From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, October
14, 1997
LOCAL
School Board Rejects STW Federal Funding
Drug Offenders Taken in Raids
Marland Mansion Honored As Top Tourist Attraction
Commissioners Recommend County Clerk's Training Funds
Bond Vote Under Way
Architectural Service Contract Approved Pending Today's Vote
Jaycees Run, Punt, Pass Competition Rescheduled
Chiropractic Healing Topic Thursday at Brace Books
Tribal Election Board Named
Ponca City Art Center Popular With Visitors
Newkirk Community Chest To Hear Requests for Funds
DEATHS
Olis W. Martin
Lester W. Kolb
Anna P. Apperson
Services Pending
Mary Vollman
J.M. Swaim
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Auditor-Inspector Verifies County Reimbursements
PCTA To Act On Three Grants
Workforce Motivation Topic of Meeting
Education Salute Features 1996 Teacher of Year
Notes and Quotes
LIFESTYLES
Little News
Laureate Mu Chapter Meets
SPORTS
Tiring JVs Fall, 20-0
Eight Grade JVs End Season, 22-0
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
A framework for the continuation of the career education programs offered in the Ponca City Public Schools was unanimously approved at the Ponca City Board of Education meeting Monday night.
Accepting materials or monies from the local School-to-Work group, Project Partners, in the amount of $35,900, was rejected by a 4-3 vote, with Janet Goll, Steve Stalcup, Michael Kruck and John Young opposing. Those supporting were Kyle Keffer, Andrea Morriss and Marvin Clark.
The framework for the Ponca City Public Schools, which administrators say has been in place for years, was first introduced to the board with the title of "Framework for School-to-Work (STW) Proposal." After a lengthy discussion, the board decided to change the name of this framework to "Career Education."
The board also directed administration to include an opt-out form for the Oklahoma Educational Planning and Assessment Test (EPAS) in the beginning of the year enrollment packets to be mailed home to parents.
EPAS is an ACT developed test, funded by the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education, and also includes questions concerning career preferences.
This assessment tool helps students and parents select the academic courses the student will take in high school. The board voted to include an opt-out form in enrollment packets for this test. The board commented that the opt-out form will be mailed directly to the parents and not sent home by their children.
Public Comment
During public comment several Ponca City citizens addressed the Ponca City Board of Education concerning STW.
Larry Felix, chairperson for the Chamber of Commerce, wanted the board to know that 70 percent of the people coming out of the schools function without a two or four-year college degree.
"In my role in the community, I hear employers all the time complaining about poor work ethics and lack of skill. I recommend the STW program to mobilize everything we have available to us, and to improve the work force in our area. I think there should be a partnership between businesses and education so that they may work together to produce the kind of work force we need," Felix commented.
Bob Gingerich, president of the Parent Advisory Council at Po-Hi, said that he had two thoughts of concern regarding STW.
"I don't think anyone would argue that providing knowledge about the work and world and career knowledge is a bad thing; however, there are also a lot of other things we could be doing for our children that we don't have the time or money for. We need to decide if STW is a topic we want to spend additional time and energy on," said Gingerich.
Donna Larrison, member of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), said that the vision of the Ponca City community is to build a future of learners. "We are not building a work force, we are building learners," Larrison said.
"Let's continue to motivate students to set college goals. Perhaps 65 percent of Ponca City students will fill 20 percent of the future jobs requiring a college education. Let's continue to support opportunity for 65 percent and not settle for only 20 percent as projected by STW."
Approval of the Career Education program includes the following.
K-6 Career Awareness
The classroom teacher will incorporate career awareness in the curriculum. This may include guest speakers and field trips. Units of study must be supported with the Core Curriculum from the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS).
7-8 Career Exploration
Students will be given the opportunity to explore individual interest and jobs through the curriculum. Teachers may use career videos, guest speakers and field trips.
Units of study must be supported with the Core Curriculum from the PASS.
Students in grade eight will be given the opportunity to participate in the EXPLORE exam which is an ACT preparation tool and funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
9-12 PLAN
Students must meet all graduation requirements during the four years of high school. Students along with their parents and the assistance of the school counselor will be provided several choices which include:
- Vocational and Technical Education
- Vocational and Agriculture Education
- College Preparation
- Post High School Training
Experiences in the elected choices may include: service learning, marketing education, job fairs, college fairs, work study programs, computer career searches, research projects and elective programs of special interest.
Students in grade 10 will be given the opportunity to participate in the PLAN exam which is produced by ACT and funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Parents who do not want their child to participate in the Oklahoma Educational Planning and Assessment Program (EPAS) which is an ACT developed assessment funded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will need to provide a letter to the school requesting that their child be exempted.
Parents will still be asked to sign enrollment forms giving permission for students' selected course work.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
Law enforcement officers across the county were busy today conducting a series of residential marijuana-related arrests, serving both misdemeanor and felony warrants.
District Attorney John Maddox said his major crimes task force was expecting to make two dozen arrests in Blackwell, Newkirk, Ponca City and Tonkawa before the day was over.
After area authorities - including the Perry Police Department's drug-sniffing canine unit - initiated the bust at sunrise this morning, they reported arrests were proceeding without incident.
Maddox, who monitored the actions of his task force this morning, said the felony and misdemeanor warrants were prepared with bonds already attached, so some of the arrested individuals were already being arraigned this morning.
He explained such arrests, even on a small scale, can have a remarkable effect on all other local crime activity.
"We have the task force to try to track down who's selling the drugs, who's using the drugs, and who's bringing in the drugs," Maddox said.
"On numerous occasions, (Ponca City Police) Chief (Raymond) Ham has said working the drug element is very helpful to the community - it saves on all other types of crime in the city.
"Statistics show when you take the drug users off the streets, it affects every other area of crime, and for every dollar spent on policing drug cases, you see multiple times the savings in policing other matters," Maddox said.
"We try to stay visible to the drug community, so that they know we're here and that we're trying to put them out of business."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The Marland Mansion was named the "Outstanding Attraction in Oklahoma in 1997" at the annual Governor's Tourism Conference Monday evening in Tulsa at the Southern Hills Marriott.
Kathy Adams, executive director of the Marland Mansion, and Missy Morland, coordinator of the Ponca City Tourism Authority, were in attendance and accepted the award.
Adams said, "We're excited about the award and Missy has already ordered a sign for our tourism booth for the upcoming Dallas travel show."
"The separation of the Mansion and the Conference Center, which is now managed privately, has allowed the total concentration of the director and the Commission on the Mansion itself. We have an unusually active group of commissioners, who are working on projects that build the attractiveness of the Mansion," said Larry Stephenson, Marland Estate Commission chairman.
Stephenson added that in visiting with people who have used the Mansion and the Conference Center in recent weeks, they report there is nothing to compare with it as an attraction in this part of the country.
Visitation to the Marland Mansion has increased considerably during the last year. Due to more promotion, the A&E "America's Castles" television show, and advertisement from Monumental Enterprises that leases the Conference Center.
Tourism Conference
The Governor's Tourism Conference is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.
Two other merit awards were won by Ponca City Tourism entries. The gardens at the Cann Estate won the Native Beauty award. The poster award went to the Standing Bear Memorial Native American Poster, designed by Gael Hancock and entered by Betty Durkee.
During the evening a special speaker was former Gov. George Nigh, who was presented the first "Lifetime Tourism Award" for his work over the years promoting tourism. During his years as lieutenant governor, Nigh headed up tourism for Oklahoma.
Nigh conceived the idea for the lakes and countries associations. Ponca City is in Red Carpet Country and borders Green Country.
On a local note, while Nigh was governor, he and his wife Donna hosted the Renaissance Ball at the Marland Mansion for eight years. Nigh, along with then Mayor Kenneth Holmes, former City Manager Leon Nelson, former Conoco Vice President Warren Jensen, and Stephenson, who was also charter Estate chairman, developed the Renaissance Ball to promote the Mansion.
Additionally, it was Nigh's idea to give the Pioneer Woman and Petroleum Hall of Fame Awards. This tradition was carried on for 17 years.
The Marland Mansion, home of the 10th governor of Oklahoma, E.W. Marland, was purchased in 1975 with a two-year, one-cent sales tax, voted by the citizens, with Conoco donating half the purchase price. Marland was founder of Marland Oil, which later merged with Continental now known as Conoco.
Famous Guests
Throughout the years the Marland Mansion has hosted many citizens locally, nationally and internationally. Some of the better known personalities have been President Bill Clinton, and Mrs. Clinton, who came to Ponca City to a Renaissance Ball at the invitation of Nigh.
Former President Gerald Ford visited the Marland Estate, and Ms. Lillian Carter, mother of President Jimmy Carter, and Elizabeth Dole were guests of honor as the recipients of the Pioneer Woman Award. Numerous personalities from the oil and energy fields have been visitors including former Conoco president L.F. McCollum and Howard Blauvelt.
World famous oil well firefighter Red Adair and Susan Powell, who was Miss America at the time, were honored guests.
How the Mansion Works
The Marland Estate is governed by an advisory board, the Marland Estate Commission, which answers to the City Commission.
Monies generated by the Marland Estate Commission at the Oktoberfest and other events help fund the Marland Estate Foundation, which is designed to do restoration for the Mansion.
Two current projects include the refurbishing of E.W. Marland's adopted son George's statue, and repair of leaks in the lower level.
A portion of the breezeway, built during the ownership of the Estate by the Felician Sisters, connecting the Conference Center has been removed. The breezeway connection his believed to have been responsible for some of leakage in the Mansion proper.
NEWKIRK - County commissioners decided to continue with their recommendation to provide extra training money for the county clerk when the excise board meets Thursday to approve the new budget.
In its regular weekly meeting Monday, the board stuck by its decision to designate $7,200 in extra salaries so County Clerk Pam Goodno could hire and train two employees for three months to replace retiring deputies.
Other officers last week had objected to the commissioners' recommendation as unfair, because it in effect gives promotions and pay raises to the county clerk's entire staff during a year when the officers were told not to budget for pay raises.
The county commissioners and the excise board last week looked for ways to provide enough money so some of the courthouse's bottom-scale employees could get pay increases.
But some courthouse offices, which have employees who are neither retiring nor entry-level, will not be considered for raises this year.
On Monday, County Treasurer Pat Schieber proposed to the commissioners a compromise she believed would cut through any controversy and "create harmony throughout the courthouse."
She said the commission should consider dividing the $7,200 to allow $2,400 for Goodno to offset some of her immediate training expense and to apportion the remaining $4,800 among the remaining offices.
"Training is important and I don't blame Pam for requesting it," Schieber said, "but this (proposal) still leaves money for the other offices to meet some of their needs and for maybe a little increase in salary."
The commissioners said, however, their original intention was justified because Goodno has cut her budget by some $20,000 each of the two previous years.
"I do feel those who are cutting their budget need due consideration from time to time," Commissioner Wayne Leven said.
Leven said the board also is attempting to make the courthouse officers begin pulling some of their annual budget money from their individual cash funds, which are controlled by the officer instead of the commission.
The board this year has cut the treasurer's original appropriation by almost $8,000, and explained they felt the treasurer should start supplementing a portion of her annual budget with money from her resale cash fund each year.
The treasurer's cash fund, which is not controlled by the board, currently totals approximately $95,000 and was used last year to upgrade the office's computer equipment, which cost approximately $40,000.
PONCA CITY RESIDENT J.D. Childress votes on Phase II of the proposed $3.5 million school bond issue. Voting precincts have commented that the turnout rate as of press time has been average for a school bond election, which needs a 60 percent majority to pass. If passed, the money will be spent on remodeling three elementary schools, remodeling the Commons area at the high school, build an athletic track with facilities, band equipment and new buses. Polls stay open until 7 p.m. (News Photo by Kristi Grabeal)
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Change orders for Lincoln Elementary and architectural services contract were among some of the items approved Monday when the Ponca City Schools Board of Education met.
Troy Lewis, Lewis Associate Architects, presented information regarding a proposal request with several revisions for the completion of the Lincoln Elementary project.
Approved were two requests for additional cost and one item that results in a credit to the district. The result of the change order is a decrease in the overall construction price of $375.
The new cost, including the decrease in the construction price, of the new Lincoln Elementary School is $3,069,372.
Unanimous approval was given to an architectural service contract with Lewis Associates Architects pending the passage of Tuesday's school bond vote.
Because of the time constraints of seeking bids and available construction timetables, the architectural drawings needed to be implemented as soon as possible.
This would be a separate contract for those services required to implement the proposed $3.5 million bond projects. Approval for this contract would be dependent upon the passage of Tuesday's bond millage election.
Board approval was made to reduce the retainage down to $30,000 on the Lincoln Elementary project.
Such a reduction will now allow DACO to subsequently pay its subcontractors who have successfully completed their work.
Renewal of Compensation Account
The board approved the renewal of the Oklahoma Public Schools Unemployment Compensation Account.
This is a continuation of unemployment insurance through the Oklahoma Public Schools Unemployment and Compensation Account. Unemployment compensation coverage is required of all public schools under the Oklahoma Employment Security Act.
Ponca City Public Schools joined the unemployment compensation account in 1978 by depositing .08 percent of its payroll and then maintaining a balance of 1.6 percent. The required balance by voluntary audit (1.6 percent) is $103,447.16. The balance as of Sept. 30, 1997, was $92,874.84 in an escrow account.
The district has budgeted the $10,572.32 needed to replenish the account this year.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Bill White, superintendent, informed the board about several special dates.
The last day of the first nine weeks is Oct. 15, Professional Day will be Oct. 16 and no school will be held Oct. 17 for fall break.
Oct. 23 has also been selected as "A Salute to Excellence in Education" at the Poncan Theatre.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with heavy hors d'oeuvres. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m., with this year's keynote speaker being the 1996 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Stephen Smallwood.
Other Business
Conoco Inc. presented a check to the Ponca City Middle School to be used for the ECO-COURT Environmental Project.
Keni Ray presented the check to Jackie Bufton, Environmental Club sponsor.
Awards presented for the Employee of the Month included David Shelton, principal at Lincoln Elementary, Certified Award; Penny Frick, secretary of Roosevelt Elementary, Support Award; and Tony and Kym Vap, parent volunteers at Garfield Academy, Friend of Education Award.
Maintenance employees of the Ponca City Schools were recognized for their time and hard work.
A special board meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
The Jaycees Run, Punt and Pass competition has been rescheduled for Sunday at Sullins Stadium. Registration begins at noon and competition begins promptly at 1 p.m., said RPP chairman, Kim Williams.
The event is free and open to youths up to 13 years of age. It is also free for spectators. The awards ceremony should begin about 3:30 p.m.
Run, Punt and Pass gives youths through age 13 the opportunity to test their basic football skills against other children their age in friendly competition. Included will be running, punting and passing in eight age groups beginning with the under age seven group and then separate competition for each age group through age 13.
Two youths from each age group will qualify to attend the Oklahoma State Run, Punt and Pass competition in Frederick on Oct. 25. State qualifiers will receive an RPP State Team T-shirt and free tickets to a Po-Hi home football game where they will be introduced to spectators during halftime.
Williams reminded participants that regulation football cleats are allowed but metal spikes are prohibited for the competition. Youths who want to compete bare-footed do so at their own risk.
For more information about Run, Punt and Pass or the Ponca City Jaycee organization, call the Jaycees hotline at 762-4697.
Dr. Leon Bristow of the Bristow Chiropractic Clinic, Blackwell, will lead the Thursday night "Conversation on the Healing Arts" at Brace Books and More at 7 p.m. The public is invited.
His topic will be "The Mystery of Chiropractic Healing," Dr. Bristow describes his practice as "low force" chiropractic therapy, not the kind where a patient is pulled and jerked. With the use of visual aids and a spinal analysis machine he will explain how chiropractic applies to the patient and his total health.
In 1990, Bristow and his wife Rebecca, who is also a doctor of chiropractic, opened their practice in Blackwell. In addition to more traditional chiropractic therapies, they also offer hormone therapy, an arthritis program, and treatment for reversal of osteoporosis.
Bristow explains "Chiropractic treatment is based on the scientific fact that a person's nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and other systems of the body. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and millions of nerves. The brain is protected by the skull and the spinal cord by the 24 moving bones of the spine.
"Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose their normal position or motion. This can result in nervous system dysfunction and ultimately, ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to detect, reduce and help prevent nervous system dysfunction, and all without drugs or surgery," says Bristow.
Recently the two Drs. Bristow authored "The Osteoporosis Reversal Report," a 16-page booklet and another entitled "The Arthritis Relief Report" which they make available to their patients. Both of these booklets will be available free of charge on Thursday night.
The last of the series of "Conversations on the Healing Arts," will be Oct. 23, when two massage therapists, Kim Klososky and Melissa Brace will discuss the subject, "The Art of Therapeutic Massage."
The public is invited to attend the sessions. There is no admission charge. For further information, call the bookstore at 765-5173 or 800-256-5173.
Duane Camp was sworn in as chairman of the Ponca Tribal Election Board at White Eagle on Oct. 11, following the election of five new board members by Ponca Tribal members.
Also elected by the enrolled tribal members and sworn in by former election board chairman Steve Pensoneau were vice-chairman Roland NoEar, secretary Thomasine Blueback, clerk/teller Betty (Buffalohead) Stallings, and marshal, Priscilla Cameron.
The authority of the Tribal Election ordinance is cited in the Ponca Tribal Constitution, Article IV - Elections, Section 4. The duty of the Ponca Tribal Election Board is to declare elections to fill vacancies on the business committee.
The new election board members expressed their appreciation to vice-chairman, Kinsel Lieb and council member Paula Mendoza for being present at the election process.
The Ponca City Art Association recently received high accolades for the popularity of the Ponca City Art Center, during a survey at the center.
The association conducted the survey during a recent sculpture exhibit to determine the exhibit's popularity and the art facility's rating with visitors.
According to the survey, more than 85 percent said they felt welcome and about the same number felt the facility was an asset to the community. Proving the popularity of the facility, more than 70 percent said they would return to view exhibits within the year. More than 80 percent said they enjoyed visiting the Ponca City Art Center.
Ponca City Art Association officers for the 1997-98 season are president, Bob Westmoreland, vice-president Fran Conley, treasurer David Awtrey, assistant treasurer Leonard McKeever, secretary Shirley Scott, and parliamentarian Milt Fusselman.
New board members include David Awtrey, Glenn Cope, Charles Thompson and Cindy Rasche. Returning board members are Charles Turner, Leonard McKeever, Margaret Yates and Leland Smith.
Two new trustees added to the Ponca City Art Association organization were Betty Throop and Sue Boettcher. Donna Seacrest serves as Art Center director.
The Ponca City Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Annual memberships are available for $10. For more information about current and upcoming classes, workshops, and exhibits, call 765-9746 during hours of operation.
NEWKIRK - The Newkirk Community Chest drive will be held Oct. 17-Nov. 26 and members of the board of directors will hear requests for funds from area service programs Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Eastman National Bank board room in Newkirk.
A time limit of 10 minutes for each request from area community service programs will be heard by the board. Any organization desiring to participate should send at least one representative for the hearing. If a representative is not available, a written request should be submitted prior to the meeting to Carole Stephens at Eastman National Bank.
Also, required will be a copy of each organization's budget and supportive information demonstrating benefit to the community, said Maggi Hutchason, chairperson.
Board members for the Newkirk Community Chest are Maggi Hutchason, chairperson,
Carole Stephens, Lisa Kubik, Patty Weiland, Debbie Leaming, Bob Rhodes,
Scott Mason, Keith Bowen, Gay Ashe, Radena Eisenhour, and Mary Boyer. Board
members met Oct. 9, for preliminary budget and fund-raising plans.
DEATHS
Olis W. Martin, Ponca City resident, died early Sunday morning, Oct. 12, 1997, at Highland Nursing Center. He was 86.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Robinson, chaplain of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, officiating. Burial will follow at the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery.
Olis W. Martin was born March 14, 1911, in Timbo, Ark., the son of Walter and Margaret (Powell) Martin. He grew up and attended schools in Arkansas.
On Dec. 19, 1929, he married Ola V. Farris in New Nata, Ark. They had celebrated their 69th anniversary in 1996. The couple made their home and farmed in Onia, Ark. In 1950, they moved to Ponca City, where Martin was employed by Ivan King Construction until his retirement in the early 1970s. He enjoyed bowling and fishing.
Survivors include one daughter, Gen Erwin of Ponca City; one son, Walt Martin of Ponca City; one brother, Ellis Martin of Onia, Ark.; two sisters, Ola of Timbo, Ark., and Lucille of Harrison, Ark.; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Ola on June 6, 1997; one infant daughter; one grandson; two sisters and two brothers.
Casket bearers will be grandsons, Darrell Martin, Mike Martin, Danny Martin, Walter Martin, Mike Spears, Chance Perrin, Jarrod Spears, and Michael Martin.
The family will be at the Walt Martin Home, 615 North Elm.
BLACKWELL - Lester W. Kolb, longtime Blackwell/Marland area farmer died early Monday morning, Oct. 13, 1997, at his home in Blackwell. He was 86.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Zion Cemetery at Orlando, Okla. The Rev. Wayne Bookout will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home, Perry.
Lester W. Kolb was born Oct. 26, 1910 in Alburnett, Iowa, to Thomas Otto and Louisa Caroline (Struchen) Kolb. He grew up in Orlando, Okla., graduating from high school there.
He was married to Dorine Kissner on April 17, 1938, in Mulhall, and the couple moved to the Red Rock area in 1949, where they farmed. They moved to Marland in 1963, where Kolb served as Mayor. The couple moved to Blackwell later to live near a daughter.
Survivors include his wife, Dorine, of Blackwell; one son, Glen Kolb of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Marilyn Hakim or Rock Hill, S.C. and Carolyn Colvin of Blackwell; one brother, Clarence Kolb of Ada; three sisters, Ellen Thompson and Erma Dennis, both of Odessa, Texas, and Esther Brumley of Ralston; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Kolb's name to the Blackwell Nutrition Center, c/o Brown Funeral Home, 1010 Seventh Street, Perry, OK 73077.
BLACKWELL - Anna P. Apperson, former Ripley/Cushing resident, died at Blackwell Regional Hospital, Blackwell, Monday, Oct. 13, 1997. She was 83.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Mehan (Okla.) Union Church, with pastor, Larry Eslinger, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ripley under the direction of Strode Funeral Home, Stillwater.
Anna P. Apperson was born Jan. 18, 1914 in Cushing. She was married to Edward Vaughn Apperson in Cushing. They lived in the Ripley and Cushing areas and Mrs. Apperson attended the Mehan Union Church. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Apperson moved to Blackwell about two years ago. She enjoyed crocheting, canvas needlepoint, cooking and helping raise her grandchildren.
Survivors include three sons, Alfred of Stillwater, William of Ponca City and Ed of Blackwell; two daughters, Emma Christine Wedel and Majel Louise Rider, both of Blackwell; one sister, Gladis Briskey of Wichita, Kan.; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 29, 1981.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Apperson's name to the American Diabetic Association, 6600 South Yale, Suite 1310, Tulsa, OK 74136.
Mary Vollman, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Oct. 13, 1997, at the Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater. She was 75. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Thursday in the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church. Further arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home.
J.M. "Jude" Swaim, Ponca City resident, died early Monday morning,
Oct. 13, 1997, at his home. He was 85. Arrangements are pending with Trout
Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Young at Heart Dance - The Sunshine Playboys will be playing for dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. at the VFW in Ponca City every Wednesday. All seniors are invited to come and enjoy.
PTC Meeting - A public hearing concerning Pioneer Technology Center's 1997-98 final budget will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and make comments on financial matters, including past and future expenditures.
Accident - The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:02 a.m. Monday reporting a two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of East Albany Avenue and Hillside Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Dog Stolen - A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 8:18 a.m. Monday to report that someone had stolen a dog. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of Monument Road at 9:22 a.m. Monday that a 20-year-old female was being held on a Kay County warrant.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded at 9:54 a.m. Monday to a request from a person in the 400 block of South Fourth Street. The officer took into custody, a 23-year-old man on a Noble County warrant.
Fire Response - All units of the Ponca City Fire Department responded at 10:18 a.m. Monday to Albertson's, 2005 North Fourteenth Street. The incident turned out to be a false alarm, there was no fire.
Money Missing - A person from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street requested police assistance at 10:56 a.m. Monday, reporting that some money was missing. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subjects Held - Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:25 p.m. Monday that two subjects were being held. A 25-year-old man was held for not having a driver's license, and a 26-year-old man was held on a Kay County warrant.
Female Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:53 p.m. Monday that a 16-year-old female was being held for burglary.
Forgery Reports - A person was at the Ponca City Police Department at 2:03 p.m. Monday requesting assistance concerning forgery reports from Miller Market. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Damaged - A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 5:10 p.m. Monday to report that her vehicle had been hit while in the parking lot of a business in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. Two officers were assigned and the information was logged.
Juveniles Warned - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance with juveniles at 5:36 p.m. Monday, reporting that they were riding four-wheelers in the area of the firing range. Another officer was assigned and issued warnings for failure to stay on maintained roadways.
Items Missing - A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:43 p.m. Monday that a vehicle had been entered and tapes were taken while in the 500 block of North Lake Street. The information was logged.
Harassment - A woman in the 2600 block of North Fifth Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 6:27 p.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken concerning harassment.
Dog Missing - A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:20 p.m. Monday that she had lost a black female Labrador while in the area of North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road. The information was logged.
Subjects Held - An official of Wal-Mart requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 8:53 p.m. Monday. Two officers were assigned and a 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old female were held for grand larceny.
Residence on Fire - The communications Center received a
911 call at 10:20 p.m. Monday that a residence in the 400 block of North
Second Street was possibly on fire. Units from three Ponca City Fire Department
stations responded along with officers of the Ponca City Police Department.
A report was taken on first degree arson.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
State Auditor and Inspector Clifton Scott verified here at the Second Friday Forum that the state reimburses the county for ad valorem taxes when new industries are granted exemptions because of state incentive programs.
Teresa Engle, Kay Country assessor, said presently there are six industries in the county that are exempt. The tax abatement for a new industry is five years.
A former county assessor and treasurer, Johnny Heinze asked if the state had enough revenue to reimburse the counties? Scott said his office does other things besides the ad valorem tax and he also sits on the equalization board. Scott said "We estimate the revenue for the legislature's appropriations. A year ago we collected $145 million more than what we had estimated. This year we collected $287 million more than what we estimated. The state is pretty healthy - the money is coming in. "
Scott added, "There is even some talk in the Legislature to reducing some of our taxes. It would be my hope that we just hold them at what we've got until we see where we are on some of these reductions. But I do think in two or three years serious talks could be entered into and perhaps negotiated for tax reductions and I would never be opposed to that."
There was some concern expressed about oil companies receiving reductions in the amount of ad valorem taxes, which goes to schools.
Barry Bickle, Conoco vice president, said the reduction as far as Conoco is concerned is for the pipeline. He noted that the pipeline is a small piece of the large company. Bickle said that Conoco pays one-third of the ad valorem taxes in the county.
Scott was a skillful and knowledgeable speaker and answered questions from the audience of about 50. The master of ceremonies was Dave Mueller, who chairs the Legislative Affairs Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the forum.
Mueller announced the next Second Friday Forum will be on Nov. 14 and will be on the proposed sales tax election of the City of Ponca City.
Ponca City Tourism Authority will take action on three grant requests at the 2 p.m. Wednesday meeting. The meeting location has been changed from the Cultural Center to second floor of the City Building in the office of City Manager Gary Martin.
Grants listed on the agenda include a request from KLVV for $924 for a Christian concert. Also on the agenda are a $3,000 request from Quail Unlimited for National Dog Trials, and Soroptimist International is asking for a grant of $3,000 for the Kay County Antique Show and Sale.
Other action items include, placing an ad in the PGA directory, changing a two- to a three-line phone system and placing a home page on the Internet with The Ponca City News.
The Oklahoma State Employment Security Service, as a service to all employers, through the local Employer Advisory Council is hosting a meeting Wednesday on Workforce Motivation.
The meeting is set for noon Wednesday at the Crown and Rose English Pub, 731 North Fourteenth. The speaker will be Jan Jarrett, CEO of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.
For reservations call (405) 765-3372.
"A Salute to Excellence in Education," slated for Oct. 23, will feature Stephen Smallwood, Oklahoma's 1996 Teacher of the Year as the keynote speaker.
The event, set for 6:30 p.m., at the Poncan Theatre, is co-sponsored by the Ponca City Public School Foundation, and the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Smallwood is currently teaching in the Broken Bow School System as a speech and drama instructor. Some of his professional presentations have been made to the Kiamichi Council for Exceptional Children, Cameron University Speech and Debate Camp, Oklahoma State University-College of Education, and a national telecast from the University of Georgia-Interactive Teaching Network.
For those wishing to buy tickets or more information contact the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce 765-4409 or contact Carole Jeffries 762-5651.
CPA Joins State Society
CPA Sarah J. Armstrong of Blackwell, staff accountant with Bryan Little Springer & Littleton Inc., in Ponca City, has been accepted into membership with the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Pipe Liners Meet
TULSA - Patti Schmigle, whose job it is to reinvent The Williams Companies, according to Chairman Keith Bailey, will be the guest speaker for the 6:15 p.m., Oct. 20 meeting of the The Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa. Reservations may be made no later tan noon Friday. Social hour begins at 5:15 p.m.
Graduates From Trucking School
DRUMRIGHT - Ernest Davis of Ponca City recently graduated from Truck Driver Training at Central Tech in Drumright. Davis completed a four-week course, which is designed to give knowledge of federal regulations regarding log books and trip records, motor carrier safety regulations, as well as "hands-on" training in Central Tech's fleet of trucks. Job placement for the graduates of this program has been "excellent," said training instructor Leon Wood.
K mart Contribution
TROY, Mich. - Kmart Corporation recently presented Give Kids The World with the largest cash donation it has ever received - $2,119,461. Of this amount, Kmart customers in the company's southeast stores contributed $227,932 during the annual, in-store fund-raising campaign for the nonprofit organization that fulfills the dreams of terminally ill children who wish to meet Mickey Mouse.
The children and their families receive a six-day vacation at Give Kids
The world Village, in Kissimmee, Fla., at no cost to them. Since 1994, Kmart
has raised nearly $4.4 million for the charity.
LIFESTYLES
Greg and Sandi Lyons, 2020 West Hubbard, announce the birth of a daughter at 7 p.m. Oct. 8, 1997 at Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 9-pounds and was 23 1/2-inches long. She has been named MacKenzie Paige Lyons. The baby has a brother, Christopher, 4-years-old.
Grandparents are Wilma Ward of Blackwell, Jim and Patty Lyons of Ponca City and the late Arthur Ward Sr.
Six members of Laureate Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met for lunch at the Crown and Rose for the October meeting. Ann Slief, treasurer, announced that City Council dues had been paid. Announcement was also made that the Preferential Tea would be Nov. 17.
The next chapter meeting will be lunch at Godfrey's on Nov. 12. Tickets
were signed for the International Christmas sweepstakes. Mary Thiessen was
hostess for the September luncheon when seven members answered roll call.
Charitable funds supported by the International organization were discussed
and the group voted to meet once a month for lunch as the chapter had received
permission to be less active and still maintain affiliation with International.
Laureate Mu chapter was the first chapter located in Ponca City and was
installed as Rho Chapter in 1934.
SPORTS
"My puppies just got tired," Wildcat assistant coach Joe Matlock said after Ponca City's outmanned JVs lost a 20-0 decision at Sand Springs Monday night.
"It was the second game in three days for all of these kids and the third game in four days for some of them," Matlock said. "And Sand Springs is huge. They are really big."
The Cats were able to hold their own in the first half which ended in a scoreless tie. But the wear and tear, and Sand Springs' size, took its toll in the second half.
The Sand Springs JVs broke a long run for a TD and then ran back an interception for a score in the third quarter. Sand Springs drove for the final tally in the fourth period.
"Mark Goddard ran well at tailback and Blake Geubelle did a good job at quarterback," Matlock said.
"The defenses of coaches (Jerry) Hill, (Daryl) Howey, and (Lee) Wilson also did a good job.
The 8th grade JV closed out it's season last Thursday, blanking the Enid Emerson JV's 22-0. The JV finished its season with a 3-3 record.
Also on Thursday, the 8th grade varsity topped Emerson's varsity squad, 13-0 to continue their perfect record at 5-0.
Scoreless after halftime, the Cougars came out roaring in the second, with Micah Johnson scoring from 17 yards out.
Late in the game, Jeremy DeNoya got the insurance points on a 36 yard run, and Matt Ellis kicked the extra point to put the game away.
The varsity go back into action next Monday at Sullins Stadium when they
take on Blackwell. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.