From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, November
4, 1997
LOCAL
Cemetery Parties File Papers
Another Elliott Sister Now a County Treasurer
Pioneer Woman Receives Grant For Quilt Exhibit
ALCH Reconstruction Projects Dedication Held on Saturday
Erection of Retaining Walls Along Fifth Street Project Delays Opening
St. Joseph Med Foundation Has Election
Trick Roper in Two Shows Here Saturday
All Veterans May Participate During Saturday's Parade
Bedlam Weiner Roast At Wentz Thursday
DEATHS
Norman Reuel Means
Thelma Lucille Reid
Charlie Emerson Pontious
Angela E. Meadows
Obituaries
Anne Marie Lechtenberg
Services Pending
Eddy Ray Boettler
Elizabeth McKain
Stella I. Annin
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Literacy, Workers Comp Reform Two Important Issues for Fallin
NationsBank Boosts Program
Blackwell Bank Names New Advisory Members
Unemployment Up in County For September
Blackwell Hosts Neal McCaleb At Nov. 13 Event
Where Are They Now? Po-Hi Graduate Receives Missouri Bar Oath Here
LIFESTYLES
Early Detection of Breast Cancer Topic for Luncheon and Program
Xi Gamma Sigma Meeting Follows A 'Hobo' Theme
VFW Groups Will Meet at Cushing
Eta Zeta Chapter To Model at Tea
Bits and Pieces
SPORTS
JV's End On Positive Note
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Both the potential buyer and potential seller of Ponca City's Odd Fellows Cemetery now have submitted applications to the Kay County commissioners, continuing what officials believe is a first-time test of a 40-year-old state statute.
The submittals, for which there was no existing application form when the issue came up this summer, signal the start of the commissioners' participation in the controversial proposed sale of the century-old cemetery.
In July, when local IOOF Lodge members formally accepted a purchase offer from the Loewen Group, lodge spokesmen described the sale as an opportunity to break free of their traditional role as cemetery-keepers, which lately has not interested enough younger men to join the Odd Fellows.
Lodge secretary John Miner said the $700,000 offered by Loewen for the undeveloped portions of the cemetery would revitalize the lodge's programs.
Local residents and business people have objected, seeing the sale as a big-business takeover that will raise prices of cemetery lots and services.
They also believe the Loewen Group, an international corporation that buys and operates funeral homes and cemeteries, will squeeze out local companies that provide related services.
Citing a nationwide trend to operate cemeteries "like a fast-food operation," local spokesperson Connie Joyal has updated the commission frequently, mentioning the opposing groups have collected hundreds of signatures on petitions to urge the board to reject the sale.
Assistant district attorney Chuck Bloeser, who represents the county for district attorney John Maddox, said the next step in the process is a public hearing on the applications.
Bloeser said the proposed buyer and seller "have substantially complied with the request for information the board requested."
Now the county commissioners will have to determine whether the purchase "would result in an end-run around the statute - whether the Loewen Group International Inc. intends to substantially alter or modify the method or plan of operation," Bloeser said.
If so, the board could reject the sale.
At its discretion, the board is required by law to issue an order approving or disapproving the purchase. If the purchase is disapproved, the proposed buyer has another 60-day review process to undergo.
Bloeser said the state legislature "gave the county commissioners lots of big responsibilities and this is one of them."
The cemetery statute was written "to protect the health and safety of the community and to protect the fiscal integrity of the county taxpayers," he said.
"It's a short statute and it doesn't micromanage the commissioners' decision. It leaves them room to decide."
The Loewen Group would purchase only the undeveloped land now owned by the Odd Fellows Lodge and would not affect cemetery lots previously purchased by individuals or families, whether or not the lots are currently empty.
The issue is expected on the county commissioners' agenda at 9 a.m. next Monday at the courthouse.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - Another of Newkirk's former Elliott sisters is saying, "Show me the money!"
Offices in adjacent counties became interrelated Monday when Kay County Treasurer Pat Schieber's sister - Elaine Webster of Deer Creek - was sworn in as Grant County treasurer at a ceremony in Medford.
Webster was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Dark, who retired last Friday.
But it's the second time in less than a year that one of the sisters - who both graduated from Newkirk High School - took the oath of a county office. Schieber also was elected last Nov. 6 in a special election to fill an unexpired term.
The sisters both expect to file for full four-year terms next year. They both also have approximately 16 years' experience in their respective treasurer's offices.
After attending Webster's swearing-in ceremony on Monday morning, Schieber said she was proud of her sister.
Elaine "just wants to help everybody she can. She's a very hard worker - she works harder than anybody I know.
"She's just very public-service minded," Schieber said.
Pat also wanted to emphasize for their other sister, Linda Colvin - who works in customer-service at Conoco in Ponca City - that she "has no political aspirations."
PONCA CITY (AP) - The Pioneer Woman Museum advisory board has been awarded a $40,000 grant to finance development of an exhibit that will center around a large quilt by the Ponca City Pioneer Area Quilting Guild.
''This large quilt will present a series of life passages for Oklahoma pioneering women,'' project director Kathy Dickson of the Oklahoma Historical Society said.
''It will be suspended from the ceiling and will be the focal point from which other displays radiate.''
The advisory board received a $20,000 challenge grant from the Oklahoma Foundation for the Humanities and a $20,000 matching grant from the Dave Morgan Foundation of Blackwell.
The exhibit will be called ''A Patchwork in Time in Space.'' The quilt is called ''The Road to Oklahoma.''
Work is under way on expanding the Pioneer Woman Museum from 3,000 square feet to 8,500 square feet.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The newly rebuilt Summers and Holloway Halls at the American Legion Children's Home were dedicated Saturday morning with state and local American Legion officials in attendance.
Summers Hall was reconstructed with the original bell placed back in the building. The bell rang during the dedication ceremonies.
Those having a part in the unveiling ceremony were Bill Finch, State Commander of the American Legion, Velma Yeager, past Department President of the Auxiliary, and City Commissioner Dick Stone.
Also the executive committee composed of Don Raley, chairman and master of ceremonies, Lloyd Hurt, Grove; Wayne Pedigo, Muskogee; Elmer Morgan, Stroud; and Roselynn Utech, Ponca City. The executive director is Ken Adams.
The new combined structure was built at a cost of about $900,000 and includes replacement of Summers (the bell tower building) and Holloway Halls and provides three classrooms, counseling and administration offices.
The American Legion Children's Home has provided services since 1928 to thousands of children The children in residence have been adjudicated by the courts as "deprived" (abused, abandoned, and/or neglected.)
Grant money was received from the Mabee, Sarkeys, Masonic and Conoco Foundations. Other major contributors were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bourne, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Brooks, the Floyd Throckmorton Trust, American Legion Posts and Auxiliary units.
Other recent building projects were the rebuilding of all four of the aging, well-worn dormitories. The new dormitories replaced the original structures that were constructed in 1928 and had deteriorated so they did not meet the licensing and fire codes.
The recent building projects have used the same exterior appearance of the original buildings retaining the southwest look and include the red tile roofs.
The Fifth Street extension from Hartford Avenue to Prospect Avenue will not be opening as soon as originally expected. And to make matters worse it may be as late as January, or even February before the newly constructed, one mile, four lane road connecting the two major thoroughfares is open.
The delay is due to an addition in the contract involving the erection of retaining walls. And with additions comes additional time and with this addition comes another 25 days to complete the work.
Although unable to give a scheduled date of completion, Evans and Associate's Vice-President Glen Nickles, guesses it may be as late as January or February before the entire project is completed. "It will depend on the weather," Nickles says. "We will have the project completed and the road open as soon as possible."
According to Nickles the completion date for the project can not be given because the contract completion date is based on calendar days and not on a specific date. A calendar day is any day workers can work over six hours per day. "The completion date will depend on the weather and days are added for those days when the weather prevents us from working," explains Nickles.
The addition to the ODOT contract includes 1,800 feet of retaining walls from Hartford Avenue north for two blocks. The retaining walls were not included in the original contract and added as a change order in the original contract. Nickles explained that the tallest wall, being over four feet in height, is needed to help meet ADA slope requirements for sidewalks. Ponca City Traffic Engineer Director Mike Lane adds that the retaining walls save the yards of the residents in the construction area as well as saving trees.
The contract extension was an ODOT extension and approved Monday afternoon by the Transportation Commission in Oklahoma City Nickles said.
The first meeting of the St. Joseph Medical Foundation's Board of Directors was held on Oct. 23 in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Board Room. Primary business transacted was the election of officers and directors for the coming year.
Incoming SJM Foundation officers are: Carl Renfro, chairman; Marijane Boone, vice-chair; Steve Linville, treasurer and Steve Boone, secretary.
Other directors elected include: Sandy Gearhart, Alison Graham, Sr. Mary Kay Liston, CSJ, Stuart Tate, Jane Thomason, MD, Mary Beth Glass, John King, Kim Sherer, Dennis Buss, Pat Mulligan, Larry Murphy and Mary Rigdon. Ex-officio directors are Garry England, SJRMC president and CEO; Bill Lawter, chairman of the SJRMC Board of Trustees and Irene Ackerson, foundation director.
Gearhart presented background information on the creation of the Foundation, Irene Ackerson presented the annual donor registry and financial report, and Garry England thanked the directors for their interest in the newly formed organization. Renfro closed the meeting by commenting on the importance of SJRMC to the community and upon the honor of serving as chairman of the newly formed foundation.
The SJRMC Development Committee responsible for the establishment of the foundation and for elected directors and officers are hospital staff Garry England, Larry Felix, Jeff Seirer, Sr. Mary Kay Liston, CSJ, Sandy Gearhart, Irene Ackerson and Mary Rigdon. Those representing the communities served are Richard Tillman, James McNeese, Kim Sherer, Fran Matthews, Mark Detten, Eleanor Hays and Marijane Boone.
Richard Heinrich, trick and fancy roper, will perform in two shows in Ponca City Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The two free shows will be performed in the parking lot at Oklahoma Ranch Supply, 900 East Prospect and the public is encouraged to attend.
Heinrich's skill with the lariat has been exhibited widely across the country in rodeos, wild west shows, festivals and charity events. When he is not entertaining audiences with his trick and fancy roping, he is an Industrial Arts Teacher for the Tulsa School district where he is able to pursue his other love - educating kids in the practical skills.
Also performing with Heinrich will be lady whip artist Julie Dozer and songwriter, Peggy Coleman.
Dozer titled "Sweetheart of the Prairie," is a wife and mother, and was a regular performer with the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show during the 1997 summer shows.
Other activities at Oklahoma Ranch Supply will include, prizes and giveaways; an art show featuring local artist Anna Adams; and autographing by Miss Peggy Coleman, Oklahoma Premier singer and songwriter.
All veterans are being encouraged to participate in Saturday's parade. All branches of military service, regular and reserve and all MOS's are welcome, according to Chuck Gregg American Legion Commander.
Veterans are invited to walk, march or ride. Transportation in the parade will be provided for all veterans. Marching ability and uniform fit absolutely not required.
Particularly needed are veterans who can help with the color guard or rifle squad.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade route will start at Grand Avenue and Union Street and go east through downtown past Seventh Street. Veterans are encouraged to meet at 9:30 a.m., in front of the Rainbow International Carpet Clean, 601 West Grand.
Immediately following the parade, lunch will be served at the American Legion Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. For more information call 580 (the new area code) 765-1367 or (580) 765-9073.
A Bedlam Weiner Roast and other special entertainment by Matt Stolhand will be hosted by the Kay County OSU Alumni and Friends at Wentz Park Cafeteria Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
All members of the local Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma alumni groups are invited to attend the Bedlam fun between OU and OSU fans. Reservations should be made to the respective alumni groups.
According to a spokesman for the group, the event should be a great night
to get everybody in the right spirit for the big Bedlam Game, Saturday.
The OU-OSU game will kick-off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Norman.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Norman Reuel Means, longtime Newkirk area resident, died Saturday Nov. 1, 1997, at Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield, Kan. He was 70.
The funeral has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the IXL Baptist Church in Arkansas City, Kan., with the Rev. Gary Brown officiating. Burial is to follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk. Military rites will be conducted by the Arkansas City VFW Spencer Ralston Post 1254.
Norman Reuel Means was born Aug. 3, 1927 on Chilocco Indian School land near Newkirk, the son of Francis Hobart and Edna Maria (Bode) Means. He grew up in the rural Newkirk area and attended Dale Rural School and Newkirk High School where he graduated in 1946. After graduation he was employed with a construction company building concrete co-operative grain elevators.
Means entered the U.S. Army on Sept. 25, 1950, and served during the Korean War with the 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery D, Battery Infantry Regiment, 7th Division. He received his discharge on June 21, 1953, with the rank of Sergeant 1st Class, Section Chief.
On June 5, 1953, he was married to Mary Virginia Kent in Newkirk, and the couple made their home near Chilocco. Means was employed with Smith and Moon Welding Company. In 1957 he began employment as a pipe fitter and plumber at John Morrell Packing Plant in Arkansas City, Kan. In 1967 he and his wife moved to another farm northeast of Newkirk, where he has since resided. Mary Means died March 17, 1981, and he retired from the packing plant in 1982.
On April 20, 1991, he was married to Sharon Jones Leake in Newkirk, and the couple made their home on the family homeplace. Means was a member of the IXL Baptist Church, the Arkansas City VFW Spencer Ralston Post 1254, Rodeo Key Club, and Arkansas City Mavericks. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and rodeos. He especially liked football, baseball and family activities.
Survivors include his wife Sharon, of the home; two daughters, Karen Kay Zarth of Newkirk and Sharri Lynn James of Arkansas City, Kan.; one step-daughter, Sherry Spielman and two step-sons, Terry Foster and Charles Foster, all of Arkansas City, Kan.; four brothers, Lloyd of Newkirk, Frank of Tulsa, Hobart of Midwest City and Roland of Hennessey; two sisters, Olive Bradley of Midwest City and Marcelee Goodman of Newkirk; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents.
Casket bearers will be Terry Foster, Charlie Foster, Henry Leake III, Dr. Jorge Sturich and Gary James. Honorary bearers will be Don Nelson, Bill Rapp, Norman Fry, Don Taylor, Leroy Tharp and Dr. Anthony Johnstone.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Means' name at the IXL Baptist Church, c/o Eastman National Bank, P.O. Box 468, Newkirk, OK 74647.
BLACKWELL - Thelma Lucille (Hetrick) Reid, former Blackwell-Nardin area resident, died early Monday morning, Nov. 3, 1997, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Midwest City. She was 77.
The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Douglas Boulevard United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, with the Rev. Joe Robinson officiating. A local service will also be held at Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Abbey Mausoleum at the Blackwell Cemetery.
Thelma Lucille (Hetrick) Reid was born March 16, 1920, in Versailles, Ill., to Lewis and Delta Pearle (Steele) Hetrick. She graduated from Blackwell High School.
She was married to Gail E. Reid on July 17, 1937, in Guthrie and established their home in the Nardin Community. The couple farmed in the Nardin area from the beginning of their marriage until the early 1970s when they moved to Oklahoma City. The couple also had farming interests and a home in Grant County where Mrs. Reid was active as a member of the Friendly Few Club, and involved in the support of her children's various athletic and social activities. Mrs. Reid was a dedicated mother and grandmother. Although absent from the Nardin Community and their Grant County residence, Mrs. Reid maintained ongoing friendships and family interests in those communities.
While living in Oklahoma City, Mrs. Reid was active in the Mobile Home Park Owner's Association and the Douglas Boulevard United Methodist Church. She was an avid china painter, an artisan, and an accomplished seamstress.
Survivors include her husband, Gail E. Reid of Oklahoma City; two sons, Gail Jr. and Neal, both of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Mrs. Tom (Jan) Williamson, Oklahoma City, and Mrs. David (Margy) Pezdirtz of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; one brother, Charles Hetrick of Blackwell; one sister, Mrs. Winston (Juanita) Edwards of Emporia, Kan.; 15 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, two sisters, and a grandson.
Family and friends will gather at the Blackwell First United Methodist Church following the service and burial.
FORAKER - Charlie Emerson Pontious, former Foraker resident, died Sunday, Nov. 2, 1997, in the Perry (Okla.) Nursing Home. He was 92.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Foraker United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Long, officiating. Burial will follow in the Foraker Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Shidler Chapel. Friends may visit at the Shidler Chapel until noon Wednesday.
Charlie Pontious was born Nov. 15, 1904, in Lincoln, Kan., the son of James Garfield and Dora Mable (Lyon) Pontious. At age nine, he moved by covered wagon with his family to the Billings, Okla., area. The family later settled in Foraker.
On Aug. 19, 1929, he was married to Rosie May Combs in Newkirk, and the couple established their home in Foraker. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before her death on Jan. 2, 1995. Pontious was employed at several ranches in Osage County including the Barton Ranch for 35 years. He also worked for the railroad for 17 years and also in the oil fields. He retired in his 80s. In 1965, the couple moved to Perry, where he cared for his ailing wife for many years, even as his own health was failing. He moved to the Perry Nursing Home in 1991.
Survivors include one son, Jay Pontious of Lincolnville, Kan.; five daughters, Mrs. Everett (Norma) Wadsworth of Pawhuska, Mrs. Bill (Delores) Reamy of Lamar, Colo., Mrs. Kenneth (Gloria) Harris of Andover, Kan., Louise Pontious of Shidler, and Linda Pontious of McPherson, Kan.; 20 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, John R. and Bill J.; three brothers, Hank, James and George; one sister, Nina Ames; and two grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Foraker Methodist Church, Foraker, OK 74652 or to the Perry Nursing Home Activity Center, c/o Kim Guitron, 410 North Fifth Street, Perry, OK 73077.
Angela E. Meadows, Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, Nov. 1, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 44.
The funeral will be held graveside at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Grayhorse Cemetery near Fairfax. The Rev. George Weston, pastor of the Fairfax First Christian Church will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Angela E. (Tallchief) Meadows was born Nov. 19, 1952, in Fairfax, the daughter of Thomas and Betty Lee (McKinley) Tallchief. She was a 1971 graduate of Fairfax High School and graduated from Northern Oklahoma College Nursing School as a registered nurse. She was employed at the Stillwater Hospital as a surgical nurse for 12 years and had been working for the Home Health Care Service in Ponca City for the last three years.
She was married to Terry Meadows on Feb. 19, 1992, in Stillwater. Mrs. Meadows was a member of the Catholic Church. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and crafts.
Survivors include her husband, Terry, of the home: one son, Thomas S. Tallchief of Glencoe; one daughter Miss Frances Johnson of Ashland, Kan.; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Anne Marie Lechtenberg of Ponca City died of cancer Saturday evening, Nov. 1, 1997, at her home. She was 40.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Father John Michalicka will serve as celebrant. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Anne was born Jan. 9, 1957, in Tulsa, to Sidney and Janet (Barfield) Lee. She moved with her family to Ponca City in the late 1960s. She attended both St. Mary's School and public schools, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1975. She then attended Northern Oklahoma College where she graduated from nursing school in 1978.
After many years of friendship, she was married to Mike Lechtenberg on May 28, 1978 in Ponca City. The couple moved to Edmond at which time Anne was employed as a pediatrics nurse at Mercy Health Center. Following her husband's graduation from Central State University, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska. She continued her nursing career in the post natal and nursery care units at Providence Hospital. She and her husband loved Alaska and the many friends they made there.
The couple returned to Ponca City in 1985. Anne became involved with her mother and sisters in Lee Gift Design, a family business noted for the many spiritual and decorative bird and bird-nest arrangements. Anne was very active in both the church and school activities. In addition to her deep spiritual beliefs, her noted interests included school art, school health committee and the Church Arts Endowment Committee.
Anne is survived by her husband Mike, daughters Lisa and Laura, and one son Devon, all of the home; her mother, Janet Lee of Ponca City; two brothers, John Lee of San Antonio, Texas, and Jim Lee of Corpus Christi, Texas; three sisters, May Beth Fortman of Wilcox, Ariz., Therese Maschmann of Dallas, Texas, and Margaret Sewell of Tulsa; two aunts, Virginia Reed of Ponca City and Dorothy Gillium of Dallas, Texas; six nieces and nephews; and many surviving members of the Lechtenberg family. She was preceded in death by her father Sidney, in 1987; a brother, Mark Lee in 1990; and one infant nephew.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Anne to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601 or to the Lechtenberg Children's Fund, c/o Grace Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 961, Ponca City, OK 74602.
There will be no viewing at Grace Memorial Chapel.
The family will be at 32 East Lake Drive, following the services on Wednesday.
paid obituary
Eddy Ray Boettler, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Nov. 3, 1997, at his home on Rural Route 5, Box 2782. He was 84. Survivors include his wife, Cathryn of Stillwater; four daughters, Carol Branson of Ponca City, Luann Boettler and Linda Brandon, both of Stillwater and Arloa Boettler of Dallas, Texas; Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Elizabeth McKain, Ponca City resident, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, 1997, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel. The family will be at the Donald McKain home, No. 9 Bass Drive.
Stella I. Annin, former Webb City resident, died Sunday evening, Nov.
2, 1997, at the Grace Care Center, Wichita, Falls, Texas. She was 87. Arrangements
are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
NEWS BRIEFS
Title IX Meeting - The Frontier Public School Title IX American Indian Education Parent Committee announces their Nov. 5 meeting has been changed to Nov. 6 due to a conflicting schedule with the National Indian Education Association Conference. The meeting will be held in the Tutorial Room located at the high school at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Birthday Brunch Canceled - The Birthday Brunch, scheduled for St. Mary's Parish Center on Wednesday, has been canceled due to a funeral.
Tucker Promoted - Tonya R. Tucker has been promoted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve to the rank of first lieutenant. Tucker is chief of the pharmacy services with the 97th Medical Group at Altus AFB, Okla. She is the daughter of Charles and Rosemary Steichen, 20 Hart Avenue in Ponca City. A 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School, she graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford in 1996.
Life Skills Workshop - A special life skills workshop will be sponsored by Peachtree Landing and AmeriCorps Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Community Center, 711 South Third (park and enter in the alley). Subjects to be presented include money management, job preparedness, nutrition, parenting, and relationships. Child care will be provided by Salvation Army/AmeriCorps members and transportation is available by calling 762-3208 before 5 p.m. Thursday.
'Novemberfest' Saturday - The First Lutheran Church "Novemberfest" will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gymnasium of First Lutheran School. Sponsored by the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, there will be rummage items, crafts, baked goods and much more.
General Meeting - The Friends of the Library general meeting will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in the programming room of the library. There will be a demonstration of two new computers donated by the Friends of the Library during the meeting. The meeting is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Anyone interested is welcomed and memberships will be available.
Vandalism - An employee of Burnett Security advised police at 7:43 a.m. Monday of a security building that had been vandalized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
False Alarm - Ponca City Fire Department responded to a call from a business in the 100 block of Patton Drive at 9:41 a.m. Monday reporting smoke. However, there was no fire.
Accident - Police received a report of a vehicle accident at Fairview Avenue and Hartford Avenue at 11:06 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Tub Theft - A woman in the 300 block of North Elm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:13 a.m. Monday that a bathtub had been stolen from her front porch. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Accident - Police received a report at 12:53 p.m. Monday of a vehicle accident at North Fourteenth Street and Knight Blvd. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 47-year-old man at 3:55 p.m. Monday from the 2900 block of North Union Street on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Theft - A resident in the 500 block of North Seventh Street reported the theft of a microwave oven to police at 8:19 p.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 37-year-old woman at 9 p.m. Monday from South Fourteenth Street and Harding Avenue on a Kay County warrant for uttering a forged instrument.
Arrest - At 9:10 p.m. Monday a 47-year-old man was arrested in the 400 block of East South Avenue on a Kay County warrant for uttering a forged instrument.
Accident - Police received a report at 11:42 p.m. Monday of a two vehicle accident three miles east of Fourteenth Street on Lake Road. An ambulance responded, however no one was transported.
Arrest - Police arrested a 39-year-old man at West Broadway Avenue
and North Union Street at 12:29 a.m. Tuesday on a city warrant for failure
to pay.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin says that one of the projects she has taken on recently is illiteracy in Oklahoma and particularly in the work force.
Other issues affecting business and industry in the next legislative session are more workers comp reforms, partnering with higher education facilities to turn out the type of work force needed for the 21st Century and reform of the central purchasing agency.
Employees Can't Read
Speaking of illiteracy in Oklahoma, Fallin said, "We've held five town hall meetings throughout the state talking to businesses about what they could do to help develop a better work force within their own communities. We have 400,000 Oklahomans, who cannot read above the eighth grade level. When you're experiencing full employment like Oklahoma is, where the unemployment rate is 3.4 percent, the national average is 3.8 percent."
She added, "We are experiencing full employment, and I am finding that businesses across Oklahoma can't find the work force. They can't find the good quality employees to take the jobs. This puts our Chambers and communities in a dilemma in that they are recruiting new companies to come into our communities and maybe to expand but yet we don't have the work force there ready to take those jobs.
"So I am working on illiteracy and trying to help some of the skills of some of our people that are out there; partnering together with business with our local literacy centers and sharing that information. I'm finding a lot of businesses don't know there are resources out there to help them with developing their work force."
Strains and Sprains
Fallin, who has announced she will be running for re-election in 1998, says, "I am still working on workers compensation reform. In the last session we passed Senate Bill 730, which was drafted by a group of private citizens for the Fallin Commission."
She told of plans for future workers comp legislation. "We still need to do work in the area of sprains and strains and those type of injuries. They are a major cost driver to businesses in the state of Oklahoma in workers compensation.
"We have been working with the physicians advisory council, which was directed by our legislature to address the issues of sprains and strains and what we can do to eliminate the problem of abuse and time delays and how we can be more cautious making sure those injuries are work related. So we are working on drafting some new rules and regulations with that committee."
Fallin added, "We are also working with the judges and the court system and we've had one public hearing with the judges on what we could do to make the court system work better. Where they eliminate some of the time delays. How they could implement more mediation to help drive down the legal costs. Also what we could do to make the systems more efficient in general to the court system."
Partnering with Universities
Fallin says that she is also working with the universities in trying to partner businesses and universities. "The universities can help train the workers that will be needed for the 21st Century. To plan out five to 10 years the types of graduates that we need to turn out to take the types of jobs that we are going to be targeting for the state of Oklahoma.
"We have a lot of unused capacity in our universities in the areas of research and development with professors, with the graduate students, that companies in Oklahoma could use to do their research and development or help do their strategic business plan. We trying to pull our higher education facilities more into our economy and into our work force and into our businesses and utilize our businesses better."
Central Purchasing Reform
Another area Fallin is interested in working with is the central purchasing reform. Six meeting have been held on the matter and a state-wide commission of private citizens and state agency officials and private sector vendors to look at our central purchasing system.
She said, "It's our cake. It costs us more money than it should and there is a lot of frustration and confusion in the system. We've seen some investigations just this year alone and how the laws can be confusing to the private sector. We are trying to make it more modern and also help reduce costs.
Fallin noted that those involved in purchasing spend 85 percent of their time purchasing items that are $2,500 or less instead of the big ticket items that cost so much. Oklahoma spends about $800 million of taxpayer money purchasing items through the central purchasing system.
Tourism
Fallin, who heads up tourism in Oklahoma, will be hosting the 1998 Lieutenant Governor's Convention in Oklahoma City. "This will give us an opportunity to show what Oklahoma has to offer," she said.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Frank Kennedy, president of NationsBank, Ponca City, has announced that the Great Expectations program will receive a $10,000 contribution from the financial organization.
The announcement was made at the new Lincoln School, where the Great Expectations program is being implemented. Also on hand for the presentation was Charles Hollar, Ponca City, chairman and founder of the Great Expectations program. Woodlands School has also implemented the Great Expectations program.
Great Expectations was founded on the fundamental belief that education is the key to solving the problems of society; that teachers want to become better and that students want to learn.
Starting in 25 Oklahoma schools selected in cooperation with the State Department of Education, Great Expectations began revolutionizing the education experience of children touched by its program.
Great Expectations uses traditional classroom methods such as memorization, recitation, the classics, and phonics, the philosophy and goals behind Great Expectations use of technique differs. In Great Expectations each exercise in memorization has both an immediate and long-range goal.
BLACKWELL - Jim L. Ross, president of Central National Bank & Trust, Blackwell, announces the appointment of David Ward, Ponca City insurance agent, and C.M. Hullet, Blackwell, as members of Central National Bank's Advisory Board in Blackwell.
Ward and his wife, Lesa, have been residents of Blackwell for 23 years. Ward has been in the insurance industry for 13 years and has been an agent for Allstate Insurance for over ten years. His office is located at 1216 Hartford in Ponca City.
He is a graduate of El Dorado High School, El Dorado, Kan. He attended Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, and received a bachelor of arts degree from Southern Nazarene College. The Wards have two daughter, Michal 17, and Ann, 13.
Hullet and his wife, Patricia, are long-time residents of Blackwell and Kay County. He has been an instructor at Northern Oklahoma College for 13 years and recently appointed director of athletics.
He graduated from Tonkawa High School and has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. He also has a master of science degree in counseling and is a licensed professional counselor.
Other members of the advisory board are Katie LaBlue, Bruce E. Dale, Dennis W. Hutton, Hutton Pharmacy, and Charles Cannon Jr.
Unemployment in Kay County rose slightly in September to 6.2 percent compared to 5.3 in August, and is down 1.1 percent from September 1996, which was 6.3 percent.
The Oklahoma Labor Force statistics show Kay County with 21,580 employed and 1,430 unemployed for a total work force of 23,010.
The September 1997 preliminary estimated unemployment rates in each of the 77 counties in Oklahoma ranged from Alfalfa County's continued low of one percent to Haskell's high of 9.9 percent.
Thirty-five Oklahoma counties exceeded the state's 3.7 percent unemployment rate, while 23 counties, including Kay County, exceeded the U.S. rate of 4.7 percent. Haskell, Choctaw and Latimer had the state's highest levels of unemployment, ranging from 9.9 percent to 8.5 percent.
Kay County ranks 36th in number of unemployed in the state's 77 counties. Osage County weighs in at 57th with 3.6 percent unemployment compared to 3.1 percent in August and 3.4 a year ago. Noble County is 52nd with 2.9 percent in September 1997, and three percent in both August and September 1996.
Pawnee is ranked 59th with 5 percent, compared to 4.8 percent in August and 5.9 in September 1996. Grant County ranks 27th, with 2.3 percent unemployment compared to 2.9 in August and 3.1 a year ago. Payne is ranked at number 60 with 1.6 percent for both September and August and 1.8 in September 1996.
BLACKWELL - Neal McCaleb, director of the Oklahoma Department of transportation and secretary of transportation will be the featured speaker at the Nov. 13 meeting of the Far North Central division of the Oklahoma Rural Development Council.
The meeting is slated for 10 a.m. in the Kay Electric meeting room at 300 West Doolin in Blackwell.
McCaleb is expected to address moving the Welcome Center on I-35 to the Blackwell exit, and other items of interest.
"This a very important meeting," says Marilyn Harmon, chairman of the coalition. "Kathleen Marks from Tourism was at our last meeting, and now we are fortunate to have Mr. McCaleb coming to visit with our group."
Sen. Paul Muegge and Rep. Jim Reese will also be on the program, as well as other items of interest to North Central Oklahoma.
Community leaders are urged to attend. For more information call Harmon at (580) 363-1260 or 1-800-535-1079.
A 1989 Ponca City High School graduate, Melissa Krepps, was sworn in here recently after passing the Missouri bar exam. Kay County Judge Leslie Page was the officiating judiciary.
In addition to holding Missouri practitioner status, Krepps has also passed the New York state bar examination. After graduating from Ponca City High School, Krepps attended Bradley University in Peoria, Ill, graduating in 1993 with a bachelor of arts degree.
She attended the Law School of Syracuse, N.Y., where she received here juris doctorate in 1996. She is currently working at the Northcutt, Clark, Gardner and Hron Law Firm in Ponca City.
Future plans call for Krepps to go to Europe for international law internship. She has been accepted for internship beginning in January. Krepps' choices are England, Belgium, Holland, or Scotland. She says she wants to practice law abroad. The final country where she will be practicing will be established at a later date.
Her parents are Marvin and Marilyn Krepps, 2200 El Camino.
LIFESTYLES
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin told a crowd of 150 at the Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon recently that in 1996, 182,000 new cases died from this disease annually. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for African-American women and all women between the ages of 39 and 50, Fallin said.
Fallin, who told of close relatives of hers that have the disease, spoke at the luncheon held at Chapel Hall on the Marland Estate. The event was sponsored by the Ponca City Chapter of Soroptimist International and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
This year, according to Fallin, a breast cancer patient will be newly diagnosed every three minutes and a woman will died of breast cancer every four minutes. Fallin said, "Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. Risk of breast cancer increases as a woman ages and if she has a family history of female breast cancer or has never had a child or she has a child after the age of 30 she is at risk."
Fallin added, "Breast cancer can not be prevented but it can be detected at early treatmentable stages." Fallin recommended regular mammograms, medical examinations and self breast examination.
Having a part in the program was Sister Mary Kay Liston of St. Joseph Medical Center, and Martha Denney, vice president of Soroptimist, who introduced Fallin. The invocation was by Sister Clarita Waner. Also seated at the head table was Cindy Wigley, president of Soroptimist, and Martha Denny.
In addition to individuals attending, several corporate sponsors had purchased seating at tables for the event. Corporate sponsors were First National Bank, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Pioneer Bank, St. Joseph Radiology Department, American Cancer Society, and St. Joseph Cancer Center.
Women in attendance who had survived breast cancer were presented pink carnations by the Soroptimist.
Doctors in attendance were Dr. Rick Nelson, radiology; Dr. Bill Graham, radiology and oncology, Dr. Kathy Heilman, OBYGN, and mammogram technician Valery Hopper.
The tables were decorated with bird houses and satin ribbon and were available for purchase from the Soroptimist. Pink ribbon pins for the guests were provided by Jeff Smith of John's Apparel.
There were visual displays and information provided by the Soroptimist, St. Joseph Medical Equipment, Reach for Recovery, St. Joseph Cancer Center, St. Joseph Home Health and the American Cancer Society.
Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Oct. 28 in the home of Sue Waggerman with members dressed as hobos for the social following the meeting.
Announcement was made that the tickets and posters created for "Make a Difference Day" were delivered to the Golden Villa Adult Day Care for their benefit bean supper on Nov. 14.
Social Committee Chairman Cindy Russell announced the chapter would be meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 preceding an overnight event at Camp McFadden. Announcement was also made that a "Husband Appreciation" party would be held in February with a Mardi Gras theme.
Members were reminded to bring canned goods and diapers to the next meeting for the needy family basket. Following the meeting members ate Hobo stew, cornbread and baked apples. The next meeting is scheduled Nov. 11 at the home of Leora Simmons.
Don Fentor of Lawton, surgeon for the Veteran of Foreign Wars Department, will be the honored guest when members of 15 posts and 11 auxiliaries of District VIII gather in Cushing Nov. 9 for the fall meeting. Meetings will be under the direction of District Commander Cecil Henrick of Perkins and DeAnn McDaniel of Ponca City, District Auxiliary president.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary are service organizations dedicated to promoting patriotism, caring for veterans and their dependents, conducting creative youth projects, protecting veterans entitlements, raising funds for cancer research and serving the community in a variety of ways.
Eta Zeta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Kelly Trotter for the Oct. 22 meeting. There were eight members and two guests, Gayla Gelvin and Jennifer Hoak, present.
Debra Bellmard, president, presided at the meeting and Kelli Boone and Danielle Behar volunteered to be chapter models for the Preferential Tea on Nov. 17.
Announcement was made that the Valentines Dance would be Feb. 14 at the Elks Lodge. Lori Hambleton gave the Treasurer's report. The Halloween party was canceled and sign up sheets were distributed for Ponca Playhouse ushers Nov. 14-15. The next meeting of Eta Zeta Chapter will be Nov. 5 at the home of Susie Patison.
The Naomia Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church met at the Williamsburg Parlor of the church Oct. 28. Hostesses were Mrs. Viola Reynolds and Mrs. Virginia Swaim. Mrs. Mildred Perry, class president, conducted the meting. Jane Rega spoke about her grandfather who said " this is a wonderful day to sing and praise." Refreshments were served and members visited and listened to piano music.
Miriam Class of First Baptist Church met at the home of Clarence and Verna Wilson, 809 Monument Road, for the October meeting. Assistant hostess was Ralphene Brown. A Halloween motif was used for decorations. A salad luncheon was served followed by dessert. Mrs. Wilson showed several handmade arts and crafts articles. The next meeting will be Nov. 17 in the Williamsburg Parlor with Delores Rose and Ruthellen Summers as hostesses. All members are urged to attend and bring a guest.
Tonkawa FFA and 4-H Boosters are sponsoring Turkey Bingo at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at the new armory. Cards are $3 and $5 with 22 games scheduled. Approximately $3000 in prizes including 2 1/2 processed hogs and a Magnavox color tv for blackout game. Concessions will be available with BBQ sandwiches, popcorn, pie, pop, tea and coffee. The public is invited to attend.
Julie Dilbeck and Judi Boyer will be leading the second annual First
Baptist Women's Conference. The event begins Nov. 15 at 8:30 a.m. in the
chapel with seminars beginning at 9 a.m. Ticket price is $15 and reservations
must be made no later than Nov. 12 by calling the church at 765-4427. The
theme of the conference is based on I Timothy 4:14. "Do not neglect
the gift that is in you" with a secondary theme of creating holiday
traditions and memories.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Wildcat JVs ended their season on a positive note Monday, beating Tulsa East Central 19-8 before a few chilled fans at Sullins Stadium.
The win, their second in a row, left the JVs with a 4-5 record. Two of those losses came against area varsity teams.
The Poncans struck quickly Monday night with Kris Shores capping an early drive with a 30-yard run for a 7-0 lead.
That was the score at halftime as the game settled into a defensive struggle.
Then late in the third period, a successful punt fake put the Poncans in position and Toby Redleaf capitalized with a 25-yard run to up the score to 13-0.
The Poncans pinned East Central deep in its own territory early in the fourth quarter and Mark Goddard intercepted a Tulsa pass and ran it back 30 yards for the final score.
East Central avoided the whitewash by scoring in the final seconds against the Ponca City reserves, which included a number of ninth graders.
The Wildcat coaches were pleased with the win and the effort.
The secondary played really well," said assistant coach Jerry Hill. "Mark had that interception for a touchdown and Shores had an interception (near the end of the first half) which kept them from scoring. Deandre Dewberry also played well at cornerback."
Coach Joe Matlock pointed to the defensive front of Jeremy Leavitt, Wes Crosson and Caleb Stevenson along with linebackers Tanner Ray and Wade Bair as a big reason for the Cats' defensive superiority.
Shores, Redleaf and Goddard handled most of the running chores while Blake Geubelle and Grant Potter were the quarterbacks.
The offensive line play of Matt Gray, Josh Ozment, Ray Lahann, Stevenson
and Leavitt also drew praise from coach Matlock.