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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, October 5, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALNew Substation Open House Set for Sunday New Substation Open House Set for SundayA dedication and open house of the new Northwest Substation located at the southwest corner of the North Ash Street and West Prospect Avenue intersection will be held Sunday. The Ponca City Utility Authority invites the public to attend both the dedication and open house of the project that started in December 1998 by KC Electric of Enid, and completed in June 1999. It was completed in time to be brought on line and utilized for the summer peak usage. A dedication of the new facility will be conducted by Mayor Tom Leonard and members of the Energy Advisory Board at 1 p.m., with an open house and refreshments continuing until 3 p.m. Besides the substation open house, members of the PCUA line department will also be on hand displaying line trucks and equipment giving safety demonstrations. Resurfacing Grand Begins WednesdayResurfacing of Grand Avenue from the railroad tracks extending east to Seventh Street will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Evans and Associates. There will be no parking permitted on the South Side of Grand Avenue on Wednesday. On Thursday there will be no parking permitted on the north side of Grand Avenue. Traffic will be controlled by flagmen, and motorists are asked to please use extreme caution while this street improvement is under construction. It is anticipated the resurfacing will take at least one week. Nearly NewsNearly News has received word that Northern Oklahoma Romance Authors, a writers’ organization located in Tulsa, will be holding its annual retreat this weekend at the Marland Mansion. Ponca City was chosen because of the city’s rich history. Many members of NORA write historical romance and are always looking for interesting Oklahoma settings. It was pointed out that Oklahoma is located in the area of the United States that has the highest number of romance readers. West Middle School Drug Free Program Set Friday AfternoonThe West Middle School Seventh Grade Chorus, under the direction of Carol Green, will present a Drug Free program on Friday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. in the West Middle School Auditorium. The public is invited to attend. Narrators will be Kelsey Cowan, Kaela Farris, Katie Behara, Taran Sober, Christina Fries, Morgan Hudsonpillar, Noelle Sheets, Melissa Reeder, Chrystal Foy, Amber Allen, Lauren Degan, Mandell Wehr, Sophia Sapp, Kayli Yeager and Kayla Caldwell. Skits will be done by Tiffany Taiclet, April Forcum, Chase Rheam, Mason Combes, Megan Longmore, D.J. Jones, Kasey Cochran, Julie Wheeler, Ashlee Greenwood, Joe Skaggs, Brittany Combs, Jamie Choate, Gage Rupert, Jessica Brown, Megan Isenberg, Kyle Hines, Breeanna Jensen, Coty Pigeon and Michael O’Rear. Vocal soloists will be Hannah Palmer, Ashley Hopkins, Deidre Arnold, Daniel Quinn, Gage Rupert, Dawn Kruckeberg, Kensi Andrews, Alaina Deitas and Jacey Graham. Choreography will be done by Latatis Collins, Maria Hester, Adriana Hodges, Shannon Luttrell, Sarah McCartney, Kelly Morgan, Kristen Rutledge, Chelsea Stafford, Santana Taylor, Casey Thomas, Rachel Wright, Elizabeth Arechiga, Callie Hill, Jessica Hisey, Michelle Hoffman and Lara Upshaw. Other chorus members will be Laura Aguilar, Shawn Baca, Ryann Buckley, Shaunte Eberhard, Andrea Hardiman, Tiffany Jackson, Desireee Leon, Latasha Leon, Cammie Moore, Kelli Rowland, Rachel Vinyard, Dawn Baca and Heather Hill. The sixth grade chorus students will lead the school in the school song and will present a skit. Those students are Micah Wright, Mattie Arkeketa, Daira Batt, Diane Cries For Ribs, Derrick Galvan, Joshua Harrington, Timothy Harris, Douglass Hudson, Denise Jones, Lynnette Lena, Benjamin Marchington, Erin Neely, Aaron Parr, Ira Primeauz, Kristopher Ryan, Nicole Seward, Jacob Spoons, Brandon Swanson, Dustin Walls, Wesley Wimberley, Amber Zimmerman and Preston Bachus. Vicki Poulson will assist as sound technician and with stage and spot lights. A Drug Free program will also be presented by eighth grade students at East Middle School on Oct. 8 at 8:15 a.m. in the Ralph Lester Auditorium. DEATHSLucille Frances Pierce Lucille Frances PierceFAIRFAX — Lucille Frances Pierce, former resident of Fairfax, died Sept. 27, 1999, in St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. She was 91. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 5, 1999, in the Fairfax Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Glasgow, pastor of First Osage Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax. Lucille Frances Pierce was born Dec. 3, 1907, in Oklahoma, the daughter of Charles and Lucy Ratliff Perry. She was a homemaker and enjoyed fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors. She was a member of the Baptist faith. She moved to Reno, Nev., in 1989. She is survived by a son, Charles Brumback of Reno, Nev.; one grandchild; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; a son, Billy Brumback; and two brothers, Crawford Perry and Raymond Perry. William D. DempseyTULSA — William D. “Bill” Dempsey, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999, at his home in Tulsa. He was 73. A Masonic graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6. 1999, in the Oddfellows Cemetery in Ponca City under the direction of Ninde Funeral Directors of Tulsa. William D. Dempsey was born July 3, 1926, in Enid, the son of Charles and Julia Dempsey. On Aug. 5, 1949, he married Rosa King in Ponca City; they were married for 50 years. He was a truck driver for almost 25 years and retired as a machinist for Facet Enterprises. He was a 32nd degree Mason member of Jenks Masonic Lodge. He was in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife of the home; two daughters, Cheryl Eileen Munn of Oveida, Fla., and E. Jeannette Threadgill of Bartlesville; one sister, Mary Ingalzi; one brother, Clarence Dempsey; three grandchildren; and many cousins. Trudi Van HouseOKLAHOMA CITY — Trudi Van House, former resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999, in the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. The funeral was held 2 p.m. today, Oct. 5, 1999, at the Sunny Lane United Methodist Church in Del City. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Edmond under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Southeast Funeral Home of Dell City. Trudi Van House was born in Böblingen, Germany, the daughter of Karl and Paula Saile. She married Robert Van House on Dec. 22, 1956, in Böblingen, Germany. He was a pastor with the United Methodist Church, and she moved with him on his assignments to Lawton, Dallas, Texas, Ponca City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Cushing, Sand Springs, Edmond, and Del City. She was active in PEO and all church groups. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, her family and children. She is survived by her husband of the home; one son, Robert W. Van House of Tulsa; one daughter, Katreena Van Vida of Oakland, Fla.; and one brother, Thomas Saile of Böblingen, Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ida and Ella; and a brother, Karl. Ruth Avis ChaseBLACKWELL — Ruth Avis (Payton) Chase, former resident of Blackwell and resident of Lakewood, Colo., died Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999, in Colorado. She was 74. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999, in the Robert Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Mark Meador officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery. Ruth Avis (Payton) Chase was born on Feb. 8, 1925, in Blackwell, the daughter of Walter and Geneva Payton. She married Howard Chase, and they were married for 53 years. After marriage, they settled in Tonkawa before moving to Denver, Colo. She was active in the PTA and Boy Scouts while her daughters were young. She was active in her church and helped charter a Methodist church in Kansas as well as serving as church organist and choir director for the Brentwood Methodist Church for several years. She also served as the director of music for Job’s Daughters of the Nile Oriental Band. She belonged to Beta Sigma Phi sorority, holding every possible office. She was a member of Eastern Star in Blackwell for 55 years. She enjoyed her family and making mints for various occasions. She is survived by her husband of the home; two daughters, Karen Payne of Eaton, Colo., and Kathy Hammer of Highlands Village, Texas; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents. Casket bearers will be Scott Cormack, David Wilber, Kent Jones, Randy Jones, Jeff Hammer and Neal Leffler. Lucille Lorraine HouseBLACKWELL — Lucille Lorraine (McFall) House, resident of Blackwell, died Sunday evening, Oct. 3, 1999, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 92. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999, in the First United Methodist Church in Nardin with the Rev. David Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Nardin under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Lucille Lorraine (McFall) House was born July 22, 1907, in rural Winfield, Kan., the daughter of Russell Loren and Madge I. (Holt) McFall. She grew up in Winfield and attended Winfield public schools until moving with her family to a farm near Kildare. She then attended Kildare schools and later Ponca City public schools, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1926. She furthered her education by attending Central State Teachers College in Edmond and Northwestern Teachers College in Alva. Following her graduation, she began teaching at various northern Oklahoma schools including Kildare, Nardin, Prairie Chapel, New Bethel and Blackwell. She taught in public education for 32 years before her retirement. She married Kenneth House on Aug. 3, 1935, at her parents home. He preceded her in death three months after their marriage. She later married his brother, Raymond House, on July 15, 1939, and were married for over 50 years before he preceded her in death on April 13, 1993. She was a member of the Nardin United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She also held membership in the Nardin FCE and the Blackwell Eastern Star, where she was a member for over 50 years and served as Worthy Matron. She is survived by a sister, Bernice Hastings of Ponca City, and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Aileen Albers and Patti Lou McFall; and two brothers who died during infancy. Casket bearers will be Joe Clarke, Cal Clarke, Manuel Ruiz, Bud Eakins, Jim Lenon, and Derry Lusk; honorary casket bearers will be Earl Tolle, Frank Reese and Harold Reese. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church in Nardin, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631. Mary Lou WrightWINFIELD, Kan. — Mary Lou Wright, resident of Arkansas City, died Friday, Oct. 1, 1999, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. She was 72. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999, at the Grandview United Methodist Church of Winfield, Kan. Burial will be held at Wilmot Cemetery under the direction of Miles Funeral Service. There will be no visitation. Mary Lou Wright was born May 25, 1927, in Wichita, Kan., the daughter of Fred William and Isla May Carter Sandstrum. She attended Polo Rural Grade School and graduated from Atlanta High School in 1945. On July 28, 1945, she married Warren Wright at the United Brethren Church in Arkansas City. They made their home on a farm in Douglass, Kan., before moving to Atlanta, Kan., in 1953. They resided in Atlanta for 10 years, moving to a farm in Winfield in 1963. She was a homemaker while raising her family and became an office manager for the Cowley County Mental Health Center for 16 years, retiring in 1989. She was a member of Grandview United Methodist Church. In 1998, they moved to Arkansas City where they attended the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included tole painting, flowers, yard work, square dancing and traveling. She also enjoyed her family, golfing, fishing, watching football, basketball and golf on television and sewing. She is survived by her husband of the home; one son, Brad Wright of Columbia, Mo.; one daughter, H. Lynn Westgate of St. George, Kan.; one brother, Fred Sandstrum of Lawrenceville, Ga.; one sister, Dorothy Lindsey of Albuquerque, N.M.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. ObituariesJ. Carl BittmanJ. Carl Bittman, former Perry resident, died Saturday, Oct. 2, 1999, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, N.C. He was 94. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Perry with the Rev. Kevin Devlin, pastor. Burial will follow in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Perry with arrangements by the Trout Funeral Home. J. Carl was born Nov. 17, 1904, in Yukon to Hayes Rutherford and Margaret Ann Bittman. He owned and operated the Art Cleaners in Perry for over forty years, retiring in 1982. Survivors include one daughter, Lee Beakey and her husband Dan of Raleigh, N.C.; and two sons, Larry Bittman of Ponca City and Richard Bittman and his wife Agnes, of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Inabel in 1985, a daughter Margaret Bittman in 1997, his parents, and five brothers and sisters. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Ponca City, 102 South Fifth, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the charity of choice. paid obituary Mazo M. SouthardMazo M. Southard, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999, at Westminster Village. She was 89. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. David Clipson, associate pastor, First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Arrangements are made under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Ms. Southard was born on Jan. 18, 1910, in Arkansas City to Arno and Frona (Ratliff) Johnson. She was raised in Arkansas City and graduated from schools there. Shortly after graduation, she married William L. Southard in Arkansas City on April 13, 1934. He preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 1991. The couple spent a few years in Lake Charles, La., where he was employed with Conoco. She was a homemaker. They were transferred to Ponca City in 1943 where they made their permanent home. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed cooking and making pies. She is survived by one son, William Mike Southard of Albuquerque, N.M.; one sister, Hazel Chapman of Ponca City; one brother, Merle Johnson of Arkansas City; one grandson, Mark Southard of Ponca City; four granddaughters, Debbie Walston of Ponca City, Stephanie Dullea of Beltsville, Md., Cindy Sallee of Albuquerque, N.M., and Judy Malchak of Hilton Head, S.C.; and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, OK 74602. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSVehicle Damaged — A woman from the 1400 block of North Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:43 p.m. Monday that her vehicle had been hit Saturday night while parked in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Branson Christmas Shows, November 5th thru 8th. Group motorcoach tours. Book now! 762-7591. adv. Suspect Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street at 10:09 p.m. Monday that a 53-year-old man was being held for DUI and unsafe lane change. 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. Tires Slashed — A man from the 500 block of North Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:47 a.m. Monday that tires on his vehicle had been slashed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Po-Hi Stepper Home Coming Dinner. Friday October 8th, 5 - 7 p.m. at High School. Take-outs available. Cost $5.00. Tickets at the door or from any Hi-Stepper. adv. Staff Member Assaulted — An employee at American Legion Children’s Home reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:48 a.m. Monday that a resident had assaulted a staff member on Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 300 block of South Ninth Street was at the Ponca City Police Department at 8:23 a.m. Monday to report that a many had attempted to grab her little girl at the bus stop earlier Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Every Wednesday - price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Park Restroom Vandalized — An employee of the Park and Recreation Department reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:38 a.m. Monday that a restroom at the Sixth Street Park had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Accident Blocks Road — An employee of the Park and Recreation Department reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:31 a.m. Monday that a vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue completely blocking the roadway. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Bicycle Stolen — A person from the 1000 block of North Second Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:18 p.m. Monday that a bicycle had been stolen from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1000 block of West South Avenue at 11:42 p.m. Monday that a 53-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay. Loses Tire — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 p.m. Monday that he had lost a spare tire out of his truck somewhere near the intersection of North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue. The information was logged. Weather Lab! Current conditions, forecasts. Fun weather folklore and more! 762-9999. adv. Gas Drive-Off — An employee at Citgo, 400 East South Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:44 p.m. Monday that someone had driven off without paying for $7 worth of gas. The information was logged. Sign Vandalized — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 5:44 p.m. Monday that someone had spray painted the speed limit sign in the 600 block of South Fifth Street. The information was logged that Traffic Engineering was notified. Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a 911 call from a man in the 200 block of North Third Street at 12:56 a.m. Tuesday that two women had taken his medications and wallet. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken. Cattle Show Coming Up — The Northern Oklahoma College fall jackpot cattle show has been set for Oct. 16. Classes will include five in steers, 11 in heifers and there will be two showmanship divisions, juniors for those 13 and under and seniors for those 14 and over. The event will be hosted by the NOC Livestock Judging Team. Contact Tricia Hamilton at either (580) 628-6475 or 628-6209. LIFESTYLES1999 Standing Bear Princess 1999 Standing Bear PrincessALYSSA K. CANNON was crowned 1999 Standing Bear Princess Sept. 24 at the Standing Bear Powwow. A member of the Osage tribe, she served as Miss Indian OSU for 1998-99. She is a junior at Oklahoma State University, where she is majoring in child development, and plans on becoming a child advocate for Native American children. She will serve as an ambassador for Native Americans and the Standing Bear foundation. Other candidates for the princess title, and their tribal affiliation, include Traci Pickering, Otoe Missouria; Candace O’Bregon, Kaw, Ponca, Mescalero Apache; Tiffany Frietze, Pawnee; Roberta McClellan, Ponca; Melanie Feathers, Ponca; Candice Threestars, Ponca. The Neighborhood ChefBy: Sherry Muchmore Last Thursday, everyone from The News got together for a covered dish lunch in honor of Al Jones. Al retired after 27 years with The News. So, I took this opportunity to gather recipes from all the great food brought in by employees. Over the next several weeks, we’ll showcase these various side dishes, snacks and desserts: Deborah DePuy’s spicy “Black Bean Dip,” Kathy Zehr’s sweet and crisp “Pea & Corn Relish,” Wayne Hemken’s “Orange-Pineapple Gelatin Salad,” Christina Rich-Splawn’s hearty “Potato Cabbage Casserole,” an all time favorite from Sharon Cooper “Broccoli-Rice Casserole,” Mary Brock’s old fashioned “Potato Salad” and a great cold weather “Nacho Potato Soup” from Mark’s wife, Sherry McGlone. And, of course, several great desserts from Sandy Dickey’s “Butter Cookies,” to Ruslynn Stirewalt’s “Banana Pudding and Robyn Boettcher’s recipe from Earla Ailey for “Chocolate Cake.” This week’s column consist of three more desserts from Thursday’s retirement lunch I think you’ll enjoy. The first one is so good especially if you’re a Reeses fan. This quick little cookie comes from advertising. Hershey’s Kiss Cookies Patrick Jordan 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk 3/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter 1 1/2 tsps. Vanilla Extract 2 5.5 oz. Pouches Bisquick 2 6 oz. Bags Hershey Kisses (approx. 60 pieces in all)(each bag contains approx. 39 pieces) Granulated Sugar Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk, peanut butter and vanilla until well blended. Gradually stir in Bisquick, beating until smooth. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet for 7 minutes. Press a Hershey Kiss into each cookie immediately after removal from the oven while still hot. Remove to a plate or wire racks to cool. Makes approximately 60 cookies. The second dessert is really moist with a great fruity-caramel flavor. This simple Torte comes from the Newsroom. Fruit Cocktail Torte Louise Abercrombie 1 Cup from 1 Can Fruit Cocktail (drained) 1 Cup Flour 1 Cup Sugar 1 tsp. Baking Soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Large Egg 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans Sift together dry ingredients in bowl. Add egg and 1 cup drained fruit cocktail, stir well. Pour batter into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan or equivalent thereof. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Bake approximately 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Remove from oven. Cool and slice into pieces or serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream. The third dessert is a layered delight from our circulation department. So cool. Four Layer Dessert Carolyn Mensch Layer one: 1 Cup Flour 1 stick margarine(1/2 cup)-softened 1/2 Cup Pecans-finely chopped Cut margarine into flour and add pecans. Press into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool. Layer Two: 8 Oz. Cream Cheese - soft- ened to room temperature 1 Cup Powdered Sugar 1 Cup Cool Whip Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cooled crust. Layer Three: 2 3.4 oz. Boxes Instant Coconut Cream Pudding (can substitute with Instant Banana Pudding 3 Cups Milk Beat instant pudding and milk until thick. Pour over cream cheese layer. Layer Four: 2 Cups Cool Whip 1 Cup Crushed Pineapple - drained Fold the crushed pineapple into Cool Whip. Spread over pudding layer and chill. I’ve had requests for two old favorites: Peanut Patties and a candy similar to fudge with a burnt sugar/caramel flavor called Aunt Bill’s. If anyone has a recipe for these, please send them to us. Look for more good News’ recipes continued next week. Area Residents At Craft ShowOklahoma First Lady, Cathy Keating, will headline the fall 1999 version of An Affair of the Heart, an exhibition and sale of American Country, Southwestern, Victorian and contemporary crafts, scheduled for Oct. 22-24 at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Mrs. Keating is scheduled to sign copies of her book, “Our Governors’ Mansions,” at the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop guest booth on Friday, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Sunday, 1-3 p.m. The show opens at 9 a.m., Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23. Opening time on Sunday, Oct. 24 is 11 a.m. Closing time is 6 p.m. The event is being held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, and $5 admission is good for all three days. Items for exhibition and sale will include quilts, antique furniture, baskets, dried flower arrangements, stenciling, wooden and painted folk art, antique and contemporary toys and dolls, stoneware, country clothing, wood burning, oil, pen and ink, water colors. Participating from this area are Max Fry, Fry Woodworks, Blackwell; Cindy and Norma Grubb, Grubbies; Verona Mair, The Emporium; David and Becky Muret, A Gift of Oak, Ponca City. BUSINESSAl Johnson Follows Lead of His Father To Successful Business Al Johnson Follows Lead of His Father To Successful BusinessBy Janet Taber Pioneer Technology Center For 46 years, Ray Johnson spent most of his life building his business, Johnson Glass. He often worked long hours without a day off to maintain his reputation of providing quality service to his customers. But when a sudden illness took Johnson’s life, the reputation that he had worked so hard to build soon fell into the hands of his son, Al. “It hasn’t been easy,” said Al. “Even though I grew up and had been involved in the family business for years, I have still had a time convincing people that my dad taught me everything I knew. Often times people don’t want the product without the person behind it.” Al soon began planning a strategy for Johnson Glass. He decided on the plan that worked best for his father for over 45 years. “It was hard for a while,” said Al. “But I knew that I had to prove myself to the existing customers as well as future ones.” What worked for his father has seemed to work for Al. He is re-establishing some of the existing customers that his father once had along with new ones. He is even branching out by serving more customers in Kay, Grant, Osage, and Noble County. Expansion of the services of Johnson Glass has even allowed him to hire more employees. Johnson Glass now employees five people in addition to him and his wife Tammy. “We have been very, very fortunate,” said Al. “Our business is doing good and I owe a lot of this to my wife, Tammy. Tammy works as the office manager and handles all of the customer accounts. Overall, Tammy just makes the whole business run smooth!” Johnson Glass specializes in auto glass, commercial glazing, store fronts, doors, windows, and glass replacement in homes and businesses. The company has been involved with various projects such as the remodeling of Enriques Restaurant, Northeast Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, the Elks Lodge, and various contract jobs for Don Bouldin Construction and Sooner Construction. One of their most recent jobs is the construction that is being done on Pioneer Technology Center’s Marketing, Respiratory Therapy, and Food Services programs. Johnson Glass has been involved with this remodel since last June. The company has just finished working on the display window for the Marketing program and is almost completed with the project in the cafeteria. “The skylight that is being installed in Pioneer Technology Center’s cafeteria has taken a little extra time on this project,” said Al. “The way that it is sloped you have to make sure that it is water tight and doesn’t leak. The cuts have to be absolutely perfect to ensure you don’t have any water getting in.” Right now, Johnson Glass has several new projects lined up and he is waiting to hear about the newest project with the power plant in Blackwell. In the meantime, Al says he would like to find someone to learn the trade of glass repair. Al says that learning the trade is not really hard at all. “Glass repair is more of an art than anything,” said Al. Johnson Glass is looking to find someone that is interested in learning glass repair. His son Matt works part-time for the family business and has plans to study architectural engineering. Al feels certain that maybe one-day Matt’s experience in architectural engineering could be helpful in the succession of the family business. Conoco Announces Prices Will Push Earnings HigherHOUSTON — Conoco has announced that higher crude oil and natural gas prices, as well as continued growth in oil and natural gas production volumes, will result in earnings appreciably higher than current analysts’ estimates for the third quarter. Conoco Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Archie W. Dunham said earnings would be in a range of about 4 to 7 cents higher then First Call’s current consensus estimate of 33 cents of underlying earnings per share for the third quarter. “We are very pleased by these results that reflect continued improvement in the business environment and - more importantly — our own operational success,” Dunham told a meeting of financial analysts in Houston, “We’re on target to produce production growth of about 10 percent in 1999, in line with earlier estimates,” he said. Conoco Executive Vice President for worldwide upstream Rob McKee said the added production was primarily due to increased volumes from the giant U.K. Britannia gas field and the Southern North Sea gas basin; the giant Petrozuata oil field in Venezuela; and the Ursa oil field in the Gulf of Mexico. “Our ongoing goal is to deliver industry-leading production growth, which we estimate to be between 4 to 5 percent per year on average,” said McKee. “Between 1998 and 2001, our growth plans will exceed this goal, reaching a total of about 22 percent. For the first nine months of 1999, our early production estimates indicate that our worldwide natural gas production will be up about 23 percent.” The company made several other announcements at the meeting with analysts: Reduction in debt assumed by the company from DuPont, as a result of recent higher prices and improved margins. “Debt will be down about $300 million in the third quarter from the $5.1 billion of total debt reported at the end of the second quarter," said Bob Goldman, Conoco’s Chief Financial Officer. “Despite improved prices, we have not adjusted our capital spending for 1999.” A second consecutive discovery drilled by the company’s Deepwater Pathfinder drill ship in the Gulf of Mexico, The well is on Green Canyon Block 562 in a high quality reservoir, and will require further delineation to determine Commercial significance. A Gulf of Mexico farm-in opportunity with Chevron and Texaco in Mississippi Canyon Block 1002 in 7,500 feet of water, which will use the Deepwater Pathfinder drill ship. “The Pathfinder is proving to be a strategic asset for Conoco,” McKee said. “It is a sought-after tool in the Gulf of Mexico and is bringing Conoco additional exploration opportunities.” “Significant exploration success- in Indonesia. Five wells drilled to date in this year’s West Natuna Block 6 delineation program have all added natural gas reserves, and have exceeded the gas reserve target that was set for this year’s planned 10-well program. In addition, new oil reserves have been added on the block. Efficient new drilling practices are allowing 10 wells to be drilled at the same cost and time allotment usually required for eight wells. “Our West Natuna project is going extremely well, with a long-term gas sales contract signed and more net gas available for a second sale,” said McKee. “In fact, the natural gas development program will represent Indonesia's first-ever pipeline natural gas exports, which will begin flowing to Singapore in 2001, We’ve demonstrated that we can develop gas markets, and we are anxious to replicate this experience in the Middle East, Venezuela, or elsewhere in Asia Pacific.” Permission has been granted by the U.S. government for Conoco to travel to Libya to evaluate its assets in that country, recognizing that reentry to Libya by Conoco could only come after a change in U.S. policy. A $145 million expansion project to produce low sulfur gasoline and diesel at the company’s Humber refinery in the United Kingdom. “The effort will be in advance of rigorous now European Union clean fuel specifications, will preserve the plant’s ability to export gasoline to U.S. markets, and will reinforce the refinery’s leading position in European financial and operating performance,” said Gary Edwards, Executive Vice President for worldwide downstream. A decision to establish a new business development office in Syria, where Conoco and its partners are selecting primary bidders for the engineering/procurement/construction phase of a major natural gas development project. Progress on the giant, integrated Petrozuata heavy oil joint venture in Venezuela, which is producing almost 70,000 barrels a day. The projects second phase, which centers around construction of a synfuel upgrader facility, is over 70 percent complete. Conoco expects the venture to produce 120,000 barrels a day for 35 years. McKee said recent meetings with Venezuelan government leaders and now PDVSA management, including President Hector Ciavaldini, were productive. “We are convinced that PDVSA will continue to be run as a professional commercial business and will continue to be an excellent partner,” McKee said. Conoco is a major, integrated energy company based in Houston and active in 40 countries. Chamber Goes on Record About Deregulation IssueBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce meeting Thursday went on record to send letters concerning current legislation relative to electric deregulation to Oklahoma Congressional delegation supporting two bills now pending before Congress. The bills are Senate Bill 386, the Gorton-Jeffords-Kerry Bond Fairness and Protection Act and House Bill 721. According to the resolution this legislation will grandfather outstanding tax exempt municipal bonds issued by cities for use by city owned electric utilities as well as other municipal utilities. It would protect the holders of those bonds from potential retroactive federal taxation due to outdated federal “private use” rules that conflict with other proposed legislation. The resolution says further “that the result of failing to cure this problem is that when the City of Ponca City and the Ponca City Utility Authority utilities are deregulated, thus making it possible to open our distribution system to other electricity providers, the City stands to lose its tax exempt status on bonds that have been issued in previous years and are currently outstanding. We believe that it is inequitable to approve any change in the rules on bonds which have been both issued and purchased in good faith as being tax exempt. “The Board of Directors further is of the opinion that municipal electric systems should be treated fairly on this issue. We oppose any legislation that would drive up costs of other city provided utilities and services to offset the loss of tax exempt status.” The letter ends with “We earnestly solicit your favorable consideration of our views on this issue.” Destination Shopping Seminar SetPonca City Main Street Authority and the Give Ponca the Business Committee of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce have slated a seminar on “Destination Shopping.” Featuring Jon Schallert, founder of Schallert and Associates, Inc., the event is slated Oct. 27 for 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Hutchins Memorial. Schallert has been helping and advising retail businesses since 1983. His retail consulting firm is one of the few in the nation to specialize in advising independent retailers, individually and collectively, on ways to improve both profitability and productivity of their stores and businesses. Prior to starting his retail-consulting firm, Schallert spent ten years with greeting card giant Hallmark Cards. He was instrumental in Hallmark’s nationwide “reinvention” of the traditional card and gift shop, which created a nationwide network of “destination” gift shops, suitable for the sophisticated 90’s consumer. The Ponca City seminar will be a discussion of national retail trends, and examine why retail businesses today are failing at an all-time high rate. He will discuss how retailers, regardless of their location, can change their stores into consumer destinations that are visited repeatedly by loyal, contented shoppers. He teaches specific cost effective techniques involving marketing, advertising, store design, merchandising and 11 other business processes that must be implemented for a store to become a magnet for today’s consumer. Registration fee is $5 per person and the deadline for registration is Oct. 20. All registrants will be eligible to win an individual consultation from Schallert. Seven consultations are available. For registration or more information contact the Chamber (580) 765-4400. Rural Enterprises of OklahomaAwarded $1.5 Million in CDFI Funds Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. was awarded $1.5 million by the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund of the U. S. Department of the Treasury. A joint announcement of the award was made by Congressman Wes Watkins, Senator Don Nickles and Senator James Inhofe after all recipients had been notified. The CDFI Fund received 152 Core Component applications, with requests for assistance totaling $192 million. “Economic development in rural Oklahoma is the key to creating new jobs, improving our quality of life, and keeping our young people at home,” Congressman Watkins said. “REI is a leader when it comes to recruiting, financing and advising new or expanding businesses in rural Oklahoma.” REI is a non-profit economic development firm offering business financing, business incubators, a rural housing program and international trade assistance. Headquartered in Durant, the organization recently opened a branch office in Shawnee. With the recent CDFI award, additional branch offices will be opened across the state over the next five years. The CDFI Fund will award up to $100 million this month to community development financial institutions (CDFIs), banks and thrifts through its CDFI Programs and the Bank Enterprise Award Program. Secretary Lawrence Summers of the U. S. Department of the Treasury, said “by creating partnerships between institutions and low income communities, CDFI Fund award recipients are helping to make financial systems available to all Americans.” The CDFI Program leverages dollars by requiring that each CDFI provide at lease a one-to-one match with funds from non-Federal sources for each dollar of assistance it receives. In addition, CDFI award recipients are held to performance standards that help ensure that the CDFI Fund’s investment will result in a significant community impact. Under the CDFI Fund, local organizations make the decisions about how to best meet community needs. “While this is an incredible accomplishment for REI, it Is also quite an accomplishment for rural Oklahoma,” Tom Seth Smith, REI executive director said. “We are very appreciative of the support we received from our legislators and for the vision of the REI board of directors to make our services accessible to every rural Oklahoma entrepreneur.” For more information about REI and its services, contact Smith at (580) 924-5094. SPORTSCat JVs Clip Edmond Cat JVs Clip EdmondBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor The Wildcat junior varsity footballers might want to work on their prevent defense a little, but everything else worked well in a 14-12 win over Edmond Memorial’s JVs Monday night in Sullins Stadium. The Wildcats used a balance passing-running offense to score two quick touchdowns and a strong defense that stymied Edmond — except for the final minute of each half. Ponca City scored first in the opening quarter on a 3-yard plunge by tailback Wes Day, who finished the night with 107 yards on 14 carries. Sophomore quarterback Drew Shelton then threw to Day for the two-point conversion, which later proved crucial. That 8-0 lead held up until the final minute of the first half when Edmond broke a long TD run to get on the scoreboard. The Bulldogs also went for the two-points, but came up short and the Cats led 8-6 at the intermission. For much of the second half, the two slugged it out without reaching the end zone. Ponca City got a break with just under five minutes left in the game when Edmond fumbled a punt return which Ryan Nichols recovered for the Wildcats at the Edmond 30. On the next play, quarterback Chase Kelly lofted a strike to end Joe Oswalt to put the Poncans in front 14-6. The run for the extra points failed. But the Edmond two-minute drill kicked in again as the Bulldogs moved down field, scoring on a 15-yard pass with 54 seconds left. The Edmond conversion attempt to tie the score was incomplete in the end zone. Edmond tries an on-sides kick but Ponca City’s Luke Gray recovered the kick and the Cats were able to run out the clock. There was praise aplenty to go around in the Ponca City dressing room following the win. “Both quarterbacks threw the ball well,” assistant coach Larry Degan said. “Day had a good game running the ball as did Kyle McConnell. Also (fullbacks) Fabron Porter and Brandon Dilbeck did a good job of blocking for them.” Oswalt and Matt Caine drew praise for their pass receptions. Offensive line coach Terry Henderson had a lengthy list of good performers, including Michael Deroy, Mike Keen, Cameron Moore, Stan Gaylord, Ryan Lawson, Jason Oswald and Jeromy Luis. Henderson also had praise for defensive linemen Thomas Buffalohead, Brandon Nash, Josh Kelle, Mark Keller and Jacob Engle. Assistant coach Steve McHenry added the name of linebacker Brad Allison. Jasper Lockett, who had a key pass interception, led the secondary nominees by assistant Scotty Harmon. The JVs, now 1-2, are scheduled to travel to Owasso next Monday. Volleyballers Play Final Home MatchPonca City’s Lady Wildcat volleyball team closes out the regular season at home this evening against Tulsa McLain and Tulsa Webster, looking to continue its streak of good play. Today’s matches start at 5 p.m. in the Old Boys’ Gym. It will Seniors Night with Ashey Mott, Tessa Petersen and Stacie Schneeberger playing their final home matches. But the Lady Cats are hoping the season can be extended considerably. “We started turning the season around about two, two-and-a-half weeks ago,” coach Steve McKay said after the girls finished 2-2 in the Frontier Conference Tournament at Tulsa Union over the weekend. “We are playing our best ball now — a great time for regionals.” The regional tournament is scheduled to be played in Owasso. The teams in the single elimination tournament also include Stillwater, Tulsa Central, Tulsa East Central and Catoosa. Seeded seventh in the nine-team conference tournament last week, the Lady Cats opened against second seeded Owasso, losing 15-4, 15-7. Mallory Hodge had four kills and a service ace, Schneeberger had two kills, Abbie Gehlert and Petersen had one kill each and Jenna Wedd had a bock and an ace. The Ponca Citians rebounded against Sapulpa, winning 15-1, 16-14. The Ladies blew to a 10-0 lead in the first game before Sapulpa scored a point. But the Lady Chieftains tried to return the favor in the second game. They led 10-0 and 13-3 before the Lady Cats rallied to outscore them 13-1. In that outing, Wedd had six kills and three ace serves. Hodge had two kills and two aces. Gehlert for kills, Petersen and Schneeberger one kill each and Candise Moses on service ace. In the third match of the day, the Lady Cats scored a major upset in downing Stillwater 15-10, 16-4. “This is the first time we’ve beaten Stillwater all year,” McKay enthused. Wedd had four kills, a block and an ace. Hodge came through with seven kills, a block and an ace while Gehlert had a whopping 10 kills, Niki Sells added one kill. In their fourth straight match, the Poncans fell to heavily favored Bartlesville, 15-11, 12-15, 15-5. “This was the first time we had taken a game off Bartlesville all year,” McKay said. “I really though we would upset Bartlesville after winning the second game. “But this was our fourth consecutive match and the girl just ran down. We played from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. without a break.” Hodge had 10 kills and a block, Petersen four kills, Gehlert four kills and a block, Schneeberger two kills and a block, Wedd three aces and a block and Moses one ace. “We really played well during the day,” McKay said. “Ashley Mott, our senior sitter, led us in assists. Jenna, Mallory and Abbie led in kills, They all served well. “Overall it was the best we’ve played in two years.” Cat Freshmen Seek To Rebound at EnidPonca City’s ninth grade football team plays at Enid Waler Thursday, trying to shake loose from a last-second 28-25 loss to Stillwater. The loss last Thursday broke a two-game win streak by the freshman, which included a 21-15 win over Sand Springs earlier in the week. Riding the running ability of tailback Mimi Miller, the Poncans exploded for a 25-7 first half lead against Stillwater. But the Pioneers came back just as strong in the second half, scoring two quick third period touchdowns to narrow the game to 25-21. The Wildcats halted the rally at that point, but Stillwater got one last chance in the waning minutes of the game and made the most of it, marching 69-yards in eight plays. The Pioneers scored on a 19-yard pass into the end zone as the clock ran out. Miller put the Poncans in front on their first possession with a 64-yard TD gallop. Stillwater came right back to tie the score at 7-7, but Miller got loose again on a 58 yard run to put the Cats back in front. Miller exploded for an 96-yard touchdown in the second quarter before the defense added to the Wildcat scoring. Ty Frezer tipped a Stillwater pass which Steven Morris picked off and returned 85 yards to move Ponca City in front, 25-7. Unofficially Miller had 222 yards and three touchdown on six carries in the first half. He finished the night with 295 yards on 17 carries. Kyle Megenity added 30 yards rushing while quarterback Morris completed 2-of-5 passes, both to Megenity, for 46 yards. Miller had all three TDs in Ponca City’s win over Sand Springs. One of those was set up Morris’ interception return to the Sand Springs one. Daniel Cottman also had an interception for the freshmen, Megenity kicked the three extra points.
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