
The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma 45th Division Veterans will hold an honor dance for all veterans Saturday at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center.
The "All Gourd Dance" begins at 2 p.m., with supper at 5:30 p.m. and the evening program beginning at 7 p.m. Host Gourd Dancers will be Alfred L.S. Buffalo American Legion Post No. 38.
Head Staff includes Rev. Thomas Roughface, Ponca, emcee; Douglas Eagle, Ponca, head singer; Marcie Roy Hudson, Ponca, head lady dancer; Virgil Wolfe, Kiowa, head gourd dancer; Talia Bear, Ponca, Princess 45th Division; Chloe Eagle Rhoads, Ponca, Lifetime 45th Division Princess.
All veterans and veterans organizations are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to come and honor the veterans. Bring your own dishes and chairs.
The Ponca City Jaycees will be holding the Annual Run, Punt and Pass competition for Ponca City and surrounding communities youth through age 13. The competition will be held Sunday at Sullins Stadium.
Registration begins at noon and competition starts promptly at 1 p.m. says Kim Williams, Jaycee RPP Chairman. Admission for participants and spectators is free.
Run, Punt and Pass gives youth through age 13 the opportunity to test their basic football skills - running, punting and passing - against other children their age in a friendly competition.
The contests will be held in eight age groups including Under 7; and a division for each age through 13. The awards ceremony will be held immediately following the competitions between 3:30 and 4 p.m.
Two youth from each age group will have the opportunity to attend the Oklahoma State Run, Punt and Pass competition in Fredrick on Oct. 25. State qualifiers will receive an Oklahoma Team T-Shirt and free tickets to a Po-Hi home football game, where they will be introduced to spectators during half-time.
Regulation football cleats are allowed in the competition but metal spikes are prohibited. Youth who want to compete bare-footed do so at their own risk.
For more information about Run, Punt, and Pass or about the Ponca City Jaycees, call the Jaycee Hotline at 762-4697.
TONKAWA - Arts, crafts and food entries are still being accepted for the 21st annual Wheatheart Fall Fest in Tonkawa Oct. 25, chairman Connelly Wade announced this week.
This year it is being billed as "Art ion the Park '97" and will include a juried art show. Deadlines for entries is near.
Activities will be held in Blinn Memorial park and downtown, Tonkawa.
In addition to the juried art show and live entertainment, there will be a classic car show, food booths, crafts festival, chili cook-off and spook parade. Artists who enter will be vying for $1,000 in prize money.
In addition, it is anticipated there will be over $4,000 in purchase awards that can be used for either arts or crafts.
A 40 by 80 feet tent will be available on a first come first served basis.
Entry forms can be obtained from the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce, 1000 1/2 East Grand, Tonkawa, Okla. 74653. For more information call (405) 628-2220.
TONKAWA - Northern Oklahoma College will open its new Agricultural Demonstration Facility Thursday with a brief dedication ceremony followed by an old-time community barn dance, according to Dr. Joe Kinzer, college president.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests can view the facility, which includes a heated indoor show arena measuring 60-feet by 110-feet, classroom, office, kitchenette and concession stand area, dressing room, rest rooms and a livestock washing bay.
According to agriculture instructor Dr. Bob Matthiesen, the facility can be used for winter stock shows, farm equipment demonstrations and other events of community interest and can be rented by civic organizations.
The Northern Agri-business Club will serve refreshments before the dedication ceremonies at 7 p.m. Kinzer will give opening remarks and Student Senate President, Corey Claflin, and Agri-business Club President, Karla Wells, will preside at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Agri-business Club will give away prizes including a boom box and a VCR.
The Long Shot Gang Band will provide music for dancing in the show arena, where a temporary dance platform and band stage will be erected, according to Rick Allan, administrative assistant for campus construction.
Special activities planned during the evening include a bonfire and hay rack rides, with team and wagon provided courtesy of Ranch Drive Body and Paint.
Area state legislators, emeritus faculty and staff, college Regents and Chancellor Hans Brisch of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are among special guests invited to the dedication.
Dr. Joe Kinzer, NOC president, has proclaimed Oct. 9 as "Boots and Jeans Day" for the college, and all guests are invited to wear Western dress to the dedication events. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and hay bales seating will be provided.
The Agricultural Demonstration Facility is located on East NOC Drive, Tonkawa, east of the main college campus.
A parking lot on the grounds will be provided. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on college property.
Continuing the "Conversations on the Healing Arts" at Brace Books and More at 7 p.m. Thursday, "The Healing Power of Prayer, " will be led by the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Ponca City.
"Prayer is a mystery - not a mystery we observe, but a mystery in which we participate," said the Rev. Hook. "I don't have all the answers. What we say to one another can teach us more than one person lecturing."
Hook, who has served the church as senior minister for the past four years, is also the author of a book titled "Snapshots of the Diety: Catching God in the Act," which is a book of essays revealing the nature of God.
Copies of the book will be available for autographing Thursday, according to Jean Brace of Brace Books and More.
"We are delighted with the response to our Thursday night 'Conversations on the Healing Arts,' and it is important to me that we include this session on prayer," says Brace. "Denny told me that 'prayer brings a holistic kind of healing, rather than a specific kind of curing' and I am anxious to hear him expound on this concept," she said.
On Oct. 16, Dr. Leon Bristow of the Bristow Chiropractic Clinic of Blackwell will present "The Mystery Behind Chiropractic Healing" and on Oct. 23, massage therapists, Kim Klososky and Melissa Brace will present, "The Art of Therapeutic Massage."
The public is invited to all sessions. Admission is free.
Editor's Note - This is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center is making an effort to promote the prevention of mental illnesses during this time, using the theme, "Everybody needs a little help sometime."
Sometimes I get depressed. Does it mean I'm mentally ill?
Everyone feels blue or sad at times, and everyone has bad days. But when someone can't sleep, eat or go to work because of these feelings, he or she may be suffering from clinical depression.
Depression is one of the most common of all mental illnesses. In any six month period, 9.4 million Americans suffer from it.
Losses such as the death of a loved one or a divorce can trigger a depressive episode. In fact, most major environmental changes - even positive changes - can cause depression. Job promotions, moves to new areas, changes in living space - all can bring on depressive illness.
Scientists believe a combination of factors, including genetic backgrounds and brain chemistries, have roles in clinical depression. Clinical depression - depression sever enough to require treatment - can affect anybody, at any age, at any time. Nearly everyone suffering from such a depression feels sad, helpless, hopeless and irritable. They may also have changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, loss of interest in favorite activities, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Other symptoms include inability to concentrate, recurring thoughts of death or suicide, confusion, headaches and stomach aches.
Many psychiatrists think depression underlies most suicides in our country. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in America; it is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24.
Between 80 and 90 percent of all depressed people respond to treatment involving medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Even the most severe forms of depression can respond to treatment rapidly. But before any treatment program begins, a complete physical and mental evaluation is essential.
For more information about mental illnesses, their causes and treatment, contact Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center, 1500 North Sixth in Ponca City 74601; (405) 762-7561.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Nearly 20 concerned parents from Ponca City voiced their concerns about the controversial School-to-Work (STW) program Tuesday night at the high school during a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting.
Pam Oster, president of PTSA, moderated the program listening to opinions from the crowd.
Steve Stalcup and Janet Goll, board members, also attended the meeting to hear concerns from parents.
Some concerned parents commented that by approving STW the parents would be taking away a child's soul, while others said that STW supporters have just not answered enough questions for them.
One major problem for parents opposing STW at the meeting was how some children will be treated if their parents choose not to have their children participate in STW. Many wondered if they would be given extra library time or would just completely be ignored.
The Explorer test administered at Ponca City Mid-High was examined in depth. Questions about the test ranged from the test's liability to why the test is so important when students change their minds about what they want to be when they grow up.
Dr. John Scroggins, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction, pointed out that several programs already exist in the local schools that fall under the category of STW. He said, "The school board asked that all programs that fall under the STW category be approved by the board. I do what the board tells me to do."
Pam Oster said, "If you would have asked my son in the eighth grade what he wanted to be when he grew up he would have said he wanted to be a professional musician. By the time he went to college he decided he wanted to go into medicine, but then changed his major."
"I just feel like many students change their majors several times both before and during college. To place those students into another category that they might not be interested in years later is wrong."
Paula Lanham, concerned parent, said that if the nation goes along with STW what would happen to the four-year universities? If STW tells our children to go to a Vo-tech or even a community college, what will then happen to the major universities.
On Oct. 13 the Ponca City Board of Education will decide if approval will be given to the STW components that already exist in the public schools and whether to receive federal money for STW.
Scroggins stated, "We're going to ask the board to approve components already in the curriculum. That even includes all the elective courses that fall into the category of STW. Parents will still be asked to sign the enrollment forms before their children start school. If you don't want your child to participate in the plans of the class, don't sign the enrollment form."
Scroggins concluded, "If the board says yes to receiving federal money, we will buy the materials the schools have asked for. Some things include materials on careers and hands-on materials."
A trail ride to raise monies to help disabled children and adults has been extended to anyone who own a horse or a mule. The Fourth Annual Bluestem Therapeutic Riding Center trail ride will be held on the Foster Ranch near Bartlesville Nov. 2.
The Trail Ride begins at 10 a.m. at the ranch. Barbecue and fixin's - will be served at noon at the starting point so riders can just enjoy the morning or afternoon portion of the trail ride or can enjoy the entire 15-mile ride.
The meal is included with the $30 minimum entry per horse. The Riding Center's goal however is a donation of $50 per horse. Prizes for the largest total entry and sponsorships plus a special drawing for those raising $100 or more is included.
Overnight accommodations are available at nearby Osage Hills State Park, west of Bartlesville on U.S. 60.
Horsemen/women who like to trail ride and want to contribute to the Bluestem
Therapeutic Horseback Riding Club project may call (918) 336-3533 before
Oct. 30 to register. Negative Coggins papers for horses will be required.
The Foster Ranch is located four miles South of Bartlesville. Follow signs
along U.S. 75.
DEATHS
WINFIELD, Kan. - Norma Lee Snook, sister to Marilyn Sheely of Ponca City, died Monday afternoon, Oct. 6, 1997, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. She was 70.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Winfield First Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Ken Davidson officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery under the direction of Miles Funeral Service, Winfield. Friends may visit at the funeral home from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday. The family will also greet visitors there from 7 to 9 p.m.
Norma Lee Snook was born Jan. 17, 1927 in La Salle County, Ill., one of five children born to Clifton Harvey and Irene Louise (Brooker) Snook. In 1935, at the age of nine, she moved with her family to Kansas, and grew up on farms in Cowley County. She received her education at the Fairview Rural School, Winfield High School, and Dexter High School. She began employment as a young woman with the Kroger Food Stores.
Ms. Snook later worked for Dillons Food Stores then in the 1960s began employment at Winfield State Hospital and Training Center at Winfield. After 24 years of service she retired from the laundry department at the hospital in 1988. She was a longtime member of the Winfield First Assembly of God Church. Ms. Snook's interests included genealogy, photography, spending time with her family, and reading and studying the Bible.
She is survived by two sisters, Shirley Grant of Arkansas City, Kan., and Marilyn Sheely of Ponca City; one brother, Vernon Snook of Arkansas City, Kan.; a special friend, Freda Underwood of the home; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Snook.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Snook's name to the First Assembly of God Church, c/o Miles Funeral Service, P.O. Box 720, Winfield, KS 67156.
TONKAWA - Dorothea Irene Harney, longtime Tonkawa area resident, died Monday, Oct. 6, 1997 at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. She was 86.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Tonkawa United Methodist Church with Dr. Brian Kovacs, minister, officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Dorothea Irene (Baker) Harney was born Jan. 5, 1911, to William Franklin and Live Icaphena (Stephensen) Baker in Billings, Okla. She grew up and attended schools in Blackwell, graduating from high school there in 1929.
On June 30, 1930, she was married to James E. Harney and the couple made their home in Blackwell until moving to Tonkawa in 1943. In 1965 they moved to Cushing and after retirement in 1972 moved back to Tonkawa. Mrs. Harney was an active member of the United Methodist Church and past president of the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Madonna Lily Garden Club, and a past president of the National Council of State Garden Clubs. For many years she served as a Camp Fire Girls leader and as the Tonkawa representative on the Ponca City Area Camp Fire Council. She had received numerous awards for her many years of service.
Survivors include three daughters, Lo Kiel Lewellyn of Wichita, Kan., Camille Jones of Tonkawa, and Barbara Harrold of Lloyd, Ky.; one sister, LaVerta Talbot of Oklahoma City; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; five sisters and two brothers; and one grandson.
A memorial fund for sound equipment for the hearing impaired has been established in Mrs. Harney's name at the Tonkawa United Methodist Church, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
Mary Cecelia Schutte, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 7, 1997, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 73.
A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1997, at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Deacon Dick Robinson officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 1997, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with her classmate and friend, the Rev. Marvin Leven, pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church, Lawton, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mary Cecelia was born Aug. 8, 1924 in Pawnee, the daughter of Walter and Viola (Bellmard) Pappan. She graduated from Newkirk High School in 1942.
On Aug. 8, 1942, she married Billy M. Schutte in Arkansas City, Kan. The family moved to Vancouver, Wash., while Mr. Schutte worked in the shipyards during World War II. In 1945 the family moved back to Ponca City. Mrs. Schutte was receptionist at the Niemann-Northcutt Clinic for six years, then devoted her time to raising her three children. She quit work to raise her family. In 1960, she began working as a receptionist for Dr. Glasscock and retired in 1986.
Mrs. Schutte was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Women of the Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1201 Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Housing Authority of the Kaw Nation. She enjoyed camping, playing cards, crocheting, cooking and sewing.
Survivors include her husband, Bill, of the home; sons, Bill and daughter-in-law, Jodie Schutte, of Ponca City, and John and daughter-in-law Diane Schutte, of Edmond; daughter, Karen and son-in-law Steve McConnell of Ponca City; granddaughters Shea Schutte, Shelby Schutte, Katie Schutte, and Darcy McConnell; grandson, Brad Schutte; and brother, Fred Pappan of Newkirk. In addition to her parents, five brothers, Gerald, Burt, George, Marvin, and John, preceded her in death.
Casket bearers will be Scott Lewis, Larry Strawn, Danny Hermes, Mike Starbuck, James Barnett, and John Heinze. Honorary casket bearers will be the 31 Camping Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1330, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at the home, 4209 South Union Street.
paid obituary
Donald L. Lindgren, Ponca City resident, died early this morning, Oct. 8, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 66. Survivors include his wife, Ramona, of the home. A memorial service is pending and will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.
Fern Countryman, Ponca City resident, died at her home early this morning, Oct. 8, 1997. She was 81. Survivors include her husband George, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.
MELBOURNE, Fla. - Doris Allene (Dickson) Riley, former Ponca City resident,
died at her home in Melbourne, Fla, Monday, Oct. 6, 1997. She was 71. The
family will greet friends at the Trout Funeral Home, Thursday from 7 to
9 p.m. Other arrangements are pending and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Cheer Clinic - Ponca City High School varsity cheerleaders will hold their annual Mini Cheer Clinic Oct. 13-15. Preschool through first grade will practice from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and second grade through sixth grade will practice from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Kids attending the clinic will perform during halftime of the varsity football game against Booker T. Washington on Oct. 16. Registration will be held Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Robson Fieldhouse. Cost of the clinic is $20 which includes poms and a T-shirt. For more information call 762-0035 or 765-7259.
Legion Auxiliary to Meet - The American Legion Auxiliary No. 14 will meet Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Legion building on South Avenue. Members are urged to attend and reminded the organization still needs cakes for the Bingo Canteen on Tuesday nights.
Parade Meeting - The big upcoming Veterans Day Parade planning group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion. All veterans and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.
Herbal Vinegar Workshop - The Ponca City Library will be sponsoring an herbal vinegar workshop Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. Herb expert Mary Anne Potter of Herban Renewal Farms will demonstrate making herbal vinegars in a "hands-on" workshop. All ingredients will be provided by the library. Preregistration is required and those attending need to bring their own bottle. Call Julie Rutter at 767-0345 to register.
Grand Central Station - Grand Central Station will be providing free classes to all sixth through 12th graders this fall. The first class will be in Origami (Japanese Paper Folding) Oct. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. The instructor will be Kelli Orta.
Round-up Club - The Marland Round-up Club will have a monthly meeting Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the John Pulliam home. For more information call Carl Evans at 268-3908.
Break-In - A man in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported to police at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday that someone had broken into his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juvenile Arrests - Three boys, ages 13-14, were arrested at 6:57 a.m. Tuesday for larceny of an auto when a man in the 500 block of West Summit Avenue reported that juveniles were in his pickup truck and had started the engine.
Vandalism - At 9:13 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 1800 block of East Prospect Avenue reported vandalism to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - Police received a report at 1:49 p.m. Tuesday of an accident in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Break-In - A woman in the 200 block of Virginia Avenue reported to police at 11:09 a.m. Tuesday that her house had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - At 3:06 p.m. Tuesday police received several 911 calls regarding an accident at North Fourteenth Street and Crawford Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - Police and an ambulance responded to an accident at East Prospect Avenue and North Fourteenth Street at 5:05 p.m. Tuesday. No one was transported and a report was taken.
Grass Fire - Two fire engines responded to a reported grass fire at 6:11 p.m. at Highland Avenue and North Ninth Street. The fire was extinguished.
Gas Drive-Off - A clerk at Conoco, 3205 North Fourteenth Street,
reported a gas drive-off of $19 at 9:16 p.m. Tuesday.
LIFESTYLES
Alan and Marlene (Pruitt) Amis announce the birth of a daughter, Monica Lauren, on Sept. 5, 1997 in Plano, Texas. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 15 1/2-ounces and was 20 3/4-inches long.
Grandparents are Paul and Margaret Amis of Jacksonville, Ark. and Bill and Patty Pruitt of Ponca City. Great-grandfathers are Jesse Amis of Camden, Ark. and Ralph Pruitt of Ponca City.
Announcing the birth of a daughter are Steve and Libby Scott of Norman. Alexa Ann Scott was born at 4:20 p.m. Oct. 6, 1997 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City. She has two sisters, Hayley, 5, and Madeline, 3.
Paternal grandparents are Dorothy Scott of Ponca City and the late Raymond Scott. Maternal grandparents are Kay and Ken Brown of Oklahoma City.
There were 10 members present when Eta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Sept. 24 in the home of Danielle Behar. Debra Bellmard, president, called the meeting to order with the opening ritual.
Guests for the meeting were Gayla Gelvin, Natalie Nelson and Deanna Carter. Cynthia Wilson, Ways and Means chairperson, finalized the menu and work detail for the food booth at the Oktoberfest. Kelly Trotter, social chairperson, led a discussion on attending a football game in October. The next meeting will be Oct. 8 in the Wilson home.
The September meeting of Xi Beta Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority was held in the home of Sammie Coats. Cindy Wardlow will take a four-month leave of absence and Brenda Parker will be a "member-at-large." June Miller, president, conducted the opening ritual and communication from International was read. Ms. Miller's recipe was chosen for the Fast Feast cookbook.
Announcement was made that Patsy Bray and June Miller were eligible for the Exemplar degree and a thank you note was read concerning the chapter's donation to the Dakota Disaster Fund. The City Council report was read and Ms. Coats agreed to be temporary treasurer.
The Preferential Tea will be Nov. 17 for the sorority. Chapter members will honor Ms. Bray as "girl of the year" with a dinner at E. Chico's on Oct. 13. The traveling basket was given to Ms. Coats by Jan Ellison, who won the mystery gift. The names of secret sisters were chosen and Ms. Coats gave the program as a documentary of the Citizens Police Academy.
St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands will be the setting for the Oct. 20 wedding of Lisa J. Gillen and Shane S. Blake, both of Lincoln, Neb. He is the son of Debi Stittsworth, a former resident of Ponca City.
The bride-elect is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a bachelor of arts degree in English. She is the assistant to the Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature and is a real estate agent with Woods Bros. in Lincoln, Neb.
Blake is a 1988 graduate of Ponca City High School and graduated from
Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S. D. with a bachelor of arts degree in
biology. He was a member of the wrestling team and earned all-American honors.
He graduated from the Wichita State University program in Respiratory Therapy.
He is employed as a Respiratory Therapist at Lincoln General Hospital and
is enrolled at Doane College in Lincoln in pursuit of a master's degree
in management.
SPORTS
Sgt. Rod Tavenello of the Ponca City Police Department took first place Saturday in the 220 pound open division at the Oklahoma State Powerlifting Championship.
In the event, sponsored by the USA Powerlifting Federation, Tavenello squated with 480 pounds, bench pressed 370 pounds and dead lifted 460 pounds.
Tavanello also recently took three first places in the open division of the Sooner State Games.
By FRED HILTON
News Sport Editor
Seniors Jason Shelton and Nick Steichen have been playing in the offensive line together since the eighth grade. They are about to get a little closer.
The two guards, together with center Steve Bogadi, the are the only seniors on this year's offensive line. They are the nucleus for the offensive front.
But they will change positions slightly this week as the Wildcats prepare to attack the 4-4 defense of the Bartlesville Bruins.
"I'm moving to center and Bogadi to guard," Shelton reports "They want some more size at guard (Bogadi is 6-1, 248 while Shelton is 6-2, 214) and some more quickness at center."
That will put Shelton right next to his 5-9, 244 longtime teammate.
"We know each other pretty well," Steichen says, "that's important in our system of calls along the offensive line when we adjust to certain defenses."
"We know what the other is capable of and how he can help me out and I help him," Shelton said.
Steichen, who came to Ponca City from Perry - by way of Arkansas - and Shelton played along side each other in the eighth grade. They were separated in the ninth grade, were tackle-guards as sophomores and both became guards as juniors.
That togetherness has helped bond what started the season as a basically young, inexperienced offensive line.
Perhaps no other group of players need the communication and common experience. It is starting to show.
"I though we did pretty well against Enid," Steichen said. "They were big, but we were able to run outside of them at first and later we found we could run between the tackle and tight end."
But both players agree that one factor of the Enid defensive linemen did take them by surprise.
"They were faster that they looked on the films," Shelton said. "That speed and their size caused us some problems."
This time the Wildcats face a team that is comparable in size, but will present a defensive alignment they haven't seen and probably won't see again, Shelton said.
But Steichen notes it is certainly not the first time the Poncans have met a four-man front, "and I think we can handle it, although they (the Bruins) sometimes bring the linebackers and other stuff. Sometimes they have the outside linebackers on the line, but we've seen six-man fronts before, too."
That is part of the reason for the switch of Bogadi and Shelton. Another is the coaches have added another newcomer, sophomore Harrison Freeman (5-10, 251) at tackle, "so that we can cut down on the number of players playing on both sides of the ball. That way we won't get as tired in the fourth period," Shelton said.
Whatever the alignment, having Shelton and Steichen side by side will make the Wildcat backs feel better.
The final Hunter Education Course to be held in Kay County this season is scheduled at the Newkirk elementary school Oct. 13-15.
The course will run from 6:30 to 10 p.m. each day and students must attend all three days. Those taking the course must take, and pass a written exam.
Kay County Game Warden Tracy Daniel says the course will be held in the school cafeteria and plenty of seating is available.
All young Oklahoma hunters must pass a Hunter Education course before they can obtain a hunting lcense or deer tag.
The course will include instruction in firearms and archery safety, amunition, game indentification, hunting laws and survival techniques.
Two Oklahoma youths will win guided antelope hunts through a unique writing contest that focuses on America's hunting heritage.
The essay contest, sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International, is open to youngsters ages 11 to 17. Short stories and essays are eligible, and judging will be done in two age categories: 11-14 and 15-17.
One boy and one girl in the 15-17 age class will win a guided antelope hunt in Wyoming. Three students in the 11-14 age class will win scholarships to attend a week-long Apprentice Hunter Program at YO Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. The top 25 entrants also will receive one-year youth memberships to Safari Club International.
The Wildlife Department and the Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International will again team up to sponsor a scholarship for an educator to attend an eight-day conservation education training course in Jackson, Wyoming. Teachers of youth essay contest winners will receive priority consideration for selection to attend the course, called the American Wilderness Leadership School.
The essay contest theme is "Hunting: Sharing the Heritage," and all entries must be received by Dec. 1. .
The Lady Wildcat softball and volleyball teams will try to extend their seasons another day as they head to Tulsa Thursday.
First up will be the softball team in a quest for the state title. The Lady Cats will take on Edmond North at 2 p.m. on the Tulsa Union Intermediate School field. Also in the pool are Yukon and Bartlesville.
Regional volleyball action will begin at 4 p.m., as the Lady Cats take on Bartlesville in a single elimination tournament which also includes Owasso, Tulsa Union, and Enid. Volleyball will also be played at the Tulsa Union Intermediate School, which is located at 71st and Garnett.
Ponca City's seventh grade Cougars remain undefeated after topping Broken Arrow 26-18 Saturday in Broken Arrow.
This is the first time a team has scored on the Cougars, who are now 4-0.
Earlier, the seventh graders beat Enid twice, 22-0 and 30-0, and blanked Coffeyville, Kan., 12-0.
Cherokee Strip Adult Soccer
Team W L T Pts
Las Aguilas 2 0 1 7
Somorra 2 0 1 7
SAL United 2 1 1 7
Dynamo 1 0 2 5
NSC 1 0 2 5
Cobras 1 2 1 4
AWFC 0 4 0 0
Last Week's Results
Cobras 3, Somora 1
SAL United 3, Dynamo 2
NSC 4, AWFC 1