LOCAL

Drop in Oil Prices Big Surprise Throughout State’s Industry
String of Vehicle Burglaries Keep P.C. Police Busy

Drop in Oil Prices Big Surprise Throughout Oklahoma Industry

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma oil producers have a lot on their minds as they enter 1999 facing the lowest prices since the 1930s.

‘‘There is a desperate sense of urgency today, because the domestic oil industry is floundering,’’ said Michael Bernard, president of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association of Oklahoma.

The break-even price for most Oklahoma oil wells is considered to be about $14 per barrel, generating a growing sense of despair among some producers who want state and federal action to protect the industry.

Nobody had expected that prices for Oklahoma benchmark crude would dip to $8-$9 a barrel, the lowest levels on an inflation-adjusted basis since the 1930s.

Bernard recently told Oklahoma lawmakers on the Oil Industry Stabilization Task Force that layoffs are affecting even the smallest companies. Officials say up to 10,000 jobs and hundreds of businesses are in danger if prices don’t go back up.

The task force was created by Gov. Frank Keating and legislative leaders. Members are tasked with exploring ways the state can help oil producers. One possible proposal would be to cut the state’s 7 percent ‘‘gross production’’ tax on oil when prices are below $14 a barrel.

Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, co-chair of the task force, said even though Oklahoma’s economy is diversifying, the energy industry is important.

‘‘If we ignore it in its time of need, we put our entire economy and the well-being of our state at risk. We can’t afford to do that,’’ she said.

Oil prices are being driven down by large amounts of foreign-produced crude being imported.

Industry officials say many producers are shutting down productions at some wells as those wells need routine maintenance, which could damage their oil-producing ability if left off too long.

‘‘We’re talking about preserving the structure and infrastructure of one of the state’s most important industries ...’’ Bernard said.

This year is the 14th straight in which Oklahoma oil production has decreased.

String of Vehicle Burglaries Keep P.C. Police Busy

Police are currently investigating a string of vehicle burglaries that occurred late Saturday evening. Within a four hour period five separate vehicle burglaries were reported throughout Ponca City.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday a woman reported that her vehicle had been burglarized and a window broken out while it was parked in the 2500 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Then at 10:47 p.m. it was reported that the windows of several vehicles, parked in the 700 block of Edgewood Drive, had been broken and the vehicles also burglarized.

Only 20 minutes later in the 2600 block of North Fourteenth Street another vehicle burglary and another window was reported broken out.

Entry into some vehicles are easier than others. According to Detective Captain Dwaine Vincent some of the windows were broken out while others were merely convenient targets for the burglars.

“I would guess that 90 percent of the vehicle burglars occur in vehicles that are not locked which makes them easy targets because the burglar has only to open the door, rummage through the car and steal whatever they want,” Vincent says. “I would strongly urge everyone to make certain their vehicle is locked. That is the best advice I can give anyone and the best preventive measure there is.”

DEATHS

Judson Lee Ellenwood
Thomas Leroy Reeve
Kenneth Leon Epperly
Corenne Stauffacher
Donald Vincent Fuss
John McAbee
Alice Faye Roebuck Gentry
Harold P. Gravatt
Charles Billingsley
Lola V. White
Charles Popplewell

Judson Lee Ellenwood

WESTPORT, N.Y. — Judson Lee “Jud” Ellenwood, former Ponca City resident, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, at the Elizabethtown Community Hospital in Elizabethtown, N.Y. He was 78.

A memorial service was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1998, at the Westport Federated Church with the Rev. Dr. Evelyn P. Meredith, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in the Black River Cemetery in Westport, N.Y. Arrangements were under the direction of the Hamilton Funeral Home in Westport.

Judson Lee “Jud” Ellenwood was born Jan. 21, 1929, in Schenectady, N.Y., the son of James and Elinore (Remer) Ellenwood. He attended grade school and high school in Brooklyn, N.Y., and attended Springfield College. He married Martha Schaluck of Springfield, Mass., on Oct. 24, 1942.

After spending three years with the U.S. Air Force during World War II, from June of 1942 through September of 1945, Ellenwood obtained a master’s degree from Columbia University in recreation. He was then employed by the YMCA in Rome, N.Y., Glens Falls, N.Y., and the Dallas Downtown Branch YMCA before accepting the position of executive director with the newly-formed YMCA in Ponca City, a position he held for 16 years before moving to Westport, N.Y.

While in Ponca City, he also was a member and president of Kiwanis Club, an elder with the First Presbyterian Church, helped develop and direct the Youth and Government program in Oklahoma, was active in numerous civic organizations, and worked with youth in many capacities.

After moving to Westport, N.Y., he was active in many organizations including director of the Crary Education Fund in Elizabethtown, N.Y., president of the Westport Cemetery Association, a member of the Camp Dudley Association, Westport Federated Church, and the Kiwanis Club.

He enjoyed fishing, Lake Champlain, and his family.

He is survived by two sons, Stephen Ellenwood of Ponca City, and Lee Ellenwood of West Hartford, Conn.; one daughter, Cathy Blackburn of New York City, N.Y.; two sisters, Ann Glegg or Tucson, Ariz., and Ruth Farnsworth of Westport, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, on Jan. 9, 1984, and his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Youth Missionary Activities, First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

Thomas Leroy Reeve

BLACKWELL — Thomas Leroy Reeve, resident of Tonkawa, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998, at his home in Tonkawa. He was 66.

Following cremation, no services are planned.

Thomas Leroy Reeve was born on Sept. 22, 1932, in Michigan. He grew up and attended schools in Michigan. He married Janice Ross and they settled in Michigan were Reeve was a self-employed carpenter. He moved to Tonkawa to make his home in 1996 and was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Tonkawa.

He is survived by a daughter, Kipann Gottman of Tonkawa; a son, Chad Reeve of Ponca City; and three sisters, Beverly Schafer of Eton Rapids, Mich., and Sandy and Kay of Michigan; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerry and Joe Reeve; and a sister, Pat.

Kenneth Leon Epperly

BLACKWELL — Kenneth Leon Epperly, resident of Blackwell, died Friday morning, Dec. 25, 1998, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 61.

A funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with the Rev. Dan Kennedy, First Wesleyan Church of Blackwell and the Rev. Jim Flick of Oakley, Kan., officiating. Burial will be in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Kenneth Leon Epperly was born on Jan. 31, 1937, in Blackwell, the son of Jesse Cleveland and Della M. (Davis) Epperly. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell public schools. Following his schooling, he was employed at the Larkin Hotel as a desk clerk. After 15 years of service at the hotel, he was employed at the Acme Foundry in Blackwell where he worked until ill health forced his retirement. He was a member of the First Wesleyan Church in Blackwell.

He is survived by three sisters, Izola Schoonover of Arkansas City, Barbara Smith of Dallas, Texas, and Iwana Whittenburg of Wetumpka, Ala.; four brothers, Richard Leroy Epperly of Blackwell, Charles Epperly of Plano, Texas, Ralph Epperly of Braman, and Bob Epperly of Blackwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Glen Epperly.

Casket bearers will be Bobby Epperly, Dennis Epperly, Paul Epperly, Kevin Epperly, Ralph Epperly and Robert Epperly.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Cancer Center, 609 Virginia Avenue, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Corenne Stauffacher

BLACKWELL — Corenne Stauffacher, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday afternoon, Dec. 24, 1998, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 91.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998, at the Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rick Longcrier, First Baptist Church of Blackwell, officiating. Burial will be at Blackwell Cemetery.

Corenne Stauffacher was born May 5, 1907, in Springer, the daughter of William and Maggie Lee (Bean) Chapman. She grew up in Davis, attending Davis public schools. At the age of 17, she moved to Blackwell and was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator. She married Arthur C. Stauffacher on Aug. 1, 1925, in Medford, and they settled in Blackwell. She retired from the telephone company as a chief operator on Nov. 5, 1961. Her husband preceded her in death on May 30, 1976. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Loyal Women Sunday School Class as well as the retired Pioneer Telephone Club in Ponca City.

She is survived by two sisters, Lorene Brown of San Diego, Calif., and Celcia May Harris of La Quinta, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Vesta Rickard and Marie Brogden; and two brothers, Ovene and Carl Chapman.

Casket bearers will be Doug Mercer, Don Vickers, Mark Meador, Myron Smith, Newan Hicks and Olen Riley.

Memorial contributions may be sent to First Baptist Church, First and Bridge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Donald Vincent Fuss

PAWNEE — Donald Vincent Fuss, resident of Pawnee, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 1998, in Tulsa. He was 80.

Funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today, Dec. 28, 1998, at Eshelman Memorial Chapel in Pawnee with the Rev. Paul Graham officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Arrangements are under the direction of the Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee.

Donald Vincent Fuss was born Jan. 17, 1918, in Medford, the son of John Frank “J.F.” Fuss and Amy Jean Costner Fuss. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Kline on Oct. 15, 1942, in Pawnee. They moved to his present home in 1947. She preceded him in death Jan. 31, 1969.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Pawnee. He enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, hunting mushrooms, and picking pecans and giving them as gifts.

Fuss is survived by a son, Donald Ray Fuss of Ponca City; two daughters, Carol Annette Ridgeway of Bedford, Texas, and Nancy Jo Blalock of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Floyd Fuss and Lloyd Fuss of Tulsa; one sister, Anita Stone of Alexandria, Minn.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his second wife, Marguerite.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pawnee Elderly Nutrition Center, 304 Kansas Street, Pawnee, Okla. 74058.

Obituaries

John McAbee

John McAbee, longtime Ponca City resident, realized his dearest goal in life Saturday morning, Dec. 26, 1998 as he went to spend eternity with God and his wife, “Lefty.” John, age 77, died at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa.

Born Nov. 30, 1921, in Clinton, he was the son of John E. and Lula (Morton) McAbee. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1942, and entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. John played baseball with the special services during a portion of his military service. He was discharged in February 1946, then attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College and graduated from Wichita State University.

An avid sports fan, John began his interest in sports as bat boy for the Ponca City Angels. At one time he also played semi-pro baseball. John enjoyed working as an umpire and referee for baseball and football teams for many years throughout the Midwest. He “umped” for baseball teams from little league through college level and “refed” high school and college football.

He met D’Etta Gene Goins while working at Conoco, and the couple were married March 12, 1955 in Ponca City. John was employed with Conoco, Evans and Throop Construction, then retired from the U.S. Post Office after 20 years of service. For the last 10 years, he and Lefty enjoyed traveling all over the United States to play golf and watch OU teams and the Yankees play.

Most importantly, John was serious about his role as a Christian witness. He and his wife were members of First Baptist Church, sponsoring and working with the youth for many years in Sunday School, Training Union, at Falls Creek encampments and on ski trips. For many years, John, a member of Promise Keepers, also acted as a Christian mentor to younger men. He also enjoyed coaching both men and women’s church softball teams.

He had been a member of the Oklahoma Officials Association, American Legion, Jaycees and the American Businessmen’s Club.

Survivors include two daughters, Connie McAbee and Lori and her husband, Stephen Thomas, all of Ponca City; one grandson Michael Strnad of Minneapolis, Minn.; one sister, Lila Powers of Tulsa; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, D’Etta on Oct. 27, 1997; his parents; two sisters, Lida McAbee Hall and Fay McAbee Bishop; and one infant brother.

Casket bearers will be Don Edelen, Jim Littleton, Craig Myers, Jim Newport, Tom Quillin and Rick Vanater. Honorary bearers will be Gary Aldrich, Jerry Evans, Hap Houlick, John McKay, Bill Ray, Carl Renfro, Jack Stanger, Bill Stingley, Clark Taylor, Wayne “Fuzzy” Warren, Wally Weaver, Jim West, and Cal Young.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. McAbee’s name, to the First Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 206 South Sixth, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church worship center with the Rev. Hance Dilbeck officiating. The Rev. Doyle Lowrey will assist. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

The family will be at the funeral home from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday. They will also be at the First Baptist Church Assembly Center, Wednesday for visitation one hour prior to the service.

OU fans are invited to wear their colors. Aggies are encouraged to leave their colors at home.

paid obituary

Alice Faye Roebuck Gentry

Alice Faye Roebuck Gentry passed away peacefully at Oak Ridge Manor Nursing Home, Durant, Dec. 25, 1998. She was 51.

Alice was born Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 1947, in Hugo, at Johnson Hospital. Her parents are Melvin Roebuck of Soper, and the late Fay Roebuck. She attended high school in Soper and graduated in the spring of 1966. Dec. 7, 1966, she married David Lee Gentry, of Hugo, in Durant. They later divorced in 1990. Alice started college at Southeastern State University in the fall of 1966, and attended off and on through 1977, when she graduated with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Math. While in school, she worked for the business office at the campus as well as J.C. Penney in the catalog department. She then moved to Hugo where she taught math at Soper High School for one year and at Fort Towson High School for one semester. Alice then went to work for the Hugo Daily News for two years before moving to Ponca City.

While in Ponca City she was employed by J.C. Penney in the catalog department for a year before she was hired at Conoco Oil Company as an accountant in the Off-shore Natural Gas Department.

She was there for 11 years before she took early retirement in 1993 to care for her mother in Soper. Upon her mother’s death, she moved to Ardmore, and went to work for Samedan Oil Company as an accountant. Alice worked there until she took medical retirement due to ill health in 1996.

Alice is survived by her father, Walter Melvin Roebuck, and her sister, Shirley Ann Moore, and husband Eddie, all of Soper. She is also survived by her two sons, Christopher Todd Gentry and wife Sylvia of Ponca City, and Eric Lee Gentry and wife Laura of Durant. Alice has four grandchildren, Stephen Candrick, Christian Nathaniel, and Caleb Todd Gentry of Ponca City, and Emilee Breann Gentry of Durant. Also she is survived by two nephews, Bill Roebuck and Anthony Dean Moore of Soper.

Alice is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dick and Inez Roebuck; maternal grandparents, Mert and Elizabeth Claborn; and her mother Ina Fay “Granny” Roebuck. The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Ridge Manor Nursing Home for all the care given to Alice to keep her comfortable in her final days. Also our gratitude goes out to Alliance Hospice in helping the family cope with the loss of our loved one. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Kurley, Dr. Bonnie Gearhart, and staff at the Paris Cancer Center for all their hard work and guidance over the last two years. Along with flowers or gifts, memorials may be sent to the home of Shirley Moore, General Delivery, Soper, Okla. 74759 which will be used to establish a scholarship fund in Alice’s name for a graduating senior at Soper High School.

Funeral services will be held at the Prater-Lampton-Mills and Coffey Funeral Home Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1998, at 2 p.m. in Hugo. A graveside prayer will follow at her final resting place in the Soper Cemetery. The family will be receiving family and friends at the Moore’s residence north of Soper.

paid obituary

Harold P. Gravatt

Harold P. Gravatt, Ponca City resident, died Sunday morning, Dec. 27, 1998, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 75.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1998, at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor of Community Christian Church, officiating. No viewing or visitation is planned. Service arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Harold Paul Gravatt was born on Feb. 25, 1923, at Arpela, the son of Alonzo Alfred and Meta Wilhelmina (Gosejacob) Gravatt. His family moved to Burbon, Mo., when he was two years old. He received his education in Missouri schools.

On Oct. 11, 1941, he was married to Maxine Ody at Sullivan, Mo. The couple made their home in St. Louis, Mo. Harold was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943, but sustained a leg injury and was discharged from active service. He was a skilled worker and held various jobs such as an auto mechanic, truck driver, cab driver, machinist and a baker. In 1954, Harold went to work for the St. Louis Parks and Recreation as a park supervisor and continued there until his retirement in December of 1981. Harold and Maxine moved to Ponca City following his retirement to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. His hobbies were related to the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Mrs. Donald (Glenda) Hisey, and three grandchildren, Daniel, Eric and Jessica, all of the home in Ponca City. Additional survivors include three sisters, Alberta Marshall of Glendale, Ariz., Mary L. Davis of Bridgeton, Mo., and Willa Willman of Ferguson, Mo., as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, two brothers, Alfred Gravatt and Carl T. (Ted) Gravatt, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to OMRF (Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation) for Diabetic Research, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73104, or to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the Hisey residence, 2515 Bluestem.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Charles Billingsley

Charles Billingsley, former resident of Shidler, died Monday morning, Dec. 28, 1998, at home in Newkirk. He was 65. Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of the home. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Lola V. White

Lola V. White, resident of Ponca City, died Sunday morning, Dec. 27, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 84. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Charles Popplewell

Charles Popplewell, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Monday morning, Dec. 28, 1998, at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 77. Survivors include his wife Adel of the home. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Trout Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Accident — A man in the 1200 block of Shirlee Avenue contacted police at 7:39 a.m. Saturday to report that a neighbor had backed into his vehicle during the night.

101 Fireworks located 1/4 mile

West of Hwy 156 and old Hwy 60

intersection (Marland Y) Open

till 1-2-99. 762-1171. adv.

Accident — A two vehicle, non-injury accident in the 2900 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported at 9:55 a.m. Saturday.

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.

Arrest — Police arrested a 51-year-old man at 11:03 a.m. Saturday from South Fourth Street and East South Avenue for leaving the scene of an accident and public intoxication.

Truck Drilled — At 7:42 p.m. Sunday man called police reporting that someone had drilled under the lock of his pickup truck and stolen his mobile phone while it was parked in the 1300 block of East Bradley Avenue.

Accident — An accident in a parking lot in the 3500 block of North Fourteenth S Street was reported at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Carpet Need Cleaning? Con-

fused about who or what to use?

Call Floorcraft 762-8381, let us

help you make the right choice.

Call Mr. Clean at Floorcraft. adv.

Shoplifting — At 3:12 p.m. Saturday a shoplifter was reported at Stage, 2001 North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth

Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wed-

nesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-

8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Paint Balls — A woman in the 800 block of West Hazel Avenue contacted police at 3:26 p.m. Saturday complaining of something being thrown at her house. An officer was assigned and discovered paint balls had been thrown at her house.

Total Close-Out. Prices re-

duced near cost. Graham Photo.

201 No. First. adv.

Paint Balls Again — At 7:19 p.m. Saturday a woman in the 2500 block of Turner Street informed police that someone had shot orange paint balls at her vehicle. Extra police patrol was requested.

Arrest — Police arrested a 39-year-old man at 10:35 p.m. Saturday from the 600 block of West Highland Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Assault — A woman in the 700 block of North Pine Street reported at 10:58 p.m. Saturday that her 14-year-old son had been “jumped” and beaten with a baseball bat. An officer was assigned.

Gas Theft — At 12:32 a.m. Sunday a clerk at the E-Z Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, called police reporting a $7.95 gas drive-off and vandalism to the restroom.

Arrest — Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 2:24 a.m. Sunday from Blackard Lane and Woodland for driving under the influence after he hit a light pole.

Assault — At 3:35 a.m. Sunday police were advised that a woman was being treated at the emergency room of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries received during an assault. An officer was assigned and a assault and battery report was taken.

Doing Donuts — At 4:15 a.m. Sunday police were informed of a vehicle in the 2500 block of North Fifth Street doing donuts in the ditch. An officer was assigned.

Break-In — At 4:24 a.m. Sunday a man in the 1700 block of Hathaway Street contacted police regarding his vehicle being broken into.

Broken Window — At 10:21 a.m. Sunday police were notified that a window in a business in the 100 block of East Central Avenue had been broken.

Graffiti — At 1:21 p.m. Sunday police were informed of graffiti on a building in the 100 block of North Fifth Street.

Assault — A woman in the 300 block of South Lake Street contacted police at 4:55 p.m. Sunday reporting that her son had been assaulted by some juveniles. An officer was assigned, an assault and battery report was taken and two juveniles were cited.

Injury Accident — Two people were taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for injuries sustained in a two vehicle accident at East Grand Avenue and Fourteenth Street at 6:09 p.m. Sunday.

Break-In — At 9:24 p.m. Sunday police were called to the Middle School after the burglary alarm sounded. Vandalism and breaking and entering reports were taken.

Spray Painting — A woman in the 2700 block of North Fifth Street contacted police at 12:50 a.m. Monday reporting a vehicle that had been spray painted. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Broken Window — At 4:07 a.m. Monday police were informed that the window at Mid-West Easy Stop, 1100 North Union Street, had been broken out. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Library Closed — The Ponca City Library will be closed for the New Year holiday beginning 6 p.m. Thursday all day Friday. It will reopen Saturday at 9 a.m.

LIFESTYLES

Local American Legion Auxiliary Attends Meeting
MS Parent Contest Nomination Open
Little News
OSU Students Develop Muffin With Attitude

Local American Legion Auxiliary Attends Meeting

Members of the eighth district American Legion Auxiliary met recently at Legion Post four in Enid for an installation of officers. Debra Bales, district president, was in charge of the meeting with six units present.

Guests included Installing Officer Myrna Ladwig of Skiatook, Oklahoma Department president; Arlene Failles of Waynoka, first vice president; Cecelia Easky of Ponca City, past department president; Sue Heil of Stillwater, Oklahoma department executive committeewoman.

Following opening ceremonies and introduction guests reports were given. A volunteer with the Children’s Medical Network discussed the work being done by the Children’s Medical Research Institute of Oklahoma City and the need to support their efforts. The focus of the institute id pediatric medical research. The project is supported by the National American Legion and Auxiliary.

A membership contest titled “Race for the Roses” is ongoing. Arlene Failles reported on the national convention in New Orleans.

New officers installed were Debra Bales, president; Elaine Zook, first vice president; Velma Yeager, second vice president; Sue Heil, secretary-treasurer; Arlene Failles, chaplain; Charlene Marshall, historian; Billy Reid, sergeant-at-arms; Marjorie Bennett, parliamentarian; Cecelia Easky, eighth district advisor.

Following installation members were appointed to various committees and following the meeting members met with the Legion members for a luncheon.

During the afternoon meeting additional committee reports were made. Members were informed about the planned publication of the Boys State-Girls State graduation book. Evelyn McCutcheon of Ponca City Unit 14 requested patterns for ditty bags and bibs to be used by hospitalized veterans.

The group discussed poppy orders and the use of poppies for decorations at various functions and for corsages for the Gold Star Mothers at the recent parade in Ponca City. A silver collection was taken for district projects.

Attending from Ponca City Unit 14 were Cecelia Easky, secretary; Clara McCollum, Membership and Children and Youth chairman; Evelyn McCutcheon; and Betty Brown, president.

MS Parent Contest Nomination Open

The Oklahoma Chapter of the NMSS is sponsoring selection of the Oklahoma 1999 Mother and Father of the Year for a parent diagnosed with MS. Submissions are due at the Oklahoma Chapter, TuIsa office, by Jan. 8. The Oklahoma winners will be entered at the national level contest. The National Mother/Father of the year winners and their children will be photographed at a meeting with the President in Washington DC.

The entry forms are available at the NMSS Oklahoma Chapter office, 4606 E. 67, Building 7, Suite 201, or by calling 488-0882 (Tulsa area) or 1-800-777-7814. Items of consideration include such categories as what the word “family” means to the candidate, ways the candidate participates in the lives of their children, community activities involving the candidate’s participation, occupation of the candidate (if applicable) and volunteer work undertaken by the candidate. Any parent who has MS may be entered.

The Oklahoma winners will be guests of the chapter with lodging paid for Getaway Weekend in April. Please help the Oklahoma Chapter show the nation what awesome parents with MS live in our state! Winners and nominees will be recognized in the Sooner Connection.

Little News

Natalie Ley and Toby Goldman announce the birth of their daughter, Ashton Rhemi, at 9:59 p.m. Nov. 19, 1998 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 7-pounds, 9-ounces and measured 20 1/2-inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Karen Ley, and Paul and Donna Ley of Ponca City, and paternal grandparents are Gail Goldman of Ponca City, and Robert Goldman of Fairfax. Maternal great-grandparents are Maurice and Margaret Davis of Fairview, and Frank and Alberta Ley of Perry.

OSU Students Develop Muffin With Attitude

STILLWATER — A group of Oklahoma State University nutritional sciences students have developed a muffin with an “attitude.”

This semester, Renee Allison, Jenny Harmon, Amy Lodowski and Megan Monaghan developed a caffeine-enhanced lemon muffin to give consumers a little “kick” in the morning with some added sustenance.

The group was part of an experimental foods class at OSU taught by Dr. Sue Knight, associate professor of nutritional sciences.

“Caffeine has the potential to make consumers a little shaky and nervous if taken on an empty stomach,” said Lodowski. “We decided it was time to start a new trend by developing a breakfast item with caffeine.”

The team discovered it wasn’t as easy as they thought.

“Caffeine is very bitter,” said Harmon. “That’s why people like to use milk or cream in their coffee. We had to find something to mask the bitterness of the caffeine.”

“We tested different ingredients until we came up with one that neutralized the bitterness of the caffeine,” said Allison. “We ended up using lemon pudding and sugar in the muffin.” The result was, “lemon ‘I’ poppers.”

Harmon said that most consumers would probably eat two muffins, since they were small. The two muffins would have the same amount of caffeine as one cup of coffee.

SPORTS

µ

No Local Sports