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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Wednesday, December 16, 1998 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALOklahoma Oil Leaders Seek Special Session Oklahoma Oil Leaders Seek Special SessionOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The call for a special legislative session to help the state’s oil industry is getting louder. On Tuesday, Oklahoma petroleum industry leaders urged members of a task force on the oil woes to recommend a special session beginning Jan. 5. Gov. Frank Keating and legislative leaders previously have said a special session might be necessary. Oklahoma oil prices Tuesday were in the range of $6 to $9 per barrel, depending on the grade of crude. Oil producers have said $14 per barrel is roughly the price to break even for many Oklahoma oil wells. Jim Palm, president of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, asked Tuesday for a recommendation of a Jan. 5 special session to consider cutting the gross production tax on oil sales when crude prices are very low. The Oil Industry Stabilization Task Force has been meeting in recent days to discuss the crisis in the oil patch. Oil industry officials are proposing that when prices are less than $14 a barrel, the state’s 7 percent gross production tax on the sale of Oklahoma crude at the well should be cut to 1 percent. The 1 percent is the amount that goes back to the county where the oil was produced to help pay for county government, schools and roads. The Legislature is scheduled to begin Feb. 1. State Sen. Kevin Easley, D-Broken Arrow, said the task force would meet again next week and could vote then on what steps to recommend to the governor and legislative leaders. Give A Christmas MealHelpline is coordinating the distribution of meals to the elderly or those alone this Christmas, said Mrs. Lori May, Executive Director. Through community involvement, the homebound, elderly or those alone will be provided a warm Christmas meal to make that day special. Those people in the community who are cooking for their families on Christmas Day and would be willing to share a meal may call Helpline at 765-5551 to volunteer to provide a meal. Also, those people in the community who will be alone or are elderly may call Helpline at 765-5551 to request a meal. They will be asked for name, address, phone number and any diet restrictions. On Dec. 23, the providers will be matched with those requesting meals, and the Helpline staff will contact providers that day to give information on those needing meals. Since most of us have lots of leftovers, May noted, it would normally be no problem to fill a plate for one other person to make Christmas a little brighter for someone alone. It doesn’t matter when you’re eating on Christmas day,” she pointed out. “We’ll let each family that cooks arrange to deliver the meal when it’s convenient for them.” May said Helpline volunteers staff the phones 24 hours a day, and will be available to answer phones any time the public calls or has questions. Helpline is a United Way agency, serving the entire community. Pioneer Tech Center Audit Report CleanBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor An audit report presented by Jerry Putnam, auditor, highlighted the board meeting Tuesday night at Pioneer Technology Center. Putnam told board members he found no audit exceptions during fiscal year 1997-98. “It’s a pleasure to do a report for a school where the funds are well managed and where the entire report was clean,” Putnam commented. Dr. June Erlinger, OSSBA, reviewed policy and procedures with board members. The information will be available on a network and all PTC employees will receive a disk. During the superintendent’s report it was also revealed that Larry Cannon, board member, did not draw an opponent for the upcoming school board election on Feb. 9, 1999. It was previously reported that Lawrence Goodson and Larry Cannon both filed, but Cannon’s real name is Lawrence Goodson Cannon. Also on the ballot in February is a two building millage election. This one-year-vote will generate approximately $415,000 to build and expand the health programs and possibly house the Math and Science School. Pam Dickerson gave an update on the Small Business Management Training Program at PTC. She commented that the program has increased the number of businesses and intermediate businesses they deal with. Dickerson is also working on employee training with Bowker Auto Mall. The resignation of Ken Kliewer, Student Services Director, was accepted. Kliewer resigned to take a position in Liberal, Kan. The next board meeting has been set for Jan. 12. Tulsa Attorney Author Here Friday To Sign Latest NovelMystery lovers, rejoice! Tulsa attorney, William Bernhardt, has written another legal mystery. Bernhardt’s legal dramas rate high with Ponca City readers, and he is returning to Ponca City for a signing of his latest novel, “The Midnight Before Christmas” — a holiday thriller. Friday he will be at Brace Books & More on North Fourteenth Street to meet the public and autograph copies of his books. William Bernhardt, known as Bill, has won critical acclaim for his bestselling series of legal thrillers featuring Oklahoma-based fictional attorney, Ben Kincaid. Each of the books in the series have a similar name — “Blind Justice,” “Deadly Justice,” “Perfect Justice,” “Cruel Justice,” “Naked Justice” and “Extreme Justice.” Now Bernhardt takes a holiday from the courtroom with “The Midnight Before Christmas,” a suspenseful, pulse-pounding tale of Christmastime crime with all the trimmings. Thirty-something lawyer, Megan McGee, is facing a quiet Christmas with her bulldog when Bonnie Cantrell comes looking for legal protection from her violent ex-cop husband, Carl. In a recent bout of rage, Carl vowed to kill their seven-year-old son, Tommy, rather than be separated from the boy. It is no idle threat either — as Bonnie assures Megan, “He’s tried before.” This season, the weather outside is not the only thing that is frightful. With the town all but shut down for the holiday, Megan races against time — and terror — to keep Carl’s Christmas Eve jaunt from turning into a slay ride. As an attorney, Bernhardt has received several awards for his public service, and in 1993 he was named one of the top twenty-five young lawyers in the nation. He lives in Tulsa with his wife, Kirsten, and their children, Harry and Alice. Eagle Scout Award Set For SaturdayAaron Lewis, a ninth grader at Mid-High, has earned Scouting’s highest award, the rank of Eagle Scout. A special Court of Honor will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2408 East Hartford, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. All friends and acquaintances are invited to attend. Lewis has been involved in Scouting since 1991, when he joined Pack 49 as a Cub Scout. He completed his Cub Scout requirements and received the Arrow of Light Award as a Webelo Scout. Lewis then crossed over to Boy Scouts and joined Troop 49 on Oct. 10, 1994. He has received the Faith in God and On My Honor awards through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His Scoutmasters have been Craig Barker and Frank Tracy. Eagle Scout candidates are required to complete a community service project that will give him a chance to demonstrate leadership skills. Lewis directed the efforts of 20 volunteers who painted house numbers on curbs in order to make home addresses more readily identifiable in case of an emergency. Over 100 service hours were donated to the project. Lewis is active in the Young Men’s Organization at church and has lettered in both academics and cross country at school. He is the son of Guy and Patricia Lewis. Area Osage County Residents To Get Tie-In With P. C. WaterBy PATTI PFEIFFER News Staff Writer Osage County residents will soon be receiving Ponca City drinking water due to the construction of eight miles of a waterline which will allow county residents to be supplied with treated water. The project was possible due to a $750,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development loan and up to $200,000 from the Osage County Rural Water District No. 3. “Developing safe, effective water systems is one of the Rural Development’s major priorities,” stated USDA Rural Development State Director, Charles P. Rainbolt. “We are proud to join in this partnership to help the districts deliver safe, clean drinking water to its communities.” The improvements will connect both Osage County (Braden) Rural Water District No. 1 and McCord Rural Water Districts to Ponca City to allow the purchase of treated water. Construction of the 10-inch water line and 200 gallon per minute pump station will begin later this month and county residents should begin receiving the city treated water by the middle of next year. “We are very pleased to announce the closing of the loan and the beginning of the construction of our water fine project,” said Osage County Water District No. 3 Chairman Ranger Scott. “The Board of Directors has worked very diligently for several years to bring this project to reality. We are grateful to all the members of our Board, the USDA Rural Development, the McCord Water District, the Kay and Osage County Commissioners and to all of the great people and businesses who have helped us bring this project to this point. Particularly, we appreciate the City of Ponca City for working with us and contracting to provide the city’s water to our pipeline for the use of our customers. “The Braden Water District’s customers have been very patient and we look forward to bringing them a good product at a reasonable price. We are pleased that two Ponca City contractors, Ratliff, Inc. and Evans and Associates Construction Company will be building the water line and its facilities. Both companies have fine reputations and the Board has put together a good team of contractors, engineers and inspectors to insure that we will have a water system of the finest integrity for years to come.” The South Wind SculptureKAW CITY — Officials from Kaw City and the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma have worked together to develop a brand-new point of interest for the American road mappers. By this spring, sightseers, travelers and bus tours will be able to view a large metal wind sculpture in either direction of State Highway 11 on the west side of the community. The finished sculpture of a Kanza Indian astride a horse, will be 10 feet tall by 12 feet wide and will be erected on the north side of the highway on the so-called “Pike’s Peak,” the steepest hill west of the city. Kaw City Mayor Jack Rosson said besides being a fitting tribute to the Native Americans, the sculpture was developed to promote tourism. “We’re going to try to tie that hill back to the town,” Rosson said. According to statistics from the Corps of Engineers, the nearby Sarge Creek and Washunga Bay recreational areas on Kaw Lake combined for one million campers last season, with an additional 50,000 visitors. The sculpture will provide another boost for local merchants when it gets added to the National bus tour guides, etc., because of the additional visitors, the mayor said. City and tribal officials started a non-profit foundation called the South Wind Art and Culture Foundation, which last month commissioned Wichita iron fabricator Todd Whipple to produce the sculpture. Whipple will fashion individual plates from 1/4-inch-thick metal, with 2-inch gaps between the plates for the three-dimensional results. In the artist’s approved design, the Indian of the sculpture wears the Kaw roach headdress with a single feather positioned upward, which indicates peacetime. The figure’s outstretched arms will face south. The sculpture will make a noise when the wind blows. The Kanza Tribe, incidentally, is known as the “wind people.” Kaw Nation Chairperson Wanda Stone said the project is important for preserving the past “because it’s soon forgotten.” She said it was also important to collaborate with the city for the project. Rosson said, “I like the fact that we’re getting to work together. It’s very unusual to have a Kaw Nation headquarters in your community. “I feel like the Kaw Nation is a major asset to this area. “We should walk hand in hand, combining the Kaw Nation’s resources with the city’s resources, so as we grow, so do they, and vice versa,” he said. The American Legion Children’s Home of Ponca City also is making the new structure possible by granting an easement on top of the hill. Additional sculptures are in the plans. La Nina Adds To El Nino’s Weird WeatherBy KATHY ZEHR News Staff Writer Oklahoman’s like to talk about the weather, because as Will Rogers once said. “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, just stick around for five minutes and it will change.” During the last two years, it has changed more than any other time in recorded weather history, according to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSCAR) in a recent report from their Climate Variability and Predictability Program report (CLIVAR). Created in 1993, the 15-year CLIVAR program focuses on the interaction of the oceans and the atmosphere and their role in the earth’s overall climate. This year’s studies focused on the dramatic changes created by El Nino and La Nina and how they have affected and will continue to effect the earth’s industry, lifestyles and population. CLIVAR’s goal has been to enhance scientists’ ability to predict climate on both global and regional scales from a season to a century. Such predictions might warn Kenyan farmers of heavy El Nino rains that could drown crops, alert towns along the western Atlantic coast of the projected intensity of the brewing hurricane season as La Nina builds in the Pacific, or caution Indonesian brush burners of an expected fire-prolonging drought. CLIVAR is the largest, most comprehensive international climate research program ever undertaken according to Kevin Trenberth, co-chair of the CLIVAR scientific steering group. Trenberth just delivered a keynote address on CLIVAR’s recently published implementation plan and on the evolution of CLIVAR science in Paris at the world meeting of scientists. Trenberth is also head of the Climate Analysis Section at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. NCAR’s primary sponsor is the National Science Foundation (NSF). Countries Examine Weather In that major agenda-setting conference that will guide much of the world’s climate research for the next decade, representatives from more than 60 countries gathered in Paris Dec. 2-4 to examine questions relating to natural climate variability, the human role in global climate change, and the predictability of global and regional climate. At the meeting, a large U.S. delegation, including representatives from NSF, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), outlined the U.S. support and plans. The U.S. group is headed by Michael Hall (NOAA’s Office of Global Programs), who gave the closing keynote address. Attendees defined climate issues relevant to their own regions and mapped out collaborative efforts to answer the most pressing questions. Among the new research presented at the meeting was “The 1997-98 El Nino/La Nina” by Ants Leetmaa, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, United States; “Long-Term Climate Variability and the Detection and Attribution of Anthropogenic Effects” by Suki Manabe of Japan; “Towards the Prediction of Monsoon Variability” by Victor Magana Rueda of Mexico; and “Decadal Variability in the Ocean-Atmosphere System” by Jurgen Willebrand of Germany. More information about these subject and topics is available by calling Anatta at 303-497-8604; or through the web at anatta@ucar.edu. NCAR is managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a consortium of more than 60 universities offering Ph.D’s in atmospheric and related sciences. 1997-98 El Nino Report An interesting excerpt from a perspective on weather events of 1997-98 written by Kevin Trenberth in the journal “Consequences” describes recent climate extremes and their impacts in the United States and elsewhere and reads: “The August 1998 issue of “Life” magazine featured weather as its cover story and claimed 16,367 dead and $45.2 billion in damage since the beginning of 1997. “After this story was written,” writes Trenberth, “other major weather related disasters occurred. For instance, major floods devastated parts of Korea in early August and extensive heavy rains in China led to flooding of the Yangtze River where there are preliminary reports of more than 2,000 deaths, over 14 million people homeless, and over $25 billion in damage. “Heat waves and air pollution episodes have also plagued many regions, particularly in Egypt, across the Mediterranean, and southern Europe. At least 10,000 Central Americans were killed and many thousands more made homeless in the fall of 1998 by Hurricane Mitch, the deadliest and fourth-strongest Atlantic hurricane of this century. “In the United States,” he writes, “several major weather-related stories with large human impacts and severe damage have occurred in the past year or so, and many stories linked the disasters to El Nino. “Tornado outbreaks and floods in Florida ($1 billion damage and at least 132 deaths, according to NOAA) were part of a pattern that led to the wettest winter (December-February) in the Southeast on record. Torrential rains in February in California led to flooding in many locales, mudslides and coastal erosion. Huge damage occurred in the winter ice storm in New England and southeastern Canada, with loss of power to many communities for several weeks. Meanwhile, the northern tier of states experienced one of the mildest winters on record. Lake Erie failed to freeze for only the third time on record. “Spring brought flooding to several areas, such as Iowa, Indiana, and New England, as part of generally wetter than normal conditions from Idaho to New England. Ohio River flooding left 30,000 people without power. “Meanwhile, drought en-veloped the South. Extremely dry conditions from April through June 1998 led to wildfires which destroyed many structures and charred 485,000 acres in Florida alone. In Texas the drought continued into summer, bringing with it sweltering heat waves. “These conditions have devastated agriculture throughout the state. For instance, the drought in Texas (the No. 1 U.S. cotton producer) and the wetness in the winter and spring in California (the No. 2 U.S. cotton producer) led the U.S. Department of Agriculture in August to project that the U.S. cotton crop would shrink by 24 percent from 1997. In California the losses come about because the wetness created an environment favorable to a soil fungus.” Predicts Extreme Conditions Trenberth said,“Areas with drier than normal conditions or even droughts during El Nino such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and parts of Africa and Brazil, are apt to experience heavy rains during La Nina. “Meanwhile, areas that experience floods in El Nino, such as Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay and northern Argentina in South America, parts of Africa and southern parts of the United States in winter are apt to be drier than normal during La Nina events. “In 1997, the strongest drought set in over Indonesia and it led to many fires, set as part of activities of farmers and corporations clearing land for agriculture, raging out of control. With the fires came respiratory problems in adjacent areas 1000 kilometers distant and even a plane crash in the area has been linked to the visibility problems. Subsequently, continuing in to 1998, El Nino-related drought and fires evolved in Brazil, Mexico and Florida. Flooding took place in Peru and Ecuador, as usual with El Nino, and also in Chile, and coastal fisheries were disrupted.” For students and readers who want to study or use portions of this report for research, it is available on the world wide webb at http:llwww.ucar.edulpublicationslnewsreleasesll9981clivar98.htmI. To receive UCAR and NCAR news releases by e-mail, telephone 303-497-8601 or e-mail butterwo@ucar.edu. Video Game Review Says ‘Space Battle’ Not Over YetWith all the video game sequels floating around this year, you’d think game developers didn’t have a new idea in their heads. The trouble is, when a game is a big success, it’s tempting to do it again. The secret is to do it better — and that’s a secret Psygnosis knows well, if Colony Wars: Vengeance is any indication. Last year’s Colony Wars lit up PlayStations across the country, with its epic space battles and intriguing tale of internecine warfare between the evil League of Free Worlds (not to be confused with World B. Free) and the Empire. You play as Mertens, an Empire fighter pilot working to retrieve the galaxy from the League’s clutches. You are led by Kron, the supreme Navy commander and a man with a mysterious past. Your fellow pilots include Becks, a lovely native of Mars, and Klein, who was raised on Pluto. The game’s huge space battles (and some new ground assaults) are linked by brief video segments that move the plot along. There are new weapons, including robot wing men and a beam to drain enemy shield energy and transfer it to your own ship. As in the original, the game branches at almost every level. If you win (accomplish all the mission goals) you move on to harder fare. If you fail, the story line gets increasingly gloomy and you move on to an easier task. I was sorry to see that the navigation and targeting systems are little changed. I found that spotting enemies is very difficult on the radar screen, and I sometimes spent what I thought was a lot of time just waiting for something to happen. And there’s no two-player mode. But that’s pretty much it for negatives. On the plus side, the graphics are spectacular, with the original’s nice feeling of space enhanced by greatly improved effects for weapons and huge, brilliant explosions that sometimes obliterate the entire screen. The spacecraft are nicely detailed, and some of the bigger spaceships are simply a wonder. Sound effects are equally dazzling, with the roar of weapons and engines, the crackle of intergalactic communication and music to match the missions keeping you focused on the action. Control is excellent; sharp, accurate and fluid, it lets you place your fighter right where you want it almost every time. There are instances when you wish your craft would turn a little sharper, but often just getting off the gas — or hitting the reverse thrusters — will slow you enough to get that enemy fighter in your sights. The dual-shock controller becomes a solid part of the game experience, jolting you when you’re hit or when using weapons, just as the controls of your ship might jostle you under the same circumstances. CW:V offers an excellent variety in the missions you have to complete. This game isn’t just about shooting down a million spaceships. You have to accomplish a variety of difficult tasks, including mining asteroids for crystals, towing radioactive satellites away from space stations and protecting cargo ships. It’s a busy life, spaceboy. CW:V is the best space shooter available for the PlayStation, hands down. If you liked the first Colony Wars, you will love this latest version. If you somehow missed the original, give Colony Wars: Vengeance a try. I can (almost) guarantee you’ll come away a big fan. Colony Wars:Vengeance is rated E for all ages. Area CalendarNovember 27-December 27 Festival of Angels, Holiday Lighting Celebration, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. December 6-31 Christmas Tree Collage, Wednesdays-Sundays, 1-5 p.m., Ponca City Art Center. December 17 Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Group, 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, Blackwell. December 18 William Bernhardt autographing “The Midnight Before Christmas,” 5-7 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 8 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, adults $5, students $2. December 19 Hometown Christmas Show, 7 p.m., Poncan Theatre, advance tickets at Master’s Touch Christian Book Store. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 8 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, adults $5, students $2. December 20 “Christmas, Sing Noel,” Sanctuary Choir Cantata, 10:30 a.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, Ponca City. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 2 p.m., Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa, adults $5, students $2. Bravo Brass Concert, 2 p.m., Poncan Theatre, free. Ponca City Holiday Giveaway, 3 p.m., Sullins Stadium. Christmas Spectacular “A Light Still Shines” and “Holiday Classics,” 6:30 p.m., presented by adult choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church, Ponca City. December 21 KLVV’s Sixth Anniversary Open House, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 3.5 miles west of Ponca City on U.S. 60, come and enjoy the refreshments and studio tour. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, Ponca City, call Beth Wright 765-6738 for additional information. December 24 Christmas Eve Communion Service, 5:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, Ponca City. Christmas Eve Vesper Service, 5:30 p.m., First Baptist Church. Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. December 27 Mini-Concert featuring Max Lyall, pianist, arranger and recording artist, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, Ponca City. January 16 M.L. King Birthday celebration, 6:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre. DEATHSMarie Ging Marie GingBLACKWELL — Marie Ging, longtime Blackwell resident, died Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, at her home. She was 85. The funeral was to be held graveside at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 16, at the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Bookout, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home. Marie (Cline) Ging was born Aug. 7, 1913, in Dacoma to Charles Lewis and Kitura (Murrow) Cline. She moved from Woods County in the early 1940s, to Blackwell. She was married to Alvin Earl Ging, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Ging was a member of the Church of God. Survivors include one daughter, Mary Ging of Blackwell; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one sister and seven brothers. ObituariesDonald Wayne FlemingDonald Wayne Fleming, Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 1998 at his home. He was 59. The funeral will be Thursday, 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Denny Hook, pastor, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong, rector, Grace Episcopal Church. Don Fleming was born Aug. 17, 1939, at Fulton, Mo., the son of Emmett and Helen (Davis) Fleming. He was raised in Columbia, Mo., where he graduated from Hickman High School. He then attended the University of Missouri. Don was married to Colleen White on April 3, 1959 at Columbia, Mo. They made their home in Independence, Mo., before being relocated to Bethel Park, Pa. In 1973, the family moved to Ponca City. Don was employed by Conoco from February 1960 until May 1985. He took early retirement to begin independent stocktrading. He was an active investor until the time of his death. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he was a co-founder of the Singles Network. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 to 1964. Don enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his friends and family, but most of all, he enjoyed the simple things in life. He is survived by his mother, Helen Sattler, North Mankato, Minn.; three sons, Trent Fleming and Cameron Fleming, Ponca City, and Ford Fleming, Santee, Calif.; a sister, Pam Rivers, North Mankato, Minn.; five grandchildren, Bryce and Steven Fleming, Ponca City, and Tyler, Dane and Marisa Fleming, Santee, Calif. His father preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Special Olympics, 6835 South Canton Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136 or the Make A Wish Foundation, 3030 N.W. Expressway, Suite 1300, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. The family will be at 119 North Elm. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. No viewing will be held. paid obituary Pearl V. SmithPearl V. Smith, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 14, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 90. The funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 17, 1998, at 2 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Fredia Widener officiating. Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Smith was born Sept. 5, 1908, on a small southeast Missouri farm between the communities of Wyatt and Charleston. She was the only daughter and the second eldest child of the five children of John and Rhoda McDaniel. Most of her childhood was spent in the small lumber and cotton town of Canalou, Mo., where she first met her future husband, Eugene D. Smith. Following the decline of the lumber business, the McDaniel family moved to Woodward, Okla., in November 1927, stopping briefly in Ponca City en route. A few months later Eugene Smith journeyed from Canalou to Woodward where he and Pearl McDaniel were married on July 21, 1929. In the summer of 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, now with two young sons, moved from Woodward to Ponca City where they have resided since. At the time of her death, she was still living at home with her husband of 69 years. She was cared for by her family and her caregivers, Misti Burton, Lois Fahs, Shelia Harris and Fredia Widener. Mrs. Smith loved her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking and canning. She is survived by her husband, Eugene of the home; two sons, Kenneth E. and his wife Evelyn of Chesterfield, Mo., and Jim L. of Ponca City; daughter, Barbara Watson and her husband Harold of Ponca City; brother, Richard McDaniel of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Mark Smith, Leslie Schauvliege, Steve Smith, and Randy Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Haley and Stacy Schauvliege. In addition to her parents, three brothers preceded her in death. paid obituary FuneralsFridayJosh RodgersFuneral to be held at 2 p.m. at the Foursquare Gospel Church, 700 West Broadway, Ponca City. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout Funeral Home. NEWS BRIEFSNew Year’s Eve Dance — There will be a New Year’s Eve Dance at the VFW, Blackwell, from 8:30 p.m. to ?, Dec. 31, 1998. Playing for the event will be Joe Solorio and Country Travelers. Donate A new toy and get the Best of HBO package activated free! Save $10! Great entertainment for these cold winter nights. Call Cable ONE at 762-6684 for details. adv. Last Minute Gift Selection — For those looking for a last minute gift, consider a cookbook with recipes by Wah-sha-she (Osage) homemakers. Profits go to benefit the McCord area. To purchase or for additional information, call 762-7797 or 762-1709. Santa Visits in your home. Also, some store and daytime visits available. For information call 767-1205. adv. Cigarettes Stolen — A clerk at E-Z Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:13 a.m. Wednesday that two subjects had stolen a display and approximately 30 packs of cigarettes and headed east on Bradley Avenue. An officer was assigned and a theft report was taken. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Conoco Convenience, 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department that a subject had driven off without paying for gas. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue at 5:02 p.m. Tuesday that a 30-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to pay. Grell Completes Training — Navy Airman Recruit Dustin H. Grell, son of Richard E. Grell of Braman, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Grell completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction of naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis is also placed on physical fitness. Grell also received instruction on physical fitness. Jim Bowen Construction Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv. Injury Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 6:52 a.m. Tuesday that an injury accident had occurred two miles north of Hubbard Road on U.S. 77. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified. Three units of the Ponca City Fire Department responded, but an injured subject had been taken by privately-owned vehicle to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6- 8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv. Decorations Stolen — A woman from the 400 block of North Palm Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:17 a.m. Tuesday that some Christmas decorations had been stolen from her yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 8:33 a.m. Tuesday that an accident had occurred in the 6900 block of North Pleasantview. The information was transferred to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable, local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681. adv. Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 8:37 a.m. Tuesday that an accident had occurred 3.5 miles north of Hubbard Road on U.S. 77. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified. No one was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Osage Feed and Tack. Guys, next trip out for feed, check out our new gift items for that special gal. adv. Citations Issued — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 8:47 a.m. Tuesday that citations had been issued for vehicle without handicap stickers parked at Lake Road Express. Harassment — A woman from the 400 block of East Brookfield Avenue reported at 6:50 p.m. that a subject had been harassing her. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Pickup Stolen — A man from the 500 block of East Brookfield Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:05 a.m. Tuesday that his pickup had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. 1999 101 Ranch Old Timers calendars, $10. Linda Rennie, Pio- neer Bank, 762-5651. adv. Citations Issued — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Elm Street and West Highland Avenue at 11:06 a.m. Tuesday that drivers of two vehicles were chasing each other. The officer reported the incident was a domestic situation, and had been settled. Citations were issued. Free Hallmark gift with purchases over $75! (Limited supply) Carla’s Hallmark, downtown. adv. Vehicle Burglarized — A woman from the 3000 block of Larchmont reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:52 a.m. Tuesday that her vehicle had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that a cellular phone was missing. State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and week- end DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled Friday, December 18th, and Saturday, December 19th, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for res- ervations and information. adv. Item Missing — A person at Ponca Bowl reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:05 a.m. Tuesday that a VCR was missing from the firm. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Santa’s Forest Christmas tree farm, 3-1/2 miles west of Ponca City on Highway 60. Hours: Weekdays 5-8 pm, weekends 10 am- 6 pm. 765-9441. adv. Vehicle Towed — A person from the 1500 block of North Seventh Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday that a pickup was parked illegally at the intersection of North Seventh Street and McGraw Drive. An officer was assigned and the vehicle was towed from the scene for being a traffic hazard. Total Close Out. Prices reduced near cost. Graham Photo. 201 No. First. adv. Accident — An accident in the 2700 block of Kingston Road was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Vandalism — A person at A to Z Machine Shop, 1212 West Liberty Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:10 a.m. Tuesday that someone had shot out their security light during the night. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Betty’s Botique. Holiday hours Sunday 1:00 - 4:00, Monday thru Friday 9:30 - 7:00, Saturday 9:30 - 5:00. adv Lights Vandalized — A man from the 2500 block of Mockingbird reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:43 p.m. Tuesday that Christmas lights had been vandalized. The information was logged. Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, pa- tios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv. Theft — A person at Chapman’s Shoes, 2601 North Fourteenth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:38 p.m. Tuesday that a theft had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Information was logged concerning the identity of the subject involved. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of South Eleventh Street at 8:21 p.m. Tuesday that a 41-year-old man was being held for violation of protective custody. Head Country, One half bar-b-q chicken with choice of vegeta- bles, $3.95, Thursday, 4-? p.m. 1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv. No Story Times — There will be no storytimes held at the Ponca City Library during the Christmas vacation period, Dec. 22-23 and Dec. 29-30. The Library will be closed for Dec. 24-27 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s. Story times resume Jan. 5, 1999. LIFESTYLESLittle News Little NewsKeith and Kristin Chapman of San Antonio, Texas, announce the birth of a daughter, Taylor McKinney Chapman, on Nov. 6. 1998. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 18 1/2 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Steve and Judy McGuire of Ponca City. Paternal grandparents are C.E. and Mary Chapman of San Antonio, Texas. Maternal great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. E.A. McGuire of Beaumont, Texas, and paternal great-grandparents are Mrs. Mae Johnston and Mr. Ray Johnson, both of San Antonio, Texas. Announcement is made of the birth of a son to Cary and Kim Motz of Edmond. Tate Bennett was born Dec. 8, 1998, at 12:54 a.m. at the Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 19 1/2 inches long. He has a brother, Carter Robert, twenty months old. Maternal grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Jack Curtis of Columbia, Mo., and Dr. Kenneth Kays of Osage Beach, Mo. Paternal grandparent are Kaye and Bonnie Motz of Ponca City. Great-grandfather is George Motz of Elkhart, Ind. Christmas for ChildrenChristmas Gifts for Children is what it is all about. The New Emergency Resource Agency, in conjunction with Cable One, is assembling toys for Ponca City children who would not otherwise have toys for Christmas. Tom Short, director of New Emergency Resource Agency, related “It is nice to see the eyes of the children sparkle on Christmas morning.” During the month of December, Cable One has offered free cable installation or free activation of the Best of HBO package for customers who donate new, unused toys or $10 or more it the effort. The cash donations are used to by needed items and toys for the older children. Although Cable One has been doing this for four or five years, other local businesses also contribute to the cause. Shown with only a percentage of the items donated are, from left, Tom Short; Lois Payne, chairman of the project for Cable One; and Donna Fisher, Cable One. According to Payne, “Ponca City really steps out and helps people in need.” Donations will be accepted at Cable One through the end of the week; however, no donations will be turned down. (News Photo by Sally Hodges) SPORTSWildcat JV Grapplers Get Mat Time Wildcat JV Grapplers Get Mat TimeBy FRED HILTON News Sports Editor New Wildcat head wrestling coach Todd Steidley has said one of the things his grapplers need most is mat time. They certainly got that early on the junior varsity level. Although JV matches are usually scheduled just in front of each varsity dual, those usually consist of three to four matches at best. So Steidley, and former coach Pat Young, who made up this year’s schedule, are making sure the younger wrestlers get the mat time by scheduling JV tournaments and duals with varsity teams of some of the smaller area schools. The JVs missed starting off the season against the Newkirk varsity because Newkirk was still in the football playoffs. (That dual has been turned into varsity-against-varsity on Feb. 2). But the JVs quickly made up for lost time. In the space of just over a week, the JVs entered tournaments at Del City, Winfield, Kan., and El Reno. That was in addition to a few matches in duals against Owasso, Broken Arrow and Edmond Memorial. The Poncans placed four at the Del City JV Tournament. Brian Gibson and Jacob Bailey were runners-up at 125 and 130 pounds, respectively. Scott Steichen and Justin Burns were third at 140 and heavyweight. In the pool-tiered Winfield Tournament, even more Cat JVs placed. Tony Arbona, Bailey and Jordan Heppler were unbeaten to take first places at 119, 135 and heavyweight. Bryan McDonald was also first with a 2-2 record. Jonathan Schmauch went 3-1, Demont Swindall 2-1 (with two falls) and Josh Brotherton 2-1. Roman RedLeaf was also 2-2. The El Reno Tournament was a team dual tournament broken into two pools of five teams each. Going against Sand Springs, Gibson was the only winner, taking an 8-7 decision. Against Yukon, Deandre Dewberry won 8-6 and Gibson had a fall. Against Woodward, Swindall and Brandon Altman had falls while Aaron Brooks won 3-2, Brotherton 9-2, J. Michael Sharon 6-1 and Schmauch 10-0. Against Lawton MacArthur, Swindall, Gibson, Steve Windler and Altman had falls while Brooks won 9-0. The Poncans finished fourth in their pool and wrestled Muskogee, fourth in the second pool, with Gibson getting a fall. The JVs will wrestle a few matches against Jenks Friday prior to the varsity dual here to wind up the first segment of the season. Next semester, in addition to the co-varsity duals, the JVs will wrestle Pawnee and Inola on Jan. 18 in Pawnee, enter the Pawhuska JV Tournament Jan. 22-23, the Chandler JV Tournament Jan. 29-30, wrestle Perkins on Feb. 2 and finish their part of the season Feb. 11-12 in the Mustang JV Tournament. Winter Bird Survey Needs VolunteersThe 1999 Winter Bird Survey will be held Jan. 14-17, and volunteers are being asked to participate in this ongoing research project. Sponsored by the Department's Wildlife Diversity Program, the Winter Bird Survey is conducted to determine overall trends among Oklahoma's wintering birds. To get the most accurate representation of winter bird populations, the survey requires as many participants as possible from all parts of the state, said Jeremy Garrett, information specialist for the Department's natural resources division. "Last year's participation was down significantly from previous years, so we hope to have greater participation for this year's survey," Garrett said. "The survey is a lot of fun for everyone involved, and it's a great way to become more familiar with the feathered visitors that are such a colorful part of Oklahoma's winter landscape." During last year's 11th annual Winter Bird Survey, 521 Oklahomans reported the birds that visited their backyard feeders. Goldfinches were again the most common bird spotted at feeders, with 6,342 birds counted. They were followed by house sparrows (4,105), dark-eyed juncos (3,868), cardinals (3,385) and starlings (2,562). To participate in the bird survey, simply count the birds at or under your feeder, regardless of the weather conditions, and write them down on the survey form. All survey forms must be returned to the Wildlife Diversity Program by February 16. The program does not receive any state tax appropriations and is funded by voluntary donations. You can help fund this program by contributing part of your state tax refund and by purchasing any of the four Wildlife Conservation License Plates, which feature a bass, quail, deer or scissor-tailed flycatcher. To receive a copy of the new booklet Fall & Winter Bird Watching, which includes the Winter Bird Survey, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Winter Bird Survey, Wildlife Diversity Program, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Survey forms and instructions also are available at the Wildlife Department's homepage: www.state.ok.us/~odwc. Outdoor Gifts for ChristmasWith Christmas coming, many sportsmen are thinking of the new outdoorsy gifts and gadgets that will await them under the tree. If you have a sportsman in your family and aren't sure what to get for the holiday, here are some suggestions: 1. A gift that will last the whole year is an annual hunting or fishing license ($12.50 for hunting or fishing, $21 for the combination). If your sportsman hunts and fishes all the time, then you might consider buying a lifetime license ($400 for hunting, $125 for fishing and $525 for the combination). For more information about the lifetime license contact the Department's licensing section at 405/521-3852. 2. An Oklahoma Wildlife Management Area Atlas ($10) is a great gift for sportsmen who use Oklahoma's public hunting areas. With full page topographic maps detailing 57 different WMA's, this atlas will guide hunters to some of the finest hunting areas in the state. Buy yours at the Department's main office at 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, or at any of the Department's regional offices. 3. A subscription to a hunting or fishing magazine is a gift that any sportsman will enjoy. Outdoor Oklahoma ($10 a year) is the state's premier outdoor magazine, featuring award-winning photography of Oklahoma's outdoor resources. 4. For stocking stuffers, try fishing lures ($2 to $5). Some of the new crankbaits made by America's leading manufacturers are excellent choices, as are many of the old, traditional favorites. New Policy Adopted For Controlled HuntsAt its regular December meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a policy for distributing a limited number of special controlled hunt permits. Last spring, Gov. Frank Keating signed into law a bill authorizing the Department to issue as many as five special hunting permits for designated species in addition to its regular controlled hunt permits. The permits may be sold at public auction or by sealed bid. The new policy allows the Department to conduct the distribution process internally or award distribution contracts to non-profit organizations. In his monthly report, Director Greg Duffy announced that Oklahoma deer hunters had set a new all-time harvest record. "Our preliminary harvest total is 73,258, compared to last year's total harvest of 71,207," Duffy said. "When we factor in the harvest from late archery season, controlled hunts, personnel books and lands enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program, we expect that number to increase by several thousand. That's phenomenal when you consider that our muzzleloader deer harvest was down 30 percent from 1997." Duffy also recognized Mike Smith, lands biologist for the Department, who was honored by the Ouachita Mountain Resource & Development for providing technical assistance in developing wildlife habitat on a tract of land in southeast Oklahoma. In other business, the Commission accepted a $1,000 donation from Brian Ellis on behalf of the 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The funds will be used for the Broken Bow Tailwater Thermal assessment Modeling Project, which is being developed by the Wildlife Department in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southwest Power Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Ellis, owner of Sign Works, also donated a distinctive new sign on behalf of the 89er Chapter to the Department last month. It stands in front of the Department's headquarters at 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd., in Oklahoma City. As an informational item, Col. John Streich, chief of the Department's Law Enforcement Division, explained the De-partment's policies and laws regarding hog hunting. The Department recognizes all free-roaming hogs as domestic animals, Streich said. As such, they are considered private property and are not covered by the Department's regulatory jurisdiction. "It has long been the Department's position that there are no true wild hogs in Oklahoma," Streich said. "However, there are hogs that were once domestic but have become feral, or free-roaming in nature." Before a citizen can take a feral hog, that person must first get permission from the owner, Streich added, as well as from the landowner where hogs are located. An animal damage control specialist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture also addressed the Commission, saying that the USDA had received complaints from citizens in 55 counties regarding damage caused by feral hogs. Alan Peoples, assistant chief of the Department's Wildlife Division, presented a proposed policy regarding trespass livestock on Department-owned or managed lands to the Commission for consideration. The proposal was tabled for further discussion.
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