From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
December 18, 1996
LOCAL
Consider Doors Of Daily Life
Perry Postal Mural Hangs In Cherokee Strip Museum
Area Calendar
Questions Most Asked About Heart Attacks, Strokes
Animated Christmas Display Featured at Blackwell Church
'Hometown Christmas Show' Set for Poncan on Saturday
Mertz Selling Vibrator Technology
Nearly News
Banquet Held For Volunteers Of Thrift Shops
Veterans Could Qualify For Financial Assistance
Marland Estate Commission Voices Frustration Over Role
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Letters Say:
Nine Firefighters Pass Advanced Cardiac Life Support Class Here
Holiday Classic Presentation Monday Night
NEWS BRIEFS
DEATHS
Betty L. Tomlin
Arthur E. Durheim
Mildred Rae Krohn
Wilma E. Hart
Herman Roth
Obituaries
Roy Robert Whiting Jr.
Services Pending
Arlyn Vincent
Funerals
Truman Dailey
LIFESTYLES
Pioneer Sams Host Holiday Party, Meeting
Home for Christmas
Professionals Today Planning Christmas Party
SPORTS
Frontier Runs Past Wildcats
OWD Starts Birds Survey
Funds Furnished To Clean Lakes
Day Use Passes Available
Jan. 1 Brings Rules Change
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Throughout our daily lives we pass through many doorways. The door of our houses, the garage door, the passage to work, educational portals, day care entrances and openings to entertainment not to mention the revolving doors of financial institutions, corporate security doors, and glass doors of commerce.
There are doors of opportunity - passages of time and gateways to happiness. Also there are unfrequented doors, barred doors, bolted doors, locked doors and unguarded doors.
Throughout the City of Ponca City there are monumental doors, historical doors, arched doors, front doors, back doors, paned doors, decorated doors, antique doors, glass doors, Dutch doors, curtained doors, barn doors, and pet doors.
Some doors have squeaky hinges and others weather-beaten exteriors, while others are sun bleached, carved, paneled or padded.
Among the memorable doors in Ponca City are the huge doors of the Marland Mansion. The angled door of the Clark Nickles and the green door of the Ponca City Art Center.
The Episcopal Church displays a red door, and the Civic Center harbors closed doors (not to be confused with the Charlie Rich song Behind Closed Doors). The narrow door at the Cann Garden Center is a bungalow door.
Editor's Note: Ponca City's Post Office, with the assistance of a citizen's committee, is launching a mural project for the lobby of the building. Jerry Cathey, Postal Service worker, is heading up the project, with the guidance of Postmaster Jack Weatherford. This is the seventh in a series on Post Office Murals in Oklahoma and Kansas.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
PERRY - The Cherokee Strip Museum, operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, at Perry boasts a Postal Mural as one of its artifacts. Postal murals by the nature of the art are of course on the wall of a Post Office.
This mural by Thomas M. Stell Jr., of Cucro, Texas, graced the wall of the lobby of the Perry Post Office from 1941 to 1967, when it was moved to the museum.
When the Post Office was remodeled and enlarged - the mural that brings to life a cattle branding scene on the prairie, was transferred "by careful workmanship by the contractor" according to the Perry newspaper. The mural was given to the Noble County Chapter of the Cherokee Strip Historical Society for the new museum which was under construction in 1967.
While the museum was being built, the mural was placed in the care of Mrs. Charles Malzahan, then president of the historical society. It was hung on the basement wall of Charles Machine Works for safekeeping until it could be properly hung in the new museum.
Range Branding
Titled "Range Branding Time Down by the Big Tank," the mural was commission by Stell as the results of a nation-wide mural contest in 1940. Stell painted the mural in Texas, after winning the commission.
He reportedly started with a blue print of the Post Office's north lobby wall. He painted it to scale and then it was brought to Perry to be mounted on the wall of Post Office lobby.
The mural, which now hangs over a door at the Cherokee Strip Museum, is four by 12 feet in size and includes the woodwork from the top of the door over the Postmasters office. The murals, funded by the United States Treasury as a part of the New Deal, were customarily located over the door of the Postmaster in the rural communities.
Stell's father was an "old trail driver" bringing herds of cattle from Texas though the Cherokee Strip to ship to market in Kansas. So the artist painted a typical branding scene. Branding was important for cattle owners to keep track of their own herds and also as a protection against cattle rustlers. The camp fire scene features six cowpokes and some cattle.
Stell received his education at Rice Institute Columbia University and the Art Students' League of New York. An artist who was recognized not only in the United States but also received an honorable rating for a mural painting that was entered in Prix de Rome.
Other building murals by Stell include one at the F.N. Drane library at Carsiana, Texas, and the Forrest Avenue High School in Dallas and another Post Office mural at Teague, Texas.
Another job in his home state was assisting with the decorating of the Federal building at the Texas Centennial at Dallas., He was also granted a commission for a mural in the Longview, Texas, Post Office.
Perry Post Offices
It is interesting to note how the first Post Office in the Noble County seat came into being. The first Post office erected in 1894, sat on the northwest corner of "the government's acre." That clapboard structure was replaced with a stone building.
The stone building was built with funds subscribed by Perry merchants. After it was built it was leased to the Treasury department and became government property. A few years later a modern brick building was constructed.
Cherokee Strip Mural
In addition to the Postal mural, the Perry museum has another historic mural in the curved wall vestibule. This mural was painted by Fred Olds of Guthrie for the new museum.
Kaye Bond, curator, tells how this mural came about, "The mural was a part of the building plan for the museum. At that time the artist worked for the Oklahoma Historical Society and he and some of his students, he was also an art instructor, painted the mural."
The idea of the mural was "a scope through time" of the history of the Cherokee Strip dating to the era before the Cherokee Indians moved into the eastern part of the state. The mural shows the Cherokee and Otoe Indian tribe settlements, the cattlemen, who raised cattle herds or drove them through the territory.
Also depicted are the Miller Brothers of the 101 Ranch, Bill Pickett of bulldogging fame, Chief White Eagle and other prominent personalities and events.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m., to 5 p.m., 10 a.m., to 4 p.m. The museum is closed Sunday and Monday.
November 21-December 20
"Generations," exhibit by 27 artists and their family members, Eleanor Hays Gallery, Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, 1-4 weekdays and prior to scheduled performances in the NPAC, free.
November 29-December 31
Festival of Angels, Ponca City. 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, Ponca City.
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, Ponca City.
December 8-29
Christmas Tree Collage Exhibit and Christmas Dolls, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central, free admission.
December 11-31
Christmas Tree Collage, and Christmas Dolls by Rhonda Waters, Wed.-Sun., 1-5 p.m., Ponca City Art Center.
December 18
Living Nativity Christmas Pageant, 7-9 p.m., First Church of God, 1101 West Grand Avenue.
December 19
Ponca City Downtown Merchants Christmas Cash Giveaway, 7 p.m., Centennial Plaza.
December 20
"Santa Got Lost in Texas," Ponca Pizazz Musical Theatre, 7 p.m., Hutchins Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
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.
Kaw City Senior Citizens Dance, 7-10 p.m., Music by Country Fever Band, Kaw City Community Building.
December 21
"Ponca City Hometown Christmas," Talent Revue, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.
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.
January 19
Community Concert "Black Mountain Mail Choir of Wales," 2:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial, Fifth Street at Overbrook Avenue, Ponca City.
January 20
Ponca City-Stillwater Ostomy Meeting, program by Vera Rogers, 7:30 p.m., Ponca City St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room B.
January 25
"2 x 4 Productions," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
January 29-February 22
Exhibit "Touchable Sculpture," Ponca City Art Association.
February 8
"The Ambassador Choir," 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free.
Ronnie Kaye Sock Hop, benefit Kay County Council for Opportunity Center, tickets $12.50 each, from 765-6782.
Editors Note: Following the feeding frenzies of the holidays and facing a new year with another year of age tacked on to a birthday count, many citizens will be making New Year's resolutions to take better care of their health in 1997. The American Heart Association makes some simple suggestions for ways to take care of the heart, avoid stroke, and to improve health in general. Those suggestions are included in the following question and answer release about heart attack and stroke from the American Heart Association.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer in the United States today, is responsible for about 925,000 American deaths each year. Today nearly 59 million Americans (one in four) have some form of cardiovascular disease, ranging from congenital heart defects to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Oklahoman's are no exception, and have a higher than national average statistic count for the disease.
Because so many have cardiovascular disease, they are at high risk of disability or death. A large percentage of victims who die suddenly of coronary heart disease show no previous evidence of the disease. Heart attack and stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time.
AMA says, if simple good health habits had been adhered to in the first place, many would not be suffering from heart disease. However, those who are affected and do die might have lived if they, or someone close to them, had only known what to do.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of heart attack and stroke and to respond quickly by seeking immediate medical help. It is a national tragedy that so many die needlessly, when a quick response would have prevented death.
Q. What is a heart attack? Coronary atherosclerosis causes heart attack. It is a slow process that can go on for years without causing any symptoms. Fat-like deposits made of cholesterol and other substances build up in the inner walls of the arteries leading to the heart and eventually narrow them so that less blood, and therefore less oxygen, flows to the heart.
When less blood, and less oxygen, flows to the heart, the heart muscle may be damaged. If a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery and completely blocks the blood flow, part of the heart dies and a heart attack results.
Q. What are the warning signs of a heart attack? Warning signs of heart attack include uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back; pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arm; chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Not all of these symptoms occur in every heart attack. Sharp, stabbing twinges usually are not signals of a heart attack.
Q. If someone is showing the signs of a heart attack or stroke, what should be done? Act immediately. Waiting can be fatal. Call the emergency rescue service. Depending on the community, this may be 911.
If getting to the hospital is faster by car, have someone drive the victim. The person showing warning signs should not drive. Know in advance your emergency medical number and the nearest medical facility with 24-hour emergency cardiac care. Determine the fastest route to the hospital from home and work.
Q. What measures can be taken before a heart attack victim gets medical help? Immediate measures can also be taken until help arrives or you get to the hospital. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient has stopped breathing. If the victim is experiencing shortness of breath, raise the head. If the victim is pale, cold and sweaty, lower the head. Also, have the victim chew and swallow one aspirin tablet, which can have an anti-clotting effect so that the blood to the heart flows freer.
Q. Why is getting immediate medical help so important? In the case of heart attack, the longer blood does not flow to the heart, the longer it is deprived of oxygen. When the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, it dies. Doctors have a saying among themselves, "time is muscle."
Medical personnel can administer thrombolytic drugs, which open up the arteries and release the flow of blood. These drugs have their maximum effectiveness within the first two hours of a heart attack. Those who wait too long to get medical help, but survive their attack, may find their remaining years and quality of life drastically reduced because only a portion of their heart is still alive and able to pump the blood their body needs.
Q. What is ventricular fibrillation? Also, during the early stages of heart attack the body often experiences electrical instability leading to rapid, irregular contractions of the heart called ventricular fibrillation. This can lead to sudden death. If the victim gets to the hospital quickly, ventricular fibrillation can be monitored and in a high percentage of cases, stopped and reversed. The more time that goes by, the harder it is to stop.
Q. Don't a lot of people mistake the pains in their chest for indigestion? It is very common for heart attack victims to deny they're having a heart attack. The average heart attack victim waits at least one hour before getting help. In fact, if you're with someone showing the signs of a heart attack, expect a denial. The thought of having a heart attack is scary - many people don't want to face that possibility. Also, they may be afraid to risk the embarrassment of a "false alarms." As a result, they delay getting help by ignoring their symptoms or rationalizing that "it's just indigestion."
Q. What are the risk factors for heart attack? High blood pressure, a high blood cholesterol level, cigarette smoking, obesity and lack of regular exercise are important risk factors of heart attack. These risk factors can be corrected to reduce your risk. Other risk factors cannot be changed, such as heredity, age, sex and race. Some families have a greater tendency toward heart attack. African-Americans have a greater risk of heart attack because they are more prone to high blood pressure. Also, studies show that men are likely to suffer heart attacks earlier in life than women, but that women are less likely to survive their heart attack.
Q. What is a stroke? Brain cells must have a continuous, ample supply of oxygen rich blood, or they die. When the inner walls of arteries become lined with plaque, the arteries are narrowed, blood flow slows and clots are likely to form. Sometimes a wandering clot is carried by the bloodstream until it lodges in an artery in the heart and stops the blood flow.
Clots can also block an artery in the brain. In this case, the result is a stroke. Stroke can also occur when an artery in the brain bursts, flooding the surrounding tissue with blood. When this happens, cells normally fed by the artery are deprived of their nourishment and squeezed by pressure that builds up inside the skull.
Another problem is that the blood from the ruptured artery soon clots, which may displace or destroy brain tissue and interfere with brain function.
Q. What are the warning signs of a stroke? Common signals of a stroke are sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body; loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding others; sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye; sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause and unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially along with any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Q. What is a TIA? Sometimes a major stroke is preceded by Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) or "little strokes" which produce symptoms like those of a major stroke, except that they last for only a very short time. These "little strokes" can occur days, weeks or months before a severe stroke and should be considered warning signals. Prompt medical or surgical attention to these symptoms can prevent a major stroke. TIAs can be treated with drugs that inhibit clots from forming.
Q. How important is time in getting medical help in the event of a stroke? With stroke, "time is brain tissue." The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the greater the risk of death or debilitation (loss of intellectual function, speech and body mobility due to paralysis). Medical personnel can help stabilize a stroke victim and monitor his or her vital signs. They can also check for any traumas to the head and neck the victim may have incurred in a fall during the stroke and be there to respond if the patient has a seizure, loses consciousness or goes into respiratory arrest (which can then lead to coronary arrest and death).
With early access to the stroke patient, doctors can begin treatment and rehabilitation immediately. Drugs that can break up the clots that cause stroke are now in the testing phase and may prove to be a major breakthrough in the treatment of stroke.
Q. What are the risk factors for stroke? Many of the risk factors for heart attack also apply to stroke. Five partly controllable risk factors are: high blood pressure; heart disease; cigarette smoking; transient ischemic attacks; and high red blood cell count which thickens the blood and makes clots more likely.
Other controllable factors increase stroke risk: elevated blood cholesterol; physical inactivity; and obesity.
Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of heart attack and stroke? Reducing your risk factors for heart attack will also reduce your risk of stroke. Don't smoke cigarettes. Eat a low-fat diet and control your weight; avoid a sedentary lifestyle; make physical activity a part of your daily routine; control your blood pressure and blood cholesterol; avoid excessive alcohol intake; find out if you have diabetes or a high red blood cell count (which are linked with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke) and work with your doctor to control them with a proper diet, drugs and exercise regimen.
Q. How can I get more information about heart disease and stroke? Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721).
Over 70 animated figures make this year's Christmas display at the First Presbyterian Church, Bridge and A Street in Blackwell, one of the largest animated collections in the country.
The annual display is erected each year by Ray and Dorothy Cantwell of Ponca City with the help of many members of the church. The Fellowship Hall is transformed into a Christmas wonderland of motion, light and sound. One focal point as you enter the room is an angel arch composed of two nine-foot Ponderosa Pine trees joined at the top. The trees are decorated in gold, burgundy and white. The scene features angels of every kind, lace, bows and roses and an animated angel three feet tall in the center. The angel was sent by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steele of Ft. Meyers, Fla.
The "Christmas Pageant" display has 17 animated children, looking like Precious Moments dolls. These children play all the parts of the usual Children's Christmas plays that are featured in churches around the world. Mrs. Steele and Ray Cantwell designed and constructed many of their costumes. Stuffed animals round out the scene as each child moves with the speed and energy of children. Another display features colorful elves making candy canes while on the other side Santa is feeding Dancer his dinner. One favorite of the children is Santa in his sleigh, pulled by very realistic reindeer. Santa and Mrs. Santa are featured in a display called "Santa's House" while in another Mrs. Santa plays the upright piano while Santa has his own Black Grand Piano. The "Dickens Christmas" display makes the theme of this year's display "100 Years of Christmas" chosen because this is the Centennial Celebration of the church. Dolls in Victorian costumes rock, sway and dance in this vignette.
The newest and, by far, the largest of the scenes is the "North Pole" featuring Eskimos and penguins. These figures were custom made in Kansas City for this display. The 20-foot scene also features bears and an igloo. The elves are featured in another "Toy Shop" vignette. The upside down Christmas tree in the foyer, and the Nativity Scene is very unusual. The new "Stained Glass Wall" depicting the "Last Supper" was installed in the sanctuary in honor of the Centennial Celebration of the church.
The display is open to the public at the scheduled Open Houses on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, 3 to 8 p.m. and on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7 to 10 p.m. and also weekdays when the church office is open. Call 405-363-1460 or contact Ray and Dorothy Cantwell at 762-4675. Cameras and video cameras are welcome.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
The "Hometown Christmas Show, a family oriented show for adults and children from 1 to 100 years of age, will be presented Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre in downtown Ponca City. More than 100 years of entertaining experience is rolled into this third annual show.
Featured as a special entertainment for the evening will be Ponca City's own Tim Muniz, who has been in the entertainment business most of his life.
Muniz began singing at church at age five and has continued on to win "Reach for the Stars" talent searches as well as the top awards at Star Connection and the Branson Talent Showdown.
Muniz has been concentrating on composing his own music the last three years and a number of his songs are now in circulation in Nashville. Muniz and duet partner, Paul Arthur, have recorded with Evergreen Records in Nashville.
Other performers on the annual Hometown Christmas Show will include the Local Vocals, who have performed in the Ponca City area for several years and will make this their last performance before disbanding.
The Hometown Christmas Show will also include a trio titled "Sweet Harmony," with Donita Cooper, Becky Dye and Rhonda Walker. The "Kids Medley" features Shannon Love, Kimberly Evans, Blair Turney, Melissa Bacher and Derek Love.
Other performers and acts include Sean Love, Anna Heagy, Tim Muniz, Dana (Poulson) Nesselrode, Robert Nesselrode, Vickie Poulson, Mark Love, Chris Holroyd, Kevin Goldman, Rick Whiting, Cara Kem, Patty Curl, Keith Lessert, Annette and John Hunt, Melissa Whitington and the Fran's Dancers Senior Company.
Some performers will appear in multiple acts as well as in solo performances.
Tickets for the third annual Hometown Christmas Show will be available at the Master's Touch Christian Book Store in Ponca City or by calling (405) 765-0169. Advance tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12 and under. Tickets at the box office will be $6 for adults and $4 for 12 and under.
John Taylor will emcee the show, which is produced and directed by Mark Love.
Mertz, based in Ponca City, and Sercel, headquartered in Nantes, France, will combine their respective vibrator product lines following the execution of a joint letter of intent. The agreement is expected to be effective as of Jan. 1, 1997.
Sercel Inc., a U.S. corporation based in Houston and Tulsa, will purchase the vibrator technology from Mertz, and take over its research and development, marketing and customer support operations related to the vibrator product line.
A new unit, based in Ponca City, will consolidate the existing R&D programs of Mertz and AMG (a subsidiary of Sercel based in Saint-Gaudens, France) while marketing operations will be combined within the Sercel worldwide organization.
Sercel, a subsidiary of Compagnie Generale de Geophysique (CGG), will thus become the leading supplier of vibrators to the seismic industry through it's Sercel-Mertz product line.
Management at Mertz sees this as a positive opportunity for both the company and the role the company serves as a provider of jobs for the community. The sale of the vibrator technology will move the company to a strong financial position for the future, according to Steve Ballinger, executive vice president/general manager.
Proceeds from the sale will allow the company to retire debt, fund capital expenditures for research and development as well as facility and machinery improvements.
The manufacturing agreement between Mertz and Sercel should increase the work load for the company in 1997. Mertz has been fortunate in 1996 to see an increase in sales of around 36 percent and add an additional 30 permanent employees. Mertz anticipates its growth trend to continue through the next three years, according to Ballinger.
Ponca City resident Rita Pace had boarded a plane in Dallas en route to Port Arthur, Texas, to visit her friend Phyllis Montis, former manager of the Ponca City Holiday Inn, when the plane was surrounded on the runway by police cars. Seems a passenger had threatened to "blow up" the plane.
Justice prevailed and that passenger was removed from the plane in handcuffs and carted off to Jail. Pace was there to do the Christmas decorating of the Holiday Inn Park Center, where Montis is general manager. The hotel was listed in the Port Arthur News as "The Place to Visit," during the holidays.
Making it to your 50th wedding anniversary is usually a combination of many things - including a little luck. That factor may help Jack and Louise Trout see their 60th anniversary! It seems the couple were celebrating their Golden Anniversary with the trip to New Orleans this last weekend - courtesy of their three daughters and families. They had been sitting in the hotel restaurant at the Hilton Hotel at the Riverwalk Mall just minutes before the hotel was hit by a runaway freighter. The impact demolished parts of the Hilton, which fell onto the ship and more than 60 people were injured. Jack says he and Louise had been sitting in the restaurant overlooking the beautiful Riverwalk Mall, discussed eating at the restaurant, decided against it, and had just left the area when he heard the horns blasting in the background and saw the orange rescue helicopters fly overhead. They did not see nor know what happened until they returned to their hotel later and saw it on TV. Nearly News wishes the Trouts a happy anniversary and many, many more (and lots of good luck to go with them).
Some 30 people attended the recent appreciation banquet for volunteers of the Caboose Thrift Shop in Ponca City and The Good Buy Shoppe in Blackwell.
These stores are doubly beneficial to the community, providing funds for the good works of the Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center, and providing affordable clothing and other needed items to residents of both Ponca City and Blackwell.
By donating time at these stores, volunteers make it possible to keep costs at a minimum for the benefit of all concerned, it was noted. Attendees at the banquet included volunteers who have been working at the Caboose since its early 1980s inception. Besides these veteran workers, volunteers with only a few weeks of service were present. All received handmade favors from the manager of the two stores, much in the spirit of the biblical parable about the vineyard workers.
The Caboose, First and Central in Ponca City, and The Good Buy Shoppe, 113 S. Main in Blackwell are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Every Wednesday is half price day for clothing, shoes, and purses. Besides that, specials are run almost every day.
Veterans who served during war-time may qualify for financial assistance during periods of hardship, remarked Don Beavers, service officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Under the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, vets can receive up to $500 per year in support during a setback for medical, shelter, food or utility expenses.
Applicants must have served 90 days of war-time service, lived in Oklahoma for at least one year and provide verification of an honorable discharge.
Receipts from overdue bills as well as a copy of DD-214 will be required. An application for assistance must also be completed.
The ODVA will process applications within two weeks, according to the service officer. In addition, veterans must provide information on dependents. Those receiving food stamps may also be considered for aid.
Beavers confirmed the program has been available but not utilized and hopes to make veterans more aware of alternatives available. Beavers volunteers his time to run the service clinic to provide vets information of service connected and non-service connected benefits.
"The Utility Department is excited to find out about this program. It will be a great help to vets who need assistance. This could be one less obstacle facing citizens this time of year," stated Sherri Tapp, Utility Billing office manager. "The department will work hand-in-hand with Mr. Beavers."
For more information on this program or to obtain an application, contact Beavers at 765-9119, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To set up an appointment, call 762-0524. The VFW is located at 1201 East Prospect Avenue.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
The Marland Estate Commission Tuesday evening struggled with its role in advising the City Commission on maintenance and restoration of the Marland Mansion and Estate.
Nancy Severance, chairman of the facilities committee, said it was frustrating for the committee to make recommendations that never came to fruition or to have the recommendations changed.
This came after learning from Tom Short, assistant city manager, that the city was planning to take out some 29 trees on the estate on the recommendation of Jim Sindelar head of the Park Department and Jim Eck, city horticulturist. Marland Estate Commissioners had struggled in earlier meetings with the idea of having only eight trees removed.
Kathy Adams, executive director of the Marland Estate, said that Eck and she had walked the grounds and 29 trees had been identified as either damaging structures or being diseased She produced photographs of some of the trees.
Commissioner Glenn Perkins was concerned that the water leaks which the Estate Commission has been asking to be addressed for nearly a year have not been stopped, or fixed temporarily.
Short told of efforts to find the sources of the leaks and that John Sutton, former estate director, and Red Vineyard, retired maintenance superintendent for the estate had been consulted.
Severance reported that most of the ceramic tile planters of the estate were now in storage to prevent further deterioration.
Commissioner Linda Clark said that she felt the Estate Commission has no power that this has been passed to the Marland Estate Foundation, which has the money. Money for the foundation has been generated by activities sponsored by the Marland Estate Commission such as Oktoberfest and the Christmas Gala, and grants from various foundations.
Clark said she assumed the role of the Commission and other issues would be addressed at the annual retreat.
Sherry Muchmore, chairman of the Christmas Gala, reported that 789 tickets were sold and after expenses about $3,000 was made plus about $3,400 from the silent auction proceeds shared by Arts and Humanities.
Larry Hughes expressed appreciation to Mrs. Muchmore, and Linda Clark, who was in charge of ticket sales, thanked the Commissioners who worked as greeters. Also Craig Myers was recognized for the efforts the Myers, who lease the Conference Center, put forth for the Gala.
Other reports were given by Betty Durkee on grants and Connie McAbee on fund raising. Durkee told about the progress of restoration of Lydie Marland's cottage, and McAbee reported on possible fund raisers including a car show, New Year's event and possible masquerade ball.
Adams in her executive report presented handouts on the financial summary, attendance and the schedule for future meetings.
The November statement showed a loss of $6,743. The bottom line included a transfer from the general fund of $10,666. Year to date shows a plus of $14,852.
Tour revenue accounted to $1,903, gift shop sales, $241 and Mansion rental $1,670. Attendance records showed a total of 950 visitors in November compared to 1,419 a year ago. The Discover Oklahoma tour total will be reflected in the December totals.
The Marketing Committee, headed by Cheryl Fletcher, recommended to Marland Estate Commission to recommend to the City Commission that hours of the Mansion be expanded from 10 a.m., to 5 p.m., six days a week and from 12 noon to 5 p.m., on Sunday.
New brochures were also recommended by Adams, who said there is a balance of $11,000 in the advertising and printing line items and should be enough for 10,000 brochures. She also suggested developing a logo similar to that adopted by the Conference Center. This shows the Mansion gates and the Mansion in the background. She said it was similar to one Charles Hepler, first Estate director, had used.
Adams' office has been established in the former gift area space at the Mansion and the ticket sales and gift items moved to the foyer. Adams says she is looking for some display cases for the gift area.
She said instead of giving free tours of the Mansion for guests at the Conference Center the tickets would be discounted to $2. Adams reported that she would be going to tour shows with the Ponca City Tourism Authority in the future promoting the Marland Mansion.
A tour of the Mansion by the Commission is to be scheduled prior to the next meeting and a future meeting will be a luncheon at Conoco at the Marland board room. Phyllis Worley, vice chairman, conducted the meeting in the absence of Chairman Larry Stephenson.
Action items to come before the commission next month will include recommendations from the facilities committee on rental of the gate house.
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
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Editor, The News:
Again the citizens of Ponca City have made a profound statement when this bond issue was voted down. There is no need to wonder "why?" but to say "Let's fix it!"
Everyone is aware that our city buildings need repair and our municipal transports also need updating but how are we going to do it? We have already sold our generating system to OMPA with some lost jobs. Now, I suppose the next step will be to sell our electric facilities.
Somewhere along the line, our city leaders have promised more than we have the money for and that the citizens are willing to give or is it because the leaders promised without consulting the citizens. We may be just tired of paying for something in which we see not where the money goes.
I would like to make a proposal to our city leaders and that is to print monthly financial statements in the paper showing the citizens where their monies are being used. This could appease many people and prevent any further misuse of our funds. After all, we are the payers; we should have a say in where it goes.
Josephine Wear
Editor, The News:
The Friendship Feast Free Meal Ministry, which began seven years ago, would like to say thank you to all of those in the community that have helped to make it possible.
The FF Christmas party was held on Dec. 12. The dinner was provided by churches and individuals. Furr's Cafeteria, Kentucky Fried Chicken and J.W. Cobb's provided the mashed potatoes and gravy. The children were all given a toy and adults were given hats or scarves and gloves. We served 225 guests a wonderful turkey dinner and provided gifts for all of them. You in the community made this possible. Thank you for helping us for the last seven years and for making the Christmas party a success.
The Friendship Feast Board.
Sandra Brown
Chairman
Nine Ponca City firefighters passed an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Class offered at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center recently, confirmed Martha Denney, RN, coordinator of Nursing Education.
The training involves advanced airway applications, IV techniques and diagnosing cardiac rhythms. The group passed four exams and proved competency in a skills lab. Denney confirmed that doctors and nurses also endure the program.
"This is the first time Ponca City emergency medical technicians have participated," the nurse verified.
"The firefighters have a better understanding of what happens when a patient is delivered to the emergency room. Now, on an emergency run, the EMT can provide a patient's rhythms to the waiting hospital staff," Denney remarked.
"I liked their attitude. The men were very willing and eager to learn," the 25-year hospital employee concluded.
Firefighter/EMTs who completed the training include: Larry Burtner, Timothy Gilmore, Michael Herrin, Kevin Ivers, Clifford Lampe, Eddie Shultz, H.L. VanArsdale, Larry Albert and Michael Gronigan.
A new dramatic production of Charles Dicken's holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol" will be aired on KLVV Monday night from 7 to 9 p.m. This holiday performance was recorded on-site in England with authentic British voices, off-stage sound, musical impressions and dramatic storytelling. It is produced by the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre.
Its music and sound effect paint images that are troublesome to view in our times of material affluence. Soot, dirt and sweat cover children in factories on a cold, dark winter's eve where a single piece of coal is used to heat the room. As the story begins, circling wraps of chains about Joseph Marley's spirit appear before us. Marley enters through the door of Ebenezer's room laden with the miserly choices he made in life. Ebenezer Scrooge, clearly shaken by these warnings, is taken on a journey with visions of his past, present and impending future. Scrooge's chains have long been heavier than Marley's. But as each scene opens, it brightens our hopes that the chains of his past can be broken, releasing him to redemptive possibilities still to come.
Families will enjoy this special presentation during the Christmas season
which taps into the spirit of the holiday. KLVV invites all to tune in this
special holiday production Monday night at 7 p.m. on 88.7 FM.
NEWS BRIEFS
Title IX Meeting - The Title IX Indian Education Parent Committee
will be meeting Thursday at the Administrative Building from 6-7:30 p.m.
All interested parents are invited to attend. Business will include planning
of the 1996-97 Title IX community-wide meeting. For information call 767-8000.
Join Troopers - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will keep their vehicle
headlights on while driving Friday, to remember residents killed and injured
in alcohol-related crashes. OHP troopers encourage all Oklahoma residents
to join them in taking a stand against impaired driving by turning their
"Lights on for Life" Friday.
Fire - Ponca City firefighters extinguished a fire in the 300
block of South Waverly Street at 8:58 a.m. Tuesday. A trash can caught the
grass on fire, according to firefighter John Rhyne. The report confirmed
the can melted and grass around the area burned. Damage is estimated at
$25.
Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury
accident in the 500 block of South Second Street at 10:22 a.m. Tuesday.
Warrants Served - A 20-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City
police officer in the 1300 block of South Fifth Street at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday
on two counts of assault and battery.
Back To School - An employee of the Middle School notified the
Ponca City Police Department at 1:03 p.m. Tuesday that a student left school
without permission. An officer picked up the boy on East Broadway Avenue
and returned him to school.
Vehicle Fire - McCord Fire Department responded to a vehicle on
fire at old U.S. 60 and City View at 1:33 p.m. Tuesday.
Collision - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a non-injury
accident in the 1500 block of Donahoe Drive at 2:09 p.m. Tuesday.
In Custody - A 33-year-old woman was arrested by a Ponca City
police officer at Lake Road and Pecan Road at 2:49 p.m. Tuesday for driving
under the influence and speeding.
Accident - The Ponca City Police Department received notice of
a minor accident in the 300 block of East Grand Avenue at 3:19 p.m. Tuesday.
An officer took a report.
Rape - A 43-year-old man was arrested at the Ponca City Police
Department at 5:58 p.m. Tuesday on charges of first degree rape, forcible
oral sodomy, lewd molestation and rape by instrumentation.
Non-Injury Accident - A Ponca City police officer took a report
of a non-injury accident at North Fourth Street and East Brookfield Avenue
at 7:01 p.m. Tuesday.
Santa Stolen - A resident in the 2300 block of Windsor Road notified
the Ponca City Police Department at 7:18 p.m. Tuesday that a 6-foot wooden
Santa Claus was stolen. An officer took a report.
Arrested - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 47-year-old
man at West Chestnut Avenue and North Osage Street at 10:46 p.m. Tuesday
for driving under the influence, driving under restrictions, no insurance,
defective equipment and a Kay County warrant for failure to pay.
DEATHS
Betty L. Tomlin, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Monday morning, Dec. 16, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 57.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Grace Memorial Chapel with Evangelist Fredia Widener of the Pentecostal Holiness Church, presiding. Interment will be at Ralston Riverside Cemetery.
Betty L. (Allen) Tomlin was born July 15, 1939, at Ralston, the daughter of Roy and Rosalee (Glasby) Allen. She moved with her family to Ponca City in 1949 and attended Ponca City schools.
On June 21, 1956, she was married to Charles Tomlin at Newkirk and the couple made their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Tomlin was a homemaker and a member of the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church. She enjoyed attending flea markets and garage sales and playing Bingo.
Survivors include her husband, Charles, of the home; two sons, Toby and Mike, both of Ponca City; one daughter, Mrs. Gary (Brenda) Reed of Ponca City; her mother, Rosalee Allen White of Ponca City; four sisters, Sue Sober, Joyce Sober, Darlene Hilton and Velma Hutchison, all of Ponca City; one brother Jack Allen, of Ponca City; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father and one brother, Bob Allen.
Casket bearers will be Gary Reed, Toby Tomlin, David Hutchison, Brad Ricker Kenneth Sober and Gary Sober.
The family will be at 109 South Ash Street.
COVINGTON - Arthur E. Durheim, brother of Carl Durheim of Ponca City, died Monday, Dec. 16, 1996, in St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Enid. He was 79.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Covington with the Rev. Richard J. Docekal officiating. Burial will follow in the Covington Cemetery under the direction of Henninger-Allen Funeral Home of Enid.
Arthur E. Durheim was born Dec. 13, 1917, in Covington, the son of Charley and Katherine Metscher Durheim . He attended St. John's Parochial Grade School and graduated from Covington High School in 1937. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe.
Durheim was employed at Beech Air Craft in Wichita, Kan., for 28 years and also owned and operated Durheim Service Station north of Covington for a number of years. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post at Enid.
Survivors include three brothers, Carl of Ponca City, and Louis and Clarence, both of Enid; three sisters, Freda Reim of Covington, Mildred Bernard of Las Vegas, Nev., and Kathryn Harman of Perry; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Durheim's name to St. John's Lutheran Church Building Fund or to the Lutheran Hour Ministries, c/o Henninger-Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 507, Enid, OK 73702.
Mildred Rae (Ross) Krohn, former Webb City resident, died Monday afternoon, Dec. 16, 1996, at the Ponca Nursing Home. She was 92.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Ponca City.
Mildred Rae (Ross) Krohn was born Oct. 24, 1904, in Foil, Mo., the daughter of John Alfred and Susie (Copley) Ross. She attended elementary school in the Foil area and after earning a Missouri Teacher's Certificate, taught at the Hi-Low Community School in Missouri before settling in DeNoya. She was also employed at the Osage Theatre in DeNoya as a ticket taker.
She was united in marriage to Richard Krohn on June 25, 1924, in Newkirk and the couple made their first home in DeNoya. They moved to Webb City in 1931, where Mrs. Krohn served as a substitute teacher in the elementary schools in Webb City and Burbank. She also served as bookkeeper for her husband in his businesses, including the Osage Garage until 1951, the Krohn Construction Company from 1951-65 and the Krohn Antique Store from 1967-1991. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1994.
Mrs. Krohn was a member of the Webb City United Methodist Church in the 1940s-50s, where she served as superintendent of Sunday Schools. She was also an active member of the Webb City chapter of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron in 1952. Her hobbies included growing flowers and vegetable gardening, sewing, and collecting and selling depression glass.
Survivors include two daughters, Erma Ruth Witchie of Littleton, Colo. and Karyl A. Price of Stillwater; one sister, Iva Cole of Shidler; one brother, Robert Ross of Ava, Mo., six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Krohn on Jan. 14, 1995; her parents; one brother, Bill Ross; and one sister, Oma Brown.
Honorary casket bearers will be Richard Richardson, Gene Witchie, Ron Witchie, Richard Price, Grady Price and Randy Price.
CHICKASHA - Wilma E. Hart, mother of Mrs. Michael (Julane) Taylor of Ponca City, died Monday, Dec. 16, 1996, in Chickasha. She was 87.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha with the Rev. Bob Brown, Epworth United Methodist Church, officiating. The Rev. Gary Layman, New Life Christian Church, will assist. Burial will follow in Memory Lane Cemetery, Anadarko.
Wilma E. (McBride) Hart was born Aug. 21, 1909, in Welch, the daughter of the Rev. Joseph T. and Mary (White) McBride. She traveled and lived with her family in several communities throughout Oklahoma, following her father, who was a Methodist minister. She attended Oklahoma City University, and taught in southwest Oklahoma for nine years.
She was married to Ira D. Hart Sr., on Nov. 27, 1930, in Hastings. The couple moved to Anadarko in 1939 and purchased the Oklahoma Tire and Supply (OTASCO) in 1944. The family remained in that business for more than 40 years. Mrs. Hart was a member of the Anadarko First United Methodist Church and the Sorosis Club, Philomathic Club and the United Methodist Women's Association. She moved to Chickasha in January 1987 and became a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church and the Yet Set group.
Survivors include four sons, Ira of Lawton, Allen M. and Joe, both of Chickasha, and Gordon of Tulsa; three daughters, Pauletta Wilson of Houston, Texas, Carole McCarthy of Flower Mound, Texas, and Julane Taylor of Ponca City; one sister, Murrah George of Oklahoma City; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ira, on Jan. 16, 1968; her parents; three brothers and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hart's name to a charity of choice.
Herman Roth, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, Dec. 16, 1996, at his home. He was 65.
The graveside funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. John J. Michalicka, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.
Herman Roth was born Sept. 17, 1931, in Caldwell, Kan., the son of Peter and Mary Roth. Roth served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He farmed in Caldwell and did custom wheat harvesting from Texas to South Dakota until moving to Ponca City in the mid 1980s. While living in Ponca City he was employed as director of maintenance at Ponca Plaza and harvested wheat in this area as well as in Caldwell, Kan. Roth also was employed in yard work for several local residents. He retired in 1995. He enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren and working.
Survivors include one son, Hubert Roth of Guymon; three daughters, Dana Payne of El Dorado, Kan., Meredith Box of Anthony, Kan., and Dink Darby of Quitman, Texas; one brother, Robert Roth of Buffalo; two sisters, Rosemary Moore of Great Bend, Kan., and Marcella Melody of Illinois, and nine grandchildren.
Roy Robert Whiting Jr., former Ponca City resident, died Monday, Jan. 16, 1996, at Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. He was 44.
The graveside service will be Friday, 11 a.m. in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Jesse Mannering, associate pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Whiting was born July 12, 1952, in Ponca City, to Roy Robert Whiting and Lillian Hager Whiting. He grew up in Arkansas City, Kan., where his parents owned and operated the Whiting Furniture Store. He attended Arkansas City schools and graduated from Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City. He then attended Oklahoma State University majoring in English and later transferred to Okmulgee Tech where he graduated with a degree in commercial art.
Mr. Whiting returned to Stillwater to work for the Art Department of Oklahoma State University. In 1982 he moved to Dallas, Texas, to work for the Dallas Times Herald. At the time of his death he was employed by the Dallas Morning News as a commercial artist in the advertising department. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, reading and collecting comic art books.
He is survived by his mother, Lillian Whiting, Stillwater; two aunts, Louise Russow and Leta Russell, Gravette, Ark.; cousins, Karolyn Hron, Marian Gibson and Robert Whiting, all of Ponca City, Kathryn Pepper, Albuquerque, N.M., John Whiting, Crowley, La., Mel Thompson, Littleton, Colo., Bob Thompson of Olathe, Kan., Rebecca Whiting, Bartlesville, John W. Hron, Suzy Hron, Toni Gibson and Bobby Gibson, all of Ponca City.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Stillwater, P.O. Box 818, Stillwater, OK 74076.
The family will be at the home of Karolyn Heron, south of Ponca City.
paid obituary
Arlyn Vincent
TONKAWA - Arlyn Vincent, longtime Tonkawa resident, early this morning, Dec. 18, 1996, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. He was 59. Arrangements are pending with McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home, Tonkawa.
Thursday
Truman Dailey - Funeral to be held graveside at 10 a.m. at the Otoe-Missouria
Cemetery in Red Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral
Home, Ponca City.
LIFESTYLES
The Pioneer Sams Camping group of Ponca City held their December meeting and Christmas party on Thursday at the home of Junior and Delores Gilliland, 1324 Quail Lane.
New officers elected in November were Nick Sharp as president, Junior Gilliland, vice president; Glenda Rhynard, secretary; Harold Eitzman, treasurer and Paul Backhaus, Wagonmaster.
The meeting was called to order by President Sharp, with the minutes read by Wanda Garton. Harold Eitzman gave the treasurer's report. Wagonmaster Paul Backhaus suggested a date for a trip to Roaring River State Park for next year, so reservations could be made now. The date set was June 1-9, which was accepted by the group. The meeting was adjourned and the party and gift exchange followed.
Those in attendance were Paul Backhaus, Harold and Marcella Eitzman, Nick and Jo Sharp, Richard and Glenda Rhynard, George and Wanda Garton, Marie Pentzer, Junior and Delores Gilliland and guests, Victor and Almeda Crook.
Branson Donald Taylor, member of the E4 Dentac Unit of the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany for the past three years, will be home with his family to spend Christmas with his mother, Mrs. Pat Gibson, in Ponca City.
Branson and his wife, the former Timotha Mitchell, whom he married in Garmany, and their daughter, Kilbrie Rae, will be here today for the holiday visit.
Branson is a Po-Hi graduate and attended Northern Oklahoma College before joining the U.S. Army. He and his family will be stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri following the Christmas holiday.
Amanda Howard will host the Professionals Today Christmas party set for 7 p.m., Thursday. Members will exchange Christmas tree ornaments.
Reports at the recent meeting were given by Carol Ann Blackwell, hospitality; Phyllis Worley, president, reported for Community Service, And Suzanne Zanardi, Finance.
Lynda Fox asked members to provide data for the new membership book. Photographs of members were taken at the meeting by Louise Abercrombie.
Bobbie Smith gave moments entitled "The Women in The Glass." Abercrombie led the club in playing Christmas Mad Libs with the theme "Twas The Night Before Christmas."
The treasurer's report was by Mary Mitchell and Melody Lahann gave the minutes. Debbie Whitener read the executive committee report.
Patti Allen made a request for old cowboy boots that she plans to use for decorating. Worley announced the members are invited to come by her home the afternoon of Dec. 31 for an open house.
During the holiday season Professionals Today provides gifts for Bridgeway
and paper goods for Golden Villa.
SPORTS
RED ROCK - Frontier outscored Morrison 33-6 in the second quarter to cruise to a 87-46 win here Tuesday night.
The Lady Mustangs also broke in front early en route to a 43-25 win to up their record to 10-1 on the season.
The Mustang boys broke up a close game with the second period surge to hold a 55-20 halftime lead. Morrison closed the gap to 61-34 before Frontier went on a 26-12 tear in the final period.
Four Mustangs finished in double figures as Josh Regnier had 15 points, Dee Buxton 14, Ronnie Bible 13 and Mitch Shiever 10.
Kyle Rupp and Bobby Berkenbile each had 10 points for the Wildcats.
The Frontier girls built a 23-12 halftime lead in their game and were never threatened. Denise Jake popped in 15 points for the Lady Mustangs while Mindy Williams had 13.
Cari Larison was the only Lady Wildcat in double figures with 14 points.
Frontier 43, Morrison 25 (girls)
Morrison 6 6 7 6 - 25
Frontier 11 12 11 9 - 43
Morrison - Larison 14, McCray 4, Hawthorne 2, Leigh 2, Shiener 2, Shouse 1
Frontier - Jake 16, Williams 13, Bible 8, Romero 5, Sober 1.
Frontier 87, Morrison 46 (boys)
Morrison 14 6 14 12 - 46
Frontier 22 33 6 26 - 87
Morrison - Rupp 10, Berkenbile 10, D. Luter 7, R. Luter 6, Ensign 5, Lench 4, Galloway 2, Blosch 2
Frontier - Regnier 15, Buxton 14, Bible 13, Shiever 10, Plumley 6, C. Sanders 6, Petty 4, Grant 4, M. Sanders 3, Clouse 3, Burk 3, Romero 2, Petty 2, Moore 2.
The hobby of winter bird watching is quickly growing as a favorite past-time for many Oklahomans, and that should translate to a record number of participants for the Wildlife Department's Wildlife Diversity Program's annual Winter Bird Survey.
"This annual survey has always been popular," said Jeremy Garrett, natural resources information specialist for the Wildlife Department, "and it provides an excellent chance for backyard birders to help with an ongoing research project. Last year, more than 1,500 Oklahomans from every county but Cotton, Harmon and Jefferson participated."
This year's Winter Bird Survey will take place Jan. 16-19, 1997, Garrett said. To participate, people should count the birds at or under their feeder, no matter what the weather conditions are like. The survey is not a contest or test of bird-identification skills, but rather is a way to gauge bird populations in the state.
"This year marks a milestone for the Winter Bird Survey," he said. "We'll have a decade's worth of research to help us better understand trends in our winter bird populations. Already, we've seen certain trends in some species, but we still need the public's assistance."
Last year, a record 23,445 goldfinches were reported, making it the most common bird seen in each region. Goldfinch sightings were followed by dark-eyed juncos (11,837), house sparrows (11,537), cardinals (7,649) and red-winged blackbirds (6,948).
"Interestingly, 1996 marked the first time the house finch showed up in the top ten birds seen by participants," Garrett said. "In 1988, the first year of the survey, only 33 house finches were counted. Last year, only eight years later, 5,710 were recorded. Their population continues to expand into Oklahoma from the eastern and western United States. In addition, more people are now better able to properly identify them as house finches rather than purple finches."
Survey participants may have noticed fewer visitors to their feeders last winter; he said. Often, when winter weather is mild and fall rains have been plentiful, native plants will continue to produce additional seeds and fruits. When this happens, native birds often focus on these natural food sources, ignoring attempts to attract them to feeders. As a result, 1996 house sparrow numbers increased across the state, possibly because these birds took advantage of the other birds'disappearance at feeders.
About one-third of participants in the 1996 survey had brushpiles and dense shrubs near their feeders, creating escape cover from predators such as housecats and sharpshinned hawks.
"Probably the most important thing you can provide in your yard is a clean water source," Garrett said. "The birds will not only drink the water, but will also dip themselves to clean their feathers, allowing them to retain more heat in colder temperatures."
In a national effort to keep boaters' pollution out of the nation's lakes and rivers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is sending $9.4 million to 33 states.
The money is to finance pumpout and dump stations for boaters to dispose of waste.
In announcing the grants, John Rogers, acting director of the service, said it was the start of a campaign ''to make America's waters sewage-free.''
''With these grants, we are making it easier for boaters to find and use pumpout stations,'' he said.
An estimated 16 million boats ply the nation's waters, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
''The enormity of this human-caused pollution is staggering,'' Rogers said.
When simply dumped overboard, boaters' sewage can pollute water, contaminate shellfish and deplete the water's oxygen levels.
The service has produced a multi-media public service campaign to inform the public about the problem of boaters' pollution and encourage operators to bring sewage to shore.
Money for the grants comes from the Sport Fish Restoration Account.
The 1997 Day Use Annual Passes are now available at the Kaw Lake Office of the U.S. Corps of Engineers, located at the west end of Kaw Dam.
The passes can be purchased in person or by mail. Persons wishing to purchase a pass will need the tag number of the vehicle for which the pass is being purchased. As in the past years the cost of the initial pass is $25. A second duplicate pass can be purchased for $5 for a family's second vehicle. Only one duplicate pass can be purchased.
The decals are designed to be attached to the backside of the rearview mirror so as to be seen through the windshield.
The Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport discounts will apply to both the original and the duplicate pass.
The Day Use Annual Pass will be good for the calendar year 1997 and will cover all day use fees charged at selected boat ramps and the two designated swim beaches at Kaw Lake. Day use fees are currently charged at the boat ramps at Osage Cove, McFadden Cove, Coon Creek Cove, Pioneer Park and Sarge Creek Cove. The day use annual pass is good at all Corps of Engineers projects nationwide.
ln the case of lost permits, no replacement permits will be issued. The customer may purchase a duplicate, or, if he has already done so, may purchase another original pass at the full price.
The Corps believes the Day Use Annual Pass will make a great stocking stuffer as well as being very convenient for the lake user. For more information or to purchase a pass call the Kaw Lake Office at 405-762-5611 or write to Rt. 2 Box 500, Ponca City, Oklahoma, 74604. Passes purchased by mail should be paid for with a personal check or money order made payable to FAO, USAED, Tulsa. Purchases are asked not to send cash.
As most anglers know, Jan. 1 not only signals the start of a new year, but it also brings changes in the fishing regulations. The changes are designed to improve fishing opportunities and ensure continued productivity of individual fisheries.
New fishing regulations which go into effect Jan. 1 are:
- Deleting spotted bass from size limit regulations at lakes Skiatook and Tenkiller and increasing the daily creel limit on spotted bass to 15 at lakes Skiatook, Tenkiller and Broken Bow. Spotted bass at these lakes are increasing in number but not in size. By allowing anglers to keep many, small-sized spotted bass, the remaining bass will have less competition for food and show increased growth rates. Under this new regulation, any bass (except smallmouth) having a rough tooth patch on the tongue is considered a spotted bass.
- Changing the "no harvest" rule on largemouth and smallmouth bass at Lake Elmer Thomas (in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge) to a 13- to 16-inch slot limit, six (6) fish daily creel limit (aggregate). There is no size limit on spotted bass. Twoyears ago, ElmerThomas was drained, repaired and restocked and a no harvest regulation was implemented to protect the newly refurbished fishery. Restocking has produced excellent results but growth has been below average. The 13- to 16-inch slot limit is expected to allow thinning of abundant subadult bass and improve the growth rates of remaining fish.
- Restricting the daily aggregate creel limit on striped bass hybrids and/or white bass to 20, of which only five may be 20 inches or longer, at Birch Lake in Osage County and in the Grand River below Pensacola Dam downstream to the Hwy. 82 bridge. These regulations are aimed at protecting hybrids from excessive harvest. Biologists hope the changes will help develop and maintain quality striped bass hybrid fisheries at both locations.
- Imposing identical regulations that apply to Wildlife Department fishing lakes to all ponds and lakes in the Ouachita National Forest in southeast Oklahoma. Forest Service personnel requested these regulation changes which include no more than two rods/reels per person; 14-inch minimum size limit on bass; trotlines, throwlines, limblines, juglines and yo-yos are prohibited as well as bowfishing, gigs, grabhooks, spears and spearguns, snagging, noodling, netting and seining.
- Changing opening trout season dates at Blue River and Robbers Cave
trout areas to Nov. 1, annually. This will simplify the regulations governing
wintertime trout areas by making the season opening dates uniform at all
five state designated wintertime trout areas.