LOCAL

Administrative, Principal Contracts On Agenda at Monday School Board
School Calendar
School Menus
Residents Should Become Aware Of Scams, Hoaxes Within Area
Stay Out of Kosovo
Kay County Republicans Plan Event
OERB Official Here Monday At Rotary Club
Pease Porridge Hot, or Cold, Major Meal in 999
A Medieval Recipe for Frumenty
Spring Expo At Hutchins April 10 and 11
City Calendar
Spaghetti Dinner Benefits Po-Hi Grad Med Expenses
Four-Student Po-Hi Team Plans To Compete in 17th Great Race
Grant Will Help Fund Band’s Appearance
Author In Ponca City March 27
Singles Connection Planning St. Patrick Celebration March 14
Beetle-Infested Hay Poses Danger To Livestock
Dance for Cancer Today at Legion
Kay County Democrats Set For Biannual Event March 11
Stopping Cancer Before It Starts
Union Street Project Into Next Phase
Waverly Street Widening Project on City Agenda
China Painter Displaying Works At Denton Art Center This Month
Persistence Pays Off on Amtrak Decision
United Way Bed Race Set For Action in Iris Festival
Weight Down Workshop Set
Thorn Apple Valley Files for Protection
Four Area Legislators Here Friday for Forum
Nearly News

Administrative, Principal Contracts On Agenda at Monday School Board

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Contracts for the 1999-2000 school year for directors, coordinators, principals, assistant principals and administrative assistants will be decided Monday night at the regular board meeting of the Ponca City Board of Education.

Principal contracts up for renewal include Barbara Cusick, Middle School; Richard Dale, Mid-High; Jean Hastings, Union; Peg Jordan, Alternative High School; Pat Keast, Washington; Dr. Patty Ladd, Garfield Academy; Ron McCleary, Trout; Ron Myers, Liberty; Sharon Scroggins, Woodlands; David Shelton, Lincoln; Tom Sipe, Roosevelt; and Jerry Winkle, Po-Hi.

Assistant principal contracts include Link Cotham, Middle School; Karen Humble and Todd Kimrey, Mid-High; Kurtis Neal, John Woody and Mark Wynn, Po-Hi.

Others include Jerry Lee, director of transportation; Dr. Nancy Niemann, director of personnel; Bret Smith, director of maintenance and risk management; Elizabeth Watson, director of special education; Jerry Jantz, district computer coordinator; Mary Ladd, administrative assistant to the superintendent; and Brenda Storie, business coordinator/treasurer.

Awarding the building and transportation bonds to the successful purchasers will be made. Two resolutions will be awarded. One for $4,675,000 for the building bonds and the second for $350,000 for the transportation equipment bonds.

E-Rate Contract

Accepting an E-rate contract with Network America, Inc. for interior cabling for various school buildings will be made. Bids were received on Feb. 16, 1999, to provide internal connections for all of the buildings. At the mandatory pre-bid meeting on Jan. 28, all potential bidders were informed that a previous submitted E-rate proposal has been approved but not funded. Because of the possibility of the funding arriving, the costs for the various sites were listed with the understanding that any E-rate funded wiring projects would be deleted from the final awarding of the contract.

There were five different companies that attended the pre-bid meeting. Bids were received from only two, Southwestern Bell and Network America. The district did receive funding for the 1998 E-rate proposal for certain buildings. The low bid was submitted by Network America. After adjusting for those buildings removed from the current bid project, Network America remained the low bidder. The contract amount for this project is $191,617.42.

Another E-rate contract with Network America for installation of a wide area network for the various schools will also be decided. Bids were received on Feb. 9 to provide universal services for developing a Wide Area Network (WAN) to provide Internet access for the schools.

The two bids received were from Southwestern Bell and Network America. The Southwestern Bell bid was $306,466.82 and the Network America bid was $189,353.00. One reason the Southwestern Bell bid was higher was the SWB upgraded the routers and provided equipment that was different from the specifications.

The school is also recommending that a change order for $28,402.00 be approved as part of the contract. The total for the Network America, Inc. contract for the Wide Area Network wiring would be $217,755.00.

Other Items

Deciding on the student exclusion from Social Security coverage will be made. Public Law 1015-277, signed by President Clinton on Oct. 21, 1998, provides a limited window of time for school boards to modify their existing Social Security coverage agreements to exclude services performed by students employed by the Board of Education where they are regularly attending classes. If the board exercises its option to take this exclusion, it will be effective for services performed after June 30, 2000.

An election of president, vice president, clerk and deputy clerk for the Ponca City Board of Education will be made. Those who are elected shall serve for a term of one year.

Discussion topics for the evening include reports on the process for selection of National Honor Society, advanced placement, Y2K compliance, Garfield Arts Academy and arts in the secondary schools, Board Property Committee, Board Finance Committee and Board Curriculum Committee.

Awards will be presented to Jerry Winkle and Mike White, Certified Employees of the Month; Sherri Coppock, Support Employee of the Month; and Cheryl Pitts, Friend of Education.

A come and go reception to honor Andrea Morriss (outgoing board member), Don Nuzum (new board member), and Marvin Clark (reelected board member) will be held before the meeting. The public will also be able to view the art displays from the district’s “Salute to the Arts” presentation. Music will be performed by the Senior High String and Brass Ensemble from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

School Calendar

Po-Hi

March 8

Varsity baseball, Sand Springs, 4:30 p.m.

Junior varsity baseball at Po-Hi, 4:30 p.m.

“Taming of the Shrew,” Howell Auditorium, 7 p.m.

DECA State Competition, Tulsa.

March 9

Varsity boys and girls tennis at 8 a.m.

Varsity baseball against Tulsa Hale at 4 p.m.

Junior varsity girls and varsity boys and girls soccer games at Tulsa Union at 4 p.m.

Student Council meeting, room 201, 7 p.m.

DECA State Competition continues.

March 10

Leadership Ponca City in the Assembly Center at 1 p.m.

March 11

Faculty meeting, Assembly Center, 7 a.m.

BLT meeting, Assembly Center, 3:30 p.m.

Varsity baseball against Tulsa Memorial at 3:30 p.m.

Band concert, Howell Auditorium, 7 p.m.

March 12

Junior varsity boys golf against Pawnee junior varsity at 3:30 p.m.

Varsity baseball at Stillwater at 4 p.m.

Junior varsity baseball against Stillwater, 4 p.m.

Drama/debate at regionals.

Varsity track meet in Catoosa.

March 13

Drama/debate at regionals.

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

Monday — Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Waffles and bacon or cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Cereal or honey bun, assorted juices and milk.

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Hot pocket or Fernando’s bean and beef burrito with cheese sauce, refried beans, apricots, saltine crackers, dill spears, sunflower seeds or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken and noodles with hot roll or Taco Bell bean burrito, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli with cheese sauce, Jello, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Barbecue sandwich or pepperoni pizza, tatter tots, fruit, corn-on-the-cob, saltine crackers, dill spears, cookies and cream pudding or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chicken stix with hot roll or chalupa with lettuce and cheese, whipped potatoes and gravy, salsa, applesauce, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese nachos or hamburger, fruit, Mexican beans, french fries, lettuce and tomato salad, saltine crackers, dill spears, peanut butter cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk.

Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — French toast stix with bacon or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Ham and cheese roll up or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Blueberry muffins or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Egg, ham and cheese biscuit or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Mid-High

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and gravy or donuts or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Tuesday — Sausage, egg and cheese biscuit or french toast stix or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Wednesday — Scrambled eggs with bacon and toast or french toast stix and bacon or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Thursday — Ham, egg and cheese biscuit or banana muffins or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Friday — Biscuits and gravy or donuts or cereal, orange juice and milk.

Middle School

Lunch

Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Domino’s Pizza.

Monday — Fernando’s beef and bean burrito with cheese, refried beans, jalapenos, salsa, fruit, carrot sticks with ranch dressing, saltine crackers, dill spears, chocolate pudding or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken and noodles with hot roll, lettuce salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli with cheese, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pepperoni pizza, green salad, fruit, corn, saltine crackers, dill spears, peach crisp or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate, potato/soup bar, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chicken stix with hot roll, lettuce and tomato salad, whipped potatoes and gravy, applesauce, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese nachos, Mexican beans, fruit, jalapenos, onions and salsa, salad, saltine crackers, dill spears, peanut butter cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.

Mid-High

Lunch

Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway.

Monday — Fernando’s bean and beef burrito with cheese, refried beans, Mexican rice, salsa, onions or jalapenos, diced pears, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chalupa with lettuce and cheese, mixed vegetables, fruit, salsa, jalapenos or salad, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pepperoni pizza, mixed fruit, corn-on-the-cob, salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chicken stix with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese nachos, fruit, Mexican beans, salsa, jalapenos and onions, lettuce and tomato salad, saltine crackers, dill spears, peanut butter cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk.

High School Lunch

Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway.

Training Table

Monday- Friday — Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches and salads, seasonal fruit.

All-American Line

Monday — Stuffed crust pizza, tossed salad, Italian blend vegetables, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Frito chili pie, corn, dill spears, onion, salsa and jalapenos, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Super corn dogs, french fries, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Teriyaki chicken breast or egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce, oriental vegetables, steamed rice, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Coyote grill chalupa, tossed salad, refried beans, Santa Fe rice, salsa and jalapenos, seasonal fruits, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Ham, egg and cheese bar, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cinnamon rolls, juice and milk.

Thursday — Biscuits and sausage, juice and milk.

Friday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Charburgers, lettuce, pickles and onions, fries, applesauce, cookie and milk.

Tuesday — Meat and cheese nachos, peaches, corn, cinnamon roll and milk.

Wednesday — Corn dogs, tator tots, dill spear, orange wedge, cookie and milk.

Thursday — Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, green beans, strawberry cake, hot roll and milk.

Friday — Submarine sandwich, french fries, orange wedge, dill spear, cookie and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Pepper steak with rice, grilled chicken with white bean salsa or spaghetti with meat sauce, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Liver and onions, fried chicken or barbecue grilled pork chop, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.

Thursday — Grilled steak, corn and sausage gumbo or pork verda, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.

The cafeteria is open to the public from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Residents Should Become Aware Of Scams, Hoaxes Within Area

A number of scams, misinformation and hoaxes may affect area residents. Here are reports of two such incidents that could have local implications:

Social Security Scam

The Health Care Financing Administration in Washington, D.C., reports that in South Carolina, hundreds of Social Security beneficiaries were asked to pay $100 each to have their Social Security benefits paid to them in one lump sum. In February, these people showed up at their local Social Security office expecting a lump sum payout of their entitlement. This real life example shows how seniors are targeted by con artists.

Social Security beneficiaries are warned that the Social Security Administration DOES NOT make one time payouts of money paid into the system through FICA.

For more information, contact the NODA Area Agency on Aging in Enid at 580-237-2236 or 1-800-749-1149.

Christian Radio

KLVV Christian radio has become aware that once again rumors have surfaced of Madalyn Murray O’Hair trying to have all Christian programming removed from the airwaves. These petitions have been circulating for over 20 years.

“Be assured,” says a KLVV manager Doyle Brewer, “this is only a hoax. If the rumors were true, KLVV would be the first to alert the public to the attempt. In fact, radio stations have been asked to help stop the rumors whenever they surface.”

The FCC made the request of radio stations due to the huge amounts of petitions they receive. No one has even heard from O’Hair since her disappearance in September 1995.

Editorial

Stay Out of Kosovo

At a recent news conference we attended, the Oklahoma Congressional delegation was nearly unanimous in their feelings about the possible United States involvement in Kosovo. They felt that we had no duty or reason to risk American lives in the region considering the unstable situation.

We have to agree. Kosovo is a very violent and chaotic province in the Serbian republic of Yugoslavia. We have seen nothing recently to indicate that the situation has improved much. It would be bad enough to join NATO troops in policing the potential peace agreement, direct military involvement without the peace agreement would be foolish in our opinion.

We are pleased that the administration has listened to those who pushed for diplomatic involvement without the military. There is no achievable goal in a military confrontation and, worse, there is no proposed exit strategy if the military gets bogged down in the region which would be almost certain.

The United States should continue its mediator role throughout the world to promote peace, but military involvement should be a method of last resort. The Gulf War is an example. Although we don’t agree with everything the Kuwait government does, they are a stable nation which has worked with the United States in that region. They were threatened by a clearly unstable country. It was acceptable for America to carefully consider involvement. Whether we actually should have used American troops for that war is debatable, of course, but it was not a totally unreasonable thing to do. We had a clear purpose and a well conceived plan of action.

American troops should be used only when there is a direct achievable goal to protect our allies and to end the conflict. The problems in Kosovo do not appear to fit that criterion.

TM

Kay County Republicans Plan Event

Kay County’s Republican Convention will be Saturday, March 13, at the Stagecoach Barbecue, 400 West South in Newkirk, according to Susan Powell, chairman. In addition to the traditional bi-annual agenda, this year’s convention will include special lunch plans, an auction and a special speaker.

Delegates elected at the February precinct meetings, interested Republicans, and guests are invited to join area activists for a great meal at noon. Delegate registration will begin at noon with the meeting planned for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

Doug Enevoldsen, deputy director of the Office of State Finance, will be the convention speaker. He was reared in Ponca City and was director of House of Representatives fiscal staff before moving to the Office of State Finance. He is largely responsible for Oklahoma winning a national award for best presentation of an executive budget.

Powell explained the purpose of the convention is three fold — election of delegates to the state convention to be held May 15 in Oklahoma City, approval of resolutions to be included in the statewide development of the Republican platform, and election of officials for the next two-year term.

“In spite of a continuing disenchantment with national politics, we believe that it is imperative for area residents to stay connected to the local Republican Party in order to promote conservative policies and to elect quality individuals to office,” said Powell.

Interested voters can call 765-1935 or 762-0103 for more details.

OERB Official Here Monday At Rotary Club

Despite hard times in the petroleum industry, the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board continues its ground-breaking programs of environmental restoration and student education. OERB will be the focus of the program at Monday’s Ponca City Rotary Club meeting.

Tod Bryant, OERB communications director, will be the guest speaking at the noon meeting to be held in the chapel of the Marland Mansion Estate.

Formed in 1993, the OERB is a state agency voluntarily funded by Oklahoma oil and gas producers and royalty owners. The OERB has restored more than 1,200 abandoned well sites across the state since the program began. The past year’s slide to historically low oil prices has devastated many small producers, and the crisis has forced the OERB to cut its budget significantly. No programs have been eliminated, however. Also active in energy education, the OERB has developed energy-based science curricula for elementary and middle school students. The agency also created a safety video to warn children against playing on oil field equipment.

Bryant, 34, is a Yukon resident and a 1986 graduate of Oklahoma State University. He has been with OERB since September of 1997. Prior to that, he served four years as executive director for the Yukon Chamber of Commerce.

Pease Porridge Hot, or Cold, Major Meal in 999

By KENNIS WESSEL, Ph.D.

Editor’s Note: The Ponca City Millennium Committee has stimulated a series of articles on the subject of “Life in the Year 999.” The articles are under the editorship of Dr. Kennis Wessel, Executive Director of the Poncan Theatre. They will appear monthly during the year 1999, anticipating the Second Millennium. This article is the third of the series.

What do you do when you’re hungry? Head for the refrigerator? Go to a restaurant? Maybe you stop off at the grocery. In the year 999, you wouldn’t have done any of those things. Not one. You couldn’t. There were no refrigerators, no grocery stores, and very few public businesses that served food. And if you traveled back in time to 999, you probably wouldn’t recognize much of the food. Even if it was similar to foods we know, it would probably taste very different.

Imagine yourself today in a grocery store here in Ponca City. Maybe you’d like to buy some pastry. In 999, that would be unlikely: Europeans didn’t have sugar. Or maybe you’d like coffee. In 999, you couldn’t have that either: it hadn’t been discovered yet.

In 999, you probably wouldn’t go to market, because you probably wouldn’t have one. Markets began to develop very quickly in the next century, but in 999 most people ate what they raised or harvested themselves. Even hunting was forbidden to the peasants. The rights of hunting were kept by the rich, and poachers were punished. Almost 90 percent of the population of Europe were peasants or slaves, and in most places they couldn’t have venison, wild boar, pheasant, or any other hunted animal.

Regular Home-Cooked Meals

The villager, a peasant, was more likely to plant his food than to herd it. A villager probably couldn’t afford a large herd of anything, not enough to sustain a family by meat alone. Most families didn’t own more than a couple of cows and a few ewes. All but a few head of livestock were traded off to pay the bills. Grains, not meat, were the main source of nutrition.

The basic grains were rye, oats, barley, and some wheat. Wheat was used less than today because it wouldn’t keep long enough. It would be hundreds of years before anyone could separate the wheat germ from the rest of the grain. Until then, wheat degenerated faster than other grains.

Both bread and porridge were made of grains. To make bread, the peasant usually relied on “maslin,” a mixture of rye with either wheat or barley. But to make bread, the grain had to be milled. Then the bread had to be baked. But most peasants didn’t have a mill and they didn’t have an oven. The mill and the bakery were controlled by the landowners, the masters. For a peasant, it was expensive to pay the miller, then turn around and pay the baker. By contrast, the grain for porridge didn’t need to be milled or baked. So in a peasant house, porridge was often preferred to bread.

A weekly menu looked something like this: porridge on Monday, porridge on Tuesday, porridge on Wednesday. Get the picture? It got tiresome eating the same food, but it was nutritious. To flavor the porridge, peasants often tossed in some pork, a rabbit, hen, or pigeon. Salt pork was the most common meat in the Middle Ages. Even after the pork was gone, its flavors might linger in left over porridge for days.

In the right season, the peasant might toss in onions, garlic, leeks, cabbage, lettuce, or parsley. Anything that could be harvested was eligible for the pot. One common variation was pease porridge, a porridge that had peas or some similar legume to enrich the flavor. It would often remain for days in the pot, waiting to be eaten. There’s an old children’s rhyme that tells the story: “Pease porridge hot, Pease porridge cold, Pease porridge in the pot, Nine days old.”

A peasant kept the porridge in the cauldron and added to the contents every day. It’s unlikely that the cauldron would be ever empty except for Lent, when meats had to be removed to observe Christian rituals. The cauldron hung in the middle of the dwelling over a fire. It was the principal cooking tool from Roman times up to the 18th century. Most people ate from dishes or bowls made of wood. More wealthy folks might have pottery dishes. Peasants had knives for cooking and eating, and sometimes a spoon. Forks were not even invented for another hundred years, and for several centuries they were only available to the wealthy. People often guided food to their mouths with a crust of bread or their fingers.

There were other dishes, of course. One alternative was called frumenty. Frumenty was a dish made of crushed wheat, soaked in milk and warmed by the fire. The grain would swell, become gelatinized, and then it could be mixed with other foods. Eaten cold with a little fruit, or warmed with stew or porridge, it made a nutritious dish. It might also be sweetened with a little honey. Since sugar wasn’t known in Europe, the only sweetener was honey.

Grains meant the peasant could drink as well as eat. From grains, he could make ale. Ale, which had low alcohol content, was such an important part of nutrition that it would be consumed at any meal including breakfast. At least, if the family were lucky. Milk was very hard to come by in winter. Fruit juices or cider were a nice alternative in season. Mead could be made by fermenting honey. Otherwise, water had to be sufficient.

Special Problems Affected Diet in 999

Winter months challenged the peasant with a real food crisis. It was difficult to provide protein, because meat was difficult to come by. Peasants couldn’t afford to feed livestock over the winter, so they tended to slaughter before winter. Very few people knew how to refrigerate foods. Refrigeration, such as it was, required a deep hole or well that could sustain snow or ice for long periods. Meat was hardly ever kept in this way, and wouldn’t last the winter at any rate.

So peasants would slaughter the beef, or mutton, or pork, and then cure it somehow. Most villagers didn’t have access to a smokehouse, so they would coat their meats with heavy salt. Then to eat them, they would wash off as much of the salt as possible. But curing required a lot of salt. It was difficult to wash it all away, and the salt flavor usually hung on. Most meats would then be boiled. Meats tended to be tough, because even domesticated animals were nearly wild. Boiling was needed to take out the toughness. Usually, villagers had a boiling pot but not a spit or brazier.

Even over winter, the primary peasant food was grain. True, in the mountains agriculture was hard to manage. But elsewhere across Europe, planting was primary. Even in the frozen north, where Vikings had to scrape and scratch to get a seed into earth, grains were the staff of life. The teeth of people from 999 are remarkably good, because they ate grains and had no sugar.

Animal fats were hardly used for cooking. They were often used to make candle wax or soap, or to grease machinery. Fat became a valuable commodity. A pound of fat could easily sell for three times the value of a pound of meat. To a peasant, a one pound tallow candle was worth a full day’s work.

In 999, if you wanted cheese, you had to make it. To eat cheese in January, you had to milk the cow (or goat) the previous April. Then you had to heat the milk to evaporate the water content, separate the curds and whey, and let it ferment in a box or a sack. It took months to make cheese, and it took a lot of luck for cheese to come out right. In 999, they didn’t understand the chemistry. Actually, in 999 cheese mostly went to wealthy people anyway.

Generally, there wasn’t much difference between the diet of a peasant and the diet of a landowner. Social differences increased in centuries to come, but dietary differences were not too sharp in 999. To be sure, there were differences in quantity, and the landowner could have fresh meat, including game, anytime. But the differences were only significant in times of famine. Living on a margin, peasants were in real trouble in a famine.

Famines struck Europe hard during this period. It was one of the most serious problems of the times. Between 900 and 999 A.D., Europe suffered 20 famines, some lasting three to four years. After the Millennium, the changing climate continued to bring famines. In the next century, there was one every 14 years in England, one every four years in France. There appear to have been some instances of European cannibalism associated with famine. And conscientious parents, driven to desperation by starvation, would often leave infants on the doorsteps of the Church. They simply hoped that the child could find a better life in the protection of God.

Another even more terrifying problem was a disease called ergotism. It was particularly insidious because it came in a staple of the European diet. It came in daily bread, a part of the flour. Ergot was a fungus that attacked rye, the most common grain. Eating bread affected by ergot would send healthy people into sudden horrible, excruciating abdominal pain. The skin would seem to be aflame, so the disease was called “holy fire.” Usually, victims would become mad and die. Entire villages were known to become extinct in a two day time.

The Romans had known where the disease came from and how to avoid it. But with the fall of the Roman Empire, that knowledge was lost from the fifth century to 1597. Ergotism continued to break out periodically for a thousand frightening years.

The Catholic Church and Food

The calendar of the Catholic Church affected foods and the European diet. In 999, Catholicism was the dominant religion of Europe. But the Church was still struggling to reach peasants. And peasants were still learning Church doctrine, including edicts regarding diet. The faithful Christian fasted three days every week and for several longer periods during the church year.

Christians fasted on Wednesday, the day Judas accepted money to betray Jesus. They fasted on Friday, traditionally the day of the crucifixion. And they fasted on Saturday, the day consecrated to Mary. In addition, Christians fasted for much longer periods during Advent and Lent, and also at Pentecost and in September. For these longer periods, the difficult fast was broken by a time of spectacular feasting. Lent, of course, was also preceded by a time of eating which came to be known as “Mardi Gras.” The name comes from French words for “fat Tuesday” because the faithful indulged their appetites in the last hours before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.

Fasting could be done in different ways. Sometimes, it meant reducing the number of meals from two or three to one meal. Most often, it meant meatless meals. Meat was banned by the Church because in the Garden of Eden, God told Adam, “cursed is the ground for thy sake.” The curse extended to all land animals as well as to butter, cheese, milk and eggs. But since fish didn’t live on land, they were outside the prohibition. And water gave special sanctity in Christianity, a blessing which extended to foods from water. Fortunately in 999, most villages were still aligned with rivers, streams, and coastlines.

Across the continent, people prepared for a fast by fishing. In creeks and rivers, they trapped eels or netted fresh water fish. Along the coast, they usually caught cod or herring. Over the years, so much demand was placed on these fish that they would be harvested months in advance and heavily salted, pickled, dried, or smoked to preserve them for the fasts of the faithful. Red herring came to be the most detested dish of fasting times, because it was the most plentiful.

Fasting applied to any Christian, but some received special consideration. The ill, the very young, the elderly, and the very poor were released from the obligations. Fasting did not extend in the same way to drink. In fact, according to one medieval sermon, the faithful waited until fast days to drink heavily, because they were eating more fish and “fish must swim.”

Looking Forward from 999

Over the next three centuries, foods and diet changed dramatically. Trade, which had been closed for centuries, opened up again with the Crusades. New trade meant new foods. And the Crusades stimulated interest in travel, since faithful Christians wanted to see holy relics. With travel, new inns were established, and they provided an opportunity to eat out. Soon, new learning meant that people could read and write recipes and menus. By the 14th century, cuisine in wealthy houses was sophisticated and sumptuous. A middle class gentleman of Paris served a roast pig stuffed with egg yolks, chestnuts, cheese, pork, saffron, ginger, and other delectables. The court of Richard II dined on roast pheasant, veal with pepper sauce, salmon with wine sauce, rich custards, puddings and exquisite pastries. Sugar, spices, and other new flavors meant that the fast-growing population could begin to eat and enjoy.

But in 999, Europeans from Sicily to the Viking North knew well the limits of porridge, bread, and ale.

In following articles, we will look at daily life in the year 999. There will be one article per month. They will touch on such subjects as Family Structure, Clothing, Religion, Labor, Arts and Entertainment, and others. Next month, we will look at Life on the Manor in 999.

Copyright 1999 by Kennis Wessel

A Medieval Recipe for Frumenty

The following recipe is an actual recipe from the Middle Ages. The spelling and language are exactly correct, and the entire recipe is included here.

Take clene whete & braye it wel in a morter tyl the holes gon of; sethe it til it breste in water. Nym it vp & lat it cole. Tak good broth & swete mylk of kyn or of almands & tempere it therwith. Nym yelkys of eyren rawe & saffroun & cast therto; salt it; lat it naught boyle after the eyren ben cast therinne. Messe it forth with venesoun or with fat mouton fresch.

Translation: Take clean wheat (“tak clene whete”) and crush it well (“braye yt wel”) in a mortar until the hulls are off (“tyl the holes gone of”). Steep it (“sethe it”) in water till it softens (“tyl it breste”). Take it up (“nym it vp”) and let it cool (“lat it cole”). Take (“tak”) good broth and blend it with (“tempere it therwith”) sweet cow’s milk (“swete mylk of kyn”) or almond milk (“or of almands”). Take the yokes of yaw eggs (“yelkys of eyren rawe”) and saffron and mix them in (“cast therto”). Salt the mixture. Let it not boil (“lat it naught boyle”) after the eggs (“eyren”) have been added (“ben cast therinne”). Serve it (“messe it forth”) with venison (“venesoun”) or with fat, fresh mutton (“motoun fresch”).

“Almond milk” was a popular substitute for cow’s milk during Lent. It can be made by blanching almonds in water and straining the white liquid through a cheesecloth. Like most ancient recipes, no quantities are given. This recipe came from the end of the Fourteenth Century, but this is the way frumenty was made in 999, too. The language seems strange, but it’s actually much closer to our English than the language of 999 would have been. This and many other recipes, with instructions for the modern cook, are available in such books as “The Medieval Cookbook” by Maggie Black and “The Medieval Kitchen: Recipes from France and Italy” by Odile Redon, Francoise Sabban, and Silvano Serventi.

Spring Expo At Hutchins April 10 and 11

The 1999 Ponca City Spring Expo is scheduled for April 10 and 11 at Hutchins Memorial.

A wide variety of exhibitors will be displaying home furnishings, boats, RVs, and items for lawn and garden, hunting, fishing, real estate, financing, insurance and more.

In addition, the Expo promises activities and entertainment for everyone. Kids can participate in a Bassmasters Casting Kids Contest, face painting, moonwalk, space ball and other activities. Other events will be gospel singing group Forgiven, kids from Miss Suzi’s School, a Jazzercise demonstration and celebrity appearances. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Oklahoma Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited will have special exhibits at the Expo.

Team Radio and the Ponca City Bassmasters, partners in presenting the Spring Expo, will donate a portion of the proceeds to the restoration of the Ponca City Civic Center Tower.

City Calendar

Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.

Anytime

FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).

Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street.

Today

Pioneer Technology Center 25th Anniversary Celebration, 1-4 p.m., activities, entertainment, displays and technology demonstrations scheduled throughout the day, door prizes will also be given away, the cafeteria will be open for business from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., reservations for the first 200 people can be made, 762-8336, ext. 273.

Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 5 miles, leaders J.D. and Helen Reeves, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman Statue.

Monday

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, and Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

National Shakespeare Company performing “The Taming of the Shrew,” 7:30 p.m., Ponca City High School Howell Auditorium, admission free, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and Conoco.

Tuesday

Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.

Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue.

“March Madness” RSVP monthly meeting, snacks, entertainment, fun, 1-3 p.m., Conoco Clubhouse, 1400 South Fourth Street.

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library.

Rural Water District No. 1 Kay County Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road.

Wednesday

Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

Bingo, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center.

Thursday

Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway.

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’.

Osage Democrats precinct 303 (Braden) and precinct 305 (McCord), 7 p.m., McCord School.

Friday

Bingo, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Cut-off date for ordering for Heartland Food Share program, orders taken at 110 North Fourth, Thursdays/Fridays.

Saturday

Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to rehab program.

March 14

Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 10 miles, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman Statue.

March 15

Ponca City Board of Commission Work Session, 2 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm.

United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., Conference Room B (ground floor), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City.

March 16

Standing Bear Educational Committee, 11 a.m., Pioneer Bank Drive-in, interested citizens encouraged to attend.

Kaw Lake Association, noon, Kay Electric, Blackwell.

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center.

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station at Keeler Road and U.S. 60.

March 17

Senior Birthday Bash, also blood pressure checks by Eldercare, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Card Party, noon to 3:30 p.m., St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, sponsored by St. Francis Guild, tickets from Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496; Joan Slovacek, 762-5953 or Beverly Smith, 762-2695.

Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

March 18

Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

March 19

Historic Preservation Panel Work Session, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue.

Crafts, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

March 21

Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 15 miles, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman Statue.

March 22

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, and Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Commissioner’s Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

March 24

Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue.

Cards, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

March 25, 26, 27, 28

Ponca City Easter Pageant presented by First Baptist Church, “Miracle of Love,” 7 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, tickets free but necessary, available at First Baptist Church office, the Master’s Touch, KLVV in Ponca City, Guy Lyall Insurance, Tonkawa and Eastman National Bank, Newkirk.

March 26

Crafts and Cards, 1 p.m., Ponca City Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

March 27

Church Women United Spring Fling Craft Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Unity Gym to benefit Child Development Center, a United Way Agency. Booth spaces available, contact Suzanne Devinney 762-9669 or Mary Bates 718-0019.

Michael Wallis autographing “The Real Wild West: The 101 Ranch and The Creation of the American West,” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Historic 101 Ranch Site, south of Ponca City on Oklahoma 156, hosted by 101 Ranch Old Timers Association, activities include Indian dancing, Chuck Wagon barbecue, Cowboy singing and Buckboard rides. Then at 7 p.m., Wine and Cheese reception, Chapel Hall on Marland Estate, activities include displays of memorabilia and Cowboy songs by Les Gilliam.

Pickup up date for Heartland Food Share Program.

March 28

Cherokee Wheelmen Freewheel Training Ride, 20 miles, leader Moni Neville, 2 p.m., Pioneer Woman Statue.

Spaghetti Dinner Benefits Po-Hi Grad Med Expenses

Krista Kinkaid Hughey, a 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School, is currently undergoing out-patient treatment in Nashville, Tenn., after undergoing a bone marrow transplant.

Krista is the daughter of Dennis and Dayna Kinkaid and Gay Kinkaid.

A resident of Lewisburg, Tenn., with husband Eric, the 25-year-old Oklahoma State University graduate received donor marrow from her brother, David, on Nov. 19, 1998, after being diagnosed with acute mylodisplastic anemia (leukemia). She was in Vanderbilt Medical Center for 31 days.

She continues to receive out-patient treatment while living temporarily in Nashville. She was hospitalized several days last week due to an infection, but was dismissed Friday, according to her father.

Hospital expenses have totaled over $200,000 while each clinic visit costs between $500 and $600. Although most of the medical expenses have been covered by insurance, the couple has faced other non-covered and uninsured expenses.

To help defray some of these expenses, the Challengers Class of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be hosting a spaghetti dinner noon Sunday, March 14, in the church fellowship hall. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children and are available at the church office at 210 North Fifth or at the Grand Avenue Cafe, 423 East Grand. Donations will also be accepted.

Four-Student Po-Hi Team Plans To Compete in 17th Great Race

For the second year in a row, a four-student team from Ponca City High School has been selected to participate in the (Generation) X Cup competition of the 17th annual Great American Race this summer. The team is one of only five selected from throughout the United States, and the only team chosen from Oklahoma.

Team members Matt Brewer, Kyle Duren, Brian Jernigan and Jeremy Leach will be joined by faculty members J.D. Hanks and Steve Hermann for the cross-country rally race. 1998 Po-Hi graduate Greg Cunningham, who participated in last year’s race, will accompany the group as part of the support team.

The event tests navigating skills and endurance as they pit their 1930 Model A truck against the clock in the timed competition. The five high school teams will be competing for scholarship funds of nearly $25,000.

“The Great Race staff again this year requires the team to raise funds to cover their travel and vehicle costs during the race,” Hanks explained. “We need to raise between $12,000 and $14,000 to make this endeavor possible.”

To qualify for the event, high school team members must be enrolled in a vocational course at their high school, have the endorsement of their board of education, be managed by a vocational class instructor and enter a pre-1951 vehicle.

Additionally, each team member must be 18 years old or less, maintain a 2.0 or better grade point average in academic subjects, and be totally involved in the restoration/preparation of the vehicle.

“While this team will enter the same Model A truck that last year’s team used, that does not mean they have a ‘road ready’ vehicle at this point,” Hanks noted. “They are totally rebuilding the engine, installing new brakes, replacing portions of the transmission, refinishing some of the paint and reworking the differential.”

This year’s 14-day race will take the team from Marietta, Ga., to Anaheim, Calif. The group is tentatively scheduled to spend one night in Muskogee en route, so area residents will have the opportunity to make a short road trip and view the vast collection of antique automobiles.

“The students will take turns navigating during the race,” Hanks explained. “They will be provided with directions and a charted course each morning, and will have to calculate the speed we must travel using nothing more than a speedometer and a clock.

“It’s an excellent educational opportunity for them, with the bonus of having a chance to see some new areas of our great country,” he added.

Community members willing to assist this team with a financial donation may mail a check, payable to Po-Hi Great Race ’99, c/o J.D. Hanks, 2512 Meadow Lane, Ponca City, OK 74604. Anyone seeking further information regarding the team’s competition in this event may contact Hanks at 767-9500, Ext. 129.

Grant Will Help Fund Band’s Appearance

The Alternative High School of Ponca City has been awarded a matching grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council to assist in funding the artist in residency D.C. Minner and Band. The Band is on the National Arts Residency, and has made previous visits to Ponca City.

Through state appropriations and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council funds over 1,200 events annually with an estimated attendance of over 3.5 million. Arts grants are given to both rural and urban communities.

On March 26 at 7 p.m., the community is invited to attend the “Blues on the Move” sounds of D.C. Minner and Band at the Howell Auditorium at Po-Hi.

Author In Ponca City March 27

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

Michael Wallis, author of “The Real Wild West,” a comprehensive tale of the 101 Ranch and the creation of the American West will be in Ponca City on Saturday, March 27 to autograph copies of his new book. Several activities are scheduled on that Saturday at the 101 Ranch Park and at the Marland Estate to herald the new release.

Wallis will be present from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 101 Ranch Park site located on Oklahoma 156, southwest of Ponca City. He will present readings from the new book and be autographing copies. The 101 Ranch Old Timers Association will also host several activities, including Indian dancing, cowboy singing, buckboard rides and a chuck wagon barbecue meal at noon.

At 7 p.m. that same day, Wallis will also be reading and signing books at Chapel Hall on the Marland Estate at the 101 Ranch Collectors exhibit of memorabilia. Les Gilliam will be present to entertain with Cowboy songs of the old west.

At it’s height, the 101 Ranch, located southwest of Ponca City, was a ranching empire, covering 110,000 acres in what is now Oklahoma. According to Wallis the 101 played a critical role in creating the West as it came to exist in the American popular imagination.

The 101 staged elaborate Wild West shows and was largely responsible for Hollywood’s infatuation of the West. The Ranch was a favorite filming location for many early Hollywood westerns and was responsible for the promotion of several “stars” such as Will Rogers, Tom Mix and Bill Pickett.

Ten years in the writing, Wallis’s non-fiction book is a virtual Who’s Who of popular Western culture and heroes, Wallis’s book tells a tale of unique people who lived in the Ponca City area and were a part of that history making era.

Wallis, a Tulsa resident, is the author of award winning “Route 66: The Mother Road,” and co-author of “Mankiller, A Chief and Her People.” He has also authored books about the founder of Phillips Petroleum and Woolaroc Museum, and Pretty Boy Floyd.

Singles Connection Planning St. Patrick Celebration March 14

A St. Patrick’s Celebration is planned for Sunday, March 14. The group will meet at Grace Episcopal Parish Hall at 6 p.m. for potato soup and an evening of bunko. If attending and your last name begins with A-H, bring a 2-liter bottle of pop; I-P, dessert; and Q-Z, snacks for the game tables.

Singles Connection is an area-wide fellowship for single adults who are 55 and younger. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide a safe Christian environment where singles — whether by choice, by divorce, or by the death of a spouse — can gather for fellowship and support.

For more information on this month’s events call Diane Beekman (765-7165) or Carl Searcy (762-9852).

Beetle-Infested Hay Poses Danger To Livestock

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Less than one inch long in size and black and orange striped, the blister beetle looks harmless enough. However the tiny tyke is a deadly dietary danger for livestock that feed on beetle-infested alfalfa hay.

“They are lethal little rascals and very toxic to horses,” says local horse breeder Sam Smith.

And Smith should know. The expert horseman has made a livelihood of breeding, training and showing quarter horses, laying claim to both national and world champions.

He has also experienced first hand the fatal facts regarding the blister beetle.

“Years ago, before anyone knew much about the blister beetle, I lost four colts to them,” he says.

Blister beetles and horses have one thing in common — they share an appetite for alfalfa. However, the male beetle contains a blistering agent known as “cantharidin” in their blood which is toxic to horses as well as other livestock.

According to Smith the manner in which the hay is harvested can make the difference between a healthy meal for horses and fatal forage.

“The problem with this area of the country is that people use swathers to harvest hay and then use conditioners that kill the bugs in the hay,” Smith explains. “The bugs are killed by the crimpers and get caught up in the hay. They become trapped in the bales which are then feed to livestock.”

The poison contained in the beetles does not lose its toxicity even after the death of the insects so once they become intertwined in the hay a real threat appears to livestock which consumes the infested hay.

Only male bugs produce the cantharidin, however it is transmitted to females during mating. According to OSU Equine Veterinary Carolyn MacAllister as few as 15 beetles may cause illness and even death, to livestock.

“The poison irritates the lining of the stomach, small intestine, bladder and urethra in horses,” MacAllister says. “Although there are no known antidotes with early detection the animal may be successfully treated.”

There are symptoms that livestock owners should be aware of the veterinary says. “The signs are dependent on the amount of toxin consumed by the animal. But generally colicing (which is an animal pawing the ground from abdominal pain), frequent and bloody urination and a horse that drinks a lot of water can be signs of cantharidin poisoning,” MacAllister says. “Also, water-playing, in which a horse plays in water and splashes around, is also sign of a horse saying ‘My tummy hurts and I’m trying to fix it.’”

Generally, blister beetles are active in Oklahoma only between harvest times — a month or so after the first harvest of alfalfa is complete into early fall, before the autumn cutting.

Smith offers some advice to prevent beetle infected hay from reaching the lips of unsuspecting livestock.

“I would suggest using only alfalfa hay that has been cut and raked, which allows the time and means for any bugs to get out before the hay is baled,” he says. “I also recommend feeding hay on the ground so the horses can shake the hay out.”

In addition literature from the OSU Extension offers livestock owners the following advice:

• Know your alfalfa supplier.

• Ask producers what precautions were taken to avoid presence of blister beetles in forage.

• Inspect hay before feeding if presence of blister beetles is suspected.

• If feeding small amounts of alfalfa, examine each flake for concentrations of dead blister beetles.

• Purchase hay harvested before May or after September. This will not guarantee a lack of problems with blister beetles but will reduce the risks significantly.

• If symptoms appear, call your veterinarian immediately.

Knowledge of the potential problem and taking precautions is the key to healthy livestock and blister bug-free alfalfa hay.

“Most experienced horse owners know about the bug but unfortunately novice owners find out about it the hard way — and when it’s too late,” Smith says.

Dance for Cancer Today at Legion

Square dance clubs in the North Central District will host the Fifth Annual Kay County Heart Fund Dance on from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the American Legion Club House, 407 West South Avenue.

The public is encouraged to come dance or watch four dance clubs in the group perform. Those clubs include the Pioneer Squares and Chikaskia Valley groups from Ponca City, the Kaws and Squaws of Kaw City and the Wagon Wheels of Stillwater.

Admission to dance or watch the dancers perform is a donation to the Kay County Heart Fund. Door prizes will be included in the afternoon’s entertainment, and snacks will be provided for all by the square dancers. The American Legion has donated the American Legion Hall for this fund raiser.

Callers and cuers for the afternoon will be Dick Manning of Oklahoma City, Cecil Burton of Okmulgee and George McElroe of Stillwater.

The square dancers raised more than $650 in 1998 for the Kay County Heart Fund.

“Come out today and join us for dancing, or just to watch, and help us raise money for the Kay County Heart Fund,” said Don Crawford, spokesperson for the group. He explained, a portion of the monies raised in Kay County stays here to help with cancer education in schools, supplies, information and other needs.

Kay County Democrats Set For Biannual Event March 11

All registered Democrats in Kay County are encouraged to attend and participate in the biannual precinct meetings Thursday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Ponca City precincts, including-rural precincts 413, 414, 415, 417, 419, 420, and 421, will meet at the O.C.A.W. Hall, 1202 West Ponca Avenue.

Each precinct will elect three officers to represent that precinct at the Kay County Convention on Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m. at the courthouse in Newkirk.

Following election of precinct officers, Tom Leonard, mayor, will discuss the city’s new goals. A light meal of Thornapple Valley sausages on buns with chips will begin at 6:45 p.m..

In other Kay County towns, precinct meetings will also be held March 11 at 7 p.m. in the following locations — the Service Bank Community Center in Tonkawa, the community room in the basement of the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk, the Stafford home on 317 Fairview in Blackwell, and the Community Center in Kaw City.

At the precinct meetings, nomination forms for precinct legends will be available. A state committee will select an equal number of these unsung heroes from each district. The selection committee will consider the following criteria — faithfully attended precinct meetings, elected precinct officer, worked for county party, worked for candidates, and support for the Democratic ticket. Selected legends will be guests of honor at an event during the Oklahoma Democratic Party Convention, May 14, 15.

“We urge all Democrats in Kay County to attend their precinct meetings and get active at the grassroots level,” said Andrea Morriss, chair of the Kay County Democratic Party.

Stopping Cancer Before It Starts

By The American Institute for Cancer Research

Today we know more about cancer than ever before. Perhaps most encouraging is that we know more about how to prevent it. Researchers estimate that 60-70 percent of all cancers are directly linked to the foods we eat and to related lifestyle factors such as smoking, exercise and obesity. This translates into tens of thousands of lives that could be saved in this country each year through simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

Stopping Cancer Before It Starts (Golden Books, January 1999, $25.00) does not offer a quick fix that will cure cancer. Instead, it presents an achievable approach to nutrition and lifestyle that will reduce your cancer risk. Based on the American Institute for Cancer Research’s landmark report, “Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective”, the book provides readers with the most reliable research on the link between diet and cancer, and practical ways to incorporate its recommendations for cancer prevention into everyday living.

In addition, the book features more than 75 healthful, delicious recipes to help get readers on their way to eating for lower cancer risk, as well as menu-planning ideas and practical cooking tips to keep in mind while preparing favorite meals. The book places heavy emphasis on adding more plant-based foods to the diet, as researchers have found that eating the recommended five servings a day of fruits and vegetables could alone reduce cancer risk by 20 percent.

The main message? Stopping cancer begins with you. The simple choices you make each day can all add up to lower cancer risk and better overall health.

*How is “Stopping Cancer Before It Starts” different from all of the other books out there about cancer prevention?

“Stopping Cancer Before It Starts” is based on the conclusions of a landmark international report published last fall by the American Institute for Cancer Research. The report, “Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective,” was written by a panel of world-renowned scientists who reviewed more than 4,500 studies on the link between diet and cancer. “Stopping Cancer Before It Starts,” therefore, is based not on just one or two studies, but on the results of thousands.

*Does the book offer a “magic” diet to follow that will guarantee its readers a cancer-free life?

No, no one can guarantee that anyone will or will not get cancer. What the book does do is serve as a healthy living guide for consumers, with recommendations on diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. What’s new about this book is that these lifestyle recommendations are scientifically based and are the result of years of research and input from a variety of experts in the field of diet and cancer.

*What are the components of AICR’s cancer prevention program?

There are three main components. The first is dietary changes that can be done easily and one step at a time, and that are compatible with American tastes and lifestyles. Second is effective exercise programs that focus on daily activity instead of a vigorous exercise regime. And third, weight control that results not from radical diet plans, but from a healthful lifestyle.

*How significantly can these lifestyle changes affect our chances of developing cancer?

Researchers now estimate that 60 to 70 percent of all cancers are directly linked to the foods we eat and related lifestyle factors including smoking, exercise, and obesity. In the United States alone, this adds up to more than 400,000 fewer cancer cases each a year. And by simply eating the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, we could reduce cancer incidence by 20 percent alone.

Union Street Project Into Next Phase

Traffic congestion on Union Street will enter a new phase beginning Monday morning, as the street widening project progresses.

According to a statement released by Evans Construction Company, Inc., Phase IV of the Union Street Project will involve an area north of the intersection of Hartford Avenue and Union Street and continue to the north side of Redbird Drive.

The intersections at Osage Street and Redbird Drive will be closed during this phase of the construction project.

Access to the following businesses will be from the south off of Hartford Avenue only — Chu-Ona Plaza, Wheelsport Suzuki/Kawasaki, Sounds Incredible and Dempewolf Transfer and Storage.

The only access to the Paladin Apartments will be via Hartford Avenue entrance.

Those wishing to travel to Union School, Harmony Baptist Church, the Opportunity Center and the Land of Opportunity Village will need to enter from the north off of Prospect Avenue.

A temporary access road to the Land of Opportunity Village will be available through the Opportunity Center parking lot. There will be no through traffic on Union Street between Hartford Avenue and Prospect Avenue during this phase of construction.

Waverly Street Widening Project on City Agenda

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Two lane or four lane — the ultimate fate of Waverly Street may soon be decided as city commissioners consider a recommendation by the traffic commission during Monday evening’s city commission meeting.

Prompted by a request of the city commissioners, the traffic commission recently reconsidered its October decision to merely overlay the two lane street for the present time.

After City Traffic Engineer Mike Lane presented the facts and figures, the commission members unanimously voted to revise the Waverly Street Project from a two lane overlay to a four lane reconstruction from South Avenue to Highland Avenue — a $2.250 million difference.

According to Public Works Director Ken Parr available funds and additional traffic prompted the traffic commission’s reversal.

“After completing a cash flow analysis, we felt that it is more economically feasible to four lane that portion of Waverly now instead of waiting several years in hopes of receiving partial federal funding. The analysis showed that this project could be undertaken without detriment to other city street projects,” Parr said. “Four laning has become important due to additional truck traffic with the increased development at the Industrial Park.”

Also on the agenda Monday night is a new proposed fee schedule for Lew Wentz Golf Course. If approved, fees at the municipal course will be going up effective April 1.

The proposed increase will effect both green fees and golf cart rentals which will generally go up one dollar. According to Parr, the increased rates would generate an additional $40,000 per year in revenue for the golf course.

In addition, an agreement with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company for the installation of a concrete railroad crossing at Grand Avenue in the amount of $33,600 will be considered.

Commissioners will review a $6,000 proposal from a Tulsa company to furnish labor and materials to restore an 18th century frame owned by Marland Mansion.

The dedication of a city right-of-way for the construction of a new road near the City landfill will be also come under consideration as will the mayor’s nominations for Main Street Authority.

The Ponca City Annual Police Report for 1998 will also be presented during the meeting.

Included on the consent agenda are:

• An application of Peachtree Landing, Inc. for Emergency Shelter Grant funds.

• Consider applications of both Northern Oklahoma Youth Services and The Salvation Army for Emergency Shelter Grant funds.

• Consider and vote on the Agreement between the City of Ponca City and the Sooner Ski Club to utilize a portion of the north end of West Lake Ponca by skiers as a practice slalom course and spectator area for conducting recreational activities from March 1, 1999 to the last day of February, 2000.

• Consider and vote on an ordinance extending the additional two percent Emergency Telephone Service Tax from June 1, 1999 through May 31, 2000 and providing that the same shall he used for the purchase of ancillary 911 service communication equipment.

City commissioners will convene into executive session for the purpose of discussing union negotiations with both the police and fire unions.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Center, 202 East Oklahoma Avenue. The public is invited to attend.

China Painter Displaying Works At Denton Art Center This Month

ARKANSAS CITY — Cleo Graves’ exhibit of china painting may be viewed at the Denton Art Center, 525 North Fourth, Arkansas City, from March 2 through March 31.

The Denton Art Center galleries are open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Private showings for groups may be scheduled by calling the Denton Art Center, (316) 442-5895.

Graves, who lives on a farm northeast of Arkansas City, tried many hobbies, including oil painting, watercolor painting and ceramics, before turning to china painting about 30 years ago. Now an accomplished wildlife artist, she paints on china slabs rather than canvas. The pieces are framed and, though much heavier than some wall hangings, they create a special ambiance in the rooms they decorate.

“I like wildlife, but I do anything — portraits, florals, scenes, animals, birds. I did a set of dishes for 12 for a hunter from western Kansas. They were all wild game. I’ve painted sets of dishes for all my daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters and grandsons,” she commented.

This instructor-artist studied with nationally recognized teachers including Jane Marks, San Do, Joan Schulte, Margret Winborn, and Katheryn Woods; she now uses her skills to teach others. She is an author, has demonstrated china painting at state conventions and at the World China Show in Oklahoma City, and is currently president of the Kansas World Organization of China Painters. She is also a member of the Busy Brushes China Painting Club and the China Painting Teachers organizations.

She is using her talents to landscape the grounds at the Denton Art Center where she will also be the exhibiting artist for the month of March.

Graves is well known to users of the Hogan at Ranney Park in Arkansas City. The building has methodically been updated by Graves and her band of many volunteers.

Currently she is also assisting with the county-wide event “Barn Again! Celebrating An American Icon” which is being brought to Arkansas City and Winfield through a grant written by the Arkansas City Area Arts Council in association with The Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, The Winfield Public Library, The Winfield Arts and Humanities, Cowley College, and Southwestern College. The exhibit itself is brought to the area by The Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibits Service through sponsorship of The Kansas Humanities Council.

In the “Barns Again” exhibit, Graves is identifying owners of area barns and will be conducting a survey of those barns plus accumulating pictures. The barns will then be assembled in a publication about area barns and will also be part of a barn tour next December and January when the event is in full swing.

Graves also is a new member of the steering committee of Visions of Childhood — a benefit sponsored by the Arkansas City Area Arts Council for fine arts scholarships at Cowley College. Her major assignment for this event will be to physically recreate some of the surroundings of The Harvey House — a restaurant unique in the development of the West and particularly of Arkansas City.

The programs of the Denton Art Center are underwritten by the Kansas Arts Council, The Kansas Humanities Council, The Home National Bank, and The Union State Bank with assistance from many other organizations and individuals.

Persistence Pays Off on Amtrak Decision

By RALPH SEWELL

News Capitol Bureau

OKLAHOMA CITY — Persistence paid off for a state senator who wants to get Amtrak trains running in Oklahoma again. So there may be a special election on a tax increase proposal next spring.

SJR 12 now is in the House, where it must undergo scrutiny of a House committee, then maybe the full House.

The author, Sen. Dave Herbert, D-Midwest City, chairs the Senate Tourism Committee. He had quite a job getting Senate approval of his resolution.

First time up, the vote was 24-23. At least 25 votes are needed to pass a bill in the Senate. Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, voted with the slim majority of 24 while Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Fairfax, cast his vote against.

Bills both houses passed showed legislators are concerned about how to curb drunken driving.

HB 1750, by Rep. Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, won 100-0 House support. It would reduce the blood-alcohol level from 0.10 to 0.08 to establish by test that a person is not sober-enough to drive. Other Ponca-area representatives voted for the bill. Earlier, an attempt to keep the blood-level test at the present level failed.

Senators also voted to toughen drunk driving laws. Repeat offenders could lose their cars as well as their licenses if SB 423 becomes law. Harrison and Muegge were part of the 43-4 Senate majority that passed the bill.

Muegge and Harrison also voted with a 25-22 majority that approved SB 70. As introduced would have required all children younger than 6 to sit in a child restraint seat when traveling in a car. The present age is 4.

Before the bill passed it was modified to give motorists a seat belt option for 5-year-olds. The same bill proposed that no child under 18 could ride in the bed of a pickup. That was modified to make the age 13.

*HB 1638, also by Ferguson, passed the House 99-1. It could toughen enforcement of the law against littering in the country by giving half of the penalties assessed to sheriffs. Reps. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, Jim Reese, R-Nardin and Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, also voted yes.

HB 1671, which Reese coauthored, was passed 57-41 by the House. It would make it a misdemeanor to remove or deface a marker indicating the location of an oil or gas pipeline. Newport and Ferguson also voted yes; Sweeden no.

Here’s how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted on other bills:

*SJR 15 passed the Senate 32-13, the necessary two-thirds majority to go to the House — and if approved there — to voters in a special election. It would allow a legislator to be given a job that had been created, or enhanced during his term of office. Muegge and Harrison voted in favor.

*SB 373, which passed 41-5, would allow state employees and teachers covered by health maintenance insurance to elect to eliminate coverage for a spouse, but still cover children — presumably because the spouse is covered by a separate policy. It also would give the covered person a right to change later. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

*SB 462, passed 31-16 by the Senate, would set school zone speed on county roads twenty miles below the limit on the rest of those roads. Muegge and Harrison voted for the bill.

*HJR 1013, which passed the House 54-45, would ask voters to approve taxing lakes Tulsa and Oklahoma City own in smaller counties. It was mostly a rural vs. city split. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Sweeden no.

*HB 1450 passed the House 57-42. It would allow non-profit groups to buy a $25, 2-day permit to hold a wine auction for the non-profit organization. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

*HB 1225 passed the House 69-29. In contested child custody cases it would require that experts testifying belong to a state-certified medical group. Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted yes; Sweeden no.

*HB 1251 passed 74-26. It would 1) forbid release to the public of a school audit at least 30 days; 2) allow the school to pay membership dues into education groups, and 3) let the district pay for public information. Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes; Newport and Reese no.

*SB 440 passed the Senate 43-3, but the title is off the bill and the author said it needs more work. It would exempt from civil liability a business owner or employee who uses deadly force against to defend himself or the business. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

*HB 1268, which passed the House 92-9, would double the price for a motor vehicle inspection, but make them cover two years, rather than one. Ponca-area representatives voted in favor.

*HB 1425, which passed 99-1, would amend the Worker Compensation law to say that a permanent disability award may be suspended if the person is able to return to his job at the same or better pay. Ponca representatives voted yes.

*SB 382 passed the Senate 31-14. It would give college faculty members the right to demand a written explanation from their college board the reason for denying a promotion or termination. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

*SB 535 would allow the state board of health to levy fines of up to $500 for barbering without a license. It passed 26-18. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

*SB 397 would direct the tax commission to distribute the part of the tax levied on aviation fuel to the credit of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Revolving Fund. It passed 44-3, with Muegge and Harrison voting yes.

*SB 398 would double the amount of the excise tax on airplane sales which is allocated to the Aeronautics Commission. It passed 43-4 with Harrison and Muegge voting in favor.

*HB 1108, which passed 92-8, would require the Department of Public Safety to notify persons who have failed to renew driving licenses. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

*HB 1243 would require that buyers of manufactured homes be warned that some of the materials used in the homes may contain formaldehyde, to which some persons are allergic. The bill passed 83-18. Reese, Ferguson and Sweeden voted yes. Newport no.

*HB 1490, which first failed 35-60, would have given employees in the oil and gas conservation division of the Corporation Commission, authority of peace officers allowed to bear firearms, failed for a second time, 32-69. Ponca-area representatives voted against.

*SB 101 passed 32-15. It would create a weather advisory board within the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to try to modify the weather by hiring cloud-seeding experts good enough to produce rain while avoiding hail damage to crops and property. To pay for it, SB 101 would levy a fee of 3 mills on every dollar paid for property casualty insurance policies sold in the state. The author said that would raise about $2 million annually. Muegge and Harrison voted yes.

*HB 1647, which passed 93-8, would seek financing for pilot programs for children to use the internet for interacting tutoring by professionals with their homework. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.

*HB 1119, which passed unanimously, would make income from municipal bonds exempt from state income taxes. The author said it would make state law match federal exemptions on such bonds. He contended this would let cities and school districts sell bonds for less interest.

*HB 1014, which also passed unanimously, would have court funds pay for services of an interpreter when a deaf person is involved in the legal process.

*HB 1152 passed the house unanimously. It recognizes inherent danger in livestock shows or rodeos for performers or spectators. It would limit civil liability of sponsors for injuries if they post warning notices.

*HB 1286, a bill to make a motorist’s “inattentive driving” a crime, was killed 5 in favor to 94 against — which may be a House record. The author said his bill was requested by the Department of Public Safety. He said he’ll seek another vote. An amendment was adopted to exempt those who chat on mobile telephones while driving — if such didn’t contribute to an accident. Ponca-area representatives voted against.

United Way Bed Race Set For Action in Iris Festival

It’s time to dust off the old bed or build a new one and join the second annual Ponca City United Way Bed Race competition to be held May 1. The contest will be held during the 11th Annual Iris Festival.

What is a bed race? It’s a bed — a bed on wheels — set into motion by four runners racing down the street to the finish line. Teams consist of four runners and a rider who jumps out of the bed at the half-way mark, puts on a pair of pajamas, jumps back in, and is pushed across the finished line, according to Helene Schwartz, United Way director.

To join the fun, teams must register to receive rules, regulations and bed specifications needed to prepare a bed on wheels. Team members may come from businesses, groups, clubs, churches, schools, neighbors, friends, organizations, or families.

A $100 donation is requested per team to participate. All proceeds benefit the 17 community service agencies supported by United Way. Additionally, any business wishing to sponsor a non-profit group or organization is encouraged to do so.

In addition to speed, beds will be judged on originality, design complimentary to their business, organization or team sponsor they represent.

Information, rules and bed specifications can be obtained by calling United Way at 765-2476 or visiting the United Way office at 102 South Fifth Street.

Weight Down Workshop Set

Do you feel like a slave to food? Do you fight the diet battle, only to regain the weight soon after? If so, join the folks at First Presbyterian Church in their Weight Down program starting Tuesday at 7 p.m.

A free orientation session is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. to learn about The Weigh Down Workshop — a Christ-centered program that teaches folks to replace their devotion to the refrigerator with a deeper, more satisfying devotion to God.

Through this 12-week seminar folks will learn how they can be delivered from the slavery of overeating and of dieting. According to Susan Ernst, coordinator, God can change your heart so that you truly have no desire to eat if you are not physically hungry.

The free orientation will be held in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. This program is for men as well as women. A video lesson is presented each week in class, and each participant receives a workbook and set of 12 audiotapes.

The cost is $103, and that covers everything in the 12-week course. There are no pills to buy, no special food to prepare, and no one will tell you what to eat. No more panic, self-hatred, fear, or frustration. If you need more information, have any questions, or are interested in attending the class, call the coordinator, Susan Ernst at 765-7782.

Thorn Apple Valley Files for Protection

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Southfield, Mich. — Plagued by a product recall, a Department of Agriculture criminal investigation and repercussions of the failing Russia economy, Thorn Apple Valley (TAV) announced Friday that it has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11.

The processed meat manufacturer reportedly has sales of $500 million and is headquartered in Southfield, Mich. With plants in Michigan, North Carolina, Arkansas and Oklahoma, TAV has over 3,000 employees. Locally, the company employees 540.

“This action was necessary to allow us to move forward and we expect plant operations to continue with no significant cutbacks or layoffs,” TAV Executive Vice-President Louis Glazier told the News Friday afternoon from his Michigan office. “The Ponca City plant as well as others will continue operations. This is only a financial reorganization and again, we expect no cuts in salaries or personnel.”

Only minutes after learning of the shocking development Vice-President and General Manager of the Ponca City plant, Doug Moore, tried to remain optimistic.

“The important thing is that this will not affect our employees here, neither their pay nor their benefits,” Moore said. “If you can find any real positive in this it is that the people here are protected, their jobs. We are not closing and will stay here and continue to employ here.”

One after another, the company has recently found itself in a “world” of financial difficulties. During their second quarter — which ended Dec. 12 — the company reported a $12.4 million loss due mainly to a reduction of Russian exports.

According to one news source, the company had been selling approximately 1.5 million hot dogs a week to Russia. Due to the recent Russian economic turmoil, TAV was forced to take a loss on 11 million pounds of frozen hot dogs bound for export.

A voluntary recall, early this year, caused the company an additional reported $7-8 million loss.

“Because the number one commitment is to the safety of our consumers, and to be sure our retailers and wholesalers only have the best and safest products to sell, we voluntarily recalled our products,” TAV President and CEO, Joel Dorfman stated. “This recall left us with a short-term cash problem that necessitated the filing for protection under Chapter 11.

“We expect this filing will allow us to continue to operate, meet our sales needs and provide for our more than 3,000 employees. We expect to resolve this issue and keep our operations together as a going concern.”

According to a TAV news release the company is in the process of engaging the services of the investment banking firm Peter J. Solomon & Co., “... to seek financing for the company or to seek to sell the assets of the company, so that the operations of the company can continue...”

The release also stated that many well known companies, including Continental Airlines and Dow Corning, “have used protection under Chapter 11 to provide the time to restructure and become stronger companies.”

In a letter to employees, Dorfman stated: “Over the last couple of years there have been major changes to our business. Over the last few months we began to see the benefits of these changes. Our financial results had dramatically improved.

“We were even able to withstand the financial crisis in Russia. However, the cost of the recent recall, accompanied by the credit restrictions, and uncertainty over the liability of the recall have necessitated this action.

“We will be exploring various business plans with a goal of restructuring our debt, obtaining additional capital investment and continuing on the path of business improvement.

“I know you are concerned about your future and that of the company. We have sufficient cash and financing to meet our ongoing obligations including payroll and benefits. Actually during the protection period, our cash flow and working capital should improve.

“I am looking forward to a stronger Thorn Apple Valley when we complete our restructuring. I am committed to a better future for Thorn Apple Valley and have full confidence in our ability to meet this challenge.”

Locally, the news came as a shock to many in the community. “This came as a complete surprise. We heard no news from the local plant or from headquarters that this was pending,” Chamber of Commerce President Jan Jarrett said.

“We will work with the company as it goes through this process and will do everything we can as they go through this process to ensure the continued operations of this facility.

“Thorn Apple Valley is a very important fabric of the economic community and are heavily involved in other areas of this community. I’m very sorry to hear this news and know that this is a difficult time for employees and management of the Ponca City plant. I am confident that our community will be very supportive during this difficult time,” Jarrett concluded.

Four Area Legislators Here Friday for Forum

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Once every few years state elected officials gather together in Ponca City to meet, greet and field questions from those in the community. That time is fast approaching as two state senators and two state representatives have agreed to appear as guest speakers at the Chamber of Commerce Second Friday Forum March 12.

In attendance at the 8-9 a.m. meeting this Friday at Pioneer Technology Center will be state senators J. Berry Harrison and Paul Muegge as well as state representatives Jim Reese and Jim Newport.

It is a meeting those at the Chamber are excited to have an opportunity to present to the citizens of Kay County.

“It has been several years since we have had all four legislators together at the same time and we are very pleased about this meeting,” Chamber Vice-President and General Manager Lisa Coy says. “This is an opportunity for the public to hear from their elected officials and directly ask them questions.”

According to the Second Friday Forum Chairperson Connie McAbee, this meeting will be structured differently than in those past.

“Each elected official will discuss specific bills he is sponsoring this session and have also been asked to respond to key issues of significant importance to Ponca City and Kay County which were outlined in a letter they received from the Legislative Affairs Division and Board of Directors of the Chamber,” McAbee stated.

“This meeting gives the whole community an opportunity to attend and become better acquainted with issues that directly affect our area.”

During the April Second Friday Forum, Dr. Joe Kinzer of Northern Oklahoma College, will discuss the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma which will be located in the North Tower of Conoco.

Nearly News

There are many coincidences in life but not so many life saving ones. This one involves a family. Sue Oldfield, a nurse with the medical division of Conoco, was visiting her daughter, Sara, a graduate student at the University of Texas, Saturday, Feb. 27. While visiting in Austin, they climbed Mt. Donnell wishing to see a panoramic view. On the way up the 100 plus stairs, they encountered a woman in respiratory arrest. After getting the woman to a flat location, Oldfield and another woman administered CPR and called 911 for assistance. After approximately 20 assisted breaths, the woman started breathing on her own and was taken to a hospital.

On the same day, Oldfield’s son, Will, a student at Oklahoma State University, saved a fellow student’s life who severed several major blood vessels located in his neck, chest, and shoulder area when running through a plate glass door. Will’s quick thinking in applying pressure to the main arteries until the ambulance arrived saved the student. Will then rode with him in the ambulance to the hospital.

For two live-saving incidences to occur to two members of the same family on the same day is, indeed, a major coincidence.

Nearly News reminds citizens to support their local Heart Fund today by participating in the Dance for Heart event from 2 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. Participants can square dance or watch area square dance clubs from the North Central District Square Dance Association perform. Refreshments and door prizes are included in the afternoon’s entertainment. Admission is a donation to the Kay County American Heart Fund.

DEATHS

Harmon Kerksieck
Olin Dail Smith
Aldene Olive Duroy
Rosalee Anna Brunnemer

Harmon Kerksieck

NEWKIRK — Harmon “Kerk” Kerksieck, resident of Newkirk, died Friday morning, March 5, 1999, in M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was 65.

The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, March 8, 1999, in the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk with the Rev. William R. Chace officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. There will be no public viewing.

Harmon Kerksieck was born Sept. 5, 1933, in Shamrock, Okla., the son of Holmes and Hazel Flood Kerksieck. His early years were spent in Shamrock where he began school. His father’s work took them to Coyle where they lived for two years before moving to Agra. The family moved to Newkirk in 1949, and he graduated from Newkirk High School with the class of 1951. After graduation he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for a time before joining the U.S. Air Force. While in the U.S. Air Force, he served as an instructor in Labrador.

After receiving his discharge, he worked for Magnolia Petroleum, later Mobil Oil, at Healdton, Okla. In 1956 he and Maria Reid were married in Newkirk. They established their first home in Beaumont, Texas. Later they moved to Morgan City, La., where he established his own business in communications. Then, in partnership with another, he set up a cable TV service in Patterson, La. After a time they moved to Amellia, La., where he owned and operated his own cable service until his retirement. They moved to Newkirk 1995. In 1997 they went to Houston where they lived in their motor home while he was receiving medical treatments. At the time of his death, they were residing in League City, Texas.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Newkirk. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner for many years.

His survivors include his wife Maria of the home; a son, Harold Kerksieck of Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Linda Webber of Dallas, Texas, and Helen Liveringhouse of League City, Texas; two sisters, Lyndal Burgess of Odessa, Texas, and Roberta Dowell of Carson City, Nev.; a brother, Gifford Kerksieck of Kaw City; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Kerksieck.

Olin Dail Smith

Bryan, Texas — Olin Dail Smith, former resident of Tonkawa and resident of Bryan, Texas, died Thursday, March 4, 1999, in Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. He was 67.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 8, 1999, at the First Baptist Church — Bryan, in Bryan, Texas, with the Rev. Tim Owens officiating. Burial will be in the Tonkawa Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan, Texas.

Olin Dail Smith was born December 15, 1931, in Tonkawa, the son of Kenneth C. Smith and Vera C. Stone Smith. He attended schools in Tonkawa, graduating from Tonkawa High School. Smith attended Oklahoma State University where he received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in agronomy. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota.

Smith married Thelma Fairless on Sept. 5, 1951, in Tonkawa. He was employed as a professor in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department at Texas A & M University for 29 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher; American Society of Agronomy; and American Peanut Research and Education Association.

He is survived by his wife of the home; one son, Brent Smith of Tonkawa; two daughters, Brenda Germenis of College Station, Texas, and Beth Damphouse of Norman; one brother, Larry Smith of Winfield, Kan.; two sisters, Virginia Lamb of Ponca City and Catharine Veal of Tonkawa; and six grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to First Baptist Church — Bryan, Building Fund, 200 S. Texas Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77803.

Obituaries

Aldene Olive Duroy

Aldene Olive Duroy, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday, March 4, 1999, at her daughter’s home, 1612 Richway. She was 81.

The funeral will be Monday, March 8, 1999, 10 a.m. at the Tonkawa Bible Church, 708 E. Grand, Tonkawa, with the Rev. Dennis Winters, pastor, officiating, assisted by the Rev. James McQuery, pastor, Amidon Baptist Church, Wichita, Kan. Burial will follow in the Ponca City Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Born June 20, 1917, at Ponca City, she was the daughter of Sherman Denver and Effie Olive Brown Hardesty. She attended schools in Ponca City, graduating from Po-Hi in 1935.

Aldene began working as an aide at the Grandview Hospital during the 1960s. Upon its closing, she began working at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as a ward clerk. She retired in 1986. For the past 5 years, Aldene divided her time between living in Ponca City and Wichita.

Mrs. Duroy was an active member of the Tonkawa Bible Church where she was involved in the Women’s Missionary Program and taught Sunday School. She enjoyed crocheting, flowers, and bird watching, but her family and church remained the principal focus of her life.

She is survived by four daughters, Shirley Anne Neal of Ponca City, Marilynn Kay George and Elizabeth Vivian Emmons and her husband, Joe, all of Wichita, and Janet Lynn Knight of Ponca City; three sons, Allen Forrest Duroy Jr. and his wife, Elaina, of Oklahoma City, David Donald Duroy of San Antonio, Texas, and Michael Dean Duroy of Mustang; 19 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren; a sister, Clara James of Ponca City; and a brother, John Hardesty and his wife Retha of Newkirk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1981, a grandson, a sister, and a brother.

Casket bearers will be Brent Duroy, Chris Duroy, Ed Duroy, Wade Neal, Wesley Neal, Mark Emmons, Thomas Emmons, Justin Knight, and Jeremy Knight. Honorary casket bearers will be Hugh Simmons, Albert Wetmore, and George Polasek.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

The family will be at 1612 Richway.

paid obituary

Rosalee Anna Brunnemer

Rosalee Anna Brunnemer died Friday afternoon, March 5, 1999, at her home in Ponca City. She was 71.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 8, 1999, in Ponca City, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Clipson, associate minister, officiating under direction of the Trout Funeral Home. Services will be held Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., at the McDonald Funeral Home Chapel, Beloit, Kan., with the Rev. Bill Brazil, pastor of the First Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery at Beloit, Kan. Grandsons will serve as casket bearers.

Born Oct. 22, 1927, in Beloit, Kan., she was the daughter of Frank J. and Anna I. Hogan Kullmann. Her father was killed in a farming accident when Rosalee was three years old. Her stepfather, Frank Anderson was the father who raised her. She graduated from the Chase High School, Chase, Kan., in 1946.

On Oct. 3, 1947, she was married to James A. Brunnemer in Russell, Kan. The couple came to Ponca City in 1966. They resided in Oklahoma City from 1973 until 1981 when they returned to Ponca City. Mrs. Brunnemer was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, attended the Inquirers Sunday School Class, belonged to the American Diabetes Association, and past member of Beta Sigma Phi. She enjoyed her family, loved to cook, and enjoyed sewing and crocheting afghans, and playing bridge.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Brunnemer of the home of Ponca City; her son, John C. Brunnemer and wife Carol of Stillwater; daughter, Jane M. Daniel and husband Steve of Claremore; grandchildren, David Brunnemer and wife Teresa, J.J. Brunnemer, Jason Daniel, Tessa Workman, Ryan Daniel, Kami Houk and husband Joel, Julie McDaniels and husband Greg. Also surviving is her great-grandson, Morgan L. Brunnemer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Anna Marie; son, Joe Brunnemer; and one grandson.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601, or to Hospice of Ponca City, Suite 103, 1904 North Union, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

USS Maddox Reunion — Veterans who have served aboard the USS Maddox Destroyer are invited to a reunion in Norfolk, Va. Sept. 8-12,1999. Contact Cliff Gillespie at 215 Wichita Ave., Apt, 605, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 or call 714-960-5283 or e-mail at CGILLES@mail.arco.com., for more information.

Holyfield vs Lewis seen only on Pay Per View! Watch history in the making live, Saturday, March 13th at 8:00 p.m. Call Cable One and order early. 762-6684. adv.

Osage Democrats — There will be a meeting of the Osage County Democrats precinct 303 (Braden) and precinct 305 (McCord) at McCord School Thursday, at 7 p.m. Further information is available from Glenn Welch, 762-4919.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Cheerleading — Ponca City Senior High School cheerleading tryout required information and sign up meeting will be held at the high school commons at 5:30 p.m. March 8.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Minor Accident — A minor accident in the 100 block of East Grand Avenue reported a minor accident at 1:37 p.m. Friday.

For All your construction needs. Brother “L” Construction. No job too big or small. Senior discounts. 15 years experience. Bonded and insured. Free esti-

mates. Phone 762-2539. adv.

Stolen Credit Card — At 7:54 a.m. Friday a man in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue reported that his credit card was stolen and someone had tried to use it at the Post Office. A report was taken.

Accident — At 2:11 p.m. Friday police were notified of a minor accident in the 300 block of West Grand Avenue.

Kids Review accepting spring/summer items. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — A 15-year-old boy was arrested by police at 2:59 p.m. Friday at North Fifth Street and East Chestnut Avenue for possession of marijuana.

WCW/NWO Uncesored wrestling coming to Pay Per View Sunday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. Call Cable One for your ring side seat, 762-6684. adv.

Stalking — A man in the 2400 block of North Fourteenth Street contacted police at 7:38 a.m. Friday regarding his daughter being stalked. An officer was assigned.

Great Fundraiser: Booths at Victorian chocolate and craft festival. Saturday, May 1st. Call 762-6700. adv.

Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 12:55 p.m. Friday from the 600 block of West Highland Avenue on a city warrant for no seat belt, no insurance and no driver’s license.

This & That is going out of business. 25% off the entire store, excluding Carmen’s Candles. White’s Factory Outlet Mall, 4875 South White Avenue, Blackwell,OK. adv.

Hit & Run — At 1:14 p.m. Friday a hit and run vehicle accident in the 2100 block of North Ash Street was reported.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West

Broadway. adv.

Property Damage — At 3:13 p.m. Friday police took a report on damage to rental property in the 700 block of North Oak Street.

AARP Chapter to Meet — AARP Chapter 432 will meet Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Wheatheart Nutrition Center. Joe Skinner, Tax Consultant, will be the speaker. All Seniors are welcome.

The Practice-Tee is now open. 1:00 p.m.-almost dark. Seven days a week. 4100 Lake Road. adv.

Tutors and Mentors Needed — Looking for tutors and mentors willing to volunteer 30 minutes a day, week, or month to help children with reading through tutoring, classroom activities, or on a one-to-one basis. To help a child grow into a successful adult, contact Pat Morris at the Ponca City Public School central office at 767-8000, Ext. 238.

State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and weekend DUI Schools and Assess-

ments. Next school scheduled Friday, March 19th, and Saturday, March 20th, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reservations and information. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the 2100 block of North Ash Street was reported to police at 3:41 p.m. Friday.

Completely Furnished and equipped one and two bedroom suites. 765-1367. adv.

Area Sailors Visit Hong Kong — Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class William B. Dickerson, son of Harley B. and Elizabeth L. Dickerson of 611 Boulder in Pawnee, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris W. Graham, son of John and Susan Romero of Red Rock, and foster son of Paul and Lynn Wright of Route 1, Billings, recently participated in a community relations project during a visit to Hong Kong, while on a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian oceans aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, home ported in Bremerton, Wash. Sailors from the two ships refurbished a local school for handicapped children and a local prayer center. At the school, crew members performed a variety of landscaping jobs including repairing a major drainage problem. At the prayer center, sailors made repairs to the interior of the building built for women to pray and take classes. Dickerson is a 1990 graduate of Pawnee High School, and joined the Navy in March 1995. Graham is a 1995 graduate of Billings High School, and joined the Navy in September 1995.

Now Is the time to apply crabgrass and tree preventer. adv.

Larceny — At 7:24 a.m. Friday a police larceny report regarding the Thursday’s fire at South Palm Street and McFadden Drive was taken.

Her Review. Now accepting women’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Accident — A police report regarding a two vehicle, non-injury accident at North Seventh Street and East Hartford Avenue was taken at 4:46 p.m. Friday.

Wednesday Night all you can eat. Steak and shrimp buffet. 4:00p.m. to close $7.99. Golden Corral. adv.

Vehicle Vandalism — At 12:42 a.m. Saturday police were informed of vehicle vandalism in the 2100 block of North Union Street. A report was taken.

Threats — At 5:56 p.m. Friday police were called to the 900 block of West Highland Avenue due to a person being threatened.

Ex Parte Violation — At 9:21 p.m. Friday police took a report on a ex parte violation in the 2100 block of North Union Street.

PCSEA Bingo — Ponca City Site Employee Association bingo will be Saturday in the Atrium Cafeteria. Doors open 6:30 p.m. with bingo at 7 p.m.

Pauline's Every Monday night Special. Fried chicken only - all white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Ponca Events Planned — The Ponca He-thu-shka will be having its Mourners Feast March 14 in memory of the relatives who are no longer with them. The Spring Ceremonial will be March 27, 1999, at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. All Ponca men are encouraged to be mindful of those that are in mourning.

Arrest — A 23-year-old woman was arrested at 5:37 p.m. Friday from North Second Street and East Highland Avenue for driving under suspension and on a city warrant for failure to pay.

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 32-year-old woman at 9:58 p.m. Friday from the 300 block of South Peachtree Street for domestic assault and battery.

Illegal Sell — At 10 p.m. Friday police were notified of a person possibly selling beer to a minor in the 2500 block of East Lake Road. Police issued citations for selling beer to a minor and minor in possession.

Motor Home Fire — Fire units responded to a report of a motor home that was on fire in the 1000 block of North Waverly Street at 2:28 a.m. Saturday. The motor home was engulfed in flames when units arrived.

LIFESTYLES

Physician Assistant Featured Speaker For Century Club
Unit I Schedules Lunch Meetings
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Party Slated
Amy Lu Timberlake Marries Robert G. Crump in Edmond
So You Are Getting Married
Singles Network Planning Events
Reception Honors Lois Clark
Information for Brides
Bonnie Lee Davis Engaged
Susan Haver Is Bride-Elect
Engagement Is Announced
Writer Shares A Moving Moment
Alpha Gamma Mother’s Club Holds Meeting
Pair Plans May 8 Wedding
Deadlines Set for Lifestyle Pages
Couple Will Marry In Tulsa
Expanded Treatment for Cervical Cancer Results From State Trials
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Erin Wilson Becomes Bride Of Christopher Ryan Coats
Kay Electric Sets Area Writing Contests
Garden Club Meeting
Lookin’ With Lou
Event Will Honor Langleys
Wheatheart Nutrition
Sertoma Club Honors Several During Annual Heritage Banquet
Erinn Le Eberle Is Bride Of Darren Wesley Mounts
Erica Coulter, Toby Maxson Wedding Ceremony in Texas
Wedding Plans Announced
News Policy: Birthday Photo, Story For 90+
Cynthia Thompson Plans Oboe Recital
Ponca City Happenings
Couple Celebrates 25 Years
Miriam Sunday School Class Talk About Africa

Physician Assistant Featured Speaker For Century Club

Deanna Johnston, physician assistant, and member of the staff at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, will speak to members of the Twentieth Century Club when they meet Friday at 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Cultural Center. Ms. Johnston, who works with Dr. Arden Blough at Ponca Family Medicine Clinic, will discuss the duties and responsibilities of a Physician Assistant.

Ms. Johnston is a 1988 graduate of Ponca City High School and graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City in May with a bachelor of science degree. She recently completed a Physician Associate Student Clerkship. She also holds a bachelor of art degree in oral communications and public relations.

Mrs. Ralph Beaty will be in charge of the business session and greeters will be Mrs. Ray Allred, Mrs. Joe Cornelson, Mrs. Allen Robson, Mrs. Bill Bridwell and Mrs. John Dew.

A 12:15 p.m. board meeting will precede the regular meeting.

Unit I Schedules Lunch Meetings

Unit I of the Ponca City Mother’s Club met Feb. 26 for lunch and a meeting at “Personalities” at Pioneer Technology Center. Bill Swaim presented the program, playing guitar and singing western and numerous songs.

During the business meeting the group decided to have luncheon meetings and discontinue guest night. Announcement was made that the current slate of officers would continue to serve.

Hostesses for the meeting were Dixie Cortright and Wanda Butler. The March unit meeting will be held at PTC with Earlene Roach and Earlene Mowdy as hostesses.

The Spring general luncheon will be held May 7 at the Ponca City Country Club. Tickets for the noon event will be $8.50 and the program will be given by Alda Ellis, author and speaker.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Party Slated

On St. Patrick’s Day the women of St. Francis Guild of St. Mary’s Catholic Church will once again sponsor a luncheon and card party in the parish hall. This year marks the 29th anniversary of the fundraising event. Proceeds will be used to sponsor various agencies and needy causes in the community. Among those who have benefited in the past are Child Development Center, Peachtree Landing, Opportunity Center, Hospice, Birthright, and Ponca City Welfare.

An open invitation is extended to men and women in the community to attend this event. Ticket cost is $5 per person with the luncheon beginning at noon. The card party will continue until 3:30 p.m. Salads, casseroles, rolls and desserts will be made by guild members.

“Lunch only” tables and “take out” orders will be available. When ordering tickets individuals are asked to designate a choice. Tickets may be ordered from Joan Slovacek, 762-5953; Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496, or Beverly Smith, 762-2695.

Door prizes for this year’s luncheon include a Mary Hunt Original hand-knitted sweater, hand-pieced quilted fall wall hanging, a Christmas table runner, bridge set of eight placemats and napkins, set of six Easter placemats and napkins, and a basket of home-preserved items. These items were crafted and donated to the guild by Maureen Danielson, Eleanor Ciskowski and Jan Neylon. Serving as co-chairmen for the occasion are Rachel Taylor and Marilyn Tharp.

Amy Lu Timberlake Marries Robert G. Crump in Edmond

Amy Lu Timberlake and Robert George Crump of Edmond were united in marriage in a candlelight ceremony March 6, 1999, at 7:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Dr. Joel Baker of First Presbyterian Church of Edmond officiated at the double ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Bryan Timberlake of Edmond. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Dorothy Gibson of Miami, Mrs. Cornelia Timberlake of Ponca City, the late R. 0. “Hoot” Gibson, and the late M. D. “Doc” Timberlake.

The bridegroom is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Bob Crump of Tulsa. He is the grandson of Mrs. Dixie Pelfrey of Tulsa, the late George and Naoma Grassnick, and the late William Henry Pelfrey.

Ashley Evans Howard was the soloist, and harpist Jill Justice McClung played during the seating of the guests. The sounding of the trumpets announced the entrance of the bride, who was escorted by her father, and given in marriage by her parents.

The altar table was set with five tall decorative silver candlesticks on each side of the cross. Each candlestick held a different size and height ivory column candle. Fresh greenery with white and ivory flowers was scattered around the base of the candles. Tall aisle staffs were entwined with fresh ivy and long ivory grosgrain bows marked the pews.

The bride’s gown was an original. The light ivory silk satin dress was enhanced with beaded Alencon lace, which was highlighted with dimensional flowers. The Basque waisted bodice, the hemline and cathedral length train, were decorated with Alencon lace and dimensional flowers. Beaded Venise lace bands outlined the scoop neckline, deep vee back and hip line. The long, English net sleeves were accented with beaded Alencon lace with iridescent sequins and dimensional flowers. The bride wore a designer headpiece with a three tiered illusion cathedral veil. The double band headpiece was beaded with Venise lace bands trimmed with pearls and iridescent sequins.

Family traditions were upheld by the following: The bride’s ring is the one with which the bridegroom’s parents were married ; the bride wore a handmade cotton lace slip which was made for her maternal great-grandmother’s wedding, and she is the fourth generation, but fifth person to wear the item; a cameo, now being worn by the fifth generation, which is set in gold with surrounding pearls, had been given to the bride’s great-great grandmother by her bridegroom in London, England; the kneeling pillows and ring pillows were made by the bride’s great-grandmother for her parents’ wedding in 1965.

Maid of Honor was Genie Loretta McDonnell of Dallas, Texas, and bridesmaids were Colleen Marie McDonnell, Manchester, Conn.; Sara Lyn Goodman Pascal, New York City; Shannon Simon Wilguess, Edmond, and Bridgid Ann Couch of Oklahoma City.

Serving as Best Man was Brent Chad Allshouse, Topeka, Kan. Groomsmen were Michael Shawn Mears, Drumright; David Bryan Timberlake, Edmond, and Timothy Michael Cook and Donald Theodore Turnbaugh, both of Oklahoma City.

Also in the wedding party were candlelighter and usher Jeffery Dakota Gibson, flower girl Carlie McCluskey Rhodes, and ring bearer Phillip Cole Gibson, all of Edmond.

Following the ceremony a reception was held at the Petroleum Club with dance music by Good Company. Buffet tables were set with large ice sculpture vases of fresh flowers. Guest tables held centerpieces with large column candles encircled with fresh flowers. The tiered wedding cake was decorated with fresh flowers and a small antique ceramic bride and groom, which had been on the bride’s grandparents cake in 1936.

Following a Caribbean Cruise the couple will reside in Edmond. The bride is a paralegal with Abowitz, Rhodes, & Dahnke and the groom is President of Crump Investment Co. She is a graduate of Heritage Hall School and Oklahoma State University. He is a graduate of Jenks High School and Oklahoma State University.

Out-of-town guests included Mr. and Mrs. Sam Reda, Olathe, Kan.; Gen. and Mrs. Bill Roche, McLean, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. John Fredell, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mrs. Jack Parnell, Summerfield, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Puddy, Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. Bernard Kreitzer, Palm Springs, Calif.

So You Are Getting Married

So you’re getting married … one of the important steps you will need to consider is the bridal photograph for the local newspaper. Sometimes there is a charge for using the picture, sometimes only certain sizes will work, sometimes only black and white photos are permitted, sometimes only the picture of the bride is used, sometimes there are deadlines to be followed. Wherever you want the wedding information to be published, it is a good idea to check with the person in charge of such events at your local newspaper.

At the Ponca City News the Lifestyles desk accepts bridal news and has a form for the customers’ convenience. Deadlines are distributed with the form and printed frequently in the Lifestyles pages, or you may call for information. (580 765-3311)

Wedding information, like any other “news” item is more interesting when it is current. Even though the Lifestyles editor is occasionally referred to as the “scrapbook” editor, she still likes to print the information as soon as possible. A generous deadline of a month for using picture and story with the date and three months for using picture and story has not been changed. The News does not charge a fee to publish your Lifestyles articles.

Photographs seem to be a problem and The News would like to make a few suggestions to help you through a busy time. Your satisfaction is ours also. The portrait of the bride taken before the wedding when all is calm and quiet is an ideal situation for photographer and newspaper personnel. Because we use a computer to size and print pictures we can use a clear, good quality proof or print. The pictures are returned unharmed and The News spends a lot of money in postage each year to return your picture to you safely.

If you are unable to get a suitable “proof” from your photographer before the deadline date plan for a “backup” photo by having a family member or friend take a close-up picture of the bridal couple and perhaps the “snapshot” will be suitable for newspaper reproduction … again, check with the Lifestyles Editor. No Polaroids, please.

If you want to write the story about the wedding that is fine, but remember it is subject to editing. Newspaper style rules need to be applied and space is a consideration. The Lifestyles Editor will write the story for you when you provide adequate information. Lifestyles information is published Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The Thursday edition is reserved for gardening and horticulture information. There is a Wednesday deadline for the Sunday pages.

So you’re getting married … congratulations and best wishes! Stop by your hometown newspaper and pick up guidelines to help you share the good news!

Singles Network Planning Events

The Singles Network, organized in 1982, has announced a calendar of events planned this month. Adults of any age who are divorced, widowed or never married are invited to participate and meet other singles. For information call Ned, 765-1701, or Betty, 762-9776.

Monday, March 8 a chili, soup, and VCR party will be held at Lenora’s. Call 767-1417 for details.

Tuesday, March 9 “breakfast Out” at Perkins, 8 a.m.

Thursday, March 11, covered dish meal and general meeting at Grace Episcopal Church.

Friday, March 12 dinner out at the Chinese Express at 6 p.m.

Reception Honors Lois Clark

Lois Clark was honored with a reception Feb. 26 for 50 years of employment with The Ponca City News. Mrs. Clark has worked for three generations of the Muchmore family — Clyde E., Allan, and Tom.

She began work with The News Jan. 19, 1949, in accounts receivable and concluded her career March 1, 1999, in the payroll-general accounting department. Married to C. E. “Andy” Clark, she is a member of Community Christian Church. The couple has two children, Ron and Jacque Clark of Ponca City, and Sam and Nita Fisher of Coffeyville, Kan., four grandchildren, Chris Fisher, Andy Fisher, Crystal Renken and Todd Clark. Great-grandchildren are Brett and Taylor Renken and Cameron Fisher.

A green and multi-colored floral theme was used for decorations for the reception with the white draped serving table centered with an arrangement of fresh flowers. The event was coordinated by Sharon Cooper and retirement gifts were presented Mrs. Clark by Tom and Sherry Muchmore.

Information for Brides

The News Bridal Tab is included in today’s edition. For information about deadlines and forms call the Lifestyles desk, 765-3311. Forms are also available via e-mail

Bonnie Lee Davis Engaged

Dr. and Mrs. Paul Davis, 143 Whitworth, announce the engagement of their daughter, Bonnie Lee, to Matthew Allan Smith of Houston, Texas. He is the son of Alice Turner of Milton, Vt., and Allan and Carol Smith of Oneida, N.Y. The couple will exchange wedding vows in a 4:30 p.m. ceremony May 22 at St. John The Divine Episcopal Church in Houston.

The bride-elect, a 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School, earned a bachelor’s of science degree in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma. Miss Davis is a sales representative with West Group Publishing in Houston, Texas.

The prospective bridegroom graduated in 1990 from Newfound High School in Bristol, N.H., and received a bachelor of science degree in marine engineering from the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine in 1994. Presently, he is a field projects engineer with General Electric in Houston.

Susan Haver Is Bride-Elect

The engagement of Susan Kay Haver to John Douglas Lye has been announced by her parents, Mrs. Pixie Rowland of Ponca City, and Mr. and Mrs. Hal Haver of Incline Village, Nev. Lye is the son of Justin and Lois Lye of Glendive, Mont. The couple plans a June 25 wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Miss Haver, a graduate of Ponca City High School, has attended Oklahoma State University and earned a bachelor’s of science degree in health and sports science from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently in nursing school and employed at St. John Medical Center health club as an exercise physiologist.

The prospective bridegroom is a graduate of Dawson County High School in Glendive and Colorado Aerotech. He is Avionics Crew Chief with American Airlines in Tulsa.

Engagement Is Announced

Sunset Baptist Church will be the setting June 12 for the 7 p.m. wedding of Casey Virginia Zarth and Korey Daniel Pruitt. Announcement of their engagement has been made by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Zarth of Newkirk. Pruitt is the son of Danny and Dawn Pruitt, 1800 Richway.

Miss Zarth is a 1998 graduate of Newkirk High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She is currently attending Cowley County College and is employed at Mor Pizazz Salon.

The prospective bridegroom graduated from Ponca City High School in 1996 and was a member of Who’s Who. He has attended Northern Oklahoma College and studied welding at Pioneer Technology Center. He is employed at Skyline Corporation in Arkansas City, Kan.

Writer Shares A Moving Moment

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Twenty-nine years after my parents “signed their lives away” on a mortgage for a two-story home nestled in the Texas timbers, my mother watched as another set of parents did the same.

Only this time it was not a joyful occasion for my family. The joy of buying a new home three decades earlier was replaced by the sadness of letting go of what had become our family home.

The house was full of so many memories which had, with the passing of the years, become deeply recessed within our minds and buried amidst more current and important events.

With the opening of each cupboard, closet and cabinet came the discovery of timeless treasures and subtle reminders of life-altering events.

There was the picture of my first boyfriend and me dressed to the hilt for a Valentine’s Day dance; the broken glass frame served as a reminder of the broken heart of a 17-year-old girl.

The hole in the garage wall was a glimpse into the days when my younger brother thought he was as good on a motorcycle as Evil Knevil — only he missed his mark. We were so lucky he didn’t take on jumping cars and trucks and trying for world records.

The oak trees on the side lot were once the host of our homemade monorail system which delivered neighborhood kids across the yard, via a cord and a handlebar 20 feet above the ground. Once clean, fun entertainment, today would be a personal injury lawyer’s dream and an insurance company’s worst nightmare.

Then there was the “back 40” — a large utility easement located in the backyard which hosted some of the best and most exciting world series and super bowls in the history of the neighborhood.

In the middle of the yard was the clover patch which was always good for at least one “four leafer” for those willing to sit and search while engaging in battle with hungry honeybees.

The two-story home was a headache for mischievous teenagers, and, having a room on the second floor, I learned very quickly that the third step from the bottom squeaked. So during those adventurous times when I ventured out beyond my bedtime to affectionately decorate a neighbor’s house with toilet paper, I knew to always avoid that noisy nuisance.

That home was also the place where my father last laid his head before his untimely death. Yes, the place was a sea of sentiments and packing up that house was no easy task, physically, mentally or emotionally.

Most people have experienced the relief that comes with saying good-by to certain people at certain times. Then there are the tearful and painstaking times when those two words can cause the flowing of a river of tears. However, I would never have thought of how I would react to saying farewell to what was our family home; and which, over the years, had become my safe haven during the stormy times in my life.

I found myself saddened, but putting my best face forward for family. However, that all changed the last morning in our home. It was then that I finally realized what I had known all along.

My younger brother put his arms around my mother and me and said we should go outside and have coffee on the back porch for one last time. The words (and reality) shot through my heart like a newly sharpened arrow.

However, it was then — at that moment — with my brother’s arm around my shoulder — that the sadness was replaced with a warm feeling, and a smile came over my face. I realized that that which had made our house a home was not contained within those two stories nor the four walls, but would remain within us, forever in our hearts, wherever we were.

Alpha Gamma Mother’s Club Holds Meeting

The Alpha Gamma Mother’s Club will meet March 8 at the home of Leslie Hoover with Billie Stepken as co-hostess. The program about the Friendship Feast will be presented by Bob Corbin.

The group met Feb. 22 in the home of Mary Spears. Deborah Cordes, co-hostess, led in the reading of the Collect and Aims and eight members answered roll call. Billie Stepken read the minutes and Teresa Doerksen gave the treasurer’s report. Billie Stepken gave the devotion titled “Irreverent Manipulation” from the book “Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul.”

Members of the project committee collected paper goods to be donated to the Golden Villa and a contribution was made to Oklahoma Medical Research. Carol O’Rear asked members to bring history book pages to the next meeting.

Deborah Cordes presented the program “Great Truths About Life Little Children Have Learned.” The Friendship basket was won by May Roquemore and the hostess gift was awarded Helen Wilson.

Pair Plans May 8 Wedding

Announcement has been made of the engagement of Robin Michele Dilley to Jason Todd VanAtta by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Dilley of Larned, Kan. VanAtta is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris VanAtta of Topeka, Kan., and the grandson of Ms. Dorothy Martin and Ms. Inez VanAtta of Ponca City, and the late Robert Martin, and the late Harold VanAtta.

The couple plans a May 8 wedding in Lawrence, Kan. The bride-to-be is a 1991 graduate of Larned High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1995 and completed the Early Childhood Education Certification Program in 1997. Miss Dilley is the Toddler Early Interventionist at Brookcreek Learning Center in Lawrence, Kan. VanAtta, a 1992 graduate of Wichita Northwest High School, is retail manager of Hobby Lobby in Lawrence.

Deadlines Set for Lifestyle Pages

Forms for engagement, anniversary and wedding announcements are available at the desk of the Lifestyles Editor. The News requests that the name of a contact person and a telephone number, where they may be reached during business hours, be listed.

The deadline for the Sunday edition for stories with pictures is 5 p.m. Wednesday, but stories and pictures may be submitted earlier. Stories for the daily edition should be submitted at least two days prior to the date of publication.

In order to keep stories current, The News prefers to have wedding stories submitted within two weeks of the event. However, we will use a photograph and story within three months after the event. If a wedding story is submitted more than one month after the event, the date will not be used and the story may be abbreviated. Stories submitted prior to one month following the ceremony will usually receive preference in the Sunday edition.

If the photo is a snapshot rather than a professional photograph, it must be clear and close. We cannot reproduce photographs from a newspaper or magazine. Prints or negatives only, please. Either color or black and white photos are acceptable. Soft focus pictures do not reproduce well in a newspaper. Almost any size photograph is acceptable since they will be enlarged or reduced as needed. The only exception is some snapshots. Check with the Lifestyles Editor.

There is no charge for wedding, anniversary or engagement announcements, and pictures are returned free of charge. A return name and address should be printed on the back of the photographs. “Sticky” notes are preferred since ink may bleed through the picture if the writer presses too hard. The News cannot be responsible for the spelling of names if information submitted is handwritten rather than typed.

Forms are preferred; however, the Lifestyles editor is available to write the story from facts you provide (Just provide her with the “who, what, when, where, etc. ”). It is not necessary for you to write the actual story, but you may certainly do so if you desire; but be aware that the story is subject to editing.

Items may be mailed, faxed or brought in person to The News. Please be sure to include a name and telephone number in case more information is needed. Those who would like to mail information should include the post box number 191 for The Ponca City News, 74602-0191. Fax number is 580-765-7800. Telephone number for the Ponca City News is 580-765-3311. For further information contact the Lifestyles Editor.

If the article is intended for the Lifestyle pages, please write this on the material you submit by mail. As a service to readers of The News forms may be found via e-mail. Address is http://www.poncacitynews.com/lifeforms

Couple Will Marry In Tulsa

An April 30 wedding at Tarp Chapel in Tulsa is being planned by Jennifer Diane Skelton and Brandon Scott Randleman. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Skelton of Jasper, Texas, and Randlelman is the son of Sheila and Kenny Miller of Van Buren, Ark., former resident of Ponca City.

The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of Mrs. Juanita Bullard, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Randleman, all of Henryetta, and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Miller of Ponca City, and the late Marion Bullard.

The bride-elect, a 1996 graduate of Jasper High School, currently attends Oral Roberts University, where she is working toward a degree in chemistry. Randleman, a 1996 graduate from high school in Humboldt, Tenn., also attends ORU, where he is majoring in chemistry and minoring in German.

Expanded Treatment for Cervical Cancer Results From State Trials

An expanded treatment program for cervical cancer has changed the way the disease is treated, according to the University of Oklahoma gynecologic oncologists who led the clinical study in Oklahoma.

Robert Mannel, M.D., chairman of OU’s department of obstetrics and gynecology, and Joan Walker, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology, headed the Oklahoma clinical investigation which was designed and administered by the Gynecologic Oncology Group and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute. Gary Johnson, M.D. and Scott McMeekin, M.D. are also gynecologic oncologists who specifically trained to care for women with cancer of the female genital system including cervix, uterine and ovarian cancer. Oklahoma was one of 50 study sites throughout the country.

The findings of the clinical studies in Oklahoma, as well as the other academic study centers, prompted the NIH’s National Cancer Institute to advise the nation’s physicians, this week, to strongly consider adding chemotherapy to radiation therapy in the treatment of invasive cervical cancer. Up to now, surgery or radiation therapy alone has been considered the standard treatment for this form of cancer.

“After three years of following patients who volunteered for the study, there was a clear benefit for the women who received cisplatin and radiation in combination,” Walker said. There are 45 clinical trials available for women with ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervix cancer.

Walker noted that women enrolled in the clinical trials receive far superior care since the treatment regimen was more rigid and follows stringent guidelines and is administered by physicians specifically trained for the program. “Cooperation has been an important part of the project,” Dr. Walker said. “We have had referrals from across the state. Our plans call for affiliate centers to be established in Tulsa and Lawton.”

“These findings are clear and consistent,” Walker said. “Undoubtedly, this will change the standard of care for invasive cervical cancer.”

“The most important communication we can give the women of Oklahoma is to be faithful about obtaining their annual pap smears,” said Walker. “Most women we see with cervix cancer have not had their pap smear in over two years. It is usually women who no longer require contraception because they have had a tubal ligation or have gone through the menopause that fail to get pap smears performed. Once cervix cancer is found, usually because of abnormal bleeding, it is best to be treated where the doctors have the most experience with that disease,” Walker concluded.

TOPS Chapter Members Meet

TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order and giving the devotion entitled “Hang In There, Things Will Be Better Soon.” Edith Smith led the TOPS Pledge and Betty Flower led in the KOPS Kreed.

Natalie McCoy called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Elaine Huber was named Best Loser and Edith Smith won the “Ha Ha” pot. Named as “Angel” for the month was Loretta Riley. Chocolate was selected as the forbidden food. An election of officers was also conducted.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Brief programs are presented each week. Weigh-in time is 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448.

Erin Wilson Becomes Bride Of Christopher Ryan Coats

First Presbyterian Church was the setting for the wedding of Erin Wilson and Christopher Ryan Coats on Feb. 6, 1999. The double ring vows were officiated in a 2 p.m. ceremony by the Rev. David Clipson.

Sanctuary decorations included pew bows of ivory tulle and plum satin ribbon roses, created by the bride; two fresh arrangements in clear vases of yellow and orange roses, yellow lilies, purple stock and statice, Bells of Ireland, yellow alstromeria and wheat stocks; and candelabras decorated with ivy.

Ann Salmons played a selection of music. A flute solo by Katie Salmons was accompanied by her mother on the grand piano, which had been previously donated in memory of the bride’s great-grandfather, A. W. Oberschelp. Jesse Krewall and Amanda Krewall of Edmond, cousins of the bridegroom, were candlelighters. During the lighting of the unity candle Cara Kem sang “From This Moment.” The bride and bridegroom’s parents assisted in the ceremony by lighting the tapers used by the couple in lighting the unity candle.

Parents of the couple are Scott and Susan Wilson, and Alan and Sammie Coats, all of Ponca City. The bride is the granddaughter of Jim and Betty Stingley of Fairfax, Thyra Wilson of Ponca City, and the late Paul Wilson. The bridegroom’s paternal grandparents are Don and Maxine Coats of Sallisaw, and the late Thelma Coats. His maternal grandparents are the late J.D. and Boots Farris.

For her wedding, the bride selected a designer gown of white raw silk embellished with hand-sewn pearls and seed pearls. The square neckline was complemented by long lace sleeves, accented with lace appliques, and forming a point over each hand. The dropped waistline was enhanced by a box pleated full skirt with each pleat marked with lace appliques and pearls. The semi-cathedral length train was accentuated at the hemline by a wide band of lace and pearls.

Her headpiece of white raw silk roses, baby’s breath, and hand-sewn seed pearls, held a veil of white illusion. She carried a fresh Colonial bouquet of orange and yellow roses, yellow lilies, purple stock, purple lisianthus, red freesia, Bells of Ireland, purple statice, sheer yellow ribbon, and wheat stalks saved especially for this occasion from her grandfather, J. E. Stingley’s farm in Fairfax.

In keeping with tradition, the bride wore something new, a pearl necklace; something blue, a garter, a gift from her parents purchased while in New Zealand; something old, two rings that belonged to her great-grandmother, the late Mrs. C. H. Little, a ruby engagement ring and a diamond ring; and something borrowed was the bridegroom’s mother’s pearl earrings. The bride also wore a 1947 sixpence from New Zealand in her shoe.

Maid of Honor was Cara Kem of Edmond, and bridesmaids were the bride’s sister, Keri Wilson of Tulsa, and Kristi Anthony of Edmond. They wore long, empire-waisted princess style dresses of plum crepe, trimmed in plum satin, and accented with long satin bows in the back. Each carried a Colonial bouquet of fresh flowers similar to the bride’s bouquet. The bride’s cousin, Madison Schein of Plano, Texas, was flower girl. She carried a basket filled with fresh flower petals. The flower girl and Amanda Krewall, candlelighter, were attired in long dresses of cream satin, lace and pearls fashioned similarly to the bridal gown Sam Stingley of Fairfax, cousin of the bride, was the ringbearer. He wore a black, vested tuxedo.

The bridegroom was attired in full Army military dress blues. The Best Man was Jake Aldrich of Tulsa and groomsmen were Korey Pruitt of Arkansas City, Kan. and Jason Harman of Ponca City. Ushers were Todd Coats of Ponca City, brother of the bridegroom; Ken Langert of Little Rock, Ark., Bob Tennies of Red Rock, and Jimmy Martin of Edmond. All of the men wore black, vested tuxedos, white shirts, and black ties.

Denise Jackson of Guthrie attended the guestbook. Highlighting the guestbook table were pictures of the bride and bridegroom at the ages of two and three, taken by the bridegroom’s father at the Jack and Jill preschool in 1982.

The wedding reception was held in the church reception hall. The bride’s table featured a five-tiered white cake decorated with fresh yellow and orange roses, yellow lilies, purple freesia, purple stock, Bells of Ireland and yellow alstromeria, and silver candelabra with plum colored candles. The antique cut glass punchbowl had belonged to the bride’s great-grandmother, the late Mrs. A. W. Oberschelp. The bridegroom’s cake was chocolate with chocolate covered strawberries. Servers were Dena Coats, cousin of the bridegroom, and Niyati Shelth, both of Edmond, and Christine Qualls of Ponca City.

Keri Wilson offered wheat bags provided by the bride’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Stingley, to each guest. The couple left the church in an Army National Guard humvee driven by Spec. Hensley. They were taken to the Cultural Center for a buffet supper party hosted by the bride’s aunt and uncle, Jim and Paula Stingley of Fairfax. The couple left for a wedding trip to Walt Disney World, Fla. Now at home in Ponca City, the bride is employed at Braudrick Printery, and the bridegroom is employed at Auto Zone.

Among the guests were Mr. and Mrs. Don Coats, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Stingley, Mrs. Thyra Wilson, grandparents of the couple, and R. L. Klufa. Also in attendance were the bridegroom’s Army National Guard platoon and Sgt. Keith Stevens.

Among the out-of-town guests were Joyce Stingley, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Stingley and Sam of Fairfax,, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Schein, Madison and Trent of Plano, Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Knapp and Kaylee, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Knapp, all of Kennedale, Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Richie Knapp, Courtney and Allison of Enid, Michelle Wilson, Shane Wilson, and Charlie Mertz, all of Dallas, Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schein, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Schein, and Ms. Toni Hill, all of Tulsa, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Rennie of Atlanta, Ga., Mrs. Stephani Hill, Maddison and Micah of Stillwater, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blodgett of Wellington, Kan., Ms. Kathryn Barnard, Ms. Lu Ann and Mary Kay Christian, all of Burbank, David Channon of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Bob Robertson of Crescent, and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Krewall of Edmond.

The bride was honored Jan. 8 at a bridal shower at the First Presbyterian Church hosted by her aunts, Cindy Wilson, Priscilla Wells and Paula Dechert, and friends Jean Bowhay, Tammy Hudnall, and Cheryl Knapp. Friends she worked with at the Disney Store located at the Quail Springs Mall in Oklahoma City hosted a shower for her Jan. 21 in the Guthrie home of Denise Jackson. Juni Parks hosted the bridesmaid luncheon held at the Marland Mansion Conference Center dining room on Feb. 5.

The bridegroom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at E.W.’s Restaurant at the Marland Mansion. Sammie Coats, mother of the bridegroom, read a poem she wrote especially in honor of the bridal couple.

Kay Electric Sets Area Writing Contests

BLACKWELL — Kay Electric Cooperative invites high school juniors and eighth graders to sharpen their pencils and make plans to enter one of two contests sponsored by the Cooperative.

The Youth Tour Contest is for high school juniors, and is an essay contest. Students are encouraged to write a 500 word or less essay about “Kay Electric: Past, Present and Future.” The essays will be judged by an independent panel of judges and evaluated on content, originality, grammar and neatness.

Eight finalists will be chosen from the writers (4 boys and 4 girls). The finalists will be invited to a banquet where they will give their essays in speech form, and answer questions from a panel of judges. Two students will win all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C.; two students will win all-expenses-paid trips to Youth Leadership Conference and four students will win cash prizes. All entrants will receive a special Youth Tour T-shirt for entering.

Students in Blackwell, Tonkawa, Newkirk, Shidler, Frontier, Deer Creek-Lamont, Ponca City, Perry, Billings, Garber and Medford are eligible to write essays for this contest.

Eighth grade students are also eligible to enter the Youth Power Energy Camp Contest. Students are asked to write essays on “Imagine a Day Without Electricity.” These essays should be 150-200 words, and entry deadline is March 15. Two eighth grade students will win trips to Youth Power Energy Camp near Davis, Okla. Additional cash prizes will also be awarded.

For information on either contest, call Marilyn Harmon at 363-1260 or 1-800-535-1079.

Garden Club Meeting

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club members will meet at the Cann Garden Home at 9:30 a.m. March 10. Maureen Danielson will be the hostess, assisted by Michiel Landers. The program on Aromatherapy will be presented by Gael Hancock and the Serendipity table will be led by Mrs. Danielson and Mary Ann Potter. For information about the group contact Mrs. Potter, 767-1957.

Lookin’ With Lou

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Little things that you take for granted in life can sure make you miserable when they go amiss. For example, you never realize the value of the driver’s side window on the car until it doesn’t work.

Try using the bank’s drive-up service with the window up. Or go through the fast food drive-in and attempt to order with the window shut. If, per chance, you can pull the car forward and yell through the rear seat window, your order might get through. Chances are pretty slim in the first place when you talk to the typical squawk box.

If you are successful in ordering, next comes trying to pay for the order once you get to the food window. Naturally, you have to open the door all the way, trying not to hit the building or the payment drawer as you pay, while the folks in the line behind you laugh and point.

While backing out of the main bank’s parking lot, a friend comes by and you drive away quickly because you can’t slide the window down for a chat. So the friend is sure you’re mad at him or giving him the royal snub.

Another little annoyance is when lightweight plastic zippers don’t work. When one of the zipper teeth gets the slightest bit out of line, the garment might as well be discarded.

First off, the closure tries to pretend it is going to work but, at the slightest pressure from the love handles at the waist or pooch of the stomach, the zipper pops, exposing whatever it was supposed to protect.

In need of fixing, or at least warnings, are defective shopping carts in supermarkets or super stores. The stores should have designated parking for Wheel Impaired Carts. This is another instance when a device traps the human by looking fit and healthy. But the truth comes out about half an aisle later as the faulty wheel begins to brake and slide or to clack and turn sideways.

As the contrary cart is returned to the parking slot, all the other carts seem to giggle and jiggle as they rack up the score — carts 25, suckers 0.

Event Will Honor Langleys

James and Clara Langley, 938 North Palm, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception March 13, 1-4 p.m., at Northeast Baptist Church, 2200 Pecan Road. An open invitation to attend the casual celebration is extended to friends and family, and the couple requests no gifts. Hosts will be their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Walter James Langley and the former Clara O’Dean Swisher were married March 14, 1949 in Stillwater. The Langley family resided in Stillwater, Okmulgee, and Tulsa before moving to Ponca City in 1964. The couple owned and operated Langleys Auto Safety Center on South Pine for 25 years. In 1991 they established “Our Place,” a 20-acre tract east of Newkirk for the enjoyment of family and friends.

Their children are: Mike and Linda Culver, Gary and Nancy Watters, Matt and Martha Cremers, Mark and Annette Langley, and Jim and Suzy Paschal, all of Ponca City. Grandchildren are Russell, Samantha and Jamie Langley, Courtney and Matthew Schwarz, Paul and Katherine Paschal, Branden and Blake Connelly, Blaine and Brenton Cremers, Kyle Watters, Dustin and Ashley Watters. The couple’s great-granddaughter is Rian Watters.

Wheatheart Nutrition

Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:

Monday, March 8: Hamburger steak with beef gravy; tossed salad; mashed potatoes; biscuit with margarine; mixed fruit.

Tuesday, March 9: Swedish meatballs; tomato juice; rice; seasoned green beans; whole wheat roll with margarine; peach crisp.

Wednesday, March 10: Chicken patty; buttered broccoli; pineapple and bananas; muffin with margarine; iced raisin peanut butter spice bar.

Thursday, March 11: Beef cabbage casserole; three-bean salad; buttered carrots; whole wheat roll with margarine; molded lime applesauce.

Friday, March 12: Ham; beans; tomato relish; cornbread with margarine; fruit cocktail cake.

Sertoma Club Honors Several During Annual Heritage Banquet

Members of the Ponca City Sertoma Club hosted the National Heritage Banquet on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Derricks in the Rose Stone Inn. Red, white and blue streamers and balloons set a festive and patriotic mood for the annual event, which was emceed by Mike Quirey. Sertoma’s mission, as Quirey pointed out, is: Sertoma exists for the high and noble purpose of Service to Mankind by communication of thoughts, ideas, and concepts to accelerate human progress in health, education, freedom, and democracy.

Special guests for the occasion were Mel Griffin, Governor of Challenger District, and his wife, residents of Tulsa. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation, led by Quirey, Gov. Griffin gave a Toast to Sertoma Nations.

Sherri Kremeier welcomed members and guests. Nancy VanZant and Gov. Griffin spoke about the meaning of Sertoma. Following dinner, the annual presentation of Community Awards were made to various citizens.

Two police officers were named as Police Officer of the Year — Brad Fultz and Tom Burg, who are responsible for the Westside Community Project. Mary Bahruth-Poskey made the presentation to the pair. Sgt. Jerry Hall was presented by Sherri Kremeier as the Citizen Soldier of the Year. Sgt. Hall is a member of the National Guard.

Fire Fighter of the Year award was presented to Eddie Shultz by Sertoman Glenda Brown. In addition to the Sertoman honor, Eddie was honored by his peers recently as Medic of the Year.

Sertoman Nancy VanZant presented the Service to Mankind Award to Ruth Ritter. She received the award for her work with Hospice, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Helpline, Domestic Violence, Soroptimist International, Wheatheart Nutrition Center, Ponca City Child Development Center and her church, St. Paul’s United Methodist. She is also an active Stephen Minister. Ms. Ritter retired from full-time professional work in December 1984, doing professional consultant work on a volunteer basis for several years. She was also honored in 1994 as a “5 Who Care” by KOCO-TV, Channel 5.

Sertoman of the Year, presented by Marge Decker, was awarded Mark Kremeier. She described him as one of those “faithful souls” you can call on for almost any project and know the job will be done to perfection. Kremeier has been Sertoman of the Year previously, but his continued hard work and dedication to Sertoma merited the award again this year. Mark and his wife, Sherri, also a two-time Sertoman of the Year and current president of the local club, have three children who are active in school and church activities. He is a self-employed CPA.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Police Chief Raymond Ham, introduced by Quirey. Chief Ham talked about volunteers who make this community work well. He described those “out of sight” folks whom we don’t see or talk about, and when we think about city employees, don’t really think about these folks — the street department workers, the men who pick up our trash — a service second to none, Chief Ham pointed out, and electrical workers who repair the lines knocked out by busy squirrels, hanging from lifts trying to get lines fixed. All of these people are part of what we’re about in Ponca City, Ham said. Chief Ham left his audience with the thought, “Don’t forget to remember these city employees” — the ones who really keep this city running smoothly.

In closing, Quirey talked about the Sertoma National Heritage Week proclamation, which points out that our country, as well as our community, is faced with challenges and problems of monumental proportions. As we seek the answers to these concerns we must not only look to the future, it is critical that we look to the past… the men and women of our country who have established traditions and a heritage of freedom, love for country, concern for our fellowman, and an adherence to the ideals that we must provide help for those in need, and hope for those that see no hope…It is only fitting and proper that we should take time and celebrate our heritage and those who are contributing to it.

Erinn Le Eberle Is Bride Of Darren Wesley Mounts

Erinn Le Eberle became the bride of Darren Wesley Mounts in a recent ceremony at the First United Methodist Church. Their double ring vows were officiated at 4 p.m. by the Rev. Denny Hook. The musical program included “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Bridal Chorus” and the “Wedding March” played by Carolyn Hook, organist. Tom Howard sang “When Love Is Found” and the “Lord’s Prayer.” Sheila Eberle served as candlelighter.

The bride is the daughter of Arlis and Janice Eberle, 7525 Souligny Road, and the bridegroom is the son of John and Carol Mounts, 1417 Reveille Drive. The bride is the granddaughter of Elaine Griffith of Tonkawa, and the bridegroom is the grandson of Wes and Elizabeth Mounts, and Gilbert and Betty Williams, all of Enid.

The bride wore a designer gown of Royal satin and Alencon lace adorned with hand-beaded pearls and irridescents and styled with a Basque waistline, pleated portrait neckline, and short off-the-shoulder sleeves. A pleated bustle in back was detailed with satin roses and complemented by a cathedral length train with lace insets. Her fingertip veil of illusion was attached to a custommade pearl-beaded tiara and she carried an English bouquet of peach and ivory roses accented with pearl strands and illusion. The arrangement was created by the bride’s aunt, Paula Griffith. The bride also carried a Bible belonging to her great-grandmother. Her pearl necklace was a gift from the bridegroom , and her pearl earrings were a gift from her mother. The bride also wore a gold “guardian angel.”

Marla Jurina of Edmond was Matron of Honor, and bridesmaid was Kahle Eberle. Each wore a floor length gown of burgundy crepe designed with an Empire waistline, square neckline and long sleeves. A fabric rose and bow marked each gown in back. The gowns were created by the bride’s mother. Each attendant carried an English bouquet of peach and burgundy roses with pearl strands and burgundy illlusion ribbon made by Paula Griffith.

Best Man was Andrew Oster, and groomsman was Phillip Jurina of Edmond. Seating the guests were C.J. Oster, and Kurt Templeton of Edmond. The guest book was attended by Katie Templeton and Mindy Le. Assisting with the reception at the church fellowship hall were Pam Oster, Susan Boelens, Carolyn Hopkins, Violet Nine, Linda Jantz and Judy Friess.

The newlywed couple resides at 1200 North Perkins Road, Apt. G-11, Stillwater. The bride is a civil engineering student at Oklahoma State University, and the bridegroom is majoring in mechanical engineering technology, and minoring in aviation.

Erica Coulter, Toby Maxson Wedding Ceremony in Texas

Erica Ann Coulter of Highland Village, Texas and Toby Maxson of Lewisville, Texas, former resident of Ponca City, were married recently at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, Texas. Jerry Jones of Key Memorial Methodist Church of Sherman, Texas, officiated the double ring vows in a 1 p.m. ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coulter of Highland Village, Texas, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Myers, and Mr. and Mrs. George Coukter, all of Denison, Texas. She attends the University of North Texas and is employed by Coppell YMCA.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Maxson of Hawkins, Texas, former residents of Ponca City, and the grandson of Julia Clark of Apache Junction, Ariz., also a former resident of Ponca City, Jim and Phyllis Maxson of Ponca City, Sam and Beth Bledsoe of Big Sandy, Texas, and the late Gary Clark. Maxson, a graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana, is employed by the Lewisville Independent School District.

Jeana Coulter of Highland Village served her sister as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Ceresa Coukter of Dallas, cousin of the bride; Melody Wesberry, Jamaica Raith, and Courtney Clinesmith, all of Denton, Texas.

Flower girl was Taylor Maxson of Lewisville, niece of the bridegroom, and Rosie Vera of Lewisville, pianist, provided wedding music. Candlelighters were Mason and Nicholas Bergman of Houston, Texas, nephews of the bride.

Mike Maxson of Hawkins served his son as Best Man and groomsmen and ushers were Tyler Maxson of Lewisville, Tanner Maxson of Guam Air Force Base, and Tucker Maxson of Hawkins, brothers of the bridegroom, and Andy Martinez of Lewisville.

Assisting with the reception, hosted by the bride’s parents, were Sara Mizener and Amy Leverett of Denton, Texas; Tiffany Clountz and Melodie Myers of Dallas, cousins of the bride. Following a wedding trip to Winter Park, Colo., the couple resides in Lewisville, Texas. The bridegroom’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner at the Golden Corral in Lewisville.

Wedding Plans Announced

Denise Pappan and Dale Lawrence are planning a May 1 wedding at Harmony Baptist Church. Parents of the couple are Tom and Margie Stracener, and Paul and Frances Lawrence, all of Ponca City.

Ms. Pappan is a 1983 graduate of Ponca City High School and a 1987 graduate of Oklahoma State University. She is an account executive with NationsBanc Mortgage Corporation.

Lawrence, a 1980 PCHS graduate, and a 1987 OSU graduate, is employed with Rod Mohler Construction.

News Policy: Birthday Photo, Story For 90+

As a service to readers of The Ponca City News the Lifestyles section will include a picture and brief story concerning a resident’s 90th and older birthday. This policy will take effect beginning Oct. 1. When submitting information please give date of birth and details concerning receptions, mailing address for cards, etc. Pictures will be returned when an address is included. Mail or bring information to the Lifestyles Desk, P. O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Cynthia Thompson Plans Oboe Recital

Cynthia Thompson a Senior Instrumental Music Performance major at Oklahoma City University will give her Senior Oboe Recital at 7:30 p.m. March 13 at the OCU Petree Recital Hall

Daughter of Robert and Patricia Thompson, Cynthia is a 1995 Ponca City High School graduate. She has been listed on the Dean’s and President’s Honor Roll at OCU, All-American Collegiate Scholar 1996-1997, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Band 1997-1999, National Dean’s List 1997-1998, and received the Presser Foundation Award for 1998-1999.

Miss Thompson is the principal oboist for the OCU Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and the Opera and Theater Orchestra. She is a member of the OCU Honors Wind Quintet and the OCU Wind Octet which will perform at the Oklahoma Mozart Festival.

Ponca City Happenings

SUNDAY

Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Guided tours Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Special tour information, 767-0420.

Pioneer Woman Museum, open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays.

Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 10th and Grand. Home of Ponca City Indian Museum, Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch Museum and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 767-0427.

Ponca City Tourism Office, 10th and Grand. Information about all tourist attractions and events in Ponca City and the surrounding area. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 763-8067.

11th Step AA meeting — open, 11 a.m.; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed topic meeting; 603 South 1st.

MONDAY

Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Domestic Violence Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Programs for women and children of family violence. Babysitter provided. For information call 76A-BUSE.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Raelene Brown, 765-5756; Mary Beth Guy, 765-9894; Martha Long, 762-5572.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. Call Beth Wright, 765-6738, for additional information.

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Monday. Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.

Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, Marland Mansion Chapel.

Simple Steps AA — closed, noon; AA Step Study — closed, 8 p.m.; Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed 12 by 12 study; 603 South 1st.

TOPS OK 308 members weigh-in time is 6 to 6:45 p.m. with meetings starting at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays. For more information call Betty Flower, 765-5448.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

TUESDAY

The American Family Support Group will meet 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at 1105 West Highland. The topic will be Child Welfare Services and child abuse.

Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts Building (south entrance) Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information call 765-6829, 363-1643 or 762-2885.

Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Marland Mansion Conference Center.

New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).

AA Discussion meeting at noon; AA Big Book Study — closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed newcomers meeting; 603 South 1st.

Parent Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.

Pioneer Water Garden Society meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Cann Gardens. Anyone interested in water gardens, fish, plants or starting your own pond is welcome to attend. For more information contact Mike Welch, 765-3271, or Ray Moreland, 762-7806.

Preschool storytime for 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Ponca City Library.

Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.

Fanchon Chapter 53, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand.

Free pregnancy test is kept confidential at Birth Choice, 700 West Broadway. Hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday; 1-3 p.m. Wednesday; 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

WEDNESDAY

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Salvation Army Support Center, 711 South Third.

Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, R&D East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests welcome; public invited. For additional information, contact Bob Ennis, 767-5946.

Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. For location call 765-5695 or 762-5529.

Simple Steps AA meeting; Step Study — closed, noon. AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed Big Book study; 603 South 1st.

Storytime for 2 and 3-year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support group aids veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. The group is confidential and meets at the DAV, 401 South Lincoln, Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. If you are a veteran suffering with PTSD or know someone who could use help, contact 762-3851 or Steve Mallory, 762-7561.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

St. Francis Guild at St. Mary’s Catholic Church will sponsor a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon and card party March 17, noon-3:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Parish Hall, with tickets $5 per person. Luncheon only tables are available, as well as take out. Reservations and further information may be obtained by calling Deanna Nicholas, 762-5496; Joan Slovacek, 762-5953, or Beverly Smith, 762-2695. The public is invited to participate in this traditional event.

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club members will meet at the Cann Garden Home at 9:30 a.m. March 10. Maureen Danielson will be the hostess, assisted by Michiel Landers. The program on Aromatherapy will be presented by Gael Hancock and the Serendipity table will be led by Mrs. Danielson and Mary Ann Potter. For information about the group contact Mrs. Potter, 767-1957.

THURSDAY

Al-Anon at Conoco, TBTV 50 on Mezzanine between North and South Towers, 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Call Linda, 765-7045, 767-5328.

AA Discussion meeting, noon; AA discussion meeting, 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed AA literature study; 603 South 1st.

Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting the last Thursday of each month for birthdays. Call 762-3345 for more information.

Jaycees, 7 p.m., first and third Thursday, Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting.

Model Railroad Club, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Stephenson Building, 113 North Third. For information call 762-8687 or 765-7996.

Parent Support Group, 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.

Ponca City Newcomers Club meets the third Thursday of each month at the Marland Mansion. For more information contact Joyce Fox, 762-9578.

Story hour for school-aged children Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

FRIDAY

Simple Steps AA — open, noon; AA speaker meeting — open, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

New Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Salvation Army Community Support Center, 711 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open 12 by 12 meeting; 8 p.m., open speaker meeting; 603 South 1st.

Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Marland Mansion.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance). Smoke-free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.

Twentieth Century Club meets at 1 p.m. March 12 at the Ponca City Cultural Center.

SATURDAY

AA Discussion meeting at noon Saturday. AA Discussion meeting at 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

AA Alano Group — Noon, open topic meeting; 8 p.m., closed Big Book study; 603 South 1st.

New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.

Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.

Reorganized Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” For more information call 762-2161 or 765-5958.

Free Senior High Night at Grand Central Station the first Saturday of each month from 8 to 11 p.m. Music, movies, games and snacks. Call 767-TEEN for details.

Free Junior High Night at Grand Central Station the third Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Open door (can come and go) for 7th, 8th and 9th grades. Music, movies, games and snacks. Call 767-TEENS for details.

Booths are available for the Victorian Chocolate and Craft Fair Festival scheduled May 1. Proceeds go to Grand Central Station to benefit youth in the Ponca City area. For information call 762-6700.

Church Women United sponsored Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., March 27, Unity Gym. Proceeds to benefit Child Development Center. For information call Mary Bates, 718-0019.

Couple Celebrates 25 Years

Terry and Jane Stolhand, 3414 El Camino, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary March 5 with a reception at the Calvary Chapel Church. The event was hosted by family. The couple’s children are Matt and Corie Stolhand, and Brad Stolhand, all of Ponca City. The Stolhands have a grandchild, Drew.

Terry R. Stolhand and the former Jane L. Engle were married March 8, 1974, at the First Baptist Church in Newkirk. He is the son of Winnafay Aguinaga of Clute, Texas, and Dean Stolhand of Ponca City. Mrs. Stolhand is the daughter of Leonard Engle of Newkirk and the late Louise Engle.

Stolhand worked for Mertz Incorporated for 11 years and has been employed for 14 years by Boeing Airplane Company in Wichita, Kan. Mrs. Stolhand is employed as a child care provider in her home.

Miriam Sunday School Class Talk About Africa

The Miriam Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church held their February meeting in the Conference Center of the church with Frank Smith, president, presiding. Twelve members attended.

Verna Wilson, Fellowship Leader, introduced Amanda Clinton who spoke to the group about her trip to Malawi, Africa, where she had visited with a church group to minister to the people, and arrange plans for the building of a seminary.

She displayed art, pottery, wood carvings, pictures from that country, and gave each member present a coin from Malawi, asking those present to remember the people of Malawi in their prayers, as they thanked God for what we have in this country.

SPORTS

Tracksters Open in Cold
Mavericks Fall Short To Westark
Frontier Regains Crown
Wildcat Soccer Team Fades
Lady Cats Play Defensively

Tracksters Open in Cold

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Battling the cold and wind — along with a number of key injuries — the Wildcat track team finished sixth and the Lady Cats were 10th in the 16-team Ponca City Invitational Saturday.

The cold was brutal but Po-Hi coach Terry Henderson was pleased with the showing his thinclads, “especially for their first outing.

“This team is starting to come together and that’s difficult because they are coming from different (winter) sports. But they were out there cheering for each other and helping each other out.

“As soon as we get some people who are hurt back, we’re going to be a force.”

Both Ponca City teams got some much needed help from freshmen.

Pole vaulter Jason Jump finished second in his event with a vault of 11-6.

Another freshman, Micah Johnson, was fourth in the high jump at 5-6.

Veteran Paul Paschal was third in the 3200-meter run in 10:13 while senior Chris Buck was fifth in the 1600 in 4:40.

The spring relay team of Michael Koster, Jimmy Patterson and Jared Sindelar was fourth in 46 seconds.

The 1600 relay team of Paschal, Buck, John Able and Nathan Zimmerman were fifth in 3:38.

The Ponca City long jumpers finished fourth, fifth and sixth. Joe Roland went 18-11, Kyle Henderson 18-4.5 and Patterson 18-3.

On the girls’ side freshman Jessica Jorgensen was fourth in the 3200 in 12:10.66.

The 800-meter relay team of Aubry Kelly, Nikki Austin, Megan Butt and Adrian Hines was sixth in 2:10.

In the field events, Teresa Rathbun was sixth in the long jump at 11-11.5 while Kindra Love was sixth in the discus at 91-10.

The girls were just out of the medal placing in a couple of events. Laura Chaney was timed in 2:59 in the 800 while the 3200 relay team of Jorgensen, Mary Metzger, Carol Stangeland and Chaney finished in 11:30.

The Ponca Citians are back in action Friday at the Catoosa Invitational.

Mavericks Fall Short To Westark

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

SHAWNEE — All season, the Mavericks of NOC looked to the equals of last year’s record-setting team.

They weren’t.

As it were, the freshman-laden Mavs made an earlier-than-expected exit from the Region II tournament, falling in overtime to Westark, 75-66, Friday.

The defending Region II champions end their season 23-8. Last season, the Mavs finished 28-8, and took a first ever trip to the NJCAA tournament.

Though the Mavs led by as much as 10, 55-45, the Lions stormed back to tie the game at 64-all.

Dusty Middleton then hit a 3-pointer in the extra period, and the Lions went 6-for-6 from the line to take the win. The Mavericks, meanwhile, picked up two shot clock violations in overtime and missed a trio of 3-point attempts.

The Mavs were outscored 11-2 in the extra minutes.

“This team has never gotten tough in the closing moments of tough games,” said NOC coach Mick Weiberg. “We got some bad calls, we couldn’t hit our free throws, and we had some mistakes on the open floor ... all those things add up to getting beat.”

Maurice Jeffers led all scorers with 24 points, including a 3-point play with 42 seconds left to pull the Lions to within one, 63-62. Kelvin Howell, a 6-9 center, then got an offensive put back to put the Lions up by one, with 12 seconds left.

Maverick Larry Reid was then fouled bringing the ball down court, but hit just 1-of-2 in the double bonus to force the overtime.

In the final minute of regulation, the Mavs hit just 1-of-4 shots from the line, including two misses on the front end of 1-and-1 situations.

“We’ve lost three overtime games now, and they all looked the same,” Weiberg continued. “We couldn’t hit free throws down the stretch. We had our two best free throw shooters on the line at the end of the game and we went 1-of-4. The game was over with that.”

Overall, the Mavs were just 65 percent (11-of-17) from the line, while the Lions were 19-of-23, for 83 percent.

The first half was back and forth until the five minute mark, when the Mavs hit three consecutive 3-pointers to go up by seven, 32-25. Again, however, the Mavs missed their opportunities to go up further, hitting just 1-of-5 free throws in the final three minutes of the half.

The Mavs led 37-31 at half.

The Mavericks did shoot 45 percent (9-of-20) from 3-point range, including a pair from Ryan Williams in the second half to give the Mavs their biggest lead of the game. Williams led the Mavs scoring with 13 points.

The Lions also out-gunned the Mavs from the field, burying 54 percent (27-of-50) of their shots. The Mavs hit 41 percent (23-of-55), and were also out-rebounded 34-27.

Reid finished with 12 points, Ron Banks had 10, Jeff Newby 9, Josh Regnier and Sherman Rochell 8, Nathan Gregory 4 and Garrett Pelton 2.

Chris Knauls had 15 for the Lions, and Middleton had 10.

Mavericks Notes — Ron Banks was named to the Bi-State West first team, while Josh Regnier and Larry Reid were named to the second team. Shere-Khan Jones, Ryan Williams and Sherman Rochell were Bi-State West Honorable Mentions, while Banks was also named to the All-Region II team ... the Mavericks should be a force to be reckoned with again next year, as they lose just Regnier, Banks, Pelton and Jones to graduation.

“These freshmen have to reach back and look inside themselves now,” Weiberg says. “They have to look at what they didn’t accomplish this season and work in the offseason to get better. We gotta build on things and work every day — in this game you gotta work every day to get better.”

Frontier Regains Crown

By MATTHEW KOENIG

News Sports Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY — Even for the Frontier Mustangs three-out-of-four ain’t bad.

After falling in the quarterfinals of the Class A State Tournament last season, the Mustangs brought the state title back home Saturday sailing past Forgan with a second half surge to win 61-47 in the Class B finals in the State Fairgrounds Arena.

The Mustangs won the Class A championships back to back in 1996-97.

Sophomore Albert Plumley led the Mustangs attack with 12 of his 13 points in the second half. But it was little brother Chris who played much bigger than his 5-8 frame would seem to allow.

The freshman ignited a 13-5 run late in the third quarter to put the Mustangs ahead to stay.

Trailing 35-29, Plumley buried a trio of 3-pointers to put the Mustangs up by three.

After Jacob Burk got a put-back, Jeremiah Regnier drove for two more as the Mustangs built a 46-40 lead. Frontier then hit 12-of-16 free throws in the final 2:43.

Frontier trailed 28-21 at halftime with Forgan’s Dick Foster and James Taylor combining for 22 of those points. But the Mustangs shut that pair down in the second half.

Frontier shot only 8-of-30 from the field in the first half and were 18-of-50 for the game. Forgan was 21-of-52.

Chris Plumley finished with 12 points, Regnier 11, Dee Buxton 10, Burk 8, Zac Clouse 5, Matt Clouse 1 and James Padgett 1.

It was a thrilling finish on Friday night, as the No. 1 Mustangs prevailed over the No. 2 ranked Boynton-Moton Cardinals in a semifinal showdown, 68-67, at Midwest City High School.

The two teams had split in the regular season, and while the match up was expected to take place in the state finals, an earlier loss by Boynton in the playoffs exacerbated the earlier-than-expected meeting.

Despite a whopping, 37-point effort from Boynton junior David Haynes, the Mustangs got 28 points from guard Jeremiah Regnier, including 16 in the fourth quarter.

Down by two, 64-62, with a minute left, and with Frontier holding for the final shot, Boynton’s Curtis Howell nabbed a steal and drove in to tie the game. A free throw from David Belton then gave the Cardinals a 1-point lead.

Regnier put the Mustangs back on top with a drive into the lane, but Haynes responded by hitting two free throws after getting fouled on an offensive rebound.

After misses on both ends, then, and with just 7.4 seconds left on the clock, Regnier was fouled on a defensive rebound.

The 6-1 junior — who’s brother, Josh, was an All-Stater from Frontier in 1997 — nailed both shots in the double bonus to give the Mustangs the lead.

Zac Clouse then came up with the biggest defensive play of the game, taking a charge from Haynes as the Boynton scoring machine drove into the lane to win the game.

With 2.7 seconds left, Clouse missed the free throws, but it wouldn’t matter as the Cardinals couldn’t get a shot off before the buzzer.

The game, as expected, was close the whole way. Frontier’s biggest deficit came late in the first half, as they went down by four, 30-26.

The Cardinals biggest deficit came at the 4:31 mark of the fourth quarter, as they went down by five, 60-55.

Frontier was down by three, 47-44 to start the fourth quarter, but Regnier exploded for seven straight points to put the Mustangs into the lead.

Albert Plumley, who had 28 points against Keyes a day earlier, scored 19, including a 3-pointer to give the Mustangs their biggest lead of the game.

Clouse and Jacob Burk had 7 each, Dee Buxton had 5, while Chris Plumley had 4. Clouse had 9 rebounds while Buxton had 8.

Belton had 11 points for the Cardinals.

Wildcat Soccer Team Fades

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City’s Wildcat soccer team may have gained a little respect but not the win they wanted as they appeared to run out of gas in the late stages of a 4-2 loss to Jenks in the season opener here Friday.

Jenks scored twice in the final two minutes of the match as Wildcat defenders failed to get back in time and the Trojans simply overwhelmed the Cat defenders.

However, the Cats came out strong, scoring in the first five minutes of the match. Paul Broom headed a penalty kick toward the goal and Andrew English finished off the score for a 1-0 lead.

Jenks tied the score midway through the first half, but the Poncans scored again with 7:33 left when Brett Skagg’s kick appeared to develop eyes, snaking its way through several defenders to reach the net.

Ponca City led 2-1 at halftime thanks in part to several spectacular saves by goaltender Sven Gross.

Jenks tied the score again in the opening minute of second half and from that point the match turned into a defensive struggle until the final minutes.

Jenks got the numbers advantage to move to 3-2 with 2:15 remaining and then exactly a minute later scored again on a breakaway to seal the win.

Ponca City coach Marco Castillo admitted his team seemed to fade in the late stages of the match.

“We’re not in as good condition as I thought we were,” he said afterwards.

“But if conditioning is our only problem, then I’m happy, because we can fix that.”

Castillo said before the match he felt his team was as good as some of the state’s powers, but they weren’t getting much notice or respect. He said they needed a win over a good team to gain that respect.

The Poncans will get another chance when they travel to Tulsa Union Tuesday.

That match is set for 6 p.m. on Union’s artificial turf, with the girls’ game to follow.

Lady Cats Play Defensively

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

At least it wasn’t a blowout.

After several years of lopsided losses to the Jenks girls, the young Lady Wildcat soccer team kept the score respectable in a 3-1 season opening loss to the Lady Trojans Friday night at Sullins Stadium.

Coach Steve Hermann devised a special defensive alignment for the Po-Hi girls to slow the talented Jenks team. It worked to an extent.

It kept the scoring down, but it also offered few opportunities for the Lady Cats to reach the net in the first half.

As a result, Jenks scored twice in the first half of Friday’s match and then had to hold off the Poncans down the stretch.

“We played defensive the first half to see what they had,” Hermann said of the early strategy against Jenks. “They had just what we thought they had. They’re a good team with very good speed.”

The Lady Cats also have good speed, but are very young with just one senior on the roster. More than half the team is made up of sophomores and freshmen.

With that in mind, Hermann was pleased with the outcome of the Poncans first match of the season.

“This group will get better as the season goes along,” Hermann said. “They are working hard. We’re working for the future.”

The Lady Cats got on the scoreboard in the opening minutes of the second half as Jessica Windom booted through the first Ponca City goal of the season,

“Jessica is one of our best scorers,” Hermann said, “and I kept her out in the first half. I put her in to start the second half and, boom, she scores.”

That cut the Jenks lead in half but the Ponca Citians couldn’t get through the tough Lady Trojans’ defense for another tally.

Jenks put in the deciding goal with just over 17 minutes left in the match.

The Lady Cats take to the road for their next encounter as they travel to Tulsa Union Tuesday.