LOCAL

EgyptAir Crash Data Recorder Recovered From Ocean Depths
Nearly News
Budget Status Indicates More Revenues Than Expenditures
PDGC To Protect Pension Benefits Of 3,400 in TAV Plan

EgyptAir Crash Data Recorder Recovered From Ocean Depths

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — EgyptAir crash investigators recovered a damaged flight data recorder from the depths of the Atlantic early today, hoping it would yield clues to what caused the jetliner to plunge into the ocean, killing 217 people nine days ago.

The recorder, one of two so-called ‘‘black boxes’’ on the Boeing 767, was damaged at one end, said Jim Hall, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. It was not immediately clear how that would affect the data stored in it, he said.

The search for the other box, the cockpit voice recorder, continued.

‘‘I congratulate all that are involved in the search,’’ Hall said. ‘‘I am extremely proud of the U.S. Navy.’’

The data recorder was located at 5 a.m. and brought aboard the USS Grapple about 40 minutes later. It was transferred to the USS Austin, and was flown by helicopter to Washington for analysis by NTSB scientists.

After its recovery, the recorder was submerged in water inside a cooler to protect the salt-soaked tape from being damaged when it hits air.

Two signals from the recorders were picked up late last week. The remote-controlled Deep Drone was digging over the area where one of the pings was coming from but couldn’t find the orange-encased recorder. Because the signal device had separated from the box, technicians on the Grapple using a video monitor just happened to spot the recorder near the digging area, Hall said.

Searchers were digging over what was believed to be the signal from the other recorder, but they were uncertain whether that recorder also became detached, investigators said.

The data recorder contains numerous readings of instruments on the plane. Investigators were hopeful that it continued to operate as the aircraft plummeted and that it was not too damaged to reveal what brought the plane down.

The around-the-clock mission to recover the recorders had relied on two gigantic underwater robots — Deep Drone and Magnum. The tougher and nimbler Magnum was brought in Monday afternoon to replace Deep Drone, which had failed in 13 previous hours on the ocean floor. But a cable on the Magnum was damaged by the sharp edges of broken wreckage overnight, and Deep Drone was brought back into the search, Hall said.

Investigators said it was too dangerous to send divers for the black boxes because the divers’ air hoses could get severed or tangled in the wreckage.

The black boxes were buried amid wreckage and silt some 270 feet beneath the ocean surface. Investigators say that whenever a piece of wreckage is moved, sediment gets stirred up, reducing visibility.

The plane took off Oct. 31 from New York’s Kennedy Airport for Cairo before it plunged 33,000 feet into the Atlantic, about 60 miles south of Nantucket Island.

Nearly News

The “Webster’s New World Dictionary” is a wondrous thing and should be used more often! Imagine our embarrassment upon being informed that a centurion is defined a “the commanding officer of an ancient Roman century,” not a person who has achieved the age of 100 or more. The News offers its apology to Elizabeth Fredricks, a true centenarian.

NN has taken note that Thursday is Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and also the date for the American Legion Post and Auxiliary to celebrate the birthday of the Auxiliary. The occasion will be a Family Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion Hut. NN wishes the Auxiliary members a “happy birthday.” Following dinner, the Legion and the Auxiliary will have separate meetings.

Budget Status Indicates More Revenues Than Expenditures

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

A budget status report by Financial Director Marc LaBossiere during the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday noted some good results at the end of the first quarter.

LaBossiere said that the budget report is on file at the Ponca City Library, and copies of it could be obtained.

He pointed out that the figures “were very encouraging in the first quarter ended Sept. 30, 1999 of the fiscal year.”

Of real interest to the commissioners were the figures from the general fund, hotel/motel tax, water fund and light fund, that all showed better revenue than expenditures.

The general fund showed a $98,343 revenue over expenditure figure, $347,377 revenue over expenditure figure for the water fund and $764,725 revenue over expenditure figure for the light fund.

LaBossiere also said that the Marland Estate fund reflected a minus $12,251, but that was “close to budget expectations.”

Commissioners were also impressed with a video display and information received from Keith Franklin of LANDPLAN Consultants Incorporated of Tulsa concerning a final review of the city’s Trails Master Plan.

The plan identifies 41 corridors throughout the city that should be developed in the next 15 years, according to Franklin. It responds to specific needs that were defined by residents through a series of public workshops.

Recommendations of the implementation of a 40 mile network of off-road multi-purpose trails throughout the city was explained. He said building of the system will take many years, and that near-term phase projects could begin as early as calendar year 1999 but last through the next five years. Also, the mid-term phase would be a 5-10 year project, with long-term phases being a 10-15 year project.

They would be utilized as a 23 mile system of on-road “linkages” throughout the city, envisioning that 17 miles of the 23 mile system would be in the near-term phase and the remaining six miles in the mid-term phase.

In relation to the review, commissioners approved the mayor to sign a letter of intent to fund the city’s portion of the development, not to exceed 20 percent of it, or $80,000 of a $400,000 grant from fiscal year 2001.

Also during the meeting, commissioners approved installation of flashing school speed limit signs to replace the existing school speed limit signs on Bradley Avenue at Fairview Avenue. Mike Lane, traffic department director said the traffic commission was unanimous in its recommendation to have the signs installed.

The commission approved a re-codification proposal by Sterling Codifiers that would re-codify the city code of ordinances and charter under the Oklahoma Municipal League.

Also, the commission approved a rezoning proposal on a tract of land located along West South Avenue extension from C-1 local commercial district to C-2. It will allow the requesting party, Forrest Mertz, to sell heavy equipment in that area, located at 2320 West South Avenue.

Meeting as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority, commissioners approved the awarding of a bid for a 20 MVA ABB Transformer for the Pecan Park Substation, to Diversified Electric of Tulsa amounting to $268,800.

Also, on the consent agenda of PCUA, commissioners approved, following questions on a couple of the items:

•Payment to Sober Brothers Inc. for work performed on the Turkey Creek sanitation sewer project in the amount of $113,859.90. Public Works Director Ken Parr noted the project should be completed late this week.

•Authorization for a change order with Dondlinger and Sons Construction Company for the wastewater treatment plant improvements amounting to $56,131.

•Allow the write off accounts with delinquent balances and transfer uncollectible to a collection agency.

•Received an Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality permit for the construction of residual dewatering improvements at the Ponca City water treatment plant.

During the regular commission meeting, the board approved the consent agenda that will allow Tuxall Uniform Company of Oklahoma City to provide uniforms for the Ponca City Police Department.

Also, the commissioners approved a deduction of $4,664.13 in the final payment amount of $20,480.96 to Chitwood Construction for work completed on street, alley and water line improvement projects at Gibson Place and Little lane.

PDGC To Protect Pension Benefits Of 3,400 in TAV Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) today announced it will take over four underfunded pension plans covering workers for meat processor Thorn Apple Valley, Inc. (TAV), Southfield, Mich.

“PBGC is acting because the pensions are underfunded and the company is liquidating,” said PBGC Executive Director David M. Strauss. “As a result of PBGC’s action, the retirement benefits of almost 3,400 Thorn Apple Valley workers are protected, and those workers already retired will continue to receive their pension checks without interruption.”

The pension plans have assets of about $14 million to cover benefit liabilities totaling more than $25 million. The four pension plans are: TAV Local 26 Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan; TAV Grand Rapids Division Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan; TAV Carolina Hourly Employees' Pension Plan, and TAV Smoked Meats Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan.

Virtually all workers and retirees will receive the same benefits they are now receiving or would be entitled to receive under the plans, which will be terminated effective August 26, 1999, the date TAV ceased operations.

The maximum pension guaranteed for workers in plans that terminate in 1999 is $3,051.14 a month (or $36,613.68 a year) for persons retiring at age 65 or later. The guarantee is lower for those who retire early or have survivor’s benefits.

IBP, Inc., Dakota Dunes, S.D., purchased substantially all TAV operating assets including plants in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Mich.; Ponca City, Okla.; Forrest City, Ark.; and Holly Ridge, N.C.; and TAV brand names Corn King, Colonial, Wilson Certified, Cavanaugh Lake View Farms and Thorn Apple Valley.

PBGC is a federal corporation created under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to guarantee payment of basic pension benefits earned by some 42 million American workers and retirees participating in more than 44,000 private-sector defined benefit pension plans. The agency receives no funds from general tax revenues. Operations are financed largely by insurance premiums paid by companies that sponsor pension plans and investment returns.

Workers and retirees do not need to take any action. Anyone with questions about benefits or wishing to retire may contact PBGC’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-400-7242. For TTY/TDD users, call the federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-8778339 and ask to be connected to 800-400-7252.

DEATHS

Lisa Kay Briggs-Long
Evelyn Margaret Wininger
Cletus C. Kitchel
Clem Neale Vann Jr.

Lisa Kay Briggs-Long

OSCEOLA, Iowa — Lisa Kay Briggs-Long, former resident of Shidler and Fairfax, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. She was 36.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 1999, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola, Iowa, with the Rev. Leslie Wooten officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Samuelson Funeral Home in Osceola.

Lisa Kay Briggs-Long was born July 9, 1963, in Fairfax, the daughter of Roy J. and Kathryn Bradford Briggs. She graduated from Shidler High School. On March 17, 1990, she married Michael Long in Princeton, Mo. She was a homemaker.

She is survived by her husband of the home; five sons, Nathan Drapalla of Fairview, Zachary Hughes, Randy Hughes, William Long and Cody Long, all of Osceola, Iowa; one brother, Curtis Briggs of Fairview; one sister, Cena Nault of Hobbs, N.M.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Rebecca Briggs; and a brother, Reid Briggs.

Evelyn Margaret Wininger

BLACKWELL — Evelyn Margaret Wininger, former resident of Blackwell, died Saturday morning, Nov. 6, 1999, in the Sequoyah Pointe Living Center in Owasso. She was 92.

The funeral will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 1999, in the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rick Longcrier, First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Evelyn Margaret Wininger was born Aug. 25, 1907, north of Blackwell in Indian Territory, the daughter of Tennessee and Edna Pearl (McGuckin) Carriger. She grew up in Tonkawa and attended University Preparatory School, graduating in 1925. She married Gene Wininger in the fall of 1925 in Tonkawa, and they settled in Amarillo, Texas. For the next several years, they lived in various cities where his job took them. In 1939, they moved to a farm near Wagoner. While living in Wagoner, she worked as a secretary for the Farm Bureau Insurance Agency. Her husband preceded her in death on April 15, 1956. In 1961, she moved into Wagoner to make her home, living there until she moved to Owasso where she lived at the time of her death. She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Wagoner, where she served the youth as a cook each year at Fall Creek.

She is survived by a sister, Wanda Skelton of Blackwell, and a brother, Floyd Carriger, also of Blackwell. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and five brothers, Harold, Melvin, Albert, Claud and Orville Carriger.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Immanuel Baptist Church in Wagoner, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Obituaries

Cletus C. Kitchel

Cletus C. Kitchel, longtime Ponca City area resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior in Heaven at her daughter’s home in Oklahoma City on Sunday morning, Nov. 7, 1999. She was 95.

The funeral was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999, at the First Church of God with the Rev. Lynden Howard officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born in Milburn, Okla., on July 8, 1904, the daughter of William Newton and Emma Sue (Rhey) Porter. She was a graduate of the Fillmore High School and Central State Normal School in Edmond. She and her family moved to Ponca City in 1932.

In 1948 she was married to Arthur M. Kitchel in Ponca City, and the couple made their home here. Mrs. Kitchel was an elementary school teacher in the Ponca City and Newkirk public schools for 43 years.

She was a member of the First Church of God for 67 years, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and organist. She was a member of the Kay County Retired Teachers Association, the American Association of University Women, Iris Garden Club, Garden Council and the AARP. Since her retirement, she has been able to travel and enjoy gardening, ceramics, and singing in the Kay County Association Choir.

Surviving are one daughter, Geraldine and Mario Melton of Oklahoma City; two grandchildren, Janice Pound and her husband Gary, and Glen Melton; two great-grandchildren, Valerie and Andy Melton; three nieces and their husbands, Emma and Lloyd Simpkins, Barbara and Dan Woolsey, and Charlotte and Ken Casey; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Iva and Holie Fite and Quinna and Raymond Anderson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God, 1101 West Grand, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Clem Neale Vann Jr.

SHIDLER — Clem Neale Vann Jr., longtime Shidler area resident, died early Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, at his home. He was 71

A graveside service will be held Wednesday 2 p.m., Nov. 10, 1999, at Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City with the Rev. Ruth Tipps, pastor of Shidler United Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Friends may visit the Shidler chapel until noon Wednesday.

Born Dec. 9, 1927, in Webb City, he was the son of Clem Neely and Vaude (Johnson) Vann. He received his education in the Webb City and Shidler schools and graduated from Shidler High School. He then attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, receiving his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics.

On Oct. 15, 1966, he married Barbara Swan in Pawhuska, and the couple made their home in Shidler where he farmed and ranched. He was employed by Pawnee Livestock Auction for 17 years. In 1984, he worked for Farmers Home Administration, retiring in 1994. He was also a licensed real estate appraiser.

Neale was a member of the Shidler United Methodist Church, and, while in college, he was a member of the first collegiate rodeo team and a member of the ROTC rifle team.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; one son, Trey Vann and his wife Marie of Antioch, Calif.; one daughter, Lori Vann of Shidler; two sisters, Dorothy Vann Rhoten of Claremore; Connie Vann Jackson of Oklahoma City; one brother, Wesley Vann of Blackwell; and one very special granddaughter, Breanna Vann; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joe Vann.

Casket bearers will be Bill Elliot, Charlie Elliot, Dick Barrett, Larry Kilgore, Harry Braden, and Leo Roberts.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4323 NW 63rd, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73116; Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601; or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends will be gathering at the Vann home in Shidler after the services.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Fairfax Man Joins U.S. Army — Joseph S. McKinney has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program at the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Stillwater. The enlistment gives the new soldier the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education. After completion of basic military training, soldiers receive advanced individual training in their career specialty. The recruit, a 1995 graduate of Woodland High School in Fairfax, will report to Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., for basic training on Nov. 10, 1999. He is the son of Sharon F. McKinney of Rural Route 2, Fairfax, and brother of Stacy Kirk of Chandler.

Book Your holiday, wedding, bachelor, etc. parties with the Hide out 580-362-9905 or 762-0835. adv.

Local Airman Serving in Kuwait — Air Force Senior Airman Misty D. Willaford has deployed to Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, as a member of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Group (Provisional) in support of Operation Southern Watch. She will be participating in Operation Southern Watch as part of a coalition force which conducts numerous flying missions to ensure Iraq complies with the United Nations Security Council resolutions which call for U.N. inspections. The forces assist in monitoring the no-fly and no-drive zones to prohibit Iraqi military flights and ground troop movements in the southern half of Iraq. Willaford is an information management journeyman normally assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron at Luke AFB in Phoenix, Ariz. She is the daughter of Roberta E. Goddard of 118 Howard, and Garth R. Willaford of 9275 E. Coleman Road, both of Ponca City. The senior airman is a 1996 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that

offers both mid week and weekend DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled Friday, November 12th, and Saturday, November 13th, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv.

Overhang Damaged — The Communications Center received a 911 call from an employee at McDonalds, 2124 North Fourteenth Street at 8:32 p.m. Monday that a vehicle had damaged the overhang on the drive through. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — An employee at K-mart, 2608 North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:06 a.m. Monday that a minor two-vehicle accident had occurred in the parking lot. The information was logged.

Items Missing — A man with the Ponca City News, 300 North Third Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:20 p.m. Monday that some items had been taken out of a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A woman from the 800 block of North Oak Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10 p.m. Monday that someone had broken into the camper. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Bogus Checks — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from Wal-Mart at 9:04 a.m. Monday that several reports were taken concerning bogus checks.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Palm Street at 9:56 a.m. Monday that a 38-year-old man was being held on two failure to appear warrants and two Kay County warrants.

Assault — A woman from the 1700 block of Clarke Street requested assistance from an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 10:26 a.m. Monday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on an assault and battery.

Every Wednesday price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials.

Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department with a 16-year-old daughter at 6:26 p.m. Monday to report that she had got into a pickup with an unknown male who wouldn’t let her out and assaulted her. An officer was assigned and a report on abduction was taken. Information logged was that the incident occurred at lunch time, north of Hartford Avenue and west of Union Street, and that the vehicle was a single cab white pickup driven by a man in his late 20s.

Collision — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 11:33 a.m. Monday that he had just had an accident with his unit. Another officer was advised and a report was taken.

Come By and see selection of Sandi Gore Evans Snowmen! Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca

City. adv.

Shoplifter — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:26 p.m. Monday that a woman shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 19-yer-old woman was held for grand larceny.

Credit Card Fraud — A man from Bentley’s, 814 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:51 p.m. Monday that he had been the victim of credit card fraud. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Windshield Broken — A woman from the 900 block of West Oklahoma Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:02 p.m. Monday that a windshield had been broken. An officer was assigned, a report was taken, and an extra patrol of the area was requested.

Vehicle Vandalized — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 4:03 p.m. Monday to report that her vehicle had been vandalized while at Pioneer Technology Center. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Item Stolen — A man from the 900 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:33 p.m. Monday that stereo equipment had been stolen out of his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Vehicle Hit — A woman at Westminster Village reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:54 p.m. Monday that her vehicle had been hit while in the parking lot on Sunday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 10:05 p.m. Monday that a 39-year-old woman was being held for petit larceny.

Need Assistance? — If you have something for sale, or an event that is going to happen soon, an item in the News Briefs column may help you. Just call the Ponca City News at 765-3311 for information about the News Briefs.

LIFESTYLES

The Neighborhood Chef
Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Group Announces Plans
Several Events Are Scheduled For Newkirk
All Americans Over Age of 50 Need Flu Shots

The Neighborhood Chef

By Sherry Muchmore

A favorite dessert around our house has been good, old apple crisp. I’ve got to admit, it usually gets made when I discover too many apples in the crisper, not looking as chipper as they did when purchased. Not being one to waste food, I recycle these less than perfect apples for a more than perfect dessert.

Apple Crisp

6 - 8 apples, cored & sliced

(peel if preferred)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Toss the apples and lemon juice together and layer in a 9 x 9 inch baking dish. Set aside and prepare topping.

3/4 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup butter - softened

1/2 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine the above ingredients and crumble evenly over apples. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Note: Just remember, apples that are not baking apples will probably get mushy as they bake. As an apple ages, it will break down, lose texture. So if you want this dessert full of firm apple slices, use fresh baking apples such as Granny Smith, Jonathan or Rome.

Another favorite recycled food with my family is the banana. Another one of those basic fruits most of us keep around, and at least in this household, over stays its welcome. Sometimes overnight it turns on us, changes it look. What to do? Which leaves me with two outstanding choices; Banana Nut Bread or a Banana Cake that will break any diet. Mom made this when I was growing up, I make it for mine and my daughter bakes it for her family.

Banana Cake

In a mixing bowl, cream the following:

1 2/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup vegetable shortening

Add and mix thoroughly after each addition:

2 eggs (slightly beaten)

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup buttermilk

1 1/4 cups very ripe bananas

(mashed)(approx. 2 medium

bananas)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pour batter into a greased 13 x 9 inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and make icing.

Icing:

1 Ripe medium banana (mashed)

1 pound box powdered sugar

(4 cups)

1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)

(softened)

Beat the banana, powdered sugar and butter together in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Spread over cooled cake.

The crop of pears have been so good this year; the trees were loaded. Mom’s been trying to find different ways to prepare them, from homemade Pear Butter, to the sweet flavor of Pear Preserves, the juicy, nutty taste of fresh sliced pears, to poached pears over ice cream, to rich baked pastries such as this coffee cake recipe mother sent along with her excellent pear preserves. It is great served for breakfast, brunch or as an evening pleaser. I like using a springform pan, it comes out of the pan cleanly with a pretty layered look, crunchy top, has an extremely moist texture with a nutty-fresh flavor derived from the walnut/pear combination. This has become a fall favorite our family will make for years to come. Garnish with fresh flowers and/or herbs.

Fresh Pear Coffee Cake

Gayle Fausett

Oklahoma City, OK

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease either a 9x9 inch square pan or a nine-inch springform pan.

Topping and nut filling:

1 cup broken walnuts

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Combine nuts, brown sugar and cinnamon. For topping, cut the butter into flour to make coarse crumbs. Stir in 3/4 cup of the nut mixture. Set nut mixture and topping aside.

2 medium pears, peeled, cored

and sliced (about 2 cups)

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Toss sliced pears with the lemon juice and set aside.

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

1 8-oz. carton dairy sour cream

(about 1 cup)

In a medium bowl combine dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda & salt. Set aside. In a large mixer bowl beat butter for 30 seconds. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add flour mixture and sour cream, alternating between the two. Beat on low speed after each addition until all is incorporated.

Spread 2/3 of the batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nut mixture. Layer pears over the top. (Tip: don’t layer completely to center. Sometimes makes the baked cake soggy) Gently spread remaining batter over pears. Finally, evenly sprinkle with topping mixture. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a rack. Remove the side of springform pan and allow to cool 1 hour longer. Serve warm. Serves 12 (Mom found this recipe in BH&G Hometown Cooking)

Tip: Try serving warm with whipped cream - mix a little raspberry sauce, fresh or extract, or mix in a couple spoonfuls of raspberry yogurt. Raspberry blends well with the fresh nutty flavor of the pears. And, of course, ice cream is always good as an accompaniment when used as an evening dessert.

Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.)

Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Group Announces Plans

The Kay County Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Club met Nov. 2 at the home of Arleen Jacobson. The group gathered for a social time and baked potato dinner preceding the meeting.

Marilyn Leming, president, called the meeting to order and announced that the Theta house at Oklahoma State University has 52 pledges. Two of these girls are from Kay County — Jessica Wiersig of Newkirk and Cassie Ellenwood of Ponca City. Also, the Kappa Alpha Theta Chapter at Oklahoma State University was awarded the Founders’ Award at Grand Convention in Dallas, Texas, this summer. This award is presented to the number one college chapter in the nation.

Elizabeth Nickles announced the home tour locations for this year and what businesses would be assisting with the decorations. The annual event will take place on Dec. 5.

Plans are underway for the Founders’ Day Celebration on Jan. 8. Lynda Clark will host the event at her home. Also planned is a dessert to be held with the Alpha Chi Alumnae Club on March 7.

Several Events Are Scheduled For Newkirk

NEWKIRK — Twenty people attended the Oct. 29 Breakfast on Main Street at Smith Country. The November calendar of events was reviewed. It includes the Rotary Chili dinner Nov. 7, Women’s League auction Nov. 9, “Joyous Occasions” Nov. 20-21, Junior Class Turkey dinner Nov. 21. The next breakfast meeting will be held Nov. 19, and everyone is welcome to attend.

The group watched the marketing videotape prepared by Cordell, Okla. One very striking feature about Cordell is the cleanliness of their streets and sidewalks. Tom Smith, Walter Shafer and Mary Austin attended the Jon Schallert retail seminar in Ponca City, and cleanliness of the downtown area was one of the areas that Schallert emphasized during his session.

Announcement was made that the design committee and promotion committee have held their monthly meetings, and both groups reviewed their work plans for up-coming events.

The Promotion committee is working on the Children’s Christmas Shop, which is scheduled for Dec. 11, and the Main Street Money Giveaway which will be Dec. 18.

All merchants and businesses downtown are encouraged to leave their fall decorations in place until after Thanksgiving. Christmas decorations should be in place by the Christmas parade on Dec. 4. The promotion committee will have the snowmen in place by that time.

The design committee is working on their “Joyous Occasions” Table Settings and Quilt Show. This year it will be held on the upper floor of the Masonic building. Cosponsors for the event are Albright Abstract and Oklahoma Natural Gas.

Program manager Karen Dye will be attending a two-day training in Sapulpa Nov. 3-4. Some of the topics at the training include Housing in a Business District, Working with Universities and other educational groups, Retail Promotions that Work, and Business Retention and Expansion.

All Americans Over Age of 50 Need Flu Shots

Before the days of modern medicine, people relied on folk remedies according to Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas,. To ward off the flu, for example, you might have to wear a sock full of onions or eat a spoonful of ground hot chilies with a piece of tortilla. Today, fortunately, we can simply get a flu shot.

This year, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all Americans aged 50 and older get a flu vaccine every fall. Previously, that recommendation was aimed at people over age 65 and at individuals with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular or lung disease, diabetes or AIDS. Typically, these people were considered to be at high risk for complications associated with flu. The new policy takes into consideration that many high-risk individuals fall into the younger age category.

No matter your age, it pays to be proactive about your health. No one wants to be sidelined with a fever, muscle aches and pains, dry cough, runny nose, stuffed nose/congestion, headache and fatigue. And, no one wants to be responsible for passing it along to co-workers, family and friends.

Remember, it takes time for your body to build up an immunity, so be sure to get your flu shot soon. As an extra precaution, you might want to avoid crowds during flu season, regularly clean telephone headsets, wash your hands frequently, and pass on foods that people tend to share such as snacks or desserts.

As with most things in life, there are exceptions. Do not get the flu vaccine if you are allergic to eggs (they’re used to make the vaccine) or have a fever caused by another illness.

BUSINESS

Highway Projects Update Includes U.S. 177 To Turnpike
Local Business Helps Educate With Home Safety Tips
Local Waterpark Featured
Foster Johnson Becomes Member of Prudential Staff
Roads Underfunded Throughout Oklahoma
ULC Will Host State Broadcast On Development
Pipe Liners Meet
Red Carpet Meeting
Breakfast of Champs Set Friday at Furr’s

Highway Projects Update Includes U.S. 177 To Turnpike

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

A cross-section of citizens from across Kay and Grant Counties gathered here Friday to get an update at the Transportation Summit featuring Secretary of Transportation Neal McCaleb. Accompanying McCaleb were David Kline, District Engineer, and Tom Love, Transportation Commissioner for the region.

One project of particular concern to the Ponca City area is the unfinished portion of U.S. 177 south towards the Cimarron Turnpike.

Kline told that the finished project will be about three years in the process and at an estimated cost of about $8 million. The first stretch was to be let for bid last week, but the bid was rejected and will be let again. Other portions are to be let for bid within the next three years.

During the summit Craig Myers, Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman, assisted by Lisa Coy, Chamber Vice President, presented a “high tech” power point presentation. The presentation using the theme “Let’s Continue the Partnership,” expressed appreciation to ODOT for partnering projects.

Some of the points made by the presentation on road improvement in the area included agreeing with the efforts of the City of Newkirk to improve U.S. 77 north of Newkirk to the Kansas border and that this improvement to four lane would make a logical connection with the existing section of four lane south of Newkirk.

The presentation pointed out that from Newkirk south to the intersection of Oklahoma 11, U.S. 77 is in need of repair and resurfacing in order to maintain the integrity of the roadbed.

Other suggested projects were the repair and resurfacing of U.S. 77 (Fourteenth Street) within the city limits of Ponca City to South Avenue; construction of a new four lane section on U.S. 77 from South Avenue to the intersection of U.S. 60; four lane the approximate four miles of U.S. 177 from its present terminus south of Ponca City to the Noble County line and upgrade to four lanes the section of 177 from the Noble County line to the Cimarron Turnpike.

The power point program expressed appreciation to ODOT partnership for the Union Street project. ODOT put in $1,197,600 and local funds contributed $507,500; ODOT did the recent surfacing of Grand Avenue at a cost of $287,500; of the $2,042,000 cost of the Fifth Street project, ODOT put in $848,000 and the city contributed $1,194,000.

Total projects cost $4,034,600. ODOT funded 57.8 percent and the City of Ponca City furnished 42.2 percent The citizens have approved a half-cent sales tax, which contributes to the betterment of the streets.

Other local project needs include completion of the four lane on Waverly Street from South Avenue to Sykes Boulevard resurfacing a two-mile section of U.S. 60 from U.S. 177 west to Waverly and completion of the Thorn Apple Valley Drive connection to Sykes Boulevard.

Local Business Helps Educate With Home Safety Tips

Ponca City residents are now more aware of “risk watchers” thanks to the Ponca City Lowe’s Heroes team. The Heroes team, consisting of Lowe’s employees and representatives from nonprofit groups and government agencies, organized a fun and educational “Risk Watch” Carnival to educate families about home safety and disaster preparedness.

They were named regional winner in the Lowe’s Heroes program and awarded $2,000 to donate to the Ponca City Fire Prevention Advisory Council.

Forty-five Lowe’s employee volunteers and numerous fire and safety professionals helped explain safety techniques at “safety booths” throughout the carnival. More than 1,500 area residents attended the event, carrying away pamphlets and brochures about home safety and how to prepare for natural disasters.

“It is wonderful to see how our program impacts the families in our community. We are proud to be a 1999 Lowe’s Heroes regional winner,” said Todd McCombs, team captain of the Ponca City Lowe’s Heroes team. “Home safety and disaster preparedness are important for people of any age, and our Heroes made learning about these serious matters educational and fun.”

This program is just one example of the Lowe’s Heroes projects implemented this year at more than 350 Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse stores across the country.

The Lowe’s Heroes program was created in 1996 by Lowe’s Home Safety Council (LHSC), a non-profit organization founded by Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, with a vision of safer American homes. The Lowe’s Heroes teams focus on five areas: fire safety, disaster preparedness, child safety, home security and senior safety. To date., the Lowe’s Heroes program has awarded more than $1.5 million for community outreach efforts.

“Programs such as Lowe’s Heroes are a great way of improving safety and quality of living in the community,” said David Oliver, director of community relations, Lowe’s Companies Inc. “Lowe’s Heroes continues to demonstrate Lowe’s commitment to creating safer American homes and neighborhoods.”

Lowe’s Home Safety Council was established in 1993. Members of LHSC include national safety-related organizations, manufacturers and notable individuals who have the desire and ability to contribute to this effort. Its founder, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., is the second largest home improvement retailer in the world, serving more than four million do-it-yourselfer retail and commercial business customers through 546 stores in 37 states.

Headquartered in Wilkesboro, N.C., Lowe’s is the 20th largest retailer in the U.S. as well as the 40th largest retailer worldwide.

Local Waterpark Featured

Ponca City’s Sun n’ Fun Water Park is keeping pretty good company these days. The park, owned by Betty and Bill Rutz is featured on the cover of “Splash,” World Waterpark Association’s October/November magazine.

Sun n’ Fun is the only rural town recreation park to be pictured on the cover, as well as, featured with a nice spread inside.

Other parks featured are Wild Island, Reno, Nev., Six Flags, St. Louis, Mo., Water Country, Portsmouth, N.H. and Raging Rivers, Grafton, Ill.

The couple began the park in 1979 and have added attractions each year. They’ve attended conventions and shows promoting both Sun n’ Fun and tourism in general in the area. Both Bill and Betty have served on the Ponca City Tourism Authority and are active in the Kaw Lake Association.

The waterpark is on Lake Road near the Kaw Lake Overlook.

Foster Johnson Becomes Member of Prudential Staff

Prudential Securities Inc., announced that Foster Johnson is now working out of its Ponca City office as a financial advisor.

The Ponca City office is a satellite of the Tulsa Branch of Prudential Securities.

Johnson recently completed Phase III of Prudential’s rigorous two-year training program with a three-week session at the firm’s West Coast Training Center in San Diego. Johnson is registered to provide service in a number of areas including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, CDs, IRAs and 401(K) as well as other retirement plans.

Before joining Prudential, Johnson served for 17 years as managing editor of The Ponca City News. Prior to that he was sports editor of daily newspapers in Plainview, Texas, and Fort Smith, Ark., and news/managing editor in Weatherford, Okla., totaling 31 years as a journalist. He has a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Weatherford.

He and his wife, Charlanne, are longtime residents of Ponca City. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.

Johnson is associated in the Ponca City office with Larry Bittman, vice president investments, a longtime Prudential representative.

Prudential Securities Incorporated is a fully diversified, global securities firm based in New York City, serving clients in the U.S. and overseas through approximately 6,500 Financial Advisors. The fifth-largest brokerage firm in the U.S. Prudential Securities is a subsidiary of the Prudential Insurance Company of America.

The Prudential Securities Ponca City office, located at 421 East Grand Avenue, is a satellite of the Tulsa branch, a full service branch offering a complete range of investment products and services located at 2431 East Sixty-first Street in Tulsa.

Roads Underfunded Throughout Oklahoma

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Secretary of Transportation Neal Caleb brought the plight of the finances of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to the Transportation Summit held here Friday.

McCaleb told that of $999,716,513 motor fuel taxes and motor vehicle collections for fiscal year 1999, that the State transportation fund received 19 percent. The county highways and bridges received 19.1 percent, the Turnpike Authority Trust Fund 3.3 percent, cities and towns, 2.3 three percent, Indian tribes, 1.8 percent, other non-highway uses, 24.8 percent and the general revenue fund 29.2 percent.

McCaleb encouraged the audience to contact their Legislators about the underfunding of roads. There were no state representatives or senators in attendance.

Tom Love, Transportation Commissioner for north central Oklahoma, which includes eight other counties in addition to Kay, said that roads are “critically and chronically underfund for this state.”

He noted that a needs survey in Grant County shows that $8.5 million is needed there for the next three years and Kay County’s need amounted to about $5.5 million.

Jan Jarrett was master of ceremonies and welcomed mayors, city commissioners, Grant and Noble County Commissioners and others.

Questions came from Ponca City, Braman, Newkirk, Blackwell and from the county commissioners.

ULC Will Host State Broadcast On Development

On Friday at 7 a.m., at the University Learning Center at the Conoco Complex there will be a statewide Economic Development Day Broadcast sponsored by the Center.

All area Chamber of Commerces, ULC Advisory Board, legislators and state regents have been invited.

The broadcast will be received in both ITV Studios at the ULC on the Conoco Complex. The public is encouraged to attend and should enter Gate F at Conoco and inform the attendant where they want to go.

Featured speakers at the broadcast will be Gov. Frank Keating, Chancellor Hans Brisch and Oklahoma business and industry leaders.

Topics to be covered will include: Quality Workforce, Specialized Training Higher Education’s role in Business Development, Economic Development Grants and Technology Transfer.

Notes/Quotes

Pipe Liners Meet

The Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa meeting is slated for Monday. The speaker will be Travis Mecham, Regional Manager of Rooney Engineering, Inc., Tulsa, and Lead Design Engineer for the Pacific Pipeline Project.

Mecham will discuss the construction of the Pacific Pipeline Project which is a 20-inch, 130-mile pipeline bringing outer Continental Shelf (OCS) crude oil from California’s Santa Barbara Coast to Los Angeles Basin refiners.

The social hour begins at 5:15 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:15. Cocktails will be served in the Garden Room on the Sixteenth floor, and dinner will be served on the Fifteenth floor of the Petroleum Club of Tulsa, 601 South Boulder.

Red Carpet Meeting

Oklahoma’s Red Carpet Country Association’s annual membership meeting is set for Nov. 16. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the First American Bank and Trust, Community Room, 101 Broadway, at Taloga. Those planning to attend should call the Red Carpet Country office at (800) 447-2798. The Board of Directors meeting will follow the annual meeting.

Breakfast of Champs Set Friday at Furr’s

There is still time to register for the “Breakfast of Champions” set for Friday, according to Lisa Coy of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be at Furr’s Family Dining, 2513 North Fourteenth. The “Give Ponca The Business” Committee will host its fourth quarter “Breakfast of Champions.” Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m. Admission is $5 per person and includes a Breakfast Bar with juice and coffee. The program will start at 7:30 a.m.

The speaker for the Breakfast will be Sgt. Dale Henshaw of the Ponca City Police Department. Henshaw’s topic will focus on ways to protect businesses and employees from theft or harm during the holiday season.

This Breakfast is an opportunity for employers and employees to attend and hear some “Tips” that they can walk away from breakfast with and use that day, Coy said.

Attendance is limited. Call 765-4400 reservations.

SPORTS

OSU Ranking Matches Here
Simmons Focused Despite Criticism
Mavericks Pass First Test

OSU Ranking Matches Here

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State wrestling will hold its annual Orange and Black ranking matches Thursday at Ponca City High School’s Robson Fieldhuse, starting at 7 p.m .

Head Coach John Smiths’ Cowboys will face off against each other to determine the starting lineup for the 1999-2000 season.

Wrestling for the orange squad will be Jeff Ragan (125), John Thompson (133), Jamill Kelly (141), Jeff Ruberg 149), Shane Roller (157), Billy Gabel (165), Tony Gansen (174), Kelly Gabel (exhibition), Pat Popolizio (184), Todd Munson (197) and Justin Turner (285).

The black suad wilI consist of Matt Brown (125), Charles Walker (133), Jerrod Sanders (141), Reggie Wright 149), Casey Dalton (157), Ty Wilcox (165), Tony D’Amico (1174), Tyrone Lewis (exhibition), Daniel Cormier (184), Mark Muhoz (1197), Dave Anderton (285) and Will Gruenwald (285).

There is no admission charge for the matches.

OSU will open its season Thursday, Nov. 18, against the Missouri Tigers in Columbia, Mo, at 7 p.m.

Simmons Focused Despite Criticism

By OWEN CANFIELD

AP Sports Writer

STILLWATER (AP) — As a season that started with high expectations teeters on the brink of extreme disappointment, Oklahoma State football coach Bob Simmons is going about his business as usual.

He has heard the criticism about playing his son, Nathan, at tailback despite Nathan having a subpar year. He has heard and read the criticism as the team has lost five out of six, all of them by wide margins.

Simmons said Monday he will continue pressing forward, bolstered by a belief that he has the right plan and by a strong faith.

‘‘I think God puts a lot of tests in front of you as a man, and he’s going to see how I’m going to respond,’’ Simmons said.

‘‘I recognize the fact that you have a job to do, and when you have a team that has really not met their own expectations, they’ve not met your expectations, that there is going to be criticism that goes along with the territory.

‘‘The thing that I’ve got to do as head football coach is I have to remain focused. My vision has got to be clear, because I know how to get there.’’

The Cowboys, who expected when the year began to contend for the Big 12 South Division title and play in a bowl game, instead are 3-5 overall, 1-4 in conference play and must win their final three games to have any shot at a bowl.

The first of those three games is Saturday at home against Kansas. The Jayhawks are just 4-6, but have won two of their past three and gave Nebraska a real scare.

Oklahoma State’s only victories have come against Louisiana-Lafayette, Tulsa and Texas Tech. The Tech victory was nearly a month ago — since then, the Cowboys have lost to Kansas State, Texas A&M and Texas.

Four teams that have beaten the Cowboys are now ranked in the Associated Press Top 25. What has been frustrating for OSU followers is that the Cowboys have not been competitive against those quality opponents.

The closest margin in any of the five losses has been 13 points, last week against Texas. But the touchdown that made it that close came in the final minute of play.

Oklahoma State also has had quarterback Tony Lindsay for just 10 quarters. Lindsay got hurt in the opener, returned to play against Kansas State, missed the following game and returned again for the Texas game.

But his return hasn’t translated into victories. He helped the Cowboys take a 21-0 lead against Kansas State, but the Wildcats scored 44 straight points to win 44-21. Against Texas, Lindsay fumbled to kill one drive, fumbled later to set up a short Texas touchdown drive and had an interception returned for a TD.

‘‘Do I still think we’re a good program and a good team? Yeah, we are,’’ Simmons said. ‘‘Have we had some misfortunes that have happened to us? Yeah. That’s going to happen.

‘‘But what you’ve got to do is really try to deal with it as best as you can to try to get the answers the best way you know how, as the head football coach, and try to get this thing turned around to where people start feeling good. But in the interim, you really have to be positive, remain positive, remain focused.’’

COWBOY NOTES: Saturday’s game at Lewis Field begins at 1:30 p.m. and is not being televised. ... This will be the last home game for 28 OSU seniors, 21 of whom have been in Stillwater their whole career. ... The Cowboys have lost four in a row to Kansas at home, dating to 1988. The Jayhawks are 6-1 against OSU this decade.

Mavericks Pass First Test

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Northern Oklahoma College’s Mavericks have passed their first test of the season with flying colors, winning the Seward County (Kan.) Tournament and beating the highly regarded host team in the finals.

The Mavericks, now 3-0 on the season, continue play on the road Wednesday, traveling to Northeastern in Miami Wednesday. They are scheduled to play their first home game Saturday against Westark.

The action starts in Foster-Piper Fieldhouse Saturday with the women’s game at 2 p.m. The men will start play about 4.

NOC swept through the Seward County Tournament, opening with a 78-59 win over Lamar College of Colorado, then blasting Kansas Wesleyan, 107-44, before topping Seward County 83-66 on Saturday.

“This was a great early season win for us, beating a ranked team, said coach Mick Weiberg.

Larry Reid and Sherman Rochell once again paced the Mavericks scoring, hitting 31 and 25 points, respectively, against SCCC.

Reid had a hot hand beyond the arc, hitting on four of six 3-pointers, Rochell was a force under the basket, coming away with 10 rebounds. He was 10-of-16 from the field, hitting two-of-four treys.

Scott Prater added 8 points while Bartlesville’s Tyler Bernard had 6, Chris Arledge and Spencer Lazosky each had 4, Jeff Newby 3 and Richie Myers 2.

Against Kansas Wesleyan, the Mavericks had five players in double figures.

Reid led with 22 while Rochell had 15, Prater 14, Colt Clark 12, and Myers 10.

In their first three games of the season, the Mavericks are hitting 51.9 percent from the field, 42.4 percent from 3-point range, while holding the opposition to 38.6 percent. They also hold a 138-88 rebounding edge.

Reid, 5-11, from Midwest City, is hitting 60 percent of his 3-pointers (9-of-15). He’s shooting 55.6 percent overall.

Rochell, 6-5, from Oklahoma City, is 64 percent (27-of-42) from the field, as is Prater, Edmond, (16-of-25).

“The guys are playing together real well, right now,” Weiberg said. “And we’re getting good production off the bench. But we still have a lot of work to do.”

The Mavericks will be working on their free throw shooting, They are hitting just 50 percent (25-of-50) for the season.

“NEO is going to be another challenge and it is our fourth straight game on the road,” Weiberg said of Wednesday’s game.