From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, October
19, 1997
LOCAL
Two City Projects May Slow Traffic
Nearly News
Letters
School Menu
Southwestern College Rep At Po-Hi on Wednesday
Conoco Inc. Makes $1 Million Gift To OU Student Leadership Initiatives
Veterans Day Parade Set Nov. 8 Downtown
Max Berry Elected New Board Member of Red Cross Region
Flu Vaccines Available Here Thursday, Friday
Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra in Concert
Free Spaying Of Female Dogs Now Available
Upcoming NRA Banquet Here Features Yale Senior
Fund Raiser for Bressie Center Friday
Obstetrician/Gynecologist Joins Blackwell Hospital
Methodist Canyon Camp Pollution Threat Revealed
City Calendar
AmeriCorps Trainees At Summit
'Games People Play' Workshop Set Nov. 1
Multiple Sclerosis Group Meets Monday
UPDATE
Chamber of Commerce Builds On Century of Service to Area
Bliss Industries Grows To Worldwide Supplier
LMI Continues Diversification Into New Areas
Chandler Materials Provides Concrete Supplies for Area
The Emporium Carries Many Collectibles
Personnel Staffing Inc. Supplies Temporaries for Many Needs
Customer, Community Service Pioneer Bank's Commitment
Commercial Federal Grows, Expands
Smith Tool Supports Mining Industries
Trout Funeral Home Locally Owned Firm
Pelton Growth Continues As World Seeks More Oil
405 Area Code Users Preparing For Big Split Into Two Call Zones
Signature Landscapes Expands Operations
Take Ten's 10th Anniversary In November
Bed and Breakfast Operators Expand With Hotel Purchase
KLVV Plans Stronger Station
Mertz Develops New Products To Replace OlderTechnologies
Precision Tool & Die Stable, Growing
Sun 'n Fun Has Been Entertaining Visitors of All Ages Since 1979
Quality Water Services Continues To Grow and Serve Area Needs
Hancock & Associates Full-Service Ad Agency
Transforming Downtown Main Street Authority Aim
Graphic Center Remains 'Unknown' in Community
Troop Propane Provides Many Services to Area
Sykes Enterprises Providing Outsource Support for Clients
Monumental Enterprises Enjoys Past Year
Istook Targets Top Legislative Actions
ONG Faces More Changes as Utility Business Evolves
First-Term Legislator Believes There Was More Cooperation
Veteran Legislator Backs Internet Funding
Cherokee Strip Credit Union Full Service, State Chartered|
Travel Agency Sees Increase in Cruises Although Young People Take Shorter
Trips
Ratliff Inc. One of Fastest Growing Companies Here
WBBZ on Air 70 Years; Carries Wildcat Games 50 Years
Steins, Ponca Glass Celebrate 30th Anniversary in Business
Resthaven Cemetery Established in 1930
Curves for Women Takes Off Pounds
Ponca City's Churches Enjoy Year of Spiritual Development
Westminster Village For Independent Living
Gatehouse Comes Full Circle To Become Offices Once More
Cable One Emphasizing Same-Day Repair Service
Albright History Goes Back To 1899 Beginning
J.C. Penney Enjoys Successful Year
Renaissance a Dream That Became Reality
Health World Has Full Inventory Of Vitamins, Herbs, Herbal Teas
PTC Provides Education,Training
OBI Sole Provider Of Blood for SJRMC
A 'Continuum of Care' Provided by SJRMC
Clinics Provide Many Healthcare Services
Poncan Theatre Restoration Provides Performing Arts Center
ADPC Does Accounting for Schools, Cities
History of the Ponca City Indian Museum Detailed
Multiple City Projects Under Way
Elementary Schools Striving for Excellence
Ponca City's Private Schools Advance Education
Nickles Industrial Records Good '97
Graham Photo Offers Many Photography-Related Services
Braudrick Printery First Established In 1923 by News
Edwin Fair Building Apartment Complex
Godfrey's Restaurant Continues With Changes
McCord School Serves Students In Osage Area
Outpatient Surgical Clinic Serves Area for 13 Years
Golden Villa Gives Day Care For Older Folks
Northern Oklahoma Cancer Center Provides Cancer Chemotherapy
St. Joseph Cancer Center A State-of-the Art Facility
Parker Pest Control Has Bird Specialist
Ponca City's Sen. Nickles Says Congress Just Getting Started on Overhauling
IRS
Rainbow International Cleans Water Damage
LIFESTYLES
Reception To Honor Coates
Adams Celebrate 50 Years
Cultural Center
Reception Will Honor Heins
Chapter Plans 'Mystery Party'
ABWA Meeting Set
Former Residents Honored
Pair Celebrates Anniversary
Pair Plans November Vows
Couple Marks Anniversary
Lilac Garden Club Begins 51st Year
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Fitness Classes Begin Sessions At Body Masters
Marriage Plans Announced
Union School District 98 Holds Reunion
Little News
Imogene Brock To Celebrate 90th Birthday
Singles Network Lists Calendar
Former Military Group Holds Reunion
Sloans Celebrate 50 Years
Wheatheart Nutrition
Ponca City Happenings
Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin Guest Speaker at Luncheon Here
Red Rose Garden Club Members Hear About Council Plans
Party Fetes Pair on 40th Anniversary
Couple Wed In Minnesota
Arts and Crafts Festival at McCord School
Cook-Off Proceeds Benefit Hospice
Xi Gamma Sigma Plans Halloween Party
SPORTS
Chieftains Making It Tough
Headed for Regional
Tonkawa Keeps Rolling
Maroons Tame Savages
PC 7th Grade Footballers 5-0
Where Are They Now? Graves Wins All-Around
Y Basketball Grade School Leagues Set
Toy Bowl Slated
Golf Notes
DEATHS
Margie M. Rath Goatley
Cleo Pierce
Hartzell Lane Bryan
Maj. Benjamin Harrison Rush Jr.
Services Pending
Emma Lee Moseley
Floy (Coe) Abbott
Funerals
David Roy Martin Sr.
Cleo Pierce
NEWS BRIEFS
Motorists should be aware of two city projects that will affect traffic Sunday and Monday.
B & R Painting will begin painting light poles on Sunday along Fourteenth Street between South Avenue and Prospect Avenue. Motorists traveling north or south on Fourteenth Street should use caution, as the right lane will be closed in the work areas until the project is completed.
On Monday, North Union Street between Westbury Road and Lansbrook Road, will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Continental Concrete will be working in the area as part of the North Union Street water line construction project.
Traffic along that area north and south on North Union Street, will be temporarily detoured east onto Westbury Road and Lansbrook Road.
The main part of the newspaper today is a bit thicker, since it is the annual Ponca City News Update edition. Two special sections are noted as "Update '97" and carry a number of articles about some of the progress that has gone on within the city and area the past year.
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A resident in the Highland Avenue-Osage Street area has found a husky female with no collar and no tag that may be pregnant. The dog was found Saturday morning near Sav-A-Trip, along West Highland Avenue. Anyone missing a female husky, should call 762-8105 or go by 715 North Palm Street. The resident said, "the only reward that I would like, would be to have one of the puppies."
Mansion No. 1 in State
I'm confident that all Ponca Citians are basking in the glory of our Marland Mansion's being declared Oklahoma's number one tourist attraction! I am being asked what contributed most to this distinctive honor. There are many factors.
First, I would say the outstanding support by the city commissioners and staff. Of course, having an innovative estate director, Kathy Adams, and her excellent staff assures tourists of an interesting tour when they pay a visit. Kathy for some time has promoted tourism. That background is helpful. The expertise of our guides who contribute their time and energy to guiding visitors through the mansion adds greatly. Ponca City's park department has created and maintains the grounds in a professional manner. The flowers are great. Visitors appreciate the beauty.
Obviously the nationally aired TV show "America's Castles" featuring the Marland Mansion was great publicity. During this past year, approximately 53,000 people visited the mansion. This is an increase of 51 percent over the year before. Those visitors came from 48 states and 21 foreign countries.
Mayor Andrews and the city commissioners have been careful in their selection of Marland Estate commissioners. All have backgrounds as community leaders. They are devoted to the mansion and not only help direct the activities and form policies for the mansion, but also work diligently on fund raising activities to support it.
This past year, the city commission made an outstanding decision in separating the conference center from the mansion. Under the private enterprise operation by Monumental Enterprises Inc., occupancy of the hotel has had phenomenal growth. A recent Rotary group from six south central states spent four days at the hotel. They had nothing but praise for the hotel and food service furnished by Applecart Catering.
It was generally agreed that prices make our facility one of the most affordable convention centers in the southwest. For future success, I hope that all Ponca Citians who are in a position to help select conventions sites will acquaint their friends with the mansion and conference center.
I think to be selected as number one in the state as a tourist attraction is a really big deal! We thank all who helped make this possible.
Larry E. Stephenson
Chairman
E.W. Marland Estate
Commission
Support Renovations
A proposal is finally on the table for the desperately needed fire station addition and renovation. While this proposal will only renovate and repair the west wing of the Civic Center Complex, it is a very good first step toward the restoration and renovation of the entire complex.
We congratulate the mayor and city commissioners for supporting this proposal. Future Ponca Citians will also be grateful for this plan to give Ponca City a functional fire station in our historic Civic Center Complex. We encourage the city commissioners and mayor not to neglect the rest of the Civic Center Complex. They, hopefully, will take every effort to ensure that those buildings are protected from the elements and leakage while they are empty. This is very important because, when they are renovated in the future, we do not want to have to pay to repair damage that could have been prevented.
Also, a word of thanks to the architects, Troy Lewis and Associates, for their design proposal. The remodeling of the existing building and the proposed addition are both in keeping with the goals of the Citizens for the Civic Center Complex and other residents who support historic preservation. The proposal will not detract from the appearance of the buildings, but will enhance the heritage of our city.
Now that the mayor and city commissioners have resolved to support this first step in the eventual renovation of the entire Civic Center Complex, we, the people, must vote to approve it. The half-cent sales tax for two years, which will pay for a new and updated fire station, is not too heavy a burden considering what it will buy. In addition, residents need to realize that they do not carry that burden alone. Everyone who shops in Ponca City helps, even if they do not live here. That money will pay for a new, larger fire station where it always has been, give the fire department an enhanced ability to respond and better living and working conditions. It also gets us a third of the way toward a completely renovated Civic Center Complex.
Your job is simple; please support this proposal. Vote "yes" on Nov. 18. Support a new fire station and support the first step in the preservation of the historic Civic Center Complex.
David Keathly
Chairman
Ponca City Landmark Conservancy
Citizens for the Civic Center Complex
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School and Mid-High
Lunch
Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Pizza Hut. Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino's, Carl's Jr. and Subway Sandwiches.
High School Lunch
Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a Pasta Bar, Baked Potato Bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Hut and Subway Sandwiches.
All American
Training Table
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
The cafeteria will be open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
School Schedule
Mid-High
Oct. 20
Oct. 23
Oct. 25
Po-Hi
Oct. 20
Oct. 21
An orchestra concert will be held in the Howell Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 22
Oct. 23
Oct. 24
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
A representative of Southwestern College in Winfield will visit students at Ponca City High School Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Recently named 36 on the list of 100 best American colleges for your money by Money magazine, Southwestern is a private, liberal arts college related by covenant to the United Methodist Church. It was founded in 1885 and has established a distinct presence in education in the Midwest.
In addition to the major academic areas of study, Southwestern offers three four-year academic and extracurricular programs which help fulfill the vision of Southwestern to develop servant leadership in a world without boundaries. Leadership Southwestern, named best in the nation by the Association of Leadership Educators, concentrates on developing students' leadership skills. The Institute for Discipleship puts emphasis on Christian discipleship in any or all fields of study, and SHARE is an intergenerational volunteer development program.
A $4.2 million science building, due to be completed in January 1998, confirms Southwestern's commitment to the sciences, and teacher education and nursing education programs have established sound reputations. Fiber optic cable links the entire campus including internet hookups in every residence hall room.
Southwestern college also enjoys the work of active theater, music, and mass communications departments, a nationally-ranked cross country team, debate, football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, track and field, and soccer, in addition to many other clubs and organizations.
Students interested to learn more about Southwestern's visit to the high school should contact their high school counselor.
NORMAN - Conoco Inc. has made a $1 million gift to student leadership facilities and programs at the University of Oklahoma according to OU President David L. Boren and Conoco President and Chief Executive Officer Archie W. Dunham.
The presentation, which was made during OU's homecoming banquet Friday, brings the university's $250 million Reach for Excellence Campaign to $186 million.
Conoco's gift, together with the approximately $200,000 in support the corporation provides annually to a wide range of OU academic programs, ranks Conoco as the largest corporate donor to OU's Reach for Excellence Campaign. The campaign began in September 1995 and continues through September 2000.
The gift will help build the Conoco Student Leadership Center, a 15,000-square-foot addition to Oklahoma Memorial Union. The addition will house the university's student government and major student groups, which represent the more than 20,000 students on OU's Norman campus.
The gift also will support three leadership programs: the Conoco Leadership Enrichment Series, the Conoco Student Leadership Retreats and the Conoco Resource Center.
"Our nation desperately needs leaders who can help pull us together to solve problems," said Boren. "The University of Oklahoma provides student opportunities and programs to develop leaders capable of building community and working together."
"Conoco's generous and exceptional gift will greatly enhance these programs and enable us to add to our student union a wonderful new wing that will unite our student organizations This project is particularly special because it was our student leaders themselves who asked us to provide a place where they could work together and help one another."
Dunham said, "Conoco is very proud to support OU's visionary leadership initiatives as we prepare the state of Oklahoma and our great nation to enter the 21st century.
"It is incumbent upon OU to provide the facilities and infrastructure necessary to prepare its students of today to be our leaders of tomorrow. This is a memorable day for Conoco as we help OU's dream of new leadership facilities and programs become a reality."
Conoco, the energy subsidiary of DuPont, is an integrated, international energy company employing some 15,000 people and operating in more than 30 countries. Nearly 2,500 of those employees are based in Oklahoma, about 2,000 in Ponca City.
Dunham, who holds a bachelor's degree in geological engineering and a master's degree in business from OU, was named Conoco's president and CEO in January 1996. A longtime adviser and supporter of the university and its College of Engineering, he is currently a cabinet member of the Reach for Excellence National Campaign Committee.
The idea for the Conoco Student Leadership Center emerged during a student leadership retreat in fall 1996. In discussing ways to promote cooperation and understanding, the leaders envisioned a central space that would unite the offices of OU's student government and major student organizations, now housed in numerous buildings throughout the campus.
Boren point out that locating the Student Leadership Center in Oklahoma Memorial Union is particularly appropriate because renovations and additions are revitalizing the Union as the popular hub of student activity.
With the Conoco gift in place, together with university revenue bond funding, OU will move forward on architectural planning for the Student Leadership Center, with completion anticipated in fall 1999.
Plans for the Center call for 60 student work spaces with shared work areas and small conference rooms planned for each floor. At the request of the students, much of the space will be open - divided by partitions instead of walls - to encourage interaction and community.
Among the groups that will occupy the Conoco Student Leadership Center are OU's student government association, American Indian Student Association, Black Student Association, Campus Activities Council, Commuter Student Association, Disabled Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, National Panhellenic Council, and the International Advisory Committee.
Like the central food dining hall addition to the Union, now under construction, the Student Leadership Center's exterior walls will be designed with special care to harmonize with the original building's Collegiate Gothic-style brick and cast stone architecture. The new addition also will create a special new exterior courtyard for the Union.
A portion of the Conoco gift will be set aside to establish an endowment to provide enduring support for the three special leadership programs, each of which will go into effect in the 1999-2000 school year.
The Conoco Leadership Enrichment Series will bring dynamic, nationally known guests to OU for visits of at least two days. These guests would be expected to participate in both large public events and smaller interchanges in classroom or special gatherings. The scope of this enrichment series is envisioned as quite broad, including well-known leadership and business speakers and prominent performance artists.
The Conoco Student Leadership Retreats will draw Norman campus student leaders, along with University administrators, for two-day retreats considered central to developing and maintaining strong community bonds.
The Conoco Resource Center will offer a variety of materials, including a video library, leadership and current issues books, pamphlets and printed materials, leadership exercise kits, and facilitator training materials. Resources will be accessible to all campus departments and student organizations.
Plans are under way for a Veterans Day Parade in downtown Ponca City on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m., it was announced this week by members of the American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14.
This year the Legion, in conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans will be sponsoring the parade. Special honor will be given former POWs (Prisoners of War), who will be the Parade Marshals, and special tribute and recognition will be given to Grenada, Lebanon, Panama and Persian Gulf veterans.
According to Chuck Gregg, American Legion Commander, the Veterans groups are searching for all former POWs in the area, so they can be contacted to be invited to a seat of honor in the Veterans Day Parade.
"Veterans Day is a day to honor all Veterans," says Gregg. "Veterans should be very proud they served their country and the citizens are very proud of them. We are asking each one to participate in this years parade," he continued.
If you are a former POW or if you know of a former POW, please contact the American Legion at (405) 765-9073 so they can provide details regarding the parade. Special transportation will be provided for all POWs in the Parade and a short POW/MIA Ceremony will be held at the Centennial Plaza immediately following the parade.
Veterans Day is a day of honor all veterans, and the service organizations in Ponca City are endeavoring to make it a special day in Ponca City. Transportation in the parade will be available for veterans.
Parade meetings are being held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post, 407 West South Avenue and any interested parties are invited to attend.
Max Berry, local attorney, was recently elected as a new board member to the American Red Cross Central Plains Blood Services Region, with headquarters in Wichita, Kan.
Berry was elected to a three-year term on the board during the region's annual meeting Oct. 8, in Wichita.
Berry has served as chairman of the Ponca City Red Cross Chapter for three years. His accomplishments as chapter chairman include chapter recertification, a chapter-initiated merger with chapters in Osage County, and securing a new chapter headquarters. He also initiated an onsite blood donor program.
"Max has made significant contributions to the Red Cross blood program," said Nancy Bacon, regional chief administrator. "We are honored to now have his input as a member of our board of directors. He will be a great asset."
Berry is an attorney in Ponca City as well as a municipal judge. He is also a member of Rotary and Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.
The Red Cross Central Plains Regional serves patients in 110 hospitals throughout Oklahoma and Kansas.
Flu season is just around the corner and the Kay County Health Department will be providing annual flu vaccines for persons in special risk groups. Shots will be offered Thursday and Friday at the St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect.
Typical influenza illness is characterized by abrupt onset of fever, aches and pains, sore throat, and nonproductive cough and a feeling of general unrest. More severe cases may result in primary influenza pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia. Elderly persons and those with underlying health problems are at increased risk for complications of influenza, said a spokesman for the health department.
Vaccinating persons at high risk before the influenza season is the most effective measure for reducing the impact of influenza.
Groups targeted this special vaccine project include persons ages 65 and over; residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities; and adults and children who have had required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases.
Also physicians and nurses and other personnel in both hospital and outpatient-care settings; employees of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities who have contact with patients or residents.; providers of home care to persons at high-risk; and household members of persons in high risk groups.
The vaccinations will be given from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. For more information call 762-1641.
The Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dineo Heilmann will play in concert at 8 p.m. Monday at the NOC Performing Arts Center on the Northern Oklahoma College Campus, Tonkawa.
The program will include "Radetzky March" by Strauss; "Concerto for Two Violincello in G Minor" by Vivaldi with Mary Lindsay and Anne Marie Webster featured on violincello; the march from "Love For Thee Oranges" by Prokofieff; "Carnival of Venice" by Clarke with Mike Moore featured on coronet.
The second half of the program will include "Night on the Bare Mountain" with Mussorgsky; "Meditation from 'Thais'" by Massenet featuring David Kazmirzah on violin; and "Jupiter-Bringer of Jollity" from "The Planets" by Holst.
The concert is free but donations are received at the door from those who want to contribute.
Musicians playing for the concert include violinist Barbara Gordy Fox who will act as concertmaster; and as first violins, John Barrett, Mark Oblad, Amanda Rose, Joshua Milligan and Robert Hwang.
Playing second violin will be Molly Baugh, Catherine Paschal, Andra Nuzum and Helen Ivie; viola players will be Landra Gukeisen, Maria Simpson, and Jennifer Caldron; and at cello will be Mary Lindsay, Candice Burton, Mark Evans, Shara Long, Ginger Skaggs, Kitty McNamara and Nicholas Burton.
Bass players will be John Fowler and John Friese; at flute are Kati Salmons and Alicia Luebcke; on clarinet are Mary Grace Lebeda and Rebecca Perry; on French Horn is James Barraclough, Kim Ghylin and B.J. O'Shea; on percussion is Rick Edgington, and Carter Robertson; on trumpet Connie Ausland, Stanley Barraclough and Fred Beyer; on trombone Tom Danielson and Albert Buchholz Jr.; and Denise Jones will play bassoon.
As the result of a recent survey, the Ponca City Humane Society in conjunction with the Oklahoma State University Veterinary School, Stillwater, will offer free spaying for some female dogs in the Ponca City area.
To be eligible for the free service, the female dog must have current vaccinations for rabies and DHLPIF/PARVO. She should not be pregnant nor in heat. In addition, the owner will be responsible for getting the dog to the Humane Society Shelter at a predetermined time on a Friday. Owners will then pick up their dogs the following Friday. Deadline for acceptance for the free service is Oct. 24.
The female dogs will be transported to the OSU Vet school where third year vet students will be performing the surgeries under close supervision of veterinary professors. Because there is always a risk involved in surgery, waiver forms releasing OSU and Ponca City Humane Society from any loss incurred will be required from owners prior to the dog's acceptance in the program.
Dogs will be kept one week at the OSU Vet School to insure that no complications result from the surgeries.
Selection of dogs for the free service will be on a first come-first served basis for Ponca City area residents, said Jean Barnes, PCHS Executive Director. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. Oct. 24.
Interested citizens may enroll in the program by either calling the Humane Society Shelter office at 767-8877 or visiting the shelter at 900 West Prospect during normal business hours. A limited number of dogs will be accepted so early reservation is advised.
For more information call 767-8877.
Amy Tull, one of 30 students selected from across the U.S. to represent Oklahoma at the National Rifle Association Youth Education Summit in Washington, D.C. in July, will be guest speaker at the upcoming NRA banquet at the Elks Lodge on Oct. 23.
Amy, a senior at Yale High School says the group learned about the importance of the second amendment, our rights as U.S. citizens, how not to be a victim of violent crime, the understanding of firearm safety and much more about the United States government, while at the YES summit.
The 30 selected participants also met with members of Congress, and Amy talked with Representative Wes Watkins from the third district of Oklahoma. She also watched debates on the floors of the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, she met with NRA President Marion P. Hammer and NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.
In an essay written after her return, Amy says, "Many people think that the National Rifle Association is only about guns. Even the summit participants had that thought, but now they know otherwise. The NRA is about so much more.
"Without the NRA, people would not be able to protect themselves with the use of firearms. The NRA makes sure that the government does not try to cross the line on the 'right of the people to keep and bear arms.'
"Children would be in more danger, because the NRA is trying to educate parents and their children through the Eddie Eagle program about gun safety and the proper way to handle a firearm."
Amy also said, "I and the other students feel very privileged to have participated in the second annual Youth Education Summit." She say it has changed her life and the way she looks at her government forever.
"It also gave me an opportunity to form lasting friendships with other students just like myself throughout the nation. It has bettered my understanding of the NRA and the Second Amendment."
In conclusion, she asks "What does the 'right of the people to bear arms' mean to you?"
The Bressie Community will be hosting a fund raiser supper and card party Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Bressie Community Center. Proceeds will be used for repairs and maintenance of the Bressie Community Building.
"We are asking all our friends and citizens to support the Bressie Community Center by attending the fund supper and the regular card parties to be held during the winter and spring months," said Betty Blubaugh, card party chairman.
Blubaugh explained that nine new stationery windows for the east side of the Center and materials to redo the rest of the windows had been recently donated by the Indian Electric Coop of Cleveland.
"However, donations are needed to pay for the installation of the new windows and for repairing and painting the rest of the windows," said Blubaugh. Three new outside doors also need to be purchased she said. She went on to explain that the large metal screens that protect the windows will also need to be sandblasted and Charles Hanger has donated his time to hang them. Blubaugh also expressed thanks to Oliver Wilson, who has kept the lawn mowed during the summer months.
Bressie area residents and former residents who are unable to attend the fund raising supper and card party on Oct. 24, but want to help with the renovation of the Bressie Community Center may mail donations to Betty Blubaugh, Route 1, Box 59A, Red Rock, OK 74651. For more information call (405) 723 4331.
BLACKWELL - Greg Martin, CEO at Blackwell Regional Hospital, is pleased to announce an obstetrician/gynecologist has joined the hospital as a full-time, active member of the medical staff. Manuel Hensley, MD is now seeing patients and will be sharing a clinic and working closely with Dr. Shuart, Dr. Bush, Dr. Dunnington and Parnell Adams, P.A., at 1009 West Ferguson in Blackwell.
"Dr. Hensley will be specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, giving us a specialty that has not been available to our community in the past," said Martin. Blackwell Regional Hospital can now offer expanded services for the women in our area which includes both inpatient and outpatient procedures performed here at home."
Hensley grew up in Arkansas and came to Oklahoma to attend school at Southern Nazarene University and eventually graduated from medical school at the University of Oklahoma. His post graduate training consists of an internship at Wesley Hospital in Wichita and a residency at Maricopa County General Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. For 23 years he operated the Women's Clinic of Enid and since 1995 has been at the OB/GYN Clinic at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City.
Dr. Hensley holds a specialty board certification with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a member of Garfield County Medical Society, Oklahoma State Medical Association, the American Medical Association and of the Fellow American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Hensley and his wife, Shirley enjoy farming and raise Angus cattle. They have two boys, John and Michael. John is in a family practice residency in Enid and Michael is in his last year of medical school at OU in Tulsa as an OB/GYN. "My wife and I are very excited about coming to Blackwell. We have just recently purchased a house in town and are looking forward to being part of this community," said Hensley.
Dr. Kip Wright, pastor of Albright United Methodist Church, has brought a situation to the attention of Ponca Citians concerning the pollution of the Methodist Canyon Camp, west of Oklahoma City.
Dr. Wright says he has received a letter of concern for the pollution of the Methodist Canyon Camp, west of Oklahoma City, from Bishop Blake of the United Methodist Church. It seems Land O'Lakes Corporation has applied for some 20 licenses to build massive pig farms, or factories, near the Methodist campsite.
As Dr. Wright explains, the threat to the camp of water, air and ground pollution is immediate if the pig farms are okayed. Dr. Wright suggests the writing of letters to the governor and other authorities now to protest this threat.
As he points out, there are many reasons to be concerned about the pig operations. The camp is totally dependent on wells for the camp water supply. The pig factories use large amounts of water, which can use up the existing aquifer and leave the camp without water.
Dr. Wright points out that the odor, which will fill the camp, will drive people away and they will not come back. There is also the potential that water and ground pollution would simply render this historic camp unusable.
Those who are interested in joining this effort to prohibit the pig farms should write Gov. Keating, Lt. Gov. Fallin, Senate President Straffon Taylor, and House Speaker Loyd Benson, and address these concerns. The Governor's address is: Gov. Frank Keating, State Capitol Building, 2300 North Lincoln, Room 212, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, Phone (405) 521-2342.
In his letter to the churches, Bishop Blake writes, "We are aware that Oklahoma needs economic development, and this industry is currently providing jobs to many people. Our concern is certainly not to oppose development as such, but development that threatens the well being of people, and the ministry of our church in camping."
Pastor Wright points out that Canyon Camp includes over 700 acres of beautiful red cliffs and hundreds of plants and trees unique to the area. Parts of the camp are designated as a National Natural Landmark. The camp was purchased and developed over the years as a spiritual resource for generations of camper of all ages.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
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Seventeen Ponca City AmeriCorps members serving with Partners Building a Stronger Tomorrow will be sworn in at the Central Oklahoma Summit on Youth in Oklahoma City, Thursday.
According to Ruslyn Hermanson, program director, the Summit is central Oklahoma's response to the challenge of America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth, begun at the Presidents' Summit for Children and Youth held in Philadelphia last April.
AmeriCorps is the national service program through which young people out of high school commit to a year of community service in exchange for financial assistance for college or to pay back student loans.
Hermanson says membership with Partners Building a Stronger Tomorrow service includes tutoring, mentoring, counseling, enrichment and training for youth and families at risk.
After the swearing-in ceremony, members will attend training provided by the Oklahoma Community Service Commission according to Melinda Points, assistant director. The training will include sessions on the Ethics of Service, healthy lifestyles, financial management, leadership, public speaking, conflict resolution and problem solving, and goal setting.
AmeriCorps members attending the training from Ponca City are Nakisha Abernathy, Diana Beall, Donna Gamblin, Christy Gonterman, Melissa Harger, Rejina James, Samual Landis, Lisa Schallert, Jill Smith, Tera Story, Joe Thompson, Geraldine Tipton, Terri Wehr, Jami Wesbrook, Jeanie Wilson, Barbara Wimberley and Morgan Yandell.
AmeriCorps/Partners Building a Stronger Tomorrow is a program sponsored by United Way of Ponca City. For more information contact Ruslyn Hermanson at (405) 718-0288.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
A workshop for teachers and others who want to teach people how to have fun while learning various life skills is being offered on Nov. 1, 1997 at Camp McFadden. The workshop is titled "Games People Play."
Counselors, teachers, child care workers, mental health professionals, youth ministers, and all area citizens who work with others are encouraged to take advantage of this unique workshop.
The workshop is to be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and participants are asked to bring a picnic lunch and wear comfortable clothing (jeans, athletic shoes, T-shirts or other appropriate clothes) (use caution with jewelry) and be ready to play. Cost of the workshop if registered before Oct. 24 is $25. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
The workshop titled "New Games," will teach games of acceptance, cooperation and sharing that bring people together. Everybody cooperates - everybody wins. The games provide challenge, stimulation, success and sheer fun, say Byron Tribble, and Terri Wilson, workshop facilitators.
"These games will challenge us as a group, or as an individual to achieve a goal," says Wilson. "They emphasize challenge rather than competition."
Tribble added, "The games we teach are designed and played primarily to create and communicate trust. They provide us with the opportunity to express aggressive or even hostile behavior in a safe context."
Purpose of the games is to help teachers and others to teach teamwork, self-confidence, problem solving, trust, goal setting, self-awareness, self-esteem, communication skills, leadership skills, and decision making skills - and to have fun!"
Registration for the workshop is $25 if submitted before Oct. 24 and $35 after that date. Registration information submitted with payment should include name, address, phone, employer and phone, allergies, medication, and list any health problems or disabilities. Mail all to Byron Tribble, Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter, 415 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601. For more information call 762-8341.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Albright United Methodist Church. Access is available from the west entry.
Speaker will be Iris Wehrle, a senior vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Department of Rehab Services. She will talk about retraining for employment for disabled persons and rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities in the workplace.
For more information, call Beth Wright at 765-6738.
For more than 100 years, the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce has worked in cooperation with community, business and industry leaders to position Ponca City as a progressive, forward-moving community.
This year, the Chamber has been involved in a reorganization process that was implemented to help meet the ever-changing needs of the business community and the community at large.
Perhaps the most significant change was the consolidation and coordination of efforts and resources in the areas of Chamber and economic development.
A new structure and partnership was formed whereby the two functions are addressed by a common chief executive officer-president. Named to this position in August, Jan Jarrett has been busy attending meetings and planning sessions to become familiar with his new responsibilities.
Since Jarrett's position is partially funded through an agreement with the City of Ponca City and the Chamber, this provides some cost savings as well as an avenue of continuity for the work of the Economic Development Advisory Board and the chamber.
Committee Activities
"Our committees have really stepped up their efforts this past year," said Larry Felix, 1997 chairperson. "The Chamber is very fortunate to have an excellent group of volunteers and staff who care about Ponca City. They are very important in the continued growth of our community."
Although all Chamber committees have accomplished much over the past year, the "Give Ponca the Business" Committee has been especially busy. Committee Chairperson Paula Coppock heads up the group, and their purpose is to help bring continuous quality improvement to the products and services offered in the Ponca City area.
The committee has tried to enhance regional shopping through advertisement and promotion in surrounding communities. Free business seminars have been implemented for chamber members.
Special focus was given to small businesses in several of these seminars. The highly successful "Breakfast of Champions" sessions have continued, with special emphasis on quality products and service, and a "customer is king" attitude.
The successful and popular "Chamber Bucks" program has continued to grow with the help of the committee. The committee also sponsored a successful holiday preview with 20 exhibitors, held at Conoco in October 1996.
Legislative Review
The Legislative Review committee has also been busy this year. Dave Mueller serves as committee chairperson. The committee has sponsored the monthly Second Friday Forums held at Pioneer Technology Center. These forums feature local, state and national political representatives, who discuss timely topics affecting area residents. The committee has also lobbied in support of the Fallin Commission workers' compensation reform which recently became law.
Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Stuart Powell and committee members successfully lobbied in favor of continued improvements to Oklahoma Highway 177 south. The committee has also continued communication with city officials regarding the city's infrastructure needs, plans and time lines.
The 10th Leadership Ponca City class was completed earlier this year. Fifteen participants completed the training, gaining insight in the workings of various community programs and businesses. The Leadership Ponca City class of 1998 was selected in August, with 16 members representing a variety of area businesses and industry.
The Ambassadors committee has been very active this year. Connie McAbee, chairperson, has worked with committee members to conduct a successful membership drive earlier this year. Over 120 new members joined the Chamber after the drive. In conjunction with the membership drive, the annual chamber social was a great success. This year's event was held on the Marland Mansion grounds with live music provided by the band "The Imposters" and barbecue provided by Head Country Catering. New Chamber members were provided free tickets to the event and T-shirts with a sailing theme were a big hit.
The Ambassadors also sponsored the monthly "Business After Hours" events, with an average attendance of more than 100 business and community leaders at each event.
Other committees have contributed to the success of the Chamber during the past year, with chairpersons and committee members using new ideas and activities to provide information to the community.
Bliss Industries Inc., which began a limited production of hammermills in a tin machine shed near Peckham, will be celebrating 17 years in the business which now has an international market.
Started in 1981 by Bill, Rick and Alan Bliss, the company moved to Ponca City in 1990. The firm has rapidly grown and continues to expand its global market as well as developing new products. Currently Bliss employs 68.
"We consider we are a team here and of course our customers, vendors and employees are part of the team," Bliss said.
New products now manufactured by Bliss include pellet mills. The firm manufactures pellet machines for everything from kitty litter to coffee. Many of the pellet mills are used for livestock feed. Bliss also manufactures pellet coolers, dryers and crumblers.
From the manufacturing facility here in Ponca City, Bliss has produced equipment that is now located in 35 foreign countries and all inhabited continents.
The products are advertised through grade magazines and trade shows. Greg Alles is the vice president of marketing and sales and has been with the company five years. The company has factory salesmen, regional sales managers and more than 30 manufacturer representatives domestically and internationally.
The hammermills range from one horsepower to 600 horsepower. The mills are used to grind meat and bone meal cereal grains, pet food, fish food, bakery waste, pine bark, wood chips, paper, spices, carpet and many more products. Broyhill furniture has a particle board plant that uses the Ponca City-manufactured mills.
The hammermills are used extensively by soybean processors for soybean by-product from the production of cooking oils and margarines. Pet food and wood processing has come to overshadow the feed industry in terms of the market for hammermills.
Another new product is a crumbler that is used for taking the pellets back to crumbs. The company also has a large shredder that will shred paper, cardboard, pallets and bales of hay.
The current plant is about 40,000 square feet and plans are to add more manufacturing facilities in the near future.
This year the firm will build about 150-200 hammermills, 40-50 coolers and 12-20 pellet mills. The firm also does testing for companies' research and development.
The customer base consists of companies such as ADM, Ralston Purina, Quaker Oats, General Mills, DuPont, Weyerhaeuser, IAMS, 0Cargill, Broyhill, Bunge, Tysons, Con Agra, Heinz, Temple Inland and many more, in the feed industry.
Lindsay Manufacturing Inc. (LMI) was originally formed in 1956 as Thermodynamics Inc., a manufacturer of heat exchangers. In 1960 it became Vacu-Maid Inc., reflecting its diversification into the manufacture of central vacuum systems.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the company helped to pioneer the central vacuum industry, expanding its sales and product range under the trade names Vacu-Maid and Astro-Vac.
From its facility in Ponca City, the company developed strong sales along the eastern seaboard and began to sell products into Canada. By the late 1970s the company had expanded its operation with a solid distributor network in the United States and sales into several European countries and Australia.
The manufacturing base was continually expanded and improved. The company is a true manufacturer - processing coiled steel into the familiar central vacuum cans; washing, drying, painting and baking the cans before assembling with electrical motors and components, prior to boxing.
Today the company is among the worlds largest producers of central vacuum systems. Operating from 150,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and administrative space on the Darr Industrial Park, the company also has a small distribution warehouse in Salem/Roanoke, Va.
Now over 40 percent of the company's sales are exported to more than 20 countries worldwide. Strongest overseas markets are Europe, Canada and Australia with smaller customers as far flung as Chile, Korea and the Middle East.
In 1987 the company added Valet Radio Intercom System to its product range and changed the corporate name to Lindsay Manufacturing Inc., to accurately reflect its role as a manufacturer.
In 1990 the company further diversified into the manufacture of metal bathroom or medicine cabinets, under the trade name Permabilt
Constantly improving and developing new products, the company aims to become the world leader in the central vacuum field by increasing exports sales and opening new markets for its products in the United States.
Chandler Materials Company has been a part of the business community since 1945, when it was known as Lawrence Concrete. The plant was purchased by Chandler Materials of Tulsa in 1962, according to The News files.
Until 1988 the plant made concrete building blocks at the plant here. They were used primarily in construction. The Chandlers opted to consolidate production at the Tulsa manufacturing plant and the products are now made in Tulsa and trucked to Ponca City.
Jim Lewis, manager and sales representative, says the firm is more than a concrete block supplier. The firm sells to local contractors and to the public as well. Both Wal-Mart and Lowe's stores were constructed with blocks supplied by Chandler Material.
Additionally, the firm handles precast steps for residential entryways, bonding cements, fireplace flu tile and other supplies that are connected with concrete. Also the company handles paving stones used for patios, driveways and other similar applications.
The customer can pick up the blocks or Chandler will deliver. The firm makes a run to Tulsa for supplies on a daily basis . The company's market area includes Winfield and Arkansas City in Kansas and south to Stillwater and about a 40 or 50 mile radius otherwise.
The firm employees three and the volume of business is about $150,00 to about $200,000 a year.
Glen and Verona Mair, owners of the The Emporium, have been in business since 1981. Recently they have added antique furniture, when they acquired the store next door and have added many interesting foods, coffees and decorating accessories.
The Mairs now have 10,000 square feet and they are premiere dealers for collectible lines. Their East Grand addresses are 301-303-305.
Some of the major collectible lines the store carries include, Cherished Teddies, Hummels, Boyds Harbour Lights, All Gods Children, Pocket Dragons, Madam Alexander, Calico Kitty, Seraphim Angels, Pooh, Dreamsicles, Disney Classics, Armani, Dept. Villages, Precious Moments, Tom Clark Gnomes, Emmett Kelly Jr., Lowell Davis, Figures, Charming Tails and Fontanini.
The Emporium also carries housewares, bath and gifts. This includes bakeware, cookware, kitchen gadgets and brand name dinnerware and flatware. The bath department carries such items as rugs, towels and other accessories.
Personnel Staffing Inc. is the only locally owned temporary agency in Ponca City. Operated by Jeanne Fanning, owner, and Mary Robson, branch manager, it continues to grow and expand.
The company's Ponca City office is located at 1312 North Seventh Street. The Ponca City office serves as the corporate headquarters for the company's four other offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Shawnee, operating under the name of Freedom Personnel and Freedom Career Learning Center LLC.
Ms. Fanning started the business in 1974 and has witnessed many changes in the personnel industry since then. Many smaller businesses cannot provide benefits to their employees and this causes a turnover.
Personnel Staffing Inc. has put a benefit package for its long term employees. Companies now can have Personnel Staffing Inc. staff their workers and provide benefits. Dan Sims or Mary Robson can be contacted for further information.
When today's businesses seek temporary or permanent office help, skill is a primary requirement. Office workers must have the ability and proficiency to do a job immediately. Businesses do not have the luxury of waiting weeks for an employee to "get up to speed."
Personnel Staffing understands the need to identify skilled workers. The firm uses the most technologically advanced skill's assessment system available to prove that the people can do the job before the assignment begins.
Using assessment skills and experience in the employment industry, Personnel Staffing can provide the best person for the employers needs.
"Personnel Staffing takes great pride in the testing to fill clerical positions. We test applicants on speed typing, 10-key, business letter format, data entry: Alpha-numeric-Standard & Inverted, statistical typing, shorthand/speed writing, transcription; computer software: Access, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, Excel, Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Lotus 1-2-3 Quattro Pro, World, Freelance, Harvard Graphics. The Primary Sills Test includes PC-based business skills test for language, numerical reasoning and perceptual skills and abilities," according to Robson.
Other testing includes categorizing and classifying, math, editing and proofing, math word problems, filing names, reasoning, filing numbers, sorting and coding, following written instructions, visual speed and accuracy forms checking.
Personnel Staffing can test using companies' existing tests, forms, formats, or they can customize tests for needed requirements.
PSI can identify job candidates who match those requirements and ensure that the person PSI sends can do the job.
Robson says, "Through our investment in skills assessment's technology and our experience in the industry, we can deliver a qualified person who can and will do the job."
Personnel Staffing services including placing temporaries, temp to perm, permanent placements, outsourcing, payrolling and drug testing.
Brown bag lunches, a Community Day celebration, soft drinks at the drive-through on hot summer days! These are a few of the many things one thinks about upon hearing the name Pioneer Bank and Trust. These, in addition to full-service banking, the convenience of multiple locations, three ATMs and top quality customer service are how one defines community banking at its best.
Pioneer Bank and Trust entered its 96th year of operation with a dedication to providing the finest service possible to its customers. "We have watched the trend turn toward hometown community banking as evidenced by the many new customers we've served in the last few months," said Carl R. Renfro, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "People want to bank where they feel cared about and can develop personal relationships."
Known as the "warm-hearted" bank that is "locally owned, locally operated and locally active," the underlying message is sterling quality service. That not only includes offering a full range of banking services, but encompasses a strong dedication to participation in the community.
"We believe the people of this community see Pioneer Bank as committee to community involvement," said Thomas A. Quillin, president. "Our board members, officers and employees are involved in many different volunteer and civic organizations throughout the community."
Board members are Cory Bowker, E. Lee Brown, Charles Casey, Clement Collogan, Gale McArthur, William O'Connor and Phyllis Worley, who currently serve with Renfro and Quillin.
Activities and Events
Always known for active community involvement, the bank continued its popular Summer Brown Bag Lunch Series and September Medicine Bag Lunch and Dinner Series, which preceded the annual Standing Bear Celebration. Also planned for later in the year will be the Christmas treasure hunt. Details will be released in November.
New this year was the Pioneer Community Day Celebration held at Wentz Camp. The entire community was invited to attend an evening of old-fashioned fun, food and entertainment, spotlighting local talent in an all-American setting. Special guests of honor were Gov. and Mrs. Frank Keating. The event was so well received it has been scheduled to take place again next year.
Also new was the Outrageous Customer Service concept. In order to demonstrate appreciation to customers, ice-cold drinks were served at all three locations several times this summer. "It was super to observe the surprised smiles we received from our drive-through customers as they waited their turn in the line with a cool refreshing drink served to them by our employees," commented Renfro. "A little thought and concern goes a long way in this business."
The ever popular PrimeTimer Program continues to offer a variety of fully escorted trips to its membership. In order to take advantage of this hassle-free travel, a new or current bank customer need only be 50 years of age or older and have a savings or checking account.
New and Upgraded Services
With the main focus on customer service satisfaction this year, the bank introduced check imaging for customer convenience in personal record keeping. Pioneer Bank offers a variety of full service accounts in order to offer customers the account that best serves their individual needs. The popular Pioneer Club account was given a face lift this year making it more customer specific.
Once again the 767-Easy line was activated for ease in opening a new account by telephone. Also continued is the 767-7777, 24-hour service access number. This may be conveniently used at any time to check account balances and to make money transfers. Both of these services are aimed at ease of banking for customers.
The trust department offers a variety of investment options, estate planning and IRA opportunities with a certified financial planner. Currently being planned are seminars on tax laws and financial options for retirees.
With emphasis on customer satisfaction, Pioneer Bank became the first Certified Business and Industry Lender in the state. This certification streamlines paperwork processing beyond the normal scope, which equates to a better turn around loan approval time for customers.
Convenient Service Locations
This year an ATM location was added at the new Conoco Convenience Center at 3305 North Fourteenth. This convenient service center and the other two ATMs at the main bank action center at Fourteenth and Highland and the Conoco Convenience Center, located at Waverly and South Avenue, offer account access with geographical ease. The action location also offers two glass-enclosed showcases which may be used by any business or civic group in Ponca City, free of charge.
The motor bank located on Lake Road has commercial lane and night depository availability. The community room at this location is a fully equipped meeting room. It is available for use at no charge to civic and non-profit organizations, and for a small fee, may be used by individuals and other organizations.
Pioneer Bank of the Osage at U.S. Highway 60 and Bridge Road offers customers full service banking with drive-up facilities and complete U.S. Postal services.
Services Outside Ponca City
While the bank's main presence is in the Ponca City area, there are four additional loan production offices in Blackwell, Stillwater, Bartlesville and Wichita. These offices continue to grow and offer specific services to the surrounding areas. The Wichita office is a leading commercial and residential lender in that market.
The Bank of Nichols Hills, chartered in the Oklahoma City area in May 1996, has grown to over $32 million in assets and 15 employees in less than 18 months.
Pioneer Bank and Trust is a company that has traveled quite a distance in 96 years - not only physically from Kaw City but in size and involvement. It is the mark of a truly strong and prosperous company. Through the involvement and education of its officers and employees, Pioneer Bank and Trust continues to grow and strives with dedication to serve the needs of its customers and the community.
Beginning in October, Commercial Federal Bank expanded its office hours in Ponca City to accommodate its growing number of customers. All three of the bank's locations will now have Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.
The bank has branch locations at 400 East Central and 1417 East Hartford, and a drive up location at Fifth and Oklahoma.
"We have been experiencing a great amount of growth in our customer base, and we felt that the Saturday hours were necessary to continue providing our high level of customer service," said Glenda Phillips, branch manager of the Ponca Main location.
Driving the growth has been an emphasis on mortgage products and the introduction of new products such as Home Banking by computer, said Phillips.
Commercial Federal has attracted mortgage customers through innovative product offerings such as the Power Loan application which allows home buyers to be preapproved, and the Cost Cutter Advantage loan program where Commercial Federal pays for the borrowers' closing costs.
"For 110 years Commercial Federal has been helping people realize the dream of home ownership, and our employees take pride in carrying on this tradition in Ponca," said Phillips.
Commercial Federal has experienced tremendous growth as a company over the last few years. The bank currently has 107 branches in five states and recently announced acquisitions that will increase Commercial Federal's offices to more than 160 in six states: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado and Arizona. The bank has 19 branch offices in Oklahoma.
Commercial Federal is not only larger than ever, Phillips said it is more responsive to customer needs than ever - approving consumer loans in an hour, approving mortgage loans in 48 hours providing busy customers with computer banking and telephone banking, and participating in a wide range of civic activities that build stronger communities.
"Customer service is definitely a hallmark at Commercial Federal," said Phillips.
In Ponca City the Commercial Federal's 16 employees take an active role in the community. At Christmas time, the Ponca branches take part in the Giving Tree program,. collecting clothing and food for the city's needy.
Also, 1997 marked the beginning of a new tradition. Commercial Federal held the first edition of its volleyball tournament which attracted teams and donations from many area businesses with more than $500 raised for the Oklahoma Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Commercial Federal Corporation, the parent company of Commercial Federal Bank, has a total of 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $7.1 billion.
The Smith name is well known as a leading supplier of down hole tools and services to the petroleum and mining industries.
Smith Tool, a business unit of Smith International Inc., responsible for the production of premium lines of three-cone roller rock bits, is currently operating for the 47th years as a Ponca City manufacturing facility.
Many people living in this area for several years still refer to Smith Tool as Smith Gruner, or simply Gruner's. The original Ponca City business was begun in 1950 by Hans Gruner, a German emigrant. He established Gruner and Company at the intersection of Waverly and Hartford, which is still the location for Smith Tool. The facility has expanded significantly since becoming a business unit of Smith International in 1970.
The history of Smith goes back to 1936 when Herman C. Smith purchased the Allen Brothers Tool Company located in Compton, Calif. He developed the cross section type rock bit which was a new concept in drilling tool design and contributed greatly to the growth of the company.
Bits Developed
In the early 1950s, the Hydro-jet and three cutter series of rock bits were developed. Progress continued during the 1960s with expanding facilities and development of sealed bearing bits. Smith Tool's growth and expansion made it necessary to move the company to Irvine, Calif., in 1974. In March 1987, the decision was made to consolidate all Smith International domestic operations into one company. Under the one company concept the name was changed to Smith International Inc., Ponca City.
Moves Bit Line to Ponca
In October 1988, Smith International Inc., made the decision to close its Irvine, Calif., plant and move its drill bit product lines to Ponca City Some 100 major pieces of equipment were transferred to the Ponca City plant, 34,000 additional square feet were added and 50 employees transferred from Irvine in 1989. All domestic rock bit manufacturing is now located in Ponca City.
Currently, Smith Tool employs 506, most of whom are Ponca Citians. Employees also commute from several surrounding communities. The plant covers about 206,000 square feet and houses more than 850 pieces of equipment. Of those about 112 are CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) lathes, mills and machining centers.
Employees in the manufacturing areas - manufacturing technicians - perform such jobs as machine operation, welding, hardfacing, assembling, heat treatment, warehouse and shipping. Other jobs in them manufacturing area are performed by support department employees such as quality assurance, maintenance and tooling.
Of course there are many others who support manufacturing operations from areas such as design and manufacturing engineering, customer service and sales, purchasing, production control, information systems, accounting and human resources. An efficient operation takes a coordinated effort by all.
Other Locations
Other Smith International locations include Houston, which is the site of corporate headquarters, M-I Drilling Fluids, Geodiamond, Smith Drilling and Completions, and Swaco; Bologna, Italy, manufacturing facility for rock bits similar to the Ponca City operation; and Provo Utah, home of Smith-Megadiamond, manufacturer of poly-crystalline diamond enhanced tungsten carbide inserts. Smith International employs over 2,000 world wide.
Sii's quality policy is to establish a relentless focus on satisfying customer needs and expectations. Quality objectives are: To provide customers with quality products and services; to make these products and services available when and where our customers want them; to develop a cost structure that enables competitive pricing; and to build and maintain a reputation for absolute trustworthiness.
Skilled employees are critical to Smith's success. To attract and retain employees with required skills, Smith Tool recently increased the wage scale for technicians building bits at the Ponca City plant.
Bit Features
The company offers 900 sizes and types of drill bits under the Smith Tool, Smith Diamond, and Smith Mining product lines. Smith Tool Ponca City manufactures three-cone roller rock bits ranging in size from two and 15/16 inches to 17 and a half inches in diameter.
The "cutting structure" of the bits is an integral part of the product performance, and is comprised of two main types. The two types are Milled Tooth , and Tungsten Carbide Insert (TCI) bits. Milled tooth bits have teeth machined into the metal for the cutting structure. Tungsten carbide hardmetal is then applied to the surface for the purpose of longer life and better penetration rates. TCI bits have inserts, made of tungsten carbide, pressed into drilled holes to form the cutting structure.
The other feature that is critical to drill bit performance is the bearing structure. Bearing structure can be one of two basic designs. One is an air cooled, open bearing bit, used primarily to drill shallow holes for the placement of explosives used during blasting in open pit mining. These bits will find their way to the gold, silver, cooper, iron ore and coal mines throughout the world. Others will be utilized in industrial and construction settings.
The second the sealed friction bearing but which is used in drilling for oil and natural gas. The engineering technology used in this type of bit truly exemplifies the phrase "drill bit performance." These, too, can be found world-wide.
Quality is Goal
At Smith Tool, quality is the goal and responsibility of each employee. Each work area is equipped with the precision measuring instruments necessary to ensure a particular operation is in accordance with manufacturing systems. Strict quality procedures created through the ISO 9000 certification are used to ensure product integrity from mechanical and metallurgical testing to scanning electron microscope analysis, stress analysis and ultrasonic testing.
Smith Tool has enjoyed a trend of growth over many years and has gained a reputation for product innovation and quality products. In order to continue as a world leader continuous improvement and innovation are essential, and the employees of Smith are dedicated to this strategy.
During the past year the Trout Funeral Home has continued to build on its reputation as "the only choice for local ownership, service, and value."
A complete new funeral fleet of hearses and limousines was purchased in November of 1996.
"Family safety has always been a concern," said owner Steve Huston. "The new fleet insures reliability and better passenger comfort and protection. Plus, we wanted to show the community we're reinvesting in our future."
Many hours went into the concept and design of the totally new memorial register books, memorial folders, and acknowledgement cards. These are unique to Trout Funeral Home and enable a family to include favorite pictures, poems, quotes, or verses on both the register book and the service folders.
"This is just another way that we can meet the needs of the families we serve, Huston commented. "Families really appreciate being able to personalize this special tribute to their loved one."
Since more and more families are trusting their funeral needs to the Trout Funeral Home it was of great concern that they receive the personal attention to detail that residents have to come to expect.
Joel Franks, originally from Hennessey, has joined licensed funeral directors and embalmers, Steve Huston, M.G. Lessert, Darren Medders, and Rick Osborn.
Terry Huston continues as office manager with Martha Robinson as secretary. John Krider and Jack Trout both assist with funerals and funeral preplanning. Betty Whetstone and Susan Ladner are present in the evenings for visitation. Jeremy Ross, a junior at Po-Hi, recently joined the staff as a part time employee.
Steve Huston continued, "These past several years I've watched many of my colleagues sell their long standing family-owned funeral homes to the massive acquisition companies only to feel remorse later. I continue to maintain that I would rather answer to the needs of a grieving family than the demands of a corporate board. Trout Funeral Home has been an important part of this community for over 60 years. I feel we are continuing this proud heritage by maintaining local ownership, reinvesting in the community, and staffing our facility with a dedicated family-oriented staff."
Pelton Growth Continues As World Seeks More Oil
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
"The world is searching for oil," according to Joe Cornelson, vice president of Pelton Company Inc. This exploration accounts for the good times that the manufacturing company is experiencing, as it manufactures 85 percent of the world's electronics used for exploration.
The firm employs 44 with a payroll ballpark figure of $2 million. Pelton is described by Cornelson as a "niche" industry and is successful due to its research and development and training programs.
International headquarters of Pelton Company is located at 1500 Waverly. The firm was formed in 1969 by C.R. "Dick" Pelton, formerly of Ponca City. After resigning from Conoco in 1968, Pelton manufactured a product which improved the control of vibrators used in oil and gas exploration.
When Pelton moved to Puerto Rico to head up the operations there, H.A. Wakefield headed up the company. Wakefield is now a consultant and serves on the board of directors. The Puerto Rico operation ceased in 1985 due to the downturn in the oil business.
Jim Mitchell, who was the former head of research and development, is now president and chairman of the board.
A conservative estimate is that the Pelton Company has manufactured and sold 85 percent of the vibrator control systems used in the world today. Pelton instruments are used virtually everywhere in the world that onshore seismic exploration is done.
Pelton Company has sold electronics to more than 25 private companies or government enterprises. This includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, China, Japan, Bulgaria, Iraq, Syria, France, Germany, Algeria, Venezuela, Pakistan and England. There are many other countries where the products have been used by geophysical contractors in search of oil.
Cornelson, vice president/administration, John Giles, vice president/research and development and Leonard Epperson, vice president/manufacturing, make up part of the management team and are officers of the company.
Cornelson explained that the firm manufactures electronics for the Vibrosis industry and seismic world. The firm supplies vibrator electronics and other devices that go along with them for the Global Positioning System.
Before Global Positioning, maps were necessary. Recently electronics have been applied to the dynamite side. Vibrosis was developed by Conoco and the electronics for this equipment and has been the primary product.
The dynamite side of exploration had always been there, but Vibrosis, which uses electronic signals, is more friendly to the environment. However, about 50 percent of the seismic work is still done with dynamite, so this year Pelton has come up with a product called Shot Pro that has been well accepted, according to Cornelson.
Another market niche that has been developed by Pelton is software. "Our electronics has become software driven so we've become a software company," Cornelson said.
Pelton has such a reputation that the customers come to them. In addition to manufacturing the product here, Pelton trains customers and personnel of companies using the product.
The company had its beginnings in a small building on Pine and in early 1969. Next the firm constructed the first 5,000-square-foot manufacturing building at the headquarters site. Next another building and garage was added and then the north building, which is devoted to research, development and training.
Most of Pelton's employees are "electronics engineers." Much of the success of Pelton is training for customers. The training facility here in Ponca City trains about 120 people annually from all over the world in the skills needed to operate and care for the electronics. Currently three Russian engineers are here working for the company.
At the time of this interview, Mitchell was in Moscow attending a geophysical conference, where the wares are displayed. Cornelson noted this could be a virtual market since Russia's Vibrosis equipment is aging.
Cornelson says sometimes communication is a bit of a problem because some of the trainees can't speak English. He noted the reception by Ponca City hotels and motels of these nationalities has been good. He noted Marland Mansion Hotel personnel have been particularly helpful.
Besides training here in Ponca City, Pelton instructors go to Canada, Europe and other locations in the states to do on-site training for the oil companies.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma's telecommunications providers are reminding residents that the five-month transitional dialing period for the new 580 area code will begin Nov. 1.
The transitional dialing period provides a five-month window in which callers should begin using 580 to familiarize themselves with it. The transitional dialing period ends at midnight on March 31, 1998.
The new 580 code will serve Oklahomans in the Panhandle and the northwestern and southern parts of the state. The 405 code will continue to serve residents throughout Central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City.
The new code will not affect 911 services, long-distance charges or local service rates.
Remember: If the call was a local call before the new code, it will continue to be a local call. If it was a long distance call, it will still be a long distance call. Local calls within the same area code can still be made using the traditional seven-digit dialing pattern. Long distance calls will continue to require an "O" or a "1" plus the area code and seven-digit number.
The transitional dialing period was designed to provide a sufficient amount of time for customers to become accustomed to the 580 code.
During the transitional dialing period, Oklahoma telecommunications service providers will be conducting an educational campaign to inform consumers about the new code.
The campaign includes a variety of customer mailings, bill inserts, bill messages, news announcements and other communications.
During the transitional period, customers dialing local or long distance can use either the 405 or 580 code and their calls will be completed. However, after the transitional dialing period ends next March, callers who mistakenly dial the wrong code will hear a recorded message that asks the caller to hang up and dial again using the correct code.
All business customers throughout the state ware being urged to contact their private branch exchange (PBX) vendor to ensure that their PBX systems are programmed to send and receive calls using the new generation of area codes, which do not have a "1" or "0" as the middle digit.
Additionally, Oklahoma businesses can begin making the necessary changes to the company letterhead, advertising, promotional materials and business cards to reflect the new code. It also is important for businesses within the new 580 region to advise their customers of the change to ensure that they will be able to send and receive calls to and from the new code.
Telephone customers are being encouraged to reprogram residential and business speed dial and auto dial services on telephones an fax machines.
The 580 code was assigned by Bellcore, the administrator of codes throughout North America, after the Oklahoma Corporation Commission's June 26 ruling in favor of implementing a new code through a geographic split of the current 405 code.
Signature Landscapes, 3612 Lake Road, has completed four years in business at its lawn and garden center and office building. Another expansion on Lake Road is a tree lot for displaying large trees.
Owned and operated by Jeff Clark, the firm specializes in residential and commercial landscaping irrigation and construction.
Clark's goal is to be a total landscape company which provides professional advise. The company offers landscape design and installation, sprinkler system installation and maintenance, large selection of shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals, construction of retaining walls, stone and brick walkways and patios, wooden fences and decks.
Constructing greenhouses throughout the state is a growing expansion of Signature Landscapes.
A qualified horticulturist, Lesa Lewis, has joined the staff at Signature Landscapes this year. She is a graduate of Kansas State University with nine year of experience at Lambert's Arboretum in Dallas.
Customers can call for free consultations and Lesa or Jeff will assist them with a landscape plan that fits their landscaping needs.
As a member of the American Landscape contractors Association, Clark has a degree in horticulture and landscape construction form the College of Agriculture at Oklahoma State University.
During the fall, Signature Landscapes is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Take Ten, 3015 North Fourteenth, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next month .
In July 1987, the Robbins family started construction on a 10-minute oil change - a totally new concept for Ponca City and one in which many said, "it will never go over." The following November work was completed and the new 10-minute oil change opened for business. Well thanks to the great people in this town, it took off, according to the Robbins.
In 1990, Take Ten expanded, building an auto repair facility, and in July 1991 was involved in forming a corporation to take over the Conoco distributorship for the Ponca City area - Pioneer Petroleum Inc.
After an expansion in Kansas of the quick lube, 1994 saw the "Return of Firestone" to Ponca City. The old corporate store had closed eight years earlier. Take Ten Firestone is the authorized Bridgestone-Firestone Affiliated Dealer for Ponca City and surrounding area.
This year they joined two other entrepreneurs in Ponca City, forming another corporation, American Risk Underwriters, to finance automobiles purchased from new and used car dealers in the local area, as well as Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Today, Robbins Take Ten Inc., employs 12 Ponca Citians, gives Ponca the business for many of its supplies and supports more than 40 local charities and organizations.
The future of Ponca City is dependent on the strengths of small business of the community according to the community Take Ten plans on strategic future expansions as opportunities open.
A 10th anniversary celebration in November. Take Ten is owned by Bob and Rosalie Robbins.
The owners of Rose Stone Inn, David and Shirley Zimmerman, recently purchased the former Landmark Hotel, now known as Pioneer Woman Guesthouse.
The inns of the Zimmermans began with a bad nights sleep. Vacationing in 1987, they decided to stay at a bed and breakfast. They were given house keys to a vacant house, fed cold pancakes in the morning and were presented with an enormous bill. Thereafter the couple vowed that they could do better.
Soon the Zimmermans acquired the historic Mooney-Hampton house that was once the house at the end of Grand Avenue in west Ponca City. Shirley became the innkeeper and charter member of the Oklahoma Bed & Breakfast Association. Soon their three-bedroom Davarnathey Inn became one of the most successful B&B's in the states.
Unlike many other B&B's, theirs was often frequented by business travelers. So in 1993, Dave quit his job with Conoco, and they began renovation of the building at Third an d Central turning it into the 25-room Rose Stone Inn.
The inn features a European decor, a hometown ambiance and of course the many amenities of a B&B. It is in essence a B&B or small luxury hotel that either a business or causal traveler can enjoy.
Close to downtown shops and historic walks, the inn also houses a small conference facility and restaurant that does catering and group events by appointment. In 1994, the inn purchased a stretch limousine for airport pickup. While that was the intended purpose, the Zimmermans soon discovered that there was good business to be had running a limousine service, not only in Ponca City, but also to Stillwater and Arkansas City. The limo is also used for tours.
In 1995, an oil tour called "Petroleum from the Ground to the Glamour," was started to explain the oil business from top to bottom to the outsider. Entertaining seniors' tour business from as far away as Oregon, this tour will be featured in an upcoming issue of Southern Living magazine.
In 1996, another tour, "This Land is Ours!" commenced - a Tall Grace Prairie and local gardens tour. In 1998, the Zimmermans will be teaching an elder hostel course on the two tour topics and a third, local history of the 1920s and 193's. The course is to be sponsored by the Northern Oklahoma Historical Association
This year brought expansion into another inn by the Zimmermans. The Pioneer Inn adjacent to the Pioneer Woman Memorial was purchased and remodeled with antiques and new soft goods. This inn has answered the question, "Is it possible to revive an old motel and build an inexpensive version of B&B without breakfast?" (Just a "B"?)
Plans call for integrating the property into the tourism effort of the state-operated park with pioneer gardens and a face lift. Rooms are being themed and named after famous and somewhat local pioneer women - Carrie Nation, Amelia Earhart, Susette LaFlesche. Meanwhile the historic Davarnathey Inn has been closed and is for sale at this writing.
The total enterprise employs nine locals and is part of the burgeoning tourism industry that has quietly added over 250 jobs in Ponca City. Zimmerman is chairman of the Ponca City Tourism Authority.
For KLVV, a nonprofit Christian radio station, 1997 has been a year of anticipation. Although day-to-day operations and special events have kept the staff busy, the future for KLVV looks to take the station in many new directions.
The Love Station Inc., the nonprofit organization that owns KLVV, has applied for a new 100,000-watt station whose signal would come from a 1,000-foot tower in southern Grant County. Studios would remain in Ponca City. KLVV's current format of adult contemporary Christian music would move to this stronger station. A new format of inspirational music with some talk programming would take over the 11,500-watt signal currently heard at 88.7 FM.
With the increase in power, an increase in coverage area would come as well, including parts of the Oklahoma City Metro. According to KLVV Program Director Tony Weir, "Oklahoma City's adult contemporary station changed formats during the summer of 1996 and many people in the city have contacted us to see if we could get our signal into the area. The signal would also meet a need expressed to us in the western part of the state for our type of programming." Engineering designs show that Alva and probably Woodward would be able to receive the new station.
The timetable for this new venture is currently in the wait period for final approval from the FCC. The FAA has already given approval for the building of the 1,000-foot tower.
KLVV Station Manager Doyle Brewer says, "We are raising money now so we will be ready when we receive FCC approval. Already, nearly $350,000 has been donated to the expansion fund. Another $200,000 will be needed to complete the project. Our expansion fund will also provide for the building of translator stations in other areas that can't receive our station."
Currently, LEAVE has applied for two translators in the Oklahoma City area that have the potential of being on the air before the new 100,000-watt station. One translator is located in Guthrie and the other downtown Oklahoma City.
While waiting, KLVV continues to produce concert events in the area. During September, they welcomed the Christian band Petra, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, to the Stillwater Gallagher-Iba Arena. In October, singer Michael English will be at the Mark Price Arena in Enid and Nov. 8 West King will perform at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid. KLVV is already planning for two more events next year including one at Ponca City's Hutchins Auditorium.
The Love Station has also just launched an update to the web site. Located at www.lovestation.org, KLVV's site includes station updates, a program schedule, and links to other Christian sites. KLVV plans to continue to build up its web presence in the future to remain in closer contact with their listeners.
KLVV is located just west of Ponca City on U.S. 60. Mailing address is P.O. Box 14, Ponca City, OK, 74602. Fax number is 405-765-1700. The station can be reached by e-mail at mail@lovestation.org.
Mertz Inc., a Ponca City-based company, has achieved worldwide recognition for the manufacturing of seismic vibrators. Mertz has shipped seismic vibrators to more than 28 countries, including China, Russia and Algeria.
In recent years the company has diversified and now manufactures equipment and products for several national companies.
The manufacturing company, located on North Waverly, currently employs more than 200 with a peak employment of 480 reached in 1982.
The family-owned business began in a downtown shop many years ago. The company was purchased from Roy Mertz in 1948 by his grandsons Forrest and Don Mertz. In 1948 the business constructed television antennas. There are still some of those antennas in town today. In 1996 Forrest purchased 100 percent interest in the company.
From the downtown Ponca City location, the firm eventually moved to the Ponca City Airport Industrial park in 1966 and dealt primarily in seismic vibrators, large agricultural vehicles and large dump beds used in the mining industry.
Mertz has continued efforts to develop new product lines since the early 1980s when the oil industry dropped off drastically and now designs and manufactures equipment for fast attack fire fighting situations.
Engineers, staff, accounting and general office personnel account for about 38 employees with welders, machinists, foremen, supervisors, assembly mechanics, industrial painters and maintenance personnel accounting for the rest.
Mertz often has customer service representatives traveling throughout the world assisting customers.
The same quality that goes into the Mertz product lines are available for specialized manufacturing. Custom-manufactured products are designed and built to exact customer specifications.
Hi-tech engineering and design, combined with the finest metal fabrication and machining, have made Mertz custom-manufactured products the choice of businesses in a variety of industries throughout the world.
Most of the machine tools in the manufacturing plant are state-of-the-art and controlled by computers.
Mertz welcomes scheduled visitors to the production plant. Civic organizations and service clubs have been frequent visitors as well as other organizations.
Precision Tool & Die, 2200 North Ash, has been a stable and growing industry for nearly 20 years. The work force has grown from three, when the firm opened in Building 14 at Darr School, to the present 24 employees.
The company moved its tool and die operation from Darr to North Ash in 1980. At that time production was conducted in a 7,500-square-foot building. As the market demanded and the company's reputation was recognized, Precision continued to grow. The firm now is now housed in 20,000 square feet of building space.
Major customers include large and small manufacturing companies located in the southern part of the United States that utilize metal stamping dies in their manufacturing process. These include companies in the appliance, automotive and commercial product industries. Precision builds metal stamping dies and do custom metal stamping for other manufacturers.
Greg Neisen is the president and general manager. Lee Brown, chief executive officer, said, "Metal stamping dies are built by highly-skilled tool-and-die makers utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, such as computer controlled milling machines, wire EDM (electrical discharge machining) machines, and precision grinding machines."
Brown also commented they could use more employees, but there is a shortage of skilled employees for the type of work needed in the tool and die operation.
The stamping dies that Precision Tool and Die makes are shipped to other manufacturers or are operated in Precision's modern stamping shop consisting of punch presses from 25 to 168 tons in size.
Say "Sun 'n Fun" and most people think of the waterpark. However, Sun 'n Fun Family Recreation near Kaw Lake is more than just a waterpark.
Since its humble beginnings with the River Coaster Wild Water Ride built in 1979, water attractions have been and continue to be the major reason most folks guests visit. Water activities have grown to include the Challenge, the Blue Banana, the Lazy River, the Twister, the Tanning Bay and activity pool in addition to the original River Coaster waterslide. There is also a children's activity pool and mini-waterslide. But there are non-water fun options, too.
Landlubbers can enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course and its unique blend of trees, natural vegetation, water effects and moving obstacles. With the sloping terrain and unusual layout it is also challenging.
The batting cages and go-karts, now operated by lessees, offer other entertainment opportunities. The batting cages can be used by all ages and stay particularly busy during baseball and softball season. The go-karts provide a thrilling experience for many. Riders must be at least 8 years old and 52 inches tall to ride.
Inside Sun 'n Fun's main building, guests will find a variety of video games, foosball, skee ball, air h hockey and a pool table available for their enjoyment. A snack bar serves a selection of reasonably priced cold drinks and food from candy bars and ice cream to full meals. The gift shop has water toys and supplies as well as souvenir items. And just outside the building are the kiddie rides - horses, cars, train and airplanes for children 6 and younger.
A new 12-by-20 foot covered stage area was built this year so more entertainment could be offered. The stage is located between the Lazy Rive and Blue Banana slide so guests using those water rides can view onstage entertainers. Five canopy-covered picnic tables were also added in front of the stage area. The stage hosted several local bands, a magic show, radio D.J's and Back-To-School Bash activities this year. Sun 'n Fun hopes to increase usage of the state next year by locating activities and entertainment.
The year 1997 also brought an increase in picnic shelter usage, especially by corporate groups. Company picnics ranged in size from 20 to over 1, 000 persons.
The three picnic pavilions can seat 30 to 200 each inside with additional outside seating if needed. Two sand volleyball courts, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes and children's play areas offer something for everyone. The shelters are available free of charge by reservation. The only charges are for waterpark and other attraction admission which many companies opt to pay for their employees.
Church groups, family reunions, team parties and various other groups also use the picnic areas. When the shelters are not reserved for groups, they are available on a first come, first serve basis to park patrons.
A new venture for Sun 'n Fun is the management of the Lakeview RV Campground which adjoins the south side of the waterpark. Fourteen RV spots complete with water, sewer and electricity are there for overnight, weekly or monthly stays. Tent camping is also available.
Sun 'n Fun employs approximately 20 American Red Cross certified lifeguards. With regard for safety of both the customers and employees, drug screening was required of all lifeguards in 1997. Management and the lifeguards were equally proud of their status as a "drug-fee" business. Therefore, this valuable program will be continued for coming seasons.
Bill and Betty Rutz, owners, try to keep in touch with new developments by attending trade shows and seminars each year. They are charter members of the World Waterpark Association.
The Rutzes attend and participate in many other tourism activities. As members of the Kaw Lake Association and Red Carpet Country, they help staff booths at fairs and travel shows each year and actively participate in planning and implementing "Kawfest" at Kaw Lake each Summer. Sun 'n Fun is a member of the Chambers of Commerce at Ponca City, Enid and Kaw City. Betty is on the Board of Directors of the Ponca City Tourism Authority.
Softwater Services was founded in 1945 by J.D. "Jack" Johnson, at 213 South First Street, representing Servi-Soft of Rockford, Ill. The firm serviced the Kay County area with exchange tank softeners.
In 1946, the firm added Elgin Commercial units, selling to laundries. In 1947 Lindsay Units were added. Currently Quality Water Services is the oldest Ecowater Systems dealer in the United States.
The company was incorporated in the name of Softwater Services Inc. Servi-Soft was discontinued in 1968, but their equipment was used until 1985, when automatic units were installed.
A name change came in 1988, when the company became known as Quality Water Services, which is a division of Softwater Service Inc. The name change was made to better fit the products and services provided to customers. Today only 60 percent of the business is directly related to water softening.
In the mid 1980s , Quality Water started distributing bottled water. At one point the company was purchasing applications, water coolers, distillers, demineralized water treatment "DI," iron and sediment filtration, well chlorination, reverse osmosis, ice and beverage filtration and accessories. The company is currently selling water treatment equipment to a national chain of Photo Labs in over 45 states throughout the country. "This has been exciting growth for the company over the last three years.
The firm recently adopted a new image throughout the business and signing the trucks, letterhead and phone answering with Ecowater Systems. This a national effort by the primary vendor to achieve a more unified identification throughout the country.
In 1975, Quality Water started selling pool chemicals at the store located on South Third Street. The business progressed and in 1981, Pool Services was opened at 207 South Second Street handling pool and spa chemicals, pool supplies and services.
Another name change came in 1991 to Quality Pools & Spas, which is a division of Softwater Services Inc. In addition to pool supplies and service, the store now handles above ground pools, Sundance Spas, Holland Grills, Cookshack Smokers, patio and backyard furniture.
In December 1993, Downing Johnson, president, purchased the present location at 115 East Highland and remodeling of the building began in June. This move was made to better serve the current customer base and to expand the business with facilities that were needed for that purpose.
was there. They moved into the building in January 1995.
In May 1994, a sales and delivery office was opened in Stillwater. This office was recently relocated because of the need for inventory storage and growth planned for the future. Sales are continuing to improve as the firm learns more about the market served.
Today the company employs a total of 25 at all three locations and has over the last three years increased the gross revenue by 72 percent. "As we continue to improve our customer service levels we stay focused on our mission statement 'Serve customers with the best possible water conditioning equipment, bottled water, pool chemicals and supplies and to serve our customers in the most expedient and courteous possible way,'" said J. Kelly Johnson, vice president/business manager.
What? A full-fledged, full-service advertising agency in Ponca City? How long has it been here? Who started it? What do they do?
In late 1993, Gael Hancock expanded her freelance writing business to include professional advertising and public relations services. With 18 years of experience and an eye for business, Hancock recognized a need for these services in the Ponca City area.
Using the name, Hancock & Associates, a carryover from her similar business in Houston, she sought local clients to add to her already significant list of out-of-state customers. Soon, several video production opportunities, the marketing for a local bank and other projects came her way.
"It didn't take long before I was getting local referrals and my phone was ringing." said Hancock. "My business is booming, and I can only predict more new clients and projects as Ponca City continues to grow and attracts new companies to the area."
To help with sales, Hancock has recently added a new associate, Judy Trice. Trice is a former high school English teacher with experience in public relations for non-profit organizations. She will be responsible for generating new business and will serve as an account executive.
Ponca City has been good to Hancock & Associates in another way. The Ponca City Tourism brochure, "Ponca City - Where the '20s Still Roar," was designed, written and art directed by Hancock and won the 1996 Governors award for best tourism brochure in the state. Her video, "Ponca City - From Workboots to Wingtips," won an award from the American Economic Development Council. In addition, several of her television commercials for Pioneer Bank and Trust won MIDIs and Tellys, national television advertising awards.
The offices of Hancock & Associates are not the fancy digs of New York advertising agencies. Many of Hancock's award-winging ideas have been put to paper at the breakfast table and her desk and computer look out over her backyard with bird feeders, children's toys and trees.
"I've considered moving into an office suite several times," said Hancock. "But the convenience of having the office in my home and being able to pass along the cost savings to my clients of having virtually no overhead, always sends me back to my living room-turned-office.
The services provided by Hancock & Associates range from a simple reprint of stationary to a full-blown image updated with new or updated logo, new photographs for brochures, a crisp new paper for letterhead and a new theme for brochures and advertising. Other services include video script writing and production, action-oriented advertising campaign development, public relations services, event coordination and web sit design and development.
"I can't imagine a better job," said Hancock. "Where else can you climb to the top of Continental Carbon's highest tower while shooting video and survey the world, learn about growing crystals to be used as audio chips or take a company from beginning to success with marketing and advertising assistance. Every project is new and exciting," she concluded.
Ponca City Main Street Authority's Board of Directors is continuing its efforts to transform the downtown area into a thriving, competitive business area. The board has adopted "Ponca City's Main Street is 'Grand'" as the theme for the 1997-98 effort.
"Our efforts center on preserving the community's heritage through restoration of the downtown area as a working and profitable economic center," said Tamara Sharp, recently named executive director of the organization.
Main Street is a local, private-public partnership funded by memberships, the City of Ponca City and contributions from individuals, local businesses and lending institutions.
The unique Main Street approach includes four principal components: promotion, design, economic restructuring and organization. No federal grands underwrite the program.
The organization provides historic rehabilitation assistance, marketing strategies, merchandising techniques, design assistance and coordination of promotional activities and special events under the direction of Sharp. Additionally, she can provide access to national information networks for members.
"We invite anyone with an interest in strengthening Ponca City's downtown business area to join our active partnership in working on behalf of our community," Sharp said.
For more information on Main Street Authority activities, or to receive membership information contact Sharp at 873-8082 or drop by the Main Street office at 113 North Third (in back of Barney's).
In its eighth year of operation, the Graphic Center, 104 North Third, remains relatively unknown in the community. This is a result of its faith in "word of mouth" promotion as opposed to normal advertising practices.
Although this unique approach has developed a dedicated group of loyal customers future growth requires the more aggressive program now being implemented.
The Graphic Center has developed dealerships for more than 200 sources of products that customers have requested. This results in maximum discounts that are passed on to customers without middle-man commissions.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the Graphic Center is its ability to sell at the lowest possible prices. With minimal administrative costs, low overhead and numerous competitive sources, Graphic Center prices are consistently lower than all competitors - local and mail-order included.
The big secret? What does Graphic Center sell? Their motto says it all! "If you can't eat it, drive it, or wear it, please let us get it for you and save!" This includes office supplies, furniture, audio-visual equipment, art, computer and engineering matters - anything other stores don't want to "mess with."
Free local delivery, open charge accounts, Visa and MasterCard services, special student and school discounts, non-commissioned sales for area artists and immediate customer service all contribute to the public acceptance afforded this small but dynamic store.
Throop Propane Company, Northern Oklahoma's largest propane distributor, is now 21 years old. The firm serves a large surrounding area with propane, gas and diesel to industrial, commercial and residential customers.
The product line was expanded to include "The Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Machine," a deluxe barbecue grill. Throop has also put out three-cylinder exchange cabinets in Ponca City. The exchange cabinets house 20-pound cylinders, (or gas grill bottles) which the consumer may exchange for their empty bottle.
According to the company, this has been a successful operation and plans are to add more cylinder cabinets as needed. The firm also has propane dispensing units located in Newkirk and Kaw City, which can fill RV's and all size cylinders.
Throop Lawn Care
Throop Lawn Care, a commercial and residential lawn care service, was added in 1994. The lawn care is a full service business including chemical applications and one of the few lawn care businesses covered with workman's compensation and liability insurance, according to the company. Additional employees and equipment have been added to accommodate this rapidly growing business.
John Deere Dealership
A decision was made in the fall of 1996 to expand even more by opening a John Deere dealership, known as Throop Lawn and Garden Equipment. A new facility was built early in 1997 at the original Throop Propane location to house all of the businesses. The new dealership includes a large showroom, parts department and offices with a separate building for the service department. More employees were added to handle the needs of the new dealership.
Sykes Enterprises Incorporated is an information technologies company providing outsource support for computer hardware and software clients including Fortune 500 companies
SEi is entering its second year of operations here in Ponca City. In the last two years SEi has grown from an original staff of about 50 employees to 458. "We are continuing to grow," says Customer Support Center Manager Jim Harwick. "Our two largest clients here in Ponca City have chosen SEi as a 'Preferred Vendor' and have excluded others while growing with SEi."
SEi is continuing to develop a relationship with Ponca City and surrounding communities. SEi is currently offering a "Computer Awareness" training class in conjunction with Pioneer Technology Center.
SEi employees are also currently involved in an annual United Way campaign. "Our goal this year is $15,000 for the Ponca City site and in doing so to win the corporate plaque for the most successful fund raising site. We are well on our way toward that goal," says Greg Briggs, campaign manager. SEi also has recently enacted a Community Relations Committee that helps to disburse funds raised by employees to local charities.
SEi's success in Ponca City has been due to the commitment and pro-active nature of our employees, Harwick says.
Commitment to Service
Exceptional service is a way of life at SEi. The dedication to customer serve and the problem resolution underscores a customer-first philosophy.
That's one reason SEi's total quality program includes ISO 9002 certification. This assessment of SEi's quality management system is recognized worldwide as a symbol of assured quality and conformity to comprehensive performance standards. It ensures that SEi's customers receive consistency in service quality and total customer satisfaction.
In 1995, the Software Support Professionals Association (SSPA) awarded SEi its prestigious STAR (Software Technical Assistance Recognition) Award for delivering exceptional software support, still another affirmation of SEi's attention to detail. SEi joined the ranks of recent STAR Award winners, such as IBM and Microsoft.
SEi's technical support specialist are confident and productive when dealing with the challenges involved in solving customer problems. They have software and hardware expertise, along with excellent communications skills. SEi's values reflect a commitment to customer service and the highest level of integrity.
The year for Monumental Enterprises Inc., doing business as The Marland Estate Hotel and Conference Center has been rewarding, yet challenging, according to David Myers, chief executive officer, and Craig Myers, president/general manager, a father-son team.
"Encouragingly, we have seen a steady increase in monthly lodging occupancy over the previous year's results. At customers request, we have doubled the number of non-smoking rooms, king-bed rooms and rooms with two full-size beds," according to the Myers.
Numerous cosmetic renovations have also taken place. These include, new lobby carpet; professional cleaning of all lodging room carpet; painting of lodging room hallways and some conference rooms; established a full continental breakfasts, served daily; established a room with a large refrigerator and microwave for use as a hospitality area.
Also purchased a new data-port telephone system; began replacement of lodging room televisions; installed a new privacy fence around the swimming pool and gained efficiencies in the heating/cooling system .
Also a detailed training manual has been created to enhance the efficiency and knowledge base of the front desk clerks. This should improve response to customer's requests, Craig said.
Listing the primary marketing goal over the next six to eight months, the Myers said is to heavily market the complex on our primary niche of small conferences, focusing especially in the Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Wichita Areas.
Additionally, advertising signs will be strategically placed in and around Ponca City to increase market awareness and improve overnight-weekday stay. Craig said, "We strive to become the preferred choice i n hotels and conferences centers not only in Ponca City but the region."
According to the Myers, "Overall, our goal with this venture was to return to our proud home of Ponca City, create a family operated business and contribute to community activities. Monumental Enterprises has been extremely pleased with the achievement of this goal and its results."
Fifth District Republican Congressman Ernest Istook gave an update in legislation that he has been involved the last session of Congress. Three pieces he has been particularly involved with are Indian bill, Title X amendment and religious freedom amendment.
Indian Bill (HR 1168)
This is a free standing bill sponsored by Reps. Ernest Istook and Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.). The bill requires that before the federal government can transfer land into tribal trust, the tribe must form an agreement with the state on charging retail and excise taxes on non-Indian purchases.
The bill does not affect land already in trust, nor does it violate tribal sovereignty. Rep. Istook is currently generating support for this bipartisan bill while asking for congressional hearings on the issue.
The bill currently has 60 co-sponsors. He is working with states and outside groups to inform public officials, businesses and the general public that states are losing millions every year because they do not have the authority to collect the taxes. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has agreed to hold hearings next spring on Indian tax issues and other matters related to their sovereignty.
Title X Amendment
This amendment was introduced by Reps. Istook and Don Manzullo (R-Ill.) to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education spending bill for 1998.
The measure required federally funded family planning (Title X) clinics to notify parents before they could give contraceptives to minors. In addition, it required that clinics report any evidence of rape, incest, abuse or sexual molestation, according to state laws.
On Sept. 9, the House voted to gut the amendment 220-201, by adopting language already in the bill and which has no legal enforcement mechanism.
Religious Freedom Amendment
This is a constitutional amendment to restore religious liberties, specifically voluntary prayer in public schools. The measure is bipartisan and currently has 140 sponsors.
The Constitution subcommittee on the Judiciary held a hearing on the RFA on July 22 and plans to mark up the amendment on Oct. 23. Once it is approved by the subcommittee, it will be sent to the full Judiciary committee for approval , and then on to the floor for a vote. The House will most likely vote on it in the spring of next year.
Continued changes have highlighted the utility business as well as the natural gas industry throughout 1997. These changes have had a major impact on the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company's Ponca City operation during the past year.
Significant changes actually began for ONG's parent company ONEOK Inc., in December 1996, with an agreement with Western Resources was announced. The agreement consists of a strategic alliance with the Topeka, Kan., energy company under which ONEOK would acquire the gas distribution properties, including service to about 624, 000 customers. The transaction will make ONEOK the eighth largest natural gas distributor in the country with about 1.4 million customers.
Locally, this alliance has had a major impact on the Ponca City office of ONG. Area Manager Phyllis Worley will relocate to Wichita to become director of the Southern Region for ONEOK's Kansas Gas Service. Pending approval by the Kansas Corporation Commission, it is anticipated the alliance will become effective around Nov. 1. As of the date of publication no replacement for Worley's position had been announced.
Unbundling
Another major change rapidly affecting utility customers will e the "unbundling" of traditional utility services. For many ONG customers, the result will be greater choice in natural gas suppliers as well as increased competition in the supply and service areas.
To facilitate the unbundling of services, ONG filed a proposed "Natural Choice" plan with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in March. The plan contained recommended steps toward allowing all ONG customers the opportunity to select the gas supplier of their choice. Originally targeted for Sept. 1, 1997, effective date, ongoing discussion Commission staff continues. Actual implementation of the plan is anticipated sometime in 1998.
Strengthening its commitment to provide safe and reliable service at the lowest possible rates, the Ponca City office made two major changes in 1997 that enhanced the total service delivery package to its customers. The first change involved the addition of one employee in the customer service function. "We have always felt that we deliver excellent customer service in the Ponca City area. The addition of one employee to our service team will allow us to be even more responsive to customer needs," explained Worley.
Saturday Service
In addition to an expanded service team, in February ONG also added Saturday service as an option for their customers. Residential and commercial customers may have gas turned on or off or receive any type of appliance service on Saturday.
"Today's typical family often has difficulty meeting our service technicians only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The addition of Saturday service is an option that better suits the changing lifestyles of our customers. The service has been well received, with several customers expressing their appreciation for the Saturday option," Worley said.
"As traditional utility services are unbundled, we feel that our long history of providing excellent customer service will be the deciding factor for our customers in retaining ONG as their natural gas supplier. Possible lower gas prices will be important to some customers, but we are confident that no potential competition will be able to match our service record," added Worley.
One thing that did not change for ONG in 1997 is its continued commitment to community involvement. This school term marks the fourth year of ONG and Lincoln Elementary's relationship as Partners in Education. ONG employees assist the Lincoln staff by reading to classes, special tutoring and sharing lunch with selected students.
ONG employees not only are involved with many local organizations, but also serve in leadership roles. Among those organizations receiving ONG employee participation are Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, Ponca City Tomorrow, Hospice, Professionals Today, United Way, Salvation Army, New Emergency Resource Agency, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Ponca City Track Club, Domestic Violence, Humane Society and Garfield School's HOSTS program. Numerous other groups throughout the community receive assistance from ONG either through employee involvement or financial assistance.
The total number of customers served from the Ponca City office remained fairly constant in 1997. Including Perry, Newkirk, and surrounding rural areas, the Ponca City Area is responsible for approximately 17,000 customers.
The local ONG office's record for delivering excellent service to its customers is not surprising considering the experience and expertise of the work force in Ponca City. The 33 employees who work out of the Ponca City office have a combined average of just under 21 years experience with ONG,
"We are extremely proud of the abilities of our employees in Ponca City. Our employees are extremely proud to work for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company. With the changes facing our industry, we are very confident that the Ponca City employees of ONG will respond in a manner that ensures our customers will continue to receive the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost," concluded Worley.
By Jim Newport
State Representative
The 1997 legislative session was more successful than in previous years because the Democratic majority realized the necessity of working with Republican members of the House of Representatives. The result was a more conservative legislative agenda that reflects the concerns of Oklahomans.
When I asked the voters of District 37 for the opportunity to serve, several principles guided my candidacy. Those principles were the heart of my campaign platform: Creating jobs and boosting the economy, improving education and supporting teachers, continuing welfare reform and attacking crime were my top priorities. I am very happy to report that the Legislature made significant progress in each of those areas.
Jobs/Economy
An addition to the state's Quality Jobs Program act will give small businesses access to economic incentives that previously were available only to large companies. This effort, which I strongly supported, ensures that small business will continue as the centerpiece of our growing state economy.
I was co-author of another bill that will keep Oklahoma's economy strong. The Workers' Compensation Reform Bill is a lengthy new law that, in short, will keep workers' compensation insurance costs low for employers while ensuring injured employees get the help they need and deserve.
Education/Teachers
One way we can improve our state's schools is by giving our teachers the tools they need to do their job., The Legislature considered a bill this year that reorganized state law on suspended students. I previously filed and worked diligently, to keep a teacher-friendly section in that bill which would require a teacher's approval before allowing a violent student back into his/her classroom.
In addition, I supported the pay raise for our outstanding career teachers who have all but been ignored by the Legislature in year past. Also, I worked and voted to keep Oklahoma's renowned vocational-technical education system among the nation's best.
Welfare Reform
Oklahoma has been leading the way among states trying to reform the welfare system. I supported the new law that will encourage welfare recipients to be self-supporting. Our efforts have provided a model for the rest of the nation as we continue to move people from welfare to productive jobs.
Another way to cut the welfare rolls is to get deadbeat parents to pay their court-ordered child support. Taxpayers spend about $150 million a year in welfare payments to support the children of delinquent parents.
By cracking down on deadbeat parents, we cut the number of people on welfare. The 1997 Legislature passed several bills that will make it tougher for parents to avoid paying court-ordered support to their children.
Crime Prevention
I voted to get rid of the prison "cap" law and early release law that allowed violent criminals to get back to the streets. The new "Truth-in-sentencing" law will require dangerous, violent offenders to spend more time behind bars than at any time in recent history.
I filed a bill (later amended to a Senate Bill) allowing our municipal judges the flexibility of imposing a juvenile sentence of community service and/or a fine. This step is intended to arm the judges better in intervention and deterrence of early juvenile crime. It will not only hold the juveniles responsible, but will encourage parents or guardians to be more responsible as well.
Additionally, I personally saw an amendment through to the governor's signature which will crack down on teenage smoking by raising fines on minors in possession of tobacco products. Our youth need to realize that when they break the law, they must be accountable for their actions.
As I noted before, it has been a good year for the Legislature. Among its outstanding accomplishments, I would mention a few more: The billion-dollar road construction program, which includes funding for improvement to U.S. Highway 177 from Ponca a City south to the Cimarron Turnpike; Utility deregulation and the tremendous opportunities it creates for lower utility rates for Oklahomans; Saving the University Hospitals and Children's Hospital by merging them with a private health care corporation. The result is that one of Oklahoma's finest medical facilities will continue to be there for citizens who need them.
Although we came far this year, many other issues need to be addressed. The people of Oklahoma will determine those issues by writing and visiting with their elected representatives.
As a first-term lawmaker, I know that close contact with the public is essential if I am to do my job well. But beyond the informational value of that contact is the shear pleasure of listing to the concerns of the people I represent. Thanks again for allowing me to serve this community and state in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
If any citizen on House District 37 has any comment, question or concern about state government, I encourage you to contact me. That is what makes government work.
My Capitol address is 2300 North Lincoln Blvd., Room 503, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73105.
the House of Representatives' telephone number is (405) 521-2711 or citizens can call toll free anywhere in Oklahoma at 1-(800) 522-8502.
In Ponca City, my address is 2409 Canterbury, Ponca City, Okla. 74604. My telephone number locally is (405) 765-3939.
Rep. Jim Reese, of Deer Creek, represents Kay, Alfalfa and Grant Counties, serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations and Budget and Education Committees and is vice chairman of the Retirement Laws Committee.
Legislation that Reese has been involved in includes filing a bill that calls for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to fund Internet access and long distance learning for every school district.
Reese's bill called for $1.9 million to be appropriated to the Board of Regents that would be available to fund all 551 districts "subscriptions" to OneNet. OneNet is the state's multi-million-dollar statewide information system. The proposal would provide Internet access to every school district by funding their monthly OneNet fee.
Reese said, "We have a state-of-the-art information network and to bet the best use possible from it, I believe we need to get connected."
A news release dated Sept. 26 tells that Oklahoma couples will have a choice between two marriage options, under a bill being promoted by Rep. Reese. Oklahoma ranks second in the nation in the rate of divorce.
The Deer Creek Republican is writing a bill that will authorize a second, more serious type of marriage - "covenant marriages" in Oklahoma.
Reese said his proposed law would "allow Oklahomans to enter into a new marriage commitment that raises the standard of marriage relationships."
"With the arrival of so-called 'no-fault' divorces, it has become too easy to get out of a marriage," the lawmaker assert. "The choice of a covenant marriage will come at a time when both persons are in love and will commit themselves to a more serious effort to stay together."
Reese says, "The idea of a covenant marriage requires both parties to realize that marriage is a very serious commitment. It should take more than simple, short-term convenience to dissolve a marriage union."
Covenant marriages differ from traditional marriages in a number of ways.
First the couples who wish to enter a covenant marriage would have to undergo required premarital counseling. This counseling, which any clergy or marriage counselor could conduct, would emphasize the seriousness of a covenant marriage, that the union is for life.
In addition, the counseling would make both the man and the woman aware that the covenant marriage includes an obligation to seek counseling in times of marital difficulties.
The second difference between traditional and covenant marriages would be in the vows the couple would take. Under Reese's bill, a couple entering into a covenant marriage would declare that they have "chosen each other carefully, and promise to love, honor and care for one another as husband and wife for the rest of our lives."
A final way in which covenant marriages differ form traditional marriages is the legal termination of that union. Under the covenant marriage, the grounds for divorce would include, adultery, spousal or child abuse, separation for a period of one to two years that hopefully will provide a "cooling off" and reconsideration period.
"We require ore of a 16-year-old seeking a driver's license than we do of a man and woman promising to spend the rest of their lives together," he said.
The result is Oklahoma recording 21,573 divorces each year compared to 28,616 marriages.
xThe Cherokee Strip Credit Union had its beginnings in October 1933, when a small group of Conoco employees organized the Conoco Employees (PC) Credit Union, the second credit union to be established in Oklahoma.
The name change came in 1994, when it became the Cherokee Strip Credit Union. Total assets of the credit union on Aug. 31, 1997, were $66,673,327.
Services include savings and checking accounts, loans on vehicles, computers and furniture, plus first and second mortgage loans, home equity, shared secured and signature loans.
Expands Membership
In late 1995 the credit union's board of directors made the decision to begin expanding the credit union beyond its original common bond, which was established in 1933 for Conoco employees and their family members.
According to the history of the organization, one of the main reasons for this decision was the downsizing of Conoco in Ponca City from about 5,000 employees in the late 1980s to the current 2,000-plus employees.
The board concluded that the addition to the credit union of other employee groups in the Ponca City area would give stability and growth potential.
The idea was that the expansion would benefit current members by providing a broader base for making loans and providing financial services which in turn helps to pay higher dividend rates and provide for better services to members.
In January 1996, the credit union began to add new employee groups, called select employee groups (SEG's), to the field of membership. Mertz Inc. was the first to be added with four others being added in the next few months: Pelton Inc., Smith Tool, Air System Components and Lindsay Manufacturing.
Currently there are approximately 9,500 members served by the credit union.
Owned by Members
The Cherokee Strip Credit Union (CSCU) is a corporation owned by and operated for the mutual benefit of all its members. The members of CSCU, through their savings (share) accounts, provide capital to the credit union. From this capital, loans are made to other members.
Members also share in the income the loans provide. After expenses are paid and legal reserves are set aside, income is returned to members in the form of dividends on their accounts.
The credit union has three branches: the main office in the Continental Building at the Conoco Complex; one on South Avenue across from Conoco, and the newest branch, opening in November 1996, at Hartford and Waverly. Future plans are to have the main office in a permanent building at Hartford and Waverly. The building will face Hartford.
Director of operations, Russell W. Parker, said the credit union is a state chartered financial institution.
Membership is by a $5 fee and this gives the member a vote for board of directors and for any other business of the credit union. Elections are held once a year for board of directors. The directors and committee members are all volunteers.
Current officers and directors are Elmore E. Johnson, chairman; Mike N. Dove, vice chairman; Brad M. Dickey, treasurer; Mickie Poynor, secretary. Directors are Jim Blake, Lyndon D. Boyer, Jim D. Buxton, George Ferguson and Glen L. Mair.
Office staff includes Howard Sissel, president; Russell Parker, director of operations; Chris Burk and Hank McNeese, loan officers; Ron Mersman, systems coordinator; LaRannah Bartlett, administrative assistant, and Terry Teichmer, member service representative.
The cruise business has increased 193 percent through July over last year, according to Fred Balduff, owner of Carlson Wagonlit/Universal Travel Agency. Tour business is up 33 percent and the overall business is up 48 percent, Balduff said.
Universal Travel agency had been in business for about 25 years. Balduff has owned the firm for about eight years. The company was an independent agency until joining the Carlson Wagonlit franchise about five years ago to have more resources and more venues from which to draw. Carlson Wagonlit has 41 offices nationwide.
The firm at 323 East Grand has almost doubled the floor space in recent years. There are six agents in the office and two outside sales representatives.
One of the changes in recent years affecting the travel business is the reduction of commissions paid by the airlines.
Asked why this year was better than last year, Balduff said he felt the unsettled situation at Conoco had been soothed some and people are willing to travel. He said much of the travel is by retirees, but the agency is seeing more and more travel by people in their 40s. He noted that these tours are often shorter because young people can not be gone as long as retirees.
Balduff said the agency plans to do more group tours such as the recent one that went to New York, where the groups saw "Riverdance," dined at Tavern on the Green and saw several plays.
He told about the maiden voyage of the Grand Princess that is slated in June of 1998. The Mediterranean tour will include Istanbul and Barcelona
One of the fastest growing companies in Ponca City is Ratliff Inc. The firm operates a fabrication and construction facility. The new company was formed in 1991 from assets of the previous Boyd Construction Company located on North Waverly.
In 1993, Ratliff moved to the present location at 1004 West Hartford. The firm performs all types of steel fabrication and field support services for refineries and chemical plants in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Expansion Planned
Ratliff Inc. has plans for a possible early 1998 expansion of the existing facilities. This will further increase the firm's capabilities. The company currently is in the process of acquiring a code stamp which is expected to be issued in early 1998.
Payroll for the company will reach $1 million in 1997. Ratliff Inc., currently has 20-plus employees in the shop fabricating parts to be field installed and in 1997 had construction crews made up of Ponca City employees assigned throughout the three-state area. The majority of customers were outside the Ponca City trade area.
Additional Emphasis on Duct Work
While in the past, the shop was used primarily for fabrication to support the company's field services, additional emphasis has been placed to further enable the company to enter a highly competitive market for the fabrication and installation of large duct work.
The company has the capability of handling all sizes of steel fabrication from flat plate to the finished product.
More opportunities have been added with the increased ability to handle large stainless steel fabrication. Ratliff had added breaking capability up to five-eighths inch and 12 feet and are currently in the process of installing shearing capability from one inch to 10 feet.
WBBZ Radio, owned and operated by The Ponca City Publishing Company, began its 70th year of broadcasting this year. WBBZ first went on the air in 1927 and was one of the first radio station established west of the Mississippi.
Over the years, WBBZ has established itself as a community leader with local news, weather and sports coverage. From sign-on at 5 a.m., Monday through Saturday, WBBZ broadcasts local news, weather and sports hourly through the morning and at noon and 5 p.m.
The station also provides national headline news from the Associated Press throughout the day. Sign-off is at midnight. Church programming begins at 7 a.m. on Sunday.
In 1997, WBBZ also celebrated 50 years of broadcasting Ponca City Wildcat football. Specialized programming during each broadcast day includes satellite shows such as "Health and Medicine," "Chip Talk" and a series of shows featuring '60s and '70s music entitled "New Gold on C.D."
Daily features include North Central Oklahoma's most popular call in program "Party Line," weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m. WBBZ's '60s and '70s show hosted by David Jefferis is called "American Pie."
In the evenings, listeners can enjoy "Music in the Night" and "When Radio Was."
WBBZ's sports history continues with not only local sports coverage of Ponca City Wildcat football, basketball and wrestling, but with St. Louis Cardinal baseball, Oklahoma State football, basketball and baseball and a number of coaches shows during the year.
General manager is Tom Muchmore. Station manager, news and sports is Phil Turney. Sales representatives are Nala Watkins, Ron Jolley and Dave May. Randy Bishop and Craig Vannest cover sports and traffic director is Toni Skalenda.
Dave May is on the air from 5 to 8 a.m.; Randy Bishop, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; David Jefferis, 1-5 p.m., Joe Howard, 5-8 p.m., and Corey Burkett, 8 p.m.-midnight.
April 1, 1997, marked the 30th anniversary of Ponca Glass, owned by Jerry and Billye Stein. The doors opened for business April 1, 1967, as Ponca Auto Glass, at 315 West Highland after the Steins moved here from Oklahoma City.
They said, "In our first week of business, we were approached by four prominent businessmen of Ponca City at that time. They told us we were not welcome and that Ponca City did not need another glass shop. After the initial shock, we replied that we had just moved here with our children and intended to stay in business. We are more determined than ever 'to make it' in business. It seems we have survived, but not one of those four businessmen were in Ponca City for very long."
Shortly after Ponca Glass opened, they began installing auto, commercial and residential glass. The business began in a 1,500-square-foot building and kept expanding until filling four buildings in that block. In 1972 Ponca Glass incorporated and change the name was changed to Ponca Glass Inc.
In 1980, they moved into the current location at 300 West Highland on the corner of Highland and Pine and have 5,000 square feet. This is across the street from the former location. They purchased the land, and had the concrete, steel structure, plumbing and electrical wiring done. The rest of the work was completed by Jerry, Billye, Tim Stein and some of their employees.
Today, Ponca Glass has numerous products and services, including replacement of auto glass, and repair of windshield chips. They specialize in classic and antique vehicle glass. In addition they design, sell and install fabric and aluminum awnings, sell, repair and install patio and terrace doors, storm doors and windows, mirrors, furniture top glass, residential and commercial store fronts, tub and shower doors, fireplace glass doors and gas logs, plexiglass, window and door screens and replacement windows.
Safety Regulations
The Steins have seen many changes in the industry in the last 30 years. Federal and safety regulations affect a great deal of the business. The Steins say that they keep current on new laws that govern their type of business and also keep informed on the new methods and products to make the customers and employees safer.
One of the areas is auto glass. For instance, in recent years windshields are incorporated as part of the structure of a vehicle, therefore they must not only be installed properly, but with the correct products to insure the vehicle will be structurally strong.
The Steins say, "While some glass companies are not using the approved methods of installing glass, we at Ponca Glass choose to conduct our business in a moral, safe and legal way.
"Glass which is in and beside a door is another facet that is required to have safety material and we comply with the law, but more importantly we are concerned for the safety aspect.
"In choosing the products and services we offer to our customers, Ponca Glass has a down-to-earth philosophy. If we would not want the product or service in our own home or business, we will not offer it to our customers. That has proven to be the best way to do business and we don't have to apologize."
Jerry Stein has been in the glass business for more than 35 years and Billye Stein learned the glass trade at an early age, working with her father, who was in the glass business for more than 40 years.
Their two grown children mark the third generation in the industry with their son, Tim, serving as shop manager, and daughter, Tammye, office assistant. Tim and Tammye have both worked at Ponca Glass for several years, and are also officers of the corporation. Ponca Glass currently has four full- time employees and two part-time employees.
The Steins say, "Ponca City has been a great place to be in business and to raise our family. Now our grandchildren are being raised in this community that has many good opportunities. Ponca Glass is the oldest and largest 'full service' glass company in north central Oklahoma. We look forward to many more years in business in Ponca City. And 'they' said 'We would never last!'"
Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 1901 East Hubbard Road, began as the Lucas Cemetery and was established in 1930. In 1953, owners Glen Cook and Glen Hurley reorganized it into a garden-type cemetery.
They also owned Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery located east of Ponca City on U.S. 60. Both cemeteries were purchased in 1957 by John C. Howe and in 1964 purchased by Jack and Jane Huston.
In January 1995, Steve and Terry Huston, owners of Trout Funeral Home, purchased both Resthaven Memorial Park and Sunset Memorial Park Cemeteries. Cemetery personnel include Susan Skinner Ladner, manager; Melody Davis, secretary; Richard Davis, grounds maintenance Supervisor, and Mark Brummett, grounds maintenance. Pre-need sales personnel include Bill Edwards, Eric Hardin and Trish Lawler.
The cemetery is open and may be visited every day of the year. To date there are approximately 3,225 burials at Resthaven.
Resthaven offers five choices of burials: traditional ground burial, traditional side-by-side lawn crypts, Westminster lawn crypts (double depth), mausoleum entombment and niches for cremains.
Resthaven Memorial Park has all ground-level, permanent cast bronze memorials. Roadways wind through the cemetery, providing access to each garden. Most of the gardens have sidewalks and at night each garden memorial is lighted.
At the present time, eight gardens are fully developed in the 40-acre cemetery. These include Babyland, Jewish Garden, Garden of the Cross, Garden of the Lord's Supper, Garden of Devotion, Garden of Meditation, Masonic Garden and Garden of the Good Shepherd. Each of these beautifully landscaped areas is marked with a large religious memorial. Resthaven also has a Veteran's Court of Honor where approximately 315 flags proudly wave on Memorial Day. Also available is Pet Haven, a pet cemetery on undedicated cemetery property.
In late October of this year, construction is scheduled to begin on a new garden. This garden will feature Westminster Lawn Crypts, Traditional Side-by-Side Lawn Crypts and traditional ground burials. Within this garden will be a section for veterans and their families.
Plans are also under way to construct a "Scattering Garden" for cremation remains. Plans include a feature for the center of the garden as well as bronze plaques which would include name and date scrolls of persons whose cremains are scattered there.
Improvements have been made this past year in several gardens. Old worn-out shrubbery was replaced in the Masonic Garden and we are in the process of placing beautiful granite memorial benches to complete the Masonic "square."
The cemetery maintenance personnel have also worked hard to improve the looks of Pet Haven by straightening markers, raising them or lowering them for a more uniformed look.
Twenty-five new trees were planted this spring within the cemetery proper. These trees include varieties such as Silver Maple, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Oak, Pistachio, Sweet Gum, Weeping Willow.
Curves for Women opened April 1, 1996, at 914 East Highland. The fitness business is owned by Dick and Wanda Morgan.
A unique concept in the exercise industry, Curves provides an exercise facility and weight loss counseling in the same place. The facility is built around a breakthrough in exercise: a truly complete workout in just over half-an-hour. The Quickfit circuit is a system of exercise that alternates hydraulic resistance machines with aerobic recovery stations.
As the client moves around the circuit, listening to the music and being motivated by an instructor, they perform both a cardio and strength workout at the same time. This ends with a stretching routine. The 40-minute total workout burns as much as 500 calories. Because the client is moving fluid rather than weights, it's safe for any age or physical condition.
Wanda Morgan says, "When you diet alone, 40 percent of the weight you lose is muscle. Muscles are the engines of our bodies that require fuel. If you drastically lower your body's energy needs each time you diet, you will always gain your weight back. The key to permanent results is lean muscle. When a woman loses 20 pounds with us, it is entirely body fat. Strength training protects and increases lean tissue, and raises metabolism. Quickfit is strength training women will do."
Curves on-site weight loss guidance program, Fit & Slender, is the first to blend exercise and diet. The age of just dieting to lose weight is over. People know they must also exercise for lasting results. Curves for Women is the first program to meet both these needs in the same place for the same prices.
Morgan says, "We're winning the weight loss war. A 30-minute total workout in a women's-only environment, complete with weight loss guidance, makes health and fitness an achievable goal. Our $29 monthly fee also makes it a great value, Morgan said.
Ponca City's churches are on the move, improving physical plants, building new buildings, upgrading teaching facilities and showing a spirit of evangelism in all their various programs and activities.
Programs designed especially for young people are growing in most of the Ponca City churches - all denominations.
Community Christian Church, located on the west side of Ponca City at 2109 West Grand, has completed organizing leadership for 1998, electing new elders and deacons, naming Zoe Burge and Bob Hart to lead the deacons. Gib Mackey will lead the elders and Brian Hermanson will chair the new board.
The Peckham Christian Church marked its 100th anniversary on Oct. 12 with a special service and dinner on the ground. Pastor Curtis Mason led the gathering in reminiscing events of the past 100 years.
The First Presbyterian Church is introducing The Academy of Personal Ministry this season. Purpose of this project is to provide folks there with the proper biblical and theological training to engage in ministry envisioned in the Vision 2000 statement, Dr. Monty Fey pointed out.
Grace Episcopal Church has completed its Education facility on the corner of Fourteenth and Grand, connecting with their sanctuary, and is busy with the lawn and foliage to complete a beautiful setting for their church school activities. The building was officially dedicated in April by Bishop Robert Moody.
First Baptist has just called a new Minister of Students, formerly of Weatherford, on Oct. 15, and also approved an increased budget for 1998 incorporating the Teen Mom program. This is a self-supporting program sponsored jointly by the Ponca City School System, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and the Department of Human Services, with First Baptist providing the meeting space.
Central Baptist, pastored by the Rev. John Waterloo, is in the process of completing its new sanctuary. They will soon be meeting in the building which is being bricked to match their existing facility.
First Christian called a new pastor this year - the Rev. Kent Dorsey. Also Don Huddleston is the new leader at Hartford Avenue Church of Christ.
Northeast Baptist started 1997 with a new sanctuary, complete with steeple, and is using their old building for Sunday school and other educational activities.
Pioneer Bible Church is buying property in the vicinity of their present church building at Third and Chestnut for future use.
Vacation Bible Schools have been held in most churches during the summer months, providing special learning and fun opportunities for school age boys and girls during the summer months.
Free Will Baptist Church celebrated its 21st anniversary on July 13. David Bigger is pastor.
The Mission on East South Avenue launched a 10-week teaching course on the New and Old Testaments. They held their meetings in the new annex at 819 South Ninth, and also held a class for learning English.
Woodlands Christian launched a program for youth singers - The Dayspring Singers. They plan to share in the morning worship and then sing "where God leads." They are directed by Marilyn Merle and Nancy Kruckeberg.
First Christian Church dedicated its new fifth octave of handbells, purchased through memorial funds for Walt Condit and other individual gifts.
Longwood Baptists completed a new addition to their church facility, adding five new classrooms, two new bathrooms and 600 extra square feet to their fellowship hall. The Rev. Larry Stevenson, pastor, said, "Believing that it is God's will to step out on faith and build, the church started the project."
First United Methodist did their annual Meet the Composer Series and First Baptist held their annual Easter Pageant at Hutchins Memorial for the entire community.
Hap and Jan Prough observed their 30th anniversary with Eastern Heights Christian Church this month, and were honored by the church at a luncheon following the worship service on Oct. 28.
All in all, Ponca City's churches have been busy and productive during 1997, and are making plans to continue growing and serving the Lord in the Ponca City community during the coming year.
Westminster Village, 1601 Academy Road, is designed to enable older adults to live independent, active lives within a community setting. The retirement center includes a three-story retirement village, a residential care wing and a nursing facility.
The common living area includes chapel, library, parlor, recreation and dining room facilities. The most recent addition to the facility was constructed in 1994-95. This added 29 one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Prior to that, 50 units had been built since the facility opened in 1985.
Life Style Program
The Life Style program at Westminster is a plan for living that grows and changes with senior residents as their life and heath circumstances demand different levels of care. The program supports senior residents by adding or subtracting services only as they are need.
Westminster Village is a member of Via Christi Health System, headquartered in Wichita. As a Catholic, not-for-proft, health system it manages and owns hospitals, senior care facilities, home health services and physician practices in three states.
The Via Christi sponsorship affords Westminster Village the expertise and financial backing of a large organization, yet Westminster maintains the governance of a local board of trustees.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City is also a member of Via Christi Health System, and the ties forged through that relationship bring the expertise of hospital health care within the doors of Westminster on a regular basis.
Independent Living Apartments
Spacious, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments or villas offer the independence of a private home while presenting the option of services that allow seniors to live in a place of comfort and security - their own home.
Floor plans range in size from 650 to 1,080 square feet and can be furnished and decorated by the resident.
Maintenance, housekeeping, transportation, at least one daily meal, and many opportunities for social interaction are provided in the basic lease. Additional meals and maintenance services are available when and if needed.
Life Style Support
Westminster Villagers living in the apartments may require occasional, intermittent or scheduled support from nursing staff to main an otherwise independent lifestyle. Maintenance, housekeeping, transportation and meal service are available; as well as medication monitoring, scheduled assistance with bathing, scheduled treatments, dressing changes and other services unique to the individual.
Other Services
Westminster offers health care and support in a living environment that incorporates shelter with medical, nursing, restorative rehab, spiritual and psycho-social services for individuals who require 24-hour licensed nursing supervision to meet their needs.
Westminster's long-term nursing facility continues to value the independent spirit of each resident, encouraging active participation in all programing according to ability.
The Gatehouse, located at 747 North Fourteenth Street, was once the center of E.W. Marland's financial operations. The historic office building, built about the same time the Marland Mansion was constructed in 1927, is once again part of the Ponca City financial community.
Lana Van Cleave, Chuck Van Cleave and Brian Harpster, through Gatehouse Partners, L.L.C., recently acquired E.W. Marland's office building.
A personal residence for many years, The Gatehouse has been converted back to professional offices with much of the integrity of Marland's era still a part of the building.
The owners operate their financial businesses from the Gatehouse.
Lana Van Cleave, CPA, CFP, operates her practice from the Gatehouse. Lana, a fourth generation Ponca Citian, provides professional services as a Certified Public Accountant, and as a Certified Financial Planner, specializing in tax consulting, estate and financial planning and monthly write-up services.
Chuck Van Cleave, CPA, operates The Gatehouse Group, L.L.C., providing controllership services, expense management and business valuation services for small to medium sized business. In addition, The Gatehouse Group provides computer consulting services, including assistance with selecting and set-up of accounting software.
Brian Harpster operates Offshore Consulting Service Inc., providing consulting services for acquisitions and investment management.
The owner/occupants are excited to occupy this magnificent piece of Ponca City history.
"I am thrilled to be able to operate my practice from this historic landmark," says Lana Van Cleave. "I have always felt that the people of Ponca City are indeed fortunate to have such a rich heritage in its historic buildings. I consider it a privilege to be an integral part of maintaining the integrity of one of these great buildings.
Historic Significance
The historic building was built about the same time the Marland Mansion was constructed in 1927, according to the Roman numerals carved in wood above the entrance to the native-stone building.
Also depicted in the carving is a shield, showing an artist's palette, carpenter's hammer and saw and a drawing compass. This was due to John Duncan Forsyth, master architect of the Marland Mansion. It is believed that Forsyth also used the building as offices.
The offices were converted to a unique and interesting two-bedroom residence by Grover and Ruth Blackard, when they acquired the property after Marland lost his oil fortune.
The Blackards had purchased the property from another Ponca City benefactor, W.H. McFadden.
For many years Blackard was the oilman's business manager and was named as administrator of the Marland Estate following the oil baron's death in 1941.
Blackard would later be employed by McFadden. Blackard died in 1962 and his widow continued to live there in the native-stone dwelling. The property the building occupies was once a part of the original Marland Estate and was known for the beautiful landscaping, bordered with a chain-link fence and climbing red roses.
When Mrs. Blackard died in 1972, the house and the remaining 2.2 acres of land were left to her nephew, Ralph Sanders, a former Ponca Citian then living in California. Sanders and his wife, Lucille, returned to Ponca City, where he had worked for Blackard at the Marland Mansion from 1936 to 1941.
After Ralph's death, Mrs. Sanders continued to live in the home. Later the property would be sold to John and Laura Streich
Mrs. Streich was a history buff employed at Pioneer Woman Museum, and enjoyed living in the property that had once been owned by Marland. She died of cancer in 1995. The property recently sold to the Gatehouse Group.
The interior of the house reflects many of the same qualities as the Marland Mansion: decorative iron gates, wrought-iron chandeliers, octagon tile and built-in filing areas and book shelves. The ironwork is believed to be that of Samuel Yellin, which was also used in the Marland Mansion. Art work of Italian artist Vincent Margliotti, who also did some of the ceilings in the Marland Mansion, decorate the ceilings.
Now the building has come the full circle and returned to its original purpose financial and planning offices.
Open now for almost three years, the Crown and Rose English Pub is a locally owned and operated, full service dining establishment.
A Ponca City destination, the Crown and Rose English Pub, with an authentic English Pub menu and atmosphere, draws visitors locally, statewide and internationally. Diners enjoy traditional English fare deliciously mingled with great steaks, prime rib and a vast selection of seafood.
The Crown and Rose English Pub, owned by Holly and Brian Harpster and Tommy Sanford continues to offer a casually, exciting atmosphere, featuring a new and interesting menu.
The Harpsters ' and Sanford's travels throughout the English countryside discovering new menu items allows the Crown and Rose English Pub to offer unique and tasty menu choices. A new and expanded menu will be in the offering soon and patrons will have the opportunity to try new and tasty items from the international grill.
The Crown and Rose English Pub features Northern Oklahoma's largest selection of imported beverages with an exciting mix of tap beers. The Pub features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and the Crown and Rose English Pub is open for dining until 11:30 p.m. every evening except Sunday.
A function and banquet room is another feature of the Crown and Rose English Pub, now offering an extended menu and a special price for all civic and fraternal organizations.
Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the outside patio and the tasty menu and beverages, all served until 11:30 p.m. each day.
A second Crown and Rose English Pub is being planned in the Oklahoma City area.
In a recent National Cable Television Association survey of cable television customers around the country, Cable One was rated one of the best in customer service among participating cable companies.
"We couldn't be happier about these results," said Cable One president Tom Might. "It's clear our customers recognize and appreciate our efforts to be No. 1 in technical excellence and service. The renewed emphasis we've put on these system priorities is working."
Cable One is in the midst of a $20-million renovation to improve its technical infrastructure. More than $1 million is being directed toward training customer service representatives and technicians.
The centerpiece of the company's customer service commitment is its new same-day repair service guarantee. If a customer reports a service problem by 3 p.m., Cable One will fix it the same day or credit the customer's account for $20.
"We're the only company among the top 20 cable systems in the country that guarantees same day repair service across all our systems," Might said. "Our customers told us reliability and quick response to service problems are critical and our preliminary research is showing us that we've been successful in delivering same-day repair service to our customers 99.9 percent of the time."
The system-wide improvements mean better quality pictures and increased reliability for local cable customers. "We're serious about doing everything we can to ensure the availability of quality cable programing to our customers," said Jerald Stone. "I can't think of any other national utility that backs up a same-day repair service guarantee with a $20 credit."
Cable One Inc., the cable division of the Washington Post Company, operates 61 cable systems serving 635,000 subscribers in 17 states.
NEWKIRK - One of the oldest financial institutions in the area is Albrights, which first opened in Newkirk in 1899 by C.A. Johnson.
An associate of P.H. Farm Loan Company of Winfield, Kan., Johnson opened the Newkirk office offering north central Oklahoma farm loans.
The business was incorporated in 1916, and the name was changed to Albright Title and Trust Company. The Oklahoma interest was purchased by the Johnson family. That connection continues today with Edward T. Johnson, great-grandson of C.A. Johnson, who is the company president and chief executive officer. Edward and his wife maintain a residence in Ponca City.
Originally opened as a farm loan office, Albrights expanded the services offered to include a wide range of financial services, including investments, checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and a wide range of trust services. These services are available through all office locations including 100 North Main Newkirk, 3124 North Fifth in Ponca City and 602 Cedar in Perry.
The Ponca City location is managed by Amy Kirby, assistant vice president, who has been with Albrights for 16 years. Other Ponca City employees include Cathy Coffman, with 14 years of service; Aimee Snyder , head teller and in charge of new accounts, and Amber Floyd, teller and in charge of communications.
In addition to financial services, Albrights also offers consumer loans, commercial insurance, personal insurance, title insurance, acting as surety for bonds, and other general insurance matters. Albrights and its affiliates currently employ over 40.
The Ponca City J.C. Penney store is completing another good year of sales and profits, thanks to custom er loyalty and dedicated store associates, according to Ed Trice, store manager.
Sales continue to place the Ponca City store among the top profit producing store in a four-state area. Customers have a pleasant shopping experience when they visit the store due to a continuous effort to update and improve both the merchandise and the facilities, Trice said.
Mini-remodeling
A recent mini-remodeling took place when the north entrance was enclosed, providing more space for display of merchandise. Some of the newly expanded areas include luggage, men's dress apparel, handbags and fashion options in the junior, misses, petite and women's lines.
Upcoming expanded home selections, including table coverings, will add to holiday shopping choices. In addition, the jewelry department has recently remodeled and has added to the section of silver, gold and better watches.
Electronic Registry
This year the store added a bridal and baby registry, an electronic kiosk located in the home department that connects the Ponca City store with over 1,000 other Penney stores nationwide. Brides and mothers can register their preferences with ease, then friends and family are able to send a gift that they know will be appreciated. All theses changes have been made with the customer in mind, according to Trice.
The staff recently proved its dedication to providing the best by winning the company's district-wide "Get Set" contest, which focused on overall appearance and selection of merchandise.
Partnering With Community
J.C. Penney has continued this year with its desire to be a partner with the community. During June, 30 area teachers were provided with a tour of the store and up-close-and-personal look at retailing so that the educators can better understand the preparation needed for today's students.
The store has held various fund-raising shopping events benefiting local charities and school organizations and has sponsored, in association with Express Personnel, a visit to the store by the former Miss America, Shawntel Smith. Her visit involved judging a contest for elementary students entitled "The Career I Dream Of."
Trice says the changes that have been made - along with the enthusiasm and dedication of the store staff - should not only continue the upward direction the store is taking but also enhance the shopping pleasure of the community.
The past three years has seen the dream become the reality. The Renaissance, an independent and assisted living facility at 2616 Turner, has met the need for those who are desiring to live independently or who need some assistance with activities of daily living.
The creator of the idea for the project and the builder was George Rahme, a resident of Ponca City for 25 years. He wanted to build a facility - a "home" - that would reflect the look and atmosphere of the homes from which the residents came.
The moment one enters The Renaissance they will be aware of the quality workmanship and lovely interiors. The spacious private apartments with kitchenettes, refrigerators, microwaves, walk-in closets and tiled bathrooms as well as the cozy common spaces encourage new friendship plus provide private areas for residents, family and friends. The campus, complete with a deck overlooking a lovely natural pond, is a great place for families to visit and build memories.
The comfortable retirement lifestyle of The Renaissance is designed to relieve stress. The 24-hour staff works together to provide the support and encouragement needed for residents to remain as independent as possible.
The Renaissance is a family-run, Oklahoma company committed to providing retirement housing where residents can lead productive and enriched lives, giving the residents the kind of loving attention they would give their own family members.
A family business that has been in operation since 1971, Health World is located at 320 East Central. In addition to the Ponca City store, Health World has stores in Stillwater and Winfield.
The business is owned by Earl and Karen Breedlove. In the early years of the operation, Karen's parents - Jesse and Laura Teichmer - were involved. Currently the Breedlove's daughter, Cheryl Marlar, is working in the business.
The size of the store on East Central has doubled since the Breedloves have been in the health business.
Products includes four full lines of vitamins and numerous herbs, as well as many health books. The grocery lines are extensive and include many products for those who have allergies to wheat or dairy products. An extensive line of herbal teas is stocked.
Another area is aroma therapy, and the store has carried oils and candles for this therapy for a long time. The store also carries many diet and energy products.
The Breedloves are members of the National Nutrition Association and attend several national trade shows and training sessions annually. Mrs. Breedlove says the industry is a "well disciplined" one.
For the past 25 years Pioneer Technology Center has been serving Kay County by providing education, training and services to help enhance lives and promote economic growth. Through the new programs and services being offered, PTC has grown to serve even more of Kay County since the 1996-97 school year.
The 15 daytime programs offer training in business technology, health science technology, practical nursing, construction trades, welding, horticulture, machine tool, computerized numerical control, food services, child care, medical assisting, electronics, cosmetology, marketing and transportation technology.
Some classes like construction trades have doubled in size and the marketing program and the student-managed restaurant, Personalities, continues to be successful in beginning their second year. The daytime programs serve high school juniors and seniors as well as adult students and program completion ranges between one and two years.
In addition to the 15 programs, PTC plans to add two more program offerings. Pioneer Tech is looking to add a physical therapy assistant program and an occupational therapy assistant program with both programs being designed as a one plus one, meaning one year of college and one year of vocational education with the outcome of optional national licensure upon completion.
According to Dr. Sally Downey, PTC superintendent, "Both programs require very rigorous standards and the accreditation of both programs is very challenging and expensive undertaking.
"If PTC is successful in bringing these programs on board, both the students and the Kay county area would benefit tremendously."
Downey also added that PTC is looking at space that would house these programs as well as curriculum issues, clinicals and staffing.
PTC's current enrollment stands at 556 daytime students with this figure changing weekly due to the flexible open entry/open exit system where a student can start anytime and finish any time after completing all course requirements. All daytime courses are open entry/open exit with the exception of the practical nursing program.
Currently, PTC has several articulation agreements with area colleges where students can receive college credit for specific courses taken at PTC. The articulation agreements were added to benefit the students by helping them make a smooth transition from one level to another without experiencing delays, duplication of courses or loss of credit.
Last year, 1,755 adult students were trained in the adult training and development department short-term courses. This is an increase of 12.5 percent over the 1995 figures of 1,559 adult students and a 20.3 percent increase over the 1994 figures of 1,458 adult students.
"By offering additional computer courses, such as advanced levels of different software applications, INTERNET Training and the A+ Certification CRT Examination, enrollment continues to escalate for 1997," said Frank Vascellaro, adult training and development coordinator.
The AT&D area looks to expand its course offerings to EMT intermediate and paramedic training, accounting, general and advanced math classes and a controversial Spanish class for the 1998 spring semester.
Business and Industry Services
PTC's business and industry services department continues to provide programs like self-employment training, small business management, farm business management, bid assistance and customized industry training to help meet the needs of Kay County's business and industry.
Since 1996, Larry Atteberrry, incubator manager and his staff, began a series of monthly seminars for small businesses. The Mind Your BISness series continues in its second year to offer these monthly seminars. Since 1996, PTC's business incubator tenants, Centerline and Abercrombie Window Works, graduated and have their own businesses right in Kay County.
PTC's business incubator was also recognized as the "Incubator of the Year" in all of Oklahoma. The incubator was also the first in the state to qualify for a two-year Oklahoma income tax exemption for incubator tenants. Since 1996, this tax exemption has been increased to five years for the tenants.
In keeping up with technology, PTC's state-of-the art telecommunications center now provides communication capabilities with video teleconferencing. This technology allows individuals to conference in other cities, states and even across the country.
In June 1997, a Welfare to Work program, New Beginnings, was added to help train area welfare recipients. New Beginnings resulted from a partnership with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and is designed to assess, counsel and train Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-formerly AFDC recipients.
In July 1997, another program came on board at PTC. The Supported Employment Services program began to take job placement, training assistance and on going support services for adults with severe disabilities in mainstream and competitive employment.
Pioneer Tech's future plans involve a re-entry grant to help dropouts, the implementation of a school wide technology plan and being recognized as a Gold Star school for the fourth consecutive year.
Every three seconds, someone needs blood. For 20 years, the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) has been responding to this need with help from volunteer blood donors across the state.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute, a regional, not-for-profit, blood collection center, currently services more than 65 Oklahoma hospitals through its donor centers in Ponca City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ada, Ardmore, Lawton and Enid.
Since beginning operations in 1977, OBI has continued its mission of providing the safest highest quality blood, services and health programs to the patients and communities it serves.
Realizing the need for Ponca City residents to help patients at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, the Oklahoma Blood Institute opened a donor center in Ponca City in March 1996. The center allows member of the Ponca City community and residents of Kay County to donate blood products to help maintain an adequate blood supply for their community hospital.
Since 1989, Oklahoma Blood Institute has been providing apheresis blood products (plasma and platelets) to St. Joseph patients. In April 1996, OBI became the primary provider of their red cells as well. Earlier this year, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center President and CEO Garry England signed an exclusive contract, making OBI the sole provider of blood products and related services to patients at the Medical Center and at St. Joseph Cancer Center of Northern Oklahoma.
The Outpatient Surgery Center has also recently signed a contract with OBI to provide blood products to them. With the addition of this medical center, the Oklahoma Blood Institute n now provides all blood products to every medical facility in Ponca City.
These medical facilities in Ponca City have selected OBI as the sole blood provider based on its national and international reputation as a world class blood center. Under the leadership of Ronald O. Gilcher, M.D., FACP, OBI is committed to providing the safest and h highest quality blood to patients in communities served.
In 1991, OBI was the first blood center in the nation to utilize HIVAntigen testing on all donated blood to screen for the AIDS virus. The Blood Institute began using this test five years before any other blood center nationwide.
Safety and availability of blood products set the Oklahoma Blood Institute apart from other blood centers in the country. OBI is the only blood center in the nation that is totally self-sufficient in apheresis blood products. In addition to donating whole blood, Ponca City donors can help patients with various needs by making apheresis donations of plasma, platelets and now, red cells.
Red cell apheresis technology enables OBI donors to make the most of their donation by giving full transfusable amounts of red cells to help patients. Since red cells are used more of then than any other blood component to h help trauma patients, those undergoing surgery or patients with chronic blood disorders, red cells are always in demand. Thanks to this new technology only available at OBI, Ponca City residents can help St. Joseph patient with specific needs.
Ponca City patients can also benefit from Inter-Opertive Autologous transfusions, in which red blood cells lost during surgery are filtered, washed and returned to the patient during surgery instead of being discarded. This type of transfusion eliminates or decreases the need for volunteer donor blood during surgery, thereby reducing the risk of patient reaction or rejection of donor blood. OBI Ponca City Center currently assists several local surgeons with this type of transfusion, which can be used in elective or emergency surgical procedures.
Even with this new technology volunteer blood donors are needed daily to help patients in need. As a service to volunteer donors, OBI offers a variety of unique donor benefits. OBI is the first blood center in the nation to offer cholesterol testing for donors in 1986, and continues to offer this test with every donation. OBI also is the first blood center in the nation to offer prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for male donors at a nominal fee to screen for prostate cancer.
Additionally, OBI provides Anti-HBs, or Hepatitis B Surface Antibody testing free of charge to all police officers, fire fighter and health car workers that have received the series of Hepatitis B vaccinations Offered as a service to the community, the test determines whether an additional vaccination is necessary to provide adequate protection to an individual. These benefits are part of the Blood Institute's commitment to helping both the patients and donors stay healthy.
Many Ponca City area businesses, organizations and churches have already begun taking advantage of these benefits by hosting blood drives with OBI. Some of these include, Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Fire Fighters, Pioneer Bank, Wal-Mart, Buy for Less, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, the Outpatient Surgical Center, Smith Tool, Hardee's Hobby Lobby, Thorn Apple Valley, National Guard, St. Paul's United Methodist, First Christian, St. Mary's, Woodlands Christian, Shidler High School and Sertoma.
OBI also looks forward to working with Ponca City High School, Pioneer Technology Center, Northern Oklahoma College, Sykes, Lowe's and First United Methodist in the next few months.
"We are grateful to all our community, businesses, church and school donor groups for their outpouring of support," said OBI Ponca City Center Manager Pixie Rowland. "It shows that they are excited that OBI has become the blood provider for all medical facilities in Ponca City, and that they are willing to support our efforts to help patients throughout Kay County."
In appreciation of this community support, OBI has provided special programs for children's groups such at the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts and Explorer Post. In addition to in-center tours and programs, the Blood Institute also can provide speakers for any business, school, civic organization or church meeting.
To find out how you can become a blood donor, or for more information on OBI's many health services contact the Oklahoma Blood Institute Ponca City Center.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Northern Oklahoma Inc. offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services to meet the community's healthcare needs. It is a full service, acute care medical center serving the resident of Ponca City, North Central Oklahoma, and Southern Kansas.
Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), SJRMC provides a quality, technologically advanced "continuum of care" in a Catholic health care environment to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient. It is a member of the Via Christi Health System.
"Dedicated to caring, committed to excellence" is the credo of SJRMC's 530 full time and part time employees. These highly trained professionals provide patients with a "continuum of care." From birth to home health, SJRMC continues to strive to meet the needs of the patient as well as keep up with current health care trends.
Over the past several years, SJRMC has marked a course of steady progress while responding to the changing health care environment. Progress has come in many areas - improvement to physical facilities, acquisition of new technology, installation of improved data and communications systems, initiation of new services, recruitment of new physicians, and reorganization to contain costs.
While constantly implementing change and improvement, SJRMC remains focused on its primary goal: Providing a quality "continuum of care" to the patients of its large service area.
SJRMC is constantly expanding its services to meet the healthcare needs of the communities it serves. Most recently, the new St. Joseph Cancer Center was opened with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The free-standing cancer center, located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Fourteenth Street and Hartford Avenue in Ponca City, houses the most up-to-date treatment programs with state-of-the-art equipment.
Other facility updates include the renovation of the Pharmacy Dept., and the relocation of the Cardiopulmonary Dept., both housed within the SJRMC building.
SJRMC strives to acquire the latest medical equipment to continue improvement of medical care in several areas. The technology and equipment being implemented significantly reduces hospitalization time and improves recovery time for patients. SJRMC's technologies also provide patients with a wide array of the latest surgical advancements.
A very important element in the "continuum of care" is the improved Data and Communication Systems at SJRMC. The computerized Order Entry system has now been in place for over three years.
This computerization links Medical Center nursing units and ancillary services (lab, radiology, physical therapy) to electronically communicate physician orders for each patient. The system has significantly reduced paperwork and enables patients to receive tests and treatments more quickly. Order Entry provides updated, comprehensive patient records at each service location, assuring that all caregivers - physicians, nurses and therapists - have needed detailed patient information.
Services Available
SJRMC continues to meet the needs of its patients through a wide variety of services.
St. Joseph Medical Equipment continues to provide quality medical equipment and supplies for long-term home care, post-hospital recovery, and personal wellness and fitness. Located a short distance from the Medical Center at 425 Fairview, this SJRMC affiliate sells, services and rents a full range of home health equipment, from hospital beds to oxygen/respiratory systems, from orthopedic and ambulatory aids to mastectomy products.
SJRMC's Home Health Care Department offers skilled care and support services for patients returning home to complete their recoveries. Specially trained staff members work closely with the patient, family and physician to establish a treatment plan. Staff members also place an emphasis on education and support services that increase the patient's level of activity and independence in the home environment.
Community wellness efforts continue at SJRMC, with a number of wellness initiatives, health screenings and community programs. In addition to prostate and skin cancer screenings, a series called "Babysitter Basics" helps prospective babysitters learn skills that will help them perform their babysitting duties.
The Wellness Department also works collaboratively with the Kay County Health Department in providing an annual health fair. In the fall, flu shots for employees of local industry as well as shut-ins and other community members are available. The Wellness Department also has a speaker bureau and other community health education programs.
The Community Clinic provides care to patients not covered by insurance or entitlement. The clinic holds sessions weekly for adults and children. Patients pay only a small per-visit fee according to a sliding income scale.
Specialized Care
SJRMC is justifiably proud of its other types of specialized care.
Personal care for parents, infants, and family will be even more apparent after the Women's Children's Unit renovation. The construction was approved to begin later this year, and will include moving the unit to the third floor-east of SJRMC. The new unit will include all aspects of Obstetrics services including labor and delivery, recovery and post-partum (LDRP) rooms, surgery, nursery, patient rooms and family waiting area. The construction should be completed later next year.
Other family services include prepared childbirth classes for expectant parents and breast feeding classes. New mothers receive tips on baby care and have the opportunity to learn infant CPR. Sibling classes are also available.
Other medical services include the 24-hour Emergency Department, staffed by physicians and registered nurses, with round-the-clock Poison Control Hotline coverage. Rehabilitation services include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and sports and neuro rehab. For those patients needing outpatient rehabilitation, The Wellness Center has an exercise specialist who assists discharged patients with individualized wellness and fitness programs. Renal dialysis serves kidney patients six days a week.
Occupational health services has grown at SJRMC, with the increased need for urine drug screening and breath alcohol testing from the industrial community. Other occupational health screenings and breath alcohol testing from the industrial community. Other occupational health screenings are performed by the Wellness Department staff at SJRMC. These screenings include height/weight, cholesterol and blood pressure checks.
The Laboratory operates 24-hours daily with services including an on-site Blood Bank, microbiology and pathology. SJRMC's Lab recently received accreditation with no recommendations for improvement from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The accreditation is for a two-year term.
SJRMC offers a wide array of education and service programs. Freedom from Smoking and Diabetes Management series are offered regularly. Community forums give participants information on specialized health topics ranging from heart attacks to breast cancer to diabetes. Health screenings are regularly scheduled for prostate cancer, blood pressure and cholesterol. Support groups for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders help patients and family members. For those patients with COPD, SJRMC offers the Better Breather's Club, with meetings scheduled each month.
In addition, other special SJRMC services include the Lifeline Emergency Response Team, "Under the Rainbow" sick child day care, and the SCAT van for non-emergency medical transportation. A speaker's bureau provides information about a variety of health care topics.
A vibrant volunteer group composed of over 290 men and women add an extra dimension of care and service for SJRMC patients and visitors. These volunteers work in many areas and last year, donated over 39,000 hours of volunteer service to the hospital. During the summer, teenagers age 14 and over work as "Volunteens" with the adult volunteers.
The St. Joseph Medical foundation was established earlier this year, providing a vehicle for philanthropic contributions, special events or grants that are awarded to SJRMC.
The SJRMC Gift Shop, Raspberry Thicket, will open later this month, providing breakfast foods, beverages and small gift items for visitors and medical center employees.
New Physicians
SJRMC pursues a vigorous program of physician recruitment, and the active Medical Staff now numbers 52 doctors, including 11 newcomers, representing 24 medical specializations.
The community has an excellent medical staff with many specialties and sub-specialties represented. Over 80 percent of the medical staff is board certified. New services provided to the community since 1993 through the recruitment of specialty physicians include radiation oncology, medical oncology, pain management, cardiology, dermatology, prostate surgery and neurosurgery. In addition, six new primary care providers and additional urologist, radiologist, pathologist and a female obstetrician-gynecologist have been added to the staff.
Health care reform and medical issues will continue to change the way medical care is delivered to patients nationwide. While striving to address these changes, SJRMC will continue to meet the healthcare needs of the community by providing the highest degree of service and the most up-to-date technology. SJRMC remains committed to offering the most beneficial "continuum of care" to the individuals it serves. For more information about SJRMC and the many services available, call (405) 765-3321.
Northern Oklahoma Regional Clinics is comprised of Northern Oklahoma Regional Pediatric Clinic (NORPC) and Ponca Family Medicine (PFM). Both are located at 415 Fairview Avenue in Ponca City.
Three physicians have established their practice at NORPC. Ahmad S. Agha, M.D., Jane M. Thomason, M.D., and Michael S. Walker, M.D. are all board certified pediatricians, specializing in healthcare for newborns to adolescents. Dr. Agha also specializes in allergy and asthma testing and treatment for children and adults. Neurodevelopmental testing is also available at the clinic. This testing is used to diagnose children with attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity. The pediatricians at NORPC have been trained to administer and interpret these tests and offer helpful interventions and follow-up.
In addition to the physicians, NORPC has a staff of 15 nurses and support personnel. A high complexity lab with x-ray equipment is available for patients needing further treatment.
NORPC is located on the first floor of the Northern Oklahoma regional Clinics building. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A pediatrician is always on-call for after hour healthcare needs and emergencies. Appointments can be made by calling 765-5569. Most Preferred Provider insurance plans are accepted.
Ponca Family Medicine has four full-time family physicians, dedicated to providing general healthcare services to the community. Each physician is able to provide healthcare to patients ranging in age from newborn to geriatric. Karen Adams, M.D., Kent Davidson, M.D., Jackie Garland, M.D., and Billy Irons, M.D. are all board certified physicians in family practice They are able to treat patients for everything from a common cold to minor surgery.
PFM also houses a laboratory and x-ray area, so that all primary care services can be completed in one building. A staff of 19 nurses and office personnel help keep PFM running smoothly as a friendly healthcare clinic. PFM physicians are available as providers for most PPO members in this area.
Medicare claims are filed electronically, decreasing the time needed for claims to be processed.
PFM is located on the second floor of the Northern Oklahoma Regional Clinics building. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointment may be made by calling 765-4623.
The center for performing arts and entertainments in Ponca City is the Poncan Theatre on Grand Avenue. The Poncan opened its doors for the first time in 1927, and celebrates its 70th birthday in September of this year.
The theater is a spectacular reminder of the glorious entertainments of an earlier ear. The theater was originally conceived as a house for vaudeville and for silent films.
From the beginning, famous entertainers worked "the boards" here at the Poncan. Ironically, in the year of the Poncan's birth, "talkies" were invented in Hollywood, and by 1929 the Poncan had been converted to show films with sound also.
Theatre Restored
Citizens of Ponca City have recently completed a magnificent restoration of the beautiful old theater. Hundreds of people, along with several corporations and foundations, have generated more than a million dollars to restore the Poncan to its original appearance. In addition, they have updated the technical features and added conveniences for the audience.
The Poncan Theatre is once again the flagship for performing arts in Ponca City and northern Oklahoma. Groups that call the theater "home" include the award-winning Ponca Playhouse community theater, the Ponca Area Chamber Orchestra and the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council. Of course, the Poncan Theatre Company presents entertainments and arts year-round.
Pickrel Room
In addition, the theater can be leased by other organizations; it has been used for conferences, award ceremonies, and even weddings. The Pickrel Room, a comfortable space on the mezzanine level, is also available for rent. Recently Leadership Oklahoma and the Kay County Republican Party have used the space.
Kenn Wessel, executive director, says that patrons interested in booking the Poncan may do so through his office, which is located one door west of the main theater entrance at 104 East Grand.
The Poncan Theatre is also a popular tourist attraction. More and more tourists flood through the theater every month, and many tour buses stop at the Poncan on visits to Ponca City highlights. Tours may be scheduled in advance. For a guided tour, the Poncan charges a dollar per person.
Recently the Poncan began operating on a daily basis. Films are now shown every day that some other "live" event is not in the theater. The Ponca is developing a reputation for showing the finest films to its patrons. Many of the movies are Academy-nominated films that are often not otherwise available to area patrons.
The Poncan Theatre is fast developing its vital volunteer base. The Board of the Ponca Theatre is an active group of theater lovers, generous with their time and directly involved in the life of the Poncan. Other volunteers help operate the theater every week. More than 300 people are on the Poncan membership list, and they receive a discount at events presented by the Poncan Theatre Company.
When the Poncan opened its doors in 1927, it was a remarkable addition to the arts landscape of northern Oklahoma. The theater was designed by a team of famous theatrical architects, the Boller Brothers, on a commission by Charles Calkins, George Brett, Eugene Wetzel and Dr. J.S. Douglass, all Ponca City businessmen. The vaudeville "circuit" was then still exploding, as the rail system rapidly expanded its network across the new western states.
Vaudeville Acts
Immediately, the Poncan began to host the most famous vaudeville acts and great stars of the state. Such notables as George M. Cohen, Mae West, Sophie Tucker, Bill "Bo Jangles" Robinson, Sally Rand, and W.C. Fields shared its early prestige. Will Rogers performed his rope tricks and political satire on its stage. Ethel Barrymore acted in a touring production here. Admiral Byrd lectured on his North Pole adventures. The Poncan was a stopover for "road" tours traveling from Chicago to Dallas.
The Poncan was also conceived with eclectic design elements. The exterior is art deco. But the style of the interior facade is primarily Spanish, intended to give the flavor of outdoor Mediterranean theaters. The proscenium arch has Roman motifs, as does the great dome in the ceiling. Other elements are late medieval. The Boller Brothers architects were so skilled that the diverse elements form a unique and harmonious whole.
Theater Rejuvenated
By the 1980s the Poncan fell into disuse. It was placed on the National Historic Register, but its doors closed in 1985. They remained closed and the building was eventually purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Enloe Baumert. In 1990, an interested group of Ponca Citians began a campaign to revive the theater. They formed the Poncan Theatre Company. The Baumerts generously donated the theater to them, and the company busied themselves with an aggressive fund-raising campaign.
The Poncan Company had a telethon, developed grants and foundations proposals, and sought private donations. They aimed at raising $930,000 for restoration, more than three times the original cost of the building itself. They received contributions of thousands of hours of labor. Grants from the Sarkey Foundation, the Mabee Foundation, and Conoco have significantly advanced the near-perfect restoration.
For showtimes and other events scheduled at the Poncan Theatre watch The Ponca City News or call the theater at (405) 765-0943.
For special events tickets will be on sale at the box office or at local financial institutions, according to Kenn Wessel, executive director of the Poncan Theatre.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
A Ponca City company, ADPC (2201 North Ash) does accounting for 340 school districts all over the state. The firm handles about $1.5 billion in transactions on paper for these schools.
Joan Auld, president of the company, says the firm does financial accounting for schools and writes 200,000 W2 slips a year. The company has 34 full-time employees and from time to time hires part-time workers. The estimated payroll of ADPC is $670,000, not including consultants. Auld says the company has little turnover in the work force.
"We are a very Ponca City company. I buy my cars here, I bank here, we buy our paper and custodial supplies here," Auld said.
Writes Teacher's Checks
Auld explained what the company does: "We write teachers' checks and do all the financial accounting for schools. We also do their board reports, take care of student records, transcripts, grade cards, scheduling and those type of things. We take care of all their activity fund accounts, such as the cheerleader money and other activity accounts."
ADPC writes the treasury records so the schools can actually clear their warrants. ADPC also take care of child nutrition programs and tracks accounting for the lunchrooms.
The firm also does all of the inventory. This goes on the estimate of needs as a total amount, but once the year goes on they update and move things from room to room. As things are deleted and new items are purchased, the ADPC system ties the inventory into the purchases. This also provides the information on maintenance agreements.
Three Main Services
Currently the ADPC system is a DOS-based system, which the firm has operated on since 1984.
Auld says, "We still have three types of service. We have people who do not have a computer system in their schools and they mail us their work and we do all the data entry and other computer work and send it to our mainframe. We print everything and send it back to them." About 68 schools out of the 340 do not have computers.
The second type of service is for schools that are online with ADPC. They have a computer in their offices and they do all of their data entry and send the files to ADPC. The firm does the backup and processing and print the checks and mails them back to the school.
The third service is for schools that lease ADPC's software. These customers do everything in-house. ADPC is the support to the school district if they have any problems. The schools have a support agreement with ADPC and this can be accessed 24 hours day.
The Ponca City firm has 14 toll-free lines. "They can call us anytime they need to and we do have a modem support with all the districts. We can look at their computer from here or they can look at ours. We don't have to drive to the location to fix something, we can fix it from here," Auld said.
Also for the school districts that have the ability and are on the Internet, ADPC sends a lot of information through e-mail. "We get files that way. We do not send payroll data over the Internet, even though the payroll is public information," Auld said.
Schools in Kansas
ADPC also has been doing some work for 12 schools in Kansas since 1986. Those are in-house schools that don't mail anything to ADPC as they do their own work there. Auld said the firm has been so busy in Oklahoma that it has not pursued the Kansas business. Ponca City School System is not one of ADPC's customers yet, Auld said.
The firm is beginning to do the same type of work in accounting for cities and counties, which also operate on the same GAP accounting schedule. The schools and cities have the same coding structure so it is an easy transition for the cities to go on ADPCs software, because it is user friendly and they can get a lot of information.
Newkirk was the first city. Now city officials know the cost for police, ambulance or fire protection. They can track overtime costs and have up-to-date reports. Fourteen or 15 other cities have been added this year on ADPC accounting system.
New Operating System
Auld said that ADPC has contracted with three vo-tech schools that are helping rewrite the company's software. They are developing a true Windows 95 system, so it will not be DOS- based system anymore. It will be a double entry, GAP accounting system.
"We are working in conjunction with the three schools. We have hired a consultant team, Brad Dickey and Ron Mersman, and we have hired some new staff, who are versed in Windows 95 and 32-bit processing information. We feel like we are two-thirds finished and will be able to offer this new software to the schools in the next fiscal year staring next July.
ADPC does the accounting for all but three vo-techs in the state. Some of the bigger schools are Western Heights, Yukon, Duncan, Mustang and Miami.
Auld is on the road a lot installing new software. "We developed new software this year called Budgeting and the Budgeting process, which allows the comparison of expenditures and revenue between the years and actually forecasts what budgets will be for the coming year. This does projects into the new year and there are quick and up-to-the-minute report that can be printed off so principals or teachers can see how much they have left in a certain account."
Auld has personally installed the software in 104 schools this year.
Staff Operations
Most of the staff comes in at 7:30 a.m., and gets of about 4:30. while others come in 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When the mail comes in it is processed. At 4 p.m., it is cut off and sent through the mainframe computer and processed through the night. The workers come in ready to mail out the next day.
"We never keep anything more than one day, so some of the staff works at night and a second shift runs the mainframe.
The firm holds inhouse training, training and seminars and workshops about eight times a year around the state at vo-techs. And ADPC has a room in Ponca City that is kept open for training for school district at no charge.
By Lucille Powell
Editor's Note: Lucille Powell was a volunteer of the Ponca City Indian Museum for 22 years in response to a request by the Ponca City Library Board. Here she recounts the events concerning the first efforts made in establishing the museum which were told to her by Mrs. Lee C. (Virginia) Harsh, Mrs. C. W. (Edna) Arrendell, Mrs. Ivan (Scotty) Williams, Mrs. Glen (Olavine Thompson) Paris, and Gareth Muchmore.
It was Edna Arrendell, a good and close personal friend of E. W. Marland, who persuaded her cousin, John Joseph Mathews, to write a biography of E. W. Marland, "The Life and Death of an Oil Man: the career of E. W. Marland." It was she who told me that one of Marland's desires and dreams was for Ponca City to have an Indian Museum.
That fact is very believable because of his close association with the local Indians and the fact that he employed Dr. J. B. Thoburn from the University of Oklahoma to spend the summer of 1926 excavating sections of a spot in Northern Kay County. Dr. Thoburn had discovered the spot in 1919 and was certain it was the site of a French trading post and Indian Village.
It was determined that it was the site of the first "white" settlement in Kay County, established around 1719. Marland kept 1/3 of the summer dig, 1/3 was left with Chilocco Indian School and Dr. Thoburn gave the other 1/3 to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Mrs. Harsh persuaded the Ponca City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to adopt a project of saving articles that pertained to our local history. The group bought a museum case and placed it in the basement of the Ponca City Library. In 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Harsh had visited a museum in Texas just prior to the DAR's decision. The Texas museum consisted of many of the 101 Ranch and Ponca City area articles. She reported it was a shame we weren't saving articles from our own history. Mrs. Harsh was secretary of the Library Board and made arrangements for articles to be brought to the Library for safe keeping.
The Library Board appointed an advisory board and a museum committee. Mrs. Harsh and Gareth Muchmore were appointed to the Museum Advisory Board, Edna Arrendell, Scotty Williams, Mrs. Harold (Rosemary) Osborne and Olavine Paris were selected to "accept, record and display" the historical articles.
In an afternoon ceremony on June 16, 1939, in the Library Clubroom the Memorial Collection of Kaw Chief Ernest Emmett Thompson was presented by his family.
The ceremony started with the sound of off-stage Indian drum beats soaring into a chant by Indian singers. The chant was named the "Ernest Emmett Thompson Gift Song." At that time Chief Thompson's private drum was beaten for the last time and was not to be used again until Chief Thompson's children reached their majority. The drum was included in the collection presented that day.
Other elaborate Indian tribal ceremonies officially opened the museum. An article from The Ponca City News reported, "Members of Osage, Ponca, Kaw, Tonkawa, Otoe and other tribes participated in the afternoon's program which was attended by hundred of interested Ponca Citians and visitors from out of the City."
The opening address was given by Dr. Roe Cloud, an Oneida Indian, who at the time was supervisor of education for the Indian Department in Washington, D. C. Dr. Cloud, a graduate of Yale University, had served for a time as head of Haskell Institute and had served as head of The American Indian Institute in Wichita, Kansas.
Kaw Chief Mose Bellmard introduced the other visiting chiefs Chief Horse Chief Eagle, Ponca; Chief Fred Lookout, Osage; Chief Jack Kushaway, Otoe.
Indian singers were Hugh Eagle, Tony Knight, Obie Buffalo and White Star. Drummers were Robinson Pepper, Roy Mahojie and Charlie Mahojie.
Freddie Lookout presented the "Osage Song for Ernest Emmett Thompson." Kaw and Ponca Indians danced the "Give Away" dance after which John and Joe Thompson opened the museum doors where visitors could enjoy the collection. There were over 30 Indian paintings, three complete men's dancing costumes of leggings, breech clouts, beaded vest, shirt, kerchiefs, moccasins, silver arm bands, beaded cuffs, belts, dancing tails, beaded dance sticks, beads, otter hide ornament, large eagle feather headdress, deer hair and turkey beard headdresses, war club with a flint head and horse hair, dance bells, dance blanket with beaded belt, wig of human hair, a five-inch wide beaded belt, peace pipes, a cedar lover's flute, yarn belt, dance gourd, whistle, tobacco pouches, yarn garters, drum with seven stick beaters, three baby boards, three-foot tepee, Indian pillow of beads and buckskin, Indian razor, eagle feathers, silver jewelry, children's Indian clothing, bells worn in ceremonial dances and a hand-made saddle given to Chief Thompson by the Ute tribe.
The 30 Indian paintings in the Thompson collection were done by a group of Indian youth at the University of Oklahoma under the guidance of Oscar B. Jacobsen, head of OU's art department. The group later called "The Kiowa Five" after they became famous included work by Mopopi, Hokea, Tsa Toke, Bon-ge-Tah (Smoky) and Hokeah.
Mr. Marland loaned several heroic-sized oil portraits of Indian chiefs for the background on the stage that day. Loans from other collections were on display in the library that day were listed on the program: Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Milde, Kaw City; Mr. Norman Moore, Old 101 Ranch; Mr. Jack Galanter, Ponca City; Mr. C. F. Calkins, Ponca City; Chief Mose Bellmard, Ponca City; Mr. M. D. Obermier, Ponca City; Mr. & Mrs. E. W. Marland and Mr. Homer D. Ellis, Ponca City
Printed on the back of the program that day was this message:
No greater gift has the Great Spirit bestowed on Man than the possession of a kindly heartfelt concern for his fellow man and his blood brother. Our brother and friend, Ernest Emmett Thompson, whose memory we honor today, had this gift in an unusual degree.
No mention or credit was given to the author but the person was certainly acquainted with and understood the kindly spirit of Emmett Thompson who assumed a humorous and fatherly concern for his people as he often came to their financial aid many times after his fortunes improved with the discovery of oil on his land.
Chief Thompson was well-loved by those who knew him. He enjoyed the company of many friends and often entertained them with powwows and dances. He enjoyed tricks and surprises. One of the most memorable of these was a dance he held. He employed a pickpocket to work during the dance. At the conclusion of the dance, Chief Thompson brought a bushel basket to the center of the dance ring and held up one article at a time for the owners to come claim their possessions. This was one example of how he amused and entertained his friends.
Money had been a scarce item for Chief Thompson and his family until the discovery of oil on his property so he wasn't fooled by friendships based solely on material possessions. He often cautioned his wife about accepting some invitations by saying, "They really aren't interested in us. They are only interested in our money."
The Thompson Collection Program stated this purpose: "This is the beginning of an Historical Museum in Ponca City. It is our hope, as the years go by, that valuable additions will be given so the Memory of the Indian and that of our pioneer forefathers may be perpetuated."
Bare Facts
1926 - Dr. Joseph B. Thoburn employed by E. W. Marland to dig at the Indian Trading post in Northern Kay County. Dated 1719 by French Trading with Indians there. One-third of dig went to Marland for Ponca City.
1939 - June 16, 1939, 2 p. m. Ponca City Library Club room received the Chief Ernest Emmett Thompson Collection. DAR presented first museum case and Mrs. L.K. Meeks for Twentieth Century Club the second storage case.
1951 - Peace Medals (five from U. S. Mint)
1953 - Black Kettle Peace Medal & Chief Washunga portrait. John E. Hoffer, Sr. Collection.
1958 - All Pioneer and early day materials given to Pioneer Woman Museum.
1960 - Delaware Indian song book and Mrs. Charles Rhinerock collection.
1960 - Chief Horse Chief Eagle's two peace pipes presented by David McKinley Eagle.
1962 - Osage Collection of Princess Pa hu ska (Lillie Morell Burkhart)
April 1967 - Ponca City purchased Marland house 1000 East Grand to house Indian collection.
May 26, 1968 - Formal opening of Cultural Center.
1969 - Portrait of White Eagle
1972 - DAR Museum
1972 - 101 Ranch Museum
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Reporter
Building new streets, repairing old streets, installing sidewalks and waterlines - City projects are beginning, continuing and ending throughout the city.
"In the 20 years I have been involved with city projects, I have never seen this many projects under way at one time," Public Works Director Ken Parr says.
One of the most expensive projects currently under construction is renovations, improvements and expansion of the waste water treatment plant. The final phase of the $15 million project is 50 percent complete and the entire facility is expected to be finished and operational by August 1999.
Construction crews are installing water lines on Union Street from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue in preparation of the widening of Union Street from two to four lanes. However, actual construction of the widening project itself is not scheduled to begin until early next year.
The much anticipated Fifth Street thoroughfare from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue is 70 percent complete. The project involved the construction of a new four-lane road to connect Hartford and Prospect Avenues via Fifth Street. Bradley Street will also be connected to Fifth Street with the addition of a new two-lane section of Bradley. For the most part the project's streets, curbs and gutter have been finished with the exception of the extreme northern end of the project, where road construction has yet to begin. The final layers of asphalt have yet to be laid and concrete driveway connections are currently being poured. The entire project is scheduled for completion in December and the new roads will be open just in time for Christmas shopping traffic.
Sidewalks and handicap ramps are being constructed in a federal and city funded project. Gaps in the existing sidewalks are being installed at Seventh Street from Grand Avenue to Hartford Avenue, Fourteenth Street from Grand Avenue to Knight Avenue and Grand Avenue from Seventh Street to Fourteenth Street.
The 12.2-acre expansion of the City landfill is 10 percent complete and scheduled to be completed by February 1998. Once completed the landfill will have a 20-year capacity.
In addition to the new construction, the city crews are busy with on-going maintenance projects such as street and utility cut repairs. "We are continually letting contracts for utility cut repairs and maintenance," Parr said.
The reconstruction of John Street from Hartford Avenue to Bradley Street, including new concrete curb and gutters, will soon be under construction. The completion date is May 1999.
Next year promises to just as busy for the City with several major projects having been approved and scheduled to begin in 1999. Ash Street, south of Hartford Avenue, will be realigned in order to eliminate the "jog" in the street and a signal light will be installed at that intersection.
Due to erosion of the bank of Turkey Creek, the sewer line that is buried there will be relocated in order to prevent any damage to the line.
Waverly Street from Industrial Boulevard. to Liberty Avenue will be widened to four lanes. Also included in the project will be the reconstruction of a portion of Industrial Boulevard and concrete street improvements from Waverly west to the city limits.
A new cul-de-sac street will also be built at the Industrial Park in order to provide access to area acreage planned for future industries.
If motorists think that sections of Hartford Avenue are narrower than some they are correct, but Phase II and III of the Hartford Street project will correct the problem. Scheduled to begin in the middle of 1998 is the reconstruction of the existing street and with it a two-foot widening of the lanes from Jane Street to a half block east of Joe Street. Phase III, which will complete the entire project to Fourteenth Street, will not begin until 1999.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
Elementary schools in Ponca City have continued to strive for excellence in the last year. These eight elementary schools have implemented new programs and learning initiatives for the 1997-98 school year. Lincoln Elementary started the new school year with a new school, and Garfield Elementary became Garfield Academy.
Garfield Academy
Garfield Academy is off to a fine start in its first year as Ponca City's fine arts magnet school. Students at the academy include two classes of kindergarten, two classes of primary multi-age students, classic first, second and third grades and fourth and fifth grade students comprise the fine arts magnet students who study core subjects.
While all academy students receive instruction in music, physical education/movement, visual arts and drama, magnet students may additionally study Spanish and/or strings.
Dr. Patty Ladd, building principal, has said that though the academy is a fun place to be, it is committed to seeing that all boys and girls have a quality education.
Each day at Garfield Academy begins with a "Tiger Tip-off," an assembly which each class leads on a weekly, rotating basis. Students learn to speak on the microphone, to lead a large gathering and to be a good audience. News of the day is shared, visitors introduced and favorite songs shared.
This year holds much learning and adventure in store for the Garfield Academy community. Plans are under way for more performances of all kinds, and involvement of more parents in their children's learning.
Lincoln Elementary
On Aug. 21, 1997, after much anticipation and hard work, classes began in the new Lincoln Elementary.
The enrollment is currently 476 for grades kindergarten through fifth, compared to 311 from last year.
There are 30 1/2 certified staff (10 1/2 are new to Lincoln) along with 17 1/2 support staff members. Two half-days each week, three teachers from Liberty teach art, music and physical education.
Lincoln has four sections of kindergarten, five sections of first grade, three sections of second grade, four sections of third grade and three sections each of fourth and fifth grade.
Students in grades one through five participate in three sessions of art, music, physical education and computers each week. Students also have access to a full-time media center teacher, Title I teacher and counselor. An English as a Second Language (ESL) program is housed at Lincoln and is facilitated by two full-time bilingual assistants. Approximately 20 students participate in this program.
In addition to using Lincoln facilities, the students use the Ponca City Middle School computer lab twice a week.
The majority of the staff participated in the "Great Expectations" summer training. This opportunity was made possible by the Ponca City Friends of Education. In addition to this, the State Department of Education awarded six scholarships to the staff for further training.
Liberty Elementary
New this year at Liberty if the Four-Year-Old program. The program is for students who have demonstrated special needs to be met. The program is taught by Terri James and Donna Merz, with assistant, Sharon Chamberlain. A total of 60 youngsters have entered this program.
New this year is the Training Skills Laboratory. The lab is for children ages three to five with handicaps or disabilities. 11 children are participating in this come-and-go program.
A morning assembly is held every day at 8:07 a.m. During the assembly, children sing patriotic songs, recite the school creed and acknowledge birthdays and announcements. Jerry Newsom, principal, says, "These assemblies add a positive addition to the day."
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has also been very helpful this year. Officers for 1997-98 are Floyd and Tina Dennis, co-presidents; Tole and Judy Swain, vice-presidents; Teresa Parker, secretary; and Gwen Warren, treasurer. Newsom says, "The PTA supports the school through encouragement, add activities for kids and purchase materials and supplies for the school."
Elaine Thomas, counselor at Liberty, has also received a $2,000 grant from the Ponca City Public School Foundation to pursue ways to promote a violence free environment. She also works with parents during group sessions on how to deal with problems.
Roosevelt Elementary
Roosevelt Elementary continues to strive for excellence this year. Roosevelt has 26 certified positions and 19 support personnel positions.
The total enrollment for 1997-98 is 325 students. The kindergarten students have returned to Roosevelt bringing 38 students.
A special class this year that is part of the district's alternative plan is the Alternative Day program. The students in the program are from schools all over the district and have not been successful in a standard classroom.
E.M. Trout Elementary
E.M. Trout Elementary is off to a great start with 339 students and several new faces. As a result of the closing of the kindergarten center, kindergarten has returned to Trout. Gary Enevoldsen has returned as the teacher for a morning class of inquisitive 5-year-olds and an afternoon pre-kindergarten class of 4-year-olds.
Trout has 18 new students this year. Ron McCleary, principal, said, "These new students appear as though they have been here for years. Joy Kistler is our new counselor and is having a positive impact on our students."
Trout will continue to focus on reading comprehension through the use of cooperative learning, KWL, CCC computer labs and electronic bookshelves. The school is working hard to get more parents involved in the reading comprehension goal. They are emphasizing a scheduled family reading time.
The fifth grade recycling program continues to improve. Boxes, which were later replaced with plastic bins through a Conoco grant, were placed in each room. Teachers and students no longer throw away papers and scraps.
A couple of new activities will be the focus on continuing to improve the school. The first one is E.M. Trout School Wide Enrichment. This is an opportunity to extend learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum. Wednesday Wizards will be held during the month of February and will conclude with a showcase of the endeavors.
Another philosophy at Trout is "Great Expectations." McCleary states, "This philosophy has energized our teachers and empowered our students."
Union Elementary
Enrollment at Union this year is 340 students and 45 staff members. The school is continuing to focus on reading improvement through the use of reciprocal teaching, six-trait writing, buddy reading, Higher Order Thinking Skills Lab, CCC lab and World Class Readers and assessments designed to help teachers and parents improve reading skills. Union is also planning staff development for teachers this year in the area of reading through the Title I program.
New to Union will be the Discovery Days. These classes will be designed as school wide enrichment sessions. Students will be able to choose the topic or activity that they would like to attend. Each session will have a culminating project to share with others in the building. A Fine Arts Festival is also being planned for the month of March.
Union Leaders is a program that is continuing this year to teach leadership skills to sixth graders. The Leaders will meet during the school day twice a month to promote leadership, unity and school spirit at Union. These students will become actively involved in helping other teachers, students and sponsoring fund-raising activities through the PTA.
As always, Union continues access to the CCC lab and the HOTS computer lab for all students.
Washington Elementary
The new theme for the school year at Washington is "Discover the World of Heroes." Washington feels that children especially need heroes, the role models who inspire and teach them by contributing positively to their world.
Washington has four new faculty members and two new custodians this year. In addition the school has a newly remodeled classroom in the lower level for the kindergartners. They have their own entrance and bathrooms which helps considerably in getting them "on board."
A new monthly event this year is the reception for the "Citizens of the Month" from each classroom. In the past few years they have been honored at an assembly; however, this year the school will be having a reception in the library where these students can visit with a "hero" from the community. The students' parents will be invited as well as they honor the students.
Another exciting change at Washington this year is the fact that each homeroom classroom will have a computer, thanks to the efforts of their PTA.
Woodlands Elementary
Woodlands Elementary currently has 344 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The school has two classes in each grade with three sections of sixth grade.
The Woodlands staff has implemented "Great Expectations" after attending a one week training class this past summer in Tahlequah. This is a philosophy or an approach to teaching that includes the best of what they know about teaching. Great Expectations involves creating a positive climate, holding high expectations both in the academic and behavior areas; teaching students to be responsible for their behavior; teaching students to be self-directed learners and much more.
Each Monday morning is kicked off with a school-wide assembly fondly called www.calm or the Wonderful Woodlands Wake-up in a calm way. Student achievements are highlighted, the character trait is modeled and presented and birthdays are celebrated with the majority of the short program being student led.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
An alternative solution to attending public school is to attend a private or parochial school. Ponca City has three private schools that continue to strive for excellence. These three schools are: St. Mary's School, First Lutheran School and First Assembly Christian School.
St. Mary's
The routine is established, the students' first progress reports have been sent home and thus another academic year at St. Mary's is well under way. Several new programs have been implemented, both educational and service oriented.
The theme for the year is Self-Discipline. "This augments the themes for the past two years of Respect and Responsibility," said Sally Caughlin, principal.
"We will be utilizing a program entitled, 'Discipline with Purpose,' which was designed to teach children self-disciplining skills."
Discipline with Purpose involves children, parents and teachers. Children learn the difference between adult imposed discipline and self-discipline. Parents and educators share the goal of helping children to become self-directed adults. Adults discover skills they can learn to become more self-disciplined.
This school year, a new eighth grade was added. Intermediate band with David Webster is also new, encompassing seventh and eighth graders.
"We were very pleased to be included in the Middle School Band in Review last year," said Caughlin. "We also look forward to performing with the Ponca City Middle School bands at Christmas this year."
Programs
Several service programs are in operation. The parish Intergenerational program has been extended beyond the one-on-one tutoring of students by older parishioners. Students, by grades, will help serve and entertain at the monthly birthday brunch for those who are over 75 years of age. Each class will take responsibility in making placemats and favors.
Another program which has gotten off to a great start is the student-to-student tutoring, developed by Sally Caughlin. The program involves seventh and eighth graders tutoring students in grades one through six.
"It is a volunteer program," said Caughlin. "The students indicated on their schedules, as an elective, whether or not they wanted to be involved."
The seventh and eighth graders donate 15 to 30 minutes, once or twice a week, to help others with reading, math, spelling, vocabulary and Spanish. Teachers make the assignments and monitor the activities, but students provide the one-on-one assistance.
Another service project which began in October is the revitalization of the food collection for Ponca Welfare. This project will involve seventh and eighth graders, both Religious Education students and students at St. Mary's School.
"We will also be recognizing a student of the week, which is new this year. Selection is not based on academics," Caughlin said.
First Assembly
First Assembly Christian School and Daycare opened its doors in 1983. The ABeka curriculum is based on education from a Christian perspective. The grades at First Assembly are preschool 2-year-olds to the eighth grade.
This year started out with a new principal, Cindy Tomerlin, from Mount Pleasant, Texas. This year an eighth grade was added along with a third class of kindergartners.
The daycare is going strong with Jackie Hughes as the director. Hughes completed ten years with FACS in September.
The daycare program has been covering cultural topics and speakers have talked about Honduras, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
First Lutheran
The halls and classrooms at First Lutheran School are once again buzzing with school activity. So far the 45th academic year promises to be a good one.
The goal at First Lutheran is to "Train Tomorrow's Leaders Today," said Paul Schatte, principal. "A combination of dedicated teachers, quality curriculum material, parent involvement and God's Word provide the framework needed to educate our students. The school's administration feels that there are many ways to bring educational opportunities to the students. In addition to printed textbooks, extra activities are planned on a regular basis.
Some special days for the school year are Veterans Day, Grandparent's Day, the day before Thanksgiving break, Interim Day in January and the Oklahoma Lutheran Talent/Track Day.
Improved Programs
The Board of Education at First Lutheran and teachers annually evaluate ways to improve the school's programs. This year a full-time computer teacher was added to the staff. All students from age three to grade eight are instructed in the technological ways of the future. The 3-year-olds visit the lab once a week. The six through eighth graders use the lab five days a week.
Computer instruction ranges from using prepackaged computer programs for the younger students to developing spreadsheets, using data bases and muti-media programs with the upper grade students.
Vocal and band music has been part of the school's program for many years. This year, under the direction of Mary Lindsay, an orchestra program has been started.
In addition to the taxes paid to support public education the parents pay a monthly tuition which amounts to over $1,700 per year for a child. Due to the extra financial involvement parents become very involved in their child's education.
The year 1997 has been a good year in which Nickles Industrial's sales have grown compared to 1996.
"Sales in fact have only been limited by production capacity of the four manufacturing divisions," according to Bob Nickles, vice president/general manager.
This progressive sales environment has placed Nickles Industrial in an aggressive hiring mode in all four manufacturing divisions which should continue for the foreseeable future.
Sales for the year have been highlighted by the award of numerous alliance agreements with major customers; Tennessee Gas Pipeline, El Paso Energy, Duke Energy, GPM (Phillips) and others, where Nickles Industrial serves as the preferred provider of all new products, repair and service of engines and gas compressors.
Two new distributors have been selected for sales of Nickles Industrial products and services: PSA West Inc. in Casper, Who., will handle Wyoming and Montana, Trinidad Oilfield Supplies Ltd. In Trinidad West Indies will handles sales in Trinidad and Tobago.
Manufacturing equipment upgrades include the addition of large industrial parts washers at both the Ponca City and Pampa facilities, a 36-inch Blanchard rotary surface grinder and Pangborn 6LK automated blasting cabinet at the Grayco facility, and three new hydrostatic pressure testing units with capabilities to 3000 psi.
Nickles Industrial continues to grow in field service operations for large stationary gas engines and compressors with 1997 revenues doubling that of 1996. Nickles Industrial Fast Action Response Team has completed jobs in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Rhode Island during 1997.
Geoffrey Smith, formerly in Ponca City as engineering and quality control manager, has transferred to Pampa, Texas, and now serves as manager of the Grayco compressor repair and manufacturing division.
Dave Johnson has been hired in Ponca City as engineering and quality control manager. Johnson previously worked for Dresser Rand in Painted Post, N.Y., filling numerous positions including manager of production, and manager of quality control.
Two significant long term employees from Ponca City retired in 1997: Richard Whiting, 43 years, and Don Goldman, 40 years.
"We look forward with great optimism to 1998 as a year that has every potential to be excellent," said Nickles.
Photo Supply Co. was established in 1946 by Oak Hunt. The location was at 106 East Grand, next to the popular Poncan Theater.
On March 13, 1978, the business was purchased for John and Gerald Graham (both were youth photographers) by their father, Paul Graham. With their sister, Janetta, as bookkeeper, they operated the business until Conoco hired John as photographer, and Gerald in research and development.
Janetta needed to go home and care for her children, later becoming a registered nurse and is working at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
The store then transferred to "Mom" Jerri Graham. Jerri is the wife of the Rev. Paul Graham, who has pastored Second Baptist Church since 1960. Jerri added the family name to the tile and the business became "Graham Photo Supply Co."
On July 4, 1983, the store moved to 201 North Second Street, which is the present location, on the corner of Cleveland and First Street.
The store has tripled its inventory and has two full-time employees.
Services of Graham Photo are many. Some of which are photo finishing, photo reproductions, digital enhancement of photos, passport pictures, camera repairs, plus a good stock of cameras, lenses, tripods, accessories, and dark room supplies, as well as a crew willing to help with photo related programs.
Jerri says, "We are a happy place and God continues to bless us with wonderful customer sand friends We will be here as long as God thinks it's a good idea."
A commercial print shop was established at 213 North Second 74 years ago in 1923 and was owned at the time by The Ponca City News. The present owner, Bob Thomas bought the print shop from Claude Braudrick in 1971, and has retained the name of Braudrick Printery, feeling an established name is far more important to his business than changing the name to his own.
Claude Braudrick, at the time foreman of The News composing room, purchased the print show from The News in 1954. Bob is the fourth owner of the shop in 74 years. Under Thomas' ownership the shop has expanded to the building next door at 211 North Second.
Thomas now has 11 employees working in the shop - the names change from time to time - but the number stays pretty much the same.
Due to its electronic publishing software, whether hand written or disc formatted, the business has the ability to perform creative layout and production tasks that make the printing process easier, faster and more cost efficient. Braudrick Printery also has a graphic artist on staff full time to better meet the design needs of customers.
Ponca City's full service commercial print shop offers everything from quick printing to four-color process printing such as business cards, letterheads, wedding invitations, business forms as well as computer forms, die cutting, rubber stamps, blind embossing and a multitude of other services.
Thomas grew up in Tonkawa, graduating from Tonkawa High School and Northern Oklahoma College in 1950. He completed a tour of duty in the Navy during the Koran War. Thomas returned home to take up his trade as a printer. In 1956 he went to work for Claude Braudrick. Upon Claude's retirement in 1971, Thomas bought the shop.
Robert and his wife, Leona, have been married for 47 years. they have two children and four grandchildren.
In November 1996 Edwin Fair Center received notice from Housing and Urban Development that funding had been approved to build a 24-unit apartment complex in Stillwater for the homeless severely mentally ill.
Site work has begun on the project. The complex is scheduled for completion in June of 1998.
Housing is one of the most prominent needs of the severely mentally ill; too often they live in very inadequate conditions," says Bob Hefley, executive director of Edwin Fair Center.
"Improving the housing conditions of those with serious mental illness in our services ice area has long been a dream; now it's a reality," he added.
The apartment complex will house homeless severely mentally ill patients from all over the Center's five-county service area: Kay, Noble, Osage, Pawnee and Payne counties.
Residents of the project must be capable of living independently and will be linked to community support services of Edwin Fair Center, the sponsoring organization. The resident's rental payment will be based upon their income; the balance is subsidized by HUD.
In addition to the living units, there will be a common area for recreation and meetings and laundry area\.
Once the Board of Directors of Edwin Fair Center gave the go-ahead for the project Judith Daniels, the Center's administrative director, took the lead in developing the project.
"The administrative detail involved in a project such as this one is phenomenal," Daniels said.
Daniels initiated the establishment of Ark Housing Inc., a separate corporation to administer the project. Daniels led in the formation of the seven-member board of directors of Ark Housing Inc., directed by Patrick Gearhart of Stillwater National Bank. Other board members are: Dan Barrick, Ray Scarborough, Lynn Smith, Phyllis Westbrook and Patricia Williams.
The housing project is the highlight of the fiscal year that ended June 30. Generally the year was marked by program and staff cutbacks fueled by a reduction in Medicaid rate for children's mental health services and years of standstill state funding for mental health. The Center has had to cut back the availability of outpatient care to low income patients with less severe mental/emotional disorders.
Godfrey's Restaurant opened in June in the former location of Ristorante Bravo at 200 North Second. The downtown business is co-owned by Kevin Godfrey and Jeff Smith. Godfrey is the manager.
The building, which was the former Anderson Shoe building a number of years ago, was renovated by Fred Boettcher. In 1993, the building won two awards at the annual Oklahoma Department of Commerce's Main Street banquet. The awards were for the "Best Historic Rehabilitation Project," and the "Best Facade Renovation Over $5,000."
Godfrey and Smith acquired the business earlier this year and made some interior changes. Smith says the most comments that have been made are about the floor with its concrete stain. "This idea was taken straight out of Architectural Digest - it's now, it's what is happening," Smith says.
"After the 'pains' of getting open and the first two weeks things have been going smoothly," Smith said.
Godfrey and Smith announced some future plans. One thing that is already beginning is turquoise-colored "Santa Fe" margaritas for less than $1 on Mondays. Another feature will be a Monday Night Football hot dog bar, all you can eat for $2.
Also a $5 lunch is now on the menu. This includes tax and tea, coffee or soft drink. Other menu changes will be coming in the next few weeks. Chef Andy will continue to make "the best soup ever," Smith said.
Another special is being planned on Wednesdays featuring be a prime rib special from 5 to 9 p.m., Smith said.
On Saturdays afternoons, patrons will be encouraged to watch ballgames on the big screen television on the patio or inside the lounge area.
Currently there are many parties being booked for the upstairs banquet facilities and those wishing to schedule Christmas parties are encouraged to do so soon in order to get the desired date.
McCord School serves students in kindergarten through the sixth grade. McCord teachers strive to develop success.
Boyd Braden, McCord principal, says, "Along with the hard working parents, a three-person Board of Education, the McCord staff and students, 'we develop success.'"
McCord School was established in 1904. The personnel consists of 20 teachers and 12 support staff positions. With the enrollment of 250, McCord students have performed above average on achievement tests.
Needs for Students
- Special needs are met with speech pathology or teaching from a special needs program or through remedial reading, math and language instruction.
- Reading is stressed with a library that has an accelerated reader program.
- Computers are readily available in a lab classroom and in each grade.
- Visiting artists enrich the fine arts, including music, art and choir.
- A counselor shares skills on peer mediation and encourages students to do their best on their schoolwork.
- A nurse gives students and families medical help.
- Students are involved in grade level programs, valuable educational field trips, academic competition and honor rolls.
The Outpatient Surgical Center of Ponca City, 400 Fairview, is now entering its 13th year of providing quality outpatient surgical services to citizens of Ponca City and surrounding areas, according to Peggy Maples, R.N., executive director.
Some important events for OPSC in the last year included the purchase of Legacy 20000 Phaco Unit used by Dr. Tom Carter in cataract removal and lens implantation. Also the center was AAA Accredited.
As of January 1997, Outpatient Surgical Center became the first ambulatory surgical center in the United States to have a contract with Indian Health Services.
The medical staff consists of: Dr. Ray Kinsinger DDS, oral maxillary surgery; Dr. Berno Ebbesson M.D. and Dr. Tim Gilbert M.D., general surgery; Drs. Paul Ley M.D., Ron Kreger M.D., Fred Henke M.D., and Kathy Heilman M.D., obstetrics/gynecology; Dr. Gus Kever DPM, podiatry.
Also Drs. Tom Carter M.D. and Pamela Poland M.D., opthamology; Dr. Frank Mahan, M.D., anesthesia; Dr. Gary Moyer M.D., emergency medicine; Dr. Gerard Shea OD, family practice; Drs. Paul Hagood M.D. and Phillip Winslow M.D., urology; Dr. Robert Howard M.D., otolaryngoloy; Drs. Mark Palmer M.D., Michael Sullivan M.D., and Richard Keim M.D., internal medicine; Dr. Terrance Boring M.D., orthopedics and Drs. Donald Johnson M.D. and Paul Gelven M.D., oathology.
Dr. Jo Coldiron, M.D. and Ron Matheson, CRNA provide anesthesia for the center.
Managed Care Contracts include, Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Pro-Net, Prudential, Corvel, Affordable, Choice One, America's Health Plan, PrOklahoma, Santa Fe Employees Hospital Association, MultiPlan , MedView, Health Choice, Blue Cross, and Champus. In addition to several other contracts currently being negotiated, OPSC will match in network payments by Great West Health Care and PPO Oklahoma.
The center's staff consists of: Peggy Maples, R.N., executive director; Jim Davis, business office manager; Angie Elliott, R.N. head nurse; Steffi Cowan, R.N.; Janet McGrew, R.N.; Brenda Peeples, R.N.; Cindy Bishop, R.N.; Linda Griffin, LPN; Krystal Duff, ORT; Judie Henderson, purchasing; Becky King, receptionist; Tricia Fagg, receptionist, and Wanda Hodges, housekeeping.
All of the center's nursing staff is ACLS accredited. Brenda Peeples and Angie Elliott are certified operating room nurses and Peeples is also PALS certified.
The center is owned and managed by local physicians and Universal Health Services, located in King of Prussia, Pa.
Universal Health Services own/manage 35 acute care facilities, 15 free-standing surgical centers, four Renaissance Women's Centers and various Radiation and Psychiatric Units across the country.
Solution to the problem of caring for disabled loved ones on a long-term basis is a dream-come-true for Glenda Brown, administrator of Golden Villa Center, Inc.
Golden Villa was established to give assistance in managing, planning and dealing with the constant care of the disabled elderly, and others who need daytime supervision and assistance.
The doors at Golden Villa were opened April 1, 1987, at 615 West Grand. In April 1998, the facility will be open for 11 years and still growing. Open five-days-a-week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Center charges $30 for a six-to-eight-hour day, which includes breakfast, lunch and two snacks. An hourly rate is also available for participants who would spend less than six hours. Drop-ins are welcomed. Financial assistance for participants is available through the DHS Aging Program.
Golden Villa is a non-profit organization to serve any adult 18 years an up who is impaired by stroke, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, heart condition, brain damage, depression or just loneliness.
It is a therapeutic program which enables people to stay in their own homes. Participants who need transportation to and from the Center each day for an hour, several hours or all day, whatever the need to help the care giver at home, and prevent premature placement in a nursing home.
Participants who attend on a regular basis receive health monitoring and exercise therapy, according to need.
The participants are always busy with crafts, exercises, picnics, outings to the lakes and parks and birthday parties for everyone, including the staff.
Support for Golden Villa comes from private fees, donations, DHS and community support, and an annual "All You Can Eat" dinner held in November.
Golden Villa is governed by a board of directors of which Lanny Officer is president. The staff, in addition to Glenda and Judy Zimmerman, office manager, includes two CNA-MAT aides, one full-time LPN, one part-time LPN and one cook. The aides, nurses and cook are all trained in CPR, First Aid and food handling.
"Many tears and much laughter have been shared within our little family," Glenda says. "The love each one has for the other can be felt and seen. When one takes a first step or says a first word or moves a finger again, the joy is overwhelming and hearts are full of warmth. What greater purpose could you have in life than to share these moments."
The Northern Oklahoma Cancer Center, 306 Fairview, located next door to Julie's Pharmacy, has been serving the local and outlying communities with the most advanced chemotherapy cancer treatments available for 14 years.
Locally owned, this was the first free-standing outpatient chemotherapy treatment center in Oklahoma. The facility was developed to provide a convenient alternative to patients, thus preventing any required travel of an hour or longer to obtain state-of the-art treatment by a medical oncologist.
Chris Puckett M.D. is board certified in oncology, hematology and internal medicine. Dr. Puckett, specializing in oncology, attended Oklahoma State University and obtained his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is associated with Cancer Care Associates, a private practice with offices state wide.
The Cancer Center offers an on-site CLIA & HCFA certified laboratory run by a registered medical technologist. Therefore, results of lab work are available on the same day as treatment. Having this service available, the patient only experiences being stuck once for lab and treatment.
The nursing staff is specially trained in the field of oncology and has over 30 years of combined experience. The same nurses that treat the patient are available 24 hours per day. It's important to know there is always someone available to help the patient who knows them, even if it is just to answer a question.
Chemotherapy charges can be costly. The office staff is highly experienced in filing insurance to make sure they pay the way they should. The Cancer Center accepts Medicare assignment as well as major medical and cancer polices. The center is also preferred providers for most major health plans.
Northern Oklahoma Cancer Center's goal for the patient to have as few worries as possible. The center strives to help the patient fight the disease without excess worry.
For answers to questions or to make appointments Monday through Friday from 8 a.m., to 5 p.m., call (405) 765-2641 or come by the center at 306 Fairview.
Patients seeking treatment for cancer now have access to state-of-the-art treatment procedures at St. Joseph Cancer Center of Northern Oklahoma, LLC. The center, located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Fourteenth Street and Hartford Avenue in Ponca City, has been open since July 1 and was the site of a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony as well as a Community open house late in July.
The 10,000-square-foot facility houses physicians' offices, patient treatment areas, diagnostic services and examination rooms.
State-of-the-art equipment available at the center includes a linear accelerator with both X-ray and electron beam capability and a simulator and treatment planning computer. Support services such as MRI and CT Scan are available through St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
As many as 25 patients can receive radiation therapy at the center each day. Space is also available for up to eight patients to receive chemotherapy simultaneously.
A.O. Ogundipe, M.D., board certified in medical oncology/hematology as well as internal medicine, provides the medical oncology service. Dr. Ogundipe is currently in the process of relocating to Ponca City from Tulsa, where he has been in practice for the past four years.
"The center will eliminate the need for patients to have to travel 100 miles or ore for treatment," said William Graham, M.D., radiation oncologist at St. Joseph Cancer Center. Until the move to SJCC, Dr. Graham had been treating adult and pediatric cancer patients at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center radiation therapy department since January, 1996. The new center is designed to improve access to treatment for cancer patients, to facilitate consultation among medical specialists and to coordinate all treatment services.
St. Joseph Cancer Center of Northern Oklahoma, LLC., is a joint venture of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Northern Oklahoma Inc., and Cancer Care Network Inc. (CCN).
CCN is a recognized leader in oncology business related services since 1988. In working with over 250 client centers across the country, CCN has developed a database to provide information regarding oncology services and new types of cancer treatment methods.
SJRMC and CCN have worked together over the past two years to develop the freestanding outpatient cancer facility. "St. Joseph Cancer Center is a great benefit to residents in our service area," said Garry England, president and CEO of SJRMC. "We are pleased to be able to provide our patients with this very high level of cancer therapy."
Parker Pest Control Inc. is expanding its services to include Bird Control. Recently several of Parker's technicians completed on the job training from a bird specialist from California, and have attended training sessions in order to better prepare for this expansion.
Brad Parker, president of Parker Pest Control, says there are a number of diseases associated with pest birds, and that bird droppings can damage all types of surfaces, Richard L. "Dick" Parker is Parker's graduate entomologist. He has provided consulting services on a number of bird control situations throughout the years.
Parker Pest Control has been in business for 34 years locally. Expansions throughout the years encompass seven states. The corporate office located here in Ponca City handles pest control calls, accounting, quality control and the training of technicians for Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and California.
Pest control services in the Ponca City area include residential, commercial (restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals and others), lawn and tree services. Most of the services performed outside this area are commercial services.
Recent developments include one of the very few protocols on brown recluse spiders. Research and development has always been a part of Parker Pest Control's service program. Roach trap and treatment procedures have been tested in the recent past and developed for situations where other treatments cannot be performed. Fly control for commercial business is a specialty service which Parker has developed.
Franchises are still being developed in a number of areas. Franchises in the Dallas and Wichita areas are presently available.
By U.S. Sen. Don Nickles
Assistant Majority Leader
As Congress works to finish its 1997 legislative session, it's important for taxpayers to review what's been accomplished in the first session of the 105th Congress and look ahead to what priorities face us in 1998.
Congress' biggest accomplishments in 1997 were passing the first balanced budget in three decades and passing the Tax Relief Act of 1997. These bipartisan agreements will help families keep more of what they earn, boost Oklahoma businesses, create more jobs, and reduce the growth of government.
The tax-relief agreement provides more than $90 billion in tax cuts. It represents the biggest tax cut in 16 years and includes a $500-per-child tax credit to benefit 464,000 Oklahoma children. It takes a big step toward eliminating the death tax; helps middle-income families give their children a better education; reinstates the home office business deduction, reduces taxes on capital gains, and provides incentives to create jobs and spur investment.
These changes are important, but our work is just beginning. The recent IRS hearings called special attention to widespread abuses with the IRS. Now it's time for Congress to turn its attending to ending these abuses and overhauling our nation's cumbersome tax code to replace it with one that is fairer, flatter and simpler.
Before Congress adjourns this year, we should pass a six-year highway funding bill that corrects inequities in current law. Oklahoma is a donor state, which means we send more money in gas taxes to Washington than we get back. The Senate has a bill that goes a long way toward fixing those inequities, and Congress should pass it quickly.
In 1998 Congress should work to improve educational opportunities for American children. The Senate recently passed an amendment to return $100 billion in federal education spending to local school districts in the form of direct block grants. Soon the Senate will consider legislation to give parents an incentive to save for their children's K-12 education. Such "A+ Accounts," could be used to pay for tutors, special education needs, occupational instruction and private schooling.
Finally, Congress should pass legislation in 1998 to bring competition to the electric power industry. Oklahoma is already doing good things to promote competition. Congress should follow suit and do what it can to give communities of every size the ability to have affordable and dependable electric service.
These 1997 accomplishments and 1998 challenges mean good things for Oklahoma taxpayers and will ensure the Oklahoma delegation stays busy throughout the coming months.
Hopping out of bed in the middle of the night is nothing new to the technicians of Rainbow International Carpet Dyeing & Cleaning Co.
When someone has a broken pipe or overflow and there is water all over the floor, help is needed immediately regardless of the time.
"Most people who suffer water damage in the home or business experience this tragedy only once in their lives," said Ron Wimmer, owner of Rainbow International of Ponca City, "and once is enough."
Water restoration is more than just removing the excess water," explained Mary Rasmusson, general manager. "You need someone specifically trained to restore the flooring and walls, remove the odor, mildew or bacteria left behind by the water, and clean and repair any carpet damaged by the flooding."
Since 1991, Wimmer and his staff have been providing these services and more to the Ponca City area. They also offer a full line of carpet care services which includes state-of-the-art cleaning and repairing, tinting and dyeing carpet, all performed by trained, certified technicians. Rainbow's technicians can also clean drapery and upholstery in the home, and remove most unwanted odors.
The other significant restoration service Rainbow offers is fire and smoke restoration. Wimmer said, "Our technicians can clean soot, smoke and nicotine from walls and ceilings, clean and restore most furniture and personal possessions, and have clothing cleaned We can get that smoke odor out."
Rainbow International recently added another beneficial service - air duct and HVAC unit cleaning, "Many people with allergies have found this cleaning really helps, particularly at this time of year," explains Mary, "so we are very glad to offer this service to our customers."
"Rainbow International's company policy is to meet and exceed the
customers' expectations, and with certified training in carpet care, restoration
services and air duct cleaning, we do just that," said Wimmer. "I
am very proud to be affiliated with a leader in the service industry and
of our technicians, staff and services here in Ponca City."
LIFESTYLES
Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Coates, 320 North Birch, will observe their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 23. A reception will be held Oct. 26, 2-4 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church in celebration of their golden anniversary. An open invitation is extended to friends to attend. The couple requests no gifts.
Hosts for the event will be their sons and families: C. Victor and Marilyn (Brown) Coates of Ponca City and daughter, Lindsey, a student at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark.; Richard W. (Dick) and Barbara (Endicott) Coates, Courtney and Chelsea of Altus. Assisting will be members of the Good Samaritan Sunday School Class at First United Methodist, of which Mr. and Mrs. Coates are members.
Carl W. Coates and the former Eleanor Smith were married Oct. 23, 1947, the 35th wedding anniversary date of her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Victor B. Smith. The ceremony was officiated at Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Neb. The Coates are 50-year residents of Ponca City. He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Coates.
Mr. Coates was employed at The Ponca City News 46 years before retirement in 1988. Since then he has been a volunteer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and has recently taken up woodcarving and playing golf.
Mrs. Coates is on both the Boards of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the North Central Oklahoma Historical Association. She is a member of the Red Rose Garden Club and enjoys the "three 'Rs: reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic."
Mr. and Mrs. Coates are active in church and community activities and enjoy walking their dog, visiting with friends and going to football games. They recently took a trip to Alaska as part of their golden anniversary celebration.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Adams, Route 5, Arkansas City, Kan., were honored at a surprise dinner recently at the Rusty Barrel Supper Club in Ponca City in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Hosting the event were Jim and Mary Jo Baldwin and Bill and Patsy Bray of Ponca City. Following the dinner wedding cake and punch were served at the Baldwin Home where the honorees opened gifts and cards. The Rev. Emory Day, brother-in-law to the honorees, entertained with a family dinner at a steak house in Arkansas City on Oct. 9.
Carl Adams and the former Naomi Spratt were married Oct. 9, 1947 at Carlsbad, N. M. They have resided in Arkansas City since 1950. Mr. Adams was employed for Frank Groves Oil Company, retiring in 1987 with 37 years service.
Following retirement the couple went to Eureka Springs, Ark. where they participated in the enactment of the Great Passion Play with Mr. Adams portraying the disciple Peter in the Holy Land Tour 1987-1994.
Many area residents will remember the couple from the "Scriptural Sunshine Hour" broadcast over KSOK radio for 30 years. Active in Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship, Mr. and Mrs. Adams are ordained ministers of the gospel.
The Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc. will meet Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. on the sun porch of the center. Meeting with them will be representatives from the Matrix Architectural firm. The future of the center and plans to achieve goals will be discussed. Anyone interested in the future of the Ponca City Cultural Center is asked to attend this meeting.
A reception and dance Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 500 West Prospect, will honor Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Hein, 70 Elmwood, on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary. Benjamin Hein and the former Angela Thul were married Oct. 20, 1947 at St. Michael's Church in Whittemore, Iowa.
They made their first home in Blackwell and later lived west of Ponca City. Mr. Hein, a farmer, retired from Conoco in 1985. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, third and fourth degree; Moose Lodge #1031; VFW Post #1201; American Legion Post#0014. He served with the U. S. Army Infantry Division in Europe during World War II.
Mrs. Hein is a member of St. Mary's Altar Society, St. Francis Guild, VFW auxiliary, American Legion and the Moose Lodge. The couple is affiliated with St. Mary's Catholic church. They have eight children, 21 grandchildren and three-great-grandchildren. A son, Mark Russell Hein, is deceased.
Hosting the 50th anniversary event will be their children and spouses, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight (Marge) Johnston of Stillwater, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis (Joyce) Montgomery of Stillwater, Mr. and Mrs. William Hein of Oklahoma City, Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Mary) Klufa of Belle Plaine, Kan., Mr. and Mrs. Eric (Teresa) Smith of Stillwater, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Hein of Albuquerque, N. M. and Kirk Hein of Oklahoma City.
Gwen Higgins led a discussion on "The optimist is wrong in his thinking and attitude as often as the pessimist - BUT his life is much more enjoyable" when Laureate Phi chapter met. Hostess for the October meeting of the Beta Sigma Phi chapter was Elsie Rosenbaum, president. Members told about optimistic incidents that helped them.
Nine members repeated the opening ritual. Dorothy Majors read the City Council report, advising that the Preferential Tea will be at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse. Pat Hill was chosen Valentine Queen and cookbook orders were taken. Members who can participate in the Veteran's Day parade Nov. 8 are asked to contact Meire Harris.
Ms. Harris, program chairman, gave the memory maker "The Yellow Rose." Ms. Majors, social chairman, said members will be contacted about the Oct. 27 Mystery Party.
Members of the American Business Women's Association will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Perkins Restaurant. The program will be a report on the recent convention by Jodie Frazier, Woman of the Year, and Lana Byer, delegate. ABWA is an organization for working women. Guests are welcome to attend and members are encouraged to attend at 6 p.m. for "networking."
Former residents of Ponca City, E. S. and Lucile Hinshaw, 305 Brookline Place, Bartlesville, Okla. 74006, are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
A reception in their honor will be hosted by their four children Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m., at the Highland Park Baptist Church located at the corner of Washington and State streets in Bartlesville. An open invitation is extended to friends and family to attend the event. The couple requests no gifts, but they would appreciate receiving cards and correspondence.
E. S. Hinshaw and the former Lucile Frans were married Oct. 29, 1937 at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City. Mrs. Hinshaw, a 1929 graduate of Ponca City High School, is retired from the Southern Abstract Company. Mr. Hinshaw was employed at the Ponca City Milling Company and retired in 1972 from Phillips Petroleum.
Both are members of the Highland Baptist Church and Wheels and Reels Camping Club. Their children and spouses are Stanley and Betty Hinshaw of Ponca City, Kenneth and Gloria Hinshaw of McKinney, Texas, Doyle and Reta Vance of Tulsa and Larry and Sharon Walden of Bartlesville. The honorees have 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Roalton Hall, 105 West Davis, Paoli, will be celebrating their silver wedding anniversary Oct. 27. Friends and family are invited to attend a cookout, 1-3 p.m., at their home. Correspondence may be mailed to them at Post Office Box 355 in Paoli, Okla. 73074.
Jack Roalton Hall and the former Edith Kay McCallick were married Oct. 27, 1972 at the Bible Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Hardin officiating. Attendants were Kay Price and Roy Ferguson.
Mrs. Hall is the daughter of Thomas Lauvelle and Edith Nell (Bottrell) McCallick of Ponca City. Hall is the son of Reesie (Williams) Thomas of Ponca City and the late Jackie Roalton Hall. His stepfather is the late Roy Eugene Osborn.
The Halls have two sons, Jay Roalton Hall of Paoli and Erick Von Hall of Ada, a daughter-in-law, Jody (Johnson) Hall, and a grandson, Chase Roalton Hall of Paoli.
The couple graduated from Ponca City High School and he has attended Northern Oklahoma College. Mrs. Hall is employed at the Oklahoma Resource Center at Pauls Valley as a Developmental Training instructor and he is employed with Haliburton Logging Services. His hobbies are gardening, fishing, woodcraft and carpentry and hers are craft work, renovating furniture, gardening, and activities with their grandson.
Nov. 8 is the date selected by Krista L. Scott and Leslie W. McGee for their wedding at 7:30 p.m. at the Sunnybrook Christian Church. Following their marriage the couple will reside in Stillwater.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Buck and Sharron Dollarhide of Guthrie and Leslie and Patricia Scott of Garland, Texas. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Ron and Lynda McGee of Ponca City.
Miss Scott is a 1989 graduate of Stillwater High School. She is employed as a Sales & Service Representative with AT&T Wireless Services.
McGee attended Perry Public Schools until 1988 and graduated from Putnam City High School in 1990. He is employed as the Assistant Operations Officer at The Bank N.A. He is a member of the Payne County Bankers Association and is on the board of directors for the Stillwater chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Tim and Wanda Shelton will mark their 30th wedding anniversary Oct. 24. A reception in their honor will be held Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m., at Crestview Baptist Church, 3 1/2 miles east of the Arkansas River bridge on Highway 60. An open invitation is extended to family and friends to attend. The couple request no gifts. Hosts will be their sons, Tim and Jim Shelton.
Tim Shelton and the former Wanda Sanderfer were married Oct. 24, 1967 at the Second Baptist Church in Ponca City. He is employed by Kay County District One and she owns Wanda's Upholstery.
Lilac Garden Club members began the 51st year with a traditional picnic supper. The event was held at the Cann Memorial Garden Center. Hostesses were Peggy Keith and Helen Spore.
Lilac Garden Club was organized in 1946 with Florence Hunter as president. Two charter members are active in the club with one of them, Florence Elkouri, attending the meeting.
The purpose of the club was stated as "to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs; to aid in the protection of native trees, plants and birds; and to encourage civic plantings."
Officers for 1887-98 are Helen Bozarth, president; Peggy Keith, vice-president; Florence Riesen, secretary; Neva Onstot, treasurer; Peggy Keith, Council representative; Anna Shadan, parliamentarian.
The program topic "Summer Garden Activities" was a roundtable discussion with Helen Bozarth as moderator. Florence Henneke discussed the Ponca City Art Association's 50th anniversary celebration and displayed a wheat bouquet.
TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. Betty Flower gave the devotional entitled "Make This Your Daily Prayer" The TOPS Pledge was led by Audrey Garroutte and the KOPS Kreed was led by Ruth Garroutte
Delpha Clemens called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. There was a tie for best loser between Audrey Garroutte and Robinell Oldham. Robinell was also Angel of the month for September.
Mary Bryant won the "Ha-Ha" pot and Ruth Garroutte gave the program which was group singing. There was one visitor, Ann Irwin. It was announced that SRD, State Recognition Days will be held in Ponca City again in1999.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. It neither sells nor endorses products. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs and contests are used to encourage weight loss.
Brief programs are presented each week and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 p.m. and meetings begin at 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Delpha Clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
"Fall is upon us and it is time to start a fitness program! Feel more energetic, have less aches and pains, lose those extra pounds and just feel Good. It doesn't take long just 3 days a week for 30 - 60 minutes" says Fitness Specialist Mary Gray. Mary has a B. A. in Recreation and has been in the fitness field for more than 10 years. She is also certified by AFFA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America).
She does personal fitness assessments with a personal program development to fit individual needs and also teaches a interval Step class at Body Masters. The class is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness as well as burn fat and improve muscular strength and muscular endurance. The classes are MWF at 8:30 a. m. and are 60 minutes long. The class is $25 per month. Free Body Fat analysis for persons who join for three months or more. (Please bring this article). The class is designed for both the beginner and the advanced beginner since steps and weight can be added to increase with the individuals ability.
Body Masters is going to offer a Stretch and Tone class that is designed for the beginner or senior. This class will be a 45 minute stretching and toning with some light strength work. It is recommended to those who have arthritis, knee or other joint problems, and those who need to increase range of motion, flexibility, and have more energy.
The class will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:15. Mary Gray will be the instructor and the fee will be $20 per month. The class is due to start the end of October. Anyone interested in this class must pre-enroll by calling Mary at 762-4928.
Body Masters also has an evening Step Aerobics class on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 P. M. This class is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and reduce body fat. Sharla Pfiffer, who is AFAA certified and has over five years of experience, is the instructor. The fee is $20 per month. Anyone is welcome to come as a "drop in" to any class for $3 per class.
Marriage plans for Maile Chantell Jones and Walter Allen Cooper are being announced. The couple will wed at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Ponca City Cultural Center. The bride-elect is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. McKim of Ponca City and the late Tommy Dale Jones. Cooper is the son of Walter Allen Cooper and Donna Mae Cooper of Ponca City.
The bride-to-be is a 1994 graduate of Ponca City High School and is employed at Walmart in Ponca City. The future bridegroom is a 1983 graduate of Blackwell High School and is employed at the Cornerstone Restaurant.
The 4th annual Union School District 98 reunion was held at the Tonkawa High School on Sept. 13. Union School District 98 was located five miles southwest of Ranch Drive near Ponca City. The covered dish event included a group picture and a drawing for door prizes. Rolla Sober gave the invocation and D. J. Mourer welcomed everyone to the reunion. Winners of the door prizes were Myrle Tague, Lonna Baker, Nadine Williams, Jim Whitfield, Geneva Page, and Edna Davis.
Attending from Ponca City were Bill Howell, Myrle Tague, Sue Walton, Rolla Sober, Bobby Sober, Reva Butcher, Gerald and Hope Sober, James and Lois Whitfield, Kenneth and Joyce Sober, Albert Coffman, Tom and Ina Williams, Hoot Hurst, Esther Mitchell, Warren and Lonna Baker, Willie Lackey, Frances Buchannan, Terry Ailey, Beulah Criner, Marvin and Theda Blubaugh, Betty Schwanke, Dolores Andrew, George and Lois Pepple, Paul Pettit, Norman Coffelt, Pat Burritt, Ray Schiltz, Donna Schiltz, and Paul Schiltz, Jim Criner and Joyce Stanton.
Attending from Tonkawa were D. J. and Melba Mourer, Marjilea Smithheisler (former teacher); Sarah Nelson, Loy Reisch, Geneva Page, Frank and Bonnie Burns, Bee Gard Vivian Cornell, Gladys Jones, Amber Miceure, Vivian Cornell, Georgiena Cornell and Marilyn Cornell. Also attending were Bert and Margaret Sober from Marland, Glenn and Alice Cales from Kaw City, and Linda Nelson from Blackwell.
Out of town attendees were Jim Coffman and Doug Coffman of Sparks, Nev.; Mardy Grubb, Ora Baker, and Milo and Edna Davis of Oklahoma City; Eldon and Betty Nelson of Grenola, Kan.; Betty Pigg of Lawton; Edith Kitchel of Woolforth, Texas; Betty Kitchel of Grandview, Texas; Thelma Reed and Earlene Best of Claremore; Frank Robbins of Sulphur, La.; Leroy and Winnie Young of Truth or Consequences, N. M.; Bryon and Jewel Baker of Bartlesville and Richard Baker of San Juan, Calif.
Reunion committee members are D. J. Mourer, Melba Mourer, Bonnie Burns, Reva Butcher, Bert Sober, Margaret Sober, Rolla Sober, Gerald Sober, Hope Sober, Jim Whitfield, and Lois Whitfield. The next reunion is planned for September, 1998.
James and Tonia (Smith) Stinson announce the birth of a son, Jacob Alvin, Oct. 6, 1997. He weighed 4-pounds, 15.5-ounces and was 18-inches long. He has a brother, Daniel Shane, of Ponca City.
Paternal grandparents are Clifford and Margie Stinson of Newkirk and paternal great-grandmother is Marie Rodgers of Olive Hill, Ky.
Maternal grandparents are Carl and Euron Simmons of Newkirk and Perry and Debbie Smith of Stillwater. Maternal great-grandparents are Edward and Elsie Vannote of Blackwell, Lillian Baugher of Stillwater and Anna Simmons of Ponca City.
Announcing the birth of a daughter are John and Melissa Sisney of Tonkawa. Morgan Dancie Sisney was born at 10:18 a.m. Oct. 11, 1997 at the Stillwater Medical Center. She weighed 9-pounds, 8 1/2-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. Dancie has a brother, Wyatt Sisney, 21-months-old.
Grandparents are Mike and Deonna Ailey of Ponca City and Sonny and Donna Sisney of Morrison. Great-grandparents are Bill Dunn of Cleveland, Loren Ailey of Stroud, Martha Hallmark of Ponca City, Opal Fern Sisney and the late Leta Dunn, the late Ruth Ailey, the late Wendall Hallmark and the late Arthur Sisney Sr.
Destry Duke Christensen is the name selected by Destry and Carol Ann Christensen of Hydro for their son born at 12:02 a.m. Oct. 7, 1997 at Southwestern Memorial Hospital in Weatherford. He weighed 9-pounds, 2-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long.
Maternal grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Rothgeb and paternal grandparents are Mrs. Diann Grubb of Hydro and C. R. Christensen of Thomas.
Maternal great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. John Otto of Ponca City and paternal great-grandparents are Dennison and Barb Duke of Hydro and Ocie Christensen of Thomas.
Imogene Brock of Burbank will be observing her 90th birthday Oct. 24. A reception to celebrate the occasion will be held at the Rose Stone Inn in Ponca City, 2-4 p.m., Oct. 25.
On Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. there will be a special service and basket dinner honoring Mrs. Brock at the Burbank Baptist Church where she has been an active member for 53 years.
An open invitation is extended to her family and friends to attend both of these events.
The honoree was born in 1907 in Davenport and spent most of her "growing up" years in Maramec where she graduated from high school in 1926. She attended Central State Normal School in Edmond where she received a teaching certificate. She taught school in Pawnee County and married Irvin Brock in 1932. The couple moved to Burbank where they farmed and ranched for 63 years until his death in 1995. Mrs. Brock retired as a supervisor for the DHS in Pawhuska in 1977. She continues to reside in the family home at Burbank.
Hosting the birthday celebration will be her children: Barbara and Bon Randall of Edmond, Joyce and Jack Norris of Ponca City, Carol and Ray Buchholz of Las Vegas, Nev., Mary Lou Pransky of Denver, Colo. and Sonny and Kathy Brock of Burbank.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults, divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the organization is not a dating service.
Interested persons may call Betty, 762-9776, or Dorothy, 765-1403, for more information. October plans include the following:
Sunday, Oct. 19: Discussion group, 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church. Members will go for snack afterward.
Monday, Oct. 20: 6 p.m., Eat out at Blimpies.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Bring a "brown bag" lunch to Fifth Street Park at 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 22: 6 p.m., Eat out at Enriques at the airport. Birthday dinner. Call Shery, 762-1987.
Thursday, Oct. 23: 6 p.m. chili supper. Bring dessert or snacks to go with entree. Call Pearl, 762-2786.
Friday, Oct. 24: Movie night. Call Phil, 765-4620 or 765-8381.
Saturday, Oct. 25: 10:30 a.m. trip to Woolaroc. Meet at First Presbyterian Church. Lunch at Bartlesville. Call Lenora, 767-1417.
Some of the surviving members of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion Service Battery of the 45th Division gathered last week in Ponca City for the fifth year to observe the anniversary of the mobilization of the unit on Sept. 16, 1940.
Six members met at the Econo-Lodge for the reunion of the unit, originally composed of 70 to 80 members, all from Kingfisher and the surrounding area. They were members of the Army National Guard to be called up for duty after World War II had begun the previous September when Germany invaded Poland.
The units of the 45th division, then under the command of Capt. George W. Nikkel of Lawton reported to Ft. Sill, then were sent as a division to various training sites in the U. S. before embarking ship for North Africa.
After a short stop, they landed in Sicily and fought under the Army command of Gen. George Patton. Their next landing was at Salerno, Italy. After fighting their way up through southern Italy they landed at Angio, where the beachhead was established and held until the breakout in April, 1944. At that time they were under the Army command of Gen. Mark Clark. Their next assignment was to assault the beaches in Southern France, under the Army command of General Patch said a member of the group.
The 45th Division continued, completing 511 days of combat before reaching Munich, Germany at the war's end. The division had forged one of the most outstanding records in World War II said a spokesperson.
The duties of the 158th Service Battery was to keep the three firing batteries, A, B, C, and the headquarters battery supplied with food and ammunition.
On Sept. 26 15 members visited and reminisced about their families and experiences and dinner was held at Furr's Cafeteria. A banquet was held Saturday evening at Golden Corral with the meeting at the Econo Lodge.
William Powelson welcomed the group and Gordon Moore offered prayer and led the salute to the flag. Jeff Sanders presented the memorial services for Melvin Grapes and Jim Wright and for those who died in past years. Gwen Powelson gave sign language to "Amazing Grace." Pearl Bartlett gave a skit "Warning when I am an old woman". Letters were read and telephone calls reported from those who couldn't attend. Pictures were taken and the group voted to come back to Ponca City Sept. 25-27, 1998.
Those attending were Jeff and Maud Sanders of Garfield, Ark.; George and Pearl Bartlett of Midwest City; Ernest and Ann Myers of Kingfisher; Urshel and Lois Beets of Norman; Gordon and Genevieve Moore of Miami; Marjorie Wakeman of Kingfisher; Paula Grapes of Oklahoma City; Mildred King of Crescent; John and Gwen Powelson, William and Velma Powelson of Ponca City
Mr. and Mrs. Emmett D. Sloan, 3504 C Street, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 26. A come-and-go reception in their honor will be hosted by their children, Ruth Ann and Howard Sissel of Ponca City, Norma and Larry Leiker of Topeka, Kan. and Gail Haub of Sherman, Texas, on Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m., in the Fireside Room of the First Assembly of God church.
Emmett Sloan and the former Marjorie Davis were married on Oct. 26, 1947 at McCracken. Kan. in the Assembly of God church. They made their first home in McCracken, later moving throughout Kansas and Colorado until 1984 when they moved to Ponca City.
Mr. Sloan was employed with Phillips Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator until called for active military service during World War II He was honorably discharged in 1945 at which time he returned to farming in Rush County, Kan. He also was employed by the Rush County Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator and later in the same position with the Seward County Highway Department. He was employed with SanOre Construction Company for 11 years.
The couple moved to Colorado in 1972 where he was employed by the Stratton Equity Co-Op, from which he retired in 1984 when the couple moved to Oklahoma. In Ponca City he became the custodian and maintenance supervisor for First Assembly of God church and First Assembly Christian School, retiring in 1989. His hobbies are reading and travel.
Mrs. Sloan served as manager of the Drug Store in McCracken Kan. where the old time soda fountain of the '50's was a highlight. She was employed by the hospital in Burlington, Colo. as a ward clerk and an accounts receivable clerk for five years and later worked for Dr. Ross as an insurance clerk in his medical office for six years. Mrs. Sloan is presently the office manager for the Ponca City YMCA where she has been employed for the past seven years. She is a homemaker and is well known for her seamstress skills. They are active members in the First Assembly of God church.
The Sloans have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren They are: Tracy Molloy and sons. Taylor and Tyler of Carbondale, Kan.; Cory Molloy of Carbondale; Jeffery Molloy and Jamie Molloy, both of Topeka, Kan.; Christopher Haub of Ponca City and Kelsey Haub of Sherman, Texas.
The couple has issued an open invitation to friends to attend the reception and they request no gifts; however, correspondence would be welcome.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, Oct. 20: Diner franks; buttered mixed vegetables; sauerkraut; cornbread with butter; brownie.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Baked chicken; mashed potatoes with gravy; buttered carrots; cornmeal roll with butter; Great Pumpkin cookie.
Wednesday, Oct. 22: Brunswick stew; lime gelatin with pineapple; crackers with butter; scalloped apples.
Thursday, Oct. 23: Sliced ham; candied sweet potatoes; tossed salad; French bread with butter; jello cake with whipped topping.
Friday, Oct. 24: Plantation Shortcake; oven fried okra; stewed tomatoes; mixed fruit.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
History was made in November,1994 when Mary Fallin became the first woman and first Republican ever elected Lieutenant Governor in the State of Oklahoma. Her swearing in on the south steps of the State Capitol on Jan. 9, 1995 made her the highest elected woman to public service in state history.
Residents of Ponca City and the surrounding communities will have the opportunity to hear this state official during her guest speaking appearance at the third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. The luncheon is scheduled for Oct. 29 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Chapel Hall of the Marland Estate Hotel and Conference Center. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and the Soroptimist International Club of Ponca City are once again sponsoring the event.
Fallin took a moment from her many responsibilities to express her belief in the importance of continuing to educate women about breast cancer. "I can't begin to tell you how vital it is that women stay informed about the causes and treatments of breast cancer," said Fallin. "That's why awareness events like this are so important."
Fallin has had first-hand experience with breast cancer, as her aunt has been living with the disease over the past year. "Our family has supported each other through this emotionally-draining experience," added Fallin. "I urge all Oklahomans to pull together to provide support for the continued research, training and awareness needed to help fight this terrible disease."
The responsibilites of her role as Lieutenant Governor keep Fallin very busy. She is currently serving as the chairman of the National Association of Lieutenant Governors and will host the 1998 annual meeting in Oklahoma City. She previously served on the Executive Committee, as the chair of the Health and Human Services Task Force. As President of the Senate, she also serves on 13 boards and commissions.
As Lieutenant Governor, Fallin has also tackled the major economic development issue of Oklahoma's ever-increasing workers compensation costs. She formed a statewide coalition of businesses of all sizes, including several based in Ponca City, as well as employee representatives, insurance companies, lawyers and medical professionals.
As a result of more than 18 months of work the Fallin Commission on Workers Compensation Reform proposed sweeping changes in the form of Senate Bill 730 during the 1997 legislative session. SB 730 was signed into law on June 10, 1997.
Raised in Tecumseh, Fallin is a graduate of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. She and her husband, Dr. Joe Fallin, live in Oklahoma City with their two children, Christina and Price.
The Red Rose Garden Club met at the home of Mrs. William S. Majors, 916 E. Hazel, on Oct. 13. Assisting Mrs. Majors were Mrs. Bob Gibson and Mrs. Mary Looney. The tables were centered with small pumpkins decorated with dried flowers tied with ribbon. Each guest was presented with one of these at the close of the meeting. The arrangements were made by the guest speaker, Mrs. Randy Best from Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Majors' sister, who also presented the program for the day.
Mrs. John Strickland, president, opened the meeting with the group recitation of the Gardeners Creed followed by the Calling of the Roll by the Secretary, Mrs. Fred Boettcher, who also read the minutes. The roll call was answered by naming the "favorite of the gardens that you had visited." Many named the street corners of Ponca City and "had only praise for the City Horticulturalist" said a spokesperson.
Mrs. Harold Younger and Mrs. Carl Coates presented the yearbook which they had worked on together. It will be for two years. Mrs. Younger also reported on seeing wild turkeys in the area.
The Ponca City Garden council report was given by Mrs. John Ross and recommended recycling. Also the North Central District Spring Convention will be in Ponca City on March 21 at the First Presbyterian Church. The Council Yearbook placed third in the State.
The Garden Tip was: to enhance the flowers of the Dogwood Trees, place one cup of Epsom Salts in a gallon of water and pour on the drip-line of the Dogwood Tree. It also is good for Magnolias. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. E. L. Manering, 11 Sherman, on 10 November.
A surprise reception was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Beaty Oct. 18 honoring Mr. and Mrs. Marlin B. Young, 1408 DeSoto, on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. The event was hosted by their children and family: Steve Young of Ponca City and Jennifer Young of Kansas City, Mo. The couple has a grandchild, Jordan Young of Ponca City.
Marlin Young and the former Doris Gutzman were married Oct. 12, 1957 at the First Lutheran Church in Ponca City. Mr. Young began employment with Conoco in 1956 and retired in November, 1993 as Assistant Director of Computer Operations. Mrs. Young was employed at Conoco for 15 years. They are members of First Lutheran Church.
Former Ponca Citian Arlene Clark Brattain was married Sept. 6, 1997 to Robert B. Cody of Burnsville, Minn. The couple has established a home in Minnetonka, Minn.
She is the daughter of Mrs. Nora Clark, 1117 East Hazel Avenue, and the late Franklin C. Clark. Cody is the son of Mrs. Carol Cody of Burnsville, Minn. and the late Robert G. Cody.
McCord School's Arts and Crafts Festival will be celebrating its l6th anniversary this year. The event will be held Oct. 25 at McCord School from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The school is located three miles east of Ponca City on U.S. 60 and one mile south on McCord Road. The festival will feature over 80 exhibitors. Many local crafters will be joined by exhibitors from surrounding towns in Oklahoma, and from Kansas, Texas and Michigan.
Attractions will include jewelry, ceramics, hand-crafted needlework. holiday items, wood crafts, herbal crafts and many more items designed to provide shoppers with a wealth of choices for decorating and gift giving.
The concession will feature the "Famous Cinnamon Rolls", drinks, and a lunch menu of chili, nachos, hot dogs and baked potatoes. Admission is free. The Festival is sponsored by the Parents and Teachers of McCord (PTM).
Professionals Today presented a $11,000 check to Hospice of Ponca City at the Thursday noon luncheon meeting at E.W.'s Restaurant at the Conference Center on the Marland Estate.
The funds were generated from the 11th Annual Cherokee Strip Cook-off, which features the Oklahoma Barbecue Championship, as well as a chili cook-off. This was the largest donation yet to Hospice as a result of the cook-off. Last year's cook-off and events raised $10,000.
The event, hosted by Professionals Today, has grown over the years and includes a lot of participation from the community, from Hospice volunteers, to barbecue and chili judges and civic clubs and businesses contribution and local team entries.
Debra Whitener, president, called on Donna Morgan, who chaired the cook-off. Sponsor guests were Donna Jeffries White of 101 Beverage, and Sandy Driggers of Conoco.
Other guests representing Hospice were Sandy Gearhart, vice chairman of the Hospice Board, Tamie Barnes, who was in charge of Hospice volunteers working in the cook-off; Jo Clipson, bereavement specialist, and Wanda Voegele, co-chairman of the cook-off for hospice. They were introduced by Melody Lahann, executive director of Hospice, and Professionals Today member.
Morgan expressed appreciation to the sponsors, co-chairman Sandy James, who will be the 1998 chairman, Julie Brown, 1996 chairman, and club members. Roses were presented to Morgan, James and White. Driggers received a cook-off mug filled with candy.
She reported there were 27 barbecue teams, 18 chili entries, 10 backyard entries and seven children entries. Entrants were from Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Nebraska.
Whitener announced the club will participate in "Make a Difference Day" by painting two dorm rooms at the Kay County Youth Services on Oct. 25. Members participating are to bring brushes and rollers.
Members of Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Oct. 14 at the Golden Villa with Glenda Brown as hostess. Barbara Feil, president, conducted the business meeting. A list of available guest speakers for programs was read. Social chairman Cindy Russell gave details for the overnight stay at Camp McFadden on Nov. 15.
Service chairman Sue Waggerman presented information on a family that members might adopt for the holiday season. The membership voted to accept the family. Members are to bring items for the family's Thanksgiving basket to the next meeting.
LaRannah Bartlett, Leora Simmons and Darlene Van Deburgh are to be the chapter models in the 'Wacky Style Show' at the preferential observation to be held Nov. 17 at the Conoco Fourth street clubhouse. All members are to take a salad for the potluck and the chapter will take a craft item for a door prize.
Jane Culver was chosen chapter Valentine Queen. She will be honored at the Beta Sigma Phi Valentine ball in February. Catherine Horner had tickets available for the McCord Senior Citizen Center chicken and noodles meal to be held Saturday from 5 to 7 PM. The meal is to help raise funds to continue the program which is totally self-supporting.
The next meeting will be Oct. 28 in the home of Sue Waggerman. Members are to dress like hobos for the Halloween Hobo party to follow the meeting.
After the business meeting adjourned all members worked on tickets and
posters for the Golden Villa benefit Nov. 14 at the First Baptist Church.
Assistance in this project is Xi Gamma Sigma's community service for "Make
a Difference Day" Oct. 25.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTONNews Sports Editor
While Ponca City was escaping the District 6A-4 cellar with a one-point win over Tulsa Washington, Stillwater was having trouble staying in the penthouse in league action this week.
The Pioneers had to come from behind to trip Sapulpa 28-21 on a one-yard quarterback sneak by Matt Holliday with just 37 seconds left to play.
It was the second time in three weeks that Sapulpa has taken a district front runner down to the wire. The Chieftains lost a last minute 17-13 decision to Sand Springs two weeks ago.
This time, Sand Springs had little trouble staying with Stillwater (both are 7-0, 4-0) as the Sandites blanked Bartlesville 31-0.
Enid (4-3, 3-1) moved into third place in the standings with a 21-7 win over Shawnee Thursday. Sapulpa dropped to fourth at 4-3, 2-2.
Ponca City (3-4, 1-3) is tied with Bartlesville (2-5, 1-3) although the Wildcats lost the head-to-head match up with the Bruins last week.
Washington slipped to 1-6, 1-3, while Shawnee (1-6, 0-4) is still looking for its first league win.
The penthouse will have one less occupant after this week as the Stillwater-Sand Springs showdown is set in Stillwater this week.
Enid will be looking to pad its bid for the playoffs at Tulsa Washington and a crucial battle that could determine the No. 4 spot in the standings will find Ponca City at Sapulpa.
Bartlesville tries to keep that same slim playoffs hope alive by hosting Shawnee.
Sapulpa may be with out their blue-chip quarterback but that doesn't seem to have slowed the Chieftains much. Running back Jason Broom is taking up the slack.
Bloom scored three touchdowns against Stillwater Thursday, His 59-yarder gave Sapulpa a 21-14 lead late in the fourth quarter.
The Pioneers rode Holliday's arm back into contention when Ben Miller scored on a 10-yard run with 2:37 remaining. But Stillwater failed on the two-point conversion try and Sapulpa recovered the on-side kickoff.
But the Pioneers got a break when Sapulpa let loose an errant pitch out and the Pioneers recovered at the Sapulpa 45. That gave Holliday his chance for the late heroics.
Bartlesville, which ended Holliday's string of touchdown passes last week, this time kept Sand Springs running back Pedro Negron from scoring a rushing touchdown for the first time this season.
Negron had 135 yards rushing, but didn't get into the end zone until he returned a punt 65 yards for a score.
WILDCAT HARRIER Nathan Zimmerman is one of a group of Po-Hi cross country runners whop have show steady improvement. The Wildcats will host the Class 5A and 4A regional meet Saturday at Lake Ponca.
KIEFER - "It's hard to keep your kids from getting, well, bored," Tonkawa head coach Steve Love sighed after his Buccaneers (7-0, 5-0) walked over the Kiefer Trojans (0-7, 0-6) in district play, 54-0 Thursday night.
It's been that kind of a season for Tonkawa. The Bucs have shut out their last three opponents, and stomped the two before that by a total score of 128-20. Their closest game of the year was a 20-7 whipping of Deer Creek - a 3A school.
The Kiefer matchup wAs no different, except that it was probably the biggest mismatch so far.
"We didn't really want to run up the score," Love said, "but they only had 15 kids suited up. They should be playing eight man football."
Love put the game away in the first half with his varsity, and let the junior varsity take over in the second.
Though the JV's scored only once in the second half, the Bucs still chalked up 374 total yards. Scott Klufa had four rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Chris Bilyeu passed for two and ran for another.
So where does Love find satisfaction in such a win?
"No one got hurt. A lot of kids got playing time, which is good for your program.
"It wasn't much of a game, but we didn't want to go out there and look sloppy. We wanted to look like we were there mentally, and I think we did that."
Tonkawa 54, Kiefer 0
Tonkawa 20 27 7 0 - 54
Kiefer - 0 0 0 0 - 0
Scoring
Tonkawa - Klufa 10 run (Ochoa kick)
Tonkawa - Bilyeu 7 pass to Soucek (kick failed)
Tonkawa - Klufa 15 run (Ochoa kick)
Tonkawa - Bilyeu 8 run (Ochoa kick)
Tonkawa - Klufa 70 run (Ochoa kick)
Tonkawa - Randall 4 run (Ochoa kick)
Tonkawa - Bilyeu 4 pass to Soucek (kick failed)
Tonkawa - Bilyeu 1 pass to Swords (Ochoa kick)
Statistics
Tonk. Kiefer
First Downs 18 6
Rushes-yards 29-192 34-79
Passing yards 182 8
Comp-attempts 14-25 4-14
Fumbles-lost 1-1 2-1
Penalties-yards 5-35 9-57
By MATTHEW KOENIG
News Sports Writer
The Blackwell Maroons (6-1, 3-1) took another step towards clinching a district 4A playoff spot Friday, taking down the Tecumseh Savages (3-4, 2-2), 21-11.
Blackwell asserted itself in the first half behind the arm of quarterback Jared Spry and the stellar running of running back Danny Langdon.
The Maroons got up early. On first down of their first possession, Langdon took the ball 16 yards to the Tecumseh 45, and two plays later scampered 33 more to the three. After fullback Larry Ewy surged forward to the one, Langdon went skyward, diving over the Savages' defensive front for first score of the ball game.
Langdon then kicked the extra point and the Maroons went up, 7-0.
Starting from their own 28, however, the Savages came charging back. An 11 yard run by running back Tristan Ryan and a 24 yard option by quarterback Patrick Johnson carried the Savages into Blackwell territory. But after running back Jason Tapp plowed to the 19 the Maroons dug in, and on fourth and 11 Kye Cox kicked the 29 yard field goal to put Tecumseh on the board and narrow the Blackwell lead to four.
The Maroons avenged themselves on their next possession with a six minute, 11 play, 73 yard drive to the end zone.
It didn't start off well, however, as penalties hampered the Maroons. First, a clipping call negated a 73 yard Langdon blaze to the end zone. Three plays later, a 19 yard gain by fullback Ryan Roach was called back on a blocking below the waist penalty.
But the Maroons got into gear after that, covering 39 yards in seven plays to the Tecumseh 16. A Spry to Chad Bechtel completion put Blackwell on the five. Once again, Langdon worked his magic, cutting across the grain for his second touchdown. The extra point was blocked but the Maroons pulled away, 13-3.
The Savages would threaten again in the half. First, they recovered a Maroon fumble near midfield. With the help of a pass interference call against Blackwell and an option run by quarterback Johnson, the Savages moved quickly to the Maroons' 29. But an interception by Bechtel with one minute left would end the drive.
The Maroons' opening drive of the second half was a showcase for the multi-talented Langdon, as he received the kickoff then carried the ball five times in a row collecting 21 yards. Two Spry completions to Ewy and split end Zach Jackson moved the ball to the Blackwell 45 and brought up third and four. This time Spry connected with Langdon wide open to the right, and dodging several tackles at the end zone the junior running back went in for his third score of the night. Langdon then bolted in for the two point conversion to virtually seal the game at 21-3.
The Savages rallied hard in the fourth, preventing a single Blackwell first down and mounting an impressive scoring drive to put themselves tentatively back in the game.
Two Johnson scrambles of six and 20 yards got the Savages into Blackwell territory. A first down completion to wide receiver Richard Young followed by an acrobatic grab by Spradling put them in scoring position. Johnson then went in for the six and later connected with Rawls for the two-point, and Blackwell narrowed the gap to ten with 5:31 left in the game.
After holding the Maroons three-and-out on their next two possessions, Tecumseh's Spradling returned a punt 38 yards to the Blackwell 21. On the Savages' first play, Bechtel came up with an interception, but Blackwell fumbled it right back on their second play, and Tecumseh's Josh Goodson recovered.
With a little over two minutes left Tecumseh could have scored, and with an on-side kick had time to set up a field goal to tie the game.
A Johnson to Spradling pass to the seven gave them first and goal. Another completion to Richard Young got them to the four. But on the next play, Blackwell stuffed Johnson to bring up third down and three.
The Tecumseh quarterback, however, shoved a Blackwell player to draw a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct call and referees moved the ball back to the 18.
The Maroons' Tommy Grace then stepped up on the Savages' final two plays of the game, breaking up passes to the end zone and allowing Spry to run the clock out to end the game.
The Maroons go on the road next Friday to face off against district rival Glenpool.
Blackwell 21, Tecumseh 11
Blackwell 7 6 8 0 - 21
Tecumseh - 3 0 0 8 - 11
Scoring
Blackwell - Langdon 1 run (Langdon kick)
Tecumseh - Cox 29 field goal
Blackwell - Langdon 5 run (kick blocked)
Blackwell - Spry 55 pass to Langdon (Langdon run)
Tecumseh - Johnson 5 run (Johnson pass to Rawls)
The seventh grade Ponca City Cougars stretched their record to 5-0 after a 12-6 win over the eighth grade junior varsity Stillwater Raiders.
The Cougars got on the board in the first half, but were unable to complete the two point conversion. The Raiders came right back, though, to tie the game before halftime.
The Cougars picked up another touchdown in the third and again failed on the two point attempt. Late in the game the Raiders threatened, but the Cougars came up with an interception to seal the victory.
The seventh graders will meet a combination team of YMCA seventh graders Thursday. Play will begin at 5:15 at the Middle School.
ALVA - Ponca City's Stockton Graves won the all-around title in the college rodeo in Dodge City, Kan., recently
Riding for the Northwestern State College Rangers, Graves was first in the steer wrestling and second in the calf roping.
"This should put him in third position for the all-around in the region," said Northwestern coach Guy Forell. "Stockton is a great example for the student athlete. He is a great athlete and cuts it in the classroom as well."
Graves helped Northwestern to a third place finish in the Dodge City rodeo, finishing behind Southwestern (Okla.) and Fort Scott Community College.
Dodge City was the second of three rodeos on the fall schedule for the Rangers.
Graves also did well last week at Pratt, Kan., where he was first in the bulldogging. Graves placed third in the long go, first in the short go and was first overall
He also teamed with cousin Jason Stockton in placing third in the team roping.
Northwestern will resume rodeoing in the spring with a seven-event schedule.
The Ponca City YMCA will hold a basketball league for all children in kindergarten through third grade.
Kids in kindergarten and first grade will play on co-ed teams. Kids in second and third grades will play on separate boys or girls teams. Teams will be formed by neighborhoods. The league will have a six-game schedule with a skills challenge and an end-of-season party at the YMCA. Games will be played on Saturday mornings. The first game is scheduled for November 8, and the program will end on December 19.
The program will utilize adaptable goals that lower the basket to 8 1/2 fee, and a junior sized ball.
In keeping with the Y-Winners Youth Sports Philosophy, every child who would like to play will be placed on a team and will be allowed to play in at least half of every game, according to YMCA Program Director Bill Kenney.
The cost for the program is $13 for all YMCA Youth and Family Members and $23 for all community participants. This includes an early registration discount of $5 for those who enroll now and Saturday. The cost will also include all equipment, instruction, and an end of season swim party at the YMCA. The YMCA will again be using the red and blue jerseys that were used last season. A pair of opposite colored jerseys will cost $12 Those having the jerseys from last season will not need to purchase new ones.
Kenney notes volunteers are needed in every capacity, especially coaches and officials. The YMCA will provide a clinic for all coaches to become certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) on Nov. 1.
NYSCA certification is required for all coaches in YMCA Youth Sport. NYSCA certified coaches have benefits such a&, continuous training designed to make them better coaches, a $500,000 excess liability insurance policy, and others for a $15 fee. Anyone interested in more information regarding participation in or volunteering for this program should contact YMCA Program Director, Bill Kenney at 765-5417.
The YMCA and AMBUCs will host the 40th annual Toy Bowl on Saturday at Sullins Stadium. Game times are 1, 2:30, 4. 5:30, and 7 p.m.
The first game will feature the PC Stealth, coached by Bob Duckwall, vs. the PC Cowboys, coached by Rod Tavanello. In the second game, the PC Jaguars of coach Gary Jackson will take on Charlie Kassen's PC Panthers.
In the 6th grade games, the 4 p.m. contest will feature the Woodlands White Eagles and coach Wes Nimmo, against the PC Bulldogs, coached by Richard Keathly. The next game will pit the Woodlands Blue Eagles, also coached by Nimmo, against the PC Raiders, coached by Barry Knight. The final showcase match up will see Nimmo's Woodlands White Eagles against the Trout Tornadoes, coached by Rick Hartman.
The Toy Bowl is a long standing tradition in Ponca City as being the final game for sixth graders in the YMCA Flag Football Program. As an added feature, the YMCA 7th grade tackle program will be on display in the two early match ups. Annually sponsored by the Ponca City Noon AMBUCs, the Toy Bow1 is an event designed to bring an athletic event and a charitable cause together as a community service. Admission to enter the Toy Bowl is one new toy. Toys are gathered by the AMBUCs and the Salvation Army, and distributed to those in need at Christmas.
PCCC-WGA
The Ponca City Country Club Women's Golf Association will hold its weekly Ladies Day play on Tuesday with Low Net In-Flight Low Putts play.
The hostesses will be Phyllis Nimmo and Arlene McClain.
In last week's Low Net, Low Putts play, Julie Alles took first place in Championship flight.
LaVonne Lauritsen was first and B.J. Cohenour second in President's flight. Marge Brookshire won A flight, Wanda Council was first in B Flight, Del Kotarski won C flight and Cohenour had the Low Putts.
Alice Evens won the 9-hole play.
In the Oct. 9 Thursday Playday's Low Net on Odd Holes, Lanita Chapman took first place and had the Low Putts.
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WLGA
The Wentz Ladies Golf Association will hold its Lady's Day play Tuesday on the front nine.
A, B and C flights will tee off at 9:30 a.m., followed by Championship and President's flights.
Last week's winners were Jerri Barnes and Shirley Pigg in Championship flight, Evelyn Davis in President's flight, Sue Green in A flight and Joan Riggs in B flight.
In the Oct. 7 play, the winners were Shirley Pigg in Championship, Linda Bigger in President's, Sue Lawson in A, Doris Fisher in B, Susan Pollard in C and Shirley Piggs for Low Putts.
The Guest Day winners were LaVonne Lauritsen and Carol Edwards. Linda Bigger and Sue Lawson were second, Evelyn Davis and Joan Riggs were third and Ebby Jacobs and Joyce Wynn were fourth.
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RESULTS
PCCC
Fall Shootout
(Oct. 11)
1 - (99) Ron Locke, Bill Bridwell, Bill Coddington, Don Edwards, Don Monn
2 - (102) Bruce Newman, Calvin Young, Lee Brown, Tom Rigdon, Andrew Rigdon
3 - (104) Tony King, Brian King, John King, Don Stephens, Clark Nickles
4 - (105) Tommy Green, Ed Loosley, Tom Glasscock, Jack Sells, Jerry Wimberley
5 - (106) Don Wallace, Don Rowland, A.J. Stovall, Calvin Steinberger, Don Lockwood.
Closest to Hole No. 6 - Enloe Baumert
Senior-Boomer
(Oct. 4)
49-Under
1 - (71) Gary Bintz
2 - (71) Keni Ray
3 - (71) Dale Chapman
50-67
1 - (69) Tommy Green
2 - (70) Paul Walker
3 - (72) Gary Feil
68-Over
1 - (66) Lee Pappan
2 - (72) Paul Northcutt
3 - (72) John Williams
Overall Senior Low Gross Champion
Tommy Green (73)
ARKANSAS CITY - Margie M. Rath Goatley, a resident of Arkansas City, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 1997, at the William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield, Kan. She was 80.
Graveside services and interment will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1997 at the Springside Cemetery in Arkansas City, with the Rev. Don Goatley officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Hawks Funeral Home, Arkansas City.
Margie M. Rath Goatley was born Feb. 20, 1917 in Arkansas City, the daughter of Sam and Roxie Hudson Stover. She has been a lifelong resident of the Arkansas City area. She married James Rath on June 25, 1938 in Newkirk, Okla. She later married William Henry Goatley on Feb. 6, 1967 in Winfield, Kan. He died on April 11, 1994.
Survivors include two sons, Jim Rath of Blackwell, and Phillip Rath of Sand Springs; one daughter, Shirley Venegas of Newkirk; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Virgil Stover and three grandchildren.
A memorial has been established with the Salvation Army, contributions may be left at the funeral home.
Friends may call at the funeral home Monday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Jonathan Edward Adams
Jonathan Edward Adams, resident of Camdenton, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1997, at his residence in Camdenton. He was 26.
Graveside service will be Monday, Oct. 20, 1997 at 2 p.m. in the Braman Cemetery, Braman, Okla. with the Rev. Bill Hale, pastor of South Haven Baptist Church, South Haven, Kan. officiating. Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell, is in charge of arrangements.
Jonathan Edward Adams was born on Dec. 4, 1970, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Paul Gene and Delores Adams. He grew up in Kansas City and attended school in the Park Hill School District. In 1991, he began working toward acceptance into the Kansas City Art Institute. He also worked in the landscaping business, undertaking all phases of projects. He was working at this occupation at the time of his death.
Surviving are the mother of his daughter, Amy Ayers; his daughter, Kasey Ayers, both of Camdenton, Mo.; his father, Paul Adams of Olathe, Kan., a sister, Suzanne Davidson of Braman, and two brothers, Timothy Adams of Olathe, Kan. and Michael Adams of St. Joseph, Mo. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the South Haven Baptist Church Scholarship Fund.
The casket will only be open at the funeral home.
LOVINGTON, N.M. - Cleo Pierce, former Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1997, at her home in Lovington, N.M. She was 73.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 1997, at the Lovington First Baptist church with the Rev. Harry Pittam officiating. Burial will be in the Lovington, N.M., Cemetery under the direction of Smith-Rogers Funeral Home.
Cleo (Baker) Pierce was born Aug. 18, 1924 in Ponca City, the daughter of Herschel and Pearl (Clapp) Baker. She grew up and attended schools in Ponca City. She had been employed at the old Grand Cafe in earlier years.
She was married to Charles Pierce on Aug. 18, 1956, in Roswell, N.M., and the couple made their home in Lovington. Mrs. Pierce was a homemaker and had worked as a clerk in a dress shop there. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her husband, Charles E. Pierce of the home; one daughter, Connie Elaine Anglemeyer of Lee Summit, Mo.; one son, Johnnie Gallion of Kansas City, Mo.; two step-sons, Larry of Stephenville, Texas, and Ray of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Mary Davis of Ponca City; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
BURBANK - Hartzell Lane Bryan, Fairfax resident, died at his home Monday afternoon, Oct. 13, 1997 after a long illness. He was 71.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Burbank (Okla.) Baptist Church. McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa, was in charge of cremation arrangements.
Hartzell Lane Bryan was born Jan. 3, 1926 in Burbank, the son of V.J. and Dora (Wayman) Bryan. He grew up and attended school in Burbank. Bryan served 20 years in the U.S. Navy from 1944-64. He served with Admiral Byrds historic expedition to the South Pole in 1946-47. Bryan enjoyed fishing.
Survivors include his wife Joan Bryan of the home in Fairfax; one sister, Lois Willard of Burbank; one brother W.J. Bryan of Burbank; eight children; 19 grandchildren; one aunt; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother David.
aDALLAS, Texas - Maj. Benjamin Harrison Rush Jr., former Kaw City area resident, died Saturday, Oct. 11, 1997 in the Veterans Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He was 66.
Arrangements for cremation were made by the family at the Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. No public service was scheduled.
Benjamin Harrison Rush Jr. was born July 22, 1931, in Wichita, Kan., the son of Ben and Beulah (Davis) Rush Sr. He graduated from Kaw City High School in 1947, then joined the U.S. Army.
Maj. Rush served in the Korean War and following his honorable discharge in 1950, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his career he was connected in the Civil Air Patrol and was active as a paratrooper. At the time of his death he was a member of the USAF Reserve with the rank of Major. His hobbies included radio communications, bowling, hunting and fishing.
Survivors include one brother, Jack Rush of Ponca City; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Maj. Rush's name to the First Assembly of God Church, Building Fund, 1307 East Bradley, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Emma Lee Moseley, a Ponca City resident, died Saturday afternoon, Oct. 18, 1997, in the Ponca City Nursing Home. She was 94. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Evans T. Moseley. Services are pending through Grace Memorial Chapel.
Floy (Coe) Abbott, a Ponca City resident, died Friday, Oct. 17, 1997 at Westminster Village. She was 91. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1997 from the First Baptist Church Chapel. Arrangements are being made by Grace Memorial Chapel.
Monday
David Roy Martin Sr. -10:30 a.m. in McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joe Howard officiating. Burial in Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery. McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Cleo Pierce - former Ponca City resident. 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Lovington, N.M. Burial in Lovington Cemetery under direction of Smith-Rogers Funeral Home, Lovington.
Huge Flea Market - Monday and Tuesday - new items and a large assortment of antiques, collectibles, and recyclables at lower than bargain prices will be available on the grounds and in the garages at the Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Ponca City Art Association 30th Annual Flea Market will benefit the Art Center.
Magazines Wanted - Ponca City High School has use for many magazines that high school students would enjoy reading--sports, car, news, science, fashion, etc. Donations may be brought to the Howell Building Lobby located on the west side of the building (use the new parking lot off Fifth Street). There is a box immediately inside the door for these magazines.
College Night - The 47th Annual College Night will be held at Ponca City High School Oct. 20 from 7:15 to 9 p.m. More than 40 colleges, universities, technical schools and armed services will be represented. All students and parents are invited. Seniors are urged to attend.
Ostomy Support Meeting - The Ponca City/Stillwater United Ostomy Association will meet at the Stillwater Medical Center Board Room, Monday at 7:30 p.m. to hear speaker Russell G. Postier, M.D. from University Hospital, Oklahoma City, who will speak on preserving operations. All interested persons are welcome to attend. Call (405) 765-5845.
Program Benefit - The fifth annual Domestic Violence program benefit will be Tuesday, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley. Home-based businesses will be exhibiting products and a portion of the proceeds will go to the North Central Oklahoma Domestic Violence program. The public is invited to attend and door prizes will be awarded from each business.
Collectors Ornaments - The Audrey Schmitz collector's ornaments created as fund-raisers for the Ponca City Humane Society and recently sold at Oktoberfest are now available at the Humane Society Shelter or at Christy's. Call 767-8877 for more information.
Rural Water Meeting - McCord Rural Water District 3 will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the north building of McCord School.
Hodges in Service - Army Pvt. David T. Hodges has entered basic military training at Fort Sill, Lawton. During the eight weeks of training, he will receive instructions in study drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, first aid, Army history and traditions and receive special training in human relations. A 1997 graduate of Hart High School in Newhall, Calif., David is the son of Sally B. Hodges of 107 Glenside in Ponca City, and Tom W. Hodges of Valencia, Calif.
Class Reunion - The Ponca City High School Class of 1963 is in the process of planning the 35th reunion set for July 24-26, 1998. A meeting will be held at noon Thursday at the Crown and Rose English pub. All persons interested in the event are invited to attend. For more information or if you have names and address changes for class members please contact Art Mires, 762-6219, Jon Kennedy, 762-3642, Brian Harpster, 762-9551 or Paula Carmack Denson, 765-7169.
Multiple Sclerosis Group - There will be a meeting of the Multiple Sclerosis support group on Oct. 20, from 7-9 p.m. to view a video "Frank Talk," at the Arkansas City Senior Citizen Center, 320 South A Street. Contact Dody 442-0339 or Linda 442-8295 for more information.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded at 6:56 a.m. Friday to a request for assistance in the 400 block of West Park Avenue. A 35-year-old male was taken into custody on an Oklahoma City warrant for failure to appear.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 800 block of South Second Street at 7:33 a.m. Friday that a 36-year-old man was being held for failure to pay.
Bicycle Abandoned - A subject in the 300 block of South Birch Street reported at 8:41 a.m. Friday that a bicycle had been abandoned. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.
Assault - Personnel at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center reported to the Communications Center at 9:15 a.m. Friday that a subject was in the emergency room that had been assaulted while at First Street and Grand Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.
Mobile Phone Missing - A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department from the 100 block of South Olympia at 9:47 a.m. Friday that a mobile phone had been stolen from his vehicle during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Theft from Vehicle - A man from the 3700 block of Bellflower reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:09 a.m. Friday that an item was missing from his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:10 p.m. Friday that a 19-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 12:34 p.m. Friday that a vehicle had hit a van in front of a business in the 200 block of East Grand Avenue, and left northbound on Second Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Hits Building - A business in the 3300 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:03 p.m. Friday that a vehicle had run into the building and caused extensive damage. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:17 p.m. Friday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken that there were minor injuries.
Gas Drive-Off - A business in the 1600 block of West South Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:05 p.m. Friday that someone had driven off without paying for gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Damaged - A person from the 2000 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:30 p.m. Friday that her vehicle had been hit while in a parking lot of a business in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Subject Held - The Communications Center received a 911 call from the 900 block of East Highland Avenue at 8:11 p.m. Friday concerning a problem. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 31-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.
Suspicious Activity - A person from the 2000 block of Lake Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:13 p.m. Friday that someone was letting air out of tires on vehicles. An officer was assigned and a request was made for an extra patrol of the business and the area.
Rocks Thrown Through Windows - A person from the 900 block of East Grand Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:46 p.m. Friday that someone had driven by and threw rocks through the windows. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - A person from the 1500 block of Bradley Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:58 a.m. Saturday that some vandalism had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on destruction of private property.
Subject Held - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of Lucas at 1:08 a.m. Saturday that a 29-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
Traffic Stop Arrest - An officer of the Ponca City Police Department
requested assistance in the 700 block of North Elm Street at 2:22 a.m. Saturday.
Another officer was assigned and a 21-year-old man was held for DUI. A vehicle
was towed from the scene.