From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, December
24, 1996
LOCAL
Nearly News
'Tis the Night Before Christmas '
Cowboy Boots Sought for Use In CMR Benefit
Rescue, Firefighting Vehicle Expected Here by Mid-1997
Christmas Eve Services Set For Area Churches Tonight
County Goes Shopping
Letters to Santa
DEATHS
Charles L. McCabe
Edith Dell Maher
Funerals
Bonita D. Rieger
Wallace "Wally" Smith
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Contract for Bottling Company Recommended to City by EDF
Sykes Acquiring ISI To Combine Interests
Bank Commercials Win MIDI
Chamber Will Select Temporary Chairman
Smith Promoted
Edward Jones on the Web
Gravel Awarded MSA Designation
Commercial Permits Top November List
Felix To Head Chamber
LIFESTYLES
Laureate Phi Chapter Holds Dinner Meeting
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Slates New Year's Party
Article Credits Renee Hoover With Quote
Little News
Apologies go out to all who have been following "The Christmas Story" illustrated by Hal Foster of "Prince Valiant" fame. Monday's episode was left out. NN provides no excuses, just an apology. In the left-hand corner of today's News is today's chapter. On page 12 is Monday's chapter. NN wishes each one a very Merry Christmas and all the blessings of the Holiday.
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County Clerk Pam Goodno is test-driving three new chairs for her office in the courthouse and - thanks to an option by a local furniture company - she's temporarily keeping the tags on the chairs in case she decides to return them. Goodno says she actually loves the new chairs and will likely keep them. But meanwhile, visitors at the office are asking her, "Hey, Minnie Pearl, what's with these chairs?"
The children were nestled all snug in their beds " So goes the famous "Visit From St. Nicholas." Other Christmas thoughts turn to "chestnuts roasting on an open fire." Whatever the thought, whoever the thinker, today is Christmas Eve and the anticipation for Christmas Day is a common feeling. (News Photo by Michael Kennedy)
Patty Allen, Ponca City, is making an appeal for donations of "old cowboy boots," to be used for decorations for a western event coming up in February to benefit Children's Medical Research (CMR) and Jim Thorpe Bright Path.
Children's Medical Research is also seeking donated art and other items for the "Mo" Betta Celebrity Quail Hunt & Auction to be held Feb. 8, in Oklahoma City. The auction items need to be collected by Jan. 15.
Maury Tate, owner of the "Mo" Betta Clothing Company, will host the fourth annual celebrity Quail Hunt to raise funds for Children's Medical Research and the Jim Thorpe "Bright Path" Youth Program.
CMR money raised is designated to aid pediatric research programs at Children's Hospital and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center which, in turn, benefits all children in Oklahoma, according to Allen.
Allen, who is doing the decoration for the western event, using the theme "Rhinestone Cowboy," will also be using some of the same decorations for the Cherokee Strip Golf Classic here.
Local drop boxes for old cowboy boots are at McVay's and Jimmy's Western Wear. The boots need to be collected by Jan. 6. For more information call Allen at (405) 765-7554.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
The Ponca City Municipal Airport expects to have a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle by late summer of 1997.
The city applied for a matching grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) more than five years ago, according to Airport Manager Don Nuzum. The funding is part of the fiscal year 1997 FAA allocation to Oklahoma.
Furthermore, the city will match 10 percent of the $315,262 grant. Nuzum said the all-terrain vehicle will have a minimum 1,000 gallon water tank and 150 gallon foam tank. The truck will have its own generator and light system, jaws-of-life, equipment for four firefighters as well as backup air cylinders. The manager said the four-wheel-drive truck will be housed at the No. 2 Fire Station.
"This is good news for Ponca City," said U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.). "I am pleased that the local and federal governments have worked so well together to make this important safety enhancement possible. It means better facilities and enhanced air transportation services for our citizens."
In addition, the city will begin looking at other airport rescue vehicles, before advertising for bids. He said it will take approximately six months to build the new truck.
Inhofe said Stillwater, Shawnee, Idabel and Hinton will also receive grants for airport projects. The projects were selected on merit by the FAA in coordination with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and local officials.
Several area churches will be holding Christmas Eve services this evening.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Candlelight Christmas Eve Communion will be available in three services at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. The services are at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. All are open to the public. The Rev. Ed Coy will present the Christmas message at the 6 and 10:30 p.m. services and the 7:30 p.m. service message will be by the Rev. Craig Dietert. Music at the early service will include a string trio with Molly Baugh, Robert Maril and Dan Larson. Linda and Jackie Dyer will sing a duet and the youth Vibration Bells will also play. The adult Bell Ensemble will play at the middle service along with soloist Myrtle Waugh. Pianist Kathy Wooton will accompany the two earlier services. In the late service, organist Priscilla Mullenax, will play and the Rev. Brad Meredith will sing "O Holy Night." The communion table in the United Methodist Church is open to all and the community is invited to the service which best fits their families' Christmas Eve activities.
Community Christian Church
"Carols and Candles" Christmas Eve Communion service will be at 6 p.m. at Community Christian Church. Those attending will light the Christ candle in the Advent wreath, sing carols and hear the Christmas story from the scriptures and see the story unfold through a children's sermon. The Rev. Wayne Majors will have a timely message and the Lord's Supper and sharing the light through lighted candles will take place during singing of "Silent Night." "Breath of Heaven" will deliver "O Holy Night." Members of that group are Tommy Crouch, Dawn Jackson, Terra Maxey, Gaye Olson, Vicki Crouch, Tisha Creech, Angie Edwards, Micah Carroll and David Webster.
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church is planning a service at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve featuring carols and candlelight. Everyone is invited to worship.
Woodland's Christian Church
A Communion service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve at Woodland's Christian Church with a Candlelight Communion Service scheduled for 11 p.m.
First Christian Church
People attending First Christian Church will light the Christ candle at a special Candlelight Communion Celebration at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve. Gifts brought for the service will be divided equally between Koats for Kids and the Friendship Feast. The gifts are being offered to the "Christ Child for the benefit of the ones whom Christ came to serve."
Asbury United Methodist
A "come and go" communion service will be celebrated Christmas Eve at Asbury United Methodist Church. The service will begin at 6 p.m. with a message by the pastor, the Rev. Buddy Bolin, and special music. Following communion the service will close with a candlelight event. According to a spokesperson "Everyone is welcome at the Lord's Table."
First United Methodist
First United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion services are scheduled for 6 and 11 p.m. According to a spokesperson there will be special music, a time of inter-generational sharing of the meaning of Christmas, communion, and a time of darkness and candlelight. All those in the community who are looking for this opportunity are invited to join the congregation for this special service.
St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's Catholic Church has scheduled mass for 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and midnight Christmas Eve. Music will be played a half-hour before the 4:30 p.m. service and the Junior Choir will sing before and during the 6:30 p.m. mass. Senior choir music will begin at 11:30 p.m. preceding midnight mass. On Christmas day mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The service at 10:30 a.m. will be celebrated in Spanish.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
A local resident shared ideas with the Ponca City Board of Commissioners during their last meeting of the year Monday.
Long time Ponca Citian John Carpenter recommended the board publish a financial statement, survey utility customers and hold an open meeting about the future of the City Hall Complex.
In new business, commissioners approved 3-1 to deny a four-way stop at East Hartford Avenue and North Pecan Street. Commissioner Dick Stone made a motion to approve the request, however, it died for lack of a second. Stone said he didn't think the board should wait until someone gets hurt before addressing the intersection.
Additionally, members tabled a request by Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Company to repeal a city ordinance regulating train speed. The board has questions and wanted to speak to a company representative before making a decision.
Furthermore, City Manager Gary Martin requested four applications for grants through the Bureau of Justice Assistance be removed from the agenda. Police Chief Raymond Ham said Ponca City did not qualify for state funds, but, will consider applying for federal funds.
Under the consent agenda, commissioners authorized Jim Sindelar to make purchases against the Cultural Affairs Administration, Hutchins Memorial and Cann Estate accounts.
Also, approval for a change order was made to Western Summit Constructors, Inc. for the Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Improvements project in the amount of $38,634. In addition, changes to the ICMA Retirement Plan were approved.
Commissioners authorized payment of $1,896,412.33 in city claims before reconvening as the Ponca City Utility Authority to approve the purchase of two 69 kV switches from Priester Supply Company, Inc., for $8,030.
In addition, commissioners received a groundwater remediation facility inspection report. Ken Parr, director of Public Works, said the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality performs an annual inspection and no deficiencies were noted.
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - It was two days before Christmas, and county officials went shopping - but this time they were seeking a decent interest rate for the county's money.
The county commissioners, convening as the Kay County Home Finance Authority, met with attorney David Cummings to determine the status of funds left over from the old home-lending program.
Member Wayne Leven said the funds are from the old program that provided homes for low-income families during the late 1970s and early '80s, with lenders selling bonds across the country.
Kay County received money after the program was restructured in 1986, and bonds were closed out in 1991. The county's money will be freed up in June after a legal wait to accommodate the last remaining bonds that may be cashed in.
The members asked Cummings to advise of the best investment ideas for the money.
They also ordered that $30,000 of an approximate $38,600 be moved from an existing non-interest bearing checking account at a Ponca City bank to an account that pays interest.
In county commission business, the board met with Braman mayor Jerry Johnston to renew the county's agreement with the City of Braman to provide road patching and street resurfacing.
Johnston, who is also president of the Oklahoma Municipal League, said the arrangement with the county not only benefits the community with paving, but also helps it qualify for possible financial assistance from the state.
In other business, the board opened a $72,105 bid from Lambert Co. to remodel the Kay County Health Department building in Ponca City, and tabled the matter until the health department studies the bid.
The commissioners also agreed to provide preparatory work and asphalt surfacing for businesses in an area south of Ponca City.
Along with other businesses in the area, Ponca Iron & Metal will relocate much of its heavy materials to the area a mile south of U.S. 60 and west of U.S. 177. District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven said the project "could be a year-long process."
The board also continued a search for ideas to improve storage space on the fourth floor of the courthouse, meeting with Court Clerk Glenda Coussens Emerson and District Judge D.W. Boyd.
Dear Santa
How are you? I am cool. Is Mrs. Clause feeding you right? are you as fat as ever? I am as skinny as ever. I have been a good boy this year. Is it snowing in the North Pole? I have been a really, really good boy this year. I would like some roller blades and a shot gun and a bow and arrow.
Your friend,
Bradley
Dear Santa Claus,
I want a bike and a boll hoses and a boll. My name is Jessica.
Santa
I want a bunch of polly pockets. and a bunch of purses. and a bunch of barbies.
Britni
Dear Santa
I want a batman and cheetah beast war. All the lightning gargoyle set. And an Indian knife. A shadow person and two double trgons. I've been very good.
Andrew
Dear Santa,
My name is Ashley. I am 3 1/2 years old. I am very good (most of the time) I would like a singing Barney. Also a baby doll. And some other toys.
Love,
Ashley
Dear Santa
I want a horse, a miami dolphens coat, barbie computer disck, scoter, a computur, and a klarunet.
Shelbi
Dear Santa,
I would like these things! Santa Clausa the Movie, Recorder, race cars, Disney Channle, Monster truck, Nutcracker the movie, or not, football, 2 horse, train, a picher of you and Mrs. Clausa together, a cow, black boots, a keyboard that makes music, Teddy bear, a barny tape. Thank you.
Love,
Kyle
Dear Santa,
Hi my name is Cameron and I bet my whole family would want this i'd bet they'd want this Nintendo G4. Or they'd want a t.v. to there selves I'd bet my father would like lot's of sugars I'd bet my big and little brothers and we would like nerfguns to there selves.
Cameron
Dear Santa Claus,
Hi, My name is Lisa, I'm 15 and in the 9th grade. My mom hastn't had enough money because she get only a little check and after she paid the bills off she didn't have enough to get us that very many presents. I know this letter might be a little late but really want is some clothes and shoes that I got listed down below.
2 pairs of overalls, Calvin Klein Shirt, Converse or Sketchers shoes, a few of those baby T's. their those little shirts that kids wear these days. But if you can't get all of these things I would mainly like a Pittsburgh Steelers Starter Jacket.
But I really need shoes, clothes and stuff. I would also like a Nike hat. I would like some wide legged jeans.
Thats all I would like cuz I need clothes really bad.
Sincerely,
Lisa
Dear Kris Kringle aka Santa Clause
My name is Christopher Brown. I'm 4 years old. I've been a good boy this year. This year I want! Spider man action figure, batman action figure, willow figure, two face and riddler action figure, Power Ranger action figure, Tricycle, Shoe's, Truck, remote control car, Dinosaur.
That's all I want for Christmas this year.
Chris
Dear Santa Clause,
My name is Kristina, I'm 6 years old. I have been a good little girl this year, so I would like to have; doll, barbie doll, fake make-up, fake baby, little play house, 101 Dalmation dog, stuffed kitten, coloring book and crayons, shoes, clothes, bike, earings, fake telephone. This is all I want this year for Christmas.
Sincerely,
Kristina
Dear Santa-
I have tried to be a good boy this year. Here is my Christmas list: Wall tracker racing set, speed loop pyramid, Dragon Flyz, Construction site play set, Golden Power staff and Acces., Gold Ranger Suit- Battlezord, Bike, Super Zeo Zord, Cool Tools Tow Truck, Legos, Farm set, Nintendo gold ranger game, Computer games, Tractor set.
Kyle
Dear Santa Claus,
I want a richard petty plage. I want a Helment that has flames on it. I want a Black pair of roller blades. I want a pair of filas basketball shoes. I want a Chicago bears jacket, I want a pool table. I want a chicago bull's bed pillow blanket kirtens. I want a boom box. How are you and the rest of the gang. I am going to leave cookies and milk out for you. I want nike air high tops shoes. I want a bb gun and a pelitgun. I want a supernintendo and a regular nintendo. I tried hard to behave. I want two game boys.
Brandon
Dear Santa and Mrs. Santa
This Christmas I thing I have been good and here are some things I want for Christmas. Socks, shoes, bike and a telescope barbie or a barbie fashion designer and anything else. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Dara
Dear Santa Claus
I want a new doll. A new doll house with a mother and a dad and a sister and a brother and twins with it to. And a bike without training whells. And can you try to get me a mysize barbie. And ten rings and dalmations earings. And a 14 Karat Gold. And one more thing make up.
Ashley
Dear Santa,
My name is Bethany. I'm 5 years old. I'd like a barbie doll. Also, a baby doll, two of them. Also, barbie clothes. I've been trying hard to be good this year. Also, I'd like a doll house;
TULSA - Charles L. McCabe, brother to Willis H. McCabe of Ponca City, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1996, in Tulsa. He was 84.
The funeral was held on Dec. 20, at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel in Tulsa under the direction of Moore's Memory Chapel. Mr. Hershel Dyer officiated.
Charles L. McCabe was born Oct. 26, 1912, in Kingfisher, the son of Professor Edward Scott and Maude (Binding) McCabe. He attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater and began employment with Binding-Stevens Seed Company in Tulsa. During World War II he served in the military.
He was married to Velma Marler on Dec. 8, 1962, in Tulsa, where the couple established their home. At the time of his death, McCabe was co-owner of the Binding-Stevens Seed Company in Tulsa.
Survivors include one brother, Willis H. McCabe of Ponca City; three step-children; three grandchildren; one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife in July 1994; his parents; and two brothers, Earl and Scott.
Casket bearers were Charles Marler, Philip Sawyer, Art Sharpe, Eddie Stephens, Steven Waggoner, Warren Waggoner.
FAIRFAX - Edith Dell Maher, Fairfax resident, died at her home Sunday evening, Dec. 22, 1996. She was 83.
No services are planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Hunsaker-Wooten Funeral Home, Fairfax.
Edith Dell (Robertson) Maher was born Feb. 2, 1913, in Hominy, the daughter of William B. and Ida Mae Hull Roberson. She attended Sunny Slope School in Osage County.
She was married to Ben Maher and was employed as a dental assistant for eight years. She attended the Methodist Church.
Survivors include one brother, Leon Roberson of Fairfax; two sisters, Blanche Bear and Mae Ponca, both of Fairfax; five nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers, George and Ernest Roberson; and one sister, Myrtle Richards.
Thursday
Bonita D. Rieger - A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the McCafferty-Bolick Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery, southwest of Tonkawa.
Saturday
Wallace "Wally" Smith - Funeral to be held at 2 p.m. at the
Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Other arrangements will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report vandalism to a vehicle in the 700 block of East Oklahoma Avenue at 8:24 a.m. Monday.
Vandalism - A resident in the 1800 block of Meadowbrook Drive contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 9:55 a.m. Monday to request extra patrol. The resident reported vandalism to Christmas lights.
Accident - Two Ponca City police officers responded to an accident in the 700 block of North Fourteenth Street at 11:51 a.m. Monday. An officer reported that minor damage occurred and victims exchanged information.
Subjects Held - An 18-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue at 12:30 p.m. Monday for petit larceny. A 17-year-old boy was also arrested at 4:35 p.m. for grand larceny.
Shoplifter - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 15-year-old boy in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street at 3:49 p.m. Monday for shoplifting. An officer issued a juvenile citation and released the teen to a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court.
In Custody - A 33-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at North Fourth Street and East Fresno Avenue at 4:03 p.m. Monday for driving under suspension.
Citation Issued - A Ponca City police officer issued a juvenile citation at Miller Market, 901 South Fourth Street, at 6:49 p.m. Monday after an employee caught a girl shoplifting. The girl was released to the custody of her mother on a promise to appear in juvenile court.
House Secured - A resident in the 400 block of South Fifth Street
advised the Ponca City Police Department at 11:25 p.m. Monday that the family
moved out of the house and left the oven and the stove on accidentally.
The caller said they had no way to return to the residence. An officer handled
the request.
BUSINESS
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Economic Development Foundation (EDF) Thursday voted to recommend to the City Commission that a contract be signed with a new company, USA Bottling Company Inc., to be located in the new industrial park.
The contract is to come back before the EDF Board before going on to the City Commission.
Prior to this agreement the EDF board decided to designate part of the industrial park for small business. Covenants will be included on use and upkeep of the property and landscaping.
The property will need a cul-de-sac and other access. Don Wood, EDF executive director, said the city doesn't have the money or EDF doesn't have the money for the road, but an application is to be made for Block grant funds for the project.
USA Bottling is a newly formed corporation designed to manufacture, bottle and distribute non-refrigerated, non-carbonated beverages which could include, but not be limited to, artificially flavored fruit drinks, sports drinks, ready-to- drink iced tea and citrus drinks.
Ownership includes Jerry Keirn, past sales manager for Farm Fresh Inc.; Richard "Dick" Barker, director of marketing for Farm Fresh Inc., and Doyle Keirn, founder and past president of Farm Fresh Inc.
According to the presentation, USA Bottling Company Inc., has decided to begin operations in a new manufacturing plant rather than try to "fit" an existing building around the operation. This facility will be designed to allow for optimum production. The total operation would require about 5,100 feet.
In the beginning, only quarts, pints and half pints of products will be produced. All bottles used will be manufactured by a separate company and delivered to Ponca City for filling and distributing. However, according to the presentation, it is in the long-term plans for USA Bottling Company to add a blow molding operation and to produce its own bottles.
EDF Board member Tom Quillin disclosed his bank (Pioneer Bank) had been involved in financial planning for USA Bottling. He excused himself from the meeting and did not return until the vote had been taken.
Maximum employment at start-up would be from four to six. As volume increases, the number of employees needed could increase to 25 when the plant is at optimum capacity. This would include managerial, sales, clerical, production and transportation related jobs.
The geographical marketing area for these products would be a 500-mile radius of Ponca City. Products would be delivered to stores, warehouses and other distribution centers for further distribution.
TAMPA, Fla. - Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a leading provider of diverse information technology services, has announced that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Charlotte-based Info Systems of N.C. Inc. (ISI) for about $23 million in SEi common stock.
Upon completion, the transaction will be accounted for as a pooling of interests and, SEi believes, will be accretive. Info Systems of N.C., Inc. will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of SEi.
The transaction is subject to various contingencies including due diligence, an acceptable definitive agreement and approval by the shareholders of Info Systems of N.C., Inc.
ISI, a privately held company, was founded in 1978 and is engaged in the design, programming, licensing and support of software solutions for the manufacturing, distribution and retail industries. The company's manufacturing and distribution products and services are marketed regionally while its proprietary retail solutions serve thousands of stores nationwide. These retail solutions, FS PRO (future store professional), CHAINSTORE/400 and FS PRO MARKETPLACE, both IBM AS/400 and Microsoft Windows NT retail industry users the most advanced back office and point-of-sale technology available in the marketplace today.
ISI has current revenues of about $32 million and currently employs 210 professionals. The company has an impressive client base including Food Lion, Spartan Stores, Eagle Food Centers, Petco Animal Supplies, Richfood Incorporated, Conbraco Industries Inc. and Ryobi.
Commenting on the transaction, John H. Sykes, SEi's president and chief executive officer, said, "We are excited about the transaction and the strategic value it can bring to our company. SEi's objective is to continue the expansion of our service offerings into high growth areas including banking and finance, telecommunications and retail. ISI's unique technology will enable us to enhance our total service offerings and provide support more efficiently within these growth markets."
William J. Gaughan, ISI's president and chief executive officer, said, "This is an outstanding opportunity for our customers, employees and shareholders alike. A strategic alliance with Sykes Enterprises provides us with the resources to significantly grow our business, while the complementary nature of the products and services of the two organizations will bring added value to both customer sets."
SEi, a diverse information technology company, with more than 3,000 employees, provides a variety of computer-related outsourcing services to Fortune 500 firms. Sei's business includes third party hardware and software support, help desk services, systems consulting, documentation development and foreign language localization.
Post-Newsweek Cable has won first place in the Midi Awards with its holiday commercials for Pioneer Bank and Trust.
Santa's coming to town and he needs an IRA, a safe deposit box, a loan, a Primetimers vacation and more. This is the theme for "Santa's Visit," a series of holiday commercials created for Pioneer by Post-Newsweek.
The series was honored at the Mid-America Cable Association meeting in Kansas City - the fifth consecutive year Post-Newsweek has been recognized.
Larry Hill, production director; Julie Ray, production assistant, and Liz Taylor, regional production director, produced the commercials. Assisting with scripting and directing was Gael Hancock of Hancock and Associates.
Hill has been with the company for two years, Ray for five and Taylor for eight.
The humorous series of four commercials shows Santa at the bank for various reasons. In one he visits Carl Renfro, chairman of the board, and Tom Quillin, president, to wish them "Merry Christmas." Another shows Santa shopping for a loan for reindeer food with Jeff Cowan. The third shows Santa looking into an IRA with Paula Coppock while the fourth shows him planning his after-the-holidays Primetimer trip with Kate Morton.
The series first aired in 1995 with a reedited version airing this season. The commercials were produced to tie in with Pioneer Bank's print and radio campaign.
The local cable company competed against cable systems with 10,000-15,000 subscribers in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
Post-Newsweek Cable of Ponca City has 11,600 subscribers.
The Ponca City Area Chamber will hire an interim chief executive officer to fill in until a permanent CEO is hired.
The Board of Directors, at the Friday meeting, authorized the executive committee to hire an interim. Outgoing Chamber Chairman Tim Burg reported on the status of the CEO search committee.
In other action the Board of Directors approved the Program of Work as outlined by newly-elected chairman Larry Felix.
Felix told The News later, "In the next year the community is going to have to do more with less, there are fewer resources to go around. This will mean there will have to be more cooperation within the community."
He said there are going to some more programs within Chamber this year, such as business seminars, that will give "value added" to Chamber members. Felix indicated 1997 will be a good year for the Chamber.
A 2.5 percent rate increase in dues for membership was approved by the Board.
Under the Government Affairs Division headed up by Scott Dean, Dave Mueller will be the chairman of the Legislative Review Committee, while Russ Shields is the chairman of the Paul Revere Network and Stuart Powell is to chair the Infrastructure Committee.
Heading the Business and Community Development Division is vice chairman Phyllis Worley. Paula Coppock has the charge of the "Give Ponca The Business" committee, while Karen Dean, Pat Morris and Randol Marzuola will serve as tri-chairs for Leadership Ponca City. Keni Ray heads the Education Committee and Health and Medical will be chaired by Sandy Gearhart.
Robert Sherer is the chairman of the Finance Committee; Charles Ziegenhain is the 1997 Presidents Club chairman and Connie McAbee will chair the Ambassadors.
Craig Myers and Bonnie Wetzel will be the co-chairmen of the annual Chamber banquet. Mary Kay List will be the chairman of the communication committee and Cathy Ferguson will chair the Organization Round Table Committee.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Jordan Associates Advertising/Communications has promoted Shannon G. Smith to senior account executive. A 1983 graduate of Ponca City High School, Smith joined the agency in 1993 as an account coordinator.
Her accounts included Dobson Communications Corporation, a telecommunications company providing service to customers in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Missouri. Smith holds a degree in journalism/advertising from the University of Oklahoma and is the daughter of George A. and Kay Sue Smith of Ponca City.
Joe Alcott of the Ponca City branch of the financial-services firm Edward Jones has announced the unveiling of the firm's new site on the World Wide Web. Visitors to this interactive Internet site, at http://www.edwardjones.com, can track the performance of their favorite stocks, locate the nearest Edward Jones branch location determine how much they need to save for retirement, calculate future college costs and much more.
TONKAWA - Marc L. Gravel of Tonkawa has been awarded the highest professional designation granted by the National Association of Master Appraisers, according to Marvin T. Deane.
The designation Master Senior Appraiser (MSA) was conferred after completion of all the qualifying procedures of the organization. Requirements include intense tested educational courses in appraising residential, farm and land and commercial property, and the preparation of appropriate demonstration appraisals.
Commercial building topped the building permits in Ponca City in November with a valuation of $2.098 million, according to the report of the city building inspector.
There were no single home or multi-home permits issued and only one remodel addition permit issued at a valuation of $20,000. There were nine miscellaneous permits issued with valuation of $66,594.
The total building revenue was $1,732 and there were 29 inspections made.
Rick Parrack's electrical department issued 24 permits and there were 49 inspections made. The total electrical revenue was $335.
There were 47 plumbing permits issued and 75 inspections made by Buddy R. Osborn's plumbing department. The total revenue for the month was $975.
A total of 54 mechanical permits were issued and 69 inspections made. The mechanical revenue for the month was $865. Total Building inspection revenue was $3,907.
Larry Felix, chief operating officer of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center of Northern Oklahoma, has been selected to lead the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce as chairman for the coming year.
He was chairman elect of the Chamber in 1996 and vice president in 1995. Felix has served as on the Board of Directors of the Chamber for the past three years. He was a member of the Legislative Review Committee for two years. Felix has also served on the Health and Medical Committee, and has chaired the Business and Community Development and the Government Affairs divisions.
Felix was a member of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee in 1997 and is and active member of Ponca City Rotary. A graduate of the 1993 Leadership Ponca City Class, Felix served as co-chairman of the Leadership program for two years.
Prior to becoming CEO of St. Joseph, he was director of Cardiopulmonary and Neurophysiology from 1988 to 1991. Before that he was director of Cardiorespiratory Care at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kan., for seven years.
He was flight therapist at KU Care Flight Program and was director of Respiratory Care at Blackwell General Hospital for five years. Felix also served two years as staff respiratory therapist at Hillcrest Medical Center.
A graduate of Wichita State university with a master of health science, Felix received his bachelor of arts degree at Ottawa University, and an associate of applied science degree from Tulsa Junior College.
A native of Chickasha, Felix is married and he and his wife, Leanna,
have two children, Jessica and Brian. They reside at 2516 Mockingbird.
LIFESTYLES
The names of secret sisters for Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority were revealed following a Christmas dinner in the home of Fran Smith recently. There were 18 members and guests for the December meeting. The program consisted of each member relating a Christmas memory or tradition.
Reports on previous meetings included the Autumn breakfast held in the home of Lillian Williams and a salad supper meeting with Virginia Starks when Roberta Streeter was chosen chapter Sweetheart. Also reported was a trip to Branson's Alpha Mu chapter's "Christmas Get-A-Way" by three members of Laureate Phi chapter.
Names of new secret sisters were chosen for 1997 and gifts were exchanged. Guests at the event were Dave Smith, co-host; Charles Starks, John Williams, Allen Streeter, Dean Keating and Jim Rosenbaum.
The next meeting will be January 13 at the home of Pat Hill. Leanna Adams and Mrs. Streeter will give a program about Australia.
Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met Dec. 19 in the home of Judy Watt with 16 members present. Melva Keen, president, conducted the business meeting which included communications from Beta Sigma Phi International regarding charms and cookbooks, a note from Lila Logan, and a card from former member, Karen Baurichter.
Judy Watt gave the financial report and Andrea Kasselman read the minutes. Jeannine Gemmill announced that the next meeting would be Jan. 2 in the Kasselman home.
Co-chairmen, Doretta Jackson and Judy Mallory announced that a New Year's day party will be held in the home of Dottie Johnstone, beginning at 11 a.m.
The traveling basket brought by Doretta Jackson was won by Andra Kasselman. Melva Keen presented a program on "Christmas in New England." Following the business session and program the group held a party and gift exchange.
The St. Joseph Regional Medical Center's auxiliary members have been extra busy during December making sure patients as well as employees enjoy the holiday season. In Sunday's Lifestyle pages a quote was attributed to the wrong spokesperson. The Lifestyles Editor regrets the error and wishes to give Renee Hoover, director of volunteer services, proper recognition for saying "service as well as fundraising is important to the auxiliary. All activities completed by the volunteers are performed in the spirit of service, and they are an excellent example of community service, not only at Christmas, but year round."
Jeff and Audrey Haven announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, December 12 at Rose Medical Center in Denver, Co. The 20-inch baby weighed 6-pounds, 4-ounces, and has been named Bethany Renee Haven.
Grandparents are Howard and Vicki Graves of Ponca City,Tom and Pamela Spicer of Denver, Colo. and Kenneth and Linda Crick of Crescent.
Great-grandparents are Joan Graves of Denver, Co., Royce and Shirley
Hall of Anadarko. Great-great-grandparents are Orrin and Faye Waller of
Guthrie.