From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, December
8, 1996
LOCAL
$8.75 Million Bond Issue on Line Tuesday
Have A Treat!
Nearly News
Driving Class Will Be Held In Blackwell
Madrigal Dinner At Northern Set for Sunday
Benefit Roping To Raise Funds For Fire Losses
Smith Captures Pilot's Eye View Of World War II
World War II Vet Remembers Times as Young Bomber Pilot
Industry Appreciation Day To Salute Local Workers
Frontier Parade Set for Saturday In Red Rock
Kids Inc. Plans Annual Meeting
Festival of Angels Homes Tour To Aid Pioneer Woman Museum
Tonkawa Woman Still Hospitalized After Accident
Alley Closing Requests Highlight City's Agenda
School Board To Discuss Insurance Plan
Banks Alert Police to Scam Being Worked
County Considers Six-Month Bids
Donating Cars to Charity Will Help Taxpayers, ACS
Memorial Service Being Planned For Families Who Lost Children
Park Location Called Best for New Station
Sample Ballots To Be Available Tuesay at Polls
Where To Vote
Habitat Offers Variety of Items For the Holidays
Norwegian Guesthouse Habitat's '95 Ornament
City Calendar
Letters Say:
School Menus
School Calendar
DEATHS
Ellsworth Kemble
Rudolf H. Walleen
Esther Lillian Chaffee
Lee Spurgeon
Lloyd Harold Kitterman
Jan Brown
Angeline Dupuis
Obituaries
James E. Rains
Services Pending
Betty Kygar
Ruby Rhoads
Vincent V. Turpin
Funerals
Fern B. Weber
Alice Mae Rains
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Pioneer Quilter's Guild Names Winners
Presbyterian Women Plan Holiday Event
Little News
CWF Raises Money for CDC
ABWA Plans Holiday Party
Mrs. Mathieu Marks 100th Birthday
Twentieth Century Club To Hear Program By Dr. Joe Kinzer
Naomi Class Meets
Grahams Are Being Honored
Singles Network Lists Meetings
Couple Exchanges Vows In Ceremony at Marland
Reception Honors Wrights
Tapps Observe Anniversary
SJRMC Gives Tips on Buying Toys For Gifts
Pair To Wed December 28
Mr. Anderson To Be Feted On Birthday
Tonkawa Baptist Church Setting for November Vows
Kristy Austin Becomes Bride of Shane Alexander
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Battle Under the Boards
Swimmers Making Waves
YMCA in Need of Coaches
Alumni Event Is Upcoming
Ponca City Bowlers Hot This Season
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Citizens have three choices facing them Tuesday when they vote on the $8.75 million bond issue addressing safety, preservation and maintenance for Ponca City.
Polls will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the regular voting places.
Throughout the election campaign, many questions and concerns have been raised through the community meetings, according to co-chair of the campaign committee, Cathryn Ferguson. "We invite the public to the final open house at City Hall, No. 1 Fire Station and the Police Station today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to view the facilities and talk to city officials."
Proposition 1
This question asks for $6.61 million to renovate and remodel the City Hall Complex and the Police Station. It also deals with building a new 15,000 square foot fire station.
According to Mayor Marilyn Andrews, who has served in this capacity for five years, the city does not have the ability to fix City Hall, if the question fails.
"There is no money. We will pick up what is left, close the doors of City Hall and walk away," she stated. "The city commission already determined if the building continues to deteriorate, it will result in its demise."
Regarding the new fire station, the Mayor confirmed there is no option. Concerning the police station, this building cannot be closed, she continued.
"Some level of funding from the general operating fund would address just code compliance, a new roof and a HVAC unit. However, this does not address the redesign of the interior and would run $568,000," said Andrews. "Taking money from the Utility Authority is not an option," she firmly stated.
"We have maintained and done what was needed to fix the buildings. If it is known that major repairs are needed, we wait until we can afford to do it right," noted the Mayor. "Everyone in business has been touched by the downsizing and the city is no different. The city has suffered."
The city has almost 30 buildings on its insurance rolls and over 80 structures throughout the entire city, which it has to maintain. The city cannot budget or spend enough money to keep up with the continuing deterioration of aging buildings, noted the Mayor.
"Through the yearly budget process, city staff and the commission, with input from the public, weighs the needs of city programs and services with the needs of maintenance for all facilities," Andrews said. "Therefore, facility maintenance is indeed a very important part of the budget process and money is approved for maintaining these facilities each year."
To address downsizing, the city has made budget cuts and reduced personnel. Andrews commented that this year the city cut the general fund budget $1,382,265 from the 1996 budget.
"Funds to outside agencies have been diminished and city employees have been reduced from 451 positions in fiscal 1996 to a current staffing level of 393," noted the Mayor.
If voters approved this proposition, the bonds will be set on a 20-year retirement schedule, city officials confirmed.
Proposition 2
This issue provides for the purchase of emergency vehicles for the police and fire departments. If approved, the $1.37 million project includes the purchase of six fully-equipped police vehicles per year over a three-year period.
Also, passage would allow the purchase of one ambulance per year for a three-year period and the fire department could buy a Class A fire response truck known as a "Quint". The "Quint" would replace the current uncertifiable ladder truck and provide pumper capacity of 1,500 gallons per minute, a 70 foot extension heavy duty platform for rescue and fire fighting operations as well as carry ground ladders, hoses and other equipment.
Without the passage of this issue, the Mayor stated that the city won't be able to bring equipment needs up to an adequate level.
"The city will not be able to respond to all necessary emergency situations. Rescue personnel will not be equipped with the tools they need," she said. "We currently have not provided the firefighters and rescue personnel quality and dependable fire equipment. This makes a big difference if you are the one waiting for their help," the Mayor pointed out.
Should the people of Ponca City pass this question, the city plans to set up the police units and ambulances on a three-year schedule. The fire truck would retire in 10.
The Mayor and City Manager have also informed citizens what happened to the money originally set aside for a "Quint". This item was dropped in order to balance the general fund budget in fiscal 1996. The city had set aside approximately $325,000, however because the ending fund balance in the general fund was less than $100,000, equipment could no longer be purchased through this fund.
Citizens have also asked why the city chose to fund projects with a general obligation bond instead of a sales tax.
"Due to the limited revenue sources in the general fund (sales tax and utility transfers) the commissioners determined that the use of property tax to retire debt for major capital items was preferred to help balance the city's revenue sources," commented Andrews. "The property tax is estimated at 10 cents per day, on a $50,000 home, assuming all propositions pass," she continued.
"Since these issues serve the people of Ponca City, we shouldn't expect people who come into the community to pay through a sales tax," the Mayor said. "This is the best tax for infrastructure."
Proposition 3
Lake Ponca Spillway repairs totaling $765,000 will occur with the citizens approval of Proposition 3. Repairs would be completed to the concrete spillway along with repairing and upgrading the erosion protection at the bottom of the spillway and the downstream channel.
"If this issue is not passed, the city could restrict the use of the lake for recreational purposes," said Andrews. "More critically, the lake could be lost as a backup water supply."
The debt for this project would also retire on a 20 year schedule, according to the Mayor.
The Citizens Information Committee, co-chaired by Ben Tindel, L.E. Smith and Fred Walls, feel the city's bond issue is a tax matter. Walls and Tindel verbally confirmed their opposition to the tax.
The city looks at the vote as an investment in the community by our citizens.
In a letter given to the campaign committee at the Friday Forum, the co-chairs asked why the City Manager had two new cars in one year as well as a car allowance of $18,000, above his salary.
Gary Martin addressed those gathered by noting that a car had been ordered for him while he was Public Works director. When he became city manager, the car was given to current director Ken Parr.
"The car I drive is my own. I also pay for my tag. The city provides a car allowance of $400 per month," Martin responded.
In addition, the letter also asked why Ponca City gave $50,000 to the Governor's restoration of the State Capitol. City officials confirmed these were private donations and not public funds.
"This is an open city. Citizens have access to all records, with the exception of personnel records," the City Manager said.
During the forum, one man asked about relocating the city offices to the Conoco complex. Martin informed the group that Conoco is located outside the city limits and not easily accessible for citizens.
"We are comfortable working out of any building. We looked at moving, building a new building and renting, but took the recommendation from the Blue Ribbon Committee as an indication of what the citizens of Ponca City preferred," said Martin.
Further, Martin responded on the amount of the bond issue that would be set aside for furniture and fixtures. Approximately $300,000, would be allocated, however, the architects have not yet addressed more than the layout of the office space, he commented. The majority of this amount would be spent on the courtroom, the city manager felt.
Ponca City is expected to be on the leading edge, according to Ferguson. "We are a progressive community, have the outstanding Mayor of the year and our school is considered a forerunner in alternative education."
"It's not a matter of taxes," the Mayor stated. "Have citizens made an effort to be informed of the facts?" she asked. "Let's not look back and say we should have. Consider who your decision will affect," Andrews ended.
A NUMBER OF FLOATS and the parade route lined with watchers allowed a lot of treats to be passed out during Friday night's Lighted Christmas Parade downtown Ponca City. The weather cooperated well, also and a number of merchants were still open at parade time. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
It's a small world! Bill and Betty Rutz of Sun 'n fun recently attended the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions trade show in New Orleans. At Booth 2560 they visited with John Shiflet and Pat Stark, also from Ponca City. They were serving samples of barbecue cooked on "Cookshack" cookers with "Cookshack" barbecue sauce, as they promoted products made in Ponca City to worldwide buyers.
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Boys and girls can have their parents mail there letters to Santa at the extra drop-off boxes the Ponca City Post Office is putting out at three locations this year, according to Postmaster Jack Weatherford. There will be boxes at Washington and Union schools and in front of the downtown Post Office on Grand.
BLACKWELL - Kay Electric will be sponsoring a Defensive Driving Course on Monday and Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m., in the Kay Room at 300 West Doolin in Blackwell. Both sessions must be attended in order to receive a certificate of completion.
The 55 Alive/Mature Driving Class was developed by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Just recently AARP has opened the class to any Oklahoma licensed driver. The class is an eight-hour classroom refresher course and is approved by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
Course participations sharpen their driving skills, develop strategies for adjusting to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time, as well as learning about the effects of medications on driving performance.
Participants do not have to be a member of AARP to register. Enrollment is $8 a person and checks need to be made out to AARP and mailed to Kay Electric, P.O. Box 607, Blackwell, Okla. 74631, with the applicant's name, address and phone number.
This class can save those attending money. After the course is completed, each registered person will receive a certificate of completion that can be turned in to the auto insurance for what the state law calls an "appropriate" discount that is good for three years. (Discounts vary, so one should check with their insurance agent on the discount that they could receive for attending this class.)
Reservations are limited, and will be accepted on a first-come basis. For more information, call Marilyn Harmon at Kay Electric (405) 363-1260.
TONKAWA - Reservations are now being taken for the second Northern Oklahoma College Madrigal Dinner, according to Jennie Olson, coordinator.
A sumptuous feast of four courses will be served amid pomp and pageantry at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in the Maverick Cafeteria. Transformed for the evening into a medieval banquet hall the traditional boar's head will be presented to the assembly and wassail toasts will be made.
Guests will enjoy fresh fruit, braided bread, squash soup, smoked turkey and stuffing accompanied by vegetables, and raw apple cake.
A recorder (18th century flute) ensemble from Ponca City, a juggler and a lute player will entertain during the meal. Northern's Madrigal Singers, directed by Olson will present a musical program during the evening. Soloists include Katie Thompson, Enid, and Clayton Keyes, Tulsa.
Seating is limited and tickets are required. Cost of the ticket is $16 per person. For information, and reservations call (405) 628-6370. Mastercard and Visa charges are accepted.
Several members of the community have united to provide a team roping to benefit Chad Smith, who recently lost his home and belongings in a fire. The public is encouraged to participate either as a participant or a spectator.
The team roping will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Circle C Arena, located on U.S. 60, east of Ponca City.
Donations will be accepted at the door and J. Paul Williams and Steve Griffith will donate the $6 stock charge to the fund raiser.
Entry fees will be four for $14 in the No. 7 Class Roping classification. Eight dollars will be placed in the pot and the $6 stock charge will be donated to the benefit for Chad Smith.
Concessions, donated by United Supermarket for the fund raiser, will be available at the roping benefit.
For more information, call 762-3643 or 762-3759.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
In "The Wrong Stuff" Truman Smith, a Ponca City resident, flies the reader into the heart of World War II, giving a bomber pilot's eye view of the largest air offense ever launched.
Smith combines his quick wit, sincere compassion and macabre sense of humor to give the reader unusual insight into ground targeting, sky battling and survival.
The author tells the story of his 35 bombing missions with all feelings exposed, ranging from fear to patriotism and remorse.
A "fly boy" literally, having grown up hanging out at the Ponca City Municipal Airport and scrounging funds for flying, Smith entered the Eighth Air Force as a youth and ended his bombing missions as a seasoned war veteran at age 22.
A readable book filled with human emotion, war facts and actions, Smith has chronicled his part in the big "WWII," and in so doing has written a human interest history of the Eighth Air Force.
A reception wine and cheese reception has been slated for Smith from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday at Brace Books and More. On Saturday Smith will be autographing his romantic WWII historical autobiography "The Wrong Stuff," between noon and 2 p.m., at the book store.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Ponca City native, Lt. Col., U.S.A.F (Ret) Truman Smith, who soloed an airplane on his 16th birthday - joined the U.S. Air Corps at the age of 18, and had completed 35 combat missions by age 22 - was as excited as a boy taking his first airplane ride, as he thumbed through a beautiful copy of his new book "The Wrong Stuff," this week.
Smith will be autographing copies of that special book Friday evening (the 13th) and Saturday at Brace Books and More. A special wine and cheese celebration reception will be held at the book store from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, in Smith's honor. Smith will also be at Brace Books again on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. for autographing the factual, but entertaining and exciting book, just released by Southern Heritage Press.
"The Wrong Stuff" is a romantic World War II high adventure, historical autobiography about Smith's role as a 22-year old combat pilot in Europe during the spring and summer of 1944.
Mark K. Wells, author of "Courage and Air Warfare," wrote of Smith's book, "Shelves in bookstores are filled with memoirs from the Second World War, even so, few capture as vividly the danger, excitement, and stress of air combat as does Truman Smith's "The Wrong Stuff."
Wells went on to say, "Smith - an 8th U.S. Army Air Force B-17 pilot - brings the awesome and terrifying Allied bombing campaign against Nazi Germany to life once more in very personal terms. His deep reflections, keen sense of observation and occasional lightheartedness, reminds us all that, however tragic, wasteful and dominated by technology air war is, it remains very much a human enterprise."
Generally, the location of Smith's book is Europe and specifically, the story develops five miles above Europe, where the cost of American lives in the 8th Air Force was greater, in only three years, than all of the American forces killed and missing in 15 years of action in Vietnam.
How did one find courage to keep from giving up and keep on fighting? And how did those men cope and the insanity of war and maintain hope?
Smith tells the who, what, when, where and why in "The Wrong Stuff" - 50 years in the making - and released at last for the enjoyment of history buffs, friends, veterans, and "those who were there!"
Smith, a Distinguished Flying Cross medal recipient, also received dozens of other awards and decorations for his service during World War II.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
In recognition of the economic base that both large and small local industries provide to Ponca City and surrounding areas, an annual Industry Appreciation Day is being established.
The inaugural event is slated for 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Pioneer Technology Center. Sponsored by the Economic Development Foundation, Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and Pioneer Technology Center, the special recognition day is designed to express appreciation for both the employers and employees.
Don Wood, Economic Development Foundation executive, said the event had been scheduled at the 3 to 5 p.m. time slot to accommodate changing shifts so as many employees as possible have the opportunity to attend.
A total of $750 in door prizes has been donated for employees only of the various industries. Additionally refreshments will be served and there some industry displays are planned, however there is to be no formal presentation as this is intended to be a relaxing occasion, Wood indicated.
Basically, Wood said, the event is expected to be an annual one to thank the industries for providing jobs and to express appreciation to all of the industry employees, who work in Ponca City.
The public is invited to come out and show appreciation to the industries and employees. Students from Ponca City High School and career class students at Pioneer Technology Center have been specifically invited.
RED ROCK - The Frontier Community Parade, which was postponed Nov. 30 due to bad weather, will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Red Rock.
Check-in time for the parade is 10:30 a.m. in front of Frontier Seeds. The parade will proceed to City Hall at the west end of Main Street.
Organizers urge everyone to attend and bring floats, costumes, bikes, trikes, car or "anything that will move" to be in the parade.
In case of bad weather, extreme cold or falling moisture, the parade will be canceled.
For further information, contact Jana Potter or Marian Shiever at Frontier School.
The members of Kids Inc. will meet at 3 p.m. Dec. 15, at the OCAW Hall, for their annual membership meeting. The meeting is open to all parents, coaches, officials and anyone interested in the Kids Inc. Baseball and Softball programs.
The annual election of board members, amendments of by-laws, and other business will be on the agenda at the annual meeting. Members of the Kids Inc. Board of Directors handle policy making issues and oversee the program.
Kids Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed to bring baseball and softball programs to the youth in the Ponca City area. The organization is maintained and operated by volunteers. T-Ball, baseball and fast-pitch softball are open to local youth from ages 4-16. The Kids Inc. complex is located in Osage County at Ray Lessert Field on City Drive.
Serving as officers for the 1997 Board of Directors are president Raymond Tole, vice-president of baseball Ronnie Smith, vice President of softball Jimmy Bounds, secretary Donna Hingtgen, and treasurer Shwana Hightower. Other members currently serving on the board of directors are Kurt Pollak, Dennis Barnett, Stephanie Ward, BoBo Bales, Dean Ustler, Barbara Tallchief, and Brent LaRue.
The annual 1996 Festival of Angels Historic Homes Tour will be open to the public and hosted by five families in Ponca City on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Homes selected or offered for the tour have significant historical history or architectural design.
All proceeds from the tour will be donated, in memory of Laura Streich, to the Pioneer Woman Museum Expansion Fund. Streich, who died in 1995, was a noted local and state historian, who helped organize the 1990 and 1992 Cherokee Strip Historical House Tours and the 1992 Christmas House Tour. She had also researched and wrote the copy for the 22 historical markers placed throughout the city by the Ponca City Main Street Authority.
Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at any of the five homes listed on the tour. Homes opened for the historic tour include those belonging to Jim and Jannie Ross at 402 North Sixth Street; Steve and Teri Thompson at 219 Virginia; Tom and Jane Morris, 13 Hillcrest; Kim L. Mitchell at 1204 East Central; and Clark and Susan Nickles at 919 East Grand.
Individuals participating in the tour will be able to observe similarities in design in three of the homes on the list. The architects were all from the firm of Layton, Smith and Forsyth. Those three homes are the Ross, Mitchell and Nickles homes. The homes of Ross and Mitchell feature the designs in the "Craftsman" style.
The Thompson home is Colonial wood frame home built in 1929 by the Casemore family. The Morris home is a massive 8500 square foot home built in 1926 and designed by J. Duncan Forsyth, who won an architectural award for its design from the National Association of Architects.
A 22-year-old Tonkawa woman, hospitalized after an accident Monday, remains at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in fair condition, according to a hospital official.
Stephanie L. Williams was admitted to the hospital in serious condition with trunk-internal and leg injuries sustained in an accident a half-mile north of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177.
The hospital confirmed that Trey A. Williams, 2, had been discharged. The toddler had been admitted with head and trunk-internal injuries.
According to the investigation by Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Steve Warlick, the accident occurred when a 17-year-old boy from Manhattan, Kan., attempted to elude a Blackwell police officer.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Two public hearings on the closure of alleys will be addressed at the Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, at 5:30 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church requests permission to close an alley in the 100 block of North Thirteenth and Fourteenth Street. The church wants to move the existing alley to the north side of a residential lot recently acquired to allow for future expansion of their Parish Hall.
Also, Rusty Shaw's Gulf, Stillwater, requests closing an alley in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth Street to construct a convenience store. Construction would require realignment of the alley. According to the Planning Department, notices were sent to all property owners within a 300-foot area.
In new business, commissioners plan to consider a proposal from Environmental Engineering Consultants for services totaling $16,500 for design and plans for geometric revisions and traffic signal relocation for dual eastbound left turns to the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue, according to Mike Lane, traffic engineering manager.
Additionally, the board will consider payment of $1,704,916.56 in claims against the city.
Further, the board plans to address the following items on the consent agenda with one motion. Consideration will be given to designate certain city employees as purchasing officers for the city.
Also, a change order and final payment to Chitwood Construction Company, Inc., for $5,801.54, will be considered. This covers work completed on the Public Works Parking Lot Phase I.
In addition, the commissioners will vote to amend operating budgets of various funds for the 1996-97 year and consider approving a bid for removal of weeds and grass in the 2200 block of Chapel Hill.
Afterward, members will reconvene as the Ponca City Utility Authority to consider the purchase of two electric relays from Diversified Electric Supply for $4,420. Also on the consent agenda, the board will consider the purchase of a pole mounted transformer from T & R Electric in the amount of $3,257.
Finally, consideration will be given to award contracts on sludge handling and disposal equipment for: one tool carrier/front-end loader from OCT, Tulsa, in the amount of $88,500; one front-end loader from OCT, in the amount of $72,200; one dump truck from Frontier International, Tulsa, in the amount of $60,833.64, and two Knight ProTwin spreaders from D&C Equipment, Pryor, in the amount of $50,543.
By KRISTI GRABEAL
News Education Editor
A possible agreement with Maccabees Life Insurance Company to provide insurance for all support personnel of the Ponca City School District will be discussed at the regular board of education meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m.
The board will present the December Employee of the Month Awards to the following employees: Jimmie Eatherly, Certified teacher; Patti Schneider, Support winner; Barbara Evans, Support winner; and First Baptist Church of Ponca City, Friend of Education Award.
Travel requests will also be discussed Monday night. Nancy Taylor would like to take the Union School Honor Choir to play and perform in Wichita, Gail Purkaple, Barbara Cusick and Terry Muchmore would like to attend the National Title I Conference in Oakland and Jeff Denton hopes to attend the ASFSA Industry Seminar in Phoenix.
Troy Lewis, Lewis Associates Architects, will ask the board for approving a change order on the new Lincoln Elementary School roof drains. The additional roof drains are now required and need to be installed. The projected cost is being negotiated by Lewis.
The board will vote to approve or not approve the preliminary estimate of needs for the 1997-98 school year. This document must be approved no later than Dec. 31 and the needs will be published at least 10 days prior to the annual school election in February.
A possible three-year lease agreement with Boatmen's Bank of Oklahoma for the 12-station Compaq computer lab will be discussed. The amount of the agreement is $70,108.54 and will be paid in three payments over the next year.
Next on the agenda is a possible $15-a-month increase for the After School Child Care Program. The program has not raised its rates in the past four years due to subsidizing from grants and local business contributions. The program now needs an increase in child care rates.
Revisions in the board policy manual will be discussed in detail Monday night. Current policy approves the contract renewal of the superintendent of schools in January of each year, division administrators, assistant superintendents, director, and coordinators in March of each year, teachers in April of each year, and support personnel in May. If approved, the revisions would change the dates the contracts are renewed.
Board dates for 1997 will be voted on. The board meetings for 1997 are as follows: Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 7, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.
The board will then convene for executive sessions to discuss termination, reassignment, resignation, pending claims and litigations and employment of personnel.
Local bank employees have alerted the Ponca City Police Department to a possible scam, according to department officials.
A local financial institution reported that two bank customers were contacted by a person who claimed to be a bank employee. The caller said he/she was investigating possible thefts from bank accounts and asked the customers to read all the numbers that appeared at the bottom of their checks.. The customers were told the numbers were needed to check the customer accounts for missing funds.
In one incident, when the victim refused to provide the numbers to the caller, the caller then asked for the home address and offered to bring bank books to the customer's home to review their checking account.
Citizens are asked to notify the police or their financial institution if they receive similar inquiries.
NEWKIRK - The Kay County Board of County Commissioners will consider six-month bids on everything from office supplies to asphalt during the board's regular weekly meeting at 9 a.m. Monday.
The commissioners opened the bids last Monday and the county clerk's office was to compile the bids into a list.
In other action, the board will consider approving an agreement with the City of Blackwell for law enforcement services, and make a recommendation on a mixed beverage license application for Ponca City Restaurant Corp.
As 1996 comes to an end, taxpayers are on the look-out for last-minute deductions. There may be a deduction sitting in the driveway, garage or behind the house.
Citizens can donate a vehicle for the Third Annual American Cancer Society Automobile Auction, set for Dec. 21 at Bowker Auto Mall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The ACS will pick up the vehicle and give the donor the necessary paperwork for a tax deduction. Contributors mail or bring their notarized car titles to any ACS office, according to Crusade Chairman Mike Mott.
"The titles must be clear or include a lien release at the time of donation," he said. "The society makes arrangements to have the vehicle picked up at any statewide location. The cars must have an engine and four inflated tires, however, do not have to be drivable," stated Mott.
The donated vehicles are auctioned each week in Oklahoma City and twice each month in Tulsa, according to Carrie Mitchell, communications director for the society.
"Last year, donated cars raised over $285,000 in Oklahoma," Mitchell noted.
Kay County raised $2532.77, in 1995. For more information on how to donate any car you own to the American Cancer Society, call Mott at 763-5709.
A special Christmas Memorial Service is being planned for Dec. 15, for families and others who wish to remember a baby or child of any age who has died. The service will be held at The First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 West Grand, at 2 p.m.
The special Sunday Christmas Memorial Service is sponsored by Raindrops Support Group of Hospice of Ponca City, which also sponsors the monthly support group meetings for parents who have lost children.
The special memorial service will include songs, reading of poems, lighting of candles, and a message by the Rev. Steve Bierly. Following the service families will place ornaments on a tree in remembrance of lost loved ones. Following the service and ornament hanging, refreshments will be served in fellowship hall.
RSVP is not required, but families or individuals who plan to attend are reminded to bring an ornament in memory of their child. The ornaments will be returned after the holidays.
For more information about the service, interested persons may call Debbie Brock at the Hospice of Ponca City office (405) 762-9102).
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
City officials verified that if Proposition 1 of the city's upcoming bond election passes, Ponca City's No. 1 Fire Station will be relocated to North Fifth Street and East Highland Avenue.
Fire Chief Larry Mullikin confirmed that locating the main station down by South Avenue did not provide adequate protection to the downtown area nor did it provide good access to the east side of the city.
One tool used in making this determination included the computer software "Flame, Fire Station Location and Mapping Environment". The software helped determine the impact on response times and travel distances.
"With the availability of digitized street data from the U.S. Census, the software can make a comparative analysis to visually indicate where the best coverage would be," stated John Bode, owner of Bode Research Group. "The modeling software is community oriented."
Flame takes a complex scenario and generates a reasonable coverage feedback to assist with decision-making before actually making changes, Bode said.
"Emergencies require people, equipment and response times. Flame measures a standard for every street block," he confirmed.
Additionally, officials considered the experience of fire drivers. Firefighters related bad experiences with the railroad tracks being blocked at Grand Avenue, requiring the firefighters to drive to Highland Avenue to get under the tracks to the west side of town. The men also noted that the trucks must come to a complete stop at each intersection on Grand Avenue for the traffic lights and traffic.
"Unrestricted traffic flow to the west side of Ponca City is accomplished by South Avenue and Highland Avenue via the underpass. All other points are affected by the railroad tracks that divide the community," Mullikin said.
Prime consideration in the new location dealt with response access, the fire chief noted. Another factor related to future growth of the community as well as current and changing traffic patterns.
"You can't allow the location of sub-stations to determine the best location for the main station. Substations are always subject to relocation for fire protection cost savings and efficiency," the chief continued.
Locating the new fire station at Fifth and Highland extends the response time to the south by no longer than 30 seconds, according to Mullikin.
"Firefighters can respond faster on Highland to the west side of the city, with no traffic lights to Waverly Street," he continued. "Access to the east side of the city proves more efficient going north to Prospect Avenue when the Fifth Street Extension is completed."
"It did not make sense to locate the station to Fourth Street and Oklahoma Avenue and continually fight the existing problems that would not go away," said the chief.
Furthermore, Wichita Fire Department Station 9 in Kansas exists in a park, according to Fire Chief Larry Garcia. He noted that the knowledge that the fire department was manned 24 hours a day, added to security and citizen well-being.
"We have had no complaints," Garcia said. "People have received us well and we are sensitive to the needs of our neighbors."
The Wichita chief further commented that the station anchored the park and added a sense of security.
Mrs. E.W. Wells, who lives on North Pecan Road, also feels secure near the No. 4 Fire Station, located on Donner Avenue and Pecan Street.
"I consider the station a plus. A firefighter is always at the facility. In addition, they are neat, clean and friendly," the neighbor stated. "I have never been bothered by noise," she added.
"Our firefighters are more than men who respond to fires and ambulance emergencies. They are role models in the community, mentors in the schools, coaches in sports, teachers to the young and old. They deserve adequate facilities located for the benefit of all the community not just for today but 50 years from now."
Assistant City Manager Tom Short addressed the city property purchased at south Fourth Street and East Oklahoma Avenue, remarking that the site is marketable and could be sold for the city to recoup its costs.
Sample ballots will be posted Tuesday outside every polling place so voters can review them before casting votes in the Ponca City special bond issue election.
Carol Stafford, secretary of the Kay County election board, said voters also can preview sample ballots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the election board office in the county courthouse in Newkirk.
Voters will decide if funding should be approved to build a new Fire Station No. 1 downtown, and to renovate city buildings such as the existing city hall complex and the police station. The other propositions are for police and fire emergency response vehicles, and for renovations and repairs to the Lake Ponca spillway and stilling basin.
Ponca City precincts will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday for the City Bond Election. All registered voters who live within the city limits of Ponca City are eligible to vote.
The following regular polling places will be used:
413 Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth and Grand, Ponca City.
414 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard (Resthaven) Road
419 Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand, Ponca City
503 Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford
504 Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth and Grand
507 Sunset Baptist Church, 915 West Greenwood
516 Southside Baptist Church, 1518 South Fifth Street
517 St. Mary's Parish Center, 408 South Eighth
523 Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand
527 Union School, 2617 North Union
530 Pioneer Technology Center, 2101 North Ash
532 Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodland
533 Trout School 2109 East Prospect
534 Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan
Habitat for Humanity may be able to solve gift ideas, and help with some holiday baking efforts.
Christmas gift ideas include an addition to the first cookbook from Habitat for Humanity, "From Our House to Yours." It is a dessert cookbook, "Home Sweet Habitat."
Recipes in both books come from Habitat affiliates all over the country, and both may be purchased for $12 each.
In addition, small and large Habitat pins and earrings, baseball caps, shirts and sweatshirts are available, and in order to purchase any of these items one needs to call Carolyn Richardson at 765-2089.
For Christmas baking, the Ponca City Habitat for Humanity has available for sale, lots and lots of nuts. Available are pecans, cashews, English and black walnuts, raw Spanish peanuts and mixed nuts. Also, chocolate covered almonds, macadamia nuts, peanuts, bridge mix and even sugarless chocolate covered peanuts and almonds.
All are from Farmstead Treats in Independence, Mo., and are sold in one pound packages. For more information, contact Gina at 765-5741 or Carolyn at 765-2089.
The nuts are also available at Boatmen's Bank, Third Street and East Grand Avenue; or from Dr. William Stuever's office, 607 East Hartford Avenue.
Habitat for Humanity's sixth handcrafted Christmas ornament features a Norwegian guesthouse and was designed by a local artist who lived in Norway.
Ornaments are available for a minimum donation of $10, although additional donations are appreciated.
The ornaments are handmade, hand-painted basswood Christmas house ornaments.
This year the ornament is modeled after a Norwegian guesthouse from the 1800s and is one of 153 structures located at the Norwegian Folk Museum, is a 35-acre parcel of land for showing homes located on the Bygdoy peninsula on the outskirts of Oslo, Norway.
The wooden guesthouse was painted red with black and white trim to simulate European brick buildings. A picture of the Norwegian guesthouse used for the design was recently featured in the January issue of Architectural Digest.
The guesthouse ornament with the greeting "God Jul" 1996, which is Merry Christmas in Norwegian, was designed by Cynthia Butler Rasche, a sculptor from Ponca City.
Butler works in fiber-reinforced cement and cast glass. Her subject is reality and illusion. Her wall-shaped sculpture takes the form of the adobe buildings of which we southwesterners are familiar. The hard realty of these walls is wrapped with the painted illusion of deep space, skies, distant landscapes and rocks. The solidity of these walls that look like atmosphere is penetrated by doorways, windows and stairways, creating a tension that pulls the viewer into the illusion and through the barrier.
Ms. Rasche received her MFA from Tulane University in New Orleans, La., in 1987 and her BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. Currently she works in her studio and teaches drawing classes for youth at the Ponca City Art Center. Cindy lived for four years in Oslo, Norway, and returned to Ponca City in 1995. She taught sculpture, drawing and commercial art at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa prior to the overseas move.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical Christian housing ministry. The Ponca City Habitat began in 1991 and is continuing to improve the quality of the community and lives by assisting families in building and owning decent and adequate housing.
Habitat for Humanity has five homes on Drummond Street completed and filled with the warmth of Christmas this year. The sixth home at 517 East Cherry Street is about to be completed. Purchasing one of the numbered and limited production of 250 ornaments and any other items offered by Habitat will help to have families "Home for the Holidays."
A picture of the ornament and information about ordering can be found at the Ponca City Library or by calling Don at 765- 6112 or Carolyn at 765-2089.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
Anytime
FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).
November 29-December 31
Festival of Angels. 6-10 p.m. nightly.
November 29-January 4
Hospice Tree of Life, Woodlands Christian Church, East Hartford Avenue and North Fourth Street, and Ponca City Library, Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue.
December 3-19
(Tuesday, Thursday noon-1 p.m.)
Angels on Assignment, brown bag, video and discussion, First Christian Church, Fifth Street and Cleveland Avenue.
Today
Ponca City Art Association presents Christmas Tree Collage and Rhonda Waters Christmas Dolls, 1-5 p.m., Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central.
Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs, annual Christmas open house, 2-4 p.m., Cann Garden Center, 1500 East Grand. Recognition award to Jim Eck and Brenda DeBuhr, 3 p.m.
Bond Election Informational Meetings Open House, 2-4 p.m., City Hall, Fire Station No. 1, Public Safety Center.
Mrs. Edwin Fair introducing "The Doctors Fair," written by late husband Edwin Fair, M.D., founder of Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center, 2-4 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
Panhellenic Christmas Homes Tour, 2-5 p.m., tickets available at homes, local banks, businesses, $5.
First Baptist Church presents evening of music, elementary choirs, "Prime Time Christmas," by the fourth through sixth grade choir, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church.
December 8-29
Christmas Tree Collage Exhibit and Christmas Dolls, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, free admission.
Monday
Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Commissioners host 3-minute phone session, 6:30 p.m., Channel 22, concerning the upcoming bond election.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, more information Beth Wright, 765-6738.
Tuesday
Ponca City Bond Election, polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ponca City Main Street Authority Promotion Committee, 7:45 a.m., Main Street Office, 206 North Third Street.
McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Kountry Kitchen, east on U.S. 60.
Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60.
Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road.
Wednesday
Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library Board Room.
Conoco Retiree's Association, Christmas dinner, Ponca City Country Club, 5 p.m. social, 6 p.m. dinner, tickets $12 per person, entertainment, The Roustabouts. Tickets still available from Dave Mallory, 765-9595; E. Manering, 756-7681; or Wanda Kelly, 762-4949.
December 11-31
Christmas Tree Collage, and Christmas Dolls by Rhonda Waters, Wed.-Sun., 1-5 p.m., Ponca City Art Center.
Thursday
Annual Industry Appreciation Day, 3-5 p.m., Pioneer Technology Center, sponsored by Economic Development Foundation, Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce and Pioneer Technology Center, for large and small industries and employees.
Ponca City Main Street Authority Retail Committee, 8:30 a.m., Main Street Office, 206 North Third Street.
Photographer Harvey Payne signing "Big BlueStem: Journey into the Tall Grass," 6:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
North Central Equine 4-H Club, 6-8 p.m., Pizza Hut, Fourteenth Street and Bradley, bring an unwrapped toy for a donation, more information 765-7719.
Friday
Historic Homes Holiday Tour, 5-9 p.m., Tickets available at homes, $5.
Wine and Cheese reception to celebrate publication of Truman Smith's, "The Wrong Stuff," 7-9 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
Saturday-Sunday
Ponca Playhouse Christmas Theatre, By and For Children, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Poncan Theatre.
Saturday
Truman J. Smith autographing "The Wrong Stuff," romantic WWII historical biography, noon-2 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
Just for Kids! Storytime, children ages four through eight, 11-11:30 a.m. and 3-3:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
Bluestem Girl Scout Council's "Santa's Workshop," 762-9616
December 15
Kids Inc. Annual Membership Meeting, 3 p.m., OCAW Hall.
First Baptist Church Adult Choir and Orchestra, presents "The Music of Christmas," a new musical and multi-media presentation, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church.
December 16
Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 8 a.m., Marland Estate Conference Center.
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 17
Ponca City Main Street Authority Promotion Committee, 7:45 a.m., Main Street Office, 206 North Third Street.
Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center.
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 18
Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Conference Room, Chamber of Commerce.
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 19
Economic Development Foundation Inc., 7:30 a.m., Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 6 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
Downtown Merchants Christmas Cash Giveaway, 7 p.m., Centennial Plaza.
December 20
Ponca City Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Municipal Courtroom, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
"Santa Got Lost in Texas," Ponca Pizazz Musical Theatre, 7 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue.
Cowboy Coffee Time with Les Gilliam, the "Oklahoma Balladeer," performing at the Coffee Bar, 7-8 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.
December 21
Third Annual "Ponca City Hometown Christmas," Talent Revue, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, adults $6, 12 and under $4, advanced tickets at $5 and $3 available at The Master's Touch Christian Book Store.
December 23
Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.
High Plains Food Coop Ordering Meeting, 6 p.m., 700 West Liberty, for more information call Jeanette 762-3648.
December 25
Christmas
December 31
Bluestem Girl Scout Council's "New Year's Eve Fitness Fair," 762-9616.
January 1
New Year's Day
January 7
Ponca City Art Association, Registration for Membership Show, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.
January 12-26
Ponca City Art Association Membership Show, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue.
Editor, The News:
I believe "common sense" will prevail again when the voters go to the polls concerning this bond issue - ad valorem tax proposed by the City for Dec. 10, 1996.
Their "bond" issue of paying for "major" city projects is the most "unfair" tax of all taxes! So we just paid off the 20 year indebtedness for the Public Safety Center (police station) and here it is again being included on this "bond" issue for renovation!
The most "fair" tax is a City tax! All people visiting or passing through our City would be helping us to pay for our City improvements! Not just a select few - the ad valorem taxpayers!
Also a City tax would be asking the City employees who reside "outside" the City limits who own property and would not be paying any ad valorem tax to help out. Everyone pays! Doesn't that sound fair?
I'm not saying these improvements aren't needed - they are - but a more concentrated effort by our City "elected" officials should have been made before they try to "saddle" the homeowners to a 20-year indebtedness plow! Why not an eight or 10-year "half-cent" sales tax - it would be paid off in less than 20 years!
Oh yes, the City has purchased land just south of Central Ave. on South Fourth and South Fifth Streets (almost three years ago) specifically for the Number One Fire Station! What is this talk of taking over (Fifth and Highland) War Memorial Park on the south end? It would "not" be any closer than the South Avenue underpass! That is our park, Fire Chief, and we want to keep it as is! I remember the big fight when the Hutchins Building took the north end! Now you (whomever) you are, want to take the south end of the Park! Bah! Humbug! City tennis courts are on the east side of War Memorial Park. Little by little, pinch by pinch, and you have it all! Twenty years later Hutchins is closed for all purposes! Get out and vote, that's what counts!
Jackie Cullum
Editor, The News:
The bond issue on Dec. 10 is only $8 3/4 million, that's nothing compared to our city budget of around $13 million or the school budget of $23 million plus and passed issue of Vo-Tech, Union School, Lincoln School and Senior High School of about $20 million, mostly all ad valorem property tax and the Blue Ribbon Committee was looking at the overall needs of the City at $73 million.
What's a million here and a million there. Oh yes, I almost forgot over $4 1/2 million was our investment in Thorn Apple Valley. Thank goodness it will pay off in about 20 years if it's still going.
My suggestion to all property owners, voters and citizens - take this election seriously and vote! I got the three kinds of people voters from a Bond issue mailer from the City that had a letter addressed "Dear Ponca City Citizens, Voter and Taxpayer."
I call a taxpayer, a property owner, however I am a citizen, voter and taxpayer, but there are some citizens, voters that are not taxpayers. But most citizens, voters buy utilities, so if you taxpayers turn this bond issue down, I am sure you will be classified as a citizen, a voter and an increased utility payee.
John Carpenter
Editor, The News:
The Ponca City News, Nov. 20,1996, article on the Proposition No. 1 bond issues states: "Should the proposition fail, the Civic Center may be abandoned."
For some of us, it would be refreshing to read that the Blue Ribbon Committee was as quick and eager to abandon the Marland Mansion as they are the Civic Center.
However, there seems to be much more support from the blue ribbon folks for the Marland Mansion than the Civic Center.
If the Blue Ribbon Committee is serious about abandoning the Civic Center while the City continues to subsidize the Marland Mansion to the tune of $10-12,000 per month from the City general fund, I would like to make a suggestion.
Should the bond issues fail, the City public service offices now housed in the Civic Center be relocated in the Marland Mansion proper.
This solution would be cost efficient in many ways:
(1) The City would preserve history while making use of it.
(2) Any rent for office space the City might have to pay would go back into the City's general fund.
(3) The declining number of Ponca City residents would no longer be under pressure to subsidize non-revenue producing facilities for non-residents by paying additional ad valorem taxes on our homes.
(4) The City would need to overcome safety and ADA codes on one building rather than two buildings.
There is an ascetic benefit, as well. The ordinary Ponca City resident would enjoy and appreciate the open accessibility to the Marland Mansion grounds while driving through the drive-through facility for utility bill payment erected at the Marland Mansion as planned in Proposition No. 1.
I plan to vote against all three upcoming bond issues in order to encourage City Officials to reassess the most cost-efficient methods of providing the basic, primary functions of City Government.
Lois Klinger
Editor, The News,
I hadn't decided how I would vote in the Dec. 10 bond Proposal: however, after attending a presentation today, my vote will be yes. Briefly my decision is based on the following:
- Desire to live in a community that ensures quick and effective response to disasters, emergencies and situations involving property and personal protection (at times lifesaving).
- Preservation of our City Hall Building and Public Safety Center.
The monthly cost is minimal for the benefits the community will receive. An example given today was: cost to a homeowner with a $50,000 home will range from $4.72 to $6.62 per month or $3.12 per month average over 20 years.
Detailed information is available from Citizens for Ponca City Safety, Preservation and Maintenance, P.O. Box 1424, Ponca City, OK 74602, or call Cathy Ferguson, 767-0823.
I ask the citizens of Ponca City to please take time in this busy holiday season to become informed about the proposals and vote on Dec. 10.
"We cannot go back and make a new start, but we can start now to make a new ending." Anonymous
Jeanne Gibson
Editor, The News:
I support the City's upcoming bond election because I want to preserve the historic city hall, show support for the police department and fire department and insure safety for downstream residents.
Our city continues to be faced with the difficult task of providing quality services to our community on an eroding revenue base. Hard decisions must continually be made by those we have chosen as our elected representatives and by us, as the ballot box, in order to protect the investments and commitments each of us has made to make our community a place that is safe for all of us to enjoy and be proud to call home.
We must act responsibly as citizens and make informed decisions. The city has held three open houses, two informational brown bag lunches, six neighborhood meets and spoken at numerous civic groups and community meetings - all so that we, as citizens and property owners, can go to the polls Tuesday and make an informed decision. Will you?
Chuck Greenwood
Greenwood Aviation
Editor, The News:
The Ponca City Main Street Authority continues to inform us about the valiant efforts to address Ponca City's City Hall needs. Whether the City Hall remains in the same or relocates to another building, you should be commended for having a Blue Ribbon committee study the situation. We see similar needs all over the state with city and county offices needing updated and larger facilities. Fortunately, just about all the communities realize the importance of staying downtown!
For the towns that have landmark structures (and not all of them do), the citizens continue to be creative, committed, and caring of their historic resources. Cordell, Sapulpa, Stillwater, Duncan, Okmulgee, Purcell, Shawnee and Stroud reclaimed large, symbolic buildings for new public uses. Some of these towns have several projects completed or under way. Ponca City fits into this category, too. The Public Library Expansion, the Centennial Plaza, and The Poncan Theatre set standards that other citizens all over the state use as guidelines.
Representing an award-winning, $10 Million Main Street program, I know that secretly you must be bothered by the fact that Ponca City's historic City Hall may be threatened. Your efforts to have an unbiased approach for resolving the situation are most admirable. I write this letter to you as an outsider - a Ponca City admirer - who can provide another letter of support for the Ponca City's historic City Hall.
Ponca City is unlike many other towns of its size and past prosperity. Other similar Oklahoma towns demolished many buildings, erected blocks of nondescript '60s and '70s slabs, paved the prairie for parking, and lost their territorial and '20s oil boom feel. Ponca City has many of the ingredients that others now desire.
I see this analogy: Downtown Ponca City is a full, beautiful set of teeth. Yes, no one probably ever called your town a "full set of choppers." When you look at the core blocks of Grand Avenue, there are no holes - no demolitions that create a snaggletoothed look! Very few folks even "crowned" their buildings with false fronts. With the cleaning and polishing of each tooth, Ponca City's whole set of teeth regains its glistening, welcoming, attractive smile.
City Hall is to Grand Avenue as is an incisor is to total smile. Pull one of those and the whole smile has a gaping hole. City Hall yellowed over the years. The layers of cosmetic changes resemble a build-up of plaque. A good dentist would recommend a thorough cleaning and polishing with a protective round of fluoride. A good dentist would also recommend that, if there is any way possible to save the tooth, a root canal is better than a permanent pulling of the tooth.
Ponca City's historic City Hall needs to be cleaned and polished. It may even need a root canal. By saving this front tooth - as with individuals - Ponca City keeps its unique, Grand Avenue smile.
Best wishes for your efforts.
Ronald H. Frantz Jr., AIA
Architect
Oklahoma Main Street Program of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Elementary Breakfast
Monday - Honey bun, graham crackers, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins, honey buns, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Graham crackers, honey buns, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Egg and cheese biscuit, honey buns, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Friday - Honey bun, graham crackers, assorted cold cereal, fruit, milk.
Elementary Lunch
Monday - Cheese pizza, spaghetti with marinara sauce, glazed carrots, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Chili, chicken strips, whipped potatoes and gravy, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Chicken and noodles, philly steak sandwich, carrot and celery sticks, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Thursday - Amigo burger, lasagna, green beans, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Friday - Chicken dinos, bread sticks with marinara sauce, whipped potatoes and gravy, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juice and milk.
Middle School and Mid High
Breakfast
Monday - Pancakes with sausage, assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Tuesday - Cinnamon raisin biscuits, assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Wednesday- Biscuits and gravy, assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Thursday - Sausage and egg biscuit, assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Friday - French toast, assorted cold cereal, fruit, juice and milk.
Middle School and Mid High
Lunch
Monday- Cheese pizza, spaghetti, glazed carrots, chef salads or cold sandwiches, Domino's Pizza, Taco Bell burritos or Taco Mayo, assorted fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Chili, chicken strips, whipped potatoes and gravy, chef salads or cold sandwiches, Domino's pizza, Taco Bell burritos or Taco Mayo, assorted fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Chicken and noodles, philly steak sandwich, carrot and celery sticks, chef salads or cold sandwiches, Domino's pizza, Taco Bell burritos or Taco Mayo, assorted fruit, milk.
Thursday - Amigo burger, lasagna, green beans, chef salads or cold sandwiches, Domino's Pizza, Taco Bell burritos or Taco Mayo, assorted fruit, milk.
Friday - Chicken dinos, bread sticks, whipped potatoes and gravy, Domino's pizza or Taco Mayo, assorted fruit, milk.
High School Lunch
Available every day in the high school cafeteria, the Training Table Deli offers pasta with sauce, assorted sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit; the Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn, Taco Bell burritos, Taco Mayo, Hardees items, French fries, onion rings, cheeseburgers, enchiladas, hot pockets, chicken wings, hot shots and more. A baked potato bar will be featured on a regular basis at the Training Table.
All American
Not available.
Training Table
Monday - Teriyaki chicken breast, rice, California veggies, fresh fruit.
Tuesday - Pasta bar, potato bar, fresh fruit.
Wednesday - Turkey and dressing, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, fresh fruit.
Thursday - Pasta bar, potato bar, fresh fruit.
Friday - Chicken enchiladas, mexi beans, spanish rice, fresh fruit.
McCord Breakfast
Monday - Biscuits and gravy, orange wedge and milk.
Tuesday - Donuts, juice and milk.
Wednesday - Cinnamon toast, raisins and milk.
Thursday - Cereal, toast and milk.
Friday - Scrambled eggs, toast and milk.
McCord Lunch
Monday - Spaghetti, french bread, mixed fruit, peas and milk.
Tuesday - Indian taco, applesauce, corn and milk.
Wednesday - Fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, green beans, mixed fruit and milk.
Thursday - Hot turkey sandwich, potatoes, peas, peaches and milk.
Friday - Frito chili pie, green beans, apple crisp and milk.
Pioneer Technology Center
Tuesday - Brisket, honey orange chicken, lasagna, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.
Wednesday - Meat loaf, chicken cordon bleu, baked ham, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.
Thursday - Beef stir fry, chicken gumbo, barbecue ribs, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.
----
Pioneer Technology Center's cafeteria is now open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Po-Hi
Monday, Dec. 9 - Drama rehearsal will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Howell Auditorium, basketball games will start at 6 p.m. and the Chamber Orchestra starts at 7 p.m. in the band room.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 - P.A.C. will hold a meeting at 10:30 a.m. in Room 210, Drama rehearsal will start at 3:30 p.m., junior varsity and varsity basketball will play in Stillwater starting at 4:45 p.m. and junior varsity and varsity wrestling will start at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 - Drama rehearsal will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Howell Auditorium.
Thursday, Dec. 12 - Driver's Education will meet from 8:10 a.m.-11 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m.-1:25 p.m. in Howell Auditorium. Drama rehearsal will begin at 3:30 p.m., basketball games will be played in Enid starting at 6 p.m. and the Holiday Band Concert will begin at 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13 - Youth Alive will meet at 7:30 a.m. in Room A203, a Holiday Concert will start at 9:10 a.m. in Howell Auditorium, junior varsity and varsity basketball games will be played at 4:45 p.m. and the Speech and Debate team will travel to Sapulpa.
Saturday, Dec. 14 - ACT Testing will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Anderson Building, a winter dance will start at 8 p.m. in the Elks Lodge and Varsity Wrestling will travel to Tulsa.
Sunday, Nov. 24 - The Chorale Christmas Concert will begin at 3 p.m.
in Howell Auditorium.
DEATHS
Ellsworth "Chick" Kemble, Ponca City resident, died Thursday morning, Dec. 5, 1996, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 72.
A prayer service was conducted Friday evening and Saturday at the Ponca Indian Cultural Center in White Eagle. The traditional Indian feast will begin at noon today (Sunday), at the Center, and the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. The Rev. Thomas Roughface will officiate. Burial will be in the Ponca Indian Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City.
Ellsworth "Chick" Kemble was born Feb. 20, 1924, in White Eagle, the son of Willie and Mary Horsechief (Eagle) Kemble. He attended Ponca City schools, White Eagle School, and graduated from Chilocco High School. Kemble served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
On July 23, 1947, he was married to Lucy Cornell in Newkirk. Kemble was employed at Boeing and the Coleman Company in Wichita, Kan., and later retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 25 years of service. He was a member of the United Indian Methodist Church of Wichita, and a past member of the Ponca Indian Tribal Council.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy, of the home; two sons, Kirby of Wichita, Kan., and James of Ponca City; two daughters, Sue Kemble and Terri Kemble, both of Ponca City; three brothers, Sylvester and Drew, both of Ponca City, and John of Oklahoma City; one sister, Dawn Marie Sloss of Wichita, Kan.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Lansing and Edmond.
Casket bearers will be John Kemble, Sylvester Kemble, Kirby Kemble, James Kemble, James Kemble Jr., and Joseph R. Feathers.
TONKAWA - Rudolf H. Walleen, longtime resident of Tonkawa, died Friday, Dec. 6, 1996, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 88.
The funeral service will be Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 10, 1996 at the First Presbyterian Church in Tonkawa with Pastor Intern Stephen Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under direction of McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Rudolf Walleen was born Jan. 21, 1908, in Hominy, Okla., the son of Nathan and Ida (Holtman) Walleen. He was raised and educated in Hominy, graduating in 1927 from Hominy High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. After graduation he moved to Tonkawa where he worked for Oscar Merrill, Wetmore's and Smith-Gruner, prior to buying the Mullins Hardware Store in 1952. He owned and operated that business in Tonkawa until his retirement in 1970.
On Jan. 21, 1934, he and Fannie Blagden were married in the Christian Church at Blackwell. Following retirement, the couple spent their summers fishing in South Ford, Colo., and their winters in Nilan, Calif. He was a member of the Tonkawa First Presbyterian Church, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club.
Mr. Walleen is survived by his wife, Fannie, of the home; and one daughter, Loutricia Walleen of Concord, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister, who died in infancy.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Tonkawa Public Library. McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, 100 East Grand in Tonkawa will act as custodian of those funds.
BLACKWELL - Esther Lillian Chaffee, resident of Blackwell, died Friday, Dec. 6, 1996, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 96.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1996, at the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell. The Rev. Charles Ryser will officiate. Cremation will be accomplished following the Tuesday service. Burial of the cremains will be in Blackwell Cemetery at a later date. Hackler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the service.
Esther Lillian Chaffee was born Jan. 7, 1900, in Deer Creek, Okla., the daughter of Fred and Bertha (Fuget) Lane. She received her education in Deer Creek, graduating in 1920 from high school. She was a secretary and bookkeeper for Hahn Monument Co. in Blackwell from 1920 until 1934 when she retired. Following retirement, she dedicated herself to volunteer work, especially helping others.
She and Dee Marion Chaffee were married July 3, 1933, in Alva. Mr. Chaffee preceded her in death on July 19, 1977.
Mrs. Chaffee had been a resident at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home since March, 1994. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her son, David Chaffee of Dallas, Texas; two nephews, two nieces and two grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Ida Affholder, Bessie Carter, Hazel Somerville and Freda Burk.
PAWNEE - Lee Spurgeon, longtime resident of the Fairfax-Ralston area, died Friday, Dec. 6, 1996 in Pawnee. He was 67.
The funeral will be Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1996 at 2 p.m. in the First Assembly of God Church in Pawnee with the Rev. Ray Moffeit officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Pawnee under direction of Poteet Funeral Home.
Lee Spurgeon was born Dec. 10, 1928 in Shamrock, Okla., the son of Elmer L. and Emma Maxine (Holderby) Spurgeon. He lived most of his life in the Fairfax/Ralston area and was a lifelong cowboy and rodeo hand.
He and T. Marie Brumfield were married Dec. 30, 1950 in Cleveland, Okla.
Surviving are his wife, Marie of the home in Ralston; a daughter, Jeannie Spurgeon; three sons, David, Joe and Jimmy; five grandsons and two granddaughters; a brother, Ted McGee of Lacey, Wash. and five sisters, Estel Byrd of Delcona, Fla., Cora Meskimen of Plano, Texas, Mary Hudgins of Del City, Exie Bishop of Ponca City, and Juanita Bishop of Oklahoma City, also numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dub and Johnnie.
FAIRFAX - Lloyd Harold Kitterman, resident of Fairfax, died Friday evening, Dec. 6, 1996 in Fairfax Memorial Hospital. He was 86.
The funeral will be graveside today (Dec. 8, 1996) at 2 p.m. in the Fairfax Cemetery. The Rev. George Weston will officiate. Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lloyd Harold Kitterman was born Nov. 25, 1910 in Yale, Okla., the son of Orville V. and Grace Evaline Sissell Kitterman. He grew up and went to Fairfax schools, graduating from Fairfax High School in 1932.
He and Evelyn I. Irons were married June 9, 1932 in Pawnee. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and security guard for Boeing in Wichita, Kan., from 1950 to 1974 when he moved back to Fairfax.
He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed golf and fishing as hobbies.
Surviving are his wife, Evelyn of the home in Fairfax; a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Myers of Fairfax and one brother, Floyd O. Kitterman of Fairfax, also three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Scott in 1958.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Fairfax Center Citizens Center, 600 West Taft in Fairfax, Okla. 74637.
The family will be at the home of Barbara Myers in Fairfax.
FONTANA, Calif. - Jan S. Brown, former Ponca City resident, died of heart failure on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 1996, at her home in Fontana, Calif. She was 36.
Private family services were held in Fontana on Dec. 6. Arrangements were under the direction of Ingold Chapel, Fontana.
Jan Brown was born Nov. 11, 1960, in Norman, the daughter of Jim and Susie (Marcum) Brown. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1978 and attended college at Northwestern State University at Alva. She had worked as a self-employed nanny.
Survivors include her parents, Jim and Susie Brown of Ponca City and John and Arlene Piazza of Fontana, Calif.; three brothers, Stephen Marcum Brown of Studio City, Calif., Mike Brown of Las Vegas, Nev., and Brandon Brown of Coppell, Texas; two step-brothers, Kenny Thomas of Texarkana, Texas and Darrell Thomas of Ponca City; and five step-sisters, Theresa Lloyd of Ponca City, Kathy Prine, Debbie Cordua, Margaret Piazza and Jeanette Davault, all of Fontana, Calif.; and her step-grandfather, Al Coffte of Fontana.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Brown's name to the Old Timers Foundation at 8572 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335.
KAW CITY - Angeline (Jones) Dupuis died Friday, Dec. 6, 1996 in Tulsa. She was 73.
Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City under the direction of Moore's Memory Chapel in Tulsa.
Angeline Dupuis was born May 15, 1923 at Kaw City, the daughter of Casper and Mary Jones. She had been a Tulsa resident since the 1940s, a former member of Mayfair Baptist Church and a longtime employee of Excel Photo Finishing. She was a retired catalog clerk of Crane Carrier, Inc.
Mrs. Dupuis was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. Surviving are two sisters, Viola "Bunky" Morgan of Tulsa and Alvina Payne of Salina; one brother, Jack Jones of Trinity, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
James E. Rains
James E. Rains, 46-year-old resident of Oklahoma City, passed away on Dec. 6, 1996. He was born June 1, 1950 in Muskogee, Okla.
James was employed 26 years by Kerr McGee and served 21 years in the Army National Guard. He was also an avid auto racing participant.
Mr. Rains is survived by his parents, Royal Waymon and Dorothy Rains of Ponca City; a daughter, Kelly Elaine Rains of Oklahoma City; two sisters, Royaline Rains of Tonkawa and Gail Grandquist of Sandy Valley, Nev.; a niece, Tiara Walls of Henderson, Okla.; a nephew, Rodney Rains Marler of Tonkawa, and numerous friends from his many years of service at Kerr McGee.
Graveside services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 1996 at Sunnylane Cemetery in Del City. Paylor Funeral Home, Midwest City is in charge of arrangements.
Paid Obituary
Betty Kygar
Betty Kygar, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Friday evening, Dec. 6, 1996 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later.
Ruby Rhoads
FAIRFAX - Ruby Rhoads died Saturday morning, Dec. 7, 1996 in the Fairfax Memorial Hospital. She was 80.
The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday in the chapel of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home.
Further details will be announced later by the funeral home.
Vincent V. Turpin
Vincent V. Turpin, former resident of Ponca City, died Friday, Dec. 8, 1996 at his home in Tulsa. He was 82.
Survivors will include his wife, Vivian Turpin of the Tulsa home.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, and will be announced later.
Monday
Fern B. Weber - 10:30 a.m. in the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church with burial in IOOF Cemetery, Tonkawa. McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Alice Mae Rains - 2 p.m. in Hackler Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, Blackwell.
Burial in Blackwell IOOF Cemetery under direction of Hackler Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Arrested - The Ponca City Police Department received a call from the Middle School regarding a student in possession of part of a water pipe. An officer arrested the 13-year-old boy on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia at 11:42 a.m. Friday.
Warrant Served - A 32-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer in the 400 block of South Washington Street at 12:46 p.m. Friday on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury accident at West Cleveland Avenue and North Pine Street at 4:25 p.m. Friday.
In Custody - A 14-year-old girl was taken into custody in the 400 block of South Pine Street by a Ponca City police officer at 4:48 p.m. Friday for assault on an officer and resisting arrest. The officer took a report and released the girl to the custody of a parent.
Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 15-year-old boy at the police station at 5:28 p.m. Friday for assault with a deadly weapon. A report was taken.
Grand Larceny - A 20-year-old woman was arrested in the 3000 block of North Fourteenth Street at 5:44 p.m. Friday by a Ponca City police officer for grand larceny.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 26-year-old man at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue at 5:58 p.m. Friday on two city warrants, false information to an officer and a warrant for failure to pay.
Vandalism - A resident in the 2200 block of East Grand Avenue contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 8:57 p.m. Friday to report someone broke the back window of the vehicle. An officer took an advised report.
Warrant Served - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 29-year-old woman in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street at 12:44 a.m. Saturday for public intoxication and a city warrant for failure to obey.
Car In Water - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of a possible vehicle in the water at the Old River Bridge on U.S. 60. An officer responded and confirmed no injuries occurred. The vehicle was out of the water when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper arrived at the scene. No report was taken, according to the OHP.
In Custody - A 19-year-old woman was taken into custody in the 700 block of South Waverly Street at 2:30 a.m. Saturday on three warrants for failure to appear and one city warrant for failure to obey.
Grand Larceny - A resident in the 100 block of South Elm Street advised the Ponca City Police Department at 3:57 a.m. Saturday that a 1986 Thunderbird was stolen from the 300 block of North Pine Street. Three officers responded and located the vehicle in the 1000 block of West South Avenue. An officer arrested a 19-year-old man for grand larceny.
Ponca Hand Games - Ponca Indian Post 38 will sponsor a traditional Ponca Hand Game event at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center, White Eagle, Thursday at 6:45 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and learn how to play traditional Ponca hand games, enjoy cake walks and dancing. A light supper will be served. Come one, come all!
Po-Hi Symphony Presents Concert - The Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra will present its holiday concert Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Hutchins Auditorium. The concert will consist of classical and holiday selections including "Fantasia on Green Sleeves" which will feature a senior violin soloist Will Oldfied. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Union Schools Presents Assembly - Union Elementary School will present its annual Christmas assembly Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Handgame Slated for Dec. 13 - Otoe Eloska will be sponsoring a handgame Dec. 13 at the Otoe Senior Citizens Building. Concessions will be held, along with a cakewalk, games and other activities. Supper will be served at 6 p.m. and the handgame will start at 7 p.m. Proceeds will go to the annual Otoe Eloska dance.
Annual Dance Dec. 21 - The annual Otoe Eloska dance will be held Dec. 21 in the Otoe Cultural Building. The Eloska tail dance will begin at 2 p.m., supper at 5 p.m. and a war dance will begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Christmas Dinner - The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma will host a Christmas dinner for all enrolled members at the Ponca Tribal Bingo Hall at noon on Dec. 22.
Christmas Party - The Ponca Tribe's children's Christmas party will be
at 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center in White Eagle. All
Ponca Tribal children are welcome.
LIFESTYLES
Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild met December 2, at Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand.
Ona Atnip welcomed 79 members and three guests. Fat Quarters were collected for the exchange as members were greeted. Handmade Christmas ornaments were also collected and displayed on the Guild's Christmas Tree. As members entered, the Winter Wonderland Wallhanging Challenges were collected by Cindy Wilson. Hostesses were Shirley Hallmark, Phyllis Clark, Michiel Landers and Lyla Brumley. Stitch and Assist portion of the meeting was held at 9:30 followed by Registration and a Christmas theme, Potluck luncheon with the president, Jerry Moore, leading the group in saying the Lord's Prayer. The tables and serving areas were decorated with a holiday motif and decorations were made by Cheryl Pritchett, Shirley Hallmark, Cindy Wilson, Linda Burg, Elaine Hughes, Jean Buskirk, Vi Jones, Velma Hawkins, Mary Catherine Detten, Christine Schiltz, Laurzell Holmes, Dorothy Bobbitt, Beverly Carpenter, Colleen Miller, Altus Patton, Michiel Landers. Ruth Jared, Betty Schwanke, Jackie Bufton, Gloria Tucker, Vickie Manek, Karen Bogadi, Lyla Brumley, Sandee Henderson, Maureen Danielson, and Oletta Demaree.
The job of decorating was done by Ms. Holmes, Ms. Jones, Ms. Hawkins, Ms. Bobbitt, Ms. Miller and Ms. Demaree.
Following the luncheon, Jerry Moore, president, presided over the business meeting and read an item titled "Curiously Yours". Shirley Hallmark, secretary, read the minutes, and Eleanore Ciskowski, treasurer, reported that there were 123 dues paying members this year. Jerry Moore then read "A Note to My Wife, The Quilter", which was "very entertaining" according to members. She also reported that Vickie Hart had said next year's donation project would be completed, basted and ready for quilting in January. Cindy Wilson said that next month the Keepsake Quilting Collection would be the program. Ms. Wilson then proceeded to give out the door prizes. Members wearing their name quilts were eligible for the door prizes. Winners were Beverly Carpenter, Aural Nielhaus, Elaine Hughes, Rosemary Ramsey, Ruby Ware, Norma Kinzie, Margaret Ledbetter, Sandy Hudack, Mavis Burton, Shirley Hile, Thelma Barber, Paul Reeves, Ruth Jared, Jan Browning, Frieda Robertson, Jean Buskirk, Doris Stone, Cindy Wilson, and Deanna Hanly.
Eleven members participated in the Winter Wonderland Wallhanging Challenge. PAQG members present voted and the following were recognized: First Place: Sandra Henderson; three way tie for Second Place: Shirley Hallmark, Shirley Hile and Doris Stone. The other participants were: Cindy Wilson, Cheryl Pritchett, Faye Waldron, Joyce Eagan, Vickie Manek, Teri Gose, and Christine Schiltz.
Toni Hereford, Fundraising Chairman, thanked all that had helped on the quilt and recognized the 18 members that had supported her at the Craft shows. Ms. Hereford also recognized Velma Hoyt for her fundraising efforts and presented her with a "Candied Star" pillow. It was announced also that Ms. Hereford, Mary Alice Sinton, and Ms. Burg gave a successful presentation to the Rotary Club in November. Ms. Hereford resigned due to work commitments and announced that her chairmanship and place on the board would be taken by Sandy Hudack. Elaine Hughes, librarian, reported that there were several newly purchased books available in the library, such as "Quilt Restoration", "Schoolhouse Quilts", and "Crazy Quilt Odessey". Also, a guide to polyfil batting, as well as new magazines are available. She recognized Betty Schwanke for donating several magazines to the library. Mary Alice Sinton, Newsletter chairman, reminded members that December 16 is the next deadline. Then she read a poem from Wendy Kay, a PAQG member living in Malaysia. Ms. Hile, past president, thanked all who had participated in the Oklahoma Quilt Works Challenge and announced the following winners: First Place, Sandra Henderson; Second Place, Teri Gose; and Third Place, Cheryl Pritchett. Next month. the blocks will be awarded to one or more guild members who participated in the challenge. Ms. Pritchett, pattern chairman, showed the two Christmas blocks of the month and distributed the Birdhouse Block Party pattern, which is due at the February Meeting, as well as showed two example blocks she had completed. Vickie Manek, workshop chairman, showed the Mystery Quilt from the November workshop, which was a snowman holding a bird house and a snowflake. This pattern was her original design and will be dedicated to PAQG. Ms. Manek announced that she was resigning and moving to Anchorage, Alaska. Joyce Eagan will assume her responsibilities as well as be a Board member. Ms. Eagan encouraged members to sign up for the next workshop "Berry Baskets", which will follow the February meeting. Jodi Barrows will be the guest speaker. Ms. Manek then awarded two door prizes to Zoe Burge and Betty Walsh, and presented Christine Schiltz a hand-painted Nativity scene in a wreath.
Show and share followed with participants being: Christine Schiltz, Gloria Tucker, Rilla Cobb, Karen Bogadi, Dot Brinkman, Lavon Shepler, Vickie Manek, Elaine Hughes, Gladys Randall,Joyce Eagan, Cheryl Pritchett and Teresa Simic. A Fat Quarter Exchange followed with 36 members participating.
Jean Buskirk, Christmas Tree chairman, announced that 107 ornaments had been made to decorate the Art Center tree with 35 members participating. A drawing was held and the following members will each get ten ornaments (one member will get 7): Joyce Clegg, Elaine Hughes, Doris Stone, Nan Huddleston, Hertha Adams, Dot Brinkman, Pearl Blando, Dot Cowan, Jean Buskirk, Oletta Demaree, and Laurzell Holmes. The Christmas tree was decorated on Wednesday, December 4, by Jean Buskirk, Sue Roy, Maurine Danielson and Hazel Patnode, and will be on display December 8 to December 29.
Members are encouraged to visit the art center during the Christmas season.
Table Decorations were awarded to Velva Hoyt, Kathy Paczkowski, Rosemary Ramsey, Hazel Patnode, Beverly Carpenter, Marcelle Gosting, Mary Alice Sinton, Michiel Landers, Laurzell Holmes, Ruth Jared, Betty Walsh, Pearl Blando, Cindy Wilson, Lila Kizer, Lois Gray, Teri Gose, Pat Thompson, Nan Huddleston, Lavon Shepler, Frieda Robertson, Deana Hanly, and Teresa Simic. The miniature, "Candied Star" quilt and two miniature pillows were awarded to Dorotha Wells.
Dot Brinkman was named the winner of the special "Candied Star" quilt.
The next meeting will be January 6, 1997 at Community Christian Church. The program will be the traveling, Keepsake Quilting Collection. Those attending should plan on bringing and wearing white gloves to examine the quilts. Contact Jerry Moore, PAQG President (765-4185) or Cindy Wilson, PAQG VP (765-6911) for Guild information.
The Christmas luncheon for Presbyterian women will be December 12 at noon at the fellowship hall of the church. The handbell quartet will present a program of Christmas music with Jolene Ebbert playing a solo. Members of the quartet are Ms. Ebbert, Susan Ernst, Melanie Norris and Mary Sunshine Cogman, director. Also planned is a period of singing Christmas carols by those present, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Cogman.
Gifts for the Emergency Infant Services in Tulsa are to be brought to the meeting. The agency assists infants, children and expectant mothers by providing food, clothing, furniture, blankets and other necessary items as well as toys and medicine. A decorated crib will hold the gifts brought by members and the items will be taken to Tulsa before Christmas.
Feed My Sheep II, the recent cookbook published by the Presbyterian Women, will be sold for ten dollars at the meeting. The book is also available at the Child Development Center or may be obtained by calling Ginny Cagley, 765-5937. Profits from the cookbook go to the Child Development Center.
Hostesses for the luncheon are members of the Elizabeth Reynolds Circle. The blessing will be offered by Diane Norris and devotions will be given by Rhoda Young. All women of the church are invited and guests are welcome. For reservations call Gloria Harris, 762-1165, or Norman Bayne, 765-9434.
Steve and Diana Vaughn, 1 South Oaken Gate, announce the birth of their fifth child, Amber Joy, on November 15 at Stillwater Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches long. She was welcomed home by Steven, 10; Chris, 9; Ashley, 3, and Matt, 22 months.
Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. James K. Dyer of Broken Arrow, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vaughn of Cassville, Mo. Great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dyer of Broken Arrow; Mrs. Marguerite Erichsen, Junction City, Ks., Mrs. Helen Meador, Cassville, and Earl Vaughn, Cassville, Mo.
The Christian Women's Fellowship of the First Christian Church hosted a silent auction and tea December 5 at the fellowship hall. Presiding at the serving table which was decorated with a Christmas theme was Ethel Jorgenson, CWF president. Guests were Vivian Garner and her sister, Ann; Peggy Preston of Ponca City, and Linda Bickerstaff of Salem, Or.
Lorraine Shiflet, program chairman, introduced Patti Curl, soloist, and Leona Ward, narrator, who presented a special Christmas program for the group. Using scripture and song to illustrate the season they presented a medley of carols.
The auction was held with proceeds to go to the Child Development Center. Among the many selections offered were knitted items, cross-stitch pictures, quilted items, angel tree ornaments, wreaths, hooked rugs and several food items.
The annual Christmas party of Ponca City Charter Chapter, American Business Women's Association, will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the home of Madeline Helems, 122 Fairview. This is a week earlier that the stated meeting night.
Members are to bring finger foods and a gift of about $10 to exchange. Beverage will be provided.
At the November meeting, held at the Rose Stone Inn, the program was given by the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee on the proposed Bond Issue. A delegation of representatives from Ponca City Fire Department, Police Department, city commissioners and other officals spoke of the need and causes of the bond issue.
Rather than having a door prize, a silent auction was held on several craft items.
Sharon Adams, president, opened the meeting and welcomed a guest, Diane Malone of Pioneer Bank. Art Courtney, treasurer, read the ABWA mission and led the pledge to the flag. Lela Taylor, secretary, read the October minutes.
Dolores Gilliland, corresponding secretary, reported sending several cards.
It was reported the chapter had a successful booth at the Lutheran bazaar.
Mrs. Hazel E. (Cleveland) Mathieu will observe her 100th birthday today. She was born Dec. 8, 1896 on the Borwell Family farm in Beotia Township, Spink County, South Dakota, the daughter of Samuel Lewis and Annie (Borwell) Cleveland.
A 1915 graduate of Conde High School, she participated in the two day state teacher's examination, which was customary for the time, and earned a second grade teacher's certificate. She taught school for two years before marrying Reese Alfred Mathieu on Feb. 28, 1918. The couple spent all of their married life in Verdon, S.D. where they had a store.
Mrs. Mathieu studied the Bible in a non-denominational church and Sunday school and was active in Extension club work, the Eastern Star, taught 4-H clubs and worked in the womens' department of the Methodist Church. She has 50-year membership pins for three of those groups.
Mr. and Mrs. Mathieu had two children, Grace Anna (Mathieu) Polkinghorne of Ponca City, and Reese Alfred Mathieu Jr. Grandchildren are Joyce Ann (Polkinghorne) Phelps, John G. Polkinghorne and Reese Alfred Mathieu III.
Mrs. Mathieu has four great-grandchildren, Mary and Sarah Mathieu, Reese Alfred Mathieu IV, and Killian Garfield Phelps.
She enjoys her family pictures and keeps in touch with various nieces and nephews.
Members of the Twentieth Century Club will meet at the Cultural Center at 1 p.m. December 13. Mrs. Charles Hollar, president, will preside at the meeting. Greeters will be Mrs. Terry Muchmore, Mrs. Donald Monn, Mrs. Steve McGuire and Mrs. John McFadden.
Dr. Joe Kinzer, president of Northern Oklahoma College, will tell the group "What's Happening at NOC." A program featuring Christmas music will be presented by Mrs. Mariann Priboy of the NOC music department. The social committee, chaired by Mrs. Richard Pitts and Mrs. A. P. Whipple, will serve refreshments following the meeting.
The Naomi Sunday School class of First Baptist Church met December 3 with each member bringing a plate of "goodies" to be shared.
Mildred Perry introduced Jane Rega who gave a book review and showed family pictures. Members sang Christmas carols aand refreshments were served with Viola Reynolds taking care of the tea and coffee. Following the meeting Mrs. Reynolds gifted each member with a handmade red and green necklace.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Graham, 512 Virginia, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on December 23. A reception in their honor will be held December 15, 2-4 p.m., at the Second Baptist Church, 1112 West Grand. Hosts for the celebration will be their children and members of the congregation of Second Baptist Church. An open invitation is extended to friends of the couple to attend the special event.
Paul Graham and the former Geraldine (Jerri) Brewer were married Dec. 23, 1946 in the home of Dr. Oren C. Ried at Sallisaw. They made their first home in Sallisaw, and later lived in Bolivar, Mo., Shawnee, Ok., and Fort Smith, Ark. They have resided in the Ponca City area since 1961.
After their marriage, the couple was involved in introducing the IGA chain of grocery stores to Oklahoma until 1952 at which time Mr. Graham was called into the ministry. After serving with the armed forces in Korea, 1952-54, he attended Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating in 1958 and becoming a fulltime minister.
The Rev. Mr. Graham has been the pastor at Second Baptist Church since 1961 and has served on many boards and committees of the General Baptist Convention. He has a radio ministry on WBBZ and is the author of "Think On These Things."
Mrs. Graham attended college in Bolivar and Chickasha.
During the course of raising three children, she was employed as an Avon representative for 16 years. Mrs. Graham has been an active Sunday school teacher all her adult life and has been the director of the Children's Church at Second Baptist for the past eight years.
Having a background in business and an interest in photography, Mrs. Graham purchased the Photo Supply Company in 1978 and continues to manage it as a family-run business in downtown Ponca City.
The couple has three children, John Graham, Janetta Powelson and Gerald Graham. Their grandchildren are Paula, Wes, and Kyle Graham, Beth, Melissa and Rachael Powelson, and Sarah Graham.
Announcement has been made of the events planned for December 8-14 for the Singles Network. The group is open to all single men and women, whatever the circumstances of their single state.
This evening at 6:30 p.m. a discussion group meets at First Presbyterian Church with a snacktime after the meeting. On December 9 members will meet at Arby's at 6 p.m. and a card party is planned for December 11 at 7 p.m. at Phil's. Those attending are to bring snacks and more information can be obtained by calling 765-4620 or 765-8381.
A general meeting is scheduled for December 12 at 6:45 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Those attending are asked to bring a seasonal "goodie" to share.
December 14 a Christmas party is planned for the Singles Network. Members will eat at Furr's at 5 p.m. and a gift exchange, coffee and dessert is planned for 6:30 p.m. at Sherry's. Those attending need to bring a gift costing five dollars or less with men bringing a man's gift and women a woman's gift. Participants are also asked to bring a dish of favorite candy, cookies or other dessert.
Wendy Marie Rhoades and Kevin Duane Hawk were united in marriage in a 6 p.m. ceremony November 9 at the United Methodist-Christian Church in Marland. Jack Clemens officiated the double ring vows. The bride is the daughter of Jim and Karen Rhoades of Marland and parents of the bridegroom are J. D. Hawk of Arkansas City, and the late Pat Hawk.
The musical program included a taped rendition of "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney. The traditional processional and recessional were also taped. Accenting each side of the altar was a wooden, heart-based candelabrum with votive cups holding hunter green candles and decorated with burgundy bows and ivy. A wooden, tiered candle stand was similary decorated and the pew bows were formed with burgundy paper twist, wedding bells and burgundy ribbon.
The bride wore a formal length gown of Italian white satin with illusion insets on the front and back of the bodice. The fitted, Princess styled bodice and long sleeves featured re-embroidered lace accented with sequins and pearls. The skirt front and cathedral train were highlighted with lace appliques embellished with pearls and iridescents. Matching lace trimmed the hemline of the skirt and train. A large, satin butterfly bow accentuated the back bodice which featured button and loop closures. The fingertip veil of illusion was attached to a band of pearls. The bride's classical bouquet, designed by her aunt, Peggy Mauk, featured white silk roses accented with burgundy roses and greenery with streamers of satin ribbon, pearls and lace.
Andrea Fair served her sister as matron of honor. She wore a Cassie's Classic, created by Catherine Robinson, a family friend. The tea length dress of hunter green iridescent taffeta featured a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and short, puffed sleeves. Her bouquet featured burgundy roses accented with pearls, lace and ribbon.
Flower girl was Jaymie Sueann Rhoades, niece of the bride. She wore a dress created by Ms. Robinson styled similarly to the honor attendant's. She carried a white wicker basket trimmed with burgundy and white ribbons and holding white and burgundy roses. All of the floral arrangements for the wedding were designed by Mrs. Mauk. Ring bearer was Shane Kimbrell, nephew of the bride. He carried a white satin pillow created by Arleta Pulliam and Catherine Robinson. He wore a hunter green and white striped shirt with black jeans.
Barry Neal served as best man and usher was Kevan Pulliam. Presiding at the guest register was Chastity Roades. The reception was held in the social room of the Marland Fire Department. Assisting with the event were Carlyn Ingmire and Monica Lott.
Special guests included Mrs. Frances Rhoades and Mrs. Freda Studer, grandmothers of the bride; Tyson Hawk, nephew of the bridegroom; Mr. and Mrs. David Bellew of Arkansas City, uncle and aunt of the bridegroom; Mrs. Barbara Ulhrig of Mulhall, aunt of the bridegroom; Mr. and Mrs. Barry Neal, Jake and Jaquelin of Arkansas City, and Rusty Baruth of Gueda Springs, Ks.
Mr. and Mrs. Hawk have established a home in Sioux Falls, S. D. where the bridegroom is a Process Meat Supervisor for John Morrell and Company.
A surprise luncheon and reception recently honored Mr. and Mrs. Walden Wright in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. The event was held at the Marland Mansion Hunt and Game Room and also marked Mrs. Wright's 75th birthday.
Guests attended from Oklahoma, California, Missouri and Texas. Special guests were Mrs. Wright's brother, William Tiffee of Lodi, Calif., and her sister, Bessie Lockhart of Chickasha.
Walden Wright and the former S. Orene Tiffee were united in marriage Dec. 4, 1946 at Columbus, Ks., making their first home at Zoe, Ks. The couple later lived in Tahlequah, Burbank, Westville and Tonkawa. They have resided at 317 East Albany for the past 37 years.
Mr. Wright was a teacher at Liberty Elementary School, retiring in 1972. He was employed as a principal and teacher in several Oklahoma towns. He is a member of the American Association of Retired Persons, The Bassmaster's Club, and is a lifetime Mason.
Mrs. Wright is also a member of AARP and is interested in quilting, gardening and the couple's grandchildren. She is affiliated with the Eastern Star in Westville, Ok. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are longtime members of the First Baptist Church.
Hosting the celebration for their parents were Merl and Charla Wright of Ponca City and John and Evlyn (Wright) Schmidt of Stratford, Tx. Grandchildren are Tom and Courtney (Schmidt) Gibbens of Stillwater, Jacob Schmidt of Boulder, Co., Nicholas Schmidt of Stratford, Tx., Bartlend and Braxton Wright of Ponca City.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Tapp are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today. A dinner was given in their honor at the Crown and Rose English restaurant Saturday. The event was hosted by Katy and Tom Tucker and Lana and Chuck Van Cleave.
Mr. Tapp and the former Vonceil McClendon were married Dec. 8, 1946 at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City. They have resided in Ponca City all their married life.
During World War II Mr. Tapp served in the Army Air Corp for three and one-half years. He is a residential building contractor and has built approximately 400 houses in Ponca City during the past 50 years. Mr. Tapp has served on numerous city boards and committees and has been a member of several professional organizations, including the Ponca City Homebuilders Association, of which he has served as president. He was active in the Noon Lions Club for many years.
Before her marriage, Mrs. Tapp was employed by Cities Service Transportation and Chemical Company and was a bookkeeper for Sanders Drugstore, Brauderick and Nuckols Printing. She has served as secretary and bookkeeper for Lee Tapp homes for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Tapp are active members of the Disciples Class of the First Baptist Church.
The couple are parents of Katy Tucker and Lana Van Cleave, both of Ponca City, and Jodi Hester of Fort Myers Beach, Fla. They have three sons-in-law, Tom Tucker, Chuck Van Cleave and Charles Hester. Mr. and Mrs. Tapp have six grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Christmas season brings a time for parents to buy just the right toy for their son or daugthter to place under the tree. Unfortunately, some toys are dangerous, and can cause more harm than good.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center has several tips for parents to remember as they purchase their children's holiday gifts.. Most importanly, parents should remember that toys should be a source of fum and learning for their child. The right toys can help children discover more about themselves and the world around them...
Listed below are several suggestions for buying safe toys:
Look for age-appropriate labels. Age labels and warning labels are there primarily for safety guidelines, not developmentaI guidelines.
Avoid buying toys with sharp edges or points.
Avoid buying toys with small, removable parts. To keep your child from choking don't give them anything smaller than their fist.
Avoid projectile toys such as guns, arrows or missiles.
Avoid loud toys. Cap guns and other toys can emit sounds at deafening levels that can damage a child's hearing.
Avoid buying toys with long cords or strings.
Be tough on the toy before your child is.
Also, if your child has a toy chest at home, or you plan to purchase a toy chest this year, be sure it has a lid support and air holes. A lid support is important because a hinged lid can fall on your child's head or arm and cause serious injuries. Air holes are important because children occasionally get trapped inside toy boxes. It's important you don't block the air holes by pushing the box tight against a wall. In addition, be sure the lid doesn't latch.
If the toy box you are buying doesn't come with a lid support or air holes, install those items yourself--or remove the lid to ensure your child's safety.
The information listed above was compiled from articles from the Oldahoma SAFE KIDS Coalition in Oklahoma City and the Statewide Comprehensive Injury Prevention Program in Boston, Ma.
If you have a complaint about a toy, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at 1-800-638-CPSC The few hundred toys they test each year are chosen because the toy caused injuries, because it is similar to another toy that has been recalled, or because of consumer complaints.
Follow thesesimple guidelines to ensure your child's safe enjoyment of the holiday season!
Announcement is being made of the engagement of Miss Kathryn Lynn Vega to Matthew John Hein by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Vega of New Mexico. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Hein of Ponca City. The couple plans to wed December 28 at the Church of the Risen Savior in Albuquerque, N.M.
Miss Vega graduated from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico and is currently the Western Region Field Marketing representative for Sonic Drive-Ins.
Hein, a 1982 graduate of Ponca City High School, received a bachelor of science degree in economics from Oklahoma State University. At present he is a New Store Opening Specialist for Sonic Drive-Ins and has recently moved to the Albuquerque area.
Friends, former students, and education profession associates of Ocie A. Anderson are invited to attend a reception celebrating his 80th birthday. He requests there be no gifts for the event which will be held Sunday, December 15, at the Church of Christ, 1035 South Main, Blackwell, 2-5 p.m. Those unable to attend are asked to send notes remembering experiences with Mr. Anderson to Joe Anderson, 419 South Maple, Newkirk, Ok. 74647. Hosting the special occasion are children of Mr. Anderson, Joe Anderson, Janet Herndon, Jim Anderson and Blaine Armstrong.
Ocie A. Anderson was born Jan. 26, 1917 on the Bolton family home place near Hollis, Ok. The Anderson family moved to Blackwell in 1925 and he graduated from Blackwell High School in 1935, where he wrestled and played football. He served as captain of the wrestling team at Central State Teachers College, graduating in 1939. He accepted a teaching position at Braman where he met his wife-to-be, Mildred Majors. In 1940 Mr. Anderson was hired to teach and coach in the Blackwell schools and the couple was married on June 4, 1941. Mrs. Anderson died in 1980.
In 1942 Mr. Anderson enlisted in the U. S. Navy Reserve, serving in San Diego, Ca.; Norman, Ok.; as armed guard gunnery officer in the Pacific Theatre, Miami Beach, Fla.; New Orleans, La., and Memphis, Tn. He was released to a inactive duty in 1945 with the rank of Lt. (jg) USNR.
Mr. Anderson taught and coached wrestling in Pauls Valley and trained as a manager for Long Bell Lumber in Norman. The family moved to Blackwell in 1948 and he became manager of Long Bell Lumber, returning to teaching at Braman in 1949-50 and to Blackwell schools in 1950. He served as principal of Park School, 1951-52, and Lovett Junior High, 1952-56.
In 1952 he earned a master of arts degree from Oklahoma A&M College and in July, 1956 began a 21 year career as principal of Blackwell High School. He was assistant superintendent in 1977-79, retiring in June, 1979 after 37 years as an educator.
A life-long member of the Church of Christ, he has served as a Bible class teacher, song leader, deacon and elder. In August, 1980 Mr. Anderson was married to Hazel Dee (Cassingham) Armstrong. They are both active with AARP, Kay County Retired Teachers and Top of Oklahoma Historical Society. Mr. Anderson enjoys working in his woodshop and traveling to visit friends and relatives.
The First Baptist Church in Tonkawa was the setting for the November 9 wedding ceremony uniting Miss Robyn Lea Brown and James Hallan Guidrey. The 2 p.m. double ring vows were officiated by Dr. Eugene Perry of Westport Baptist Church.
The bride is the daughter of Linda Brown of Tonkawa and the late Gary Brown. Parents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Roland Guidrey of Lake Charles, La.
The musical program was presented by Wilma Jean Tullos, organist, and Raneal Perry, pianist. Included were "Canon in D" and the "Bridal Chorus." Carl Guidrey, brother of the bridegroom, sang "I Cross my Heart" and "I Will Be Here." Joe Brown, uncle of the bride, sang "Perfect Union."
The bride was escorted to the altar by her brother, Kent Brown. She wore a white satin gown with an illusion neckline and fitted bodice. The high collar was covered with Alencon lace encrusted with pearls and sequins. The matching lace bodice was detailed with pearl beadwork and iridescent sequins. The white satin sleeves featured Alencon lace on sheer insets covered with pearl beadwork. The full skirt and chapel length train featured Shiffli applique lace and bow detail with pearls and sequins. The large bow at the back waistline was adorned with lace and beadwork. The fingertip length veil was edged with lace and attached to a pearl tiara. The veil was made and worn by the bride's mother at her wedding. The bride carried a heart-shaped bouquet of pale pink roses accented with ribbon, pearl loops, white and blue ruffled babies breath and ribbon and pearl streamers.
Maid of honor was Becky Mugg of Stillwater, cousin of the bride. She was attired in a tea length dress with fitted bodice, basque waistline, long sleeves, full skirt and a sweetheart neckline in dusty rose moire. She wore a hairclip of dusty rose and pale pink rosebuds accented with pearl sprays. Her pearl teardrop necklace and earrings were gifts from the bride. The honor attendant carried a pink rose adorned with ribbon and pearl streamers.
Dressed identically to the honor attendant were bridemaids, Jenni Quidas of Stillwater, Jenni Slate of Austin, Tx., Kim Chaissen of Jennings, La., niece of the bridegroom. Flower girl, Amanda Guidrey of Jennings, La., niece of the bridegroom, wore an ankle length dress of pale pink moire fashioned like the other attendants.
Brian Otto of Ponca City was best man and groomsmen were Quinton Guidrey of Lake Charles, La., and Carl Guidrey of Jennings, La., both brothers of the bridegroom. Ushers were Quinton Guidrey, brother of the bridegroom, and Kent Brown, brother of the bride. Serving as candlelighters were Daniel Brown, brother of the bride, and Elizabeth Michaelson, of Albuquerque, cousin of the bride.
Attending the guest book were Glorita Appel of Tonkawa and Stephanie Howard of Stillwater. The reception was held at the fellowship hall of the church. Assisting were Marian Grantz; Nancy Brown, aunt of the bride; Michelle Snodgrass, Angie Shed and Kelly Martin, all cousins of the bride. Special guests at the wedding included Mr. and Mrs. Leo Michealson of Blackwell, grandparents of the bride; Mrs. Kim Michealson and Matthew of Albuquerque, N. M., aunt and cousin of the bride.
Following a wedding trip to Branson, Mo. and Arkansas, the couple is residing in Iowa, La. The bride's occupation is banking and the bridegroom is employed as a pipefitter in Lake Charles.
Miss Kristy Austin became the bride of Shane Alexander in a November 8 wedding ceremony in Miami. Carl Pollard officiated the vows.
Attending the couple were Candy Karpe of Ponca City and Kyle Murray of Tulsa. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander reside in Miami where the bridegroom is a student at Northeastern A & M College.
Parents of the couple are Bob and Nida Austin of Ponca City and Debra Cooper of Blackwell.
SUNDAY
Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 1000 East Grand. Includes Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch and DAR Rooms. Open 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, closed Tuesday.
Mozart Music Club meets Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Cultural Center, Students whose last names begin with A-L meet from 2 to 3 p.m; last names M-Z and older students meet from 2:45 to 3:30.
Mrs. Edwin Fair will introduce "The Doctors Fair", written by her late husband, Edwin Fair, MD, founder of the Edwin Fair Community Health Center, Brace Books & More on North Fourteenth, Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Singles Network discussion group, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, First Presbyterian Church. All single adults welcome.
Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Sunday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by parking lot).
The Panhellenic Christmas House Tour will be held Dec. 8 (today) from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or at local banks and businesses. Featured this year will be the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ross, 402 North Sixth, decorated by Janie; Dr. and Mrs. Tom Carter, 9 Hillcrest, decorated by Victoria's Garden; Dr. and Mrs. Paul Walker, 45 Stoneridge, decorated by Christy's and Hobby Lobby; Dr. and Mrs. Randy Weber, 71 Stoneridge, decorated by Victorian Rabbit.
MONDAY
Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs. Jeff Clark of Signature Landsclapes will present the program, "Types of Shrubs." For information contact Rebecca Barker, 765-1689.
Road to Hope Al-Anon, 11:30 a.m. Monday. Call Linda at 765-7045, home, 767-5328, work; or Carol at 765-2390, home, 767-6192, work, for location.
Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, Marland Mansion Chapel.
Alcoholics Anonymous, noon Monday, for those with desire to stop drinking. information, call Sue 765-256.
Red Rose Garden Club will meet Monday, Dec. 9 with Mrs. Jim Ross, 402 North Sixth. Co-hosts: Mrs. Henry Bourne and Mrs. Harold Younger. Program: Gingerbread House.
ABWA party at 6:30 p.m. Monday with Madeline Helems, 122 Fairview.
Fibromyalgia Support Group, Monday, 7 p.m. Williamsburg Parlor, First Baptist Church. Program on Aromatherapy by Mary Coffee, LPN and licensed massage therapist. Those with questions may call Lilly Freeman, 762-9027; Vivian Cross, 765-88871, or Martha Long, 762-5572.
TOPS OK 308, 6:15 p.m. Monday weigh-in. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call Delpha Clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
Senior Citizens Dance every Monday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Ball Room, 407 West South Ave., in Ponca CIty. Everyone welcome to and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Freedom Group of AA open meeting 12 and 12 study, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Woodlands Christian Church, Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. Call 762-3345 for more information.
Senior Citizens' Dance every Monday, 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion, Ponca City. Everyone welcome to come and dance to the music of the Hayriders Band.
Al-Anon meeting, 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony house, 212 South Third.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement, 212 South Third. Use south entrance by parking lot.
TUESDAY
Preschool Storytime for 4, 5, and 6 year olds, Ponca City Library, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
Kiwanis Club, 11 noon Tuesday, American Legion.
Parent Support Group, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.
PTSA meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, Howell Auditorium. Dr. Sjoberg will host a question/answer session on issues of concern at Po-Hi. All parents, teachers and students encouraged to attend.
Domestic Violence Group, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Programs for women children of family violence. Baby sitter provided. For info, call 76A-BUSE.
Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.
Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Room 110, Wilkin Hall, Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All welcome. For information, call 765-1172 or 363-0469.
Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Woodlands Christian Church. For information, call 762-2965.
Fanchon Chapter No. 53, Order of the Eastern Star, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, regular meeting at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand. Election of officers for 1997. Hostesses: Jimmie Smith and Dorothy Dewan.
New Hope AA at 8 p.m. Tuesday, at DAV, 401 South Lincoln.
New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by parking lot).
WEDNESDAY
Storytime for 2 & 3 year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes. For information, contact the library.
Royal Neighbors noon luncheon and gift exchange, Derrick's.
Sage, Rosemary & Thyme Garden Club, Wednesday at 11 a.m., Holiday Luncheon, Marlene Roth, 1405 Academy Road. For information call 767-1344.
Ponca City Art Association, 819 East Central, Christmas Tree Collage and Rhonda Waters Christmas Dolls, open Wednesday through Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Chapter EL of P.E.O., noon Wednesday in the home of Sue Helton, 1304 Quail Lane. Speaker will be Barbara White of the Ponca City Police Department.
Chapter FC of P.E.O., 1 p.m. Wednesday at the home of Linda Stephens. Co-hostesses: Genevieve Renschler, Bayard Casey. Program: Marquetta Brown on "The Oklahoma Flag."
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, DAV, 401 South Lincoln.
THURSDAY
Story Hour for school-aged children at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.
Parent Support Group, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.
Presbyterian Women Luncheon, noon, Dec. 12 in Fellowship Hall of the church.
Jaycees, 7 p.m. first and third Thursday, Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting.
Model Railroad Club, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Stevens Building 113 North Third. For info, call 765-6486 or 765-7996.
Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Thursday, for location, call 765-3178 or 762-5 529.
New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House (upstairs library.).
Freedom Group of AA; open meeting at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. Call 762-3345 for more info.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House basement, (use south entrance by parking lot).
FRIDAY
Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Crown and Rose English Pub.
Twentieth Century Club will meet Friday, Dec. 13 at the Cultural Center, 1 p.m. The program will be a talk by Dr. Joe Kinzer on "What's Happening at NOC" and Christmas music presented by Mrs. Mariann Priboy of the NOC Music Department.
Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance by Smoke Free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.
New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, at DAV, 401 South Lincoln.
SATURDAY
Overeat