LOCAL

Conoco Will Clean Plant
Capsule Contents Being Cased
Arthritis Awareness Grant To Oklahoma
Make a Difference Day Set Saturday, Oct. 23
YMCA Offers Community Support for Many Programs
Fire Prevention Week Seeks To End Needless Deaths From Home Fires
Two Basic Types of Smoke Alarms

Conoco Will Clean Plant

The Ponca City Conoco Refinery will begin maintenance/cleaning of the South Plant gas contractor beginning late morning Tuesday through early morning Thursday, according to Keni Ray, public relations.

The flare will be larger and noisier than normal; capacity will be kept low by introducing additional steam. The reason for the larger flare is routine maintenance on the contractor to insure compliance with heater permits.

Everything possible will be done to minimize the impact on the community. Employees doing this maintenance in the South Plant will be working around the clock to minimize the amount of time the gas will be flared.

Capsule Contents Being Cased

By PATTI PFEIFFER

Special to The News

A treasure hunt is underway in Ponca City and it is “timeless” treasures, fit for a capsule, that are being sought. The 1999 Leadership Ponca City Class is seeking unique, and Ponca City specific items for placement in the historical Millennium Time Capsule.

“We thought it would be wonderful if the community was a part of this and felt giving local citizens the opportunity to submit their special articles would be a great way to do just that,” said class member and capsule content chairperson Pat Morris.

The Millennium Time Capsule will be buried in Centennial Plaza during a grand band playing, balloon dropping, spine tingling ceremony Dec. 31. The capsule, and its contents, will remain underground until it is uncovered and reopened 100 years later.

Age-defying measures are being undertaken to ensure the preservation of the “timeless treasures.” The capsule will be made of stainless steel, placed inside a 12 gauge steel vault and be buried 6 to 8 feet underneath the plaza.

Once sealed, buried and covered, a granite marker will identity the exact location of the underground legacy.

The purpose of a time capsule is to link the present to the future and to ensure the next generation has keepsakes from a past generation. Finding items fitting of such of a bequest is the key to its success.

According to Morris, there are several specific requirements that must be met before an item will be consider for placement within the time capsule. All items must pertain only to the year 1999-2000 and be specific to Ponca City.

The contents will be selected from 19 different categories including photographs, stamps, programs of community events and newspaper events of local interest. The public is being asked to submit items for several of the categories.

“We are seeking photographs and original compositions such as poetry and short stories,” Morris says. “We are also looking for items specific to community events such as fliers or programs from church, business, clubs, or civic organizations.”

Submitted items must be no larger than the capsule container which measures 48x22x19 and they can not be returned. Submission must be received at the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, 420 East Grand Avenue by Oct. 15.

Arthritis Awareness Grant To Oklahoma

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded this week $4 million to 38 states to raise public awareness about arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Oklahoma will receive about $61,615 to begin public health efforts to reduce the burden of arthritis on Oklahomans. This is the first time CDC has offered grants to states to lead a public health attack on arthritis.

Arthritis and related conditions affected nearly 43 million Americans in 1998 and by the year 2020 are expected to affect 60 million people.

Arthritis costs the nation $65 billion annually and is second to heart disease as a cause of work disability. In Oklahoma, more than 600,000 are afflicted with arthritis, costing the state $860 million in medical costs and lost productivity.

“Arthritis has been a neglected public health problem. We are concerned about the impact the disease has on the quality of life of Oklahomans and the lost years of productivity in the work place. Nationally we are aware of the extent of the problem; however, we need more local information to find out the extent of the impact on Oklahomans and to discover if disparities exist between different populations,” said J.R. Nida, M.D., state health commissioner.

Health officials believe this grant is a first step to involve local communities to identify and implement educational and prevention strategies for arthritis in their communities.

“We know arthritis is not necessarily an inevitable part of growing older,” said Nida. “It can be prevented, and for those who already have the disease, we can help support them in accessing community resources to minimize their pain and disability.”

The Oklahoma grant will formally establish an Arthritis Prevention and Education Program through the Oklahoma State Department of Health as well as a statewide Oklahoma Arthritis Network. Key partners who will work with the OSDH through the OAN include the Oklahoma chapters of the Arthritis Foundation. Other goals of the grant focus on enhancement of surveillance, data analysis and reporting activities to determine the prevalence of arthritis in Oklahoma; identification of diverse partners who have a common interest to serve on the OAN; and development of the Oklahoma Arthritis Prevention and Education Plan.

CDC awarded establishment fund grants to 30 states ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, including Oklahoma.

Health officials suggest maintaining appropriate weight and avoiding occupational or sports-related injuries to help prevent arthritis. Early diagnosis and medical treatment, physical activity, and a variety of self-management techniques help reduce disability once arthritis is diagnosed.

Make a Difference Day Set Saturday, Oct. 23

Everyone wants to help make the world a better place. Many just don’t know where to start while others are trying to do so much that it’s frustrating. On Saturday, Oct. 23, Make A Difference Day (MAD Day) provides the opportunity for everyone to help others.

Ponca City Tomorrow and United Way of Ponca City are co-sponsoring this year’s event, asking citizens to spend part of their Saturday helping the community and the people in it. Making a difference can be as inconspicuous as visiting a friend in a nursing home, reading to a child, taking flowers to someone ill or even walking the neighbor’s dog.

Imagine the power of thousands of people helping others. That’s what happens on this inspiring day. Additionally, an idea planted on MAD Day can grow and foster new ones. Work begun on Oct. 23, can continue to help people years later.

Residents can act alone, or enlist family and friends. Decide what needs to be done in the neighborhood. Call one of the 17 local United Way agencies or commit to helping with Ponca City’s Millennium Celebration.

Small Tasks Make A Difference

“You don’t have to change the world to have an impact,” says Cathryn Ferguson, executive director of Ponca City Tomorrow, the community’s visioning organization. “You can make a difference in just one person’s life by just taking that first step,” she said. “Being aware of every day is a start.”

Volunteers should remember not to get overwhelmed. The important thing is to help others. Other suggestions include:

— Getting kids together, baking cookies and calling on a neighbor.

— Call an elderly neighbor and ask if he would like help with fall cleanup chores.

— Beautify a spot of land in need. Pull weeds or plant winter pansies.

— Go downtown and decide to smile at everyone.

— Write thank-you notes to people in the community who make this a special place.

— Collect socks and/or coats for the homeless.

— Put on an activity for younger kids.

— Hold a fund raiser to benefit a local agency.

The key to Make a Difference Day is spreading the word, building awareness and getting more people out to lend a hand, according to Ferguson.

“Make A Difference Day is the largest national day of doing good,” she continued. “It’s a national celebration of a great American tradition: neighbors helping neighbors. And everyone can participate.”

To Helene Schwartz, executive director of the United Way of Ponca City, Make A Difference Day is a day of caring. As such, she acknowledges the community supports local agencies and organizations with money and feels the gift of time is also important.

YMCA Offers Community Support for Many Programs

Editor’s note: This is the fourteenth in a series of articles describing the services available to Ponca City citizens through the 17 United Way agencies.

The Ponca City YMCA uses community support to build programs to improve Ponca City for all of its citizens. Youth sports and leadership programs, land and water exercise classes and health information are just some of the contributions made available through the local agency.

A spokesperson for the YMCA shares a success story involving a water exercise participant, specifically a member of the Arthritis Foundation water exercise class, which is offered daily. Betty Pollet has been attending the class for two months.

Prior to coming to the YMCA, Betty sustained head injuries in an automobile accident. She has survived cancer, endured three strokes and at one point lay in a coma for five months. Currently, she attends exercise class with an aide or her husband, Terry.

“I’ve pretty much had to learn everything all over again,” she said.

Although she walks with the aid of a walker on the pool deck, once in the water, she cruises across the pool forward, backward and sideways. Pollet is building up the strength in not only her legs but arms and torso as well. According to her arthritis class instructor, Susan Henning, Pollet has been showing off her new arm strength by carrying her walker as she comes into class, instead of pushing it along.

“I was concerned when she first came to class,” Henning said. “But she has built up her strength and balance so much that now I find her cruising across the pool before her aide can get in with her.”

In addition, the class has been very welcoming and positive about Pollet’s recovery. They have gone so far as to bring her a paint-by-number set to decorate the helmet she wears to protect her head, where a part of her skull is missing due to a previous infection.

Betty sums it all up by saying, her experience at the YMCA has definitely been positive and she “wouldn’t quit for anything.” Her determination, positive attitude, and big smile rub off on everyone she encounters.

Water exercise can benefit everyone. Due to the water’s great resistance, exercisers can acquire muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, muscle balance and toning. Movement in any direction in the water has resistance, similar to using weights on land.

This is important for muscle balance but also becomes a weight bearing exercise to help in the prevention of the effects of osteoporosis. The natural buoyancy of water relieves pressure on weight bearing joints, making exercise in the water especially important for those who are overweight, pregnant, or have arthritis.

Additionally, water pressure stimulates better blood circulation, aiding those with circulation problems, and can help take away the lactic acid, which can cause muscle soreness the day after exercise. No swimming skills are required to participate in the classes.

Wearing shoes, water or canvas, is suggested to protect the feet and prevent slipping. For more information about the YMCA, call 765-5417.

The United Way of Ponca City supports the following 17 member agencies: American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Girl Scouts-Bluestem Council, Boy Scouts of America-Will Rogers Council, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline, Inc., Hospice of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Salvation Army and the YMCA.

Fire Prevention Week Seeks To End Needless Deaths From Home Fires

Fires kill about 5,000 people in the United States every year, most of them in their own homes. The vast majority of those fire deaths occur needlessly, say the experts at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“If people only understood what the fire dangers are, and what they can do to avoid them, there would be far fewer home fire deaths and injuries every year,” says Meri-K Appy, NFPA assistant vice president for Public Affairs and Education. “There is a great deal of confusion about what causes fires, what prevents a burn or fire hazard, etc. In response to the confusion, we’ve developed a fire safety quiz to help dispel the myths about fire. Our hope is that by taking this fun quiz, people will learn about the major fire dangers and change the way they respond to them.”

Is the leading cause of home fires smoking materials, arson, heating equipment or electrical equipment? Is the number one cause of home fire fatalities lightning, smoking materials, cooking equipment or electrical equipment.

Do the majority of fire deaths occur at school, at home, at work or in vehicles? In which season do the largest number of home fires and associated fatalities occur?

Do the largest number of home fires begin in a closet, utility room, kitchen or attic? If you were sleeping when a fire occurred, would the smoke awaken you?

What should you do when your clothing catches on fire? In a small grease fire, should you escape and call the fire department, pour water on it, slide a lid over the pan or turn off the heat?

In answer to the quiz, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires, accounting for nearly one-fourth of all home fires. Also, more civilians die in the U.S. in smoking-material fires than in any other type of fire.

Additionally, about 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home. Most of these could be prevented if occupants changed risky behaviors and removed fire hazards. The cold-weather months are the peak period for both home fires and home fire deaths. December through February are dangerous months because of the increased use of heating equipment.

The kitchen is the leading room for origin for U.S. home fires, but other rooms in which fires are likely to start are the bedrooms and living rooms. In addition, if asleep when a fire ignites out, the smoke will not awaken you. In fact, it will very likely put you into a deeper sleep. For this reason, having working smoke detectors in the home is absolutely vital.

If clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll is the phrase to remember. Running will only fan the flames, thereby increasing the chance of greater injury. Stop right where you are, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Then roll over and over to extinguish the flames.

Furthermore, never pour water on a grease fire. The only safe option may be to escape and call the fire department from a neighbor’s home. However, if it is a small pan fire, confined to the pan, and you want to try to extinguish the fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Always keep a lid and hot pad close at hand when cooking, just in case.

For more information, the NFPA recommends contacting the local fire department.

Two Basic Types of Smoke Alarms

No two fires are alike. Fire sources vary, and so does the resulting intensity, heat and duration. To further complicate matters, a single ignition source can have varying effects on different combustibles. A lit cigarette, for example, will more likely produce a slow, smoldering fire if it is dropped on a sofa or bed. If that same cigarette, however, drops on a newspaper placed on the sofa or bed, the resulting fire may be characterized more by flames than by smoldering smoke.

Just as there are two types of fire, there are two basic types of smoke alarms. According to major fire service organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association, both types detect fire effectively, but each uses a unique sensor system.

Photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more effective at detecting slow smoldering fires — fires which may smolder for hours before bursting into flame.

Ionization smoke alarms are generally more effective at detecting fast-flaming fires — fires which consume materials rapidly and spread quickly.

Given the numerous potential combinations of ignition sources and combustibles, it is next to impossible to develop steadfast rules for which type of alarm — ionization or photoelectric — is best suited to protect any given environment. To help keep your family safe from the various fire dangers, the NFPA suggests installing a combination of both of these state-of-the-art sensing technologies on each level of your home. This double protection can provide early warning of all types of fires and offers the greatest degree of security.

DEATHS

Forrest Walker
Allen William Larssen
Georgia Wallace Perfect
Luther Leo Taylor
Riley Hargraves
Barbara Lee Kennedy

Forrest Walker

TONKAWA — Forrest Walker, resident of Tonkawa, died Saturday morning, Oct. 2, 1999, at his home. He was 85.

The funeral will be Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Tonkawa with the Rev. Dr. John Bartlett officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.

Forrest Walker was born April 24, 1914, in Tonkawa, the son of William and Ida (Williams) Walker. He received his education at Sunnyside School, Tonkawa, and continued his education at UPS in Tonkawa. Walker joined the Tonkawa police force in 1942, where he served as Chief of Police. Later, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Kay County, and, in 1953, he was appointed Sheriff of Kay County. In 1965, he accepted the Chief of Police with the Ponca City Police Department until his retirement in 1975. Walker moved back to Tonkawa in 1986.

He was a lifelong member of Oklahoma Sheriff and Peace Officers Association, named Lion of the Year in Ponca City, received the Special Service award by the American Legion and was a 32nd-degree Mason, where he received his 50-year membership award.

He is survived by three nephews, three nieces, and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Casket bearers will be Gary Walker, Doug Walker, David G. Walker, Tom Walker, Danny Walker and David Walker.

Allen William Larssen

NEWKIRK — Allen William Larssen, longtime Newkirk resident, died early Saturday evening, Oct. 2, 1999, in St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 69.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999, at Christ’s Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Frank Tepe officiating. The cremains will be taken to California. There will be no viewing. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Allen William Larssen was born Feb. 2, 1930, at Newkirk, the son of Sven Elmo and Mary Frances (Skaggs) Larssen. He grew up and attended school in the Newkirk area, and he attended Newkirk High School. He left school his senior year to join the U.S. Navy. After a four-year tour of duty, he entered the U.S. Coast Guard.

On Sept. 29, 1950, he and Alice Elizabeth Stierwalt were married in California where he was stationed. The family followed him, making their home wherever he was transferred around the United States. They lived in California while he was serving overseas. He retired in 1974 after serving 26 years in the service.

After receiving his discharge, the Larssens returned to Newkirk where they have since resided. He began working as maintenance engineer for Frontier Federal in Ponca City, retiring in 1989 after 14 years with the company.

He was a member of Christ’s Church in Blackwell. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and visiting relatives.

He is survived by his wife of the home; five sons, Ralph Larssen of Angwin, Calif., Glenn Larssen of Ponca City, Ken Larssen of Seneca, Ore., Michael Larssen of Barstow, Calif., and Albert Larssen of Ponca City; one daughter, Ann Larssen of Newkirk; one brother, Delmer Larssen of Newkirk; one sister, Ruth Chapman of Newkirk; 21 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Edward; his parents; and one sister, Molly George.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Georgia Wallace Perfect

OKLAHOMA CITY — Georgia Wallace Perfect, former resident of Ponca City, died Sept. 30, 1999, at Baptist Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was 60.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 2, 1999, at Northwest Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements were under the direction of Smith & Turner Mortuary.

Georgia Wallace Perfect was born Aug. 3, 1939, in Ponca City, the daughter of Russell Clarence and Muriel Ellen Belveal Wallace. She attended Ponca City schools, graduating in May of 1957. She attended the University of Oklahoma nursing school, Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa, and Northwestern College in Alva, where she graduated.

She married David Perfect in Alva on Jan. 18, 1961. They moved to Ponca City. She worked in Ponca City, then Oklahoma City, for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 30 years.

Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Steven B. Perfect of Houston, Texas; her parents of Ponca City; two sisters Audrey Barr of Oklahoma City, and Roseda Isaac of Ponca City; one brother, Philip Wallace of North Carolina; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Luther Leo Taylor

SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. — Luther Leo Taylor, former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Sept. 27, 1999, in the Del Webb Memorial Hospital in Sun City West, Ariz. He was 79.

Services were 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999, at the First Baptist Church of Sun City West, Ariz. Burial was in the Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City under the direction of the Sunland Mortuary in Sun City, Ariz.

Luther Leo Taylor was born Aug. 18, 1920, in Walnut, Kan. He was a United States Army veteran, serving in World War II. He moved to Arizona in 1983 after being employed as an accountant with Continental Oil Company for 35 years.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sun City West and a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home, 21650 131st Way, Sun City West, Ariz. 85375.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to First Baptist Church of SCW-Memorial Fund, 17419 Conquistador Dr., Sun City West, Ariz. 85375.

Obituaries

Riley Hargraves

Riley Hargraves, lifelong area resident, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999, at Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 93.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas W. Scott officiating. Renee Miller will provide the music. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Kaw City.

Riley Hargraves was born Jan. 7, 1906, in Osage County RFD to Bill and Ella (Smith) Hargraves. He was the oldest of eight children.

On April 17, 1929, he married Jessie E. Welch in Newkirk. They made their first home in Osage County where he operated a dairy as well as being involved in many other aspects of farming until moving to Kay County in 1964. After moving to Kay County, he began working for Evans and Throop construction until retiring in 1976. He then moved to the Big V Ranch near Marland and was employed with Jenkins Oil Co. until 1988. In 1991, Mr. Hargraves returned to Osage County where he resided until his death.

Mr. Hargraves was a member of New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was a very hard worker.

He is survived by his wife, Jessie E. Hargraves of Ponca City; two sons, Elston Hargraves and William Don Hargraves both of Ponca City; daughter, Odean Joyce (Hargraves) Moore of Wichita, Kan.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His parents, five brothers, two sisters and a grandson preceded him in death.

Casket bearers will be Charles Fulks, Steve Miller, Miles Miller Sr., Bill Hargraves, Kenneth Epperson and Hurley Bohon. Honorary bearers will be grandsons, Randy Hargraves, Quinton Moore, Mike Moore, William Riley Hargraves, Kevin Lawson and Keith Lawson.

The family will be at the home of Don Hargraves, east of Ponca City.

paid obituary

Barbara Lee Kennedy

Barbara Lee Kennedy, mother of Martin (“Mike”) Joseph Kennedy III, died recently in St. Louis, Mo. Aged 73, she took her leave of us on Sunday. Oct. 3,1999.

Barbara Lee (Aubuchon) Kennedy, was born Oct. 1, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo.

Kennedy was the daughter of Joseph William Aubuchon. The Aubuchon family originally left Dieppe in Upper Normandy for Canada in the early 1640s and settled in Trois-Rivieres, located on the Fleuve Saint-Laurent. One hundred and fifty years later, the Aubuchon family, mostly voyageurs and coureurs de bois, settled in Saint-Ferdinand de Fleurissant, between the Fleuve de Saint-Louis (the Mississippi River) and the Fleuve de Saint-Philip (the Missouri River), near the French trading post of Saint-Louis in the Upper Louisiana Colony.

Kennedy’s mother was Anna Mary Hayes. The Hayes family emigrated from Western Ireland to New Bern, in Craven County, of the Carolina Colonies in 1745. Members of the family later enlisted in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and fought proudly for the Confederacy during the War Between the States.

Kennedy grew up in St. Louis and attended several neighborhood schools. She was baptized at the Mount Auburn M.E. Church, South, located in the Arlington neighborhood of St. Louis. After high school, Kennedy studied to be a registered nurse.

On July 1, 1950, she married Martin Joseph Kennedy Jr. at St. Francis Xavier Church in St. Louis. The couple established their home at 1108 Louisville Avenue in the St. James the Greater Parish of St. Louis. During her marriage, Kennedy was a housewife.

In September, 1956, the family moved to St. Louis County and resided in the old French village of Florissant, known for 150 years as Saint-Ferdinand de Fleurissant.

During the late 1950s, Kennedy volunteered many hours to both the PTA and the Cub Scouts of Elm Grove Elementary School in Florissant.

Following her divorce in 1962, Kennedy returned to the St. James the Greater Parish in St. Louis. She worked for many years as a retail manager for Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis.

Many will miss her presence, her sharp wit, her unique turn of phrase, her love of 19th century English and French literature, her love of history and cinema, and her love of American politics. She was a life-long Democrat.

Survivors include her son, Martin (“Mike”) Joseph Kennedy III, and wife, Shelly, and grandson, Madison Ryan Kennedy, all of Ponca City; a brother, William Dean Aubuchon of Dale City, Va.; and two nieces, Alison Turk of Virginia; and Nick Hund of Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents.

De mortuis nil nisi bonum.

In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic, agus an spioraid Naoimh.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Free Clothing Tonight — Anyone with a need will be able to obtain free clothing tonight. Fall and winter clothing plus unlimited summer clothing available — tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 1308 East Bradley. Please enter at the furthest northwest doors.

Branson Christmas Shows, November 5th thru 8th. Group motorcoach tours. Book now! 762-7591. adv.

Battery Missing — A woman from the 800 block of North Osage Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:25 a.m. Saturday that a battery had been stolen from a camper. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Disturbance — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:05 a.m. Saturday that a disturbance was going on at a residence in the 800 block of North Pine Street. Two officers were assigned and a 24-year-old man was held on failure to pay.

Suspicious Activity — An official at the American Legion Children’s Home notified the Ponca City Police Department at 1:30 p.m. Saturday that two youngsters had reported finding a gun in the park at East Hartford Avenue and Academy Road. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on an assault with a dangerous weapon.

Accident — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at 2:26 p.m. Saturday on an accident that had occurred on East Prospect Avenue.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 3:52 p.m. Saturday that a 23-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Accident — An accident in the 1200 block of North Pine Street at 3:58 p.m. Saturday was reported to the Ponca City Police Department. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of South Fourteenth Street at 1:11 a.m. Monday that an 18-year-old man was being held for having no insurance and driving under suspension.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:07 p.m. Sunday that a subject in a red pickup had left eastbound without paying for gas. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Disturbance — An employee at Lazy K, 205 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:06 a.m. Monday that a window had been broken out of a room and a subject was causing a disturbance. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and an 18-year-old woman was being held for interfering with an officer.

Requests Assistance — The Ponca City Police Department received a call at 5:24 p.m. Saturday that assistance was needed in the 300 block of South Osage Street concerning small youngsters. Three officers were assigned and took into custody a 21-year-old woman on three counts of child abuse and a city warrant for failure to pay. The youngsters were taken into protective custody.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 11:29 p.m. Saturday that an 18-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Item Missing — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:04 a.m. Sunday that a motorized handicap cart was missing from the business. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Vehicle Stolen — A man from the 400 block of South Washington Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:44 a.m. Sunday that his vehicle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Assault — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 10:41 a.m. Sunday to report that her mother had been assaulted at a nursing home. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Bicycle Abandoned — An official with Animal Control reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:36 p.m. Sunday that a bicycle had been abandoned in the 700 block of North Ash Street.

Stolen Checks — An employee of Wal-Mart requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 4:30 p.m. Sunday concerning stolen checks. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a call at 5:43 p.m. Sunday that a fire alarm was sounding in the 1100 block of Brentwood Drive. Three stations of the Ponca City Fire Department sent units to the scene, but it was determined to be a false alarm.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 6:52 p.m. Sunday that a three-vehicle accident had occurred in the parking lot of Sonic, 608 South Fourteenth Street. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and a 31-year-old man was held for driving under revocation, reckless driving, and DUI.

LIFESTYLES

Gordon-Fusselman Wedding Ceremony In Eureka Springs
Little News
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Planning Halloween Party
Xi Delta Chapter Members Meet
Stewart Family Holds Reunion
Magazine Offers Quick Fixes For Problems Around House

Gordon-Fusselman Wedding Ceremony In Eureka Springs

Carol Gordon and Mark Fusselman were united in marriage Sept. 9, 1999, in a double ring ceremony in Eureka Springs, Ark. Former residents of Ponca City, the couple now resides in Ada. Fusselman is an account manager for Sykes, and the bride is an auditor for PRG in Norman.

The bride is the daughter of Edith Burns, 2404 Ames, and the late S.R. Burns, and the bridegroom is the son of Milton and Francis Fusselman, 1903 Willow. The bride’s grandmother is Nina Hayes of Arkansas City, Kan.

The bride has two daughters and a son-in-law, Erin Gordon, Kelly and Mike Grudowski, all of Ponca City.

Little News

Mark and Pam Conner of Houston, Texas, former residents of Ponca City, announce the birth of a daughter, at 10:52 a.m. Sept. 20, 1999, at Katy Medical Center in Katy, Texas. Bailey Alice Conner weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 20 inches long. She has a brother, Blaine, and a sister, Brenna. Grandparents are Ralph and Leda Conner and Delbert and Doris Foiles.

Christina L. Robb and Shane Coley announce the birth of a son, Christopher Don, at 9:20 a.m. Sept. 12, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured 19 inches long.

Grandparents are David Robb Sr. and Ms. Doris Robb of Ponca City, Donald Coley and Mary Forrester of Oklahoma City. Great-grandparents are Harmon Coley and Alice Coley of Choctaw.

Logan Christopher King is the name selected by Chris and Becky King of Ponca City for their son born at 7:55 a.m. Sept. 2, 1999, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces.

Grandparents are Henry and Carolyn King of Enid and Larry and Sharon Sebranek of Marshall. Great-grandparents are Dorothy King of Enid, Earl and Ardelia Stevens of Seiling, Leo and Jessie Meyer of Alva, Jerry Sebranek, Douglas Sebranek, the late Henry King Sr. and the late Darlene Sebranek.

Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Planning Halloween Party

Members of Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Sept. 28 in the home of Catherine Horner. The business meeting was conducted by Peggy Cookson, president, who also led the group in the opening ritual. Correspondence was read and orders taken for the Beta Sigma Phi cookbook.

The next social gathering will be Oct. 12 when members will met at 6:45 p.m. at the movie theater and after the show will go out for ice cream.

Members were reminded to get costumes ready for the Halloween party Oct. 26 at LaRannah Bartlett’s house. The chapter voted Teena Robbins as their Valentine queen.

Following the meeting the hostess gave the program , sharing her collection of favorite poems about friendship, and each member was asked to tell what friendship meant to them.

Xi Delta Chapter Members Meet

There were nine members of Xi Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority present for the Sept. 25 meeting in the home of Lisa Mena. Wendy Boyd was a guest at the meeting.

Linda Turner, president, called the meeting to order, and Shari Magee read the minutes, and Patsy Hastings gave the treasurer’s report.

Becky Bezdek, ways and means chairman, reported on the Santa project scheduled Dec. 11-12 at Wal-Mart. Dorothy Leonard, service chairman, discussed ideas for service projects.

The program was given by Sue May, who also won the traveling basket. The next meeting will be Oct. 11 in the home of Dorothy Leonard.

Stewart Family Holds Reunion

Members of the David E. and Clara Stewart family met for a reunion Sept. 24-26. Among those attending were Crickett Shaw, her daughter and son-in-law, Russell and Vivian Hayward of Bellevue, Neb.; Doris Hicks of Ponca City, her daughter and son-in-law, David and Kathy Hicks of Horn Lake, Ms.; the Rev. Glenn Stewart, and daughter, Gwendolyn D’Ambrogi of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Floyd and Gerry Stewart of Ponca City, and their son, Dale Stewart of Tulsa; their daughter and son-in-law, Janelle and the Rev. David Karges of Seminole.

The family gathered for visiting and a celebration dinner Sept. 25 at the home of Don and Carolyn McKain. Mrs. McKain is the daughter of the late Troy and Laura Stewart Davenport. In addition to the McKains, those attending were Wilma Ford of Oklahoma City, Troy and Renea McKain and daughters, the Rev. Chris and Carrie Cooper and Clay of Ponca City; Jim and Lorene McKain and daughter of Blackwell.

Magazine Offers Quick Fixes For Problems Around House

By LARRY LEMASTERS

Today’s Homeowner Magazine

For the Associated Press

For those wanting to know how to make perfect pipe joints, Today’s Homeowner magazine has some suggestions. PVC pipe and fittings are lightweight, inexpensive and easy to cut and assemble. The parts are “welded” together with a simple two-step process that includes a primer and a solvent cement. There are no special skills or tools required for working with PVC pipe, but alignment of the parts, as with any plumbing material, is critical. Solvent cement sets up almost instantly, and once it does, the joint is permanent. That’s why it’s important to dry-fit all connections before welding them together. First, slide the fitting onto the pipe end, twist it to the correct position, then draw a line straight across the joint with a permanent marker. Pull off the fitting and spread a coat of primer onto the pipe end and around the inside of the fitting. Follow up with a coat of solvent cement. Immediately push the fitting back onto the pipe and twist it a quarter turn until the two lines match up.

Long-distance nailing

When you need to start a nail in a place that’s just slightly out of your reach, try this carpenter’s trick: Insert the nail between the two edges that form the hammer claw. Be sure the nailhead is resting against the base of the hammerhead and that the nail shaft is wedged into the claw. To start the nail, hold the hammer backwards — with the striking face toward you — and firmly swing the hammer to drive the nail point into the work. Turn the hammer around and drive the nail all the way in. Note that this technique only works with curved-claw hammers, not straight-claw framing hammers.

Stay Fresh Paint Roller

Next time you’re painting a room and want to take a lunch break — or even knock off for the night — don’t bother rinsing out the roller sleeve. Instead, roll out as much of the excess paint as possible, then cover the roller sleeve in aluminum foil. Crimp the foil around the ends of the sleeve to seal out air. If you’re not going to be able to get back to painting for more than 12 hours or so, pull the sleeve off the roller frame, wrap it in foil and pop it into the refrigerator. There, it will stay fresh for up to four days. Take it out of the refrigerator — but don’t unwrap it — at least two hours before you’re ready to resume painting. This warm-up period allows the nap to become pliable again and ready for painting.

Drip Diverter

When your roof springs a leak, the wake-up call usually is a wet spot on the ceiling. If you don’t act quickly, that spot will grow and you’ll end up replacing a lot of drywall or plaster. Don’t respond by climbing up onto your wet roof. Instead go into the attic with a flashlight to find the source of the leak. Water that finds its way in will typically seep under the plywood sheathing, hit a rafter and then run down along the bottom edge of the rafter. To interrupt the flow of water, nail a small wood block to the underside of the rafter. Twist the block at a slight angle, then place a bucket underneath. As the water runs down the rafter and hits the wood block, it will be diverted into the bucket. For a really heavy leak, install a second block and bucket farther down on the rafter to catch any water that gets by the first block. With the bucket in place, trace the leak back to its point of origin. Make note of its exact position so you can locate it from outside once the rain has ended and the roof has dried out.

Quick Tip

An easy way to make a sturdy, virtually indestructible workbench top is to use a flush-panel solid-core door. A 30-inch-wide by 80-inches-tall lauan mahogany door costs about $50. Seal all surfaces with two coats of polyurethane. If the benchtop isn’t going to be subjected to heavy pounding, you can sometimes get by with a hollow-core door; a 30-by-80-inch lauan model runs about $25.

SPORTS

Monday Evening Quarterback

Monday Evening Quarterback

Consistency is a must for individuals to succeed.

Consistency is vital for a team to succeed.

Consistency is hard to come by in high school athletics with players and coaches coming and going.

Consistency is what new coach Tracy Scott now hopes to bring to the Lady Wildcat softball program.

“These girls have had three coaches in three years,” she noted after watching her girls fall out of the regional tournament in two straight game. “They are confused. Each coach brings their own philosophy and own techniques.”

The Lady Cats struggled all year, coming close to winning numerous game only to fall just short.

“I don’t know how many one-run games we lost,” Scott said. “It must have been 15 of 16.

“The girls would play great defense for six innings and not in one. The hitting just wasn’t there. I kept telling the girls that all those ball were we hitting right at someone would start to go through. They never did. It was frustrating. It was frustrating for the players and frustrating for the coaches.”

Despite the lack of the success, Scott said her players never quit giving good effort.

The regional tournament was a good example.

“The girls went out and left it all on the field,” Scott said about the one-run loss (anther one) to Owasso and a not-so-close loss to Jenks (a team the Ladies had beaten three times during the regular season).

“We were diving after the ball all over the place in that first game,” the coach said. “The players really gave it everything they had. I don’t think they had anything left for that second game.”

Scott and assistant coach Stoney Parks have already started to plan for next season when having the same coach should add some stability to the program.

But the two coaches want even more. The Lady Wildcats, with many sophomores and freshmen this season, need more experience and more competition, Scott feels.

That means an off-season program, and a tough one.

“It’s hard to compare with the Broken Arrows and the Unions where they have 40 freshmen coming out,” Scott said. “But we have to play the kind of competition they play in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

“When I learned I was going to be the coach here, I had the girls in a league playing against Perry, Tonkawa, Blackwell and Newkirk.

“While those teams play good softball, it’s not the kind of competition we face in Class 6A. It’s not the competition they face in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in the leagues there.”

Scott would like to get the Ponca City girls into those leagues during the summer.

“Win or lose, they would get better because they’re playing better competition,” she said.

She and Parks are also planning for a softball camp for younger player.

Getting the younger players involved is a key to getting the kind of consistency Scott feels the program needs.

“We need a feeder program,” she says. noting that softball is not played at the junior high level.

“These girls need to learn the fundamentals before they reach high school. Can you imagine the high school football coaches having to teach their players the right stance.

“During the season we were still teaching hand placement on the bat.”

That feeder program, Scott said, would be in addition to the programs now in place for the grade-school age programs.

“These youth programs are good for the kids,” the coach said. “Anytime a girl can go out and pick up a bat and a glove its good.

But she would like for youth coaches to sit down with the high school coaches to plan their training.

“If they go through the same drills we use at the high school, then they’ll be use to the way we do things,” Scott said. “We’ll all be on the same page.”

And more consistent.