From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
December 31, 1997
LOCAL
AmeriCorps - 'Partners Building A Stronger Tomorrow'
Christian Music Threesome Set Concert at Enid Arena Feb. 21
Area Calendar
'Kenworth' Becomes Champ
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Perry, Medford Hike Sales Tax
Unionnaires Entertain During Holiday Season
Tax Commission Raids Smoke Shop
Christmas Tree Recycle Project Will End Jan. 7
DEATHS
Dorothy Tolle
William Patterson Culver
Diana Lee Batt
Funerals
Dorothy M. Gray
Clara Ethelyne Watson
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild Sets Schedule
Little News
SPORTS
Sports Note
Gun Season Issue to Be Revisited
Take Note: Hunting, Fishing Licenses Expire Today
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
On Sept. 2, the United Way/AmeriCorps program was created in Ponca City under the leadership of coordinator Ruslyn Hermanson and the Ponca City United Way.
The program, known as "Partners Building a Stronger Tomorrow" is designed to address the needs of at-risk youth and their families in Kay County, northern Noble County, and western Osage County.
"The Ponca City AmeriCorps motto is 'getting things done' and the United Way/AmeriCorps team is pleased and excited about what they are 'getting done' in their own backyard," said Hermanson.
AmeriCorps, created by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, is a national service program that provides thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with education awards in exchange for a year or two of community service.
"AmeriCorps members help meet the critical needs in the area of public safety, education, human needs and the environment. AmeriCorps provide full and part-time opportunities for participants, called members," says Hermanson.
She went on to explain, "Nineteen members from ages 18 to 50 have been placed at nine non-profit organizations in our community." Those local agencies include Girl Scouts, Domestic Violence Program, YMCA, The Salvation Army, Peachtree Landing, American Red Cross, Child Development Center, Ponca City Public Schools and Northern OK Youth Services.
A large component of the program is training, say Hermanson. AmeriCorps members function as a team and team-building activities have been an important part of member training. Beyond the benefits of a modest living allowance and an education award, the members will learn new skills, take on new responsibilities and know the satisfaction of helping their community.
Members on this first team are NaKisha Abernathy, Diana Beall, Donna Gamblin, Christy Gonterman, Melissa Harger, Rejina James, Cindy Jones, Mindy Jones, Sam Landis, Lisa Schallert, Tera Story, Jill Smith, Chawnte´ Sober, Joe Thompson, Geri Tipton, Terri Wehr, Jami Wesbrook, Barbara Wimberley, and Morgan Yandell. AmeriCorps members continually receive training both locally and through the Oklahoma Community Service Commission to help them implement the objectives of the AmeriCorps program.
"AmeriCorps members are making a difference in our community every day," says Hermanson, "they see a need and try to figure out a way to meet that need."
Many Helpers Make AmeriCorps Work
With the help of city officials and the Ponca City Fire Department, AmeriCorps members recently developed a project for Ponca City Tomorrow's "Make A Difference Day." An area of Ponca City was in need of visible curb-side house numbers to make the neighborhood safer, and easier to locate should an emergency arise. Through the generosity of Brandts, Lowe's, Hughes, and Bill Mock Carpet who donated spray paint, stencils, and carpet pads for sore knees, house numbers were painted on several streets from South Avenue to Alma Street. This project will continue throughout the year and other areas will be targeted, says Hermanson.
"Many of the AmeriCorps members are placed at sites that work with young children. As cold weather approached this fall, it became evident that many of the children were in need of warm clothing at Child Development Center and Head Start," continued Hermanson. AmeriCorps members helped by developing a "Warm a Child" project and gathered socks, coats, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing for 146 children in need. These necessary items, purchased from donations by caring citizens have helped the children maintain their health and remain in school and developmental programs.
Other service includes assisting at the Grand Central Teen Center as chaperones and with special events; Salvation Army food distribution; the Edwin Fair Therapeutic Nursery; the Bluestem Girl Scout Santa's Shop; YMCA vacation child care and the New Year's Eve Lock-in; and with numerous other service projects in the area.
"We are pleased that the United Way/AmeriCorps 'Partners Building a Stronger Tomorrow' program is touching the lives of children and parents in our community", says Hermanson. "Each participating agency is able to reach more children with their various programs because of the extra 'muscle' provided by AmeriCorps members.
All members of the AmeriCorps Team receive Hepatitis B immunizations and have had T.B. tests and most received flu shots, since much of their work involves work with children.
AmeriCorps members will be present for a special community recognition day and induction service during the Ponca City Commission meeting on Jan. 12. The public is encouraged to attend. If any citizen would like to help "get things done" or would like more information about AmeriCorps they are invited to contact Ruslyn Hermanson, program director, at 1-580-718-0288 or stop by the United Way office at 102 South Fifth Street in Ponca City.
Phillips, Craig, and Dean have been around since 1992 when they recorded their first album together. They're the only music group whose day jobs are more important to them than their nightly concerts. They're the only threesome in Christian music who, combined, have preached more sermons, visited more hospital patients and counseled more hurting people than probably any other gospel singing group.
But on Phillips, Craig & Dean's new Star Song/EMT album, "Where Strength Begins," the three pastors/artists take a giant step inviting listeners to see a more personal reflection than has ever been disclosed to listeners on the group's previous four albums. Vulnerability, they say, both musically and lyrically, is the distinguishing characteristic on the group's fifth album. And in their words: They love it.
It is no surprise that this new project is the culmination of five years of harmonizing together. As with anything worth working for, it usually takes experience and time to achieve the desired goal. With twelve number one radio singles, including "Crucified With Christ," "Mercy Came Running," and "Shine On Us," multiple tours including in 1996 with Kathy Troccoli, numerous awards and nominations, including CCM magazine's number one song of the year "Favorite Song of All," 1993; a 1996 Dove Award for their contribution to the best-selling, "My Utmost for His Highest" project, a 1996 Dove nomination for Song of the Year for "Crucified With Christ," and special appearances such as Nashville's "Sam's Place" and Promise Keepers conventions, Phillips, Craig & Dean have logged enough road miles and have ridden enough air waves to know where they wanted to go with this new album.
The trio has learned the importance of writing and performing songs that work well in live performance, as well as in the studio.
"Every song on the new album allows us to go on stage and re-create the sound," says Dan Dean. That flexibility will be greatly appreciated by PCD and their audiences nationwide as the trio embarks on a 60-city U.S. tour with labelmates Aaron Jeoffrey in the fall of 1997 and the spring of '98.
On this new album, Phillips, Craig & Dean sing some of the most vulnerable songs of their career.
"There's more of an openness to us that we haven't disclosed on past albums," Dan affirms. For a group known for their lighthearted comedy on stage and their stirring anthems, Phillips, Craig & Dean once again produce songs that will bring joy one minute and tears the next.
"Where Strength Begins" includes new signature PC&D songs such as, "This Is How It Feels To Be Free," "For Such A Time As This," "Blessing In The Thorn," and "Pray Me Home."
The first single release on the project "Just One," has already reached the number one slot on contemporary Christian music charts. These pastors/artists continue to become audibly excited when they hear stories of how their songs are being heard throughout churches. And this album promises more of the same.
Indeed, over the last five years, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean have grown - artistically and as an award winning group. And in doing so they have also arrived at a vulnerable place, where, as Scripture and this album testifies, strength begins.
Phillips, Craig and Dean and Aaron Jeoffrey will be at the Mark Price Arena in Enid Saturday, Feb. 21 and is presented by KLVV 88.7 FM. General admission tickets will be available Jan. 15 at Christian bookstores in Ponca City, Enid, and Stillwater.
Tickets for all ages are $10 in advance, $9 for groups of 15 or more and $12 at the door. As a bonus, two free evangelism tickets will be given with each group purchase. Reserved seats are available for $15 at KLVV. Tickets (including reserved seating) can be purchased by mail to KLVV, P.O. Box 14, Ponca City, OK 74602, or by using Visa/MasterCard/Discover from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at (580) 767-1400.
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Editors note: Paul and Deryn Stewart train specially selected horses year-round in Ponca City for the toughest of equestrian sports - dressage´. Winners of numerous medals and awards with a large Belgin named Peterbilt, the Stewarts recently began competition with a new colt, named Kenworth. This story is the first in a series of three about dressage´ competition and the Stewarts and their horses.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Paul Stewart says, "the minute I took the lead rope attached to the weanling colt - I knew I held a future champion." This year that colt is a five-year old and is proving Paul right.
The colt, related to their top champion Peterbilt, is called "Kenworth." He is a Belgian/Thoroughbred cross and registered with the American Warmblood Society.
After years of almost daily training, Deryn Stewart (Mrs. Paul) drove Kenworth to victory in the Carriage and Driving Society of Greater Kansas City Combined Driving Event held Oct. 4-5, 1997 at the Longview Horse Park in Kansas City, Mo.
With Paul as navigator, they garnered first place in the preliminary division as well as the coveted Best Dressage award.
Deryn explains, "Dressage´ is were the driver shows off the harmonious development of the horses's physique and ability through progressive levels of training. The best dressage´ tests demonstrate the horse's even, rhythmic cadence, brilliant movement and correct, accurate transitions. The horse 'dances' through the set pattern of the test only by a subtle cues of whip, hand and voice.
The Stewarts see combined driving as the ultimate challenge to the true horse lover. The sport demands versatility in drivers and their horses as they compete in the three very different sections of the competition - each with its own specific requirements.
Suppleness and responsiveness are called for while driving the dressage´ test. The horse must be tough, fit, and ready for anything on the marathon. Finally, they must prove they have recovered from the marathon and have energy, skill, and obedience as they come back from a demanding complicated test of precision and timing on the cones course.
The Stewarts have invited anyone interested in dressage or combined driving to contact them at (580)-765-8648. Combined driving is a sport families can enjoy together, says Deryn, It also bridges any generation gap.
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.
Two area towns, Perry in Noble County and Medford in Grant County will double their sales tax at the beginning of the New Year.
On Jan. 1, Perry will increase from one to two percent, while Medford will increase from two to four percent.
These area towns joined Kay County's Ponca City in a tax increase. Ponca City's increase began Dec. 1 with a half cent increase.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The Unionnaires, a 50 member chorus from Union Elementary School, has been busy giving several holiday performances.
The Unionnaires are part of the school-wide Enrichment Program at Union. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders audition to become a member. They rehearse twice a week and work on unity of sound and tone, phrasing, diction, expressive singing and choreography. They sing light and lively music at various school events and perform in the community.
On Dec. 9, the group performed in the Union Christmas Program, "Forever Christmas." Songs included, "Feliz Navidad," with dancers Jessica Hisey, Megan Isenberg and Tara Kimrey, "Angela Among Us," with Joe Sisco and Ashley Hopkins as soloists, and "The Christmas Rush."
Students traveled to Wichita on Dec. 16 to see "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" production at the Wichita Children's Theatre and Dance Center located at Century II. The Unionnaires also performed a musical revue of "Forever Christmas" for the shoppers at Towne West Mall in Wichita.
Members of the Westminster Retirement Village, Ponca City, were also entertained by the Union singers on Dec. 19 at their monthly birthday party. Guests were given Christmas cards made by the Union students and refreshments were served.
Members include sixth graders Alisha Altman, Kyle Cremers, Amanda Lee, Shane Lewis, Scott Arterbury, Kim Young, Kimberly Leatherman, Mindy Grimm, Krystle Loney, Zack Thompson, Jonathan Smith, Elizabeth Biby, Joe Sisco, Jordan Lunsford, Hope Stimpson, Zack Thompson and Deitric White.
Fifth grade members include Blane Adams, Deidre Arnold, Candice Bishop, Zach Blubaugh, Chad Carroll, Andrew Carter, Brittany Combs, Amanda Dietz, Kaela Farris, Tyler Fender, Clint Filson, Derek Fowler, Jessica Hisey, Michelle Hoffman and Ashley Hopkins.
Others include Bradley Jarrett, Katy Kempenich, Jamie Lentz, Ryan Matthiesen, Kelli Rowland, Mandel Wehr, Brooke Whitecotton, Shaunte Eberhard and Megan Isenberg.
Fourth grade members are Levi Carter, Jenni Weston, Vanessa Donaldson, Shealyn Golay, Sheena McMahan, Whitney Swopes and Whitney Welborn.
Unionnaires director is Nancy Taylor, and Lisa Carter is the parent assistant. Taylor has taught chorus at Ponca City Mid-High and Ponca City Middle School and music at Jefferson and Mertz. She is a past director of the children's choirs at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and has been a private piano instructor in Ponca City.
Oklahoma Tax Commission raided a smoke shop south of Ponca City Tuesday afternoon.
More than 12 Oklahoma Highway Patrol cars were on site at Buddy's Smoke Shop on U.S. 177 as officials of the Tax Commission seized unstamped cigarette products.
"It is my understanding that these cigarettes were not being sold by authority of the tribe or on Indian land," Stan Alexander of the Tax Commission said.
According to Alexander, Oklahoma Law allows for all unstamped cigarettes to be seized and taken to the sheriff's office. During a forfeiture procedure and by court order all the cigarettes seized can be sold.
The OHP was merely called in to "support another state agency" OHP Captain John Harris stated at the scene.
Now that Christmas has come and gone it is time to clean up after the holidays and that means taking down the Christmas tree. For those who are wondering what to with that once beautiful and now bare tree there is an option to just throwing it away - recycle it.
Christmas tree recycling is now available to the public and trees from commercial tree lots are also welcomed. The service is free of charge and the drop-off site is located on the north side of the 101 Rodeo grounds located at the corner of West Prospect Avenue and North Ash Street. There is a special fenced area where the trees can be left until Jan 7.
The trees will be chopped into mulch and the mulch will be free to the
public beginning Jan. 8. For more information call 767-0411 or 767-0430.
DEATHS
NARDIN - Dorothy Tolle, lifelong Nardin-Blackwell resident, died at the McAfee Living Center in Blackwell, Monday evening, Dec. 29, 1997. She was 91.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Nardin First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Hannah officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Nardin, under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.
Dorothy (Rosebaugh) Tolle was born June 19, 1906, in Nardin to John and Susanna (Russman) Rosebaugh. She grew up on a farm near Nardin attending Independence Rural School and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1925. She attended Northern University Preparatory College in Tonkawa and Northwestern State Teachers College, Alva. She taught at Vernon, Pleasant View, Independence, and Nardin.
She was married to Lester Tolle on July 12, 1930, in Nowata, and the couple established their home on a farm near Nardin. Mrs. Tolle was a member of the Nardin First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Lee (Nancy) Priebe of Blackwell and one sister, Hazel Rosebaugh of Blackwell. She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 25, 1988, her parents; two brothers, Vern and Virgil Rosebaugh; and three sisters, Minnie Bennett, Alta Bennett and Eva Noll.
Casket bearers will be Joe Clarke, Cal Clarke, Dean Hall, Bud Eakins, Tom Eakins and Charles Storck.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Tolle's name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
PAWHUSKA - William Patterson "Bill" Culver, Pawhuska resident, and father-in-law to Verna Culver of Fairfax died Thursday, Dec. 25, 1997 at the Pawhuska Hospital. He was 89.
The funeral was held Dec. 29, 1997, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Pawhuska with Father Leonard Higgins officiating. Burial was in the Fairfax Cemetery, with the Rev. Mark Smith officiating.
William Patterson "Bill" Culver was born Sept. 11, 1908, in Oil City, Pa., the son of Carl C. and Elizabeth (Patterson) Culver. He was married to Wilma B. Lee in 1928, and their son Bobby Ray Culver preceded them in death on Dec. 3, 1933.
Mr. Culver was married to Rose Evelyn Keeth in Pawnee in May 1936, and to this union three children, Thomas P., Patricia l. and Elizabeth E. were born. Rose Culver preceded him in death in January 1967.
Culver was an independent oil producer and was a member of the Pawhuska First Baptist Church, the Odd Fellows Lodge, and affiliated with the Rebekah Lodge and the Pythian Sisters. Mr. Culver enjoyed and was noted for helping others.
He was married to Alice Watson in April 1968 and she preceded him in death in May 1991.
Survivors include one son, Tom Culver of Pawhuska; two daughters, Liz Peterson of Oklahoma City and Pat Culver of Pawhuska; one daughter-in-law; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Diana Lee Batt, lifelong Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 29, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 39.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 1998, at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. John Waterloo, pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ponca City IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Diana Lee (Furber) Batt was born Nov. 9, 1958, in Ponca City the daughter of Charles Lee and Phyllis Jean (Womack) Furber. She grew up and attended schools in Ponca City, graduating from Ponca City High School.
On Nov. 16, 1979, she was married to Terry Batt in Ponca City, where the couple made their home. Mrs. Batt had been employed as a dietitian at Highland Nursing Home for 13 years. She attended Central Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, reading, listening to music and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband, Terry, of the home; three children, Jake, Jamie and Daira, all of the home; and one brother, David Furber. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Donna Furber.
Casket bearers will be Kirk Allen, Gary Bookout, Jason Batt, Damon Dawes, Randy Batt, and Jim Batt.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Batt's name to The Batt Children's Fund, c/o Grace Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 961, Ponca City, OK 74602.
The family will be at 420 North Oak Street.
Saturday
Dorothy M. Gray - Memorial service to be at 1 p.m. at Miles Funeral Service Chapel in Winfield, Kan.
Sunday
Clara Ethelyne Watson - Memorial service to be held at 3 p.m.
at the Stillwater (Okla.) First United Methodist Church. A private graveside
service will be held by the family later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Legion Dance - The American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 38 in White Eagle will hold a dance Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. at the White Eagle Cultural Center. Thomas Roughface will be the master of ceremonies, Wilkie Eagle will be the head singer, the head lady dancer will be Meryl Feathers, Danny Page will be the water carrier and co-host for the event will be the Ponca Osage Clan. At noon, the Osage Clan will provide lunch followed by war dancing. Supper will be served at 5 p.m. with evening gourd dancing. For further information contact Josetta Rush, 762-4987, or Roberta McClellan, 762-4126. Everyone is asked to bring their own dishes, chairs and change.
Square Dance - The Chikaskia Valley Square Dance will be held Jan. 2 at the VFW Ballroom, 2900 East Prospect. Pre-Rounds will be at 7:30 p.m. with Bob Collyar as Cuer and the Squares at 8 p.m. with Ken Kirby as Caller.
City Offices Closed - City offices will be closed Jan. 1 and this means there will be no garbage pick-up Thursday. Normal service will resume on Friday.
Minor Accident - A minor vehicle accident was reported at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday in the 1700 block of North Fourth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - A 20-year-old woman was arrested at 12:36 p.m. Tuesday from Kay County Sheriff's Office on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Stolen Wallet - At 12:46 p.m. Tuesday a man in the 3200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported his wallet stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Baby Trapped - At 1:14 p.m. Tuesday police received a call from a woman advising she had locked her baby in the car. An officer was assigned and the vehicle was opened and the baby freed.
Fraud - At 2:33 p.m. Tuesday police received a report of fraud committed in the 800 block of South Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Fire - Police received several phone calls at 2:32 p.m. Tuesday reporting a fire at Johnson Park at Ash Street and Overbrook Avenue that was caused by an electric pole being blown down by the wind. Two fire units responded and the fire was extinguished.
Bad Check - At 3:25 p.m. Tuesday Buy For Less, 2405 North Fourteenth Street, reported a bad check to police. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Shoplifter Arrested - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 4:02 p.m. Tuesday at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, for grand larceny.
Fire - Fire units were called out to extinguish a small structural fire in the 1500 block of Bradbary Lane at 4:18 p.m. Tuesday.
Damaged House - At 4:21 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 400 block of East Park Avenue reported damage to a rental house. An officer took a report.
Dialing Dog - At 4:54 p.m. Tuesday police received an abandoned 911 call from the 2100 block of Ashley Place. The number had been misdialed by a dog.
Juvenile Arrested - At 5:09 p.m. Tuesday a 17-old-year boy was arrested for grand larceny in connection to a shoplifting incident at Wal-Mart, 1100 East Prospect Avenue, that was reported to police earlier in the day.
Fire - One fire unit responded to a 10 acre fire south of the White Eagle medical building at 10:46 p.m. Tuesday. The fire was handled.
Bike Stolen - Police received a call at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday reporting a bike stolen from the 300 block of South Eighth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vandalism - A resident on Fawn Lane reported to police at 11:42 p.m. Tuesday that a mailbox and light pole had been damaged. Kay County Sheriff's office was notified.
Arrest - At 1:52 a.m. Wednesday police arrested a 46-year-old man from the 500 block of North Elm Street on three Kay County warrants for failure to pay.
Arrest - A 20-year-old man was arrested at 4:14 a.m. Tuesday from Grand Avenue and Pine Street for driving under the influence and transporting an open container.
Damaged Awning - The manager of Days Inn, 1415 East Bradley Avenue, reported to police at 4:52 a.m. Wednesday that a semi-truck had damaged the awning. The truck was located and a report was taken.
Arrest - At 5:57 a.m. Wednesday police arrested a 27-year-old man from the 700 block of South Waverly Street on Washington County warrant for application to revoke probation.
Egg Throwing - Police received a call at 8:34 p.m. Tuesday reporting that some kids were throwing eggs at cars.
Arrest - At 9 p.m. Tuesday police arrested a 41-year-old man from North Ash Street and West Hazel Avenue for driving under the influence, expired tag, no insurance, transporting an open container and following too closely.
Trapped Infant - Police received a call reporting an infant and toddler locked in the vehicle in the parking lot in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue. A report was taken.
Break-In - A woman in the 1400 block of West Hartford Avenue reported
at 9:21 p.m. Tuesday that someone had broken into her home and taken some
items. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
LIFESTYLES
The first meeting of the new year for the Pioneer Area Quilter's Guild will be Jan. 5 at Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand. Stitch and Assist is planned 9:30-11:30 a.m. and registration will be 11-:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by show-n-share and the program.
Hostesses for the meeting will be Dorothy Bobbitt, Teresa Simic, Mary Irons, Elaine Hughes and Pat Thompson. Ms. Simic will also be the greeter., For further hostess information call Oletta Demaree, 765-6964.
Cheryl Pritchett, Pattern chairman, has announced the block party items for "Picket Fence" should be done only in homespun fabrics (fabric design appears the same whether on the front or back side of the fabric) and the blocks are due at the Feb. 2 meeting.
Joyce Eagan, Workshop chairman, has announced dates for upcoming events. "How To Beat Sandee" (Paper Piecing) will be Jan. 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the church. Instructors will be Sandee Henderson and Gloria Tucker. Cost is $18 and basic sewing supplies and background fabric will be needed. On April 6, 4-7 p.m. and April 7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Linda Carlson will be the workshop instructor. She is the author of "Roots, Feathers and Blooms." Donations will be taken for "leftover" leaves from the 1996 donation quilt. For information contact Ms. Eagan, 762-9719.
The Holiday Tablerunner Challenge will be decided at the meeting. All work must be done by the entrant. For information call Linda Burg, 765-2532. Karen Bogadi will show quilts to the group. The Feb. 2 program will be "Keepsake Quilting."
For babysitting reservations contact Michiel Landers, 765-0184 by Jan. 2. For other guild information contact Cindy Wilson, 765-6911.
Announcing the birth of Raelynn Lee Parham are Raymond "Tiger"
and Rochelle Swopes Parham of Denver, Colo. The baby was born Dec. 13, 1997
at 7:55 p.m. in Denver. She weighed 7-pounds, 5-ounces and was 19-inches
long. Grandparents are Clarence and Gwen Swopes of Ponca City.
SPORTS
The Ponca City Soccer Club is sponsoring two referee clinics, to be held at Conoco's 4th Street Clubhouse, located at 1500 S. 4th. To register, please call Gail DeWeese, at 765-3583 (after 5 p.m.).
Jan. 10 - 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m to 3 p.m.
Jan. 11 - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Jan. 17 - 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Jan. 18 - 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Based on considerable public input over the past two months, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission at its January meeting will revisit its earlier decision to extend the 1998 deer gun season to 16 days.
The original proposal to lengthen the season received narrow support in a series of public hearings held last summer. Based on those hearings, the Commission approved the measure in October. However, public interest has skyrocketed in the weeks since the vote.
"I've personally been swamped with calls on this issue-both pro and con-and I know the feedback has been extremely heavy in all eight commissioner districts said Commission Chairman William H. Crawford of Frederick. "It appears there are a great deal more viewpoints than what surfaced at the public hearings. We'll gather all of these opinions and take them into consideration when we discuss the issue again at our January meeting."
According to biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the state's deer herd is large and productive enough to support the extra days of hunting.
However, as the Department's governing body, the Commission has been hearing from sportsmen, landowners and business proprietors voicing concerns over everything from leasing, depredation, commerce, possible overharvest of bucks, inequities in hunting opportunities, and other topics.
There has been good support for the longer season, but also many valid concerns. We want to look again at all of them. Although extending the deer gun season dates was a sound decision from a biological standpoint, we want to make sure it's the right thing for the public," said Crawford.
Following discussion, the Commission may take action on one of three options: First, let the measure stand as approved; second, adopt or amend a subsequent proposal to establish 16-day regions and nine-day regions; or third, reinstate the original nine-day deer gun season.
The Commission's January meeting is scheduled for January 5, 9:00 a.m., at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation auditorium at 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
Annual hunting and fishing license holders should remember that 1998 licenses are needed to hunt or fish after the first of the year.
All annual hunting and fishing licenses and related permits expire Dec. 31, except furbearer and trapping licenses, said Robert Taylor, fiscal services coordinator for the Wildlife Department. He added that sportsmen can save more than 15 percent off the cost of individual hunting and fishing licenses by purchasing an annual combination license.
"A combination license is a good value and can cut down on the number of licenses you have to carry, especially if you purchase some of the auxiliary permits at the same time," Taylor said.
License requirements and exemptions are outlined in the Oklahoma Hunting Regulations and the Oklahoma Fishing Regulations. Copies of these publications are available throughout the state at hunting and fishing license dealers.
Taylor said that anyone with questions about hunting or fishing license
requirements should contact their local game warden. A county-by-county
listing of Oklahoma game wardens is printed in the hunting regulations.
Answers to licensing questions also can be obtained by calling the Department's
License Section at (405) 521-4629.