From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, August
24, 1997
LOCAL
Istook Reaffirms Anti-Amtrak Stand Here
Nearly News
Massive Recall Of Ground Beef Felt Somewhat
Time To Get Up!
Letters
Juvenile Crime Brings Questions Of Gang Activity Present in City
City Calendar
101 Ranch Old Timers Reunion Draws Actual Workers of Ranch
School Lunch
School Calendar
Times Listed For Schools
Donors "Key" To United Way Success
Popular Musicians for Balloonists
Lake Users Group Meets On Tuesday
Ponca Powwow Welcomes Everyone To Annual Event
City Budget Review On Agenda Monday
New Physician Joining St. Joseph Medical Center
Health Information Available Tuesday
DEATHS
Mabel Elizabeth Neff
Russell W. Rozell
Madge Meeker
Betty Reetz Hoffman
Ricke Dale Larkins
Services Pending
Blossom Montgomery
Charles Edward Moler
Obituaries
Edith B. Broaddus
Helen Spray Wilson
Mark Calhoun Edwards
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
Event Fetes Lucille Powell
Parkers Mark Anniversary
Hot Air Balloons Part Of Labor Day Events
A World of Sweet Indulgence Will Be Found at 'Uncle Toad's' Booth
Singles Club Names Plans
Daughters of Civil War Union Veterans Meet
Presbyterian Women Install New Officers
Heather M. Long Becomes Bride of Stephen H. Heslip
J.C. Carmack Celebrating 91st Birthday
Edwards Married 71 Years
Quilt Guild Lists Program Plans, Prize Winners
Humphreys And McDowell Family Reunion Held
MOPS Members Set Registration At First Baptist
Busy Bee Club Members Meet Years
First Baptist Church Setting For Caid-Steele Marriage
1948 Class Sets Event
Meredith Michelle Turner Bride of Kelly J. Riddle
Arthritis Exercise Offered For Fall At YMCA Pool
FFA and FCE Plant Trees at Marland Park
Aqua Jog With June September Classes Planned
Jennifer Lucas Bride-Elect
Group Exercise Classes Begin At Local YMCA
TOPS Members Name Winners
Couple Exchanges Vows In Miami Wedding Chapel
September Vows Planned
Wheatheart Nutrition
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Wildcats Can Move the Ball
Ex-Wildcat Gets Taste Of Europe
Cat Harriers Seek Return to State
Sailfish Finish Strong
Golf Notes
Sports Notes
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Fifth District Congressman Ernest Istook reaffirmed his anti-Amtrak stand here Friday. Istook said he was against the project because 80 percent of the cost of a passenger riding the proposed high speed train between Tulsa and Oklahoma City would be funded by Oklahoma taxpayers.
As an example, he said if the ticket cost the passenger $20 it would also cost the taxpayers $80. Istook said he made his decision after studying the research report of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The report noted in part, "To the best of our knowledge, there will be minimal multiplier benefits associated with rail services. A handful of train station and rail service jobs might be added, however, there will likely be no additional meaningful gains."
Another portion of the report Istook cited says, "In addition to capital costs of $16.7 million (from the 1996 Oklahoma Rail Passenger Study, Option 4), Amtrak projects annual operating losses of $4 million on a reestablished Oklahoma/Tulsa Corridor.
"This option anticipates just over 50,000 riders/trips by the year 2001. Given revenue estimates of $1 million, this assumes a price of $20 a trip. The operating loss figures suggest an actual operation cost of $100 with the need for subsidy of $80 a ride."
On the tax cut measures supported by the Republican Congress, Istook said, "We have taken the first step. For the first time in 16 years, we have major tax reduction for people all across the country, for old people, for young people, and people in between and we intend to go further next year and in the years to come we want to provide more relief because we believe the government is too big and spends too much."
Istook added, "When you look at the whole situation of federal spending the debate is shifting away from when do we balance the budget, toward what do we do after we balance the budget? To what extent do we need to keep providing tax relief and to what extent do we need to tame down the national debt? The answer is we need to do some of each of those."
Goal of the Republicans, according to a handout of the Republican Conference is to balance the budget by 2002. The tax relief Istook was referring to at every stage of life states that the net tax cut adds up to $10 billion over five years and $275 billion over 10 years.
Listed were child tax credit, capital gains tax relief, relief for family owned small businesses and family farms, expanded IRAs allowing for increased contributions, education tax relief for education accounts to allow parents to being saving for their children's education.
Other issues addressed were limited spending for Medicare, and Medicaid, eliminating welfare benefits for non-citizens who come to the United States after 1996.
On his Religion Freedom Amendment allowing for prayer in school, Istook said the measure will be coming up this fall. He said there are 140 co-sponsors now signed on. He named a number of religious groups that are supporting the amendment. Congressman Istook noted that "The courts have been whittling away at our religious freedom for some 30 years and frankly it is time to take it back."
About Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House, Istook said he felt the speaker should stay in power as it is a two-year term. He said he expects no changes in the next year in Speaker status.
NN's face is red and rightly so! The picture on Religion Friday, supposedly that of Ruth Pohle of Newkirk and a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Cimarron Presbytery, was really Ann Salmons, church organist at First Presbyterian Church here. Our apologies to both Ruth and Ann for the confusion. Ruth really did receive the Witness Award at the National Gathering of Presbyterian Women recently, and Ann does a great job as church organist - it's just NN dropped the ball. Mea culpa!
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NN has been informed a wrong telephone number was carried in a recent Lost and Found notice. If you are the person who lost jewelry at the High School football field recently, it has been found and you may reclaim it by calling 762-0504 and not the number published earlier.
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NN understands that street repairs for North Union Street have been rescheduled to begin on Monday and continue through Wednesday, weather permitting. The repairs will close the 1700 block of North Union Street, however the southbound lane will be open each day after 3:30 p.m.
The massive recall of ground beef supplied by Hudson Foods has had little impact on Ponca City and area.
The 100 percent beef patties, supplied to Ponca City's Wal-Mart by Hudson Foods have been removed from the shelves, according to Joel Anderson, meat department supervisor.
Anderson said Friday that anyone having purchased these products from Wal-Mart may return them for a 200 percent guarantee.
A Burger King spokesman said that the purchasers of the meat for Burger King were supplying the west coast and not the local restaurant, which is continuing to serve its regular menu. Some of the Burger Kings in other locations had pulled the beef pattie products from the menu and are serving fish and chicken instead.
The early blanket of fog Saturday gave rise to a beautiful misty morning sunrise. Shortly after the sunrise, the temperatures warmed, to clear the fog away for a rather comfortable day. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
Station Input Sought
Dear Citizens of Ponca City,
When I decided to run for the office of City Commissioner I was committed to the idea of keeping the citizens of Ponca City informed of my actions if I was fortunate enough to be elected as a member of the City Commission. I believe that this letter is the quickest way I can reach a majority of you at what I believe is a critical time. My hopes are that you will respond to me by phone or letter with your opinions and concerns.
My first three months as a City Commissioner has been very interesting and a great experience. Most of what we do is fairly routine. I do receive phone calls from you when there are certain issues and I thank you for the calls.
We are now faced with the fact that we must build a new fire station. I believe that a majority of you know and understand that fact. I believe that the major issue as to the refurbishing of the fire station is the location of such a project. Most of the discussion on potential location has centered on potential locations at Fifth Street and Highland or south of the Commercial Federal building on Fourth Street and Oklahoma. In fact concrete discussion on locating the fire station has begun and an architect is now putting together cost projections.
My personal choice for locating the fire station is to leave it at its present location, a location that has served Ponca City for 75 years. It is my opinion that though it may cost more money up front to rebuild at the current site than it would at a new location, I firmly believe that refurbishing the existing location would be our best course of action and it would actually cost less in the long term than any other proposal now on the table. You may agree or disagree with my opinion and choice for location, but that is why it is vitally important that I hear from you on this issue. If you have ideas and opinions about this matter I would hope that you would not only let me know what you think, but also inform the mayor and the other commissioners of your ideas.
Please understand that I am not attempting to speak for the Commission as a whole or for any other commissioners, rather I am hopeful that I can get an idea what you as a citizen of Ponca City believes is important as to this matter. I look forward to hearing from many of you in the next few days so that we as a community can discuss this matter in its initial phases. Thank you for your time and your continuing support.
Chris Hand
Join Citizen's Academy
I am a graduate of the second Ponca City Citizen's Police Academy. Applications for CPA III are now being taken.
Many have asked what I got out of this course. I'm not a policeman nor do I want to be a policeman. I've just always been interested in law enforcement. When I was a child, my brother was an officer with the Ponca City Police Department. I was taught to respect authority. So when the opportunity was presented to apply for the academy, I jumped at the chance. Going in, I figured I'd get to know a few officers and hear stories about all the good things that they've done. Well, I met a lot of good male and female human beings that just happen to be police officers. We were shown things that worked and things that needed some improvement, and things that were really just a bust (no pun intended). I don't like guns but I was given the opportunity to shoot two types of guns. When they tell you that the cartridge will be hot, believe them. I don't have the nickname "Hot Brass" for no reason!
If you base what you know about police on the TV show "Cops," then you must consider the Citizen's Police Academy. If you think being a cop means that you get to drive a car, carry a gun, and eat jelly doughnuts all day long, then please consider the Citizen's Police Academy. I've not even seen a doughnut!
Academies I and II have formed an alumni group that meets once a month. We volunteer for several projects handled by the police department. We are proud of our participation as a group to enhance our community. The alumni have organized a speaker panel to speak with community groups. Contact Captain Johnson or Officer Dale Henshaw at the police department if you need a speaker.
We are given the opportunity to ride with the officers. Most of the time riding with the police is pretty quiet. There is quite a misconception that our police are just "out to get us" and that they have a "quota" of tickets to write. From my observation of the officers that I have ridden with, and the officers that I have had the privilege to get to know, Ponca City is in very good hands
I encourage anyone interested in getting to know our police to apply. Class size is limited so don't delay. Classes begin Jan. 29, 1998. and conclude on April 23, 1998. The course includes lectures, demonstrations, tours and practical applications. Anyone of age may apply unless they have a felony conviction or have been convicted of Domestic Abuse. Selection and notification of participants will be completed by Dec. 15, 1997. Applications are available from any CPA graduate or from the police department.
Sammie Coats
Editor's Note: This is the first in a two-part series about juvenile crime and the question of gang activity in Ponca City. Part one is law enforcement's view.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Reporter
Both the large number of recent juvenile arrests and a state report indicating gang involvement in a percentage of young criminal offenders have people asking whether a gang problem exists in Ponca City.
The answer to that question depends on several things - the definition of "gang," who you ask and what you believe, the facts, the figures, the opinions.
According to a recently released state report from the Oklahoma Office of Accountability, there was one criminal offender in every 26.3 students in the Ponca City Public School District. That number was worse than the state average of only one in every 40.7 students.
The survey included any student arrested for any crime, in any school in the district, other than those minor misdemeanors handled by the local municipal court. The data includes only those crimes referred to the district attorney's office, the more serious misdemeanors and felonies.
But it wasn't that statics that raised concerns as much as the one showing the percentage of those offenders in gangs. According to the report, 15 percent of those student offenders were gang members. Although some might not consider the number high, it compares with the state average of only seven percent.
And that number may be low according to Cheryl McNair, program supervisor at the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, the office responsible for collecting and distributing the data contained in the report. "Those numbers are probably lower than the number of those actually involved in gangs," McNair said. "People, especially family members, are reluctant to admit involvement in gangs so that 15 percent is more likely lower than it actually is."
But locally the accuracy of those statistics have been questioned by police and school officials alike. Ponca City Police Chief Raymond Ham was concerned over the report but questions the accuracy of the report. "I just don't know where they got their information and numbers," Ham questioned.
McNair stood by the statistics, adding that the data is gathered by a wide variety of sources including judges, lawyers, police, family. "We have a lot of sources for our information and if anything that statistic is pretty low compared to the actual truth," she repeated.
Juveniles are committing crimes at an alarming number and at an alarming rate. Recently two different crime sprees resulted in the arrest of local juveniles.
Five local male juveniles ranging from age 13 to 17 were arrested in July for a string of auto thefts. Just a few days later three other local teenagers were arrested for a business burglary spree.
However, Ham believes that those arrested were not involved in any gang activity but more likely just kids getting in trouble during the summer. "We do see an increase in juvenile crimes during the summer months," Ham said. "But there is too much emphasis on whether crimes are gang related."
The numbers of juvenile offenders in the city has remained fairly constant over the years Ham explained. In 1995, 402 juveniles were arrested for felonies. In 1996 that number decreased to 392. For the first six months of this year the numbers seem to be about average with 152 juveniles arrested. "We are handling quite a few juvenile felonies so far this year but at lower level of crimes, less severe ones," Ham said. "But it is just a small percentage of young people fouling up," he added.
Ham does not believe a gang problem really exists in the city much less to the degree the report seems to indicate. Instead he believes the problem is more in the way the society views crimes of today.
Saying that the crime rate hasn't greatly fluctuated over the last six years, Ham believes the real problem lies in the way we label the crimes. "We are too willing and more prone to label crimes as a gang problem than we were 10-12 years ago," Ham explains. "If we had a real gang problem in Ponca City, shootings and severe crimes would be higher," Ham said.
It is the location of Ponca City in relation to the bigger cities that makes Ponca a potential target for gang activity and gang recruitment Ham explained. He believes that the federal government "pouring federal funds" into anti-gang efforts in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Wichita caused those gang factions to move to smaller outlying communities. Ponca City, located in the middle of all three, is a prime location geographically for outside gang influence and recruitment.
From Elvis to the Beatles to Vietnam, Ham believes that gangs are an era. From the baggy dress, the colors, the language and the signs, the "style" has become a part of the younger generation. Ham hopes that this latest craze will fade as quickly as others have.
But until it does, the way crimes are labeled, the questions that arise and the way young adults are now behaving will continue to be influenced by some degree by what is popular at the time, as generations before have.
Next: School administrators speak out
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
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Seven men and women who actually lived on the 101 Ranch or worked on the ranch and in the wild west show, were in attendance at the 101 Ranch Old Timers Reunion Aug. 16.
About 125 old timers, relatives of old timers, 101 Ranch Collectors and visitors came to the Fourth Street Conoco Club House for the event.
The 101 Ranch Collectors set up displays and held a meeting after the Old Timers meeting. Perhaps the outstanding display was outside, where Bill and Emily Waken of Enid brought the Cord automobile which had belonged to Tom Mix. Mix was a 101 Ranch cowboy before he became a western movie star.
Old timers who attended included, Hertha Miller Adams of Ponca City, whose parents lived on the ranch from 1910-1912,( her father worked in the dairy and her mother worked in the White House); Enola Anderson Buffum of Wichita, who lived on the ranch from 1923-1927, (her mother worked in the hotel and her father on the ranch); Bud Kemp of Clarksville, Texas, who was a bronc rider with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show from 1927-1929; A.C. Newton of Ponca City, who grew up on the 101 Ranch and then worked for Zack Miller; Joe C. Miller Jr., of Ponca City (son of Col. Joe C. Miller) who was one of the managers of the wild west show from 1927-1929.
Also, Laura Palecek, of Enid, who lived on the 101 Ranch in the 1920s, and Henry Sadler of Perkins, who worked as a cowboy on the ranch in 1929. He was a member of the Cherokee Strip Cow Punchers Association in the 1950s before joining the Old Timers in the 1970s and Kenneth Good Eagle of Pawnee, a bronc rider with the Wild West Show 1929-1931.
The families of the Old Timers, collectors and visitors came from Stillwater, Enid, Holdenville, Tonkawa, Blackwell, Edmond, Owasso, Orlando, Osage, Ponca City, Newkirk, Stroud, Tulsa, Perkins and Perry in Oklahoma.
From others states the visitors came from Wichita, Garden City, Ft. Scott and Oxford, Kan.; Danville and Lexington, Ky., Rockford, Ill., Bella Vista, Ark., Corpus Christi, Texas, and Michigan.
The Miller family attending were, Joe C. Miller, Jr. of Ponca City, the son of Col. Joe C. Miller; Jim Miller of Caladonia, Mich., the son of William and Mary Miller, and grandson of Col. Joe Miller; Jim Miller of Caladonia, Mich.; Marilyn Miller Harris, Bella Vista, Ark., daughter of George Miller and granddaughter of Colonel Joe Miller, and Tom Harris of Tulsa, great-grandson of Col. Joe Miller.
Those who attended the reunion were served a chuck wagon barbecue at the Old Timers new roadside picnic area at the 101 Ranch headquarters site on Oklahoma 156 between Marland and Ponca City. Larry Hannon of Garden City and Peggy Copeland of Pawnee provided musical entertainment.
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Lunch
High School Lunch
All American
Training Table
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
Po-Hi
Aug. 25
Aug. 26
Aug. 27
Aug. 28
Aug. 29
Aug. 30
Aug. 31
School is under way in Ponca City and the personnel would like for parents to know the start and stop times at each school.
- Garfield Academy will start at 8:15 a.m. and stop at 3:15 p.m. The kindergarten will meet from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:20 to 3:15 p.m.
- Liberty Elementary will begin at 8:07 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m. Kindergarten classes start at 8:07 a.m. and finish at 11:30 a.m. with the afternoon classes meeting from 12:20 to 3:15 p.m.
- Lincoln Elementary begins at 8 a.m. and finishes at 3:10 p.m. Kindergarten is from 8 to 11 a.m. and from 12 to 3 p.m.
- Roosevelt Elementary starts at 8:07 a.m. ending at 3:10 p.m. Classes in the kindergarten begin at 8:07 a.m. and finish at 11 a.m. Afternoon kindergarten starts at 12:20 p.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.
- Trout Elementary begins at 8:07 a.m. and finishes at 3:10 p.m. with the kindergarten classes lasting from 8:07 to 11 a.m.
- Classes at Union Elementary start at 8:07 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m. Kindergartners begin at 8:07 a.m. and end at 10:55 a.m., and 12:20 to 3:10 p.m.
- Time at Washington Elementary is from 8:05 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. and kindergarten from 8:05 to 11 a.m. and 12:15 to 3:05 p.m.
- Woodlands Elementary begins at 8:05 a.m. stopping at 3:15 p.m. Classes in the kindergarten start at 8:05 a.m. until 10:55 a.m. and from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m.
- Ponca City Middle School begins at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.
- Ponca City Mid-High starts at 8:20 a.m. finishing at 3:10 p.m.
- Classes at the Senior High School begin at 8:10 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m. The optional seventh period lasts from 3:05 to 3:55 p.m.
The theme for the 1997-98 United Way campaign is "Keys To A Caring Community."
"Our first campaign in 1938 raised $19,500 to serve the citizens of Ponca City," said 1997-98 Campaign Chairman Brad Dickey, "and this year's campaign goal is $585,000. The donors are the 'key' to our caring community," says Dickey, "and they are the 'key' to the success of this year's campaign.
On Tuesday, Aug. 12 at Godfrey's Restaurant, United Way of Ponca City held its 1997-98 campaign cabinet and loaned executive orientation.
This year's Campaign Cabinet will be headed by the following division chairpersons: Major Companies/Loaned Executives is Debra Whitener from Loftis Insurance, Business and Industry Division is Paula Coppock from Pioneer Bank, Commerce Division co-chairs are Carmaleta Wesbrook from Peachtree Landing and Christy Dulick-Williams from Domestic Violence Program, Conoco Division is Bob Boyd, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Division is headed by Lynda Ford Fox from Capital West Securities and Professional Division is Ann Kinsinger from Pioneer Technology Center.
Also Public Service Division is Sherry Bowers from the Ponca City Police Department and Tom Sipe from Ponca City Schools, Retired Division is Bob Askew from Group One Realtors and the Services Division is headed by Larry Bittman from Prudential Securities.
These individuals will select a volunteer force of over 250 people to personally visit every business and retiree in our community. These volunteers will be asking for your support to help the 17 agencies served by the United Way of Ponca City.
The popular ZEN OKIES will provide live music at the Ponca City Balloon Festival and Air Show Labor Day weekend. They are a quartet of musicians playing a unique blend of blues folk, bluegrass and good old rock and roll.
Growing up in Oklahoma exposed the band members to every type of music imaginable, as reflected in their eclectic song list, with songs from Bill Monroe to Stone Temple Pilots, as well as originals.
It is not unusual for the band to play a bluegrass or folk festival one week and a rock gig the next. ZEN OKIES are a regular guest at the Ninneschah Folk Festival, The Walnut Valley Festival, The Kaw Acoustic Festival and clubs from Wichita to Oklahoma City.
They have shared stages with such acts as Brewer & Shipley, Black Oak Arkansas, Red Dirt Rangers, Medicine Show, Byron Berline and California, Doug Kershaw, Havery Reid, Steve Kaughman, New Dynasty, R.E.O. Speedwagon, Bob Childers and others. They also played for Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt and the cast and crew of "Twister."
ZEN OKIES are also actively involved in charity work such as United Way, Kansas Special Olympics and Walk for Life. They appeared on KLOR radio "Blues After Sunset" program and KSPI, an alternative rock station in Stillwater. They have two self produced recordings, "In The Sticks," and "Zen Again."
Members of the band are Steve Fields, lead vocals, drum and percussion; Bill Denison, harmonica, congas, vocals, percussion; Steve Keen, electric bass, acoustic bass, and vocals; Jim Suter, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals.
The Balloon Festival and Air Show is partially sponsored by Ponca City Tourism Authority, Ponca City Aviation Booster Club, EAA Chapter 1046, Conoco Inc., Thorn Apple Valley and Lowe's of Ponca City.
The August meeting of the Ponca City Lake Users' Association will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the north shelter house at Lake Ponca Park. Anyone having an interest in activities at Lake Ponca is encouraged to attend. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month from April through September.
The program for Tuesday night's meeting will include a report from vice president Kyle Trotter on the recent jet ski tournament in which he participated. An update on enforcement of Lake Ponca rules and regulations will also be given.
Other business will include a vote on proposed bylaw changes and presentation of a slate of officers for 1998. The election will take place at the September meeting.
Says Lake Users' president Al Moore, "We've made a lot of progress this year in talking with our city officials and working on issues that concern all of us who enjoy Lake Ponca. We need input from folks who use the lake in many different ways in order to continue to be an effective voice in the community, so come to the meeting and share your needs and opinions."
For citizens with questions about the lake or the association, Moore can be reached at 765-4335.
The 1997 Ponca Powwow Committee is welcoming the general public to attend the upcoming 121st Annual Ponca Powwow, one of the oldest gatherings in the state.
The program will begin Wednesday night at 7 p.m. with a handgame in the North Arena.
Thursday afternoon will depict the Ponca Traditional War Dance which will be held in the South Arena beginning at 2:30 p.m. The evening program will be held in the North Arena beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday night will highlight the selection of the 1997-98 Ponca Princess with contests to follow in the Tiny tots, Junior Girls Cloth and Junior Girls Buckskin.
Friday afternoon activities will be sponsored by the Wah-hun-thinga (Senior Citizens) beginning at 2 p.m. in the South Arena. Friday night program will include War Dancing and contests in the Junior Boys Straight and Traditional, Junior Boys Fancy, Teen Girls Buckskin, Teen Girls Cloth, Teen Boys Straight and Traditional.
The Saturday afternoon program will be dedicated to all Veterans and will be sponsored by the American Legion Post 38 and Auxiliary Unit 38 beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday evening the program will be highlighted by the Parade-In of colors, dancers and officials. Contesting for the night will include Adult Women's Buckskin, Adult Women's Cloth, Golden Age Women, Feather Pulling and Teen Boys Fancy. The Yellowhammer Singers, 1995 Southern Drum Champions and the 1996 49 Drum Champions will provide the singing for the 49 immediately following the regular programming.
The Sunday afternoon will be sponsored by the Powwow Committee for specials and giveaways. The evening program will conclude with the following contests, Senior Mens Traditional and Grass, Golden Age Mens, Senior Mens Straight, and the Senior Mens World Championship Fancy Dance.
The Head Staff for 1997 Powwow are Master of Ceremonies, Thomas Roughface; Head singer, Douglas Eagle; Head Dancer, Burgess "Charlie" Primeaux; Outgoing Ponca Princess, Jeanna Rush; Arena Director, Kirby Feathers; and Water Carriers, Danny Page and Lonnie Others.
A Traditional Mourners Feast is scheduled for Tuesday at the Senior Citizens Building at White Eagle beginning at 6 p.m.
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
The City Commissioners will be reviewing the city budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 during Monday night's City Commission meeting.
According to the budget status report, revenues on the most part exceeded budget while expenditures were below budget.
The general fund, which functions as the chief operating fund for the city, ended the year better than expected. Current year operations in the General Fund resulted in an increase of the fund balance by $787,951.
The increase was due to several factors. One reason was actual revenues were higher than expected by $224,098 and actual departmental expenditures were $784,960.52 less than budgeted. "In the wake of previous budget cuts, these unexpended appropriations in the General Fund exemplify the dedication of City Staff to become more efficient, while continuing to offer quality services," City Finance Director Mark LaBossiere wrote in his report.
The general fund:
Beginning Fund Balance, July 1996: $2,676,412
1996/97 Revenues: $13,052,116
1996/97 Non-operating Revenues: $11,643
1996/97 Operating Expenditures: ($12,274,942)
1996/97 Non-operating Expenditures: ($866)
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 1997:$3,463,363
The City Commissioners will also be considering the following items Monday night:
· A restated and modified agreement with District Court Judge Boyd for the Ponca City Municipal Court to continue its jurisdiction over certain juvenile matters.
· A resolution designating and confirming the mayor's nomination for the newly created Energy Advisory Board.
· Consider and vote on the policies and guidelines, the collection policy and an organization contract for the Cultural Center.
Paul L. Gelven, MD, has joined the staff of physicians at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, according to Garry England, President and CEO.
Dr. Gelven received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. in 1992. He completed his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in June, 1996. He is board certified in Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology, and prior to moving to Ponca City, served as a Surgical Pathology Fellow in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at St. Louis University.
Dr. Gelven and his wife, Gayla, have two children, Stefan, 3 and Marie, 1. He enjoys outdoor activities, such as fishing and hunting and she spends her free time working on craft projects and shopping for antiques.
"We welcome Dr. Gelven and his family to our community," said England. "His expertise in anatomic and clinical pathology will serve an important role in SJRMC's continuing commitment to provide the highest quality of health care to the community."
Health coverage for children is a primary concern of Americans today, and children often suffer from a variety of ailments.
On Tuesday, from 5 to 6 p.m. Christian Radio KLVV 88.7 FM is inviting Pediatrician Michael Walker of Ponca City to answer phoned-in medical questions, off the air.
The phone number will be (405) 767-1400. This is a free service for anyone
who can call during that time. KLVV 88.7 FM is a listener-supported radio
station broadcasting to Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas.
DEATHS
BLACKWELL - Mabel Elizabeth Neff, a lifetime resident of Blackwell, died Thursday, Aug. 21, 1997, at Hillcrest Manor McAfee Living Center in Blackwell, Okla. She was 90.
The funeral service for Mrs. Neff will be Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1997 at 2 p.m. in the First Christian Church with the Rev. Randy Beeman of Edwardsville, Kan., and the Rev. Ed Butler of Pond Creek, Okla., officiating. Burial will be in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Cindy Moore, Dan Neff, David Neff, and Robert Neff; also nephews Ron Walker and Willis Roberts. Honorary casket bearers will be Royce Ballinger, Lloyd Ellis, Alton Hallmark, Frank Dyer, Larry Cannon, Jo Del Shepherd, Danny Shepherd, Wayne Shepherd and Dr. D.E. Becker.
Mabel Elizabeth Neff was born on the family farm on May 16, 1907, the daughter of Henry William and Harriet Elizabeth (Cain) Wageman. She attended Independence School, north of Blackwell, before coming to town to attend and graduate from Blackwell High School in 1925.
After high school she worked as a bookkeeper for Gerhard Hardware and then began keeping books at the Blackwell Hospital, which was operated by Dr. A.S. Risser. Encouraged by Dr. Risser, Mabel entered the hospital's three-year nursing school, graduating in 1929. During this time she met a young Pennsylvanian, Charles D. Neff, and they were married on June 8, 1930. Mabel worked as the nursing supervisor at the Blackwell Hospital until the birth of her son in 1938, after which she devoted herself full-time to her family and helping Dr. Risser when needed.
Mabel's interests were varied. She became an accomplished and busy storyteller through the Blackwell Storyteller's Chapter. She was an active church member and taught a class of boys at the First Christian Church, sang with the Mother Singers, helped with the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls, was an active member of the PTA, and was a part of Rebekah Lodge No. 14. Later she was a member of the Domestic Science Club and a devoted member of Class 13 and XL Class at her church. She also served the Red Cross and received several service citations.
Mrs. Neff returned to nursing in 1955 after helping Dr. Risser during the Blackwell tornado and served as his office nurse until he died. She then became the office nurse for Dr. R.H. Moorman until 1961 when she retired from active nursing. During this time, she was always available to help nurse or care for anyone needing a helping hand.
In 1965 Mrs. Neff became a registrar for Kay County.
Mabel and Charles Neff lived in the same house at 709 North Fourth in Blackwell for 56 years, when ill health caused them to both move to Hillcrest Manor in 1994. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary two days before Mr. Neff died in 1995.
Surviving Mrs. Neff are her children, Charles Neff of Long Beach, Calif. and Mrs. Max (Carolyn) Moore of Blackwell; four grandchildren; two sisters, Nema Carter of Blackwell and Wanda Heizer of Broken Arrow; numerous nieces and nephews and a faithful, helpful friend, Brenda Dollarhide.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Neff was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Floyd Weseman, and two sisters, Zelma Hamblet and LaVone Enlow.
Memorials may be made to the XL Class of the First Christian Church or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Roberts and Son Funeral Home will serve as custodian of all memorials.
The casket will be open for visitation at the funeral home only.
BLACKWELL - Russell W. Rozell, resident of Blackwell, Okla., died Thursday afternoon, Aug. 21, 1997, in St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla. He was 75.
The funeral service will be Monday, Aug. 25, 1997 at 2 p.m. in Roberts Funeral Home Chapel, Blackwell with the Rev. Frank Tepe, pastor of Christ's Church, Blackwell, officiating. Burial will follow in the Braman Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Casket bearers will be Leonard Zemp, Irvin Valentine, Max Wirtz, Russell May, Wayne Birdsong and Jack Snyder. Honorary casket bearers will be Wayne Bourne, Wilbert Schyler, Jack Pemberton, Ben Hill and Gary Haskins.
Members of the Blackwell Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion will present the Flag.
Russell W. Rozell was born March 18, 1922, east of Newkirk, Okla., the son of Emberson C. and Almedia Levada (Nowlin) Rozell. He grew up in Newkirk and attended Newkirk Public Schools. During his junior year of high school he entered the United States Army and served during World War II in the Aleutian Islands, and was later stationed in Central Europe. He received his Honorable Discharge from the Army on Oct. 29, 1945, at Camp Chaffee, Ark. Following his discharge he returned to Newkirk and began working as a typewriter repairman.
He and Fern McDaris were married on Dec. 1, 1946, in Blackwell and settled there. Shortly after their marriage, Russell began working for Cities Service Gas Co. and continued his typewriter repair service in his spare time. He retired from Cities Service in 1975.
His hobbies included woodcraft and teaching many people western swing and line dancing. He was a member of Christ's Church in Blackwell and a lifetime member of the Ponca City American Legion and the Blackwell Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Surviving are his wife, Fern Rozell of Blackwell; a daughter, Deborah Sue Rozell of Blackwell; and two sisters, Naomi Long and Maxine Paulson, both of Noel, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Alta Pulliam, Vera Spear, Era Lyman and Olive Rozell; also six brothers, Tom, Clyde, Clifford, Jack, Jim and Donald Rozell.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Rozell's name to Christ's Church in Blackwell, Okla.
CUSHING - Madge Meeker, 1218 East Maple, Cushing, died Thursday afternoon, Aug. 21, 1997 in the Cushing Regional Hospital. She was 89.
The funeral service will be Monday, Aug. 25, 1997 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Cushing with the Rev. Bill Shaw, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Stillwater under direction of the Davis Funeral Home, Cushing.
Madge Meeker was born Dec. 3, 1907 in Winfield, Kan., the daughter of Charles M. and Bennie Anson Lewis. She was reared and educated in the Winfield area and later in the Ralston and Fairfax areas, graduating from Ralston High School.
She and Oakley E. Meeker were united in marriage on Nov. 22, 1927 in Wellington, Kan. They moved to Cushing in 1930 to make their home and remained in Cushing.
Mr. Meeker preceded her in death on March 7, 1959.
Madge had worked at the Cushing Hospital for over 15 years prior to her retirement in 1976. She was a longtime member of the Cushing First Christian Church.
Surviving are a son, James Ed Meeker of Cushing; her step-mother, Rebecca Lewis; eight brothers and sisters, Jack Lewis, Mary Jane Mitchell, Mike Lewis, Patsy Williams, Margie Wright, Larry Lewis, Earl Boatman and Joe Boatman; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Margaret Schultz; an infant son; three brothers, David Lewis, Claudie Lewis and Garland Lewis, and one sister, Evelyn Rosson.
SHIDLER - Betty Reetz Hoffman, resident of Shidler, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 1997 in Pawhuska, Okla. She was 79.
The funeral service will be Monday, Aug. 25, 1997 at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Shidler with the Rev. Dennis Jones, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in the Elmwood Cemetery in Augusta, Kan., under the direction of Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax, Okla.
Betty Reetz Hoffman was born Nov. 7, 1917 in Kansas. She and Herman Reetz were married July 24, 1936 in Newkirk, Okla. They moved to Shidler in the mid-60s, and Mr. Reetz died Dec. 15, 1992. Betty and Gib Hoffman were married Aug. 19, 1994 in Shidler.
She was a member of the Shidler First United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star and the Chamber of Commerce. She was active in promoting and coordinating Shidler Heritage Days.
A homemaker, Betty enjoyed reading, crocheting, crafts, her dog "Missy" and attending Oklahoma Jubilee.
She is survived by her husband, Gib of the home in Shidler; three step-daughters, Judy Masters of Medicine Lodge, Kan., Lou Ann Hoffman of Tulsa and Cathy Hoffman of Louisville, Ky; also numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Herman Reetz and a son, Monty in 1958.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Hoffman's name to the Shidler Chamber of Commerce, Shidler, OK 74652.
Ricke Dale Larkins, resident of Ponca City, died Friday morning, Aug. 22, 1997 at his home. He was 44.
Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1997 in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the home immediately following the committal service. Grace Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Blossom C. Montgomery, longtime resident of Ponca City, died Saturday afternoon, Aug. 23, 1997, at her home. She was 59.
The funeral service is pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.
Charles Edward "Charlie" Moler, resident of Ponca City, died Saturday morning, Aug. 23, 1997, at his home. He was 53.
The funeral service is pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.
Edith B. Broaddus died Tuesday, July 1, 1997, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 93.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Chapel Tuesday morning, Aug. 26, 1997, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor, officiating. Private family committal services will be held at the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Arrangements are under direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born July 20, 1903, in Chariton, Iowa, she was the daughter of Hyram Lincoln and Nina Olive (Taylor) Bowen. She attended Chariton Schools, the University of Chicago, the University of California, Berkeley, and Drake University.
After coming to Ponca City in 1922 she taught at the Jefferson School. On June 12, 1924, she was married to Goodwin Porter Broaddus in Ponca City. The couple were members of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the women's organization. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and a 60-year member of the CN Chapter of the PEO Sisterhood. She belonged to the Garden Club, the Twentieth Century Club, and in earlier years was a very active member of the Campfire Girls Organization, assuming leadership positions with the Campfire Girls and with many of the other organizations to which she belonged.
Survivors include her son, Goodwin Broaddus of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Nancy Feild of Overland Park, Kan. There are five grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren surviving. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 23, 1968, and five brothers and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, OK 74602.
paid obituary
Helen Spray Wilson, former Ponca City resident, died Friday, Aug. 15, 1997 at the Gardens of Richardson, Richardson, Texas. She was 82.
The graveside funeral service will be Tuesday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor, Community Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Helen Spray Wilson was born Aug. 6, 1915 at Medford, Okla., the daughter of Dwight Cecil and Blanche Jones Spray. She attended Ponca City schools and following graduation attended Northern Oklahoma College. She was later employed at the Maris and Maris Law Firm in Ponca City.
She and Floyd Charles Wilson were married May 28, 1938 at Ponca City. As Mr. Wilson was employed by Shell Oil Co., the couple lived in San Francisco, Calif., Oklahoma, Wichita Falls, and Houston, Texas. They moved to New Orleans, La., in 1945 where they resided for a number of years.
While in New Orleans, Mrs. Wilson served in several offices of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also Mother Advisor of the Fraternal Assembly No. 43 Order of Rainbow Girls.
Upon moving to Garden City, Long Island, N.Y., in 1955, she became very active in garden clubs, winning awards as a participant and also serving as a judge for shows. She served as president of her garden clubs in New York and Houston, Texas. She enjoyed attending Broadway theater shows in New York and was a life-long bridge club member. She was a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston.
She spent her latter years in Houston until her husband's death in August 1994 when she moved to her daughter's home in Dallas.
She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Kay Wilson Whitmore, Richardson, Texas; a grandson, Glenn David Whitmore Jr., Nacogdoches, Texas; two granddaughters, Deborah Lynn Textor, West Palm Beach, Fla., and Deanna Lynn Martin, Dallas, Texas; a great-granddaughter, Amanda Jane Whitmore, Nacogdoches, Texas; and a brother, Robert Lewis Spray, Ponca City, Okla.; two nephews, Jerry C. Spray of Daphne, Ala. and Robert Lewis Spray, Jr., Fort Smith, Ark.; two nieces, Jen Ellen Northcutt, Ponca City, and Charlene Louise Thompson, Wichita, Kan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Floyd Wilson, and a brother-in-law, Jack Spray.
paid obituary
Mark Calhoun Edwards, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, Aug. 22, 1997 at the Shawn Manor Nursing Home. He was 83 years of age.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, 1997 at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Majors, Community Christian Church, presiding. Interment will be at the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Mark Calhoun Edwards was born May 20, 1914, the son of John Calhoun Edwards and Lula M. (Ryan) Edwards on their farm located west of Ponca City. He attended rural country elementary schools and was a graduate of Ponca City High School. His early years were spent working with his father on the family farm.
On July 15, 1937 he married Matilda L. Kirch at a church near her family farm at Wellston, Okla. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Oklahoma City where Mark worked as a mechanic for an automobile dealership. In 1941, he moved back to Ponca City and began employment with Continental Oil Company where he worked as a Journeyman Welder for the Refinery and Process Lab. He retired from Conoco in July of 1977 after 36 years of service. His hobbies included fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his son, Kenneth Edwards and daughter-in-law, Joyce (Mock) Edwards of Ponca City. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Angie Edwards, Daniel Edwards, Kendra Teichmer, and Kayla O'Kelley, all of Ponca City. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Matilda, and daughter-in-law, Rhonda S. Edwards.
Casket bearers will be Wyatt Crabs, Marion Fredricks, Bill Grose, Curtis Dick, Al Moore and David Snyder. Honorary casket bearers will be members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Welders.
The family will be at 1501 Richway.
United Way Festivities - Plan to join the United Way 1997-98 Campaign Kick-Off Festivities at the Centennial Plaza after the 10 a.m. United Way Parade on Sept. 6. Children's activities at the Plaza will continue until 1 p.m.
Genealogy Computer Group - The Computer Interest Group of the Pioneer Genealogical Society will hold the first meeting of the new season, today at 2 p.m. The program by Keith Barley will be "Backing Up Your Hardware and Your Records." Anyone with interest in Genealogy-Computing is welcome. The group also discusses problems and solutions in addition to hearing a short program about related subjects. Call Sandy at 762-5635 or Darlene at 767-1864 for more information.
Army Officer's Course Set - Phase I, C&GSOC will be conducted at Camp Gruber, Braggs, Okla., beginning on the weekend of Oct. 25 and will continue one weekend per month through April 1998. The course is open to officers from all branches of the armed forces, active and reserve, who are in the rank of major or captain (P). The point of contact for information and enrollment is: LTC David K. Guier, in Tulsa at: (day) (800) 331-3675 or (918) 742-8000 (evenings) (918) 499-1817.
Pet Photo Contest - The Humane Society Pet Photo Contest entries must be received by Sept. 4. Each photo submitted requires $5 entry fee. All proceeds go to the Humane Society. Call 767-8877 for more information.
Accident - At 6:59 a.m. Friday police received a call regarding an accident at West Liberty Avenue and North Waverly Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested an 18-year-old man at 10:02 a.m. Friday at Dollar Saver, 112 South Second Street, on charges of petit larceny.
Accident - At 11:04 a.m. Friday police responded to a three vehicle accident in the 100 block of West Hartford Avenue. A report was taken.
Arrest - A 18-year-old man was arrested at 2:08 p.m. Friday from the 500 block of West Grand Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.
Vehicle Hit - At 3:04 p.m. Friday a man reported to police that his vehicle was hit while parked in front of his residence.
Accident - The communications center received a call at 3:52 p.m. Friday regarding a two vehicle non-injury accident. Three officers responded and a report was taken.
Theft - At 8:45 p.m. Friday a petit larceny report was taken when it was reported that juveniles had stolen cigarettes from Miller Market, 904 South Avenue.
Theft - Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported to police at 10:06 p.m. Friday that a man had stolen a case of beer.
Arrest - A 20-year-old woman was arrested at 11:59 p.m. Friday at North Tenth Street and East Highland Avenue for driving under the influence.
Vandalism - At 12:08 a.m. Saturday a woman reported that her vehicle had been vandalized at her residence on Prospect Avenue. A destruction of private property report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 18-year-old man at 12:22 a.m. Saturday at Elmwood Avenue and North Fourteenth Street for driving under the influence.
Possible Rape - Police received a call from a woman at 1:13 a.m. Saturday reporting that her daughter had been raped. An officer was assigned, the SANE unit was activated and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 38-year-old man at 2:02 a.m. Saturday at Ash Street and West Grand Avenue for driving under suspension, no insurance, speeding and driving under the influence.
Truck Accident - Police were notified at 2:16 a.m. Saturday that a truck had hit an underpass in the 100 block of West South Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Vehicle Hit - At 2:47 a.m. Saturday a woman reported damage to her vehicle that occurred while police were in pursuit of a possible drunk driver. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Fire - Two units of the Ponca City Fire Department responded
to a structural fire across from Goofs Field at 4:21 a.m. Saturday. The
fire was extinguished.
LIFESTYLES
The family of Lucille Powell met Aug. 17 for a dinner of thanksgiving in celebration of her 80th birthday. It was hosted by her daughter and son-in-law, Trish and Phil Guinn, 1101 South Fifth.
Others attending were Spencer Guinn, Jaime and Whitnee Lorg, grandchildren; Paul and Zeta Powell of Bartlesville, Phil and Carol Powell, Dylan and Jefferson. Afternoon guests were Bart Chance, Lisa and Karson Fowler.
Friends of Paul's honored Lucille by joining the Friends of the Ponca City Cultural Center Foundation. Those participating were Alice and Art Mires of Scottsdale, Ariz., Laird and Carol Ingham of Lawrence, Kan., Larry and Nancy Long, Larry and Jana Clynch of Fayetteville, Ark., John W. and Linda Ann Kemper of Houston, Texas and Jon and Phyllis Kennedy of Ponca City.
Mrs. Powell has spent many volunteer hours at the Ponca City Indian Museum, which is housed at the Ponca City Cultural Center. She assisted Lillie Burkhart, Princess Pawhuska, arrange the Osage artifacts for exhibit, Mrs. Powell was active in the Camp Fire program in earlier years.
Joseph D. Parker and Ruth Parker will be celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary on Aug. 28. They reside in Phoenix, Ariz. They will be celebrating their anniversary with a week long trip to Lake Tahoe in California.
Ruth Parker is the former Ruth Pierce, 1953 graduate of Ponca City High School, and daughter of now deceased Lee and Irene Pierce. Joe Parker is a native of Phoenix, Ariz. and retired from U.S. West Communications. Ruth is retired from Arizona Public Service and has resided in Phoenix for 34 years.
They have four children, Heidi Graham of Phoenix, Ariz. Deidre Stavinsky Graham of Las Vegas Nev., Siretha Parker of West Covina, Calif., and deceased son, Frank D. Graham, Jr. They have three grandsons, Trevor Graham of Phoenix, Zachary Stavinsky of Las Vegas, and Jarran Parker of West Covina.
Hot air balloons will fill the air Friday, Saturday and Sunday as experienced balloonist from Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma lift off. That will be just one of the many activities to be enjoyed at the Ponca City Municipal Airport over Labor Day weekend.
Balloonist entered include Frank Capps of Jenks, who will be piloting "Air Ball" manufactured by Aerostar International, Inc., the U.S.'s oldest and largest manufacturer of hot air balloons. On New Year's Day 1991 and 1992, Capps flew the only hot air balloon to appear ever in the Tournament of Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. He flew the "Lorraine '91" hot air balloon festival in Metz, Lorraine, France for which he won a trophy.
From Oklahoma City Michael Scott will be flying the "Cheshire Cat" manufactured by Menema/Balloon Works. The "Cheshire" has flown in 12 states and continues to delight adults and children alike. It won first place in he Kanza Days in 1997 and first place at Rising Higher in 1996. Scott states, "My most interesting balloon experience has been flying in the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta." His most famous passenger has been Mary Fallin, Lt. Governor of Oklahoma.
Also flying high will be Darrell Weiland from Bentonville, Ark. Weiland is a corporate pilot for Wal Mart whose balloon "Neat Yankee Lady" is manufactured by Aerostar. His most famous passenger has been Tony Casillas of Dallas Cowboy fame.
From Wichita, Vernon R. Jones flies the "Neon Fantasy" manufactured by Balloon Works. He won first place in the 1995 Wichita River Festival Balloon Fest. Other events to the balloon's credit are Topeka's Huff and Puff and Columbus, Kansas' Columbus Day Regatta. Jones declares his most famous passenger has been his wife.
More than a dozen air balloonist will be participating in the Friday and Saturday Ponca City Balloon Festival & Air Show. In addition to the balloons, spectators will be treated to skydiving, aerobatic demonstrations, ZEN OKIES live music, concessions, radio controlled airplanes, military static and classic car displays. There will be helicopter and balloon rides and other games for youth.
Admission both days is $3 for adults and children under five, $1. Parking is free. This event is partially sponsored by Ponca City Tourism Authority, Ponca City Aviation Booster Club, EAA Chapter 1046, Conoco Inc., Thorn Apple Valley and Lowe's of Ponca City.
By KATHY ZEHR
News Staff Writer
Visitors at the Land of Country Antique and Craft Festival to be held Sept. 5-7 will step into a world of sweet indulgence as they visit the "Uncle Toad's" culinary confections booth at the Hutchins Memorial.
Rich, decadent, chocolate sweets and other delicacies including Southern Style Pralines, White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies, German Chocolate Brownies, Milk Chocolate Pretzel Joys, Dark Chocolate Mint Cookies, as well as hazelnut, raspberry, mint and other creamy smooth milk-chocolate-covered truffles will be on display to tempt the shoppers sweetest tooth.
Timilyn experiments almost every evening - nestled away in an old house with a big kitchen. She enjoys creating the sweets - making each creation unique and different. She takes her Uncle Toad's theme from the whimsical "The Wind In the Willows" theme, a favorite childhood world.
After creating and developing a new sweet in her own light and airy kitchen she cooks for sales in a commercial state licensed kitchen, usually with the help of husband, Steve, and sometimes another assistant. Crank makes the fondant from scratch, hand rolls the chocolates, and bakes everything herself with the finest ingredients available.
Timilyn has created in her hide-a-way kitchen, elegant 6 and 10 inch gourmet cakes, buttery, nutty cookies, and gourmet candied apples dipped in nuts and chocolate. She also takes orders for customer's "all time favorites," that may not be listed on the menu of Uncle Toad's Repertoire of Culinary Confections. She is also planning to add chocolate pies (not cream) and some new items to that menu of available confections soon.
Crank says she got started in the Uncle Toad's Culinary Confections business by a fluke. In earlier days, she and a friend made crafts and sold them at craft shows. She found that she attracted more customers to her booth if she had some food for sale. One thing led to another and in 1991 she dropped the crafts and concentrated on chocolate because the enticing chocolate foods were "sold out" every time.
"I have always loved to cook. I find that most of my friends and acquaintances do not like to cook anymore." She says "I inherited my enjoyment of cooking from my father and grandma, who both loved to cook."
Timilyn has sold her tasty creations at the Chocolate Festival, Herb Festival, and The Land of Country Festival in Ponca City. She also caters full meals for reunions, anniversaries, and especially enjoys cooking gourmet dinners. The slim, trim, food connoisseur is interested in starting a gourmet cook's club in the area.
Husband, Steve, and her mother are her best critics, says Timilyn. Steve's favorite dessert is her Chocolate Brownie Cashew Cake.
The Cranks are a favorite with their friends during the Christmas holidays when they host an open house. During that special time, Timilyn offers samplings of her chocolates and other culinary delights as a special treat for friends and neighbors.
"I just love to cook - and I like the compliments," says the petite brunette with a pretty smile.
The Land of Country Antique and Craft Festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. More than 72 exhibitors will display their wares. All proceeds will be donated to local charitable projects in Ponca City.
The Singles Network is a social and support organization for single adults, divorced, widowed or never married. A monthly calendar is mailed to all members and dues are $10 per year. Members wish to emphasize that the organization is not a dating service.
Upcoming events include the Discussion group at 6:30 this evening at the First Presbyterian Church with members going for a snack after the meeting.
Monday at 6 p.m. the group will eat at the "Pub." Call Shery at 762-1987 and Thursday will be a birthday dinner at the "Green Door." Members are to meet at Phil's at 5:30 p.m. and should call him at 765-4620 or 765-8381.
On Aug. 31 the discussion group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church and Sept. 1 a Labor Day picnic is planned for 6:30 p.m. at Sunset Park. Those attending should bring lawn chairs and tables and a covered dish.
For more information about the organization contact Dorothy at 765-1403 or Betty, 762-9776.
Sallie Peacheater Tent #18, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-65, have announced plans for the quarterly meeting. The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 at the Union Room, Wiley Post Building, 2100 Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City.
The program will be a discussion on the Ancestor Book the Tent is preparing about Civil War relatives. All prospective members and interested persons are invited to attend.
For more information contact Nancy Chotkey, 842-9598 or Leona Henning, 728-3500.
The Presbyterian Women met for their monthly Coffee in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church on Aug. 14. Hostesses for the event were members of the Coordinating Team chaired by Frances Waldron. Sheryl Kline gave the blessing and Dorene Klos presented the devotional thoughts.
The program was a report on the Junior High Youth Trip to Goodland Children's Home and First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Soup Kitchen. Ann Salmons, Director of Youth Activities, used slides of the trip to illustrate the report.
Rhoda Young installed new officers of the Presbyterian Women for 1997-98 : Bonita James, moderator; Dorene Klos, vice-moderator; Iris Peterson, secretary, and Marian Hudson, treasurer and enabler. Circle Chairs for 1997-98 will be Bernice Baxter for Lily Jackson Circle, Jody Whipple for Irene Nickless Circle and Gloria Harris for Elizabeth Reynolds Circle.
A report on the National Gathering of Presbyterian Women on July 9-13 in Louisville, Ky. was given by the local Presbyterian women who attended. Theme of the Gathering was "Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses" and was attended by over 5000 women, including international guests.
Ruth Pohle of Newkirk and Joy Glass of Alva, members of the Cimarron Presbytery, received Witness Awards. Women of the National Gathering were encouraged to come together to celebrate their oneness in Christ, their identity as Presbyterian women and their commitment to the purpose of Presbyterian Women. Local delegates to the National Gathering were Bernice Baxter, Frances Waldron, Marian Hudson and Mavis Robison.
During the business meeting, Moderator Bonita James announced that funds remaining in the 1996-97 year would be distributed to various charities, including $500 to Goodland Children's Home in Hugo, $100 to Choctaw Greater Parish in Broken Bow, and $100 each to Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Feast, Center for Domestic Violence and Peachtree Landing.
A special offering was taken for beginning of school expense for the boys at Goodland Home in Hugo. The offering amounted to $267.
Treasurer Marian Hudson announced that proceeds from the sale of "Feed My Sheep" cookbook thus far amounted to more than $1400 which has been given to the Child Development Center this year. More cookbooks are available for sale she said.
On display during the meeting were numerous banners made by Ginny Cagley portraying Presbyterian Women's purpose and mission.
Heather Michelle Long became the bride of Stephen Holt Heslip in a 2 p.m. double ring ceremony July 26, 1997 at the First Baptist Church. The couple's vows were solemnized by the Rev. Larry Heslip, father of the bridegroom.
The bride is the daughter of Doug and Martha Long, 311 East Comanche, and the bridegroom is the son of Larry and Amy Heslip, 2413 Robin Road. The bride is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Rankin, Mr. and Mrs. David Long and Mrs. Kathryn Long, all of Ponca City. Grandparents of the bridegroom are Mrs. Ruth Lowery and Raymond Lowery.
A musical prelude was played by Vicki Stokke, pianist, and Kari Bell, flutist. Marcella Johnson, organist, played a traditional processional and recessional. Scott Layton sang "Butterfly Kisses" and "I Will Be Here." "Somewhere in the World," "Answered Prayer," and "Household of Faith" were sung by Scott and Lorrie Layton. Kristen Maddox sang "The Parent's Prayer."
The bride's floor length gown of white satin was enhanced with satin Madeira embroidery. The bodice featured a scalloped lace neckline and short shirred sleeves accented with hand-beaded Madeira embroidery and a back heart-shaped cutout detailed with pearls and iridescents. The Basque waistline of the full skirt was complemented in back by a peplum and a large double satin bow adorned with lace and iridescents. The cathedral length train was embellished with lace and beadwork. The bride's elbow length tulle veil was enhanced with pearls in a random pattern and secured by a headpiece of satin roses, crystals and pearls and was created by her mother. She carried a cascade bouquet of white silk roses, stephanotis and English ivy with pearl and crystal accents and white satin streamers, gold sheer ribbons and strands of pearls.
Following the tradition of something old, new, borrowed and blue she borrowed her mother's blue bridal garter which had been made by her grandmother, the now deceased Esta Keeler. For something new she wore a white lace garter with a gold heart engraved with the wedding date, created by the bride's aunt, Beverly Reynolds. The bride's white lace handkerchief had been a baby bonnet made by her mother, and her pearl bracelet was a gift from her parents. The bride's grandmother, Kathryn Long, gave her a diamond necklace, made from her wedding ring, and the bride's pearl and diamond earrings were a gift from the bridegroom.
Holly Long served her sister as Maid of Honor and bridesmaids were Kelli Hamill of Tulsa, Elisabeth Heslip of Ponca City, sister of the bridegroom; Rebecca Kirkendall of Ponca City, Erin Clapper of Edmond and Jennifer Hobbs of Bartlesville. Each was attired in a short-sleeved purple dress designed with a flowing chiffon collar tied in a French knot at the vee-neckline in back. They wore gold earrings, a gift from the bride, and carried hand-wrapped bouquets of purple, white and cranberry petunia sprays, golden yellow roses and grape leaves accented with white tulle and gold metallic ribbon.
Emily and Abby Cloud of Europe were flower girls. Serving as candlelighters were Sarah White of Topeka, Kan., Meagan Reaves of Ponca City and Kelly Cloud of Europe. Each was attired in a ballerina length dress patterned with purple and pink roses and highlighted by bows at the shoulders and at the back waistline. Each wore a purple bow and white roses adorned with pearls in her hair and a gold heart-shaped necklace, a gift from the bride. Paige Jones of Oklahoma City and Tabitha Hardy of Ponca City kept the guest book. Ringbearers were Ross Taylor, cousin of the bride, from Okemah and Kalie Simmons of Houston, Texas. He wore a tuxedo and carried a hand-smocked lace and pearl pillow made by Tammy Beier. Miss Simmons was dressed similarly to the bride and carried a heart-shaped lace and pearl pillow made by the bride's aunt, Phyllis Hamill.
Chip Hardy served as Best Man and groomsmen were Ben Lowery and Sean Lowery, cousins of the bridegroom; Jared Peck, Matthew Burnette and Matt Fisher. Ushers were Doug Tiffany of Tulsa, Austin White of Topeka, Kan., Joshua and Eric Schatte. The men in the wedding party wore traditional black tuxedos.
The bride's parents hosted the reception at the church assembly center. Coordinators for the event were Jeri Boyer, Bert Thomas, Sherre Land and Virginia Kirkendall. Thelma Bley designed the flowers and hair and cosmetic consultants were Saundra Kirk, Ellen Morris and Teresa Clark. The childrens' tables at the reception were decorated with balloons, coloring books and crayons.
Assisting with the reception were Liana Wallace, Stacy Richardson, Tabitha Hardy, Jade Murphy, Dawn Wolf, Tracy Senecal, Sera Hopkins, Jackie Hill, Joyce Epperson, Bonnie Wood, Lisa Myers, Frances Whitaker, Jamie Kliewer, Sue Witteman, Carol Krouts, Gayle Young, Monique Garrison, Jayne Cloud, Tammy Beier, Joan Hardy, Judy Taylor, Phyllis Hamill, Diana Reaves, Thelma Bley, Karen Yost, Linda Epperson, Charlet White, Loretta Rankin, Sheila Bricker, Shelly Schatte, Beverly Reynolds and Cathy Ferguson.
Among the special guests attending were Loretta Rankin and Ruth Lowery, grandmothers of the couple; Beverly Reynolds of Pittsburg, Kan., Matt and Erin Clapper of Edmond, Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs and Jennifer of Bartlesville, Orben and Peggy McLemore of Pine Bluff, Ark., Kimberly and Jeff Lowery, Michael Lowery and Dustin Lowery of Seattle, Wash., Mary, Marc and Adam Levenson of Chicago, Ill., Mark and Cheryl Lowery of Germany, Don and Shirley Seals of Jenks, Chad and Kristina Bergman, Judy, John and Ross Taylor of Okemah.
Also Delvin, Saundra Kirk, Matthew Yeaman of Denver, Colo., Randy, Charlet, Austin and Sarah White of Topeka, Kan., Stan, Julie, Kalie and Braden Simmons of Houston, Texas, David and Pam Lowery, Benjamin, Sean and Daniel of North Little Rock, Ark., Doug and Rebecca Johnson of St. Louis, Mo., Barbara and Leo Gillies of Pasadena, Texas, Greg and Jayne Cloud, Kelli, Emily, Abby of Europe.
Also Phyllis, Chester, Kelli Hamill, Doug Tiffany, all of Tulsa, Ken and Carol Litton of Brazil, Matt Litton of Dallas, Texas, Bill, Susan and Bret Keeler of Pawnee, Bob and Joan Howard of North Little Rock, Ark., Paul and Dorothy Smith of Hackett, Ark. and David Heslip of Pine Bluff, Ark.
The newlywed couple resides at 10801 West Highway 66, Apt. #326 in Yukon, Okla. 73099 following a wedding trip to Clearwater Island, Fla. The bride is a senior student at Oklahoma Baptist University where she is an Elementary Education major and employed with Kindercare. The bridegroom is a student at Southwestern State University and is employed at Homeland.
Pre-nuptial events included a rehearsal dinner at the church hosted by the bridegroom's parents; a bridal lunch; a personal shower for the bride in Shawnee hosted by the bride's college friends; a wedding shower at the church; a bridal party in Missouri and a bridegroom's tool shower.
John Curtis "Pete" Carmack, 400 North Oak, will celebrate his 91st birthday Aug. 28 with a family celebration at his home. Friends are invited to participate in a "card shower" for Mr. Carmack.
A native of Reilly Springs, Texas, Mr. Carmack came to Ponca City in 1929 as a rigger with Refinery Engineers Construction Company of Dallas, Texas. He began work with Marland Oil Company that year and retired from Continental Oil Company in 1971 as premier greasemaker with 41 years and eight months of accident-free service.
Known to many in the area by the nickname "Pete" he was formerly active in baseball, golf, bowling, skeet and trap shooting, fishing and hunting. He is married to the former Erma Burleson and the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1994. An avid reader and crossword-puzzle worker, he also enjoys watching golf matches on television.
Family members helping him celebrate include his wife, Erma; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Peggy and O. H. Park of Rockport, Texas; Paula and Bob Denson of Ponca City; Sheryl Sallee of Drumright and Iris Ballou of Ponca City, and a son and daughter-in-law, Reid and Patti Carmack of Ponca City.
Grandchildren are Craig and Brenda Park of Austin, Texas, Dana Gesner of Rockport, Texas, Cindy and Randy Ross of Yale, Claire Sizemore of Ponca City, Kathy Denson of Ponca City, Page Ballou of Ponca City, Kelly Denson of Oklahoma City, Kevin Carmack and Susie Carmack, both of Ponca City. Great-grandchildren are Matthew and Jordan Ross of Yale, Caitlin and Jacob Sizemore of Ponca City.
Residents and staff of the Renaissance are hosting a "card shower" this week honoring Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Edwards on the occasion of their 71st wedding anniversary. Those wishing to send cards to the couple should mail them to 2616 Turner, Apt. #200, Ponca City.
Mr. Edwards and the former Cordelia Tanner were married Aug. 25, 1926 in Pawnee. They made their first home in Ponca City and later lived in Tonkawa, Three Sands and Winfield, Kan. They have resided in Ponca City since 1942. Mr. Edwards was employed at Marland Oil Company and retired from Conoco in 1969 after 43 years of service. Both are members of the First United Methodist Church.
When asked by Marie Trenary of the Renaissance, where the Edwards reside, for the secret of a "long and happy marriage" Mr. Edwards replied "we didn't have time to fight." The couple has three children, Don L. Edwards, Stanley M. Edwards and Corinne Bodman, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"Hand Applique´" will be the program presented by Becky Goldsmith when the P. M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Guests are welcome.
The guild met in late July with 17 members present. Esther Bersche, co-president, presided during the business session and Judy Wohletz, fund-raising chairman, encouraged members to sell donation tickets. The group will participate in the Blackwell fair and the McCord Craft fair.
Ruth Zachary described the "donation" quilt project for next year. It will be a two-color quilt using 5-inch blocks, antique background with blue and applique´ at the corners. Volunteers are needed to assist with cutting.
Phyllis Clark presented the July Block of the Month. The quilt is made with a star pattern providing the background for each block. Each month has a different applique´ design.
Door prizes were won by Marlene Williams, Altus Patton, Peggy Krider, Ruth Zachary, Betty Gilliam, Esther Bersche, Alice Wiederich and Jean Buskirk. Those winning prizes will contribute items for next month.
Mary Alice Sinton, Jean Buskirk, Esther Bersche and Altus Patton displayed examples of silk ribbon embroidery completed from the June workshop. Show and Share items were shown by Jean Buskirk, Esther Bersche, Phyllis Clark, Deanna Hanly and Pam Williams.
Debra Burgess announced upcoming programs which will include a miniature quilt session in September, tree ornaments in October, and a covered dish and silent auction in November.
Changes in the by-laws and budget were approved and members were encouraged to return guild library books. Betty Gilliam from Stillwater gave an informative presentation on machine quilting as the program.
Descendants of Charles Mabry and Janie Caroline (McDowell) Humphreys held their family reunion July 5-6 at Lew Wentz Camp. The couple had eight children: Lila Mae (Webster), Maude Elizabeth (Holmes), Sara Josephine (Phillips), and two infant daughters, all deceased. Surviving children Mattie Gene (Rogers) of Shawnee, Sara Ruth (Carder) of Ponca City, and Henry Bratton, Fountain, Colo., were all present at the reunion.
Those attending were Carolyn Caler, Somerville, Mass.; Tim and Samantha Lucero, Josh, Lacey and Michael, LaJunta, Colo.; Scott Sibley, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Brad Dark, Pensacola, Fla.; Cleve and Audrey Pogue, Dodge City, Kan., Naomi Fox, Syracuse, Kan.; Craig and Ronna Wallace, Zachary and Courtney, Wichita, Kan.; Ryan Webster and Ted Webster, Dodge City, Kan.; Scott and Barb Dark, Adam, Dodge City, Kan.; and Murle Webster, Cedar Creek, Mo.
Also Dorothy Hancock, Sharon Shipley, Chuck and Eva Faye Humphreys, Robert and Candi Garcia, Kirsten, all of Plainview, Texas; Russell Hancock, Whitney and Tanner, Euless, Texas; Deborah Massey and guest Billie Affield, Breckenridge, Texas; Harlon and Melinda Coleman, Justin, Azle, Texas; Kay Jones, Russ Jones and guest P.K. Sanders, Shawnee.
Attending from Ponca City were Jack and Jan Gosting, Doyle and Belinda Sinclair, Mandy and Savanah, Betty Maag, Linda Coats and Connor Coats.
Oldest in attendance was Mattie Gene Rogers, 89, from Shawnee, and youngest was Connor Coats, 2-1/2 months, from Ponca City.
The family has elected to continue the reunion on a yearly basis, rather than every other year.
Recently MOPS Steering Committee members held an overnight retreat to prepare for the upcoming year. Steering Committee Members are Tammie Barham, Coordinator; Toni Cloud, assistant Coordinator and Publicity Chairman; Sara Myers, Titus woman; Lesa Bailey, Discussion Group Chairman; Debora Gooch, Finance Chairman; Sandy Lake, Hospitality Chairman, Terri Wilson, Crafts Chairman, and Kristi Myers, Moppets Chairman.
MOPS stands for Mothers Of Preschoolers, a program designed for mothers with children ages infant through kindergarten. Nearly 1,500 MOPS groups gather throughout the United States, Canada and 13 other countries to meet the needs of more than 60,000 women each year. Kay County organizers began a MOPS group in February.
The focus of MOPS is to provide encouragement, support, teaching and friendships for mothers of all ages in a relaxed atmosphere of sharing, caring and fun. Additionally, during meeting times, the children participate in a program of their own called MOPPETS.
The first MOPS meeting for Fall will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 8 at First Baptist Church, 218 South Sixth. Future Meetings will be the second and fourth Monday of each month. Registration day will be Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the First Baptist Church playroom.
If you are unable to register on that day or would like more information contact Kristi Myers 767-1773, Tammie Barham, 762-6794 or Toni Cloud, 765-8522.
Wilsons Celebrate 50 Don and Nell Wilson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary early with a family vacation in Gulf Shores, Ala. where they were given an anniversary album containing pictures of their 50 years together and letters and cards from family and friends. Mrs. Wilson's mother, Mrs. Nellie Bulin of Waco, Texas attended, along with 18 of their children and grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Don Wilson and the former Nell Bulin were married Aug. 29, 1947 in Waco, Texas. After Mr. Wilson graduated from Baylor University, the couple moved to Ft. Worth, Texas where Mr. Wilson worked for Armour & Co., General Dynamics and Conoco. In 1964 he was transferred to Ponca City with Conoco where he worked as an Analyst in the Computer department.
Mrs. Wilson started working in the Central Accounts Receivable department at Conoco soon after moving to Ponca and they both retired in 1985. They have lived at 932 North Fourth for the past 29 years. They have enjoyed traveling, fishing and bowling together since retirement. Mr. Wilson also enjoys golf and Mrs. Wilson is an avid gardener. They are members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ.
Their children and grandchildren are Don and Marsha Wilson, Sarah, Rachel and David of Memphis, Tenn., the late Ann Fuller, and Tom Fuller, Bryan and Brett of Tulsa, Sue and Norris Frederick, Whitney, Lyndsi, and Zak of Ponca City, Paula and Larry Harms, Ryan and Adam of Dubai, U.A.E., David and Karen Diffine´, and great-grandchildren Katie and Ridge of Jackson, Tenn.
Members of the Busy Bee Club met Aug. 20 with Beulah McCartney, 1029 Brentwood. Mrs. Lucille Wilson was a guest. The hostess presided over the business session and Louise Womack led the group in the salute to the flag and "The Lord's Prayer."
Viola Haley's devotional thoughts stressed the idea of learning to appreciate the simple things of life as written by Patty Hadley. She also read "The Monkey's Viewpoint." Eight members answered roll call with a helpful hint.
Communication from the Mission was read thanking members for providing food and clothing for needy people. Helen Hiskett gave the treasurer's report and Ms. Rice spoke on the new project of saving certain UPC bar codes.
Ms. McCartney reported on giving plastic bags for CDC and pencils and cans of food were brought for club projects. Games were played and prizes went to Ms. Rice and Ms. Taylor. The Mystery Bowl gift was awarded Ms. Haley.
The next meeting will be with Louise Womack and roll call response will be "Anything of Interest."
Alison June Caid and Darren Steele were united in marriage in a 2 p.m. ceremony July 19, 1997 at the First Baptist Church. The double-ring vows were solemnized by the Rev. Larry Heslip. A blessing for the couple was offered by the bride's grandfather, Wilbur Caid.
The bride is the daughter of Vearl and Diane Caid and the bridegroom is the son of Don and Linda Steele, all of Ponca City. Grandparents of the bride are Mrs. Geneva Finley and Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Caid, all of Charleston, Mo., and the late Harry Finley. Grandmothers of the bridegroom are Mrs. Mabel Steele and Mrs. Odell Watson of Ponca City. The bridegroom's grandfathers are the late Eldon Watson and the late J. C. Steele. Steele is the great-grandson of Olive Shirley of Ponca City.
Candlelighters were cousins of the bridegroom, Kevin and Brian Watson. Jaime Pullan kept the guest book and Amber Long distributed programs. Bobby Simma of Pawnee was pianist and Matt Payne sang "The Father Says I Do." "Only God Could Love You More" was sung by Marci Spore and Matt Payne and "There Is Love" was sung by Marci Spore, Kelli Caudillo and Kristen Maddox.
Flower girls were cousins of the bride, Caitlin and Lauren Johnson, They wore dresses made by their grandmother in white satin and organza. Aaron Delaney, nephew of the bride, was ringbearer.
Susan Champlin served her sister as Matron of Honor and bridesmatrons were Laura Phillips, sister of the bride, DeAwn Proo, sister of the bridegroom, and Kelli Caudillo. Serving as bridesmaids were Amanda Ferrell, Jennifer O'Neill and Jennifer Cooper. Each was attired in a sleeveless designer gown in muted Daffodil crepe with a scooped neckline. The empire waist was accentuated with a rhinestone brooch and a satin front panel. The attendants wore pearl and rhinestone teardrop earrings and necklace, a gift from the bride, and carried a bouquet of large silk purple and yellow pansies accented by a crocheted white doily and sheer organza ribbon.
Ryan Smith served as Best Man and groomsmen were Jeremy Richter, Jason Shepard, Ernest Proo, brother-in-law of the bridegroom; Jeffery Watson, cousin of the bridegroom; Larry Champlin and Courtney Phillips, brothers-in-law of the bride.
The bride chose a white designer gown styled with an off the shoulder neckline. The satin bodice was accentuated with Venise lace and the long sleeves of sheer illusion were adorned with matching lace. The ballroom skirt of French tulle was complemented by a cathedral length train trimmed with Venise lace. She wore pearl earrings and necklace and carried an arrangement of four Japhet orchids with purple freesia and a trio of violet-colored roses symbolizing the couple's three deceased grandfathers.
The First Baptist Assembly Center was the setting for the reception with Becky Bezdek and Sharon Cooper serving as coordinators. Assisting were De Steele, Tonya Steele, Staci Smith, Heather VanBuren, Michele VanBuren, Bobbie VanBuren, Ashley Steele, Allison Steele and Alyssa Steele.
In addition to the couple's grandparents other out-of-town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Albert V. Goodin, Al Goodin, June Drinkwater and Gladys Newman, Daryle Caid of Charleston, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. Mike Finley and Ann Finley of Brentwood, Tenn., Mr. and Mrs. Earl Caid of Kelso, Mo., Terry and Sherry Watson of Edmond, Harrell and Joyce Shirley of Huntsville, Texas, Louise Louis and Shiree Nabours of Omaha, Neb., George and Virginia Murphy of Camdenton, Mo., Chad, Michelle and Tyler Smith and Calvin Campbell of Broken Arrow, Maude Roan of Woodward, Dean, Doretta and Karen Watson of Collinsville, Carl, Mary Ann and Joy Watson of Tulsa, Glendon and Blanche Watson of Oklahoma City.
Following a wedding trip to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico the couple has established a home at 12831 North Stratford Drive, #202, Oklahoma City 73120. Both are students at the University of Central Oklahoma and the bride is employed by Local Federal Bank and the bridegroom is employed by Bank of Oklahoma.
The Ponca City High School class of 1948 reunion planning meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 25 in the Programming Room of the Ponca City Library. Class members are invited to attend.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Joseph Riddle have established a home in Alva where both are students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. She is a Registered Nurse at Share Medical Center and he is a mathematics tutor.
Riddle and the former Meredith Michelle Turner were married recently at Northeast Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Nigh officiating. Parents of the bride are Richard and Dee Turner, rural Newkirk, and parents of the bridegroom are Al and Mary Riddle, Glenda and Ron Locke, all of Ponca City.
Becky Dye was pianist and Jennifer Langhus was soloist. Music included "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Canon in D" and the "Wedding March." The congregational hymn was "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" and other music was "If," the wedding march from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Butterfly Kisses."
The bride wore a floor length designer gown in Princess style with a bodice beaded in sequins and pearls. The dress was complemented by a full train and her double-tiered veil was trimmed with satin and secured by a satin headband adorned with pearls. She carried a bouquet of pansies, daisies, wildflowers, miniature white roses and ivy.
Matron of Honor was Jami Pittman of Stillwater and bridesmaids were Alla Rozanova of Moscow, Russie and Amy Jo Turner of Newkirk. Each wore a floor length grape-colored gown with scalloped sleeves and floral lace appliques on the bodice. They carried bouquets of wildflowers and ivy. Kelli Nealy of Tonkawa kept the guest book.
Best Man was Brian Riddle of Tonkawa and groomsman was Jeremy Dunn of Perry. Ushers were Brian Hoskins and Rysan Hoskins of Perry, Cory Claflin of Burlington, Kelly Murphy of Glencoe, Tommy Keese of Ponca City and Frank Jugo of Stillwater.
The bride's parents hosted the reception at the church fellowship hall. Assisting with the event were Laura Peters of Deer Creek, Pam Luther of Perry, Rachel Locke of Guthrie, Phyllis Brumley of Wyandotte, Debra Gooch of Ponca City and Rene´ Tedford of Stillwater.
The YMCA, in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation, will offer Arthritis Exercise classes each weekday in the Community Pool starting Sept. 1. Susan Henning will instruct both classes offered on MWF at 11 a.m. and TTH class at 9:30 a.m. Ms. Henning is certified through the YMCA and Arthritis Foundation.
Ms. Henning explains "The Tuesday - Thursday class was added to offer an earlier time for those having conflicts around the lunch hour during the regular MWF class, and to provide students with additional opportunities to increase their number of workouts during the week." The cost remains the same at $20 per month for those under 65 years of age and $18 per month for those over 65. This fee allows the student to participate in as many water exercise classes as they want per month.
This aquatic exercise program provides an opportunity for those people with arthritis to improve joint flexibility, increase muscle strength and endurance, help relieve joint pain and stiffness while getting a chance to socially interact with other participants who also have arthritis. "The class has also been beneficial for those who have had a stroke to regain balance, coordination and muscle strength," reports Ms. Henning. "Many of our students say the class makes them able to remain independent and active in their daily lives."
Each class session will include exercises for every joint in the body except the neck. "Because the majority of our participants have some degree of degradation due to osteoarthritis in the neck area, we do not exercise the neck and possibly risk spinal injury. Our aim is to strengthen opposing muscle groups which support the joints, especially the weight-bearing joints of the body (ankle, knee, and hip joints). For example, the quadricep muscle in the front of the thigh and hamstring muscle in the back of the thigh are strengthened by walking both forward and backward in the water which supports the knee joint and keeps it in alignment."
Participants should visit with their physician prior to class to verify the accuracy of the diagnosis, to ensure that the person's participation is appropriate, and to determine precautions or limitations to be followed. Check with your insurance company for possible reimbursement for the class as a prescribed treatment from your physician.
Members of the Bliss Homemakers Family and Community Education Group and Frontier FFA recently planted a large Maple tree and 50 Burr Oak seedlings at the Calvin Case Park in Marland. Dorsets IGA of Tonkawa donated the Burr Oak seedlings in conjunction with Coca-Cola and Louisiana-Pacific as part of their Hometown Tree project. The Hometown Tree project is one of the largest tree planting projects sponsored by the private sector; 3.5 million trees have been planted in 33 states since the project began in 1992.
"The environment is ours to protect" is the motto for the Oklahoma FCE environmental committee. Bliss Homemakers serve as the Noble county FCE environmental committee. One of their goals for 1997 is to encourage individuals and civic groups, including youth organizations, to plant trees and shrubs in the community to improve air quality.
Bliss Homemaker members continue to water and care for the trees. Community residents use Calvin Case Park for many community events, including the Marland Community Picnic and the Community 4th of July Celebration.
Other environmental projects for the Bliss Homemakers FCE group include recycling eyeglasses through the Perry Lions Club, Earth Day activities at Frontier School, Adopt-A-Highway projects and recycling plastic grocery bags by giving them to grade school teachers at Frontier School, and the Perry EXPO Fun Fair said Alice Kelly, member of the Bliss Homemakers FCE.
Aqua Jog with June, the original co-ed deep water aerobic and toning workout designed by instructor June Foreman will begin a new session Sept. 2-3. Day and evening classes are scheduled.
Classes are planned Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:30-10:30 beginning Sept. 2 and evening classes Monday and Wednesday 5:35-6:30 or 6:35-7:30 beginning Sept. 3.
Students are required to contact Ms. Foreman at 762-0035 to enroll and receive information on the location of classes. Enrollment is continuous and students can pay $20 per month or $3 per class. Flotation belts are provided.
Class format includes a warm-up that focuses on loosening joints, raising core body temperature and stretching. This is a 40-minute non-impact aerobic segment followed by cooldown, abdominal toning and a final stretch.
"This program is suitable for nearly everyone" says Foreman. "Arthritics can increase range of motion, cardiac patients can work at a reduced heart rate, expectant mothers can work out free of gravity, and those recovering from injury or surgery can enjoy a non-impact program" as well as those on a regular exercise program.
Foreman has taught a variety of water fitness classes for 13 years in Ponca City. She designed and developed this Aqua Jog program in 1989 and has received training specifically for deep water fitness in Chicago, Ill., Jackson, Miss. and Minneapolis, Minn. She is a certified instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics. She is also a Red Cross lifeguard and Water Safety instructor.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred R. Lucas Jr. of Blackwell have announced the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Jennifer Louise, to Jeffrey Ray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Ray of Braman.
The couple plans a 2 p.m. wedding Sept. 6 at the First Christian Church in Blackwell, 306 East Coolidge. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the ceremony and the reception following, which will be at the Church of Christ in Blackwell, 1035 South Main.
The bride's grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred R. Lucas and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Shreck. Grandparents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Lester Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wilson and the late Forrest Taylor.
The bride-to-be is a 1994 graduate of Blackwell High School and has attended Northern Oklahoma College. She is currently employed at United Supermarket.
The prospective bridegroom is a 1992 graduate of Braman High School and has attended Oklahoma State University. He is currently employed as a Claims Support Supervisor with Seabury and Smith in Tulsa.
It is that time again! School has started. The season will soon be changing. We will be moving our physical activities indoors. Now is the time to get back into the routine of group exercise classes says Mary Forbes from the YMCA. Three types of traditional classes are being offered.
Exercise to Music class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 am. The class is a high-low impact class designed for all ages and fitness levels. Each class consists of a warm-up, an aerobic portion, a muscular strength and endurance portion and a relaxing cool-down.
Definitions is a strength-training class. Recently, the fitness industry has been emphasizing muscular strength and endurance. Research has shown that a strength-training program can halt bone loss, improve balance, improve flexibility, energize and control weight among other benefits said Forbes. The class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m., and Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Cardio Step meets Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 6:45 p.m. This class is designed for all fitness levels and includes warm-up, step aerobics, aerobics, weights, and floor exercises.
All the classes are taught by certified instructors. For information regarding membership and fees, please contact the YMCA at 765-5417.
TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. Donna also gave the devotional entitled, "A Little Time Each Day." The TOPS pledge was led by Ann McCool and the KOPS Kreed was led by Betty Flower.
Delpha Clemens called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Best loser for the week was Edith Smith and Betty Flower won the "Ha-Ha" pot. There were two visitors: Lisa Wanko and Jane Thomas. Cindy Rasche gave the program, "Psychology of Successful Weight Loss".
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. It neither sells nor endorses products. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss.
Brief programs are presented each week and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 and meetings begin at 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Delpha Clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
Lavern's Wedding Chapel in Miami was the setting Aug. 9, 1997 for the marriage of Sheila L. Burr and David G. Helton. The Rev. Leslie Couch officiated the double ring vows in a 10:30 a.m. ceremony. Decorations included a brass candelabra and blue and white flowers.
Parents of the bride are Walter and Ramona Burr of Arkansas City and the bridegroom is the son of George and Anna Margaret Helton, 21 Longview.
The bride chose a floor length gown of ivory satin for her wedding. The bodice featured an off-the-shoulder neckline with ruffled accents. The skirt was gathered at each side and accentuated with satin rosettes and she carried a long-stemmed red rose. The bridegroom wore a traditional-style tuxedo.
The couple resides at #43 Timberline. The bride is employed with Northern Oklahoma Insulating Company and the bridegroom is self-employed as a mechanic.
A Sept. 5 wedding at 1007 South Fifth is being planned by Karen Marie Wilson, daughter of the late Colleen Jarvis, and David Wayne Cloud, son of Ruby Cloud Blankenship of Oklahoma City.
Ms. Wilson is a graduate of Woodward High School and is a homemaker. Cloud has attended Oklahoma City schools and is Paint Foreman at Weldex in Blackwell.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows:
Monday, Aug. 25: Macaroni and cheese with ham; three bean salad; oven fried okra; cornbread with butter; chilled peaches and strawberries.
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Vegetable meatloaf; mashed potatoes with gravy; buttered peas; muffin with butter; double orange gelatin.
Wednesday, Aug. 27: Turkey dressing pie; California mixed vegetables; buttered corn; roll with butter; ice cream or sherbet.
Thursday, Aug. 28: Smothered hamburger; mashed potatoes with gravy; oven fried okra; tomato juice; cornbread with butter; peach crisp.
Friday, Aug. 29: Turkey salad; lettuce; corn relish; crackers with butter; iced raisin peanut butter bars.
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By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The Wildcats showed they could move the ball on offense in Friday's scrimmage against Choctaw. The inexperience also showed through on defense.
Head coach Rick Sodowsky was a little more pleased with his team after watching tape of the scrimmage.
"They played better that I though they did during the scrimmage," Sodowsky said Saturday morning. "The offense did some really good things, but they are not as aggressive as I would have liked. The emotion they showed was not too bad but there were some missed assignments.
"Overall I was pleased."
The Wildcats scored on their first offensive series and later scored four straight times in the goal line situations.
The first team offense, using the option and counter plays well, marched 80 yards in 11 plays with tailback Kris Shores scoring from 10 yards out.
But the mistakes stalled the Poncans second offensive try.
On defense, the Wildcats were able to hold Choctaw on the Yellow Jackets' first offensive series. Choctaw's 11-play drive ended when safety Toby Redleaf intercepted a long pass near the end zone.
But the Yellow Jackets found a weakness on their second offensive session of the night, scoring twice on quick drives by getting outside the Poncans on sweeps.
"We had three starters in there on defense. The other eight had not played in varsity competition," Sodowsky said. "It showed. The effort was there and the emotion was there, but the techniques were not that good and there were too many breakdowns.
"The defensive players were a little tentative, but that will improve when they get use to playing the positions."
However, the coach was much more pleased with both units in the goal line situations when the Poncans outscored Choctaw four-to-one.
"The goal line is where up you want to see your defensive players bow it up," Sodowsky said. "We stopped 'em from the 7, the 3, the 5, the 9 and the 12. They scored on their last series when we had a breakdown in a couple of positions."
"It is also where you want to see your offense put the ball in the end zone when they get close."
"There will be some changes in the depth chart this week, but you expect that after the first scrimmage."
The Cats are scheduled to hold an intrasquad scrimmage on Tuesday before scrimmaging Westmoore here Friday.
Sodowsky said he may send his troops through another intrasquad scrimmage on the Monday before the Cats open the season at Tulsa East Central.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's Chad Bodenstein joined the USA Athletes International Baseball team as a chance to see part of Europe. He may wind up as part of the ballooning baseball program in Europe.
Baseball migrated to Japan early and grew quickly. The American sport never really took hold in Europe - until now.
"The people over there really love baseball and want to learn the game," Bodenstein said after playing in a couple of Belgian tournaments. "Everywhere we went there were kids lining up to get our autographs."
The American players were not big professional stars. There were a bunch of college and former college players. But the Belgian fans didn't seem to mind. These were Americans who knew how to play baseball.
Recently completing his eligibility with the Tabor (Kan.) College baseball team, Bodenstein became a coach with the Ponca City AA Legion team. Then a former college opponent recommended him for a position on a U.S. national team that would tour Belgium, playing Belgium and Netherlands teams.
"I just felt it was a chance to see parts of Europe that I might not get again," he said.
So he joined the USA Athletes pitching staff.
He found a country that is hungry to lean baseball and a couple of European teams that liked his pitching ability.
Bodenstein pitched the Athletes to four wins in two tournaments, enough to make an impression on the professional teams in that country.
"They are just starting to get American players and are limited to the number of U.S. players they can have on a team because they want their national teams to grow with national players.
"One of the teams was interested in me pitching for them, They don't pay very much but you get a place to live for free. The people there are so anxious to be with an American players, I don't think I bought a meal the whole time I was there.
"It's a great opportunity and I am sure thinking about it,"
The USA Athletes first played a tournament in Namur, Belgium, beating the Belgium national team 16-7, the professional Namur Angels 8-2 and a Junior National team, 22-9.
Bodenstein pitched that third game, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out nine and walking one.
In the Triple Crown Invitational in Antwerp, Bodenstein became the American's reliever.
He pitched two and a third innings of shutout ball in a 3-2 win over the Belgium National team, striking out five.
Against the USA Warriors, a team of players mostly from California, Bodenstein was once again the closer, giving up no runs on three hits in two innings, striking out two and walking one. The Athletes won 16-9.
The Poncan sat out a 7-3 win over the All-Stars, a group of players from other European countries. But he was on the mound again in the championship game against the Netherlands team. Bodenstein came on with the score tied 7-7 in the ninth. He again pitched two inning of shutout ball, striking out two, walking two and scattering three hits as the Athletes won 8-7 in 11 innings.
Now Bodenstein must decide on the European gamble or stay with Tabor as a pitching coach next season.
Either way it will be a summer not easily forgotten.
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
Ponca City's cross country team is hoping that a little experience and a lot of hard work will lift the Wildcats back into the state meet this fall while the Lady Cats are looking to improve with several experienced runners back.
The Wildcats raced through last season, winning the Frontier Conference title, finishing second in the regional and fifth in state. Coach Kelly Chaney has two returnees from that state qualifying team - junior Paul Paschal and senior Jared Colvin.
Paschal has been one of the top 10 runners in the state for the past two years, finishing sixth lasat year, and Colvin came on strong late. They will form the nucleu