LOCAL

Rest of Civic Center Complex Project Goes to Voters
Nearly News
District Court
New Subscription Season at Poncan
Deer Creek-Lamont Holds Homecoming Activities
Space Heaters, Fireplaces Misuse Cause Many Fires
Common-Sense Tips To Surviving Breakdown of Relationship Helpful
Flu Immunization Clinic
Eastern State Downsizing Meeting Set

Rest of Civic Center Complex Project Goes to Voters

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

History and efficiency are not always compatible. However the blending of the 1917 Civic Center and the new fire station are a prime example of a successful project. On Tuesday voters will decide if they want to finish the job by renovating the rest of the Civic Center Complex.

Construction of the new fire station was approved and financed by a 1997 half-cent sales voted by the citizens. Designed by local architect Troy Lewis and built by Rick Scott, local contractor, the project is being finished ahead of time and under budget, according to Fire Chief Gary Denny.

The exterior of the new fire station is an amazing match for the rest of the Civic Center Complex. The interior is state-of-the-art and a facility that all Ponca Citians can be proud and now it is time to finish the job by renovating of the Civic Center, according to Linda Brown, chairman of the “Vote Yes” committee.

“Our citizens have already shown their support for the preservation of this historical building through the tax commitment for the restoration of the No. 1 Fire Station. This continuation of that same tax for three years will complete the restoration of this facility and provide a beautiful functional home for our city offices,” Brown says.

“The renovated facility will allow most city departments to consolidate under one roof. City Commissioners will be moved to this facility thereby enhancing their day to day contact with the City Manager and Department Supervisors,” she added.

Vote on Tuesday

Next Tuesday voters will go to the polls to decide if they want to finish the job. The new No. 1 Fire Station is in the west wing of the Civic Center Complex.

Tuesday’s election calls for the half-cent sales tax that was passed in 1997 to be extended for three years to renovate and remodel the east and center buildings of the complex. This is not a new tax, but would be the extension of the half-cent sales tax.

The east, center and west buildings will be joined together for accessibility and comprised of Commission Chambers, community meeting rooms and centralized departmental and administrative offices. An elevator and bathrooms will be located in the center building to enhance accessibility for public use of the building and Centennial Plaza.

Civic Center History

What a difference eight decades makes! In February 1916, Mayor W.H. McFadden called for a $20,000 bond election for the purpose of building a convention hall in Ponca City An additional $25,000 bond issue passed in December 1916.

The Ponca City Civic Center has the distinction of being designed by Layton and Smith, architects for the State Capitol Building. The original building was built by O.F. Keck, a prominent builder of that era.

The theatre, which will be converted to office space and meeting rooms, debuted in 1917 with the touring Broadway musical play “Experience.”

Five years later, Mayor P.B. Lowarance and Commissioners Wiker and Hall planned the east and west wings of the auditorium. In October 1922 a bond issue of $75,000 was passed for the construction of the east and west wings of the Civic Center Complex.

Slayton, Smith and Forsyth prepared the plans for the additional wings in 1922 and in November of that year, the Holmboc Company of Oklahoma City was awarded the contract for $135,000. The project was completed in 1924. The first meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held there in March 1924.

Now in 1999, Mayor Tom Leonard and Commissioners, Dick Stone, Lyn Boyer, Chris Hand and Keni Ray, have called for the half-cent sales tax election to raise about $4.8 million for the renovation of the Civic Center Complex. Additional funds raised can only be used for capital improvements that are approved by the City Commission as related to the Civic Center Complex.

Nearly News

NN understands the Po-Hi Steppers will be sponsoring their Annual Homecoming Dinner on Friday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the high school. Tickets are now on sale from any Hi-Stepper for $5 each. Everyone is welcome to come and eat and get ready for the annual homecoming game. Go Wildcats!!

Ponca City Public Schools were notified Tuesday afternoon by State Superintendent Sandy Garrett’s office that, due to unforeseeable circumstances, the School Road Tour to Ponca City on Oct. 7 was canceled. The event will be rescheduled.

District Court

Newkirk

Marriage Licenses

Masrion Edward Phillips, 53, and Clarice Eliza Phillips, 50, both of Ponca City.

Edward Raymond Bright, 45, and Kimmie Renee Bryant, 37, both of Ponca City.

Anthony Lee Mears, 29, and Doralyn Hobbs, 25, both of Ponca City.

Kevin Mac Richard, 26, Dallas, and Kimberly Dawn Chance, 21, Ponca City.

Franklin Eugene Skaggs, 61, and Patricia Alice Cramer, 57, both of Blackwell.

Justin Shawn Lockwood, 21, Newkirk, and Jessica Renee Green, 21, Medford.

Douglas Ray Wright, 25, and Sallie Lee Hill, 22, both of Ponca City.

Joseph Matthew Jones, 17, and Jessica Jane Pepper, 18, both of Blackwell.

Christopher Clark Dougherty, 23, and Courtney Allyson Schwarz, 19, both of Ponca City.

William Russell Marrs, 71, Arkansas City, and Nellie Irene Shanks, 70, Ponca City.

Keith Allen Greer, 22, and Belia Martinez, 26, both of Ponca City.

Teddy Ray Rowe, 48, and Sally Jean Lichlyter, 46, both of Ponca City.

Michael Ray Moulton, 20, and Buffy Lynn Spielman, 17, both of Ponca City.

Harold Vaughn Ningen, 52, Lusk, Wyo., and Stephanie Lynn Schupbach, 30, Commerce, Texas.

Divorces Sought

Sarah Ruth Honick vs. David Wayne Hockenbury.

Stephen Paul Fugere vs. Sheila Rose Fugere.

Daniel T. Shoats vs. Charlene L. Shoats.

Divorces Granted

Julie Ann Fahs vs. Rodney Tyrone Fahs; plaintiff restored to former name Johnstone.

Melanie Denise Murr vs. Richard L. Murr.

Civil Petitions

Federal National Mortgage Association vs. Katherine E. Armstrong, et al.; plaintiff seeking judgment for $6,707.31.

Commercial Federal Mortgage Corporation vs. Kenneth Douglas Ford; plaintiff seeking judgment for $40,404.06.

Discover Financial Services Inc. vs. Walter Bay and Catherine Bay; plaintiff seeking judgment for $4,712.77.

Ponca City

Divorces Sought

Terry R. Hall vs. Floyd L. Hall.

Angela K. Stanton vs. Rick E. Stanton.

LeAnn Louise Capehart vs. Christopher Dale Capehart.

Paula D. Paul vs. David L. Paul.

Dana Marie Sawyer vs. Richard Patrick Sawyer.

Vicki Lyn Raudibaugh vs. Richard Keith Wofford.

April Dawn Harman vs. Jason Wayne Harman.

Laquita Kaye Wilson vs. Gregory Allen Wilson.

Cheri Lee Parker vs. Jeffrey Lee Parker.

Steven Cord Siemers vs. Pamela Curry.

Randi Rochelle Landers vs. Corey John Landers.

Divorces Granted

Tracy L. Kizer vs. Marquice M. Kizer.

Terry Dawn Grace vs. Leonard Eugene Grace.

Jerome E. Schneeberger vs. Shawn T. Schneeberger; defendant restored to former name Shawn Tiana Wise.

Tonya Lynn McCune vs. Ryan McCune.

Harvey Monroe Taylor vs. Shawn Louise Taylor.

Jennifer A. Douglas vs. Ronnie H. Douglas.

Curtis Wayne Orcutt vs. Teri Leigh Orcutt.

Christie Kay Holliday Hill vs. Larry Dewitt Hill.

Leslie Leroy Baldwin vs. Linda Annette Baldwin.

Cindy Lou Hutchison vs. Ronald Gordon Hutchison.

Brenda G. Peeples vs. Terry L. Peeples.

Verne D. Randol vs. Debra M. Randol; defendant restored to former name Debra M. White.

Diana Margaret Bales vs. Anthony Wayne Bales; plaintiff restored to former name Diana Margaret Jamison.

Mistie Marie Freeze vs. Randy Don Freeze.

Lila L. Pruett vs. Albert A. Pruett.

William Schuchman vs. Donna Schuchman.

Helmutt T. Riedinger vs. Rosario M. Riedinger.

Christy King vs. Bill King.

Robyn L. Guidrey vs. James Guidrey; plaintiff restored to former name Robyn L. Brown.

Alisia Desiree’ Johnson vs. Bryan Lee Johnson.

Dwight Ray Keeling vs. Clara Keeling.

Civil Petitions

Thomas S. Evans vs. Leonard B. West Engineering, Inc.; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

Laversa Holder and Hillcrest Manor of Blackwell, Inc.; plaintiffs seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

Lindsay Manufacturing, Inc., vs. American States Insurance Company; plaintiff seeking judgment in excess of $10,000.

New Subscription Season at Poncan

The 1999-2000 Millennium Subscription Season has been officially announced by the Poncan Theatre. “We are thrilled by our Millennium line-up,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the theatre. “We’ve been able to land some great artists who appeal to a range of musical tastes.” The Poncan Subscription Season is now available for purchase.

“Season memberships are the same price as last year,” Wessel says. “Keeping the prices down was one of our goals, and we’ve been able to do that without sacrificing quality.” Memberships are organized the same way as last year. A Player’s Card membership is available for twenty-five dollars, giving a discount on tickets. Regular subscription memberships cost just seventy-five dollars, and that gives the patron one admission to each of the five subscription events. “Membership has real value,” Wessel says. With five events, the average ticket price is only fifteen dollars, Wessel points out. Last year, the face value of a Glen Campbell ticket alone was thirty dollars. Membership brings terrific savings.

“One huge benefit of membership is that members get to select seats before they are advertised to the general public,” Wessel says. Another level of memberships, the Premium Memberships, includes a donation to the Poncan. Wessel says that Premium Members receive additional benefits. “They get the earliest information about the event, so they have first crack among all patrons.”

“The Diamonds” come to the Poncan on Dec. 12. “They were a great success for us two years ago,” Wessel says. Their early rock n’ roll sound is charming. “The Diamonds” have sold over thirty million records worldwide. Their great hits include “The Stroll,” “Silhouettes (On the Shade),” and a song that’s been called “the anthem of rock n’ roll,” “Little Darlin’.” The quartet, sponsored by Cable One and Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, will perform their holiday show, called “Silver Bells and Diamonds.” They will sing their own greatest hits, then perform some wonderful holiday songs from their vast repertoire.

“The Oak Ridge Boys” are one of the most successful country-western groups of the century. They’ve won five Grammy Awards and twelve Dove Awards. They’ve been both the “Vocal Group of the Year” and the “Instrumental Group of the Year,” and they’ve been Billboard Magazine’s “Number One Country Group” four times. “The Oakes” come to the Poncan Theatre in February, sponsored by Boettcher, Ryan and Martin.

“The Platters” will be here in April and “The Marvelettes” will open the show for them. “The Platters” quartet of male singers hit gold sixteen times, with such wonderful tunes as “The Great Pretender,” “Only You,” “Ebb Tide,” “Red Sails in the Sunset,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” and many more. The equally fine “Marvelettes,” an “all-girl” group, are best known for “Please Mr. Postman,” “Playboy,” “Don’t Mess With Bill,” and “Too Many Fish in the Sea.” This fun concert will be sponsored by Conoco.

Gary Lewis and “The Playboys,” one of the great groups of the sixties, comes to town in June. On stage with them will be Mitch Ryder, former lead singer of “The Detroit Wheels.” Gary Lewis, son of the great comedian Jerry Lewis, won a Male Vocalist of the Year Award, beating out guys named Sinatra and Presley. Lewis and “The Playboys” hit the top ten with their first seven releases, an enviable success story by any standards. Sponsors for the concert are Evans and Associates Enterprises and Pioneer Bank and Trust.

“1964: The Tribute” comes to the Poncan in September, playing the great hits from the early Beatles songbook. “This is the most successful act to come to the Poncan in many years,” Wessel says. “They’ve got a great, loyal following.” They call themselves the Number One Beatles Act in the World, and many say it’s uncanny how accurately they portray the Fab Four. “The Tribute” will be sponsored by Home National Bank and the Ponca City Publishing Company.

“We are so proud to bring great acts to The Poncan Theatre,” Wessel says. “Patrons tell us over and over how much they enjoy the ambiance of the theatre and the quality of performers we have landed here.” For more ticket information, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943 weekdays, Monday through Friday. The historic Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Deer Creek-Lamont Holds Homecoming Activities

The Deer Creek-Lamont Eagles hosted the Geary Bison for Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 1. Activities for the day began with a Spirit Rally during which spirit dress-up day winners and wall decoration winners were announced.

Bodie Leonard and Ashley Tefft were crowned Football King and Queen in a pre-game ceremony. Other members of the royal court included Buffy Silks, Natalie Sinor, Meaghan Mendenhall, Carl Berg, Christian Costa and Jeremy Walker. Assisting with the coronation were retiring King and Queen Jason Hembree and Sara Dally and kindergartners, Savanna Hodges, daughter of Jesse and Karen Hodges of Deer Creek; and Derek Dowell, son of Pat and Penny Dowell of Lamont. Queen candidates arrived at the field in a red convertible provided by Misty Kugel and driven by Doug Sinor. Announcer for the ceremony was Wesley Gautier.

Bodie Leonard is the son of Richard and Karen Leonard of Lamont and the grandson of Joyce Chrisler and Annette Pittman of Ponca City. He currently serves as reporter for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participates in chorus. He is listed in Who’s Who and is consistently listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll. He plays both basketball and football for the Eagles. Bodie is a senior and plays linebacker and offensive end and was named Rookie of the Year. He has also been honored as the Enid News and Eagle Player of the Week. Bodie is a member of the Lamont United Methodist Church where he is active in the youth group and as a conference youth representative.

Ashley Tefft is the daughter of Eldon and Colette Tefft of Lamont. She serves as reporter of the senior class and as reporter for the National Honor Society and vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is listed in Who’s Who and is on the Principal’s Honor Roll. She has been named an English Merit Scholar for the 1999-2000 school year. Ashley plays basketball, runs track and plays softball for the Lady Eagles. She has been named most valuable basketball player for the past two years, as well as being named all-conference in basketball and softball for three years. She is a member of the Lamont United Methodist Church and of the UMYF.

The Eagles won their first district game last Friday by a score of 52 to 22 and completed the Homecoming festivities with a dance.

Space Heaters, Fireplaces Misuse Cause Many Fires

“Many home fires occur each year in Oklahoma because of the misuse of space heaters and fireplaces,” said Shannon Rowland, public education and information officer for the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office. The number of Oklahomans killed and injured in these fires increases significantly during the winter months, from November through February.

“Most home fires caused by heating equipment could be prevented by reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions when using a heating device and taking simple safety precaution,” Rowland stated.

With old man winter knocking on our back door, remember to follow these safety tips for preventing heating equipment fires.

Space Heaters — Always remember, space heaters need their space. Keep heaters at least three feet away from furniture, clothing and all other combustibles. Turn space heaters off when a room is unoccupied or when you go to bed. Never use space heaters as a means of drying clothing or other items. Supervise children and pets at all times when space heaters are in use.

Fireplaces — Have your chimney inspected by a professional before using and cleaned if necessary. When wood burns, chemical substances build up in chimneys and can cause a fire if not removed through cleaning. Always protect your home and family by ensuring your fireplace is properly cleaned and using a protective screen to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.

In case of a fire, stay low to the ground beneath the smoke and have an escape plan in place to follow. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Check the batteries in the detectors every month and change them at least once a year. Remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

For more information on ways to keep your home safe, contact the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office or local fire department.

Common-Sense Tips To Surviving Breakdown of Relationship Helpful

By Marjorie C. Decker

News Staff Writer

It’s an entertaining and informative book — and possibly just the advice someone in our reading area is needing just now — common-sense tips to surviving the breakdown of a relationship.

Published Oct. 1, 1999, the book’s author, first-time Toronto-based author and divorce lawyer Norma Walton is embarking on a 27-city North American tour to promote the book, and will be appearing on TV and also on radio programs across the country in October, November and December.

The book, “The Seven Steps to a Successful Separation,” is oddly enough, funny and helpful. The advice given should help many folks survive a separation with a healthy outlook for the future. The author practices primarily in the area of family law. She herself is happily married, living in Ontario, Canada.

As she explains, no one plans for their marriage of relationship to end in separation. But the statistics reveal 50 percent of all American marriages and 38 percent of all Canadian marriages end in divorce, and are the most traumatic events that can happen to a person next to the death of a spouse or a child.

The story revolves around Michael and Samantha “Sam” — how they met, their marriage and their two sons — and then how they came to separation and eventually divorce.

It’s a well-written, attention-keeping account of the steps in a marriage — its joys, problems and eventual breakdown and “where we go from there.”

Primarily, the book is a primer for eventual divorce, but related in an interesting, enlightening manner, easy to read, and as has been noted — “surprisingly funny and helpful, designed to assist thousands in surviving separation happy, healthy, emotionally and financially sound, with big goals for the future.”

It is no “Pollyanna” approach to separation and divorce — but it is a down-to-earth look at the facts, and a common sense approach to the reality of the situation — and an easy and down-to-earth view of a bad situation.

Read it — “The Seven Steps to a Successful Separation” — you might be able to help a friend in need. It is published by Perspective Publishing House, and can be ordered from the publishing house, 820 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, Canada M4P212 or Fax: (416) 489-9973, if not available from Ponca City book dealers.

Flu Immunization Clinic

The Kay County Health Department will be conducting their annual flu immunization clinic on Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon. This clinic will be held at the Grand Avenue Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand Avenue.

This clinic is for persons in the following groups:

•65 years of age and older.

•anatomic or functional asplenia, including sickle cell disease.

•nephrotic syndrome.

•chronic metabolic diseases.

•immunosuppression.

The vaccine prepared for the 1999-2000 season includes A/Sydney, Beijing and B/Beijing antigens. If you have any questions about the flue clinics please call 762-1641.

Eastern State Downsizing Meeting Set

The oversight panel advising the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on downsizing Eastern State Hospital in Vinita are expanding community based services in northeastern Oklahoma and will hold its fifth meeting on Thursday.

The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Executive Board Room of Administration Hall at Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa campus, 700 N. Greenwood.

At the meeting, panel members will discuss and respond to a preliminary draft of the DMHSAS’s plan for modifying the mental health service system in the hospital’s 21-county service area. Development of additional community based services and reduction of inpatient capacity at Eastern State Hospital were mandated by Senate Bill 149, enacted during the 1999 legislative session.

The DMHSAS has a Jan. 1, 2000 deadline for completion of its plan for the transition in services. The shift to community based programs must be complete by Jan. 1, 2001.

DEATHS

John William Raffety
Jane Thompson
Mary Mildred Johns

John William Raffety

BLACKWELL — John William “Bill” Raffety, former Blackwell resident, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 5, 1999, in the St. Mary-Mercy Hospital in Enid. He was 82.

The funeral will by held 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, at the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Tommy Hinson of the Agape Southern Baptist Church of Hays, Kan., officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home of Blackwell. The family will receive guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the home of Dr. L.W. Ghormley, 410 Bel Aire in Blackwell.

John William “Bill” Raffety was born Oct. 29, 1916, in Tonkawa, the son of O.A. and Glenn (Minnis) Raffety. He grew up in Blackwell, attending the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While at OU, he served as the president of the senior class. He then attended Officer’s Training School at the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University. While in the United States Navy, he served as a lieutenant commander during World War II.

He married Janet Louise Sutherland on April 26, 1943, in Jacksonville, Fla., where he was stationed. Following his discharge, they returned to Blackwell and joined his father and brother in the grocery business. He retired from Raffety Grocery in 1976. He moved to Enid in 1995 and lived there until the time of his death.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell, where he served as a deacon, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He also served as past president of the Blackwell Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing bridge and pitch.

He is survived by a son, Mick Raffety of Wynne, Ark.; two daughters, Connie Hulse and Mary Glenn Stephenson, both of Enid; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Pam; and two brothers, Don and Jack.

Honorary casket bearers will be Leroy Hadley, Max Rogers, Ike Sponomore, Dr. Bob Morgan, Myron Smith, Newman Hicks and Frank Dyer. Casket bearers will be Todd Stephenson, Bill Raffety, Trent Hulse, Sam Stephenson, Jeremy Hulse, Blake Hulse and Creighton Hulse.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to First Baptist Church-Building Fund, First and Bridge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Jane Thompson

TONKAWA — Jane Thompson, former Tonkawa resident and resident of Boulder, Colo., died Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999, in Boulder. She was 78.

Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 1999, in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home.

Jane Thompson was born Dec. 3, 1920, in Tonkawa, the daughter of Fred and Maybelle (Thomason) French. She married Jack Thompson on Nov. 16, 1940, in Jay, Okla. In July of 1958, they made Boulder, Colo., their home. She was a charter member of the GA Chapter of PEO and a member of the First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of the home; one son, Stephen Thompson of Colorado; and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Boulder County, 2323 55th Avenue, Boulder, Colo. 80301.

Mary Mildred Johns

BLACKWELL — Mary Mildred Johns, former resident of Blackwell, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999, in the Midway Health Care Center in Midway, Ga. She was 76.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, at the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Meador of Blackwell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Mary Mildred Johns was born in Grant County, and she graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1940. She was married to U. Wayne Johns for 37 years. While in Blackwell, she worked for over 25 years at Graves Drug Store. She was a member of the Pentecostal faith.

She is survived by two sons, Jerry W. Johns of Ponca City, and Tommy H. Johns of Riverside, Calif.; two sisters, Johnette Martin of Wichita, Kan., and Luncinda Rooker of Loveland, Colo.; one brother, John Benningfield of Wagoner; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association-Central Georgia Chapter, 277 M.L. King Jr. Blvd., Suite 201, Macon, Ga. 31201.

NEWS BRIEFS

Braden Community — The annual Braden Community meeting will be Friday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m., at the community center. The business meeting will consist of electing a new board member and the future of the school bell. A card party will follow the meeting. The annual dues of $10 are payable to Braden Community Center and may be mailed to Cecil Cales Jr., 3038 South Nine Mile Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Head Country, One half bar-b-que chicken with choice of vegetables, $4.25, Thursday, 11 am until gone. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Afghans Available — First United Methodist Women have a supply of afghans in burgundy, hunter green, blue and navy. They make an excellent gift for reunions, mid-term graduation and the upcoming holidays. Proceeds go toward missions. For information call 762-1429 or 765-0157.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Property Vandalized — A person from the 600 block of East Fresno Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:07 a.m. Tuesday that property had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Odor Investigation — A woman from the 4400 block of Keeler Road requested the fire department at 9:14 a.m. Tuesday to check on an odor. The Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department handled the situation.

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

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 12:08 a.m. Wednesday that a 38-year-old woman was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Abandoned Bicycle — A woman from the 1300 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10 a.m. Tuesday that a bicycle had been abandoned in her yard. Animal Control was notified to pick up the bicycle.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

Requests Assistance — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol contacted the Communications Center at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday requesting a fire unit to wash down material from an overturned fertilizer truck just west of Burbank Landing on U.S. 60. A unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene to handle the situation.

Weather Lab! Current conditions, forecasts. Fun weather folklore and more! 762-9999. adv.

Vehicle Scratched — A man from the 1200 block of South Ninth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:42 a.m. Tuesday that his vehicle had been scratched. 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.

Jacket Stolen — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:05 a.m. Tuesday to report that a jacket had been stolen at Ponca City High School. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Dog Hit — The Communications Center received a report at 9:07 p.m. Tuesday that a vehicle had hit a dog south of Hubbard Road on Fourteenth Street and the dog was badly injured. Two officers were assigned and Animal Control responded to handle the situation. A report was taken.

Accident — An accident in the parking lot of Lake Road Express was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:14 p.m. Tuesday. Oklahoma Natural Gas was notified of the incident. 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.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 1:51 p.m. Tuesday that a 29-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant.

Don Sawyer’s Chimney Sweep. 26 years experience. Call now before the rush and get on his list. 580-762-8883. adv.

Suspicious Activity — The Communications Center received a report at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday that a subject in a red car had bought beer for minors at Lake Road Express and all left east bound in a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Towed — A code enforcement official of the City of Ponca City reported to the Communications Center at 2:58 p.m. Tuesday that an abandoned vehicle was being towed from the 800 block of North Union Street.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:26 p.m. Tuesday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred two miles west of Kaw City on Oklahoma 11. Three units of the Ponca City Fire Department responded and an ambulance took one victim to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Illegal Painting — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department requested assistance in the 900 block of North Ash Street at 3:49 p.m. Tuesday concerning juveniles in the storm drain painting the walls. Another officer was assigned and the juveniles were taken to their residences, and a report was taken.

Reckless Driving — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:46 p.m. Tuesday that while at the Rodeo grounds, another vehicle spun gravel into his vehicle chipping the windshield. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 10:46 p.m. Tuesday from a residence in the 800 block of South Ninth Street requesting assistance. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and a 30-year-old man was held for domestic assault and battery.

Vehicle Damaged — A man from the 400 block of South Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11 p.m. Tuesday that another vehicle had hit his vehicle and had left the scene of the accident. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Towed — Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 1:07 a.m. Wednesday that a 50-year-old man was being held for actual physical control and a Kay County warrant. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

Class Pictures — Announcement is being made that reunion pictures for the Ponca City High School graduating class of 1954 are ready for pick-up at Photo-Pro.

LIFESTYLES

OMTA Promoting Fall Fun Festival At Presbyterian
Little News
Former Resident Marries in Tulsa
Ceiling Fans Not Intended For Whole House Cooling

OMTA Promoting Fall Fun Festival At Presbyterian

The Ponca City Area Branch of the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association met Sept. 27 at the home of Roberta Motz, president.

One guest, Dineo Heilmann, and seven members were present. Katy Tucker, secretary-treasurer, read the minutes and distributed the treasurer’s report.

Frances Thompson, Kathy Wimberley, and Roberta Motz reported on two recent meetings they attended — OMTA’s 70th birthday celebration at the state convention featuring Dr. Mark Puckett, pianist and professor at Hardin-Simmons and a native Oklahoman; and a workshop in Tulsa featuring Ingrid Clarfield of Westminster College Choir, who spoke on preparing students to play sonatinas and sonatas.

The group will sponsor the Fall Fun Festival on Nov. 6 at First Presbyterian Church. Entries must be submitted to Kathleen Wimberley, auditions chairman, by Oct. 11. All area piano and voice teachers are invited to enter students in this “fun” judging experience.

Kay Sahai announced that the Ponca City AGO chapter will host their annual program featuring piano students playing the pipe organ on Nov. 7 at Grace Episcopal Church. Interested teachers must contact Connie VanAusdall, AGO organizer for the event, by Oct. 13 to schedule student participation in this opportunity.

After the meeting was adjourned, members listened to a cassette tape featuring Elvina Truman Pearce speaking on the subject of “The Elementary Pianist Programming Success in Practice.”

OMTA, an affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association, exists to further the art of music and to promote the growth and professional development of its members by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition and research. OMTA includes accredited teachers of chamber music, flute, harp, recorder, strings, composition, history and literature, piano pedagogy, theory, voice, organ, and piano. Local teachers interested in more information should contact Roberta Motz.

Little News

Scott and Pam Wilkins of Ponca City announce the birth of a son, Austin David Wilkins, at 8:41 p.m. Sept. 29, 1999, at the Stillwater Medical Center. The baby weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces. He has a brother, Devon, Scott Wilkins, age 3.

Grandparents are Guy and Lois Lyall of Tonkawa, Sam and Deanie Fischer of Ponca City, and Dennis Wilkins of Camden, Ark.

Great-grandparents are Austin and May Roquemore of Ponca City and Clyde and Lucille Pickard of Tonkawa.

Announcing the birth of a son at 8:15 a.m. Sept. 22, 1999, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, are Rodney and Kathryn Godfrey of Ponca City. Trenton Eugene Godfrey weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. He has a sister, Courtney Marie, and a brother, Tyler Dean. Grandparents are Charlotte Godfrey and Dennis and Debra Mathews of Ponca City.

Former Resident Marries in Tulsa

Debra J. Morrow and Dr. R. Carl Ingram were united in marriage April 4, 1999, in a double-ring ceremony in the backyard of the couple’s Tulsa home, 10707 East 99th Street. The Rev. Willie Smith officiated.

The bride, a former resident of Ponca City, is a lobbyist with the Oklahoma Credit Union League, and the bridegroom is Medical Director for the City of Tulsa.

Candlelighters for the ceremony were Jessica and Kristin Brown of Tulsa, and honor attendants were Dianne Morrow, sister of the bride, and Guy Weir.

Assisting with the reception were Bobbi Morrow of Tulsa, Dianne Morrow, Otis and Terri Morrow of Arkansas City, Kan. Out-of-town guests included Nancy Taylor of Ponca City and Beth Payne of Oklahoma City.

Ceiling Fans Not Intended For Whole House Cooling

By POPULAR MECHANICS

A Hearst Magazine

For AP Special Features

Question: We have a two-story, contemporary home with a ceiling fan downstairs in the living room and another upstairs in the loft area. In the summer, we open the windows in the loft above the fan and run both fans so they blow air up and out the windows. In the winter, we run the fans down so they blow the warm air from the second floor down to the first floor. Recently I was told this is not the correct way to use the fans. Is it?

Answer: A ceiling fan is not intended to be used as a whole-house fan which is how you are using it during the summer. Whole-house fans are very effective, and if that’s what you want, you should use a fan that is designed for that purpose.

Ceiling fans are designed to circulate air in a “closed” environment and should force air down during the summer. The downward airflow cools your skin as it moves over it. During the winter months, the fan should rotate so it produces an upward airflow.

During the winter, heated air rises toward the ceiling, and the cooled air settles toward the floor. Depending on the room size and shape, there could be a 15-degree difference between the floor and ceiling. Intuitively, people want the fan to pull warmer ceiling air down during the winter and vice versa during the summer.

The fan speed should be fast enough to break up stagnant air trapped in the corners and in the peaks of sloped and cathedral ceilings, but slow enough so it doesn’t create a draft.

An easy way to determine whether the fan airflow is up or down is to look at the fan blades as they rotate. The blades are installed on a slight angle. If the leading edge of the blade (the edge facing the direction of rotation) is up, the airflow will be down. And when the leading edge is down, the airflow will be up.

Question: The outside of my home is covered with wood-grain aluminum siding. In a few areas, the bottom edges of the siding have developed a white chalk-like substance. What is it, can I prevent it from spreading and how do I remove it?

Answer: The chalky substance is a layer of dead paint pigments along the bottom edges of the siding. It is not aluminum corrosion. Over time, the siding’s paint weathers, developing a dead pigment layer on the surface. Particles of dead paint are washed off by rain and accumulate along the siding’s bottom edges.

Wash the siding periodically with a solution of one-third-cup detergent, two-thirds-cup tri-phosphate (such as Soilax), 1 quart Clorox and 3 quarts of warm water.

Since the baked-on paint systems used on aluminum siding are somewhat similar to automotive finishes, dull finishes exposed to severe weathering can be protected with an automotive wax.

Question: The concrete basement walls in our home are disfigured by large, rough pores, from marks and tie rod holes. How can I smooth them?

Answer: First, remove all loose particles from honeycomb pockets and strike off projections with a cold chisel and mallet. Snap off form ties left in the wall. Be sure to wear eye protection.

Next, smooth rough areas with a wire brush or carborundum stone. Then use a trowel to apply a thin coat of vinyl cement mix. After applying the trowel coat, float the surface with a square mason’s trowel.

SPORTS

Cat Offense Starting to Jell
Stoops Hoping Sooners Learned
Rodeo Watch

Cat Offense Starting to Jell

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

The Wildcat offensive line is starting to get the results they were looking for earlier in the season and senior guards Wes Crosson and Jeremy Leavitt feel the best is yet to come.

The Wildcats have had two of their better offensive games of the season in the past two weeks. Unfortunately, they came against teams that were even more offensive.

“The offense is starting to click,” Leavitt said after the Cats went over 200 yards rushing against Edmond Memorial last Friday. “The running game has to work for us to pass well.”

“It’s all coming together,” said Crosson. “It’s taken awhile for the starting offensive line to come together.”

Seniors Crosson, Leavitt and Caleb Stevenson anchor the starting offensive line that includes juniors Casey Badley and Josh Kirkpatrick. That group has been all together only for the past few weeks.

“If you don’t think it takes time for an offensive line to work together, just look at what happens on Saturday and Sunday afternoons,” said line coach Terry Henderson.

Crosson was the only starting offensive lineman returning for the Wildcats this season. Leavitt had seen some action, but played most defense. Likewise, Stevenson is in his first full season at that position.

That cohesiveness was interrupted early when Leavitt injured his arm and missed the first couple of game.

Another thing that kept the group from coming together was the fact the Wildcats are under their third head coach in three years.

“Each coach had a different offense,” Henderson noted. “It takes a little while to learn an offense.”

Both Leavitt and Crosson agree that while the offense is starting to jell, the defense has been staggered in the past couple of game by some very good teams.

They Poncans will meet another very good team this week when they play host to unbeaten and No. 5 rated Owasso.

But all that doesn’t faze the veteran pair.

“The coaches have given us stuff we can do to beat Owasso,” Crosson said. “We just have to go out and do it.”

“All that doesn’t bother me,” Leavitt said of the Rams’ rankings and record. “They’re not any bigger or tougher than the other people we’ve played.

Stoops Hoping Sooners Learned

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says he expects his players to give great effort and play well when the Sooners go against Texas on Saturday.

He also expects them to have learned something from last week’s loss to Notre Dame.

Oklahoma had a 30-14 lead in the third quarter, only to see the Fighting Irish put together consecutive touchdown drives that covered 81, 56 and 98 yards. The Sooners managed only 56 yards on their final four possessions and lost the game, 34-30.

Stoops said the fact Oklahoma led for much of the day against a talented team — one that had an extra week to prepare, was playing at home and didn’t commit a turnover — showed that the Sooners are pretty good, too.

‘‘But the bottom line is we need to be able to win,’’ he said Tuesday. ‘‘I’ve told our players we’re not going to accept going somewhere, looking good, giving up a good fight and losing. That’s unacceptable here. That’s unacceptable anywhere.’’

As he did immediately after the game, Stoops gave Notre Dame credit for making plays at crucial times. Oklahoma, he said, must learn how to keep its intensity when it has a lead and how to come through at pivotal times in close games.

‘‘When we learn to do that, we’ll win those games,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m not so sure our players maybe realized how good we were, or that they expected to be ahead 16 points in the second half and how to handle that situation.

‘‘If we’re fortunate enough to do it again, I believe we’ll do it differently.’’

Stoops, in his first year as a head coach, will be taking part in his first Oklahoma-Texas game this week. But Sooner followers have made him fully aware of the importance they place on the game.

‘‘Everyone wants to tell you how important it is and I recognize that,’’ he said. ‘‘Heck, I’m smarter than I look. I understand that. I understand I won’t have a job next week if we don’t win.’’

No one is about to run him out of town, and he knows it. Not after a good start in which Oklahoma has looked far better than it has in recent years.

And while Stoops said he will take the same approach this week as he has taken in the first four and will take in the following six games, he acknowledged the rich history of the series and seemed glad to play along with the hype-building.

He said assistant coach Bobby Jack Wright, who spent 12 years as a coach at Texas, has been filling him in about the game all week.

‘‘He told me those guys down there don’t like us a whole lot. I was surprised,’’ Stoops said.

‘‘But that’s good, heck. Our guys don’t like them, they don’t like us, that’s what makes rivalries and that’s what makes it fun. Let’s go play it and see how we do.’’

Stoops said he’s not supposed to like Texas coach Mack Brown, but Brown sent a bouquet of flowers to Stoops and his wife this summer after the birth of their twin boys. ‘‘So I liked him there for about a week,’’ he said.

SOONER NOTES: This will mark just the second time in the past 40 years that Oklahoma and Texas each enter the game coming off a loss. Texas was beaten by Kansas State last week, 35-17. ... Texas won last year’s game against Oklahoma, 34-3. But in the previous nine years, the Longhorns only held a 198-194 scoring edge over OU. ... Saturday’s game begins at 2:30 and will be televised by ABC.

Rodeo Watch

CALF ROPING

1, Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas, $118,518. 2, Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., $109,450. 3, Cody Ohl, Orchard, Texas, $94,048. 4, Jerome Schneeberger, Ponca City, Okla., $72,809. 5, Ty Hays, Weatherford, Okla., $69,690. 6, Stran Smith, Tell, Texas, $65,667. 7, Ricky Hyde, Conway, Ark., $63,812. 8, Brent Lewis, Pinon, N.M., $63,677. 9, Justin Maass, Giddings, Texas, $62,724. 10. Herbert Theriot, Poplarville, Miss., $62,200. 11, Jim Bob Mayes, Elgin, Texas, $58,671. 12, Clay Cerny, Eagle Lake, Texas, $57,830. 13, Jeff Coelho, Long Creek, Ore., $57,783. 14, Roy Cooper, Childress, Texas, $54,640. 15, Trevor Brazile, Childress, Texas, $53,982. 16, Tony Reina, Brazoria, Texas, $53,092. 17, Jeff Chapman, Athens, Texas, $52,106. 18, Brad Goodrich, Hermiston, Ore., $52,080. 19, Neal Felton, Mountain Home, Texas, $50,764. 20. Jeff Yates, Corsicana, Texas, $49,205.

STEER ROPING

1, Guy Allen, Lovington, N.M., $66,638. 2, Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., $39,610. 3, Trevor Brazile, Childress, Texas, $37,223. 4, Jim Davis, Abilene, Texas, $34,972. 5, Buster Record Jr., Buffalo, Okla., $32,191. 6, De Lynn Jones, Hobbs, N.M., $29,648. 7, Marty Jones, Hobbs, N.M., $29,143. 8, Colby Goodwin, Channing, Texas, $27,821. 9, J.B. Whatley, Gardendale, Texas, $27,676. 10, J. Paul Williams, Ponca City, Okla., $26,101. 11, Arnold Felts, Sonora, Texas, $24,989. 12, Roy Cooper, Childress, Texas, $23,039. 13, Cody Ohl, Orchard, Texas, $22,400. 14, Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas, $22,011. 15. Bucky Hefner, Chelsea, Okla., $20,389. 16, David Felton, Weatherford, Texas, $18,208. 17, Rod Hartness, Pawhuska, Okla., $16,011. 18, Jason Evans, Huntsville, Texas, $15,457. 19, Leo Campbell, Amarillo, Texas, $15,204. 20. Dan Fisher, Andrews, Texas, $14,111.