LOCAL

PCUA Gives Nod to Work On Spillway
23 Poncas Vie For 3 Tribal Posts Saturday
P.C. Library Sets Plans For Changes
Pawnee Student at NOC Creates Special Shirt

PCUA Gives Nod to Work On Spillway

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

Partial renovation of the Lake Ponca spillway has been approved by the Ponca City Utility Authority at a cost of slightly less than $600,000.

The Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night as the PCUA, approved the awarding of a contract for the improvements to M.L. Young Construction Corporation of Edmond in the amount of $862,707.53.

However, a change order was also approved to reduce the amount of the actual improvement $349,753.26 to a contract total of $512,954.27.

Public Works Director Ken Parr said, “The city commission has wrestled with this project several years and it appears headed toward a working agreement. What we’ll have done is to do the spillway work and the west side of the spillway shoring up, prior to finishing up in another project, the east portion.”

The change order as proposed allowed for reducing the scope of the project to be within the budgeted funds now on hand.

The PCUA also approved receiving a report from the 1998 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day that included a payment by the city of $11,517.84.

“We had an excellent situation in that respect,” Parr said. “I would like to recognize the fact that we had a large number of volunteers and work done to have the successful participation by the general public. And, the public responded by being almost one-and-a-half times normal that of any recycling of materials that are not normally allowed in the landfill.”

There was a 4.4 percent of total residential households participating in the event, a total of 451 households that included 396 vehicles bringing material to the collection site on that day in October, according to figures released by Parr.

He said 54 percent of those participating had heard about the event through the newspaper, with 21 percent by word of mouth at work and group presentation had 14 percent.

The report also indicated additional support of being able to pay for the service, through a survey of those attending that said yes to a questionnaire. “There was a figure of 88 percent stating they wouldn’t mind paying a fee of 25 cents to the utility bills for this type of service,” Parr said.

In other PCUA business, authorization was given to some intermediate repairs to the Electric Generation on Unit No. 2 steam boiler in an amount not to exceed $252,4000 and an agreement with Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority to

manage the repairs.

Authorization was also approved for allowing a required bid and bond documents with Diversified Electric of Tulsa for a 20 MVA ABB transformer that would be placed at the Pecan Park substation.

Consent agenda items approved by the PCUA were:

•a bid committee report recommendation and authorization for the purchase of two 42-yard receiver roll off containers for the Solid Waste Division in the amount of $8,840.

•authorization for payment requisition to Sober Brothers Inc. on the work performed on the Turkey Creek sanitary sewer project amounting to $42,194.70.

During the commission meeting, the appointment of Phillip Johnston as general manager of the Electric Division of the City, was approved. Johnston had been the interim general manager for a period of time.

A favorable report on the Ponca City Ambucs and Community K-9 project was received. As a result, the Ponca City Police Department is closer to obtaining a dog and equipment for combating drug situations.

Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham said that six highly qualified officers applied for the handling of the dog, and that Master Patrolman Fred Landis had been selected. “It is noted, too, that his selection did not diminish the desire of those not appointed. Every one of them wants this program to succeed and their support of Officer Landis is strong,” Ham said.

The commission awarded a contract to Ron Clark Construction amounting to $48,747.23 on construction efforts at railroad crossing approaches at Prospect Avenue and Grand Avenue.

Commissioners approved an ordinance amending a section of “Loud Noise of Music Prohibited” to include an additional public offense to operate inadequately or improperly muffled compression release type engine brakes.

The commission denied a rezoning request seeking residential mobile home park existence in an area that has already been planned for other use.

A rezoning of property located at 1516 North Fifth Street from single family to multi-family was approved.

Commissioners also heard concerns from Marge Hadley-Howe during the time of citizens’ comments. She noted several instances that firefighters are not being trained for various emergency responses, to which Mayor Tom Leonard said they were in negotiations on various situations and would not discuss those type of activities as they were an arbitration issue.

The consent agenda included approval of accepting material bids for Jan. 1, 2000, through June 30, 2000; approved a recommendation to demolish a public nuisance structure at 443 South Waverly and gave authorization to advertise for bids on the citywide replacement of existing traffic signal controllers.

23 Poncas Vie For 3 Tribal Posts Saturday

WHITE EAGLE — Three incumbent tribal officers and 20 additional candidates will be on Saturday’s ballot for the Ponca Tribal Election, according to election committee chairman C.T. Warrior.

Incumbent tribal officers up for reelection on the ballot are Douglas G. Rhodd, A. Lionel LeClair and Dwight D. Buffalo Head.

The other 20 candidates on the ballot include Bennett Arkeketa, Delbert A. (Smokey) Cole, Diana Sue Feathers, Kay D. Grant, Kim L. Grass, Edwin Hinman, Arlington W. LeClair, Michael P. LeClair, Jeffrey Lieb, Christopher L. LittleCook, Karen Carney LittleCook, Robert L. Monroe, Tyrone Poore, Burgess Charlie Primeaux, Thomas Primeaux, Anita L. Warrior Redcorn, Bronson Rough Face Sr., Eulala TwoBabies, Deloyce Waters and Parrish Williams.

Voters will cast their ballots from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the cafeteria at the Ponca Tribal Affairs building.

Paula Mendoza, enrollment officer for the tribe, said the tribe has 1,842 voters nationwide and many are voting by absentee ballot.

P.C. Library Sets Plans For Changes

The Ponca City Library has begun the process of developing a new five-year plan for library operation. Budget allocations make it important to identify areas of service that should be targeted. As communities change, libraries must adjust to reflect these changes.

A well-conceived plan will give the library direction and ensure that the best decisions have been made. To achieve this goal, the Ponca City Library has established a long-range plan committee made up of staff members, board representatives and local citizens.

In order to create a useful and usable plan, a number of tasks must be performed. Identifying the community vision gives the library an idea of what the community hopes for its future. Scanning the community will provide the library with valuable information concerning the reality of the community as a whole and allow community needs to be recognized. Such scans may include the results of in-house surveys as well as assessments done by other organizations.

Once needs have been identified, the difficult process of prioritizing the needs must begin. Of these things, which are being addressed by other organizations, and which of them is the library well-suited and capable of doing? These steps will enable the Ponca City Library to provide the services and materials that will encourage people to improve their lives and realize their full potential.

Pawnee Student at NOC Creates Special Shirt

TONKAWA — Native American Heritage Week saw employees of a Colorado Springs computer company sporting commemorative T-shirts designed by a Northern Oklahoma College freshman.

A friend working at Agilent Technologies, a division of Hewlett Packard Company, invited Jamie Rowe of Pawnee to create a design for the T-shirts as part of the heritage observance the first week in November. Rowe submitted five acrylic paintings on canvas to a company committee.

The Agilent committee chose an abstract design featuring a white moon and an outline of two feathers in white superimposed on a background of wide horizontal bands of color in vibrant greens, yellows and reds. According to Rowe, the design represents friendship. “I like to blend colors and I like to do moons because I think it makes the design look cooler,” she said.

“The moon brings the two feathers, which symbolize two friends, together.”

She chose the background colors because “the white showed up really good” on them. “I spent about three hours on the painting,” Rowe commented.

Agilent had 150 T-shirts made for employees to wear during the commemorative week. Rowe received two shirts and a letter of thanks for donating her work to the company. Some of the shirts were sold, she said.

An art major studying at Northern with Neo Kirby, Rowe has been painting for about six years. Although she has been “drawing a lot” since she was about eight years old, her first experience with paint came as a sophomore student of Pawnee High School art instructor William Comstock.

“He wanted the class to paint landscapes,” Rowe said. “Mine turned out really good, so I decided that’s (paint in acrylics) what I wanted to do.”

Rowe, whose heritage is Pawnee, Wichita, Iowa and Cherokee, prefers to use Native American themes to express abstract ideas, and she likes to use bright colors which draw attention to her work. She paints the background first and then decides what she wants to paint on it.

“Painting can release stress for me, if I have the time,” she commented.

She has shown her work at the summer Pawnee powwows and is interested in showing at other events throughout the country. This last summer she sold three paintings, one of which was purchased by the Pawnee Indian Health Service Office and one of which was commissioned.

After graduating from Northern, Rowe plans to attend a technical school to study graphic arts. She is considering a career as a high school art teacher.

Rowe is the daughter of Brenda Rowe of Pawnee and has a 17-year old sister, Jessie, and an 11-year-old brother, Terry, who likes to draw.

DEATHS

Estella Mae Johnson
Homer Ervin Burk
Eugene Leslie Lambing
Willaim N. Crockett
Ruth Mae Johnson
Clifford P. Mangrum

Estella Mae Johnson

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Estella Mae Johnson, resident of Arkansas City, Kan., died Saturday, Dec. 11, 1999, at the South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center. She was 69.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at the Hawks Funeral Home in Arkansas City. Burial will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Estella Mae Johnson was born on Dec. 15, 1929, in Celestine, the daughter of Albert and Areliua Batum Johnson. She moved to Arkansas City in the early 1950s from Virginia.

She married Royce Johnson, who preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1982. She had been a cook at the Shamrock Cafe and attended both the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and the Church of God in Christ.

Survivors include three sons, Ronnie Bradford of Spokane, Wash., Eugene Cain and Michael Budd, both of Arkansas City; four daughters, Constance Bradford and Kay Jackson, both of Arkansas City, Michelle Vaccarella of Rosedale, Md., and Terri Hays-Geisdorf of Wichita, Kan.; one sister, Vivian Phillips of Dallas, Texas; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son, Terry Johnson; one brother, Willie Johnson; one sister, Hazel Johnson; and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name c/o Hawks Funeral Home, 906 West Kansas Avenue, Arkansas City, Kan. 67005.

Memorial Service

Homer Ervin Burk

To honor the life of Homer Ervin Burk, a memorial service will be held in the chapel of the Trout Funeral Home Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at 6:30 p.m. The Rev. Ernest Ashcraft, brother-in-law, will officiate assisted by Jan Matheson, M.S.

Mr. Burk was first reported missing Dec. 16, 1992.

Ervin was born March 22, 1926, in Noble County. His parents were Glenn and Finetta Burk. He grew up in the Pawnee area and graduated from Pawnee High School. He then attended Enid Business College.

Burk served with the U.S. Navy as a radioman during World War II.

He and the former Minnie L. Smith were married in the First Baptist Church in Pawnee on Sept. 22, 1946.

Ervin is remembered in many ways. Some will recall him as the smiling clerk at the post office with the pipe clenched in his teeth. Others may remember him from years in the home improvement business on South First Street. And yet others may have had him install or fix their garage door. Whatever the task, he did it cheerfully. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons and traveling with his wife. He also devoted many volunteer hours to Harmony House.

He was of the Baptist faith and was also a member of Ponca Lodge 83, AF&AM, Veterans of Foreign War Post 1201, and America Legion Post 14.

Burk is remembered by his wife, Minnie, of the home; a son, Gregory K. Burk of Owasso; two sisters, Joan Ashcraft of Enid, and Dorothy Jean Thompson of Coffeyville, Okla.; a brother, Ray Burk of Mannford; and four grandchildren.

A son, Kevin, died on Sept. 16, 1998.

The family has requested those attending to do so in casual attire and that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Harmony House, Box 424, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

paid notice

Services Pending

Eugene Leslie Lambing

NEWKIRK — Eugene Leslie Lambing, resident of Braman, died Monday night, Dec. 13, 1999, at his home. He was 77. There will be no viewing at any time. Arrangements are pending with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service.

Willaim N. Crockett

William N. “Bill” Crockett, longtime Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 13, 1999, at Cushing Regional Hospital in Cushing. He was 84. Local survivors include his wife, Sarah, and a son, Alan. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.

Ruth Mae Johnson

Ruth Mae Johnson, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Dec. 13, 1999, at her home. She was 72. Survivors include her husband Gerald, of the home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

Clifford P. Mangrum

Clifford P. Mangrum, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Dec. 13, 1999, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was 74. Survivors include a son, Ralph Mangrum, of Ponca City. Funeral arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Clinic Closed — The Community Clinic will be closed Dec. 20-26 for the Christmas holiday. The clinic will reopen on Dec. 27.

After 5:00 massage available at Nutri-System. 762-3488. Gift certificates available. adv.

Tribal Feast — The annual Christmas feast and gift giving for Ponca Tribal members will be held on Monday, Dec. 20 at noon at the Bingo Hall. Only those children ages 0-15 will receive gifts.

Every Wednesday ğ price clothes and shoes, except priced items. Check our daily specials. Caboose Thrift Shoppe, First and Central. adv.

Report Taken — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at City Hall after it was reported at 8:20 a.m. Monday of being broken into.

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. 765-9689. adv.

Vehicle in River — A resident near the Old River Bridge reported a vehicle in the water at 9:27 a.m. Monday. The Kay County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol were advised and the vehicle was towed.

50% Off all Christmas decoration and toys till Christmas. Twice as Good Thrift Shop. 209 South 2nd. adv.

Attempted Break In — At 9:57 a.m. Monday an officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded to a business in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth for an attempted break in. Information was taken.

Ponca City Pictorial History Books have arrived! Pick up your copy today! Will make a great

Christmas Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday thru Friday. adv.

Kids Playing — A resident in the 700 block of Overbrook reported at 11:34 a.m. Monday of several kids playing in the street and jumping in front of traffic. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and found them sitting on the curb.

Big, Big selection of snowmen and ornaments! Mrs. Brown’s Attic. down town Ponca City. adv.

Checkbook Lost — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report at 11:41 a.m. Monday in the 300 block of South Lake for a lost checkbook.

Assault Made — At 11:52 a.m. Monday a resident in the 1800 block of Cedar advised they were assaulted Sunday night. The resident was advised of options.

Arrest Made — A 30-year-old man was arrested by an officer of the Ponca City Police Department at 2:25 p.m. Monday from Overbrook and Pine for no driver’s license and expired inspection sticker.

Accident — A report was taken at 1:15 p.m. Monday in the 200 block of East Highland Avenue after a vehicle ran into the side of a building.

911 Call — A 911 call was received at 1:16 p.m. Monday from the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street for trespassing. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and told the trespasser if he returned he would be arrested.

Problems With Neighbors — At 1:17 p.m. Monday a 911 call was received from the 800 block of North Elm advising problems with neighbors. A Ponca City Police Department officer advised the matter was settled.

Stolen Stereo — A resident from the 300 block of South Franklin was at the Police Department at 2:15 p.m. Monday advising a stereo had been stolen from a vehicle. A report was taken.

Stolen Credit Cards — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report on stolen credit cards at 3:06 p.m. Monday from the 2700 block of North Fourteenth Street.

Attempted Abduction — A resident in the 2200 block of Havenwood reported to the police at 4 p.m. Monday that two men tried to abduct a juvenile girl Sunday night. A report was taken.

Arrested — At 4:44 p.m. Monday a 27-year-old man was arrested in the 700 block of North Palm Street for driving under suspension and no insurance.

Threatened — At 7:26 p.m. Monday at the Ponca City Police Department a report was taken from a resident in the 1500 block of East Bradley being threatened.

Public Intoxication — A 21-year-old man was arrested at Grand Avenue and Oak Street at 4:10 a.m. Tuesday for public intoxication.

Fire Units Requested — A 911 call from the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 5:25 p.m. Monday requested fire units respond after smoke was reported coming from lights. Stations 3 and 4 responded and handled the call.

Vehicle Accident — A resident from Spring Road and Pioneer Road report a one vehicle accident with a tree on fire at 6 p.m. Monday. Two officers from the Ponca City Police Department and Engine 4 responded. The Water and Light Company also responded for downed lines.

Minor Accident — A minor accident was reported in the 2000 block of North Osage at 6:48 p.m. Monday. A report was taken by an officer of the Ponca City Police Department.

Crossing Arms Down — A motorist at 7:12 p.m. Monday reported crossing arms down at 200 West Hartford Avenue and Emporia and Detroit. A Ponca City Police Department officer handled the call.

Arguing — A 911 call at 9:24 p.m. Monday in the 1700 block of Potomac reported a man and woman arguing in a vehicle. Two officers from the Ponca City Police Department responded and advised the matter was resolved.

Screams — A 911 call was received at 5:21 a.m. Tuesday from the 400 block of East Albany advising of screaming in the area. Three officers from the Ponca City Police Department responded and were unable to locate the problem.

LIFESTYLES

The Neighborhood Chef
Financial Aid Tips For College

The Neighborhood Chef

By SHERRY MUCHMORE

When the holidays rolled around each year, each of us had a specialty we always brought to the family dinner. My sister was great at homemade bread and salads. We always said she enjoyed kneading the frustration from the Christmas crunch. Mom made the turkey and cornbread dressing and I always brought dessert. Of course, there were always exceptions. I dont know why, but for me, kneading just seemed to take too much time. Or maybe I just never seemed to get it right, but it was the no-knead breads that got my attention. This following recipe is so easy to put together, there is no kneading, has that yeast smell and buttery taste. Guess you might say it is melt in your mouth good. Once found, these pretty little rolls were asked for at our family gatherings.

Butter Crescent Rolls

1 pkg. yeast

1 cup warm water

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

4 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add and mix sugar, eggs, butter and salt. Completely stir in flour. Mix well. Put in a greased covered bowl. Let stand in refrigerator over night. Divide in three parts. Roll to 1/4 inch on floured board. Using a pizza cutter, cut in pieces like pie. Roll from big end. Place on cookie sheet, cover with cloth. Let rise in a draft free area about 2 1/2 hours or double in size. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough will keep in the refrigerator for about one week. Makes 24 to 36 rolls depending on the size you make them.

Note: These rolls can be baked till lightly browned, placed in baggies. Reheat within several days and they still taste fresh baked. They also freeze well. Just barely brown, place hot in baggies, and freeze. To warm, wrap in foil and heat in oven. Remove foil about a minute before taking from oven to finish browning. Serve with honey and you won’t need dessert.

Cinnamon Butter Rolls

Using the above recipe, roll half the dough into a rectangle. Spread liberally with softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon, chopped pecans, raisins and generously sprinkle with granulated sugar. From the large end, roll into a log. Dampen edge and seal. Slice 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. Place rolls in a greased baking pan about 2 inches apart. Let rise for several hours and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until browned. Makes approximately one dozen rolls. Cool slightly and ice. Canned icing works fine or if you prefer to make your own, Buttercream is always good with sweet rolls.

Buttercream Icing

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

(softened)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 teaspoons milk (add more if too thick)

Combine sugar and butter in a small mixing bowl. Add milk and vanilla, a little milk at a time. Whisk until well blended. Ice as needed.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is how quick breads in the dairy case can be used for more than their intended use. This following pastry is just an example of the many uses of refrigerator rolls.

Cream Cheese Squares

Sherry McGlone, Ponca City, OK

1 8-oz. can refrigerated crescent rolls

1 8-oz. package softened cream cheese

1 egg (separated)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup chopped pecans

powdered sugar

Cream together the cream cheese, egg yolk, granulated sugar and flavorings. Unroll can of crescent rolls. Divide in half and spread half the dough into a buttered 8 or 9 inch square dish. Spread cream mixture over the dough and cover with the remaining half of dough that has been rolled into a square to fit the dish. Whisk egg white and brush over the dough. Sprinkle with pecans and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares. Makes around 9 to 12 squares. If you have a recipe using refrigerator biscuits or rolls, send it to us. It would be fun to showcase different uses.

The following icebox pie is a cool creamy concoction we think you’ll find refreshing after the traditional heavy holiday feast.

Pumpkin Icebox Pie

Verlee Gardner

Newkirk, OK

1 cup prepared pumpkin

1 1/4 cups milk

2 pkgs (4 serving size) Cheesecake

flavored instant pudding (If you

can’t find this flavor, try

French Vanilla or Vanilla)

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 8-oz. Cool Whip (approx. 3 cups)

1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (6 oz.)

Bake according to package directions or make your own — suggested recipe below

Stir pumpkin and milk in large bowl until smooth. Whisk in pudding mix and spice until well blended. Gently stir in 1/2 of the Cool Whip (about 1 1/2 cup). Spoon filling into prepared pie crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Sprinkle with Streusel Topping just before serving. Streusel Topping: In a small glass bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon butter. Microwave on High for 2 1/2 minutes or until bubbly, stirring once. Cool.

The following crust recipe is your typical graham cracker variety with a simple twist, I prefer to substitute Cinnamon Crisp for plain graham crackers. Especially works with this filling.

Graham Cracker Pie Crust

1 Serv-pak (20-22 squares) graham

crackers or Cinnamon Crisp (finely

crushed)

2 tablespoons sugar

6 tablespoons melted butter or margarine

Mix the above ingredients and press into an 8 or 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes. Cool before filling. Note: Place crackers in a baggie and crush with rolling pin.

Send your recipes to: The Neighborhood Chef, c/o The Ponca City News, P.O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74602, or e-mail me at: chef@poncacitynews.com (All recipes become property of The Ponca City News.)

Financial Aid Tips For College

Parents could jeopardize their children’s college future if they do not act before Dec. 31. The amount of college financial aid students receive is determined by year-end financial records so they must know the rules before Dec. 31 or it may be too late to get the most the amount out of financial aid they will receive.

“Most families who earn $40,000 or more and own a home assume they are not eligible for financial aid. However, many families with incomes of over $100,000 may actually be eligible for some types of ‘need-based’ financial aid. They simply need to know how to get their fair share. Over 70 percent of college students are receiving some type of financial aid,” says Jim Burt, a college funding specialist.

The following are just a few of Mr. Burt’s simple year-end tips to parents who want to get the most financial aid possible.

• Defer any income or year-end bonuses you can

• Do not sell stocks or bonds that will create a capital gain and sell “losers” to offset any gains

• Do not save money in your child’s name.

• If you own a business, be careful on how you value it

Jim Burt can easily explain the complex rules of paying for college and will offer parents a free booklet “The 10 Deadliest Mistakes Most Parents Make When Applying for College and How To Avoid Them.”

BUSINESS

Proper Housing Key To EDAB Projects
Farm Economy Improves While Prices Remain Low
Business After Hours
Open Houses for Local Banks
New Feed Store
One Home Permit Issued in November
Grand Opening Continues for New Upholstery and Fabric Business

Proper Housing Key To EDAB Projects

Editor’s Note: There have been only three single family housing permits issued within the city limits during 1999, according to the Building Inspector reports.

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) is gearing up to be ready for new jobs if, and when they come. Part of the problem with attracting new industry appears to be housing — or the lack of it.

In a pro-active stance Carl Renfro, EDAB chairman, has appointed David Myers to form a group to take on the challenge of new housing. Myers reporting at the EDAB meeting told that a not-for-profit group has been formed to look into building new homes. The group has formed a corporation and there are no city funds involved, according to Myers.

These homes would be in the $140,000 to $180,000 range with square footage varying from 2,000 to 2,200 square feet. Myers said the idea is to “get some new houses on the ground so that we can kick-off Ponca City’s housing.”

Myers noted that few new houses were being build in Ponca City for the past several years and “we need some.” He said Conoco had been moving in some people and it had been difficult for them to find a place to live.

“Other people have moved into the community and there just aren’t the houses where they need to be there for the influx of people we see. Plus when you bring a new prospective client (industry or business) in and they start looking around for houses it is discouraging to them and not a very positive point, when they look at the housing that is out there,” Myers said.

Myers explained, “Builders or developers are very reluctant to put a spec house in town. It is a difficult economic problem even if houses are being built when it is completely speculative.”

He told that the corporation is looking for money from individuals, banks and corporations to put into the pot. Building Ponca City Inc. is the suggested name.

Myers said the corporation has a board of directors and has an option on the purchase of lots in Huntington Place. Myers showed a map where land has sewer and roads already in and ready for development.

Larry Buck’s Housing Report

Larry Buck, EDAB board member, who has been working several months on alternative housing projects, submitted his printed report to the group. Buck was out of town and unable to attend.

Both Renfro and Jan Jarrett, ADAB CEO, complimented Buck on his work.

Buck’s report says, “As I announced at our last meeting and everyone is aware Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority did award tax credits to Zimmerman-Wilhoit Properties, Inc. They closed on the real estate located at the northeast corner of Highland and Waverly on Friday.

“They have requested that we hold off making a formal press release until mid-January. At that time the artists rendering and more details of the project will be ready. They anticipate to do permitting in March and to begin construction soon after. The target date for leasing is late September or October.

“The other really exciting aspect of this announcement is that they want to do a second site that would be for elderly housing. They are looking for a site that would contain approximately six to seven acres that they could develop 60 units on. I gave them a couple of locations that might be suitable for this project. They are working with Phil Rice with Group One.

Tax Credits Possible

“This project may require receiving tax credits also but that has not yet been determined. However, they can apply for these as early as next February. They would like to have a second facility located here primarily for the benefits of the economy of scale. I assured them we would be glad to assist them with this project also.

“I have been in touch with Dan Allgeier, Housing Associates, Inc. This was the other priority that was to be located on Princeton but did not receive an award from OHFA this time. Dan reported that they are looking into the feasibility of doing this project without the tax credits. So we will need to wait and see. I intend to keep in touch with him as things continue to develop in Ponca City.

Grant Writer Assisting

“I have been working with Bert Belanger in Oklahoma City. He is the grant writer that is putting together our application for the HOME money that will be used for new housing. This grant will be site specific for the lots located on North Medowlark Addition on North Union.

“He is also working on a similar grant that could be used for existing house in the $40,000 range. The market analysis for this study was received on September 28th. Bert plans on being here right after the first of the year to finish up this grant application.”

“Jan Jarrett and I met with Gary Martin and Ken Parr on Oct. 13th to discuss what assistance the City could give in development of infrastructure within subdivisions. This seems to be a major problem because of the initial capital requirements involved in starting a new subdivision. Todd Kennemer, City Planner, is also working on alternative ways these capital improvements could be financed. i.e. some type of bond issue or special assessment.

“Gary Martin reports that Stillwater is struggling with this same problem even though they have had growth during the last several years it has not been primarily within the city limits of Stillwater. He is trying to make contact with Stillwater to find out what they are doing about this.

“Candy Thomas and others are working towards creating a Community Development Corporation that would for a simple explanation be like a 5016 corporation that could apply for grants and build houses for affordable housing. The primary initial target area for this project would be the lots created because of the realignment of Ash. We could also build houses of this nature on an in fill basis around the city. Candy believes there is money available for a program like this.

“Rick Karner and John Klien have purchased 35 acres on North Pecan that overlooks Lake Ponca. They are planning a development of six five acre tracts that would be very upscale. This property is within the city limits and will use city sewer. They are currently working with Todd Kennemer in developing zoning guidelines that would allow for lessening the zoning requirements on a subdivision of this nature.”

Farm Economy Improves While Prices Remain Low

The farm economy in the Midwest and the mountain states improved slightly in the second quarter of 1999, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s quarterly agricultural credit survey. Still, the outlook for the farm economy remains guarded as commodity prices remain low.

Reported in the Bank’s Regional Economic Digest, the survey summarizes responses from 313 agricultural bankers in the Tenth Federal Reserve District, which includes all or parts of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

Survey author Kendall McDaniel, associate economist, said district farmers appear to be exercising caution in their credit decisions, which should help keep farm balance sheets healthy. Rising cattle prices and low feed costs have helped district cattle producers return to profitability, and Congress is debating legislation that would raise government payments to farmers, boosting cash flow positions.

Still, McDaniel said most indicators suggest farm financial strength has weakened overall during the past year, and low hog and crop prices promise to limit financial gains in the months ahead.

District farmland values rose in the second quarter, but a weak farm outlook limited gains. When compared with the prior year, farmland values fell for all land types due to uncertainty over low commodity prices and slim producer profit margins.

Despite improvement, most farm lending indicators remained weaker than a year ago. Loan renewals or extensions of farm loans are at their highest levels this decade, and farm loan repayment rates are near two-year lows. The average loan-deposit ratio in the district slipped 1.5 percentage points from the previous year, and the index for farm loan demand is near its eight-year low.

Farm interest rates rose slightly in the second quarter, after declining for two years. Interest rates on new loans averaged 8.94 percent on farm real estate loans, 9.78 percent on feeder cattle loans, 9.93 percent on operating loans, and 9.52 percent on intermediate loans.

Notes/Quotes

Business After Hours

Holiday Business After Hours of the Ponca City Area Chamber of commerce is set for today from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Marland Mansion, 901 Monument.

The event is honoring local, county, state and federal elected officials and is hosted by the Chamber Board of Directors.

Open Houses for Local Banks

Cherokee Strip Credit

Cherokee Strip Credit Union is hosting a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday at both locations, main office at Conoco and at North Waverly Street and West Hartford Avenue.

Refreshments include wassail, cookies, punch and coffee. Guests may register to win an eight foot Christmas stocking stuffed with toys and games.

First National Bank of Oklahoma

First National Bank of Oklahoma, 1324 East Grand Avenue, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday.

Pioneer Bank and Trust

Pioneer Bank and Trust is hosting an open house and a retirement recognition for Virgie Haines on Friday from 10 a. m. to 2 p.m., at the main bank, North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue.

Home National Bank

Home National Bank, Second Street and East Grand Avenue, will host an open house Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music will be a part of the entertainment with Kay Anthony and Sue Lippert. Refreshments will be served at both the main bank and at American National branch, North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue.

New Feed Store

A new business opening recently in Ponca City is Super S Discount Feeds at 500 South Second Street. The business is operated by Scott Smith.

The store is an authorized dealer for Shawnee feeds. “We carry a wide variety of feeds for livestock and pets,” according to Smith. The reception has been good and Smith says customers are coming from as far away as Wichita.

The hours are 8 a.m., to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday.

One Home Permit Issued in November

One single home permit was issued within the City Limits during November for a valuation of $210,000, according to building inspector Charles Kelley.

One commercial permit was issued at a valuation of $10,100. Two remodel addition permits were issued with a valuation total of $20,000. Fourteen miscellaneous permits totaled $56,095.

There were 30 electrical permits were issued and 96 inspections were made by Earl Whittaker’s electrical department. There were 24 plumbing permits issued and 73 inspections made by Buddy R. Osborn’s department.

Also Osborn, mechanical inspector, issued 21 mechanical permits and 72 inspections were made.

Total building inspection revenue was $2,737.

Grand Opening Continues for New Upholstery and Fabric Business

Grand opening of Campbell’s Upholstery and Fabrics is continuing through December. The new business, at 901 North Union Street is owned by Robert Campbell, who has moved here from Oklahoma City.

Campbell has 45 years experience in the furniture upholstery business. In addition to custom work, the shop carries 200 rolls of upholstery fabric and other upholstery supplies for the do-it-yourselfers.

Additionally the store stocks remnants and short yardage pieces and does foam replacement in cushions and makes buttons for cushions.

SPORTS

Maroons Cannot Hold Early Lead
Mustangs Run Down Cage Foes
PC Freshmen Girls Collect Second Place
8th Grade Basketball

Maroons Cannot Hold Early Lead

KINGFISHER — Blackwell jumped out to a 19-8 lead but couldn’t hold it as Kingfisher rallied for a 56-52 win Monday night.

Kingfisher kept chipping away at the Maroons, closing the gap to 29-22 at halftime and 39-37 in the third period.

“I was really disappointed in our effort in the second half,” said Blackwell coach Mike Simpson. “We had seven turnovers in the third quarter. That’s unacceptable.

“I though Blaine (Boyd, 26 points and 8 rebounds) really gave a courageous effort, but we failed to help him. We’ll get in the film room and on the practice floor to try to learn from this. We have a lot of basketball to be played.”

The Maroons return to action Friday at Newkirk.

Kingfisher 56, Blackwell 52

Blackwell 19 10 10 13 — 52

Kingfisher 8 14 15 19 — 56

Blackwell — Blaine Boyd 26, Jared Reese 6, Justin Shephard 5, Ryan Penka 4, Kyle Pennington 4, Nathan Pennington 4, Tyler Dyer 3.

Kingfisher — Smith 19, Johnson 17, Myers 11, Arms 5, Willbanks 2, Kirtley 2

Mustangs Run Down Cage Foes

RED ROCK — The Frontier Mustangs dominated their tournament the way they have dominated opponents since a season opening loss to Boyston.

The Mustangs won the Frontier Shootout with an 89-53 victory over Newkirk in the championship finals Saturday, running their record to 9-1 on the season.

Frontier broke to a 47-24 halftime lead and and put the game away with a third-period 22-8 scoring spree.

Albert Plumley and Jeremiah Regnier had 24 and 21 points, respectively. Matt Clouse was also in double figures with 19 points.

Troy Pankratz led Newkirk’s scoring with 27 points.

Frontier averaged a sizzling 91 points a game in the three tournament games, winning by an average of 48 points.

Most of those points are coming off the defense. In the finals, Frontier’s full court pressure forced Newkirk into 26 turnovers.

The Tigers get a chance to see if they can slow the Mustangs as the two teams meet again tonight in a regular-season game.

Frontier 89, Newkirk 53

Newkirk 13 11 8 21 — 53

Frontier 20 27 22 20 — 89

Frontier — Albert Pluml;ey 24, Jeremiah Regnier 21, Matt Clouse 19, Chris Plumley 7, Zac Clouse 7, Tom Butler 4, Miles Bender 4, Jeff Ingmire 3

Newkirk — Troy Pankratz 27, Jay Dobson 6, Nathaniel Klein 5, Justin Eisenhouer 5, Jarrod Bowen 4, Brett Shupe 2, Graham Dickinson 2, Daniel Hill 1, Jon Free 1.

PC Freshmen Girls Collect Second Place

Ponca City’s Red girls’ basketball team took second in the Sand Springs Invitational, losing a 28-24 decision to Sand Springs Boyd in the championship game Saturday.

The Lady Wildcat freshmen advanced to the finals with a 35-22 win over Tulsa Bishop Kelley Friday.

“We had a good offenive showing against Bishop Kelley,” said Ponca City coach John Maddox. “We opened with a 30-pont basket and went on from there.

“As good as our shooting was in that game, it was dismal in the finals,” the coach said. “We hit just 6-of-21 free throws. In a close game, free throws are crucial.”

The Poncans scored just two points in the first quarter and trailed 15-7 in the low-scoring first half. They made a run at Sand Springs in the second half, but couldn’t climb all the way out of the hole.

Chelsey Hill led the Ponca City scoring against Boyd with 8 points. Kelle Wedd had 4, Melissa Ford 3, Katrina Huddleston, Laura Sprehe, Jamie Prado and Ann Ziegenhain all had 2 each and Gerri Garza 1.

Against Biskop Kelley, the Ladies broke to a 10-5 first quarter lead and never looked back. Huddleston and Prado each had 9 points in that game while Fore had 7, Zeigenhain and Hill 3 each, Christen Nicks and Wedd each had 2.

The ninth-grade girls, now 5-1 on the season, are off for the Christmas holidays.

8th Grade Basketball

SAND SPRINGS — Ponca City’s eighth grade boys stumbled in the first round of the Sand Springs Tournament over the weekend, but finished strong, coming back to take the consolation trophy.

The Poncans dropped a one-point, 46-45, decision to Tulsa Union on Thursday. But the Cougars stormed back to beat Sand Springs Central 68-48 in the second round Friday and took the consolation championship with a 65-38 win over Victory Christian Saturday.

“We lost by a free throw,” Ponca City coach Brad Parent said of Thursday’s lost. “We hit just 11-of-21 chances. Union was 12-of-21.”

But the Cougars also had to crawl out of a hole in that game after falling back 8-0 in the first three minutes of play. Ponca City trailed 30-21 at halftime but rallied strong in the second half.

Bradley Turvey led the Ponca City scoring in that game with 15 points.

The Cougars broke from a 29-27 halftime lead with a strong finish against Sand Springs Central. Turvey hit for 16 points while Chance Hunt had 15.

Ponca City also shook off a slow start in the finals, building a 21-16 halftime lead against Victory Christian.

Steven Morris had 17 points and Nat Macy 11.

The 5-1 Cougars are now of until the first of the year.

Ponca City 54, Ark City 12

Ponca City 21 16 7 10 — 54

Ark City 4 4 2 2 — 12

Ponca City — Chance Hunt 15, Justin Evans 6, Nat Macy 6, Casey McClaskey 6, Kyle Karnish 4, Kyle Megenity 4, Chance Coldiron 4, Bradley Turvey 4, Steven Morris 2, David Sikes 2

Sand Springs Tournament

Tulsa Union 46, Ponca City 45

Ponca City 8 15 10 12 — 45

T. Union 15 13 10 8 — 46

Ponca City — Turvey 15, Karnish 6, Morris 6, Evans 6, Coldiron 4, Megenity 3, Hunt 2, Macy 2, Sikes 1

Ponca City 68, Sand Springs Central 48

Ponca City 13 16 17 22 — 68

Sand Springs 14 13 15 6 — 48

Ponca City — Turvey 16, Hunt 15, Morris 8, Coldiron 7, Sikes 6, Karnish 5, Macy 44, Evans 3, Megenity 2, McClaskey 2

Ponca City 65, Victory Christian 38

Ponca City 9 12 17 17 — 65

Victory 8 8 8 14 — 38

Ponca City — Morris 17, Macy 11, Turvey 7, Hunt 5, Coldiron 4, Karnish 2, Megenity 2, McClaskey 2, Sikes 2, Evans 1