From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Thursday,
November 28, 1996
LOCAL
All-Out Push Set Next Week For United Way
Chamber News
NOC Programs Approved
Festival of Angels Lighted Tours Beginning Friday
Drivers' License Freedom Increases Risk of Crashes
Post Office Suggests Mail Early!
Area Oil and Gas Report
Several Local Residents Battle Diabetes
Risk Factors For Type II Diabetes
'Shining Star' Lights Up Tonkawa Scenes
Normal Services Resume Monday
DEATHS
Funerals
Hazel L. Andrus
William F. Martin
Ralph E. Naylor
Dorothy Veneta Gilbert
Services Pending
Gene E. Hisey
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Ponca Citians Attend Celebration in OKC
Lincoln School Committee Issues Invitation to Alumni
1977 PoHi Class Sets Tenative Reunion Date
SPORTS
Morrison Last Area Playoff Team Alive
Saturday's Playoff Box Scores
Washington 35, Woodland 0
Luther 21, Tonkawa 6
Pond Creek-Hunter 48, Shidler 14
Inductees
"We need your help to go over the top," said Helene Schwartz, this week as she appealed to the citizens of Ponca City prior to announcing the end of the 1996-97 fund raising campaign for United Way.
Schwartz said the United Way would make one last all-out push through the first week of December to reach the goal of $700,000. At last report, the total pledges and receipts amounted to $550,000.
Schwartz encouraged citizens to contribute, saying, "We have 17 service agencies in Ponca City supported by the United Way and they need your contribution to continue to provide quality services to our citizens. Be a part of the team and help 'keep the flame alive' today and in the future."
The 17 member service agencies funded by United Way include American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America Will Rogers Council, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Services, Helpline Inc., Hospice of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Service, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, RSVP, Salvation Army, and the YMCA.
To make contributions, or a pledge, or for more information about how and where funding is directed, or about any of the 17 service agencies, call 765-2476 or visit the United Way office at Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue.
By APRIL JOHNSON KINZIE
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce
The holiday season is now "officially" here, and with that comes lots of shopping and planning those special festive events. It is also the time of year we should all remember the acronym "GPTB," which means "Give Ponca the Business."
The Chamber's Retail Committee has been busy preparing its annual "GPTB" campaign to remind us here in Ponca City, and people in our surrounding communities, that shopping in Ponca City is quite the shopping experience. The Committee has utilized almost $8,000 in advertising funds to promote Ponca City. A few key phrases you might hear are: "Give Ponca the Business," "Shop Ponca City," "Ponca City," "Regional Shopping Center," and "Ensure the Future." In addition, the committee has been promoting the extensive variety of merchandise available here to other cities such as Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell, Arkansas City, and Winfield. Our local merchants are decorating their windows and adding many new holiday items to their inventories so that this year will be the best ever for shoppers.
You have been seeing some great ads on local television, hearing them on the radio, and seeing them in print. As we approach the end of the year holiday season, and when you do, please don't forget the message. This year, it really is time to "Give Ponca the Business."
Chamber Sweatshirts and T-Shirts Available
If you are looking for that one, distinguishable gift item for that really special person, the Chamber has the answer. Available now are Chamber sweatshirts and long sleeved t-shirts. The sweatshirts are wheat emblazoned with the organization's logo in burgundy and green. The long sleeve t-shirts come in burgundy and hunter green with Ponca City and the Pioneer Woman scripted in navy and cream. For only $18, which includes tax, a sweatshirt is yours. The t-shirts are available for the low price of $15. These are just in time for the winter season. So drop by the Chamber and purchase one.
Main Street Authority Has Many Plans
The Ponca City Main Street Authority has a number of holiday activities planned to kickoff the many exciting events planned for this special time of the year.
On Nov. 29, the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling will begin at 6 p.m. in the Centennial Plaza. This is always a festive occasion, be sure to bring the kids out for this colorful celebration.
Friday, Dec. 6 brings Fourth Annual Lighted Christmas Parade, beginning at 6 p.m. The parade will line up at Oak Street and West Grand Avenue, and end at Centennial Plaza. This is always a lot of fun and provides a fantastic opportunity for people to participate in this sparkling and fun event. If you would like to enter the parade please call the Ponca City Main Street Authority at 763-8082.
Somebody is going to get a special gift this holiday season as the Main Street Authority gives away it's incredible Christmas Cash Giveaway at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 in Centennial Plaza. You must be present to win.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
TONKAWA - Approving new academic programs and approving a new soccer program were items of business conducted during Northern Oklahoma College's Board of Regents meeting.
The regents approved sending a request for a new academic program on to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. They will then consider the proposal early next year. The newly proposed major would emphasize multimedia and computer technology in an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The board went on to approve the implementation of a new men's and women's intercollegiate soccer program. Dr. Joe Kinzer, NOC president, emphasized the growing popularity of soccer but also noted that only a few two-year colleges were involved, but the trend is growing. Kinzer also reported that Northern currently has an instructor with soccer coaching experience. Because of that reason, NOC would not have to hire new personnel.
Dr. Kinzer reported that Phase II of the Performing Arts Center was still being considered and discussed possible changes in the building. A revised set of plans for the Agricultural Learning Center was presented. Regent James noted the building would be very good as a multipurpose facility. Kinzer described the many possible functions that the building could serve.
Dr. Ron Appleman, vice president for information systems, noted that the cabling for the dorms will be finished next week and that the students would be able to hook up next semester.
Mr. David Boggs of the auditing firm of Baird, Kurtz, and Dobson, presented the external financial statement audit for the fiscal year 1996. In their accountant's report, the firm gave an "unqualified opinion," the best possible report. They audited the financial statements and found that the school was in compliance with standard accounting principles and every fund group was correct. Boggs noted that he oversees audits over several colleges and universities and complimented Curtis Jackson, vice president for financial affairs, and Anita Simpson, the comptroller. "This is the best prepared college that I oversee," said Boggs.
The regents approved the academic calendar for the 1997-98 school year. The summer session will begin June 2, 1997 and end on July 29, 1997; the fall semester begins on Aug. 20, 1997 and ends on Dec. 19, 1997; and the spring semester starts on Jan. 12, 1998 and concludes on May 15, 1998.
The next board meeting was set for Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. in the President's Conference Room. Dr. Kinzer also invited the Regents and their spouses to join the faculty and staff for the annual Christmas dinner in the Maverick Cafeteria following the board meeting.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The Festival of Angels lighted tour and other related events begin Friday in Ponca City with all 30 to 40 special areas and participating neighborhoods being lighted for the first time at 6 p.m.
A map of the specially lighted areas is enclosed in today's issue of The News and many routes and special exhibits will be marked with special signs bearing the "Angel Host" logo. Maps are also available at Angel Central and at the Ponca City Tourism office, Fifth Street at East Grand Avenue.
The map tour begins at Angel Central, 413 North Fourteenth Street, (Pioneer Shopping Center), where participants may purchase many fine "angel" souvenirs and gifts for Christmas, as well as receiving a free map.
From Angel Central, the tour continues north to the Pioneer Woman Statue to see the huge "Angel Host," welcoming visitors to the city. The cars are then directed along Monument Road, and on to Autumn Road and Pioneer Road neighborhood displays, (3 and 4), then to the Woodlands Christian Church (5) at East Hartford and Fourteenth Street.
New Additions
Continuing north on Fourteenth to Bradley Avenue, participants may see the sixth lighted area on the map at Sterling House, then on north to St. Luke's Church of the Nazarene (7) at 1715 East Prospect.
Following the map to the eighth lighted area at Lemon Tree Lane, which is located just 2 blocks south of Prospect on Turner the participant must then turn back up Turner to Prospect to reach the ninth area at the neighborhood at Pecan and Prospect. Then south on Pecan to Copperfield and Mockingbird (10 and 11), next around Donner Drive, Woodthrush, Skylark, Cardinal and Meadowbrook (12), to see some creative neighborhood lighting themes.
Neighborhood Displays
Just south of Hartford is the Wildwood, Cookson, and Juanito neighborhood (13) and driving back up Pecan Road, then east on Hartford to the Stoneridge neighborhood (14), the traveler will see some new exhibits this year. The next neighborhood on Academy Hill includes the American Legion Children's Home and Westminster Village (15).
The map then directs the traveler to turn back to Hartford and travel east, to Kygar Road and on around the bend to the Lake Ponca Park picnic area to see the wonderland of lights and special exhibits at the fabulous Lake Ponca Park display (16).
The displays at Lake Ponca Park, will be lighted from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening for four weekends through Dec. 22, special events will be happening in addition to the lighting display. Children may have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the "Santa House," ride a horse-drawn wagon around Lake Ponca Park, enjoy concessions of coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider and angel cookies.
Head East on Lake Road
After enjoying the thousands of sparkling lights and displays of animated angels and animals at the Park the participants may travel out of the park to Lake Road, then east to the Whitmer Hills Addition (17). Following a trip through that well lighted neighborhood the driver should turn west on Lake Road to the Red Oak and Sugar Maple neighborhood (18) for more beautifully decorated yards and homes.
Traveling west on Lake Road to Fourteenth Street, a colorful neighborhood may be viewed just north of Pioneer Bank on Parkview Lane (19). Returning from the cul-de-sac street back to Fourteenth Street, turn south to Highland and travel west to Union Street.
Exciting Project
About two-miles north on Union, the viewer may enjoy a fascinating electronic display and exciting neighborhood lighting project on Lora Street (20). Other areas of the City are located west of Union and South of Highland on Broadway (21), Grand at Flormable (22) (in the Selvy Addition), and The Albright United Methodist Church on South Palm Street (23).
Traveling south to South Avenue and turning east, travel to the southside neighborhoods of South Seventh and Eighth Streets (24), turning on Alma. The Conoco North Tower (25) at South Avenue and Pine will also be decorated as well as Grand Avenue, downtown, from First to Sixth Streets (26).
First United Methodist Church at Central and Sixth is the 27th area to view and the Cultural Center at 1000 East Grand (28) is decorated in "southern mansion" theme. Three new angels have been added to this year's display. At Grand Avenue and Fourteenth Street, the Presbyterian Church (30) will be lighted and across the street to the south, the L.A. Cann Garden Center (29) will have new lights including a blooming iris.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
For many teens, a drivers' license is a ticket to freedom and one step closer to adulthood. However, inexperience plus general immaturity and the natural propensity of young people to think they are invulnerable increase the risk of fatal crashes.
Teenage drivers represent a major hazard to themselves and fellow motorists. In the United States teens can obtain their licenses at an earlier age than in other countries and have easier access to vehicles.
In 1995, 56 teen drivers were killed and 5,497 were injured in Oklahoma traffic crashes. Nationally, 5,670 teens died, according to the US Department of Transportation's Fatal Accident Reporting System. Twenty percent of passenger deaths of people of all ages in 1995, occurred when a teen was driving.
Crash rates remain high due to young drivers' immaturity and inexperience. The immaturity is apparent in young drivers' risky practices like speeding and tailgating. Additionally, teenagers' lack behind-the-wheel exposure. Teens are unable to recognize and respond to hazards.
Allan F. Williams, the Institute's senior vice president for research, explains that beginners "have to accumulate a lot of experience before they're able to combine steering with scanning the environment and putting it all together, all at the same time, behind the wheel."
"Handling a car responsibly takes more than mastering the skills that are involved," Williams adds. "It takes the maturity that can only come with time."
Another researcher who has studied the problem of teenage drivers, says, "It takes a long time to learn what to do and how to predict danger. It also takes time to develop the maturity to make responsible decisions behind the wheel."
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety confirmed that more than 19 percent of teenage motor vehicle deaths in 1995, occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight. Nineteen percent of the deaths occurred on Saturday; Sunday was next in line at 16 percent.
Drivers under the age of 21 comprise nine percent of the 2.3 million licensed drivers in Oklahoma, commented Gerald Davidson, public information officer for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The risk of crash involvement per mile driven among drivers 16-19 years old is four times the risk among older drivers. Risk is highest at age 16-17.
According to IIHS, add teens cruising around together, with passengers distracting the driver and the result can be a serious crash.
IIHS is convinced that driver education programs are not the answer stating that the programs merely offer families a convenient way for beginners to learn to drive. Driver education focuses on the skill of driving. Attitudes and behavior remain beyond the influence of a course.
Characteristics of 16-year-olds' fatal crashes differ from those involving older drivers. In the IIHS's Status Report, December 1994, driver error, speeding and late night hours were components.
The rate of alcohol involvement is low for 16-year-olds, however, is a problem with older teens.
The most common crash type is single-vehicle crashes. They involve speeding, usually occur at night and include three or more people in the car, confirmed the Status Report. The next-most-common crash type was colliding with oncoming vehicles, followed by running traffic signals.
Compared with older drivers, a much higher proportion of teens are responsible for their fatal crashes. Teens were reportedly speeding or going too fast for road conditions. In addition, drivers aren't using their seat belts.
One approach to the problem deals with raising the age limit for drivers. Forty-three states and the District of Columbia permit licenses at 16, though six states allow 14 and 15-year-old to obtain their drivers' licenses. New Jersey makes teens wait until they are 17.
Denmark, Finland France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel Netherlands, Norway and Sweden require drivers to be at least 18.
The report indicated that crashes could be alleviated with graduated licensing programs. Nine states have programs that restrict night driving to allow beginners to get their initial driving experience during the lower-risk daytime hours.
Thirty-six states have components of a young driver licensing program, reported Cheryl Lynn and Charles Tompkins of the Virginia Transportation Research Council.
"The most common components of the state programs are nighttime driving restrictions, provisional licensing with accelerated penalties and driver improvement programs," the researchers confirmed.
IIHS recommends that parents safe-guard their teens by putting in place their own graduated licensing programs. Suggestions include:
- Giving 16-year-olds plenty of supervised driving, even after they get their licenses.
- Be aware of the high risk when teens and their peers travel together, without adults. Make new drivers wait to go with friends until they get plenty of supervised driving time.
- Prohibit night driving or at least unsupervised night driving. Outings at night tend to be recreational and pose more risk.
- Insist on seat belts all the time.
"Ponca City postal employees are gearing up for the busiest mailing season ever, and we're asking our customers to help us handle the holidays," said Postmaster Jack Weatherford.
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the U.S. Postal Service would like everyone to mail early in the season and mail early in the day, Weatherford said. This will help ensure the additional five billion cards, letters and packages mailed during the season arrive in time for a great holiday.
"Just like Santa helps his elves get ready for the big night, we've taken several steps to help make mailing easier for our customers," he said. Starting on Nov. 30, Saturday hours at the Post Office will be extended. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 21, Saturday hours will be 9 a.m., to 2 p.m.
To help make attaching stamps to envelops almost fun, the Ponca City Post Office has stocked up on the new self-adhesive holiday postage stamps.
The post office can also help with stocking stuffers, Weatherford said. "Children love our inexpensive stamp collecting kits and hard-bound books featuring exciting stamp subjects. It's a fun way to learn historical facts, while investing in the future," he added.
The No. 3 Savage is scheduled for spudding in Kay County's Blackwell Field with Oil Ventures Limited as the operator The well is under permit for 3,400-ft. maximum hole and will be aiming for production in the Oswego Formation. Drillsite is northwest of Blackwell in a lease a little over three miles.
Section 32 - township 28n - range 1w-n/2-se
Drilling operations have reached projected total depth at the No. 23 South Ponca Mississippi Chat Unit in Kay County's Ponca City Field. Carrying permit for 4,300 feet of hole, the well was spudded on Oct. 2 by Crawley Petroleum Corp. No details have been made available on commercial shows. Location is about 1.5 miles west of White Eagle Station.
Section 17 - township 25n - range 2e-c-nw.
An Osage County wildcat is planned by Chevron U-S in a lease 5.2 miles southwest of Burbank. It will be seeking production in the Mississippi Chat Total drilling depth is projected to 4,000 feet.
Section 36 - township 25n - range 4e.
Jay Petroleum Inc. has slapped the dry hole tag on an ill-fated developmental bid in Osage County's Landon Field. Located a little less than five miles southwest of Boulangerville, it had been seeking production in the Mississippian Lime. It bottomed dry at a depth of 27,655 feet.
Section 1-township 29n - range 9e.
Link Oil Co. is ready to make hole for a 2,450-ft. Mississippi Chat test in Osage County's Wynona Field. The well is known as the No. 1 Link. The lease is about three-quarters mile west-northwest of the Wynona townsite.
Section 21-township 24n-range 9e-nw.
Wildcat drilling action is slated in Osage County 4.2 miles west of Fairfax. The well is an exploration venture of Chevron U.S.Q. It carries authority for 37,600-ft. maximum drill as the No 1 Chevron.
Section 6-township 24p--range 5e.
Developmental action when the No. 1 George is spudded 3 miles south of Perry. Three Sands Oil Inc. is the operator with total hole projected to 1,200 feet. Production in the Sams Formation is the objective.
Section 20 - township 20n - range 1w-se-nw.
Exploration Inc. in Noble County's West Tonkawa Field, located 3.2 miles southwest of Three Sands. The well carries permit for a 600-ft. Herrington Formation test.
Section 13 - township 24p - range 1w-se-se.
Modest production prospects were indicated when J.O.C. Operating completed a 15-year-old producer in Noble County's Polo Field. Location is 4.6 miles northwest of Perry. It is known as the No. 2 Gus Wollard et al.
The well was reperforated for production 675 to 636 feet into the hole. It potentialed at 50,000 CF gas per day on an unspecified choke opening.
Section 34 - township 22n - range 2w-se-sw.
At a location 3.2 miles northeast of Ceres, J.O.C. Operating is preparing to conduct a deepening venture at the No. 2 Groom in Noble County's Tonkawa Field. New pay is being sought in the Mississippi Chat. Current bottomhole is at 45700 ft.
Section 26 - township 24n - range 1w-se-se.
Drilling operations are nearing projected total depth at the No. 2 Groom in the Tonkawa Field Noble County. The well was spudded in October and carried permit for 45,700 ft. maximum hole. It is located 4.3 miles south-southeast of Three Sands with J.O.C. operating as the operator.
Section 26 - township 24n - range 1c-se-se.
Although National Diabetes Month is coming to an end, several local residents quietly continue their daily battle with the disease. Quietly, but confidently, they make adjustments in their routines, accommodating the new steps they must take to continue a productive life as a person with diabetes.
As the group gathered, it would have been difficult for an onlooker to determine why the group was meeting. Each of the individuals was active, friendly and very well-spoken. As questions were posed about the disease they faced, each spoke easily of the tasks they perform on a daily basis. And all felt drawn together, knowing that when they explained a certain experience, the other individuals knew, personally, what the person was speaking about.
"I find it's very treacherous," said Mary Belle Clark. "I have had to curtail a lot of my activities," she continued. Mary Belle, 79, is a long-time Ponca City resident who developed Type II diabetes in 1993.
Jack Otipoby, 52 and his wife, Carla, have been dealing with diabetes since 1981, when Jack was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Then in 1994, Jack began taking insulin shots twice a day. "It's been difficult, but I find sticking to a schedule helps me," he said.
"I'm amazed at the number of people that have diabetes," said Felix Braggs, 37. Felix was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in February of this year. "As I've had the opportunity to share with my co-workers that I have diabetes, it surprises me the number of people who have the disease," he continued. Felix is employed at Conoco, and says one of the changes he has made in his work lifestyle is that he now carries a piece of fruit or other food to meetings. "Sometimes people ask me if I brought enough for the whole group," he says laughingly. "But people seem to be accepting and understanding about the things I have to do to keep going."
In fact, food seemed to be a topic the group could really relate to each other about. Mary Belle said she felt like she has had to eat twice as much food as she did before she was diagnosed. Jack said he feels like he has had to eat a little less than before, and Felix said he has changed the types of food he eats.
"I'm a lot more conscious about what I eat now," added Felix. Mary Belle and Jack agreed. "If I don't eat on time, I start to get very nervous and weak feeling," continued Mary Belle. "If someone visits and it's time for me to eat, I just let them sit and talk while I eat!"
Another common denominator among the interviewees was the fact that all had attended the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for Adults. The program was recently awarded the prestigious Certificate of Recognition from the American Diabetes Association, and is one of only six programs recognized in Oklahoma. Pat Blubaugh, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator and Program Coordinator worked, and continues to work, with each of the individuals to provide up-to-date knowledge about how to daily manage their diabetes.
Asked if they thought the information they received from Pat was beneficial, Mary Belle emphatically said, "Definitely! I think she has a lot of helpful information about the disease." Jack added he thought Pat was very supportive during his time of dealing with one of the complications of diabetes called neuropathy. "I didn't know what was going on," he said. Neuropathy is the damage of nerve endings affecting the feet and lower legs, and is a chronic complication caused by diabetes. "It's extremely painful," Jack said, "But Pat helped me realize what the problem was, and my doctor gave me some medication so I could deal with the pain." Jack also had polio earlier in his life, so that disease gave him what he calls a "double dose" of issues to deal with.
Felix felt the information he received from the Diabetes Education program was "some of the best education I've gotten about my own health."
Follow-up seemed to be the key to the sense of satisfaction the interviewee's felt about the program. "She (Pat) will just call to see how you're doing," said Mary Belle.
"I feel it's very beneficial," added Jack.
Patient education is an essential component of diabetes treatment, according to Pat. "We see patients and their care partners for individual instruction one or two times per week over a four to six week period in our program," said Pat. "Patients are taught self-care skills that promote better management of his or her diabetes treatment plan. That means hospital admissions and acute and chronic complications of diabetes may be prevented."
The program is overseen by a team of health care professionals, well-versed in diabetes education. The team includes Pat Blubaugh, Program Coordinator, and Kellie Bryant, RD, LD, and Mary Callison, RD, LD both dietitians for the program. The program also has an advisory committee consisting of R.L. Keim, MD, physician liaison; Kellie, Mary and Mona Phipps, dietitians; Betty Lydick, RN, and Joane Swaney, consumer advisor.
It's also beneficial that each of the patient's doctors are located here in Ponca City, and each is affiliated with SJRMC. Mary Belle's physician is P.W. Gray, MD; Jack's physician is Jackie Garland, MD and Felix sees Billy Irons, MD. All seem comfortable with their individual physicians and their knowledge of the disease.
As November passes, Mary Belle, Jack and Felix will continue to deal with their disease on a daily basis. In fact, they will be dealing with their diabetes and its related issues for the rest of their lives. But each has a positive outlook about it, and seems to appreciate the resources available to them through SJRMC's Diabetes Education program.
For more information about diabetes or the SJRMC Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for Adults, contact Pat Blubaugh at 765-3321, ext. 600.
SJRMC's Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for Adults has formulated a list of risk factors for Type II diabetes. If you feel you are at risk for developing Type II diabetes, contact your family physician. The risk factors are:
* A family history of diabetes.
* Obesity.
* Sedentary (inactive) Lifestyle.
* Age (over 35).
* Any woman that has had a baby weighing over 9 pounds at birth.
The symptoms of Type II diabetes are subtle and sometimes non-existent. Some of the signs and symptoms are: frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, dry-itchy skin, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, poor healing of wounds and increased number of infections.
Those individuals who develop Type I diabetes also have the symptoms listed above as well as an unexplained weight loss and flu-like achiness. But, Type I diabetes typically has an abrupt onset and may be developed at a younger age.
Type II diabetes is described as a condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce adequate amounts of insulin. Type I diabetes is described as a condition in which the body does not produce insulin at all. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Diabetes, if not diagnosed or left uncontrolled, can lead to severely debilitating or fatal complications, such as blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and amputations. It is the fourth-leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. Currently, there is no cure.
TONKAWA - The "Shining Star" of Northern Oklahoma, will be held here Dec. 5. It is part of the city's fourth annual "Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration" in downtown Tonkawa and promises to be an experience of a delightful hometown holiday event.
"O Starry Night" is the theme for 1996. Stars of all colors and sizes will be shining brightly in businesses and homes all over this Northern Oklahoma community.
Events being at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the gigantic 40-foot tree in the center of Grand and Seventh Street. All are invited to gather in the streets and under the tree for caroling and the lighting ceremony. Downtown decorations, building lights and the NOC campus lights are to be turned on simultaneously for a dramatic and delightful effect.
The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. from the Methodist Church at Fourth Street and Grand, through town to Ninth Street, with bands, floats, horses and many other interesting and entertaining entries. Following the parade will be entertainment and festivities downtown with the Elementary School Choir, the NOC Jazz Band, Santa Claus, and more.
The downtown merchants are hosting open houses and having special sales.
At 7:30 p.m., the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce will have the first Christmas Dollar Days drawing of four $50 gift certificates. There will be drawings on Dec. 13, Dec. 20 and winners will not have to be present to win at the drawings.
The Tonkawa News and Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a residential (city and rural) lighting contest with $100 in prize money. The winners will be announced Dec. 12.
City employees will observe Thursday and Friday as an official holiday. As a result, residential refuse will not be picked up on these two days. Normal services will resume Monday.
In addition, the Recycling Drop Off Center, 1001 West Prospect Avenue,
will be closed and resume operation on Saturday. The Landfill, located southwest
of the city, will also be closed and reopen on Saturday.
DEATHS
Friday
Hazel L. Andrus - 2 p.m. in Grace Memorial Chapel with Elder Bob Doan of Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints officiating. Burial in Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
William F. Martin - Memorial service at 11 a.m. in Bartlesville First Presbyterian Church under direction of Neekamp Funeral Home, Bartlesville.
Ralph E. Naylor - 2 p.m. in Roberts Funeral Chapel in Blackwell with burial in Braman Cemetery under direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Dorothy Veneta Gilbert - 10 a.m. in First Church of the Nazarene in Edmond. Burial in Arlington Memorial Garden in Midwest City under direction of Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, Del City.
Gene E. Hisey
Gene E. Hisey, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Nov. 27, 1996 at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 59.
Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will
be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident
at West Cleveland Avenue and North Union Street at 8:04 a.m. Wednesday.
Arrested - A 17-year-old boy was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at the police department at 10:26 a.m. Wednesday for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and destruction of private property. The officer took a report.
Larceny - An employee at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 12:59 p.m. Wednesday that two shoplifters were in custody. An officer arrested two 16-year-old girls for grand larceny.
Collision - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of an accident in the parking lot of Taco Bell, 2400 North Fourteenth Street at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. An officer took a report.
Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received a report of a non-injury accident at Third Street and East Grand Avenue at 3:13 p.m. Wednesday. The drivers were gone when the officer arrived.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a minor accident in the parking lot of O'Reilly's Auto Part, 104 West Grand Avenue, at 5:18 p.m. Wednesday.
Fire - The Ponca City Fire Department responded to the report of a fire in the 500 block of South Third Street at 7:03 p.m. Wednesday According to the reporting party, the fire started in the water heater and was out when firefighters arrived.
Burglary - A resident in the 3500 block of Wellington Road notified the Ponca City Police Department at 7:31 p.m. Wednesday of burglary to the residence. An officer took a report.
Hit and Run - A Ponca City police officer took a report of an accident
at Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Major damage
occurred to one car, however the other driver left the scene of the accident.
Two Ponca City garden club women recently attended the "Celebration of the Butterfly" at Will Rogers Garden Center, Oklahoma City, in commemoration of the signing of Oklahoma state law proclaiming the Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly as the Oklahoma State Butterfly.
Marlene Roth, president of Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club and Rebecca Barker, president of the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs attended the celebration and heard First Lady Cathy Keating speak about how to plant a butterfly garden. Also in attendance was Marge Franklin, president of the Oklahoma State Garden Clubs Council.
Roth said, "We were pleased to hear Mrs. Keating remind us that we cannot expect to spray our yards with insecticides and continue to have butterflies and other insects pollinate our flowers."
According to Roth, Mrs. Keating is known for her work on behalf of endangered species and in promoting a better environment for the preservation of all nature. Mrs. Keating was made an honorary member of the Oklahoma Garden Clubs Council at the meeting.
Other events attended by Garden Council members include a recent trip to the North Central District Board Meeting in Guthrie, where plans to host the state convention in March were made.
Special celebrations have also marked the anniversaries of the local Red Rose Garden Club and the Four O'Clock Garden Club recently. The Red Rose Garden club celebrated its 65th anniversary at the home of Mrs. Fred Boettcher, and were entertained by a cello and piano duet.
The Four O'clock Garden Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a nostalgic walk down memory lane with a style show of vintage clothing.
In closing the 50th anniversary celebration, Kay Martin, president of the Four O'Clock Garden Club, said in reflecting on the club's history, "It is special to be able to reflect on what others have done and how the pages of our scrapbooks bind us with the past."
The Council also announced the deathPo of three club members, Zell Bosworth, Mildred Storm and Lentha Muchmore.
May 3, 1997 is the date selected for an open house and reunion for all current and former students, parents, teachers, principals, and support staff of Lincoln School.
Members of the committee planning the all day event are Marvin and Sharon Clark; Deanna Varner, Louise Gelmers, Sandra Harrison, Fran Long, David Shelton and Earlene Logan.
For more information about the reunion or to help with the planning call 765-3300 or 762-3155 or contact a member of the Lincoln School reunion committee.
The committee would like to borrow photographs, film, video and other memorabilia such as play programs, student work, grade cards, etc. for a display the day of the event. Pre-registration is not required but the committee would like to hear from alumni.
Lincoln school has been a fixture in Ponca City for nearly 80 years. The original building was called the primary building in 1915 and was removed in 1949. The main structure, built in 1919, has been remodeled and expanded in 1935, 1950, 1976 and 1980.
The Lincoln PTA was organized in 1924 with Mrs. Clyde Muchmore as the charter member president. According to the reunion committee much of the history of the school and people involved there is contained in PTA yearbooks dated from 1924. There have been nine principals with David Shelton serving as current principal.
The committee responsible for organizing this event states its goals as a "celebration of all the lives touched through the learning and social activities which have taken place at Lincoln School for almost 80 years. Also to say goodbye to the old building and welcome the new Lincoln School building which is scheduled to open in the fall of 1997."
The Ponca City High School class of 1977 is in the process of planning a 20-year reunion. Tenative plans are being made for Memorial weekend, May 23-25, 1997.
All class members who are interested in helping with the reunion and organization for the event are asked to call Darla (Lunsford) Connelly, 762-0022 for information.
An informational mailer will be sent to all class members after Jan.
1, 1997. Any class member who has recently moved should send his or her
current name and address to Carla (Christy) Webb, 3609 Mistletoe, Ponca
City, Ok. 74604.
By DAVID BROWN
News Associate Sports Editor
And then there was one!
The Morrison Wildcats are the lone remaining area team still vying in the 1996 Oklahoma high school state football playoffs after Tonkawa, Woodland and Shidler were eliminated in second-round action last weekend.
Tonkawa was defeated at home by sixth-ranked Class A Luther, 20-6. Woodland, ranked 10th in Class A, was shut out by No. 1 Washington, 35-0, and Shidler was eliminated by Class C second-ranked Covington-Douglas, 48-14.
Morrison advanced to a Class B semifinal showdown with Mountain View-Gotebo Saturday afternoon by derailing previously undefeated and AP second-ranked Sallisaw Central, 42-20. Central was ranked No. 1 by the Tulsa World and Morrison was unranked.
The Wildcats improved to 10-2 on the season with their sixth straight win and find themselves in the semifinals for the 11th consecutive season. Their national-record 90-game winning streak and run of seven straight state championships were halted in last year's semis against Snyder, which may give the Cats added incentive against Mountain View-Gotebo.
"I really think we've been able to build some confidence the last few weeks," said head coach Joe Sindelar. "After we lost two in a row (to Christian Heritage and Yale Weeks 5 and 6) our confidence was hurt, no doubt. But we've come back and I feel good about how we've gathered momentum since the end of the regular season with wins over No. 1 Foyil and then a good Webbers Falls team in the playoffs and then last week over another No. 1 team in Central Sallisaw.
"But we're not overconfident. We were in this same place last year and it took us a year to get back. The kids have worked hard and they've come a long way to get this far."
This is a good matchup for the Wildcats as was Sallisaw Central. Both Central and Mountain View are similar in that they are smallish and quick.
"They have one guy who is huge, 6-7 and 295 pounds," said Sindelar, "but his own coaches say he's slow, has poor footwork and has never lifted weights. They only have one other guy over 200 pounds on the team. And their backfield is very small, too. Their quarterback is 150, their fullback 165 and their tailback is about 140. But they're all little darters. They have good speed and quickness."
Sindelar said that Mountain View likes to get outside with a true option game after faking an inside trap.
"We call that the freeze option and they've burned people with that. But we think we can negate a lot of that with our structure and hopefully we won't bite on that deception," said Sindelar. "We have to have good discipline."
Defensively, Sindelar reports that the Tigers will use a variety of defenses but use the 4-1 more than the 4-2 or 5-0.
"The 4-1 has given us some problems the last few weeks but we've been working on some things to help us attack that more successfully," Sindelar said.
Morrison's most successful mode of attack this season has been on the ground with the running of senior tailback Bobby Berkenbile. The 6-1, 190-pound workhorse has gained nearly 2,200 yards rushing and has scored 38 touchdowns.
Sindelar said said before playing Sallisaw Central that he thought an intagible that would work for Morrison was what is called "Morrison Mystique." Teams tend to get in awe of the Wildcats and all their accomplishments and play tentative, despite the fact this Morrison team is not nearly as talented as some of its forebearers.
"Morrison Mystique" may play a role in this week's game as well considering the two teams have never met.
The game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 Saturday afternoon at Mustang High School. The other Class B semifinal has 10-2 Pioneer playing 10-2 Foyil.
Woodland 0 0 0 0 - 0
Washington 6 16 6 7 - 35
Scoring
Washington - Jason Kilmer 9 run (kick failed)
Washington - FG, Jace Brewer 20
Washington - Kilmer 1 run (Brewer kick)
Washington - Jeff Scott 40 interception return (kick failed)
Washington - Kilmer 2 run (run failed)
Washington - Kilmer 43 run (Brewer kick)
Statistics
Wood. Wash.
First Downs 6 15
Rushes-yards 24-89 50-296
Passing yards 18 4
Comp-attempts 2-21-2 1-4-2
Punts 5-34 3-35
Fumbles-lost 2-1 2-0
Penalties-yards 5-35 6-50
Team Records 10-2 11-0
Luther 7 14 0 0 - 21
Tonkawa 0 0 6 0 - 6
Scoring
Luther - Randy Fields 13 pass from Doug Wilson (Wilson kick)
Luther - Larry Dupree 2 run (Wilson kick)
Luther - Dupree 14 run (Wilson kick)
Tonkawa - Shane Randall 20 run (run failed)
Statistics
Luther Tonk.
First Downs 22 5
Rushes-yards 64-227 34-56
Passing yards 90 43
Comp-attempts 5-13-1 2-8-1
Punts 4-30 6-25
Fumbles-lost 4-4 3-3
Penalties-yards 4-20 6-50
Team Records 11-1 10-2
Shidler 0 0 14 0 - 14
Pond Creek 28 14 0 6 - 48
Scoring
PCH - Graper 27 run (Kelso kick)
PCH - Champers 1 run (kick failed)
PCH - Graper 60 run (Graper run)
PCH - Chambers 50 run (Kelso kick)
PCH - Chambers 8 run (Graper kick)
PCH - Graper 64 run (kick failed)
Shidler - Casey Cargill 78 run (John Houser pass from Britton Wehunt)
Shidler - Lou Brown 50 pass from Wehunt (pass failed)
PCH - Williams 4 run (run failed)
Statistics
Shidler PCH
First Downs 11 20
Rushes-yards 41-242 50-442
Passing yards 85 40
Comp-attempts 5-11-1 2-3-0
Punts 4-29 1-10
Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-1
Penalties-yards 4-30 3-20
Team Records 7-5 12-0
The Wildcat football hall of fame inductees, announced at Tuesday night's football banquet are, from left to right, Randy Bishop of WBBZ Radio and Judy and Dennis Newland of the