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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, November 17, 1998 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS BUSINESS LOCALCounty Officials Say Raises Fair County Officials Say Raises FairBy MARK GALVIN News Staff Writer NEWKIRK — In light of statewide controversy over pay raises for county officers, Kay County officials believe their new raise is pretty fair. After five years without a pay hike, the county officers budgeted themselves each $6,000 more per year following the state legislature’s allowance this year for increases of up to $20,000 per officer per year. The pay raise, which increases their annual salary from $35,300 to $41,300, will affect all eight county officers — the three county commissioners, the county clerk, the court clerk, the assessor, the treasurer and the sheriff. The raise amounts to an extra $500 per month for each official. The increase, approved last month by the county excise board, will go into effect Jan. 1, which will make the officers’ salaries for fiscal year 1998 a total of $38,500 each because the fiscal year begins in July. Jan. 1 incidentally is the same day announced last week by Kay County Sheriff Marion Van Hoesen as his retirement date. Therefore, the new salary increase will apply for Van Hoesen’s successor, who will be decided next month by the commissioners. For a few of Kay County’s eight officers, the salary increase will be their first one ever. “I haven’t had one since I’ve been in office,” said County Commissioner Rex Purdy, who was first elected in 1992 and reelected this summer to his second four-year term in District Three. Purdy said the county officers “all agreed that salary was not out of line, and we agreed on that before we decided to go with it.” District One commissioner Dee Schieber, who also will get his first pay raise, said the tight budgeting during the past few years made it hardly possible to think about pay raises until last year, when the county government finally achieved a 90 percent operating ratio. Since the tight budgeting “got the county officers in a saving mode,” pay raises were available for all county employees this year, Schieber said. County employees received pay raises ranging from $50 to $125 per month, at the discretion of the individual county officer. County Clerk Pam Goodno said even with the pay raises for the officers and for the employees, “the county remains at the 90 percent (ratio) and still has excess money.” She said the pay raise for the officers reflects a 2.3 percent increase in pay since their last raise five years ago. District Two County Commissioner Wayne Leven said pay raises for public officials are warranted, if the budget allows it, because the officers stay busier than many people realize. “We’re on call 24 hours a day,” because county officers represent the first level of government that people have access to, he said. Schieber said, “When you choose to get into public life, it really changes your ways. You end up with no personal life whatsoever.” Prior to the state legislature’s allowance of pay increases, Kay County was ranked ninth statewide in salary for officers, following Oklahoma, Tulsa, Cleveland, Comanche, Canadian, Rogers, Muskogee and Garfield counties, in that order. Just behind Kay County were Payne County, Creek County and Washington County. Authorities Seeking Answers To Murder-Suicide in HominyBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Hominy — It was a shock to Hominy residents and a tragedy to those who knew 22-year-old Todd Meseraull — a victim of an apparent murder-suicide. “I have no idea why or how this could happen — he was just a kid,” cried Brenda Camblin whose son was a friend of Meseraull’s. “We moved here because it was a small town and you just don’t expect this.” According to authorities Meseraull was shot by his mother’s boyfriend, 35-year-old Thomas Saunders, during an argument early Monday morning. Hominy police received a call at 7:39 a.m. apparently from a family member who had been inside the residence when shots were fired. A short time later local police, the Osage County Sheriff’s Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and state-wide media swarmed to the white frame house at 223 Walnut Street as the word of a possible hostage situation spread. After three hours of waiting, watching and wondering, law enforcement officers fired tear gas into the home and then entered through the back door. The bodies of both Meseraull and Saunders were found in the northeast corner bedroom. According to Osage County Chief Deputy Wes Penland, Saunders was already dead when officers entered the home. A .45-caliber handgun was recovered from the scene. “At this point we are speculating that Saunders shot himself within minutes of shooting Meseraull,” Penland said early this morning. “As of yet we do not know what the argument was about. The family was distraught yesterday and we will be interviewing them today.” Penland further stated that Meseraull had previously lived at the residence with his mother Rebecca Meseraull, his sister Robin Meseraull, and Saunders. However, Meseraull and his sister had recently moved to Nebraska and had just returned to Hominy. “They had come down to move their mother back to Nebraska,” Penland said. Meseraull was described as a nice person by those who knew him well. “Todd would come around here to visit and he was a swell guy,” said Eddie Hall, who owns a nearby automotive repair shop. “He was a real good kid and I never heard of him ever getting into any trouble. This came as a real shock.” Miss NOC Scholarship Pageant Title Goes To Tulsa SophomoreTONKAWA — Tulsa sophomore Christy Kelley won the title of Miss Northern Oklahoma College 1999 at the 14th annual Miss NOC Scholarship Pageant Nov. 11. Ponca City sophomores, Kitty McNamara and Kyndol Kana, were first and second runners-up respectively. McNamara, daughter of Norma Griffith and Craig McNamara, received a $225 scholarship while Kana, daughter of John and Ginger Kana, received a $175 scholarship. Crowned by Miss NOC 1998 Molly Hall of Edmond, Kelley received a $425 scholarship in addition to a Miss NOC banner, Miss NOC plaque, Miss America Crown pin and gifts from area merchants. She also earned the “Crowd Pleaser Award,” determined by audience ballot, for her talent presentation — a song and tap dance to “Jump, Jive and Wail.” A musical theater major with a math minor, Kelley aspires to be “the prime mover of a music theater group that will not only entertain but enhance a change for the better in the lives of the audience.” She has been a music leader for youth at Immanuel Baptist Church in Tulsa and a Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church of Blackwell. In high school she founded the Round Up Show at Will Rogers High School, Tulsa. With 17 years dance experience, Kelley has been employed as a dance teacher and is currently a choreographer for musical productions at Northern. She loves performing with her parents, Richard and Julie Kelley, who are also in the arts. She has two brothers, Joseph, 18, and Timothy, 13. “I thought I was dreaming,” said the new Miss NOC of her new title. Her platform issue is to promote patriotism, and her goal as Miss NOC 1999 is “to represent the school the best I can.” She will participate in the Miss Oklahoma Scholarship Pageant in Tulsa next June. In addition to the winners, pageant participants included Maggie Caldwell, Kaw City; Carrie Collins, Ponca City; Ranada Collins, Oklahoma City; Holly Elliott, Stillwater; and Erin Sylvester, Ponca City. Each received a $50 tuition waiver scholarship. Dr. Robert Nesselrode of Ponca City hosted the pageant, entertaining with a special number, “Go the Distance.” Other special vocal numbers were “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” by Katie Thompson and Shane Ellis of Enid, and “River Deep, Mountain High,” by Ryan Foster of Ponca City. Special guests were Miss Oklahoma 1998, Julie Payne, who performed a tap dance and interviewed contestants concerning their platform issues, and Miss NOC 1998, Molly Hall of Edmond, who sang “Amazing Grace” following her farewell. Dr. Joe Kinzer, Northern president, presented Miss NOC 1998 with her official portrait. OKC Burn Victim To Speak Here On WednesdayCole Dewey of Oklahoma City drove her Plymouth Laser to an after-school baby-sitting job on an April day just like many times before. But this day was different. From nowhere a Pontiac appeared and Dewey’s car smashed into it. The Laser and Dewey were consumed by flames. To this day Dewey cannot explain how it happened but she found herself standing outside the car watching it burn, with doors closed, windows intact. When she realized she, too, was on fire, she dropped to the ground and began rolling in an effort to extinguish the flames. She spent 27 days in the hospital — two days after her discharge she sang at her high school Senior Breakfast. Dewey will be speaking at First United Methodist Church, South Sixth Street and East Central Avenue, on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. Dewey is an Oklahoma City native and has been featured in Guideposts Magazine. Her face and hands are scarred but she loves sharing her story. Kaw Lake Recovery Could Take WeeksKAW CITY (AP) — It will be early December before campers can pitch their tents along the shores of Kaw Lake because high water has closed the lake’s nine camping areas. All the flood gates on the lake’s dam are open to try to reduce the lake’s overflow, but it won’t be until early next month before operations are back to normal. The lake is about 23 feet above normal after heavy rains in northwestern Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas two weeks ago. Water from the Walnut and Arkansas rivers helped fill the lake. The flood gates all have been open at the dam east of Ponca City for more than a week. About 40,000 cubic feet of water per second rushed through the gates at one point, but that amount has dropped to about 30,000 cubic feet because of the reduction in the pool. It will continue to drop. ‘‘When the lake gets this high, we try to evacuate the water as quickly as possible,’’ said Jim Anderson, a Corps of Engineers ranger at the lake. All the water rushing in from the upstream flooding doubled the surface area of the lake, which usually covers about 17,000 acres. Boat traffic is discouraged on the lake. High water has submerged structures and markers that could damage boats and motors. ‘‘It’s also real hard to find a place to even launch a boat,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘Most of the boat ramps are still under water.’’ The water level reached a peak of 1,045.16 feet, just below the record of 1,047 feet set five years ago. Normal lake level is 1,010 feet. Anderson said it will be early next month before the lake gets back to normal operating levels. Some of the camping areas on higher ground could be opened before then. It depends on how much damage there is and how much cleanup is needed. Brothers’ Awards Enlarge Family of EaglesIn a ceremony on Nov. 1, Daniel and Matthew Meyers, sons of Jeffrey and Suzanne Meyers received their Eagle Scout awards. Dan and Matt are both members of Boy Scout Troop 90, which is sponsored by St. Luke’s Church of the Nazarene. Dan, a senior at Po-Hi, completed his Eagle project for Hospice of Ponca City by building shelving and peg boarding for the Hospice warehouse. The structure was designed by Meyers so that it can be moved, in the event Hospice relocates equipment/supplies and needs the shelving in a different location. Longwood Cemetery Association now has a memorial garden complete with benches and statuary as a result of Matt’s Eagle project. Prior to planting the garden, much cleanup and prep work had to be done. Matt is a sophomore at Ponca City High School. Dan and Matt are both members of First Baptist Church, Ponca City. The Court of Honor was presided over by Eagle Scout Louis Wolfe and the awards were presented by Steve Whitney, Scoutmaster of Troop 90. Special out-of-town guests included grandparents, Charles and Alice Meyers, and Gennie and Bryan Raymer, sister and brother-in-law of Dan and Matt. Out of every 100 scouts only two ever reach the rank of Eagle Scout. The Meyers family, with Dan and Matt alone, have already achieved that mark. The unusual thing about this family, however is that there are four more within the generations. In addition to the brothers, their father, Jeffrey Meyers; uncle Jonathan Meyers, resident of Albuquerque, N.M.; uncle Rich Sideroff of Denver, Colo.; and brother-in-law Bryan Raymer of Berthoud, Colo., are all Eagle Scouts. Additionally, grandfather Charles C. Meyers was a scouter for 25 years in Cuyahog Falls, Ohio. DEATHSVirgie Pairlee Julien Virgie Pairlee JulienHOMINY — Virgie Pairlee Julien, former Shidler resident, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 1998, at Grouse Valley Manor in Dexter, Kan. She was 106. The funeral was held on Nov. 16, at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel, in Hominy, with Brother Mark Hester officiating. Burial was at A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy. Virgie Pairlee Julien was born April 11, 1892, in Eureka Springs, Ark., to Christopher Columbus and Sarah Czar (Collins) Howell. She grew up and received her education in Harrison, Ark. On June 29, 1910, she married Robert Lee Julien and the couple made their first home in Hominy before moving to Tulsa. In 1965, they moved to Shidler, where Mr. Julien died in 1966. She moved to a nursing home care in 1996 and was currently residing at Grouse Valley Manor in Dexter, Kan. Mrs. Julien was a member of the Shidler First Baptist Church and held every office in the Rebekah Assembly, IOOF of Oklahoma Lodge 322 in Turley, where she was honored this summer as a 75-year member. Mrs. Julien enjoyed flowers, cooking, and Ricky Van Shelton music. Survivors include grandchildren, Mary Ellen Harvey of Cedar Vale, Kan., Lora Lee Broomfield of Aurora, Mo., Raymond Eugene Julien of Loveland, Colo., and George Julien of Cabit, Ark.; one daughter-in-law; 10 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by three sons, Joe Henry, Eugene Arland and Raymond Lee Julien; two sisters, Annie and Floye Howell; and eight brothers, John, Stewart, Loy, James, Voyd, Joseph, Lee, and Thomas Howell. Vincent TurveyVincent “Vinny” Turvey, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998. at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 58. The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 18, 1998, at the Second Baptist Church in Ponca City. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Medford, N.J., under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Vincent Turvey was born April 19, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of Tom and Esther Turvey. Following the death of his mother when he was four, he lived with his aunt in New Jersey and received his education there. On April 20, 1979, he was married to Elizabeth O’Connell in Mt. Holly, N.J. and the couple moved to Ponca City in 1981, where he was first employed by George Rahme. In 1983 he began employment with the Ponca City school system as custodian at West Junior High (now Ponca City Middle School). At the time of his death he was head custodian for the school. Turvey enjoyed woodworking and especially enjoyed listening to music and singing. Surviving are his wife, Betty, of the home; a daughter, Joann Faulks, of Mt. Holly, N.J.; three brothers, Joe Turvey of King of Prussia, Pa., Ebby Turvey of Drexel Hill, Pa., and George Turvey of Maryland; a sister, Ronnie Schwenger of Egg Harbor, N.J.; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sons, Vincent Nathaniel and Shawn Turvey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. The family will be at the home. Services PendingFrank DavisFrank Davis, 2709 Rice, died early this morning, Nov. 17, 1998, at his home. He was 90. Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home. Cecil Ray FlehartyKAW CITY — Cecil Ray Fleharty, longtime Kaw City resident, died Monday, Nov. 16, 1998 at his home. He was 70. Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home. The funeral has been set for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Kaw City Methodist Church. Other arrangements will be announced later by Grace Memorial Chapel. Dale PickensDale Pickens, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Nov. 16, 1998, at his home. He was 73. Survivors include his wife, Delores, of the home. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Memorial Chapel. Other arrangements will be announced later. ObituariesRuth McDowell ClarkRuth McDowell Clark, former longtime Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998 in Tulsa. She was 98. Graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1998, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, with the Rev. Charles M. Heyer, associate pastor of First Christian Church, officiating. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Ruth was born on Dec. 3, 1899, in Parkland, Oklahoma Territory to Nathan and Alta (Nash) McDowell. She moved from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Ponca City in April 1905. She lived in Ponca City until 1989, with the exception of two years during World War II. In 1989 she moved to Oklahoma City and in 1992 she moved to Tulsa. She attended schools in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1917. After graduation she attended Spaulding Business College in Kansas City and later went on to Kansas University. At KU she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. On June 14, 1924, she married Robert E. Clark in the Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City. Survivors include her sons; Robert E. Clark Jr. and his wife Carol of Oklahoma City and Nathan E. Clark and his wife Beverly of Tulsa, four grandchildren Cynthia Farrar and her husband Gus of Tulsa, Catherine Gaasch and her husband Dan of Broken Arrow, Edward Clark and his wife Lori of Sugar Grove, Ill., Norman Clark and his wife Torica of Tulsa; and two great- grandchildren Michael Farrar of Tulsa and Clark Gaasch of Broken Arrow. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Chloia Stephenson and one grandson Christopher March Clark. The casket will not be open at the funeral home. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSDemocrats Meet — Kay County Democrats will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Ponca City Library basement. Instant Passport pictures. Graham Photo, 201 North First, 765- 4348. adv. Legion Plans Thanksgiving Baskets — American Legion Post No. 14 requests that all members bring canned goods and other items for the Thanksgiving baskets. The baskets (10) will be distributed to needy families on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Please bring food items to 407 West South Avenue. Veteran’s Dance to benefit the Veteran’s Home. Elks Lodge, Fri day, November 20th, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Entertainment provid ed by Main Street Station from Winfield. Cost-$5.00 or bring a new package of men’s undergarments and get in FREE!! 765- 4045. adv. Wrap Session — All area women are invited to come to a “Let’s Wrap It Up” luncheon on Wednesday, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ponca City Country Club. Sponsored by the Ponca City Christian Women’s Club, ticket cost is $8.50. The special feature, “Wrap Session” will be Rita Pace sharing great ideas for adding that extra special touch to create wonderfully decorated packages. For reservations call Jeanette at 765-8427 or Denice at 762-2779. Trisha Yearwood: A magical night in concert. Grammy winning performer only on pay per view. Friday, November 29th at 8:00 p.m. for just $19.95. For ad- vance ordering call Cable ONE at 762-6684. adv. Annual Meeting — The annual meeting of the Ponca Tribe will be held on Nov. 21, 1998, in the dining hall of the Ponca Tribal Affairs Building at 10 a.m. Ponca Playhouse will present Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer prize- winning play “Our Town” on November 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21st at the Ponca Theater. To purchase tickets for this heart-warming production call 765-5360. adv. Alzheimer’s Support Group — A meeting of the Alzheimer’s Support Group will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in Conference Room A of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The item was inadvertently left off the city calendar on Sunday. Break-In — At 8:34 p.m. Monday police were advised of a break-in at the Community Building at East Grand Avenue and Third Street. An officer was assigned and a breaking and entering and destruction of property reports were taken. Every Wednesday ð price clothes, shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv. Vehicle Vandalism — At 8:34 a.m. Monday police received a report that a vehicle had been vandalized in the 500 block of North First Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and week-end DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled Friday, November 20th, and Saturday, November 21st, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv. Stolen Sign — The Potter Chiropractic Clinic, 300 North Fifth Street, contacted police at 8:50 a.m. Monday regarding the theft of a sign. WCW/NWO World War 3. WCW declares war on the best of NWO Sunday, November 22nd, at 7:00 p.m., $29.95. For advance or- dering call Cable ONE 762-6684. adv. Building Vandalism — At 10:38 a.m. Monday Copeland Appliance, 315 East Grand Avenue, advised police that their building had been vandalized and a ladder was stolen. 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. Rude Awakening — At 3:08 a.m. Tuesday a couple in the 1000 block of Popular Avenue contacted police reporting that they had been awakened by a man standing in their bedroom. The intruder was chased outside but he was never found. Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at South Fourteenth Street and Harding Avenue was reported to police at 1:54 p.m. Monday. Burglary — At 4:24 a.m. Tuesday police were called to McVay’s, 108 North First Street, after a burglary alarm sounded. Officers found two broken windows in the back of the business. A burglary report was taken. Accident — A non-injury accident at North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday. Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are fully furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans, Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv. False Alarm — At 3:14 p.m. Monday fire units responded to a report of a vehicle fire at West Ponca Avenue and South Waverly Street. However, there was no fire. Arrest — Police arrested an 18-year-old woman at 5:08 p.m. Monday on a city warrant for failure to pay. Assault — A woman in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue called police at 6:14 p.m. Monday reporting that she had been assaulted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Arrest — A 22-year-old man was arrested from South Ninth Street and East South Avenue at 8:01 p.m. Monday on two city warrants for failure to pay. Student Assaulted — A woman in the 1100 block of South Ninth Street called police at 9:31 p.m. Monday reporting that her son had been assaulted at the Mid-High School, 612 East Grand Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. LIFESTYLESFirst Holiday for New Labels First Holiday for New LabelsThe federal government has revised the rules for labeling fresh poultry; consumers should familiarize themselves with the new labels before shopping this holiday season to ensure they purchase the turkey they want at the price they want. “Agriculture Department officials issued new labeling regulations to eliminate an on-going debate about when poultry can be considered ‘fresh’ and when it must be labeled ‘frozen’,” said NTF President Stuart E. Proctor, Jr. “This is the first holiday season customers will be making turkey purchases under the new rule, and we believe it is important to make sure consumers have the information they need to make an informed purchase.” According to the new USDA guidelines, poultry may be labeled “fresh” if it never has been chilled to less than 26 degrees F. Poultry chilled to a temperature of 0 degrees or less must be labeled “frozen. “ Poultry chilled to between 0 degrees and 26 degrees falls into an unnamed middle category. It may not be labeled “fresh “ or carry any misleading label, but it does not have to be labeled “frozen. Unlike water, poultry does not freeze at 32 degrees, and scientific studies have not determined the exact temperature at which it does freeze. Nonetheless, USDA changed the regulations because of concerns over potential consumer confusion with the old USDA rule that allowed a “fresh” label on any poultry that had not been chilled to 0 degrees or below. Fresh turkeys are increasingly popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas, accounting for about 40 percent of all holiday turkey sales. Proctor said the new rule probably will lead to some reduction in the number of fresh turkeys that are processed, but he said consumers will not experience a shortage this fall. “The more rigid temperature guidelines make for more difficult production and transportation schedules,” Proctor said, “but the industry will produce enough fresh turkeys to meet consumer demand. In addition, the industry probably will encourage retailers to stock more turkeys in the unnamed middle category. Any consumer who routinely checks the grocery advertisements and circulars will be able to find top-quality turkeys, including fresh turkeys.” He said it is too soon to determine whether the new rules will have an affect on turkey prices. “There’s no question it will cost more to produce and ship a fresh turkey this holiday season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean consumers will pay more,” Proctor said. “A lot of supermarkets sell turkeys at a loss to entice consumers into the store. Also, consumers may show a preference for turkeys in the new unnamed category, and that could reduce demand for fresh turkeys. On the other hand, the introduction of the new, unnamed category into the meat case may cause supermarkets to cut back slightly on their stock of fresh turkeys, and that could push fresh prices up a little.” Combine Leftover Turkey With Pasta for SaladAfter the traditional golden roasted turkey presentation at Thanksgiving, turn the tables and offer Italian cuisine for quick and easy entertaining or family dinners. Turkey combines well with the mild flavors of polenta and pasta, time-honored combinations that have enriched the Italian diet for several centuries. Recipes that utilize these convenient ingredients and are quick and easy to prepare are the answer to a busy cook’s prayers. When planning meals for busy December dinners, leftovers from the Thanksgiving turkey can be of great assistance. Sherrie Rosenblatt, Director of Public Relations for the National Turkey Federation, suggests purchasing one pound of turkey per person for the Thanksgiving feast, then freezing leftovers for use throughout the holidays. A presentation of leftover turkey combined with mushrooms and served over soft polenta is featured in the Polenta with Turkey and Mushrooms recipe. Polenta is known in many regions of the United States as cornmeal. Just as cornmeal is a staple in our Southern and Midwestern diets, cornmeal is an Italian staple in the Veneto region in Northern Italy and is enjoyed in most regions. Cornmeal was introduced to Italians by way of the ports as the explorers returned from the New World. Now, several hundred years later, the Italian version of cornmeal is praised as it has made its way back across the Atlantic. Mary Beth Clark, CCP, chef and owner of The International Cooking School Of Italian Food And Wine based in Bologna, Italy, reveals polenta has “traditionally been associated with home cooking, but in recent years has been elevated to Michelin-Star restaurant heights. The flavors of turkey and polenta marry quite well and both foods represent a celebration of the autumn harvest that is perfect for the holidays.” The addition of tarragon and mushrooms to the cooked turkey creates a full and robust taste that is perfect for a warm and satisfying appetizer or main dish during the winter holiday season. Leftover turkey from the holiday feast can also be combined with pasta to yield a colorful turkey pasta salad. The addition of crisp celery, scallions and herbs gives the turkey salad a lively and refreshing flavor. Substituting reduced-calorie mayonnaise is an effective way to shave a few calories from the holiday season. Colorful Turkey Pasta Salad 2 1/2 cups tri-colored rotini pasta, cooked and drained 2 cups cubed cooked turkey, white meat preferred 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 11/2 teaspoons fresh tarragon, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons reduced-calorie mayonnaise 1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, turkey cubes, scallions, celery, parsley and tarragon. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the oil, vinegar, lemon juice and mayonnaise. Add to turkey mixture. 3. Mix well, coating all surfaces. Cover and refrigerate for I to 2 hours or until chilled throughout. 4. Makes four main dish servings. Polenta With Turkey and Mushrooms 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound assorted fresh mushrooms (combination of shiitake, crimini, or button mushrooms), sliced 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, minced 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt, divided 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed 2 cups whole milk 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh tarragon leaves for garnish 1. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, in hot olive oil, sauté mushrooms, minced tarragon, pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt until mushrooms are golden brown, about 10 minutes. 2. Add cubed turkey and 1/3 cup water, stirring to loosen all browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Keep warm. 3. Meanwhile, in a 3-quart saucepan, place 1/2 teaspoon salt and 11/3 cups milk, gradually whisking in cornmeal until smooth. In a 2-quart saucepan, heat remaining 2/3 cup milk and 2 cups water to boiling over medium-high heat; whisking into cornmeal mixture. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, whisking. Reduce heat to low. Cook while stirring, 5 minutes or until thick. Stir in Parmesan cheese. 4. Serve polenta topped with turkey/mushroom mixture. Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh tarragon leaves. 5. Makes 8 appetizers or four main dish servings. Little NewsBailey Layne Kelly is the name chosen by Chad and Jamie Kelly for their son born at 10:51 p.m. Nov. 3, 1998, at the Stillwater Medical Center. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 12-ounces and was 21 1/2-inches long. He has a sister, Shanley, 3. Maternal grandparents are Jim and Cheryl Goldman and great-grandparents are Russ and Dorothy Graesch, all of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are Vicky Kelly and Jim Kelly, both of Ponca City. Rachel Neely of Ponca City is the great-grandmother. Shelly and Dan Braden, 523 Virginia Avenue, announce the birth of a daughter at 9:33 p.m. Nov. 9, 1998, at the Stillwater Medical Center. Hannah Camille Braden weighed 8-pounds, 6-ounces and measured 20 1/2-inches long. Maternal grandparents are Dave Uselton of Ponca City and Lu Roland of Russellville, Ark. Paternal grandparents are Harry Braden and Suzie Braden of Ponca City and Florence Wilson of Ponca City is the great-grandmother. Hannah has a stepbrother, Alex Braden of Shidler, 8. BUSINESSFarm Workers In Oklahoma Eligible for Help Farm Workers In Oklahoma Eligible for HelpOklahoma City — Oklahoma is one of 15 states, including the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, receiving part of a $7 million appropriation under the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriation Bill. The funding will be made available from the U.S. Department of labor for a Weather Disaster Farmworker Assistance Program-According to Jose Angel Gomez, executive director of ORO Development Corporation, Oklahoma will receive $262,500 to help farm workers that were affected by last summer’s drought and other weather related disasters. Gomez, a long time farm worker advocate, stated “Just like farmers who suffered economic loss due to the weather related crop failures, farmworkers also suffered disaster related loss of wages. Farmers will receive their aid and that’s good news. However, this is the first time farmworkers receive this level of aid — and, that’s even better news.” An eligible farm worker, who is single, may qualify for up to $350 in assistance. A family of four farmworkers may be eligible for up to $1,400 in assistance. The assistance will be in the form of a service voucher. No direct cash assistance will be provided. To be eligible an applicant must have earned at least 50 percent of his or her income in agriculture work, during a 12-consecutive-month period, during the past 24 months. Also, the applicant must self-certify that he or she has suffered a weather-related economic loss. The program was implemented Monday through ORO’s network of field offices located in Oklahoma City, Miami, Altus, and Lawton. In addition, ORO will be having special disaster related community meetings in areas that are not in the close proximity of their field offices. To find out about a community meeting in your area or for more information, interested parties may call toll free 1-888-869-4694. Agribusiness Program Has Evolved To Help FarmersWhether it is through the Internet, Data Transmission Network, or the expertise of Pioneer Technology Center’s Erwin Anderson, some area farmers are utilizing more than just their John Deere tractors to get the most out of their land and resources. With expertise in financial management, farm operation analysis and tax management assistance, Anderson, agricultural business management instructor, has been a source of information to area farmers since 1988. The agriculture business management program, formerly called farm business management, is all about helping farmers. The program is designed to assist families in achieving their goals through an analysis of their operations and making appropriate financial and production decisions. With the recent name change, assistance in production agriculture and agribusiness has been added to help as the need arises. The ABM is a two-year program that begins in October and consists of 12 meetings per year. “Depending on their situation, farmers can enroll for one or two plus years,”’ said Anderson. “During wheat harvest time and planting time, class meetings may also be rearranged.”’ The ABM program emphasizes computerized record keeping. Class topics may vary each year depending upon the Interest of the group. Topics generally include: understanding and preparation of a net worth and income statement, enterprise budgeting, marketing, record keeping, farm analysis, risk management, cash flow planning, credit and goal planning, depreciation and computer application software. “My goal is to do all I possibly can to help farmers or ranchers make a profitable business,” said Anderson. “Learning good management skills requires a sound knowledge of economic principles because this is the framework for farm operation and organization.” To ensure that farmers understand the material covered in class, Anderson makes Individual monthly visits to participating farmers to assist them in “putting into practice” the topics discussed in class. Anderson also provides other individual assistance the family may be needing at that time such as computer software assistance or help with completing a loan application. In addition to loans, the ABM program now offers Farm Service Agency borrower training. Anderson works with all area farmers. “There is always the drop-in, call-in, request that I got from farmers needing assistance. Much of the time it is from farmers who have never been enrolled in the ABM program. Farmers usually call for assistance concerning cashflow planning, financial statements, loan applications, enterprise cost and returns, record keeping, FMHA farm and home planning, farm restructuring, and assistance in tax management questions.” Some of these referrals are from area bankers trying to make loans to the farmers and before they can give the loan, they need a cash flow analysis, tax records, or a balance sheet of the farm operation.” Since 1997, the ABM course offers Farm Service Agency borrower training. This training replaces the former FMHA. The program also offers assistance in completing low interest loan applications. To assist Anderson in staying current in farm management, he has an advisory board made up of three farmers, Neil Otto, James Schiltz, and John Barnhart; two bankers, Jay Vaughn and Felix Hensley: a county director, J.D.Elwood; a branch manager, Curtis Grace; and a representative from the conservation service, Dick Zetterberg. According to Anderson, “Otto went through the ABM program about 10 years ago and has been serving as a board member for three years. He has helped out by making suggestions for the program and even being a quest speaker for different topics.” Otto, from Otto, Farms has a 1,600-acre wheat, hay bean, and milo farm in Blackwell. Otto currently uses the DTN system at his farm. “The system not only serves as a good marketing tool, but it provides the latest information on agriculture prices, futures markets, wheat and soybean prices, and the latest weather update locally or nationally,” said Otto. “In the farming business, it is so important to do future planning.” said Otto. “if people could just see the benefits of this it can really make a difference in their business. From time to time I have called upon Erwin to help me with a tax question or a cash flow analysis. Erwin works with more people than those that are enrolled in the ASM program. He really goes above and beyond to help just about anybody he can.” The second year of the ABM program, deals mainly with income tax planning, financial statements, options and marketing, futures in marketing, Interpreting fixed and operating costs of machinery, farm depreciation schedules, and the use of accrual income statements in farm analysis. Anderson brings in tax experts for the two management and marketing strategies session as well as guest speakers for other topics. Although most of Anderson’s clients are enrolled from the Kay County area, he does work with clients from other counties. For information on the ABM program at Pioneer Tech, contact Anderson at 762-8336, Ext. 240. Local Group Visits Dept. of CommerceBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Business Editor A cross-section of 20 Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, city officials, educators and others spent Monday in Oklahoma City on an educational mission at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The work session was hosted at John Reid, director of the Office of Business Recruitment. The group met at the Faculty House for lunch and was joined there by ODOC personnel. Leo Presley, former secretary of ODOC, and Ponca Citian Charles Hollar made cameo appearances at noon. After a tour of the ODOC facilities led by Reid and Gerald Hall, director of Region 7 (which includes Ponca City), the group met in the conference room for a two-hour presentation. Meeting or making presentations for the Ponca City group and were Betty Kauer, assistant to Reid; Sherry Vance, division director, Marketing and Communications Division; Susan Leonard and Shelley Cadamy, both economic development specialists; Brenda Vincent, technology development assistant; David Strawn, research specialist; Linette Bullock, division budget manager; Vikki Dearing, industry training specialist, with the Oklahoma Department of Vo-Tech and Tom O’Neill, target industry. The Ponca City delegation was headed by Linda Brown, chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Board. Other members of EDAB Board in attendance were Larry Atteberry, L.J. Chaufty, Karen Furman, George W. Paczkowski, and Carl Renfro. Presentations were heard on a number of subjects including, marketing, targeted industries, economic impact, site locations, work force training, and available information from ODOC. Others making the trip were Richard Severance, Chamber chairman and general manager of the Conoco Mid-Continent Business Unit; Craig Myers, Chamber chairman-elect, MEI Enterprises Inc., and Jan Jarrett, CEO of the Chamber and executive for EDAB. Representing the City of Ponca City, Mayor Tom Leonard; Dick Stone, commissioner; Gary Martin, city manager, and Don Nuzum, airport manager. Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent of Pioneer Technology, represented education. Others attending representing business and industry were Carol Bouldin The Equitable, Bill O’Connor, retired legislator and Pioneer Bank director; Lee Whitebay, consultant; Lee Evans, Evans and Associates; Bill Lundeen, Conoco Inc., and Louise Abercrombie, business editor, Ponca City News. Dr. Glasscock Receives AAFP RecognitionKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thomas Glasscock, M.D., a family physician from Ponca City, was recently honored for 40 years of membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians. AAFP is the national medical association representing more than 84,000 family physicians, family practice residents and medical students from across the country. Dr. Glasscock was recognized during the opening ceremony of the organization's 50th Annual Scientific Assembly in San Francisco, when AAFP President Dr. Neil Brooks said, “I want to pay tribute to a group of Academy members at this meeting whose many years of involvement have contributed significantly to the position of prominence family physicians occupy in today's health care delivery system.” The AAFP, founded in 1947, was instrumental in establishing the medical specialty of family practice in 1969. It also was a pioneer in establishing a requirement that its members cam 150 hours of approved continuing medical education every three years. Family physicians are medical specialiststrained to treat a majority of medical problems for all members of the family from newborns to the elderly. Dr. Glasscock is also a member of the American Medical Assocation, Oklahoma State Medical Association and a founding member of the Southwestern Surgical Congress. He has also served in the past as president of the St. Joseph Medical Center medical staff. Blackwell Area Disaster Meeting Set for Nov. 24By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer The Oklahoma State Insurance Commissioner has declared Blackwell has suffered a catastrophe due to the recent storms and flooding. Gary Chartier, assistant commissioner for the State Insurance Commission, will be bringing a storm team to Blackwell to meet with city officials and storm victims on Nov. 24. The meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Blackwell City Hall. Chartier advised citizens not hesitate to ask any insurance adjuster working the area for proof of their State of Oklahoma adjuster’s license. Chartier said, “We also advise that catastrophic adjusters have been allowed into the area as the Insurance Department has granted them a catastrophic license to help quickly settle community claims. Under the authority of the Insurance Commissioner of Oklahoma, we have declared Blackwell, as well as several other cities and counties in our state, to have suffered a catastrophe.” “We look forward to being of any assistance whatsoever to you and your fellow Blackwell residents,” Chartier said in a letter to Blackwell officials. Lindsay Revises Upholstery ToolThe Vibrating Upholstery Tool is a revolutionary revised design which was first introduced by Lindsay Manufacturing Inc. more than 10 years ago. This Vibrating Upholstery Tool can help stir up embedded particles from various surfaces. The tool is ideal for getting items like sand from loop carpet or helping to dislodge dust mite fragments. The noise the Vibrating Tool makes lets you know it is working hard. The airflow from the vacuum system moves rapidly over the rubber strips in the tool and makes a loud noise while beating the surfaces to get out the particles trapped inside the surface. The Vibrating Tool works best with a cyclonic vacuum system, but will work with any central vacuum system. This tool is available through the manufacturer, Lindsay Manufacturing, and all Vacu-Maid distributors worldwide. SPORTSBishop Favored As Big 12 MVP Bishop Favored As Big 12 MVPBy TIM KORTE AP Sports Writer Should Kansas State quarterback Michael Bishop be the Big 12’s offensive player of the year instead of Texas running back and Heisman Trophy favorite Ricky Williams? Half the league’s coaches said yes. Coaches were informally polled during their weekly conference call Monday. The vote for offensive MVP was 6-2 in favor of Bishop, with three coaches saying the two should share the honor. One coach abstained. It wasn’t an easy call for anyone. ‘‘We saw both of them, and we saw both of them at their best,’’ said Iowa State coach Dan McCarney said. ‘‘I absolutely couldn’t pick one over the other. They are two of the best football players in the country.’’ ‘‘Whoooo! Good question,’’ said Baylor coach Dave Roberts, who said the two should share the award. The balloting suggests Williams, who needs 63 yards to break Tony Dorsett’s 22-year-old NCAA Division I-A career rushing record, could win the Heisman without being named the best player in the Big 12. Colorado offensive coordinator Karl Dorrell, participating because coach Rick Neuheisel had a death in the family, said he favors co-MVPs in the Big 12, but he would support Williams for the Heisman. ‘‘If I have to go on consistency from now back to the beginning of the year, I’d have to go with Ricky Williams,’’ Dorrell said. The results also suggest Bishop might rise in the Heisman race. He ran for two touchdowns and passed for two TDs as the No. 2 and 10-0 Wildcats beat Nebraska 40-30 last weekend. Bishop’s national profile has been limited because Kansas State coach Bill Snyder hasn’t let him talk to reporters for the past month. Snyder said Bishop will continue to do his talking on the field. ‘‘He’s our backup punter. He can do so many things and do them so well and gain the command of the football game against quality opponents,’’ Snyder said. ‘‘I think that was evidenced last weekend.’’ Joining Snyder in voting for Bishop were Kansas coach Terry Allen, Oklahoma’s John Blake, Bob Simmons of Oklahoma State, Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes and Larry Smith of Missouri. Voting for Williams were Texas coach Mack Brown and Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum. Nebraska’s Frank Solich declined to vote. OSU a Bit Sloppy In Season OpenerBy OWEN CANFIELD AP Sports Writer STILLWATER (AP) — No. 13 Oklahoma State was occasionally sloppy and sluggish in its season opener. But the Cowboys also were successful, thanks to a couple spans of very good defense. Oklahoma State outscored Northwestern State 31-9 in the final 8:48 of the first half, then held the Demons to two field goals in the closing 7 1/2 minutes of the game to win 90-65 Monday night. Joe Adkins scored 23 and Adrian Peterson had 21 for the Cowboys (22-7 last year). Northwestern State (0-2) trimmed a 20-point halftime deficit to seven before running out of steam. Richard Taylor led the way with 25 points. ‘‘Our defense, maybe the last seven or eight minutes before halftime, I thought was very good,’’ coach Eddie Sutton said. ‘‘We came out of the dressing room and it seemed like maybe we were flat. ‘‘They got in a rhythm and really hit some nice shots. We just didn’t play very well there for about 12 or 13 minutes, then about the last five or six minutes our defense was sensational.’’ The Cowboys had to withstand rallies in each half to win their 24th straight home opener and 79th straight nonconference home game. Northwestern State made it a game despite having five of its 10 players foul out. The Demons, who don’t have a senior on the roster, were whistled for 37 fouls and were outscored 37-12 from the free throw line, although Oklahoma State missed 15 of its chances. ‘‘I’ve never been anywhere where the other team gets to shoot 20 more free throws in the first half than we do, but I can’t control that,’’ coach J.D. Barnett said. ‘‘They’re nationally ranked and we’re not even in the top 150. For youngsters that are freshmen and sophomores and juniors that have never played in a Division I basketball game, I was very pleased.’’ Peterson, the coaches’ choice to be Big 12 player of the year, scored 14 of his points in the first half when the Cowboys took a 48-28 lead. He scored nine of the Cowboys’ first 11 points as they grabbed a quick 13-5 lead. Northwestern State used a 14-5 run to take a 19-18 lead midway through the half, but got buried by a the big spurt before halftime. Peterson started the run with a transition 3-pointer from the left wing. The Cowboys then scored five points from the line — two by Desmond Mason, and three of four by Adkins after consecutive technical fouls were called against the Northwestern State bench. The Demons used an 11-2 run in the first four minutes of the second half to cut into the lead, and twice the Demons got within seven, the final time 67-60 with 7:37 remaining. But they made only two field goals the rest of the way. ‘I think it’s really hard when you’re up by 20 to maintain the same intensity against a team like that and to go out and play hard and beat them by 60 or 70 points,’’ Peterson said. ‘‘We’re not a really deep team right now, so it’s kind of hard to do.’’ The Cowboys were scheduled to leave today for Hawaii, where they will play Marquette in a four-team tournament that includes Hawaii and Nicholls State. Mid-High Girls Red and Blue Basketball8th Grade Girls Red 51, Broken Arrow Sequoia 4 BROKEN ARROW — Pre-game jitters didn’t hang around long for the Mid-High 8th grade girls’ red team, Monday, as they bombed Broken Arrow Sequoia 51-4 in the first round of the Broken Arrow Tournament. Up by 28-1 at half, the Poncans went on to win the second half, 23-3. All but two on the Lady Cougars’ roster scored. They also had 20 steals, 12 assists, 19 rebounds and committed just seven turnovers. Ann Ziegenhain led the way for the Poncans with 17 points, followed by Kristina Huddleson and Jennifer Stone with 6 each, Lauren Cartlidge and Christin Nicks with 5, while five players had two each — Pam Snow, Kelle Waddell, Darci Hamrick, Ashley Hendrickson and Lisa Robinson. Despite the single digit scoring by their foes, Lady Cougar coach Tracy Scott said it wasn’t just poor shooting. “We had great defense,” she said. “I was proud of them. They were so nervous before the game. “Jennifer Kiser and Ebony Phillips didn’t score, but they both played great defense.” The Reds continue in the Broken Arrow Tournament tonight. 8th Grade Girls’ Blue 42, Childers 14 Like their compatriots, the Reds, “Scoring for All” was the theme of the Blues’ team in the Broken Arrow Tournament, as they had nine players post points in 42-14 win over Childers, Monday. After soaring to a 12-3 first quarter lead, the Lady Cougars held their foes to single digit scoring in each of the next three quarters, including a scoreless third. Jamie Prado and Kelli Wedd paced the Lady Cougars with 10 each, followed by Melissa Fore with 7, Laura Sprehe with 4, Chelsea Hill with 3, while Morgan Meister, Jerri Garza, Brittany Cook and Sarah Adams each had 2. “We played good defense, and got all the girls in,” said coach Calvin English. “That’s the most important thing. We missed some layups, but that will come around — we played pretty good considering we’ve only had a week of practice.” The Blues continue in the Broken Arrow Tournament today.
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