LOCAL

Sheriff To Retire Before Term Is Complete
Area Residents Pitch in To Help Hondurans
Investigation Continues Into Murder of Woman
Nearly News
Local Firm To Provide Engineering Services
Annual Board Election Also Includes Proposed Bond Issue
Miss NOC Pageant Set for Wednesday

Sheriff To Retire Before Term Is Complete

By MARK GALVIN

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen has announced his decision to resign — effective Jan. 1 — half-way through his second elected term.

In a letter Monday to the county commissioners, Van Hoesen said he has “decided to retire and spend more time with my family.” He and his wife Frances have three children and four grandkids.

The retirement actually will be a second one for Ponca City’s former assistant police chief, who spent 22-1/2 years there. A 1950 graduate of Billings High School, he joined the Ponca City police department after serving four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Van Hoesen, 66, has spent the past 10 years with the sheriff’s office, serving the first four years as undersheriff for former sheriff Glenn Guinn before seeking election to the post in 1992. He was reelected in 1996.

Explaining his decision today, he said, “I’ve got about 33 years in law enforcement, and I just felt it was time, while my health was good, to do some traveling, camping, enjoying my family — things that the confines of the job didn’t allow.”

He said serving as sheriff was an “honor and privilege … I’ve had good people working for me and good people to work with.”

Van Hoesen also said his departure might be good for the office, citing advances in technology and new ideas in criminology that someone new could introduce.

“I’d like to think I’ve made some contributions to the department, and at the same time, a shot of adrenalin with someone younger may be just what the department needs,” Van Hoesen said.

Kay County Commission chairman Wayne Leven said Van Hoesen will be missed.

“On one hand, we hate to see him go, and on the other hand, we’re glad he’s able to go and enjoy his retirement and family life. I guess it’s jealousy,” Leven remarked.

The commissioners said they will be taking applications until 9 a.m. Nov. 30 for sheriff candidates, and expected to appoint a new sheriff on Dec. 14.

Area Residents Pitch in To Help Hondurans

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

For the second time in a quarter of a century area residents are stepping up to the plate to help the hurricane-ravaged country of Honduras. Its just something the local citizens do in time of crisis — they help their fellow man.

This time the Central American country was hit by the wrath of Hurricane Mitch and Ponca Citians and Kay Countians are coming to the aid. In 1974, the country was slashed by Hurricane “Fifi,” and area citizens supported the relief effort.

The 1998 hurricane aid effort is being headed here by area Churches of Christ. The Grand Avenue Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand, is serving as the drop-off point for donations. Donations will be accepted daily from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Larry Keirn, Grand Avenue Church of Christ minister, said, “We have a tremendous obligation to help people whose needs are desperate right now. We should not miss this chance.”

A number of volunteers were on hand Monday sorting and packing clothing and other items to be dispensed as disaster aid. Boxes were donated from a variety of sources to package the supplies.

The 1998 hurricane left in its wake a million homeless and more than 9,000 are feared dead. Over 400,000 people lost their homes in the disaster and most highways and bridges were washed out. Over 70 percent of the crops were destroyed.

Recalling that Ponca City had come to the aid of the Hondurans in the past and are doing so again, Mayor Tom Leonard, said, “Anytime we see a horrible tragedy the people of Ponca City give all they can to help, especially to these folks who have lost all of their worldly possessions.”

In 1974, Mayor Ken Holmes made a similar appeal to the citizens saying, “My purpose is to ask the citizens of Ponca City — in a people to people effort without direct government or institutional involvement — to come to the aid of these people and express our love and concern for a people who cannot help themselves.”

In 1974 the relief operation, was headed by the City with Civil Defense director Paul Andrews as coordinator. The City’s Service Center on North Union was the dropoff point. A total of 8,500 pounds of food and relief supplies was flown to Honduras in October 1974.

About three weeks later a tractor-trailer rig engaged from Cushing hauled another 26,000 pounds of aid for the hurricane victims some 2,400 miles in the relief effort.

Ironically, Joe Dempewolf was a newly elected City Commissioner in 1974. This year Joe J. Dempewolf and Storage is furnishing a trailer to haul the donations to Nashville. The tractor is being furnished by Diemer Construction of Tonkawa. Dean Garoutte of Garoutte Products, Ponca City, also has offered a one-ton truck to handle the overflow.

The collections will be flown from Nashville to Central America by Healing Hands, with which the Churches of Christ are partnering.

Korean Effort

Another major relief effort dating back to 1951 was When Herman “Smitty” Smith was mayor of Ponca City. He was called back into the military to serve as protocol officer for the Air Force Headquarters in Seoul, Korea

“Smitty” wrote home saying warm clothing was needed for the war ravaged Koreans and the Ponca City Ambucs decided to champion the cause and over 90 tons of clothing was gathered here to send to comfort the victims of the Korean War.

Investigation Continues Into Murder of Woman

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Two months after an elderly Ponca City woman was bludgeoned to death in her home police are closer to finding a suspect, a motive or leads in the case.

The body of 86-year-old Margaret Mock was discovered in the 300 block of South Eighth Street by her daughter on the morning of Aug. 29.

According to Police Chief Raymond Ham, initial lab reports have confirmed that the victim was not sexually assaulted.

The State Medical Examiner’s office has ruled the cause of death as “homicidal violence” and police have further stated that Mock died from multiple injuries from a blunt instrument which has yet to identified or located.

The time of Mock’s death can only be determined to be within an 18-hour period which was sometime after 9:30 p.m. Friday when her daughter reportedly last talked to her on the telephone and 5 p.m. Saturday when her body was discovered.

According to police, there was no sign of forced entry into the Mock home.

“We have two detectives assigned to the case and basically have an on-going investigation,” Ham said.

In addition to interviewing several people the Chief says his office has issued a nationwide alert in the case.

“This will alert our office of any similar type homicides in the past or future that may match a description of this case,” Ham explained. “We have checked several with similarities but were unable to make any ties.”

However Ham says his office will continue to work on the case.

“We intend to pursue this case diligently and it will not be forgotten.”

Nearly News

The Ponca City News gets around! A call from Richard “Dick” Gray of Lancaster, Ohio, was in regard to the story on the history house at 407 Marland Drive. Richard and his sister Jane grew up in the house. A concrete block at the house has Dick and Jane written in it. A correction made by Gray is that his sister Jane is very much alive and resides in New Iberia, La. Gray was here recently for his high school reunion.

Apologies go out to David Myers for misspelling his name in Monday’s News article.

Local Firm To Provide Engineering Services

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Although city commissioners approved several contracts without a hitch during their regular meeting Monday night — among them a $571,000 construction contract for the Northwest substation — there was a contract that prompted lengthy discussion and debate among the commissioners and staff.

Mayor Tom Leonard questioned a proposed $72,000 contract with a local civil engineering firm for services in association with the $600,000 Lake Ponca Dam upgrades.

Mayor Leonard was in favor of seeking additional proposals from other engineering firms as was Commissioner Chris Hand.

According to Public Works Director Ken Parr the firm, Chapman, Gill & Associates, was recommended by staff because of the firm’s knowledge of and experience with the dam.

“This firm has been doing the dam inspections for the past 10 years and no firm is as familiar with the dam as this firm is,” Parr explained to the commission. “We felt they were as qualified as anyone else, that we were getting a good price and the firm had a lot of expertise because they have an extensive background in drainage projects.”

The fact that the contract was questioned at all seemed a surprise to Commissioner Dick Stone.

“We could get other proposals but I don’t think we’ll like their price and frankly Chris I’m surprised you’re in favor of wanting other proposals,” Stone told Hand. “There is always talking about getting inside people rather that outside people. Now we have people in town that are reputable and that can do the job and now what do we want — someone from Tennessee?”

Commissioner Lyn Boyer also favored approving the contract before them. “This is a reputable civil engineering firm that has worked with us in the past and I’m in favor of moving ahead,” Boyer said.

In the end, the contract was awarded to the local firm by a vote of 3 to 2, with the mayor and Hand voting against it.

In stark contrast, commissioners approved — without debate or discussion and as part of the consent agenda — a $3,500 contract to the same firm to continue the annual inspection of Lake Ponca Dam.

Commissioners also approved an $18,700 contract with Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. to complete preliminary design services associated with proposed new high service pumps installation at the Water Treatment Plant.

In other business commissioners approved the demolition of two public nuisances, one at 510 North Third Street. However after hearing from the owner of the property Dani Gonterman, commissioners approved the demolition at 305 North Lake Street, with a 14-day delay — over the objection of Commissioner Hand.

“I personally think we are being way too kind in this matter,” Hand said. “For us to put this off for two weeks — I feel chances have already been had. We have to understand the importance of the condition of this house.”

Gonterman stated that she had just deeded the property over to her father who was willing and able to make the necessary repairs to the structures. Commissioners paved the way for her father or someone else to do just that.

Commissioners approved a resolution designed to prevent delays in the remodeling of the No. 1 Fire Station. The resolution granted the city engineer the authority to execute change orders that were less than $5,000 and subject to final approval by the Board of Commissioners.

Also approved Monday night was a proposal from Watson Construction to furnish labor and materials to construct wooden doors to replace existing original doors at the Marland Mansion and the removal of existing caulking at stone, sand prime, recaulk and paint both sides of five windows in the outer lounge at the Marland Mansion.

A recommendation to purchase a new Utility Truckster with Lift Bed for Cann Estate in the amount of $6,695 from Justice Golf Cart Co., Oklahoma City was approved as were a partial disbursement for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2 in the amount of $192,291.98 and a change order and the final payment in the amount of $2,352.94 for the new metal building for the Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Warehouse located at 112 East Brookfield.

A recommendation by the Park and Recreation Board to approve the concept of a city-wide Comprehensive Trails Master Plan and Functional Plans for Corridor Identified in the Master Plan in the amount of $18,000 was removed from the agenda.

Annual Board Election Also Includes Proposed Bond Issue

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Not only will residents vote on a proposed $9.95 million bond issue on Feb. 9, 1999, but they will also vote on the annual school election of board members in Wards 1 and 5, and local support, emergency and building levies. The resolution was called Monday night by the Ponca City Board of Education.

The resolution will call for the annual election of two board members, Ward 1, currently held by Andrea Morriss, and Ward 5, currently held by Marvin Clark.

The filing period for board candidates will open at 8 a.m. on Dec. 7 and close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 9. All filings must be made at the Kay County Election Board in Newkirk.

The local support levy for Kay County is 10.22, the emergency levy is 5.11, and the building levy is 5.11. Those compare to 10.00 for the local support levy in Noble and Osage County, 5.00 in the emergency levy and 5.00 in the building levy. Residents should also keep in mind that the levies are different in Kay County because residents don’t pay personal property taxes.

Other Agenda Items

A revision to the policy book concerning the closing of school for bad weather was approved. The Board Policy Committee proposed a revision to define categories of employees who are to come to work when school is closed for bad weather as soon as it is safe. Those that are to report to work include all 12-month employees, administrative staff, site secretaries, maintenance employees and custodial employees. These employees will be paid for the time they are able to work.

Five categories of employees who work directly with children will not be required to come to work on days when school is closed due to bad weather. They are teachers, teachers assistants, bus drivers, child nutrition employees and crossing guards.

Board members renewed the Oklahoma Public Schools Unemployment Compensation Account. Unemployment compensation coverage is required of all public schools under the Oklahoma Employment Security Act.

Approval was given to the Gifted and Talented Committee for the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 school years. State law requires that the Gifted and Talented Local Advisory Committee be appointed by the board upon the recommendation of the superintendent. The committee will consist of at least three, but no more than 11 members, for a two-year term.

Dr. Bill White, superintendent, presented November awards to: Wayne Rickman, Certified Employee of the Month; Peggy Eck, Support Employee of the Month; and Debbie Cain, Friend of Education. Charmaine Swearingen was also presented the October Friend of Education Award at the meeting due to her absence at the October board meeting.

Change order six for $2,325 to the Commons Addition and Howell Building remodeling at Po-Hi was accepted by the board. The change order will delete rubber treads and risers, reroute the west drain and add additional ceiling plaster patching.

Board Comments

Dr. Bill White, superintendent, responded to questions from board members concerning the football team and the future of Garfield Academy.

Board members reported receiving calls about alleged verbal abuse of students in the football program. The board also called for an audit of the football program and Dr. White commented that it was in progress.

Steve Stalcup, board member, commented on receiving calls about the future of Garfield Academy. Dr. White told Stalcup that there are no plans to close down the school and that they are also looking for ways to keep the school growing.

Board members also commented that the school needs to work on a presentation concerning the bond issue in February.

Miss NOC Pageant Set for Wednesday

TONKAWA — Hollywood Nights, the 14th annual Miss Northern Oklahoma College Scholarship Pageant, will showcase eight Northern coeds competing for the title Wednesday, in the Northern Performing Arts Center. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m., and admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

Carrie Collins of Ponca City is the daughter of Bob Collins and Carolyn Smith. She is a freshman pre-nursing major and has studied piano, flute, vocal music and drama. She will present a vocal solo as her talent and her platform is seizure disorders.

Kyndol Kana of Ponca City is the daughter of John and Ginger Kana. She is a sophomore premed major, has studied piano and voice, and will present a vocal solo as her talent. Her platform is preservation of endangered species.

Kitty McNamara, Ponca City, is the daughter of Craig McNamara and Norma Griffith. She is a college sophomore and has studied both dance and voice. She will present a pop vocal solo and her platform is awareness and prevention of illiteracy.

Erin Sylvester, Ponca City, is the daughter of Randall and Brenda Sylvester. She is a freshman majoring in computer graphics with a minor in musical theater. She has studied piano, voice, dancing and acting and will sing a country number as her talent. Her platform is organ donations.

Maggie Caldwell of Kaw City is the daughter of Robert and Donella Barker. A freshman at Northern, she is a member of the Roustabouts. She will present a vocal solo as her talent and her pageant platform is prevention of drinking and driving.

Ranada Collins, Oklahoma City, is the daughter of Debra Davis. She is a freshman majoring in criminology, will give a dramatic reading as her talent, and her platform is education.

Holly Elliott of Stillwater, the daughter of Frank and Mary Elliott, is a freshman communications major. She will present a comedy monologue and her platform is learning disabilities.

Christy Kelley, Tulsa, is the daughter of Richard and Julie Kelley. She is a sophomore musical theater major and has studied dance for 17 years. Her talent is tap dancing and her platform is The Second Great Awakening-Patriotism.

The young women will compete in talent and physical fitness in swimsuit and evening wear categories. Prior to the pageant, each contestant will be interviewed by a panel of judges.

The pageant winner will represent the college at various functions during the year and will advance to the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant in Tulsa next June.

Dr. Robert Nesselrode, Ponca City, will host the pageant, according to Dr. Brenda Stacy, executive director of the pageant. Also appearing will be Julie Payne, Miss Oklahoma 1998, and Molly Hall, Miss NOC 1998.

DEATHS

Dora May Brown
Dortha Mae Fiskin
Joe Allen Robson
Virginia DeVine

Dora May Brown

RALSTON — Dora May (Mynear) Brown, longtime Ralston resident, died at her home Sunday, Nov. 8, 1998. She was 86.

The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Ralston First Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Welch, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Ralston under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.

Dora May (Mynear) Brown was born Oct. 19, 1912, in the Valley Community in Pawnee County to George William “Bill” and Willora (Freeze) Mynear. She grew up on the family farm south of Blackburn.

She was married to Loamma Carl “L.C.” Brown on Nov. 26, 1930 at the Pawnee County Courthouse in Pawnee and they had celebrated 68 years of marriage in November 1997. The couple moved to Ralston in 1931. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Ralston First Baptist and the Ralston Senior Citizens. Mrs. Brown was a devoted Christian and homemaker. She enjoyed spending time with her family, quilting, flowers, and gardening.

Survivors include her husband L.C. Brown of the home; two sons, W.C. “Dub” Brown and Johnnie Brown, both of Ponca City; one daughter, Janis Wood of Ralston; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, two brothers, and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Brown’s name to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852.

Dortha Mae Fiskin

TONKAWA — Dortha Mae Fiskin, longtime Tonkawa resident died early Monday morning, Nov. 9, 1998, at Sunshine Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. She was 79.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, 1998, at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home chapel in Tonkawa. Burial will be in the Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery.

Dortha Mae (Miller) Fiskin was born Jan. 10, 1919, in Arnett to Ira Duncan and Helen Goldie (Cochran) Miller. She attended schools in Shattuck.

On May 16, 1938, she was married to Dan L. Fiskin in Arnett and the couple moved to Tonkawa in 1954. Mrs. Fiskin was a homemaker. She enjoyed square dancing and bowling.

Survivors include two sons, Stephen Dale of Las Vegas, Nev., and Larry, of Chickasha; eight grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Bobby Dean and two brothers, Harry and Willard Miller.

Obituaries

Joe Allen Robson

Joe Allen Robson, 3378 South Seven Mile Road, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 1998 at his home. He was 42.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. in the Chapel of the Trout Funeral Home with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Born Sept. 17, 1956 at Oklahoma City, he was the son of Allen and Elma Iles Robson. He received his education in Ponca City Schools, graduating from Po-Hi in 1974. While in high school, he lettered in basketball and baseball. He then attended O.S.U. where he was active in the Sigma Chi fraternity.

For 17 years, Joe was employed as a technician at Conoco. At the time of his death he was an agent for AFLAC Insurance Company. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He loved fishing, golf, and was an avid O.U. and O.S.U. fan.

He is survived by his parents, Dr. Allen and Elma Robson, of Ponca City.

Casket bearers will be Bobby Braden, Craig Pickens, Rusty Hager, Jerry Pickens, Scott Oxford, and Tommy Rogers. Honorary casket bearers will be Pete Wilson, Brad Wright, and Mike Johnson.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 200 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at 3013 Canterbury.

paid obituary

Virginia DeVine

Virginia Patten DeVine was called home by the Lord, Saturday Nov. 7, 1998 at St. Simeons in Tulsa.

A memorial service will be held Thursday Nov. 12, 1998, at 10 a.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Larry Heslip officiating.

Born Oct. 26, 1934, in Ponca City, she was the daughter of H.B. and Florence (Scott) Roper. She received her education in the Ponca City schools graduating from Ponca City High School in 1952. She earned her B.A. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1957.

Ginny married Don Patten in 1957 and they made their home in Ponca City where she taught at Ponca City High School from 1957 to 1961. They moved to Stillwater in 1962 where she taught at OSU for two years. In 1963, the couple moved to Tracy, Calif., and then to Pleasanton, Calif., in 1965. She taught American Literature, Practical English and Oral Interpretation at Amador High School for 19 years. She was also the advisor for the Interact Service Club and for several years gave the Baccalaureate address.

Ginny was the first woman to receive the Paul Harris award, the highest honor given by the Pleasanton Rotary. Other awards included the J.C. Penney “Golden Rule Award.” Active in civic affairs she and her students instigated the paper recycling center in Pleasanton. Though she never had children of her own, she befriended and encouraged hundreds of her students. The following poem written by her students for her 45th birthday depicts her life as a teacher.

Mrs. Patten is more than a teacher; she is a friend.

She is always there, caring,

Sharing our goals for tomorrow

And helping to smooth our sorrow.

Through actions words and expressions of love

She gives us encouragement and faith

in ourselves.

Ginny retired in 1984 and married Oliver DeVine. They made their home in Lake Tahoe, Nev., but enjoyed many trips abroad. After the death of her husband in 1989, she returned to Ponca City.

Surviving are her mother, Florence Roper, of Ponca City; one brother, Rod Roper of Ponca City; an aunt, Evie McPherson, of Greenfield, Calif.; two nieces and several cousins and a host of friends. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her father in 1987.

Memorial contributions may be made to the OSU Foundation, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Accident — A multiple-vehicle accident at North Ash Street and West Highland Avenue was reported to police at 6:47 a.m. Monday.

Every Wednesday ğ price clothes, shoes and purses except

priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe,

First and Central. adv.

Burglary — At 7:48 a.m. Monday a man in the 400 block of North Fifth Street reported that his home had been burglarized and four guitars had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Appliances, Rebuilt Maytags and others. Plus new

scratch/dent. 1989 Ford pickup full size, 4X4, $5,000. 1991 Cougar,

loaded, $3,900. Copeland’s, 315 East Grand, 762-6896. adv.

Vehicle Burglary — A woman in the 2100 block of North Union Street contacted police at 7:50 a.m. Monday reporting that her vehicle had been burglarized. A report was taken.

Instant Passport pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765-

4348. adv.

Attempted Burglary — At 8:38 a.m. Monday police were notified of an attempted burglary of two vehicles in the 1400 block of Princeton Avenue. An officer was assigned.

Stolen Vehicle — A vehicle was reported stolen at 8:50 a.m. Monday from the 300 block of North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Break-In — At 10:10 a.m. Monday police were called to the Holiday Inn, 2215 North Fourteenth Street, for a break-in of the maintenance area.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 10:13 a.m. Monday a man in the 400 block of East Brookfield Avenue reported vandalism to a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Grease Fire — Fire units responded to a report of a grease fire in the 4400 block of Keeler Road at 11:52 a.m. Monday.

WWF Survivor Series...Only the strong will survive this series! Only on Pay Per View, Sunday, November 15th at 7:00 p.m., $29.95. Cable ONE 762-6684. adv.

Gas Drive-Off — At 12:19 p.m. Monday a $2 gas drive-off was reported at Citgo, 320 West Grand Avenue.

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. adv.

House Smoke — Fire units responded at 1:10 p.m. Monday to a report of a house full of smoke in the 1100 block of West Highland Avenue. However, no fire was found.

Accident Injury — At 3:49 p.m. Monday police were advised that a 17-year-old girl was being treated at the emergency room at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries received earlier in an accident at North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue.

Stolen Bike — A man in the 2100 block of John Street advised police at 4:07 p.m. Monday that his son’s bike had been stolen from Washington School. A report was taken.

Accident — A minor accident in the 1300 block of West Highland Avenue was reported to police at 7:21 p.m. Monday.

Stolen Property — At 4:52 p.m. Monday a man requested police in the 300 block of South Franklin Street after he discovered items stolen from his rental property. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 7:26 p.m. Monday a man in the 900 block of North Osage Street reported vandalism to his vehicle. An officer was assigned.

Injury Accident — Two people were taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at 5:40 p.m. Monday after reportedly being pinned in a vehicle eight miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177.

You Are invited to the 5th annual BBQ and auction at the

First Lutheran School on Friday, November 13, 1998 at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets available at the door for $12. Advance tickets are $10. Call

the school office, 762-4243 for more information. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 41-year-old woman at 6:48 p.m. Monday from the 300 block of South Perry Street for domestic assault and battery.

Tree Fire — At 8:24 p.m. Monday fire units responded to a report of tree on fire near the 300 block of South Ash Street. A transformer had been hit and power was out in the area.

Room Rampage — Police were called to the Holiday Inn, 2215 North Fourteenth Street, at 9:28 p.m. Monday after a guest had discovered that someone had been in their room and gone through their belongings.

Bird or Plane — At 2:34 a.m. Tuesday police received several 911 calls from people reporting an explosion and a fire in a field near the 3700 block of West Hubbard Road. One caller advised police it was a plane or a UFO. However fire rescue units advised it was a large tree that was on fire.

LIFESTYLES

Eye Exams Important for Diabetics
Pilgrim Tradition Includes Fish on Menu
Christmas Gala Tickets Available

Eye Exams Important for Diabetics

As part of National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and National Eye Institute are focusing on the importance of yearly dilated eye exams for people with diabetes. By dilating the pupil, an eye care professional can examine and detect any changes in that suggest diabetic retinopathy.

These efforts are part of an ongoing campaign called Don’t Lose Sight of Diabetic Eye Disease, sponsored by the National Eye Health Education Program Partnership. Myrna Page, project coordinator for the Oklahoma Diabetes Control and Prevention Program, says, “In Oklahoma 6,000 are on disability because of blindness resulting from diabetic retinopathy. Each year there are more that 190 new cases of diabetes-related blindness in the state. Diabetic eye disease can be detected through a dilated eye examination, which is recommended at least once a year. If discovered in time, severe vision loss or blindness can be prevented.”

“During their lifetime, nearly half of Oklahoma’s estimated 187,000 people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy, the most common form of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. As many as 190 people annually go blind from the disorder, making it a leading cause of blindness among working-age Oklahomans. Over 90 percent of the cases of blindness can be prevented with early detection and timely treatment,” Page noted.

Page said Oklahomans must understand the need for regular dilated eye exams before any vision is lost. Usually, diabetic retinopathy has no early symptoms and visual impairment does not develop until the disease has advanced into its later stages. At this point, vision lost cannot be restored.

“We want to make this information common knowledge among people with diabetes so that they realize that eye disease is a possible complication of diabetes. We need to convey the message that they can prevent vision loss by getting annual dilated eye exams,” Page said.

Virtually all people who have had type 1 diabetes for at least 15 years have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Those who have had type 2 diabetes for 5-10 years have about a two percent incidence rate, whereas the rate increases to more than 50 percent for those who have had type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years. People with diabetes also are nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma or cataracts as people without diabetes.

“Improved treatment, coupled with heightened public awareness, should go far toward reducing diabetic eye disease as a national health problem. Even with effective treatment for diabetic retinopathy, eye care professionals are only seeing half of the people at risk for this disease,” Page said.

For more information contact your county health department, the American Diabetes Association Eastern Oklahoma Regional Office at 1-800-259-6552, or the Western Oklahoma Regional Office at 1-800-259-6551.

Pilgrim Tradition Includes Fish on Menu

(AP) — Cooks who include fish in their Thanksgiving dinner menus are keeping faith with a Pilgrim tradition.

Fish caught off the coasts of present-day Massachusetts and Cape Cod were crucial to the survival of the first colonists, editors at SeaFood Business Magazine say.

“In fact, the earliest American settlers relied on the seas for a significant portion of their food supply,” John Fiorillo, the magazine’s editor in chief, says.

By the early 1600s, especially in New England, seafood such as lobster, cod, sea bass, sturgeon and oysters were staples of meals. They were often ingredients in soups as well as main dishes.

The magazine’s editors suggest the following festive recipes, Lobster and Pumpkin Bisque and Oyster Chowder, for holiday menus.

Fiorillo says consumers should have no trouble finding fresh lobsters; they are sold around the country all year. Oysters, harvested during the fall and winter months, also are available now in fresh seafood markets.

Lobster and Pumpkin Bisque

Lobster:

3 cups water

3 teaspoons salt

1-pound live lobster

Bring water to boil in 4-quart stock pot. Add salt and return to boil. Place whole live lobster in pot, cover and blanch for 3 minutes. Remove lobster from pot and plunge immediately into ice water until cool enough to handle. Set aside stock pot with liquid. Pick lobster meat from shells. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Bisque:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree, canned

1/4 cup port wine

1/4 cup bourbon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

1 pint whipping cream

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup pumpkin, fresh,

blanched, diced

1 red bell pepper, roasted

and cut into strips

1/2 cup hard cider

1 ounce goat cheese

8 sprigs chervil, fresh

(or substitute fresh parsley)

Place the stock pot over medium heat and to the blanching liquid add pumpkin puree, port wine, bourbon, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Stir ingredients until well blended and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Stir in cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

In small pan over medium heat, carefully melt butter. Just as the foam subsides, stir in flour to make a roux. Cook the roux without letting it brown, about 5 minutes. Stir roux into stock with a whisk, and continue gently simmering the soup for an additional 20 minutes.

Cut lobster meat into bite-sized pieces. Stir meat, diced pumpkin and roasted pepper into the soup until well blended. Lobster pieces will finish cooking in the hot soup. Keep warm, and just before serving stir in hard cider. Garnish with crumbled goat cheese and chervil. Makes 4 servings.

(Recipe from: Gregory Willoughby, The Olde House, Raymond, Maine, and the Maine Lobster Promotional Council.)

Oyster Chowder

12-ounce can oysters or

12 fresh oysters

4 tablespoons chopped onions

3 tablespoons butter

4 cups boiled cubed potatoes

4 cups scalded milk

1 cup corn

2 tablespoons flour

Salt and pepper to taste

In a heavy saucepan, melt butter and saute onions until delicate brown. Add oysters and their liquid, potatoes, milk, corn, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Mix flour with enough water to make a smooth paste and add to the chowder. Stir gently until soup thickens. Makes 4 servings. (Recipe from the Virginia Marine products Board.)

Christmas Gala Tickets Available

Tickets for the Christmas Gala, slated for 7 p.m., Dec. 5, are on sale now at financial institutions, Marland Mansion and Conference Center, according to Sherri Tapp, chairman.

The tickets are $35 each and three complimentary drink tickets come with each ticket. The drink tickets will be picked up at the Gala.

As usual, the Gala signals the beginning of holiday festivities and features a variety of entertainment. Two dance bands will bring their music to the event. The Amos Cunningham, and Good Company bands will be playing for dancing enjoyment.

Another popular spot is the holiday sing-along around the grand piano in the ballroom. The “Festival of Christmas” auction will be presented by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council. The silent auction is slated from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Loree Bechtold is decorating chairman and the official decorating of the Mansion is planned for Nov. 21. However the decorating committee and volunteers are already getting decorations ready.

Betty Gibson is in charge of food for the Gala. The menu includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Kristi Suttles heads up publicity and advertising.

BUSINESS

EDAB Approves Ash Street Industrial Sign
Supports National Guard
UCO to Host Law Expo ’98
Broker to Broker Referrals
No. 1 Fire Station Project Leads Building Permit List
Po-Hi Graduate Joins Law Firm In Kansas City

EDAB Approves Ash Street Industrial Sign

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Approval for expending up to $4,000 for an industrial sign on Ash Street in the Industrial East Park was given by the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) this morning.

The project is one of the marketing committee and headed by Karen Furman. The value of the lighted sign, to be erected by Williams Sign Company, is about $6,900. Furman has gotten much of the work donated.

Industries along Ash have helped support the project. The sign will list industry names, and there will be landscaping, according to Jan Jarrett, EDAB executive, who reported for Furman.

In other action the board, chaired by Linda Brown, denied a request for $1,000 for start up costs of the transportation system. This was denied on the basis that the City of Ponca City would probably be providing some funding and this would be a double contribution.

Art Mires, who is heading the transportation effort, said that the $180,000 matching money for a grant has almost been achieved, basically from those industries planning ridership

Another request for $1,400 for an ad in the Kaw Lake Magazine was denied. The board expressed appreciation to Kathy Tippin and Betty Rutz for the opportunity and suggested that next year they approach the marketing committee for the advertising.

Larry Buck told about meeting with housing developers from Dallas and Houston, and also with a developer from Edmond. He said the companies from Texas may consider doing a housing survey at their costs. An informational meeting with local contractors is planned soon to share data about housing.

Jarrett reported on the Local Industry Council, with the 10 largest industries, and told about some common training programs that will involve Pioneer Technology Center.

On the subject of child care, David Mills said the YMCA is considering doing child care. Also some of the established child care facilities will be asked to stay open 6 a.m. to midnight. The need apparently is for 24-hour care.

Carl Renfro, chairman of new industry, told about prospect activity. “We do have a rekindling of interest of a Kansas company that has changed owners and is willing to explore the possibilities in Ponca City.”

Renfro said, “The new industry Online Communication, which is the call center, has had such successful results in Ponca City that it has decided to double its work force from 40.

Another new prospect is a new technology manufacturing company. An office service type of company that would employee between 100 and 150 has also expressed interest.

EDAB is planning to make a goodwill trip to Oklahoma City Monday to call on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Jarrett reported chairing a state legislative committee on incentives that could be offered. He said this information will be shared with the Chamber’s Legislative Committee.

David Penn, Center for Economic and Management Research at OU, presented the analysis of the Ponca City Area Labor Force. This information will be published in a later story.

Notes & Quotes

Supports National Guard

Mildred N. Hass, of Blue Moon Restaurant Inc., Ponca City, is to receive State Chairman’s Award for Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award will be presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve operates under the Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. These committees work to develop good relationships between the Guard and Reserve forces and the employers of men and women serving in these forces.

UCO to Host Law Expo ’98

EDMOND — Law Expo ’98, an event designed to help Oklahoma’s pre-law students visit with professors and students from the state’s law schools, is slated Nov. 21 at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Liberal Arts Building.

Hosted by the UCO Pre-Law Society, the event includes information sessions regarding law school admissions, financial aid and tips on taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

Refreshments and lunch will be provided at the event, to which all Oklahoma pre-law students are invited. Registration is free. For more information or to register call Dr. Christopher Markwood, assistant dean of the UCO College of Liberal Arts at (405) 974-5522.

Broker to Broker Referrals

PARSIPPANY, N. J. — Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation has announced that it will participate in a newly established Internet-based broker referral network, that will link most of Cendant’s 8,000 U.S. franchised real estate offices., The new system, the “Cendant Global Referral Network began a testing phase last month and will be rolled out system-wide during the first quarter of 1999.

No. 1 Fire Station Project Leads Building Permit List

Commercial permits led the activity during October with five permits building issued at a valuation of $3,042,175.

The lion’s share of the total was for the No. 1 Fire Station that came in at $2.4 million, according to James Brown, of the Code Enforcement Department of the City.

Another healthy chunk of the permits was a $500,000 permit for a strip mall speculation building at 1100 East Prospect. Other permits were for $50,000 for Dollar General’s remodeling of the old True Value building on East Grand. Also on East Grand a $7,500 permit was issued to Dr. Shriner. A $20,000 remodeling permit was issued for 1715 North Fifth for an urgent care center for Dr. Gary Hill and Dr. Adams.

Westminster Village received a $6,000-plus permit for a sprinkler system.

Residential building continues to remain at a standstill with no single or multi-family permits issued.

One remodeling permit totaled $10,000 and nine miscellaneous permits amounted to $25,950.

Total building revenue was $1,299 and there were 40 bid inspections.

The Electrical Department, headed by Inspector Earl Whittaker, issued 29 permits and 93 inspections were made. Total Electrical Revenue was 1,014.

The Plumbing Department issued 84 permits and 112 inspections were made. Total plumbing revenue for October was $1,023, according to Buddy R. Osborn, Inspector.

Osborn is also the mechanical inspector and issued 21 permits and there were 38 inspections. Total mechanical revenue was $778.

Total building inspection revenue was $4,115.

Po-Hi Graduate Joins Law Firm In Kansas City

Deborah Smith, a 1990 graduate of Ponca City High School, has joined the law firm of Shook, Hardy and Bacon LLP in Kansas City, Mo.

Daughter of former Ponca City residents Arnold and Jeanette Smith, Ms. Smith joined the firm as an associate in the National Products Liability Litigation Division. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a law clerk for the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri for The Honorable Ortrie D. Smith.

She received her J.D. with distinction, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1998, where she was managing editor of the UMKU Law Review and a member of Order of the Bench and Robe and Order of the Barristers. She received her B.A. degree in both international relations and political science from William Jewell College in 1994.

SPORTS

Blake Denies Saying He’d Leave If Program Failed
Coaches Agree:K-State-Nebraska Should Be Dandy
Simmons, Cowboys Want To Go Out On Strong Note

Blake Denies Saying He’d Leave If Program Failed

NORMAN (AP) — Oklahoma coach John Blake denies a published report that says he indicated before this season that he would step down if he couldn’t turn the program around by the end of this season.

The Daily Oklahoman cites unnamed sources as saying Blake told OU officials that if he was given a third year as coach, he would know if and when he needed to step down, and no one would have to urge him to do so.

‘‘That doesn’t even sound like me,’’ Blake told the newspaper Monday night. ‘‘No, there’s no question. I’ve never said I would resign. Not at all. That would never happen.’’

Blake is in his third year of a five-year deal. His team is 3-6 this season, giving him a record of 10-22.

The Oklahoman said university regents are expected to have a special meeting within a week of Oklahoma’s final game, which is Nov. 21 against Texas Tech.

‘‘Some decision needs to be made quickly. It’s something we need to deal with at the earliest and most reasonable time,’’ regent C.S. Lewis III said. ‘‘We need to meet and get on with it.’’

Blake has said more than once this season that he expects to be back next year and that he has no intention of resigning. Lewis said he didn’t expect Blake to resign.

OU sources said athletic director Joe Castiglione has two choices — to ask for Blake’s resignation or begin a firing process. Castiglione has said repeatedly that no decision about Blake’s future would be made until after the season.

University President David Boren said Monday: ‘‘It’s important for us to be behind the team and the coaching staff for the remainder of the season. Our student-athletes are trying hard and they need our support.’’

Boren said that because of recruiting, administrators need to have Castiglione’s evaluation of Blake within a week after the final game.

‘‘We’ve asked our athletic director to evaluate the coaching situation, and depending on the circumstances, we hope to have an expeditious evaluation,’’ he said.

Coaches Agree:K-State-Nebraska Should Be Dandy

By the Associated Press

Mack Brown wouldn’t mind if he could just be a fan this weekend.

‘‘If I weren’t coaching and could prop my feet up and watch Missouri-Texas A&M at 11:30, and Kansas State-Nebraska at 2:30 and Texas-Texas Tech at 6, that’s a football fan’s dream,’’ he said.

Brown will be with his Texas team in Lubbock, but much of the nation will be focused on Manhattan, Kan., where No. 2 Kansas State plays host to No. 11 Nebraska.

The Wildcats (9-0) have the nation’s top-rated defense and a big-play quarterback in Michael Bishop. They have been tested just once, in a 16-9 victory over Colorado, but otherwise have won by an average of 49 points per game.

Nebraska (8-2) has beaten Kansas State 29 straight times, but comes into this game as the underdog.

The league’s coaches weren’t willing Monday to predict a winner, only to say that the game should live up to the hype.

‘‘No doubt about it, it’s going to be a 15-rounder down there in Manhattan,’’ said Iowa State coach Dan McCarney. ‘‘I just think it’s going to be a fantastic football game.’’

Simmons, Cowboys Want To Go Out On Strong Note

STILLWATER (AP) — It’s easy to motivate players when there’s a clear goal at stake. That isn’t the case for Oklahoma State’s football team.

The Cowboys hoped to go to a bowl game for the second straight year, but saw those plans get wiped out Saturday in a 37-34 loss to Texas. All that remains now are games against Southwestern Louisiana and Baylor, and even if they win those, the Cowboys won’t have a winning season.

So where will the motivation come from?

‘‘We want to finish with a flurry. We want to go out on a strong note,’’ coach Bob Simmons said Monday. ‘‘That’s the challenge that’s going to be issued to this football team.

‘‘We want to send our seniors out (on a positive note). We want to play like the program that we’re capable of doing. Anything less than that and I will be disappointed.’’

The Cowboys (3-6) fell to 2-5 in the Big 12 with their loss to Texas. As was the case in other close calls this season, they made enough plays to stay in the game but failed to make enough to win.

Tight end Marcellus Rivers caught a long touchdown pass in the first quarter, but also dropped a pass near the goal line that resulted in the Cowboys having to settle for a field goal.

A 9-yard punt by Scott Elder in the second quarter shortened the field and led to a field goal that gave Texas a 31-21 halftime lead.

The defense came up with a first-half interception off a ball thrown by tailback Ricky Williams. But Major Applewhite burned the Cowboys for 408 yards, more than any opposing quarterback this season.

Simmons said tough losses aren’t any harder for him to swallow than blowouts.

‘‘I’ve always said any loss is a loss,’’ said Simmons, whose team has lost five of its past six games. ‘‘We’ve been looking at these things for probably three or four weeks. But there are reasons these things happen.

Southwestern Louisiana (1-8) is expected to provide some balm. The Ragin’ Cajuns have played away from home six times this year and have lost them all, by an average of 37 points.